The Broken Circle

[Skroth]

Skroth fell into step behind the younger Jamoura, motioning for Caelum to do the same. He took note of the various beetles, giant insects large enough to bear his great weight with ease. Each would serve well to transport him and his companion to their destination, but when Martehk showed them the stag beetle, its practicality as a mount enamored it to him. Its great horn would serve well lift any obstacles that may bar their travel should they take the land route, not to mention that the imposing figure it cut could deter attacks from hostile creatures they may encounter along the way.

"Most impressive, Brother," Skroth intoned, meaning every word. "Would this be available for use? And how would we ride it? I know how humanoids ride their domestic mounts, such my companion's horse, but I'm afraid I have no experience in such a thing. You must show us," he insisted.

[Ja'soth]

Marhtek looked with some pride as Skroth admired the beetle. It had been his personal project and he was excited to test it out under real conditions.He had hoped it would actually be used as a mount instead of something else, but the Jamoura had little need for such things normally. He nodded and saidIt is for your use should you wish it brother Skroth. I can teach you how to ride it and saddle it and care for it.

His pride was obvious as he took them into the stall and showed them what was a giant saddle and harness built especially for the creature they were intending to ride. Only a Jamoura could lift it and set it on the creatures back, Marhtek showed Skroth how to place it on the beetles back You throw it over her back like so, making sure to get it under her wings, then you buckle the straps like this and secure the harness around her head. Apparently the beetle was a female and he showed them how the straps buckled and how the harness would not impede her head movement.

Now as to riding her, you would hoist yourself up on the saddle like this and fit your feet in the stirrups like this. Once on her back a gentle pressure will get her to go ahead and pulling gently on the reins in the direction you want her to turn will get her to turn. Pull back on both reins to get her to stop. You also want to learn to move your body in time with her movements, it will make the riding smoother. He knew this was just a basic lesson in riding but it would allow Skroth to stay in the saddle even if they got into combat.

<Avi and Nimvalhis>
While the others are getting their mount and learning about it. You two have been flying the path indicated by the plant map,the forest is thick and not penetrable by sight, but Avi's keen hearing and smell would tell you what was below,mostly the normal things for Taldera However as you draw closer to the range of hills where the cave is, there is a sense of dread, like you are being watched. The trees begin to be obscured by mist a few miles form the cave, a mist so thick that you cannot see what it covers. Within the mist are odd howls and yowls and the occasional scream. There is an unnatural feel and smell about the place as if the laws of nature have been warped here over the centuries that Hramath has lived here and worshiped Rhysol.

Even from a high distance the area looks corrupted and foul, there is a black,shiny substance on the trees that you can see out of the mist. The trees seem dead here or at least stunted and other than the screams and yowls there is no real sound, not even the wind.

[Skroth]

“Excellent, excellent,” Skroth would mutter as Martehk demonstrated how to attach the riding harness on the giant beetle’s back. He asked the younger Jamoura to undo the straps so he could try doing it himself. It seemed a simple enough task, one he could perform easily now that he had seen it done before him. In fact, he was able to restrap the saddle with only minor corrections from Martehk. Fortunately, as he noted, the creature’s tough carapace prevented it from being discomforted when he placed the numerous straps in the wrong position. Its great strength could no doubt easily bear his weight with ease.

But then he noted that there was only one saddle. They would need a double saddle for Caelum to be able to ride with him. Or another mount.

“Forgive me Brother, but is there a double seater variety for this saddle? We would not impose further by asking for another mount for my companion.”

[Ja'soth]

Marhtek nodded as the saddle would not hold two people especially if one was the size of a Jamoura. He motioned for Skroth and Caelum to follow him and he led them out of the stable and around back of the corral area.

There were trees here that seemed to make another corral structure and they were the same type of bloodwood as the stables and hollow at the bases as if to make rooms. He led them into the opening of the center most tree where there was a long table that was in reality a massive centipede and laid out on it were leather working tools, all of which were taken from nature and some were still alive and others obviously taken from already dead materials. Along the walls were saddles in various states of construction.

Marhtek took them to a section of wall on which was a carapace like saddle similar to the one that he used to show Skroth how to saddle the great beetle except this one was much larger and made for two beings.
I hope this will do Brother Skroth and Sir Caelum. It is my finest work and made for the one I call Sh'halla. She is the great steed I have shown you and she is used to it.

