[PQ+] [SE] vines of violet violence

Zavien

Sol chirped gratefully to see Koa finally safe up top with the rest of them, sidling closer to Zavien's head to ensure his companion didn't suffer similar difficulties. Rubbing a hand absently along the dragon's head, he followed the others into the strange man-made vestibule. His eyes narrowed at the structure, inspecting the bits of chopped roots and carved corners. The ground was especially odd, sporting wooden boards as flooring. Looking to the others, he shook his head. "I don't see anything either, but that doesn't surprise me. Do you think this could be smugglers, or others?" It seemed uncommon for the nefarious sorts to put so much effort into building a cavern without placing any goods inside. However, that made him more suspicious of its purpose. 

Spotting the paths, he stepped forward, to peek past the initial entrances. The first path looked tight but plausible for a common route. Ducking to peer into the second path, he found it unlike that many people would be willing to crawl through the space, however, that also made it good 'secret' pathway for just that reason. Zavien didn't like the look of the third path, an untrustworthy bridge suspended over nothing, so he immediately dismissed it as an option. His first glance at the fourth didn't strike him as a path, only seeing the hanging vines. It would be hard for men to create such a hiding space, but it might have been a good natural cover for a passageway. 

As he ran a hand through his hair, he said to the Lena and Koa, "I feel like the second and fourth paths make the most sense for a 'secret' route."

---

Zavien peeks into the paths but determines that the second and fourth options seem like their best options.

Be like a solid tower
whose brave height remains unmoved by all the winds that blow.

Koa

There's going to come a day when you feel better
You'll rise up free and easy on that day

That's sweet, Sol; Pip just chortled to watch Koa fall, blue eyes gleaming amusedly in the slanting light. She does deign to help her disgruntled companion further look for clues, looking first at path number 1 before moving on to the great, gaping bridge.

When the trio reconvenes to present their notes, here is what they'll have to share:

Lena and her special eyes spot a symbol carved in the ground by path 2, resembling an upside down triangle with a line over the top. Unfortunately she isn't able to make out much more than that, maybe because the path is so narrow, maybe because the dice are so rude.

Over at path 4, Zavien will find a symbol as well, this time a circle with an X struck through it. His Dragoon senses tingle; hasn't he seen that symbol etched sporadically around the Silk Houses? When he goes to confer with Lena, he'll be able to place the symbol she found as being related to the main city area. Clever!

Showing off their own Dragoon training, Koa and Pipsqueak also find and identify their symbols. At route 1, a sword in a square clearly represents the Nest; and at the bridge, a horizontal squiggle Koa knows is smuggler sign for the Celestine.

With the directions now clear, Koa looks excitedly between his friends, all earlier sulkiness easily forgotten. "Okay," he says, pulling out a pad of paper and jotting down some notes, "So now that we know where each path leads, let's focus on scouting one for today. The Houses we should definitely leave for now - we can come back with a bigger team. Personally I'd say either the Dragoons or the Celestine, though I don't love the idea of smugglers working below the Plaza..." He taps the pen against the paper, brow furrowed in thought.

-----

Good job gang, we found some clues! Now which path should we investigate?

And float from branch to branch, lighter than the air
Just when that day is coming, who can say?

Lena

It felt rejuvenating to finally find something, sharing the information and tidbits gathered from either years of experience, or simply casual observation. Though, she furrowed her brows at the notions of paths leading to the Celestine. Perhaps she’d been naïve to think no one would infiltrate her beloved section of the world – but then her mind could only wonder where, when she believed she’d known every nook and cranny.

Unsettling, at the very least.

While Mittens scowled from above her head and Koa jotted down the notes, she glanced at the options, fingers beginning to intertwine over themselves restlessly. “Wherever you think would make a bigger impact,” she nodded towards the paper, Koa, and Zavien alike, not wanting to be selfish, however. “I would prefer we go towards the Celestine,” for obvious reasons. “But whatever we all decide is fine by me.” She could imagine they felt much the same about the Dragoons barracks.

--

Lena would prefer the Celestine, but will go wherever!

sunlight on mist; summer lightning
your choices outweigh your substance

Zavien

Each of the exposed symbols gave Zavien more and more apprehension. Some of their most important and vulnerable places were so easily accessible by people with only nefarious intentions. How long had these paths existed? How much had Stormbreak suffered because of it? Shaking his head, he dispelled the thoughts to join the others.

He wasn't surprised to hear either of their opinions, smiling at the predictability. "I don't mind looking at the Celestine. We can check the Nest next time." However, as the words left his mouth, Zavien realized that the path to the Celestine was the dilapidated bridge. His smile faltered, but he tried to disguise it, running a hand through his hair before letting it settle on Sol's head for comfort.

