[Quest] The Black Obelisk: Act II of Darkling Tides

[Paragon]

(White Obelisk Team) RulesYou have SEVEN days after each of my posts. If you haven't posted before then, I reserve the right to continue the quest without you. Of course, you can post in the next round. There is no posting order, so feel free to post in any order each round. Timestamp: 13th of Spring, 512 AV The storm had brought down enough buildings in Zeltiva, but in Mathews Bay, it had seemingly made new structures too. A fifteen chime boat ride from the docks would put one face to face with the obelisks that had risen from the water. One black, one white, both seemingly ancient, and definitely mysterious. There had been no time to investigate them further in the initial chaos. There was healing to be done, repairs to take place, a full scale operation to keep Zeltiva working and moving, as if it were some big clockwork giant. But now, the University was curious. The people were curious. They wanted answers. And some even wondered if the obelisks were safe. Were they just stone structures? Or did the glyphs on their surface lend them a more malevolent shade? Two boats were being filled at the docks. Helmed by professors from the University, two teams were made up of volunteers and students, interested in helping in the research efforts. The boat bound for the black obelisk was being led by a stern looking Konti woman. Yunalesca was old, even by the standards of her race, and had lived away from Mura, in Zeltiva, for the majority of her life. She hurried her team into the boat, before folding her arms and explaining what they were going to do. Her long white hair and pallid skin seemed to lend her more authority, the Konti's ethereal qualities playing dominion over the volunteers. "I don't want games, or tomfoolery. This is serious business. I won't hesitate to chuck jokers overboard, do you understand?" Her visage demanded compliance. It seemed unlikely that any of the volunteers would disagree with her.

[Calen]

With the storm had come chaos, destruction and the contrasting ideas of both egotism and comradeship. Though the storm had torn apart Zeltiva, it had also managed to bring the city together; men who had lived side by side but never spoken had been given an opportunity to depend on each other and they accepted it. The city had been devastated, but a community had been born. And from the community had emerged those who, though in no way fearless, were not reluctant to risk life and limb to find out things in the benefit of the city. Unfortunately, Calen was not among the aforementioned group. Instead, he was among the group who had barely even been touched by the storm, thanks to some kind of ungodly, because, really, who would bless Calen, luck. The only reason he was even on the trip was that he was greatly interested in investigating the strange object himself. To prove the point, at the moment, Calen was not in the least bit pleased. Despite the fact that he had made sure to wear all the clothing he had, which, strangely enough, wasn't really all that much, he still found himself more than sufficiently chilled enough that he was uncomfortable. His cloak might as well have had a series of fist sized holes sewed into it for all the good it did him. It certainly didn't help that he seemed to have a pair of crippled sea legs as he found himself standing at the edge of the ship, staring into the water as he waited for another wave of nausea to overwhelm the flimsy control he had recently gained over his gag reflex. Perhaps it was his focus on the earth in his study of reimancy, perhaps it was his simple dislike of bodies of water large enough to drown him and a thousand more just like him. Or perhaps it was simply the fact that he had never been on a boat and when it came to pretty much anything physical, he tended to be a bit slow; whatever it was, it made it so that Calen couldn't hear a word that the captain of the ship was saying as he found himself deafened with the sound of rushing water as he emptied his stomach of it's content. Once he was quite certain his stomach was empty, a fact he was only aware of by the simple fact that he was now throwing up nothing but bile, Calen stumbled backwards until he fell flat on his back. He wrapped his arms around his stomach, somehow, it seemed, he believed that hugging his stomach with his spindly arms would make it harder for him to vomit on everything. "Are we there yet?" he asked. It was a rhetorical question, but the pure pathetic nature of his voice made it sound quite sincere.

[Lyam]

Lyam was sitting on the bowsprit, gazing at the horizon. Under him some rolling waves came and splashed the hull of the boat. Lyam smiled; this journey would finally not be so terrible. Even if he had no interest into the obelisks, he had decided to come when he had seen Nai’shee enrolling. He had only met the girl twice, but it had been enough for him to understand she was his bondmate. No matter if she did not even know. From now, he had to follow her like her shadow, and observe, and protect her. Being discreet, that was the point. His ears empowered with his wolfs hearing were listening to the old ladies behind him not very carefully. She had gathered a part of the crew and let them know very friendly she would not accept any wrong behaviour. She was not very impressive at the first gaze, but after her little speech, Lyam swore himself not to contrary her… ever. After a while, he jumped back on the deck and smiled when he saw a completely seasick man lying on the deck. "Are we there yet?" he asked with a miserable voice. Lyam couldn’t help himself from laughing out loud but gave his hand to the man “Seasick, aren’t you? What a pity! Well, you're not very lucky man, it's only the begining!” Indeed, the huge obelisk was still standing far away before them, pure incarnation of chaos and destruction.

