• Event • Lost in the Cold Trial 2

[Arlo Creede]

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Arlo, maybe wisely, wanted no part in the conversation between the two women. Though he wouldn't admit it, there were times he was tempted to speak before thinking, and as often as not he let the temptation get the better of him. In this case, a third voice would serve no purpose. And it could as likely result in the owner of that voice ending up on the outs with both women at once.

He knew Vega much better, and knew, even appreciated her tendency to be blunt, to say what she was thinking. And Asari had already shown herself to be temperamental to the extent of abandoning better sense, when better sense would have meant equipping herself for the outing.

Instead, Arlo snorted quietly when Vega whispered to him in the half light provided by her own glow. And he wore what could only be described as an irreverent expression. "Go on, admit it. You'd miss me if I wasn't around," he whispered back, no matter her tight smile. Did she really think he'd stay back while she went in alone?

But it was back to the serious business of tracking down a lost child. The young man hadn't realized that Kata had failed to join them, until they were already at the split in the path and had found the sets of tracks. The man wasn't lost, they'd only traveled straight to then. So Arlo could only assume that the man who was meant to guide them, had instead decided to remain behind. A curious choice, but too late to question it. For him, the decision of how to carry on was easy. "I vote we stay together." If they came across something unsavory, the danger for one alone was too great. And it was easier for one to get lost in the dark, than two together when one of them put out just enough light to prevent them being plunged into darkness.

"I'm not sure there's any reason to split up anyway," Arlo said then, frowning down at the tracks in the soft ground. "Choosing one path at random, turning round and exploring the other will be time consuming and maybe it's not necessary. Not when it's possible to choose the most likely one and start there first," he said, and dropped down on his heels to look at the tracks closer. He urged Vega closer, even Lyova who gave off a glow of her own. But no matter how much light the two of them gave off, if there'd been enough light to notice the tracks in the first place, there was plenty enough to examine them now.

It didn't take any kind of expert tracker to tell the difference between prints left by a person, as opposed to those left by, say, a rabbit, a deer or a wolf. Not hard to tell whether they were small prints or large either. "Assuming she came in the same way we did," Arlo muttered while examining the tracks. "Unless she's some sort of magical creature, she couldn't have split in two and headed down both ways at once." He examined both sides of the splits then, to see if there were prints going down both paths, and in the same direction. It wasn't hard either to see whether any given set of prints were coming or going. Common sense dictated that the shape would be different, depending on the direction.

"If she's gone down both of them, then it was one way first only to return and go the other." Which meant that at the opening of one of those choices, there'd be prints headed in both directions, as opposed to the other where they'd lead in only one direction. But if there was another entrance or exit down one of those tunnels, then the prints ought be coming out one split and heading down the other.

It was all of those signs that Arlo was looking for. And last but not least, some indication that something else had gone that way too. Another person? A larger one? Or some sort of creature that also would have left tracks behind. But if examining the tracks gave them a better idea of which tunnel they ought to explore first, then the extra time to do it was well spent. Much less time consuming than choosing wrong at the start and having to come back. So if he learned anything useful by looking, then it was up again on his feet. "So I vote we stay together," he repeated, before offering his suggestion of which way they ought to go first, based on whatever he was able to see.

[Asari Rosacea]

As strange as it was, Vega’s comment made Asari beam with pride. Hell yeah, my nails are longer. These puppies aren’t just for show. She thought, quite proud of her nail care. Of course, the dagger was a more effective weapon. However, her pride deflated when Vega called her “Bedraggled and blotchy”. We’ve been walking around in the rain with no sleep! Asari thought defensively, though somehow- to her great surprise- she managed to bite her tongue, too. The last thing they needed was more arguments.

Asari was nervous as they walked into the cave, trying to stick close to either Vega or Arlo for the light. If she got too far from either of them, it’d force her to change, and that was the last thing she needed. It wasn’t terribly long until they came to two branching paths, and Asari, upon Vega’s question, turned around to look at Kata- only to see he was nowhere in sight. Her heart tightened with an uneasy feeling. Losing one of their own was never good.

Having no knowledge in linguistics, Asari stared at Vega as she spoke Rakahi, but it all sounded like gibberish to her. Very angry gibberish.

So there came two options. All together, or apart. Asari’s jaw clenched with irritation. Her first instinct was to say split up. They were here to find Rin’ea- fast- not to hold each other’s hands in the big, scary cave. However… they were her light source, and if somehow she managed to find the kid, her Naerikk form would probably scare her away.