---

Zavien is down with going towards the Celestine.

Be like a solid tower
whose brave height remains unmoved by all the winds that blow.

Koa

There's going to come a day when you feel better
You'll rise up free and easy on that day

Y'all wanna take the spooky-ass bridge? Let's goooooo.

It's not exactly dilapidated, more, y'know. Rustic. Stretching into the murky dark, you'd think it would be impossible to see well, but luckily(?) that isn't the case. You see, the bridge is about 50 feet long, and at least 30 of those feet hang over open air. Sunlight bounces off the ocean below, casting the cavern in dim, but passable, light.

Though of course some of the corners remain swathed in shadow, and among the roots and hanging vines you may catch a glimpse of observant eyes.

For now, though, the creatures seem content to simply watch. Koa leads the way onto the bridge, testing the first few steps and slats before giving his team the go-ahead. "I remember there being rumors about this bridge, when I was a kid." Slow and steady he inches forward, carefully checking each piece of wood. "We used to look and try to find it, but the path was said to have been lost ages ago. Smugglers must have re-discovered it pretty recently." A troubling thought, if illicit activity has picked up beneath his nose.

He looks back at his friends, glancing through the vines and dripping water to ensure there are no (apparent) listening ears. "Hey... I've been meaning to tell you guys something." Lowering his voice, Koa murmurs softly: "I saw... our friend. S...am. The one who went on vacation." He pauses pointedly to make sure they understand before going on. "He had a difficult first part of his journey, but he's safe now. Spending some time in King's End." Tell me you got it, his eyes plead. No matter how deep in they get, he hasn't adjusted well to the use of coded language.

And float from branch to branch, lighter than the air
Just when that day is coming, who can say?

Lena

When they were all in agreement, the Caretaker smiled, grateful and obliged. “Thank you.” Hopefully it would be able to put her mind at ease about anyone rummaging their way below the depths she cherished – but as they approached, she ensured her partial shift was still intact, cat eyes maintaining secure sight in the bleak darkness.

The bridge certainly left her wanting more – stability, as it were – but she pressed on, light and airy steps across. If worst came to worst, she could always fly across. It was the others she worried about.

Koa’s other statement made her head jerk upwards instead of surveying the wood under her feet though. It took her more than a few moments to indicate the meaning, parsing through segments until she realized it was a very broad code – and then her heart beat wildly; perhaps gratified and glad their common friend was safe and secure. “Oh. Our friend who was dragged to that vacation? I was so sure they didn’t want to go.” Just as a confirmation – because to hear Sohalia was still alive was a blessing she hadn’t thought would ever be coming through. Her voice remained as calm and composed as she could tether, hands restless once more as her fingers tied knots amidst one another. “I’m glad to hear he’s well. Did he want visitors?”

sunlight on mist; summer lightning
your choices outweigh your substance

Zavien

Listening to Koa describing the rumored bridge, he recalled his own memories of the elusive path. A few of his friends had tried finding it, but all they discovered were dead ends and shadowy figures that gave them nightmares for months after. He, on the other hand, had no such desires, the word 'bridge' immediately telling him that he probably wouldn't enjoy the adventure. However, he pushed the anxieties aside, glancing at the others to boost his courage to cross the chasm.

'Sam'? Zavien's face scrunched in confusion, trying to figure out who they were talking about. He couldn't recall ever meeting a Sam, but the way they were talking made it seem like he should know who that was. 'Vacation'? 'King's End'? It didn't click and he wondered if maybe he hadn't met the person, until Lena appeared to understand, emphasizing that he was 'dragged'. The thought tugged at his mind like a gentle thread, but he didn't know any guys that fit the description... 

He started making his way onto the bridge, bringing up the rear while his mind determinedly focused on trying to not look down through the slats of wood. At first it was easy, just seeing rock below as he puzzled over the conversation. Each step took more effort than necessary, but he refused to delay the group's progress, forcing his body to move past the growing fear. They needed to do this. They were some of the only people attempting to protect Stormbreak, not convinced by the change in leadership. The leadership that - 

Zavien threw his head up in realization. "Oh! You mean So-" He barely stopped himself from saying the name as everything clicked into place. Lowering his head to hide the embarrassment at his delayed understanding, Zavien stared straight into the open space that now sat beneath his feet. The Dragoon paused, his legs shaking the bridge under him when he froze in place. His breathing caught in his throat and Sol chirped with concern, his golden eyes wide in his peripheral. Last time he'd been this close to heights, Koa had them snug in harnessing gear, feet firmly planted on rocky ground. This was nothing like that. One misstep was all it would take. One frayed rope could be the end of them all. One fatal moment. His eyes clenched closed, his breaths coming shallow, his body shivering uncontrollably as he became nearly paralyzed at the sight. 

