[Sanea Labyrinth] Lost in a Labyrinth (Invite Only)

[Kelpie]

The group had nothing else to do but continue on toward their destination, and indeed, that was what they would have done to begin with. They set out to do what Stitch had asked of them, and they would do it til the end. The labyrinth stood as a test to their strength, their endurance and their perceptions of the world around them, so when they entered, they felt the walls close in around them, and should they look back, no exit would be present. The various paths stretched out before them, taunting them, and more than once they had encountered a dead end. The further they went in with each passing minute, the further the walls closed in, until only two could be beside each other and touch, and the air around them reeked of the scent of blood. More than once a branch or two from the high walls beside them snatched at their clothes and their hair, causing minor scratches, and at first it was only occasionally, but farther in, Rhuryc could have sworn he saw a vine snap out at them, grasping something invisible in mid air, then sink back into the walls on either side. And then almost at once, vines shot forth wrapping around Stitch and Fade and pulling them into a conglomeration of plants on either side. The leaves hissed and the walls shook, and slowly they were becoming trapped within the vines, choking as they tightened and became cages. More vines were snaking around the ankles of Guido and Rhuryc, these flora intent on having a meal specialized for them this day. Not a mile ahead of them stood a pit with stairs leading into darkness, but the path was difficult to discern, as the wild frenzy of the plants shook and brought down a flurry of leaves to the forest floor. There was a howling in the air, calling for the time to feast.

[Stitch]

The blind man didn't even notice the entrance closing in behind him. The further in they went, the more Stitch seemed oblivious to the world. He continued on into the Labyrinth with that dreamy smile, occassionally sniffing out at the air. He often paused to admire the flowers, as he seemed to see some beauty in each and every one of them, even whenever they might appear horrifying to the others. Even some of the bland vines held some wonder for Stitch, who would often lightly touch them with curious fingertips. Perhaps a word or two from one of the others would stop him, but otherwise, he was happy to continue along with his rather naive behavior. The dead ends did not dishearten him, he would simply turn and cheerily go about another path. Whatever enchantments might be affecting them, his normally happy nature did little to fight against the effects.

A few of the minor scratches seemed to bother him a bit, the blind man tilting his head at the offending plants to give them a somewhat hurt expression. It was as if he was insulted they had harmed him, even after he had been so loving. When the narrow walkway tightened to the point where he had to walk side by side with another, he eagerly took the lead with one other, wanting to explore more of this wonderous place.

Stitch had little time to react as the vines shot forth, his smiling face freezing in an expression of dimwitted shock.

The vines took him by the ankles first, nearly tripping him, the blind man only saved by the lashing limbs of various other vegetation. They wrapped around his arms and chest, and quickly yanked him back into the walls of the Labyrinth. His lips finally let loose a startled cry, and he instantly struggled against the offending flora, muscles bulging as he merely tried to power his way out. He wasn't so sure how strong the limbs were, but he was going to find out. Stitch wasn't really that strong himself though, and though many muscles bulged on his lithe form, they were all lithe and slim. He was somewhat helpless in this situation.

His eyes flicked to Fade, noticing she was sharing his fate. "Guido!" The blind man's voice was suddenly booming out across the labyrinth, loud and commanding, only a undertone of fear leaking through in the minor form of a few trembling words. "Rhuryc! The lady!" He cried out for them to save her, his struggles against the vines continuing with renewed fury. He heard the roar further down the hallway they occupied, and could barely make out the pit in the distance. Was that where they were supposed to go? It looked like the only way they could go. "Quickly! A fire, milord Guido! Fire will put the plants to rest, and we can use it to ward them off while we make our escape to that pit in the distance!" Out of the frying pan and into the fire, but he wasn't about going to word that. He was certainly glad he had brought Guido along. Hopefully the fire would ward off the angry plants, as he wasn't sure he wanted to find out what would happen if he got yanked firmly into the wall.

Would he simply be locked away until his heart finally stopped beating? His breath quickened at the thought. He hadn't thought this to be so dangerous, but the labyrinth was already threatening his life. His thrashing renewed even harder than before, the blind man now having regained his sense of danger. This place was evil, and it wanted him dead. He wasn't in a good spot.