His smile was toothy but Skroth would know it was not challenging, it was that Marhtek was simply not used to being around people much less outsiders.He awaited Skroth's response

[Nimvahlis]

Nimvahlis blinked, almost sleepily, and drifted landwards. His descent was slow, like a kite released from the wind's grip. His sight was cloyed with the mist, he could see nothing but the gleam of whatever black substance draped the trees. The mist was cold on his torso, but not unpleasant to tempered nerves. The trees here pressed close beneath Nimvahlis, forcing him to look for an opening in their ranks. Dimly, a concern manifested, How would Avi reach the ground? Stunted though the trees were, the fall was still great enough to likely kill her. Nimvahlis plunged into the trees, the realm of dark mists and unnatural howls. Nim was swaddled in catatonia for the moment. He disliked the despair and discomfort that plagued the induced calm, but it continued to wear away at his state. Like time ate at a drug's effects, these external forces dismissed his tranquility. So Nim disconnected. He waved away the tranquility and despair, embracing instead a bizarre blankness to the external world. Or rather, that was what he attempted to do. Like child playing in the waves, he swayed in his resolution. Within moments of his attempt to dispel the despair, his resolve dissolved. Nimvahlis shivered and closed his eyes as he descended upon the thick tree line, desiring concentration. Once more, he summoned Djed, the great solver of problems and ender of crises. It crept up from the tumultuous pit of his soul to forge a link with his eyes, and he opened them. Nothing dangerous was apparent through the mist yet, but faint, dark glows writhed quietly around each tree. Nimvahlis had never before attempted to see through something as thick as this mist, and was not entirely sure what could be seen. Doubt plagued him as did dread. As he descended to the forest floor, tentatively now, plants other than the great pines began to appear. Each shone as grimly as the trees above did. Nimvahlis' body shook again, this was a place of fear, and its hand had gripped him. Everything had been muted, sedimentary dread weighing heavily on life. This place had been under the hand of Rhysol for too long. He looked above to Avi, seeking the comfort of her presence.

[Skroth]

Skroth nodded in appreciation at Martehk . His workmanship was excellent and he seemed to have everything needed to get them underway on their journey. The Jamoura considered his companion however, realizing they might have to spend the trip in close proximity - something the other might find uncomfortable considering they were not that well acquainted yet. Share a mission for the Mother they might, but close they were not. At least not yet at any rate.

Out of respect for Caelum, perhaps another mount would be more appropriate. Skroth cleared his throat in awkward fashion and tried to word his request in politeness. "Most exceptional work, my brother. But I am afraid my companion might not fit in a saddle suited for our kind. If you have another mount to bear one of his stature, perhaps that would be more fitting? I will pay for the added trouble, of course. The mission is of paramount importance."

He hoped there would be one available for Caelum so that they could get underway.

OOCJust a way to separate Caelum from my posts until Katie returns to handle her character. I'll fast forward my end on the next post to the actual travel so I can meet up with Nim and Avi and the story moving.^^

[Ja'soth]

Marhtek nodded as Skroth spoke of the stranger possibly not fitting a saddle made for Jamoura. As he sized the stranger up he was pretty sure that he would not fit the great beetle anyway. He grabbed a small saddle off the wall and led them back to the stables. He was quiet and thoughtful as he lumbered toward one of the smaller trees.\

He showed them a giant mantis that was more sized for the stranger. He showed them how to put the saddle on it. He was equally as proud of the mantis as he was the beetle.

This one should better suit your companions needs. She is one of my personal charges, thought she will not fit one of us brother, she serves to help outsiders that are smaller than we. As far as payment, you know the standard payment. However in the Mother's service, payment is waived, consider her a gift of the People which may be kept at the end of the quest as our thanks.

He bowed his head low and grunted a sound that Skroth would know was one of gratitude. There would be no doubt of it in Caelum's mind either. He then indicated that the pair could mount at any time and head out for their quest.
May the Blessing of Caiyha go with you and your companions Brother.

It seemed at the moment he pronounced the blessing that the sounds of the plants and animals became soft and musical. There was a song in the air and it passed from one facet of nature to the other in one great chorus. it started with a tree and spread till every living thing was filled with it.

The song was one of melancholy, it spoke of the pain of nature twisted and corrupted. It spoke of children turned against their mother and becoming abominations. The First Druid sung her sadness through her children and yet there was a hope in it an underlying faith in the quartet that they would do what they needed to. Suddenly the pair were embraced in a green aura and refreshed as if they had eaten well and slept solidly. The blessing of Caiyha was with them it would only extend their ability to journey that day by several hours, but it might allow them to catch up with their companions that now faced the power of Rhysol.

[Skroth]

He thanked the younger Jamoura for his aid in supplying them with the mounts necessary for swift travel across the Talderan wilderness. With a promise to return the beasts should they succeed in the quest, Skroth finally climbed up his mount, his great weight hardly affecting Sh’halla the giant beetle. He mimicked the instructions given to him by Martehk in coaxing the animal forward. It took a few practice runs, but in the end he was able to have it follow his will. With a parting gesture to the beastkeeper, Skroth tugged gently at the reins and his mount sprang up in the air, its massive wings beating so fast it was a blur. He oriented it to their destination and flew with all haste to meet up with his companions who scouted on ahead. The beetle was fast; she would fly him to join the others in no time.