[Saeriel]

Spring, Day 13, 512 AV With the storm had come death and destruction to most. Saeriel however had been lucky and her Cottage had suffered minimal damage, she was however aggravated at the incessant whining by some of the Zeltiva Citizens. Saeriel had wanted away from the main portion of the city and when she had seen the notice that the University needed volunteers for a research expedition to the Obelisks in the harbor she had signed on, despite having only combat skills. Saeriel thought of herself mainly as just an extra guard on the voyage and besides she might learn something. On the boat Saeriel had isolated herself from the others, wanting to be alone. She saw two men conversing, one was seasick so it appeared and the other was laughing at him. Once the Obelisk came into view, though still far away, Saeriel rejoined the group at the location the two men were. Saeriel looked at the massive obelisk from a far, standing as a representative structure of chaos.

[Nai'shee]

Few days ago Nai'shee has seen a notice calling for all possible volunteers to research the Obelisks. "The" Obelisks were two giant stone structures which rose from sea on that eventful day, the day of the storm. One was black and the other one was white, and that's everything she could conclude by watching from the distance. They tickled everybody's attention, especially Nai'shee's unbeatable curiosity. She did want to help in any way, but she was aware how dangerous this quest may be. Yes, they are just pieces of stone, but she was sure they hid something more, and so was the University, or they wouldn't send them to research those things. She was afraid, but she knew that she didn't have anything to do and needed some food urgently. Despite that, she owed much to University. She knew it was stupid, but that building gave her a shelter during the storm, a shelter that she couldn't find for so many years. She was surprised to see few peoples she actually knew there. There was Trente, person she have seen only twice. until now, but she knew she wouldn't easily separate from him. They survived the storm together and he claimed that he owed his life to her. Or at least she remembered him saying such a thing, but it could be only devilish addition of her imagination. The other person was Lyam, the guy she met in Library few days ago. Charisma, that's what she's seen in him. Or was that just because they shared the same dream? She didn't know. The third person was Ndale, Klevic women she met in a pretty funny way, by trying to rob her. They didn't know each other for so long, but they became some kind of awkward friends. There was also one seasick man and proud Inarta keeping them company on a journey. She really wanted to talk, but serious look Mss. Yunalesca had told her to shut her mouth and think about following task. She cast a friendly smile to everyone, those she knew and those she didn't.

[Trente]

Trente stood draped in his usual attire. Loose and well kept white shirt, a smart vest, warming gloves, and comfortable pants. All in all the outfit was no more than the common resident of Zeltiva, but the assortment of textures and colours, along with the general over abundance of articles gave what many seemed to view as an appearance of wealth. This didn't bother Trente, he had grown to expect such.

His posture was more so than his clothes, and in no way like the average resident of Zeltiva. Proud, erect, and almost distant. He looked upon those around him with what could be mistaken with passiveness. In truth he watched them all carefully. They would be his companions, even for a short time. And this warranted at least a passing interest.

The Konti won his respect on preseeded merit alone. Her scaled and pale appearance was enough to give a jump in his heart, attentiveness to his gaze,, and the confidence she dictated with gave all the encouragement Trente would need to follow her into the depths of the ocean if such was needed.

Likewise, Nai'Shee had proven herself a worthy ally at the turn of the season. Though, Trente was still unsure if they were to be friends. He was, in either case, glad that she would be accompanying them, and wondered what had brought her on the mission. Trente has been urged by his supporters to make an effort to help the community in any way he could, make face. Trente understood the need, and his interest in the spires was enough to warrant his voluntary action regardless of political advantages.

The boys joking in the corner seemed like a mismatched pair, unfit for the study they all faced at the other side. Still, they were citizens of Zeltiva, and their despite to help in what way they could no doubt offered them some merit. Trente wondered if that was enough to peak their interest in the new martial order. He figured time would tell. Still, the thought would stand pending on each of their actions. If they would earn a personal invitation from him.

Trente adjusted his weapon on his side, more letting it be seen by those around than anything. Since the organization banded he had taken to wearing it everywhere, and not being shy about letting it be seen. Much to Idue's disgust. With this show he stepped forward, directly beside Nai'Shee, but said nothing, lending his full attention to their leader. He wasn't sure on what speaking terms the two were on since that day together, but he could remember her eyes upon him from the crowd before the shrine, and hopes his presence beside her would be welcomed.

"I believe we all understand completely, Ma'am.