[Rhuryc]

This place was cursed. Rhuryc grew more paranoid as the walls closed in, his weary glances sent all about the twice-damned labyrinth in a steady, constant vigil. So focused was he on his senses that he barely had a thought of his own. Direction was taken from Stitch ahead, his brain ceasing any form of intelligent thought. He was a stark contrast to their leader's cheery self. Solemn and serious, every step brought new dangers, new worries; more than once Rhuryc found himself rushing forward to ensure the safety of his companions, sword kept up, ready, willing to swing at a single moment's notice. The dead ends, the darkness, and the lack of an obvious egress, it all left the man in a state of heightened awareness. The scent of blood was heavy in the air and something wanted them dead. Something dark.

The vine caught his attention with a snap. Rhuryc opened his mouth to warn the others but his words came too late. Instead a ferocious curse took their place and the man swept into action, brow narrowed in valiant defiance. What seemed like a thousand limbs assailed the small company, green weeds sinking themselves around flesh, cutting and gnashing as they went. He watched Stitch as he was taken. The order was ignored as Rhuryc streamed forward, blade brought down in a powerful slice that seared the vines that held Stitch's arm. He heard the order (how could he not so close?) but a previous estimation of their grouped had driven his decision.

"She has weapons, numskull." Rhuryc responded with an eerie calm. He twisted and stepped toward the woman anyway, his sword brought around again only to be interrupted. He felt thorns stab into his flesh, biting at his ankles and pulling. A solid thud accompanied Rhuryc when he crashed onto the ground, his leg taken aside by the offending vines. He growled and kicked and pulled. Hoisting his torso up he sent his blade at his foot and separated the vine into two, neat parts - one of which was still attached to his ankle - before he rolled over, then shifted to a knee and stood in protest. This was annoying. All around him his companions were beset by these hell vines, assailed all at once in a way that prevented him from assisting more than one at a time. And there was his own self to consider. He could run, no doubt, beyond Stitch and the others, distance himself and make it into the pit without a problem. The thought crossed his mind.

"Run if you can!" With a loud roar he hacked at the vines on Fade, blade and shield whirling about in a deadly dance of strength and power. He would not continue until the rest of them were safe.

[Fade]

Fade almost jumped out of her skin as the vines shot out at her, they seemed to have a mind of their own as they wrapped around her ever growing tighter. She took a big breath trying to make herself bigger than she actually was. Then she started twisting madly in her bonds, a quick glance told her Stitch was in the same situation, she didn’t catch his words as her head was ringing all on its own. She tried to reach for her weapon just to be stopped by the murderous plants, but Fade could reach her waist also bending backwards, it was in that moment that the vines tripped her up. Unable to put her hands forward she fell awkwardly on one side of her face. Rhuryc was making a valiant effort in trying to help her but he too had fallen to the ground and was freeing himself.
She focused on the task ahead as she was dragged slowly towards the green wall. Arching her back she grabbed a handful of vines straightening herself up as if she was on a climbing frame, her legs still bound together she managed to stand awkwardly up. By that time Rhuryc was helping her hacking at her captors with ferocity, as he cut the vines she slipped out of their grasp quickly.

He had shouted for her to run as if there was a safe place to run to, slim dagger in hand now she smiled quickly at Rhuryc having just the time to pant a little “thanks”

She whipped round to watch Stitch being pulled straight into the wall, she brought a hand to her brow just to feel sticky blood where she had fallen, it wasn’t serious but it made her strangely apprehensive of the danger.
The writhing mass of vines which had Stitch safely in grasp though presented a problem, she only could hope Guido’s fire could help because it seemed like steal alone couldn’t vanquish all the plants.

[Guido Faragas]

Guido breathed a sigh of relief as he finished annointing himself with the ointments that Stitch had kindly provided. With a grateful smile, he handed them back to the blind man. The fellow’s jovial manner was infectious – indeed, he even found a reason to argue that the choice of a crowbar was a good tool. Perhaps he was being kind, or perhaps it would prove to be a fortuitous choice. In any event, the young reimancer felt much better with the ointment adorning his body and he even chanced a whistle as the group ventured deeper into the first part of the labyrinth.

He was feeling a little light-headed, almost dreamlike, despite the relaxation techniques he had continually practiced since they had entered the forest. It gave him cause for concern but Stitch still appeared to be enjoying himself, sniffing the air as if out for a stroll on a summer’s day. Rhuryc's more serious manner was almost the exact counterpoint to Stitch. Indeed, the bearded swordsman’s countenance appeared worried and agitated as if he could sense the danger of every step. Guido’s third companion, Fade, was more of an enigma – quietly moving along with the group but betraying no sign of the solemnity of Rhuryc or the carefree manner of the blind man. The reimancer continued to whistle, using the sound as focus – a fixed point to clear his mind of the dangers that lay ahead.

