They Choose The Path Where No-one Goes (Galio/Vanos)

[Syllke Skyglow]

Fall 20, 511 A.V. The day was bright and clear, the heavens a blue vault above that stretched from the sea to the tops of the barren hills, unmarred by even a trace of cloud. The breeze was brisk – bordering on cold, as it whistled in over the water. To Syllke, it was the perfect temperature, cool and refreshing after the hot summer of this more southerly clime. The little trek to the road construction site had not taken long at all. Within hailing distance of those who worked at the apex of the infant thoroughfare, which was inching its way painstakingly into the mountains of post-Valterrian slag and rubble, he and his two companions had veered off. There was a track leading off into the foothills, and then another, both created by the ones in charge of assessing the best route to lay the new road. It was along this second track, somewhat recently crafted, that the caves lay. Syllke had heard about them from Astrid, and was, as always, curious. In Avanthal, he had ventured into ice caves. And of course there were the shallow subterranean caverns that were utilized to grow the scant crops that were hardy enough to prosper with just stormgems . But he had yet to really go down into the belly of the earth. He had heard so many tales of wondrous sites, and creatures even, to be witnessed in the dark. Galio had offered that caves might not be as exciting as were claimed, but he too was along for this little excursion, curious, as Syllke was. Vanos probably had the most experience of subterranean exploration of the three of them, and Syllke was very glad to have his company. The Isur’s strength, along with the potential ferocity of a bear, seemed like a good safety net for this adventure. With the stiff breeze ruffling his long, dark hair, Syllke stood at the entrance to one of the caves. High enough for him to stand upright, wide enough for ten men to stand side by side, the light quickly gave way to darkness some ten meters beyond, and the cave narrowed considerably. But from what Syllke had been told, the narrow passage they must traverse, both going up and then down, soon enough gave way to a wide inner cavern, and then more passages and caverns beyond that. Pulling three tiny stormgems from his pocket, he handed one each to Galio and Vanos, keeping the last in his own palm. Here in the bright sunshine, they barely glowed. But he knew once in the utter darkness of the cave they were capable of illuminating a space of ten or so meters across. He had borrowed these from a visiting Zeltivian scholar at the Lyceum, upon threat of death if he did not return them that evening. But that would not be a problem – this foray below the earth would only be for about three hours or so. They had no intention of wandering about too much inside – it would be far too easy to get lost. With his ever present smile, Syllke asked of both Galio and Vanos, “Ready? Who wants to take the lead – and who will bring up the rear – just in case we discover a colony of Zith.”

[Galio Keln]

Galio stared at the tiny stormgem he now held in his palm. If what Syllke had said was true it would light their way once they were inside. He removed his jacket showing off his bare chest. Taking the gem he wrapped it inside and tied it around his neck like a giant collar. Unlike most Kelvics, Galio didn't like to tear through his clothes every time he changed, so he wore the least amount of clothing and would take the time to remove it before shifting. He had purposely made sure he was a few steps behind Vanos and Syllke, so as Syllke spoke of taking the lead Galio removed his pants leaving them under by a rock with his backpack and dropped to all fours. By the time Syllke finished speaking a full sized bear stood behind them. With a low grunt the grizzly walked forward, heading for the cave. He walked with a flourish, as if showing off to the other two. When given the chance to show off his true form Galio would take it and today was no different.

[Vanos Strongarm]

Vanos wasn't sure what to expect from this little trip; he knew that it would be dangerous, no matter how well "equipped" the three men were, and he knew that they could possible become the victims of a poorly timed avalanche and never see the light of day again. But the optimistic and curious nature of the Vantha was contagious and Vanos was infected with the curiosity of what lay beyond the comfort and security of Denval. To Vanos, a rock was a rock, no matter where one looked, but the Vantha had this curiosity that he just couldn't shake, so Vanos decided to join them more out of his own curiosity of Syllke's exploration exploits than really wondering what lay beyond. The Kelvic friend that Syllke introduced to the Isur moments before their departure seemed quiet, reserved, completely unlike the Vantha that was leading this party. He wondered if this Galio would say anything more the casual greeting and a grunt here and there. Surely he was more comfortable with actions instead of words as he removed his clothes and tucked them somewhere secure before shifting into the form of a giant behemoth of a bear. The furry creature lumbered forward with a bit of a swagger as he answered Syllke's question about who would lead by taking it upon himself to do it. Vanos looked into his rough palm to see the stone that would soon glow with an intensity similar to that of the sun that the cave hid under the bulk of the mountain. "He see and smell danger before ve see. Smart move. If danger taller than me, no purpose I serve as being in front." Vanos said with a little grin as he stepped up beside Syllke and looked up to the Vantha. "Vhat you expecting to find inside?"