My name is Trente. If you are to lead us would you mind telling us how we should address you, and what exactly we are looking for in the Obelisk? Do we have any idea what to expect today?" His voice was clear, proud as usual, and he made direct eye contact with the women. He had heard rumours of Konti in the past, but still had no fear of staring her in the eye. She could see what she wished of his soul. She could rather he were proud or timid.

[Ndale Soromund]

She had joined because she had heard the whispering in the library. Constant and insistent. Grabbing the attention of all who heard it. Apparently the things in the water were someone how as important to the people of Zeltiva as their odd statues. Such strange creatures they were at times, especially after the storm. The fought, the huddled together and they generally made a mockery of many things. Though it was much more fun than she had as of the late. In all honesty she came for the questions. She wanted to know just as much as everyone else what they were now that the strange towers caught her eye but she wanted to absorb the people too. Gauge them. Dissect them. In this manner she began to watch the people carefully. Some she knew, vaguely. She remembered having bothered them before but not really much else. She knew what they had said and done but their names eluded her. Still she was content for the moment. Ignoring the woman who spoke and watching the water with interest, she both loved and hated it at that moment. The waves beautiful to her eyes but painful to her splint. It was the voice that broke through her revere, louder than the quite conversation and her gaze snapped towards it. It was not the scolding tone she was used to but a males voice. Cocking her head she listened to his questions and popped in one of her own. “And we swim?”It was most likely precisely what the woman had asked them not to do but Ndale was completely serious in her inquiry. She may be a fool, indeed she usually was but she could barely swim with two arms, let alone one.

[Paragon]

The Konti woman surveyed her ragtag team and shook her head. Thank goodness for the small contingent of Muran Konti sent by V'Nessi, two to be precise, that sat serenely at the back of the boat. Calen looked seasick already, and Lyam was goading him with his words. Saeriel and Nai'shee were quiet, and Yuna smiled at them softly, holding a little more respect for their reserved characters. When the Kelvic Ndale asked her question, Yuna pursed her lips, restraining an outburst. "This is a boat. There's no need to swim when we can stay dry within it." The last to speak was Trente. She had heard about this man, from Maria. The Lord of Council herself seemed intrigued by him. He had his own convictions, but how he would wield those were unknown to the Konti. She softened somewhat, before speaking. She had a habit of appearing bristly to people she didn't know, but that spiky surface belied a warmer heart beneath. "As strict as I may seem, you are all welcome to call me Yuna. As for the Obelisks: no, we do not know what to expect. The black Obelisk was known. Those of you who attended the Winter Ball will remember the events - an artefact was taken from the Archive building. That artefact was a fragment of the black Obelisk."

[Nai'shee]

Nai'shee wasn't surprised a tiny bit when Trente spoke. It was like him to ask for the details politely immediately. She was interested too, so she listened carefully to the Konti. She liked her name, Yuna. She liked most of names she heard, anyways, but Konti name were really special. They were simple, unlike some races, and still sounded nice, gentle, quick, mysterious. But Yuna's words really worried her. The stolen artefact was fragment of The Black Obelisk? It really gave her creeps. So many ideas rushed trough her head, she was somewhat afraid. Not of what might happen, but of great force which was behind recent events. "So, is it possible that they are reunited?", she said slowly, trying to understand it herself. "Why on the day of the Storm? Is it possible that that caused the Storm?" She was completely confused, and she didn't even notice how much her own words scared her. If that was how it was it's probably some Godly power. And some humans, or anything, followers of that God trying to do something big. Did somebody actually wanted to destroy the world? Or bring back the Valterrian? She looked at Yuna, hoping for negative answer which might give her some comfort.

[Saeriel]

Spring, Day 13, 512 AV Saeriel raised an eyebrow at the Kelvic becoming amused at the thought of swimming to the Obelisks. Saeriel then turned her attention toward Yuna as she answered the question posed by one of the men who called himself Trente. Saeriel thought back to that time and she remembered hearing about the artifact being stolen. Saeriel was thinking about it when she heard Nai'shee's questions of: "So, is it possible that they are reunited?" and "Why on the day of the Storm? Is it possible that that caused the Storm?" Saeriel after a moments thought replied with her soft voice: "While I may know far from what I would need to give you a positive answer, my hypothesis is that Yes, they are linked somehow and as to the second question No, I highly doubt they had anything to do with the storm, madam." Saeriel withdrew back into her thoughts once she was done. She didn't know what caused the storm but as one who had studied Ivak, as much as she could anyway, and with the amount of Djed that had been put forth by the storm....she had come to the conclusion it had something to do with the Gods, even if not Ivak specifically.