He viewed the events of the next few chimes almost in slow motion. He saw the vines shoot out, entangling Fade and Stitch, pulling them to the side of the path. He heard the blind man’s startled cry and saw the vines creeping around Rhuryc’s ankles. Then, he felt the touch of the vines snake around of his own lower limbs and he heard the howling, drowning out the final echoes of his own whistling.

Stitch’s voice pierced Guido’s senses. He heard the call for fire and he instantly knew he had to act. He had hoped to save his skills for later in the journey for he was acutely aware of the recovery time that was always needed and the price that had to be paid. Yet, there was no time for debate or dithering – Stitch was right, fire might be their salvation. Fire and plants didn't mix well.He allowed his thoughts to dive down quickly into the pool in which he envisaged lay the multi-coloured strands of his djed. It had always appeared in this manner – a seething mass of ribbons, snaking around in a tangled web, waiting to be pulled into the outer world. Perhaps other reimancer’s saw their djed in their own way and this was simply his own illusion – to solidify something that was tenuous and immaterial.

He had practiced the manoeuvre endless times in his Master’s home and even a few times in more pressing circumstances. Thus, the dive for the djed, the grasping of a ball of strands and the expelling of the gaseous res from his palm came in a fluid movement. As the ball of translucent res formed in his hand, he stroked its surface, willing it to flicker into flame, yet keeping the inner part of the sphere calm and untouched. A feeling of exhilaration washed over his senses as he felt the familiar sensation of the res bending to his will. He was dimly aware of Rhuryc hacking at the plants and the white-haired woman struggling to free herself. The blind man was in trouble, not having the strength to release himself. Guido’s eyes alighted on the writhing plants that had ensnared the group and he extended his hand in the direction of the wall of plants. With a final twist of his will, he ignited the inner part of the sphere and pushed his palm forwards, expelling the ball of flame towards the plants. As he did so, he moved his hand slightly from side to side to create an arc of flame above and behind where his companions were held.

Rhuryc’s cry to run found its way to his ears and should the flame succeed in freeing the captives, he was ready to grab Stitch from the confines of the plants and use his depleted energy to make his way rapidly down the path.

[Kelpie]

Due to the bravery and determination of the group, the vines were kept at bay. Rhuryc’s sword slashed through the plants with as much vigor as he could put forth, but what the party hadn’t expected was the spew of crimson liquid that came from the cut ligaments. A spray of red coated them all, and screams tore through the air, none of them their own, but heart-wrenching all the same. Guido’s fire ignited the rest, forcing them to retreat back into the sanctity of the walls on either side of them, and soon only the red pool beneath their feet was proof that they’d ever been attacked. Of course, the party didn’t have much time to check, as they had fled into the dark recesses of the sunken structure. Inside was entirely pitch black. Each individual could barely see the hand in front of their faces let alone each other, for the exception of Stitch, who could notice key auras darting to and from their location and further in. The air was damp, and there was a constant dripping sound echoed in the halls. Only when the party traveled like this for five minutes did a thin stream of light fall through a crack in the ceiling. It illuminated three entrances, leading into hallways and rooms beyond. It was only a matter of choosing which one. In the center of the room was a dais, with the words, “It lives, it breathes, and it moves”, carved onto it’s surface. The three arched doorways were completely masked in darkness, tempting, taunting. The shadows breathed life to the architecture of the small room. Glittering jewels embedded in the walls and rimmed with gold. The far left archway smelled of the scent of flowers once more, the center, whispers and laughter emanated from. On the far right, only the sound of constant dripping. It was time for the team to decide.

[Stitch]

Rhuryc was quick with his snappy comeback, and was even quikcer to stream forward in a beautiful harmony of steel and fluid movement. Stitch was at a loss, both trying to find a retort to Rhuryc's words, and just stunned at the skill of the man. Swords fighting had always been a beautiful thing to watch, Stitch often had thought. He had often seen the Knights practicing, as well as one of his orphans. It could either be a really clumsy, wild thing; or it could be one of the most graceful acts that Stitch had ever witnessed. Rhuryc was more of the latter than the former, although he was still missing a bit of that grace that the highest swordsman seemed to possess. Still though, the blacksmith was a wonder. Stitch felt some of the vines give around him, and he renewed his struggles, flexing and flailing in an attempt to make himself quite the difficult meal. He could feel his muscles burning though, and he knew he couldn't keep up this for awhile. Even if Rhuryc had slowed down their assault, he was still having to deal with the dozens of other vines that seemed to desire him as well.