Sol had to nudge his face to encourage him to open his eyes, another wave of nausea crashing over him like the waves shifting below. His face turned a sickly shade of green, almost matching his unfocused eyes. Gritting his teeth against the sensations overwhelming him, Zavien peeled his eyes from the empty expanse to draw motivation from his friends before him. They were making it safely across and he had no desire to let them down. The purpose was enough to force a trembling breath into his lungs. A loud swooshing rushed in his ears, but Zavien let each inhale strengthen his resolve until he was able to lift a single leg forward. Progress.

Be like a solid tower
whose brave height remains unmoved by all the winds that blow.

Koa

There's going to come a day when you feel better
You'll rise up free and easy on that day

He's relieved when Lena picks up the thread, nodding vehemently in confirmation of her own subtle implications. "I... think he'd like to see familiar faces, yeah." They hadn't spoken about the potential for visitors, but as Sohalia's broken face flashes through his mind, a wave of guilt for leaving her alone is swift to follow. He'd not been equipped to deal with his emotions upon reuniting with his once-love, but someone like Lena would doubtless be a balm on her wounded soul.

Slowly and steadily the trio continues their way across the bridge. Despite some inevitable swaying, the construct seems largely stable and in well repair. Unfortunately, their presence does not go unnoticed. As they make it past the midway point, a sudden flurry of wings bursts out from nearby vines. Three mata matas appear in the murky light, slithering through the air toward the interlopers. Alas, it's Zavien they focus on - perhaps they can smell his fear. Together they swoop toward the Dragoon, not yet aggressive as they circle around, hissing at the blond.

And float from branch to branch, lighter than the air
Just when that day is coming, who can say?

Lena

Her heart felt more at ease the moment Sohalia had been confirmed, swallowing down a litany of wonderings into her chest and leaving them to rest. “All right. I’ll see what I can do.” They could discuss it further later; it was simply a relief to know she was alive, and no longer snatched by Family distinctions.

Zavien, however, ensured she wasn’t relieved for much longer – turning around she could nearly see the waves of anxiety and apprehension pervading the area. Without even a thought, she reached her hand out to his, intending to enact some grounding. “Hey, it’s all right. We’re close.” Pondering over some other proportions, or to take his, and anyone else's, mind off the bridge entirely, she began to hum under her breath, calm, collected, and composed. “I think we all deserve some treats after this. What are our favorite desserts?”

Then there were other diversions, and the Caretaker could only sigh as the mata matas squirmed along the area. Mittens was already in pursuit of them, screeching and hurling its head at one, but Lena also strived to compel them away.

--

Lena tries to distract the group from the bridge/heights, and tries to compel the mata matas away.

Mittens also screeches and hurls its head at them.

(Beastmaster) can compel any sentient animals not marked with a ☆ for assistance (6 large, 12 medium, 20 small)

Can speak to rare creatures/companions/regular animals

Regional Score bonus: +1 in all shrine visits, drops, PQ+s, KQs, etc. (You must post this at the bottom of any post where a +1 should be included)

sunlight on mist; summer lightning
your choices outweigh your substance

Zavien

Having Lena see him struggle would have brought a blush to his cheeks if he weren't so preoccupied with the fear coursing through his veins. Her soothing words didn't help much, but he tried to take deep breath, focusing on her presence before him rather than the lack of anything below him. Each step was a struggle, and he worked to push through with conscious effort. The topic of food had him nodding, trying to redirect his attentions, however, things didn't appear to be on his side.

Zavien didn't notice the incoming onslaught of matas until he felt and heard Sol's protective growl. Their flapping wings filtered through his roaring ears like a stampede of danger. He immediately broke his eyes from Lena, steeling his emotions in the face of battle. It was much easier than overcoming his fear, and he removed one hand from the railing to lift his sword. "Sol, can you scare them off with some fire?" The dragon's response was a jumping chirp as he opened his mouth to release a blast of fire in their direction. 

---

Sol breaths fire at the attackers and Zavien readies his sword in case any matas make it past.

Regional Score bonus: +1 in all shrine visits, drops, PQ+s, KQs, etc. (You must post this at the bottom of any post where a +1 should be included)

Be like a solid tower
whose brave height remains unmoved by all the winds that blow.