[Avi]

She allowed herself to get away from Nimvahlis, just a little bit. If she made any sudden movements, her larger and far more powerful wings would send him tail over snout, and then she would have to try to rescue them... and considering her talons, rescuing someone that was in a free fall was always tricky, unless she could get her large feet around them just so. But as it was, her trying that on him would tear his blubbery tail up or puncture his wings... neither of which were a good option. But, quite frankly, chosen by Caiyha to help with this or not, Avi just didn't trust the Akvatari. She had trouble trusting anyone right now. Someone had played with her mind, be it Rhysol or someone else, she didn't know. But it was just easier to keep them all at a wing's length and go from there. Besides, her attempt at scouting and looking like a natural part of Talderian wildlife at the same time was useless - she had a snack flying along beside her. No smart owl would allow it.

But she was close enough to be able to get there quickly if she had to. They were supposed to work as a team, after all, and despite the fact that Avi wasn't bonded with Nimvahlis, she would look after him. He was supposed to be helping out, and Caiyha wouldn't have chosen him if he wasn't useful to her in this in some fashion, now, would she have? Of course not. Avi didn't doubt her goddess in that regard. As she flew, she kept an eye and an ear out on everything around and below her, noting the differences in the Talderian geography and ecosystem. That was just wrong. Just absolutely wrong. And she didn't like it one bit. Movement caught her eye as the Akvatari moved below the treeline as Avi soared above it. With her eyesight, she had no need to get so close, but she was getting closer anyway, gliding, browsing below as if looking for prey, for something to eat. She wasn't remotely hungry, and nothing, she felt, from this area would do her stomach any good. Everything here had been tainted, and she wasn't about to trust herself to eat it.

She did feel that something was watching them, and that feeling made her wary. Not so much nervous or afraid as she was wary. It wasn't so much fear - there was some of it; anyone without the sense to be afraid of the deities didn't have two bits of brain to rub together - but Avi kept a handle on it. It was okay to be afraid... what wasn't okay was to let fear grab her beak and sent her beak over tail. With what she knew of the god, it made sense to be afraid, and a little part of her damn well was. To not be afraid would have been foolish, and it was curiosity that killed the cat. Foolishness could kill the owl, but Avi didn't plan for that to happen. But this was Rhysol and his devotees. This would not be easy. This would not be pleasant. She watched Nimvahlis disappear amongst the trees, and grumbled mentally at him, but kept on flying, careful to stay within range. If she had to, she would cut her way through the trees. They weren't so thick that she couldn't get through them - they had been rotting, she could tell. Nothing good, those. Still, she could get down there... even if what she would prefer would be to see if they could lure anything into a more open area for her to grab, shake, and drop.

Tactics-wise, that could work, if she was careful, using the Akvatari as bait. And possibly, possibly, if would have to, if something came out to play.

[Ja'soth]

So our quartet is off for Hramath's lair. Avi and NImvahlis arrived firs and have been scouting the mists that surround the area for quite some distance. Skroth and Caelum are not far behind on their mounts made and tended to by the Jamoura artisans. Nimvahlis descends first into the mists of Chaos below.

[Nimvahlis]

As you descend toward the mists, the feeling of dread becomes stronger along with a feeling of anguish and torture. There is such a mix of emotions that your mind is filled with chaos which for now you can shut out with ease but it grows stronger as you grow closer to the ground. As he uses his Djed to enhance his vision and see the auras around him, he is almost overwhelmed by the outpouring of Djed in this area, it is like it is supercharged, but unlike trying to see Caiyha's aura it is not something he cannot tune down with concentration. The auras of this place are black with death and despair, there are also other colors, red indicating anger and gold indicating pure Djed it is like a rainbow of dark colors here.

The trees are covered in a shiny,black marble like rock that radiates a gold and black aura and feels evil, should Nimvahlis look with normal eyes at the surface he will note scenes flashing or seeming to flash in the stone of all kinds of blasphemous acts and chaos. Once on the ground he notes that the wails and cries seem to have stopped for now and there is not even the sound of the wind in the trees. There is a sense of being watched. The path continues here west but the mists are so thick that it is hard to see more than a few feet in front of him.

[Avi]

As she circles above the mists she notes Nimvahlis passage into then, he is swallowed by them as if consumed. The feelings of dread and anguish are accompanied by wails and cries for help. It is as if something were trying to get her to leave, or land she is not sure which. She cannot see him, but she can hear his footfalls above the cacophony. Through the mists she can see it, the cave, it is but a short distance to the west of where Nimvahlis vanished. There is also some kind of movement near the cave headed east at a fairly quick pace. But through the mists she can see nothing.

[Skroth]

Sh'halla takes to the air as if she were born for carrying a rider like him her wings beating the air. They cross the miles in what appears to be no time at all. Skroth notes the trees thinning a bit and the cloying,gray mists beginning to gather as he nears the place where Avi and Nimvahlis are. He is at once hit with the same feelings of dread and anguish as the others when he nears the zone of mists. He can hear the tortured screams of beings and then he sees Avi as the Black Dire Owl hovering near a place where the mists seem thick, but there is no sign of Nimvahlis anywhere.