Salvation came in the form of Guido, and his flame. The blazing fire was bright in Stitch's sight, and the plants let out a supernatural scream, one that actually brought sorrow to his heart. What felt like some kind of liquid drenched Stitch, and the only thing he was really concerned about was it soaking through his eye bandages. He hurriedly wiped at his face, trying to clean it admist the inferno. A hand reached out to grab him, and he eagerly took it, pulling himself from the wall. He and the party took flight, spurred on by Rhuryc's cry. Guido helped support Stitch first the first few steps, but without a word, Stitch soon took over. He whispered words of encouragement to the mage as they clambered on, and made sure to aid him in his flight should he ever grow tired. He hadn't been aware that it was going to be this dangerous, and quitting didn't seem to be an option. He would have to thank his companions, later.

As they fled into the sunken structure, Stitch brought up a hand to stop them, able to make out the path they needed to take. "Link hands, if you will. Don't let go. If someone feels a hand drop from their grasp, shout out. This one can keep an eye on us all, but communication is key. This one doesn't trust what lurks in the dark. Especially not here." Reaching back to take whoever's hand reached his, Stitch would then take the lead, slowly walking deeper into this new world. He kept his Auristic eye wide open, letting his gaze slowly sweep all around them. He followed the obvious path, and tried to keep the various moving shapes under close watch, but soon gave up. They darted to and fro, and seemed to wish no harm upon the group. Stitch didn't even mention them, for fear of putting the rest of his companions at ill-ease. Instead, after a few moments of silence, merely a minute into the pitch-black hike, Stitch started to sing.

The incey wincey spider
Climbed up the spout
Down came the rain
And washed the spider out
Out came the sun
And dried up all the rain
And the incey wincey spider
Climbed up again!

After that initial lullaby was sung a few times, Stitch quickly switched to another. Lullaby's were unfortunetely the only thing the Orphanage owner knew, or he would have sang something more... appropriate. If the others attempted their hand at a new song, he would allow them their time on the stage. Otherwise, unless told to stop, Stitch would sing a variety of songs for the full length of the dark trip.

They came to the room with the gold, the jewels, the dias, and the three entrances. Both the gold, and the jewels went un-noticed by Stitch, as did the carved words on the large dias. His eyes could only see so much, or perhaps he simply didn't care for either of them. Instead, his attention was completely focused on the three doors they had to choose from. "This one likes the middle. This one has recently learned not to appreciate nor be lured in by the smells of this place, as they lead us into angry vines... Nor does this one particularly like water. Even if it is just the sound of dripping water, this one would hate for that to signal a large body of water further ahead. This one can't swim." If the party could make out Stitch amongst the mixture of shadows and light, they would be quick to notice the rather bashful grin on his face. He had regained his happy nature through song, so it seemed. Even if he was soaked head to tail in plant blood.

[Guido Faragas]

Exultation: as the arc of fire blazed from the reimancer’s outstretched palm burning the grasping vines. Pain: as he staggered forwards a pace or two as if his breath had been taken away by a hard punch to the stomach. Revulsion: as the red liquid splattered across his body. The Price. Always a price to pay. And, the desire to do more.

He rubbed the liquid away from his face with the back of his hand and, as the vines retreated, he grabbed the blind man and ran towards the dark entrance. The first few paces rapidly drained his remaining reserves of energy and he was glad of Stitch’s help for the final few steps. He dared take not a single look back, only dimly aware of his other two companions making their own way towards the entrance. The darkness slowly swallowed the group as they made their way from the known horror of the plants to whatever unknown perils lay below. The reimancer was dimly aware that he should search for the candles in his rucksack, but he didn’t want to stop for an instant, desperate to get as far away from the snaking foliage - the feeling of the vines around his ankles still assailing his mind.

The damp air coated his lungs and he wheezed a little from the long run into the dark. The sound of dripping water constantly reminded the youth of the need for sustenance to regain his energy. Stitch’s words of advice cut through the gloom and he reached out to grasp the hands of those next to him, grateful for the supporting aid that they brought. He stumbled more than once in the dark as they moved slowly forwards with only the comfort of the blind man’s singing for company.