[Syllke Skyglow]

Syllke watched as bear-Galio shuffled by him. He still felt tiny pin pricks of heat all over his skin being so damn close to a bear, despite all that Belgar had taught him. This wasn’t the first time that Galio had accompanied him on one of his ramblings about Denval in his bear form. Still, the old bear phobia died hard, and Syllke always had to make a conscious effort to bury it – deep – even though he knew Galio would probably lay down his life to protect his friends, and would never hurt Syllke. So, with a deep breath, his gaze shifted to Vanos, and he smiled naturally enough. “I think you’re underestimating yourself, my friend.” He quipped. “You are in all ways very much like a granite wall. Despite your height, I think I’d feel very safe standing behind you.” He reached out and plonked his hand down playfully on the Isur’s shoulder, forgetting to do so gently – not for Vanos’ sake but for his own. His hand stung from the impact with the rock hard flesh, and he made a small grimace. “But yeah, I feel just as safe with a huge bear up front. So if you don’t mind the view, I’m happy for him to take the lead.” Syllke chuckled. “And I don’t have any idea what we’ll find – that’s why we’re going.” So saying, he stepped up to follow the little stubby tail as it disappeared into the dim interior. He looked down at the short but extremely broad man. “We better hurry before we lose him – or he loses us.”

[Lena Estelain]

It was a beautiful day outside. Clear blue skies and a lot of sun. Even a little warm by Denval standers. Making it ironic for them to be going into the dark, cold earth. To explore caves she saw as a child. But she already agreed to go with Sylike and his friend. She knew Galio but the Isur came as a surprise. His presence was welcomed though. If anything unexpected happened they could use a pair of strong hands. And if one of the men got any strange ideas. She had the longsword her brother gave her. Strapped to her hip. She listened to the group banter and jest with one another. Galio, who was as silent as her. Went off to the side and got ready to change. Apparently he had no shame in being naked. Striping in front of the whole group. Lena saw no harm in stealing a peak, and did so smiling. “And I don’t have any idea what we’ll find – that’s why we’re going.” Sylike's eagerness was adorable, but she noticed the lack of gems in her hand. Galio lumbered towards the entrance of the cave, looking slightly cuter covered in fur. She couldn't decided which form she liked the most. ”Forgetting me? Or are you too busy fondling your Isur friend, to notice? Poor way to treat the model for your sketches I must say.” She followed them into the cave. Despite herself she was excited and ready to have a fun time.

[Galio Keln]

Sounds from outside echoed into the cave, drawing his attention. At first only hearing Syllke and Vanos, Galio was content to continue walking at his slow pace. Then another voice joined the two and Galio stopped in the dim light. He recognized the voice as Lena Estelain and quickly turned back around, which took him a moment as the cave wasn’t wide enough for a grizzly to turn very quickly in. Syllke was already entering the cave so he had to due with looking around the Vantha to see if Lena truly was outside. He didn’t think she would really come but to his surprise there she was, walking up to the cave. The face that formed on Galio was quite strange to be seen on a grizzly, even a bit goofy. Yet if he had been in his other form it would have been said that he was grinning. Now that he knew Lena was outside and coming with them in the cave he turned once more, taking even longer as he didn’t want to knock over Syllke. With his body straight once more he trudged up the small incline, eager to reach a more open space inside the cave.

[Vanos Strongarm]

The hand on his shoulder was familiar and welcoming, though he wondered why the Vantha pulled the hand away quickly; was his flesh so cold that it hurt the sensitive hands of Syllke? He didn't frown as he just shrugged it off and continued to walked down the path right on Syllke's heels. The assumption that Isur were cave dwellers and masters of the subterranean was one that wasn't particularly true. While there were caves and underground tunnels from one part of Sultros to another, but it was no Izurith City. Once the world cracked and the Isur fled to the surface, they also seemed to have lost that knack for spelunking underground, but the rest of the world never forgot about their underground city. The darkness of the cave was quickly whisked away as the rocks that Syllke handed everyone started to glow in the palms of their hands. Vanos would have been perfectly accustomed to the dark, and found the light more of an intrusion than an aid. With the light giving what was around them a perfect sphere of visibility, what lay beyond the shine of their collected light was shadowed and dark. If he was able to surround himself with perfect darkness, Vanos would be able to see everything without a problem. He glanced over his shoulder to the woman that joined them and the odd way that she spoke of the way that Syllke's hand was on his shoulder. Judging by her word choice she seemed to be implying that that simple hand gesture on his shoulder was more suggestive than it was meant. "No groping. Reassurance. If you vant to see groping, you go to bar and you see drunk human Denvals act that way," He looked up to Syllke for a moment, that heavy brow over his eyes set heavy with annoyance. "Ve continue down cave. Find vhatever Syllke is here to find. Perhaps, ve vill find ancient Denval secrets. Maybe all ancestors of human Denvals thought that vas normal." The news that she, too, was the object of her sketches made Vanos slightly jealous, but it would be near impossible to read on his face which was always set in a look of constant annoyance. He turned away from the woman that joined them and took a couple quick steps so that he was closer to Syllke and the giant bear that led them forward. "Find anything, yet?"