Koa

There's going to come a day when you feel better
You'll rise up free and easy on that day

In the lead and looking ahead, Koa doesn't clock Zavien's anxiety as well as he probably should have. It's good then that Lena is there, and not just because of the dragoon's fear. The flapping of wings does have Koa turning around, hands rising up to strike out at attackers. Pip reacts as well, swooping in with a burst of fire as the snakes threaten to mob their friend. Between the two dragons they manage to singe some snarling serpent wings, but it's Lena whose mental compulsion best encourages them to seek some other prey. With a final series of hisses the Matas fly off, scales only slightly smoky from the protective dragons' attacks.

"Well, that was something." Koa watches the Matas leave before turning back to the bridge. The final few feet are fairly uneventful, and before much longer he finds himself back on solid (ish) land.

Or, well, rather he finds himself in a well constructed tunnel of vines, roots, and the occasional plank - as well as many a gap. Adjusting his headlamp, Koa peers into the dark,  "Guess we carry on. Try to stick together. Pip, scout." The little dragonling chirps her agreement, snaking her way through the vines with fluidity and ease. For the other three, things will not be so easy. At least the smugglers have cut a sturdy path for them - though who knows what may be lurking in the pockets of vines beyond what they can see.

And float from branch to branch, lighter than the air
Just when that day is coming, who can say?

Lena

With the danger relatively gone, for the moment, Lena sighed and quieted, watching as the matas hastened off, leaving her to indulge Mittens with a treat for its efforts, and all of them meandering ahead, away from bridges. She sent the snowball thereafter to scout with the accompanying dragons, and persisted in keeping her partial shift adjusted for the darkness, and any lurking doldrums.

The semblance of unease crept down her spine, but instead of voicing it out loud, she trudged on, ducking beneath branches and avoiding creeping vines. She pondered over simply altering her form into any of the smaller manifestations in her repertoire, the bird, the fox, and the newer cat, but she also didn’t want to leave her belongings strewn about either. Nor would it help the rest of the group.

--

Lena sends Mittens to scout with Pip, and continues to use her partial shift to see in the darkness.

Regional Score bonus: +1 in all shrine visits, drops, PQ+s, KQs, etc. (You must post this at the bottom of any post where a +1 should be included)

sunlight on mist; summer lightning
your choices outweigh your substance

Zavien

The matas were luckily discouraged from further antics and Zavien was able to sheath his sword back at his hip. His anxiety didn't dissipate, but he was able to use the distraction as a means to motivate him across the bridge to join the others. By the time he made it to the other side, he was pale and shaking slightly, but alive. 

Zavien gave Sol a comforting pat as he nuzzled his cheek, sending him reassurance through their bond. Then he slipped the dragon a piece of jerky and encouraged him to join the other companions scouting ahead. The pudgy baby chirped appreciatively and flew off to scout ahead while Zavien picked his way through the roots, trying to calm his racing heart. Luckily, it was much easier for him to manage tangling foot placements than gaping open air, however, he tried to keep his awareness about him for any other potential dangers.

---

Sol joins the other companions to scout while Zavien stays alert!

Regional Score bonus: +1 in all shrine visits, drops, PQ+s, KQs, etc. (You must post this at the bottom of any post where a +1 should be included)

Be like a solid tower
whose brave height remains unmoved by all the winds that blow.

Koa

There's going to come a day when you feel better
You'll rise up free and easy on that day

For a while, things remain uneventful. The smuggling tunnels are well-maintained, which is concerning in and of itself. Rising up, it becomes less plant-based-bridge and more proper tunnel, steps carved into the underside of Stormbreak itself. A few branching paths and pockets can be found, accessible by hanging vines and wound rope ladders, but the scouting companions have little of interest to report for some time. It's eerie and close, the air dense and the low tunnel stifling. Koa feels disinclined to speak too much or too loudly, though he engages in quiet conversation with his friends when required.

Eventually, though, another fork forces them to stop and assess. "I think we should be getting close to the Celestine," Koa murmurs as they pause, consulting a compass and a map. "If I'm right, then continuing this way -" he points the way they have been going, "- will take us under the Celestine proper, while heading west -" he continues, turning toward the right, "- leads to the Falling."

Folding up the map, he looks back to his friends. "If we head to the Falling, we might be able to figure out where they're docking their ships. But if we continue to the Celestine, we can map where their tunnels lead and block their access."

And then a mental tug has him glancing up sharply, toward the Celestine path. "They found something," Koa frowns, turning to Lena for clarification. It's Mittens, in fact, who has picked up the sign: through a gap in the vines the acrid scent of void creatures waft. Somewhere to the east of them, a nest of void beasts can be found.

-------

We have some choices! Carry on toward the Celestine to try and figure out where the smugglers are headed, go toward the Falling to see where they're coming from, or put a pause on smuggling paths and go after some void beasts!

And float from branch to branch, lighter than the air
Just when that day is coming, who can say?