The thin shaft of light that dimly illuminated the hall came as a blessed relief. Blurred eyes focused on the dais and the words they contained, perhaps forewarning of the dangers that lurked through the three arched entrances. As the group halted at the dais, the reimancer unhooked the water bottle from his belt and took a deep swig of the cool liquid. It soothed his throat and ran slowly down into his stomach. After another deep drink, he returned the bottle to his belt and retrieved a few dry rations which he slowly chewed. He breathed a momentary sigh of relief, having taken the first important step to recovering his senses. As he recovered, his eyes were drawn to the jewels and the gold. Yet, somehow they held no immediate lure for the reimancer, pre-occupied as he was with the after-effects of the battle and the choice that lay ahead.

It lives, it breathes, and it moves? Flowers, whispers and dripping water? Three warnings for three doors? In truth, I see no obvious path. He listened intently to Stitch’s reasoning for taking the central path. It was as good a rationale as any he could come up with. “I am with your choice on this,” he said slowly. “I want no more of scented flowers and the constant sound of that dripping is getting on my nerves. Let us take the central path.”

[Fade]

She touched the red liquid curiously but had no time to think about it as they hurried away from the terrible vines. She was glad Guido’s fire had a hold on plants, it was good they had him with them.
Fade made her way through the darkness oddly calmed by Stitches singing. As Stitch proposed that they all should hold hands she quickly pulled on a pair of gloves before touching anybody. When he had finished singing she added her own little contribution to break the silence, she didn’t actually sing she just recited in a melodious tone.

“A cry of war
The call of the Crow
He is coming
They whisper

He is coming He is coming
A frigid breeze
A nameless fear
Coming Coming

I walk in the woods
Feeling it
The all consuming hate
Worlds end

Bright forest darkens
The World Withers
The fear begins
Within me

He is coming
The whisper fills the woods
He is coming
Echoed death

Another whisper
Of concern
Run run run”




Her last words echoed ominously.
Ash had sung that song, she shivered at the thought. The poem was maybe not the right subject when in the middle of murderous vegetation but it was the only one that came to mind.
The darkness suffocated her, she wasn’t afraid just deeply annoyed by the surrounding blackness.
When they reached the light they stopped in front of three inscriptions “It lives, it breathes, and it moves” left her puzzled but she agreed with the others “Centre it is then” She exclaimed smiling, her eyes drifting to the jewel encrusted surroundings, non that she really cared of wealth. Money was necessary but she didn’t really know what she would do with a lot of it…maybe time would tell.

“But…maybe we should cover our moths with something…If it breathes we don’t know what it breathes in and what…” she paused “it breathes out” She chuckled “Better safe than sorry!”

[Kelpie]

It was decided. The party of three had chosen the centre hall, and as they began their trek into the depths it was only darkness that greeted them. Slowly yet progressively, the temperature around them began to cool, and off in the distance emanated sounds of rock sliding against rock, and low rumbling vibrated through the walls. What it could have meant was anyone’s guess, but it would not spell good for any member of this party, especially after losing one already to the vines that enveloped him in a vicious embrace. The wizard named for this labyrinth did not design it to be a walk in the park as they quickly realized. They were trials, obstacles set in their path to block them from a treasure that has been hoarded here for centuries, and many people have tried and died venturing into these depths, where naught but shadows and monsters reside. Their voices danced all around the three; first it was laughter, giggling, uplifted voices, then as they ventured further, the voices gradually melted into sorrow, cries and eventually screams. The hall seemed to go on forever, as they’d been walking for many chimes now. Then Fade felt something prickle her skin. A passing of a chilling breeze across her skin, then as if she’d been slammed by cold air. For a moment she couldn’t breathe, her throat had closed tight and her eyes rolled back into her head. She collapsed onto the moldy ground, convulsing and trembling, then eerily, she rose once more, finding that she was now no longer in control of her own body. The lips that were her own and were at the same time not curled into a devious smile, and the voice that spoke held another, underlying one. “You shouldn’t be here,” The creature said through Fade’s mouth, “You’re dancing your way into shadows! You want to play? We’ll play.” Twirling and dancing up to Stitch, the Fade that was not entirely Fade whipped out with a vicious kick, aiming straight for his legs, and her laughter drowned out the ominous screams and cries of the dead overhead.