Looking between Vega and Arlo, it was clear they were on the same page. They knew each other better, and they weren’t about to split up. Asari hated feeling like her choice wasn’t really a choice- but it was the best option for keeping them all alive.

“Together it is.” She agreed. “Hopefully Kata will find his way to us, or we’ll find him on the way back. As for which tunnel… well, that’s up to you two- I’ve got terrible luck.”

OOC Note

Sorry for the wait!

[Ent]

So the group made their decision, they would stick together and not split up. This would appear a sensible option for all involved and many on the outside. On the other hand it could appear foolish, as Vega's faint glow appeared to be all that meant they could see. This of course was not true. Asari the as a Naerikk could see no matter what light they were in and whether that was in Shadow or Illusion form it did not matter, she could see. As for Arlo he was lucky enough to have the way lit by his fairy guardian, a faint light when all else was dark. In all truth Vega was the only one who would soon be blind, her own glow being the only reason she could see at this point.

As Arlo examined the footprints closely his fairy lighting them so they were clearer. He would discover that the correct route to take was left, to the right were tracks going in and out of the tunnel. On the left only one set of tracks could be seen, going deeper into the pitch black ahead of them. This is the way the group would not go heading deeper into the cave alone, without the light the lantern and Kata would have offered they were now delving into complete darkness. It was about to get much more difficult for Vega.

The group would walk down the rather wide corridor now, it was up to them whether they walked in a spread or in a line. However, the tunnel was certainly wide enough to fit three abreast if they wished to travel in such a manner. The darkness would seem to stretch on forever for the now blind Vega as all would grow dark as they rounded a short bend. The complete absence of light would make Vega feel rather disoriented and she would now have to rely on the others for guidance. For this reason the going would be slow taking at least 20 bits before they would finally reach a large cavity. Here the fairies weak light would not be enough to reveal that which lay across the other side and only Asari would be able to see what laid ahead. Leaned against the far wall was a still girl, she would appear to be sleeping.
Meanwhile, Kata, having rushed into the cave to try and warn the rest of the group of his findings had taken the wrong turn running right down the tunnel instead of left. This would mean he would not reach the group until moments after they entered into the large cavity. While he would grab them to stop them making any foolish attempts to run immediately for the girl he could do nothing about the rest of their actions until he had them in his hands, covering their mouths. He could also only grab two of them and since the Naerikk would be able to see everything and now would be in shadow form she would be free of his grasps. These few moments would be important, what the group did in this few moments could mean life or death for them all. A pressure, that the three volunteers could not know of, was now on their shoulders.

Off Topic

This is the last round of posting for this thread, the third and final thread shall be started soon. I will alert you all by PM when it is ready. Please only write up to stepping into the cavity and then being grabbed/disturbed by Kata.

Enjoy!

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[Vega]

Trial 2

"I admit nothing," Vega shot back to Arlo with a more genuine smile when he said that she'd miss him if he wasn't there. "Nor do I deny it, though. That'll have to do." They had a job to do, after all and so they had to get on with it the now-three of them. They agreed that the three of them stayed together, a pleasantly easy discussion all told, and then Arlo made the point about the tracks. It made sense and Vega glanced at Asari to check what she thought. "Makes sense to me, and he knows about it. We all ok?"

With just three of them, it was even more important that they stay close, there was safety in those numbers, and Vega was more than a little unnerved by the loss of Kata. She didn't believe that he would just not say anything to any of them, why would he do that? But her wondering grew less as the light did and soon, Vega put her hand out and spoke in a quiet voice. "I can't see. Nothing. You two can, I know." Asari had told her that she was a Naerikk when they met previously and Vega was fairly sure that they'd be able to ~ add in to that the way she'd walked through the woods away from them and the light with such certain steps and it made sense. Arlo, of course, had his own means of seeing, although not something that she'd share.

"Will you help me?" Vega hated needing to ask, but she did need to and so, they either left her here (which she knew Arlo wouldn't go for at the very least) or they helped her along. So that meant the going was slow, more slow than she'd like it to be.

But eventually, after a lot longer than she would have hoped for, they stopped. In this time, Vega had grown completely disoriented and she'd gone from just resting her hand on Arlo's arm so that she had a sense of direction to clutching it rather nervously. A few moments before everything changed, after stumbling again and catching herself with a grab at him, Vega had sighed in irritation. "I don't know which way is what and I'm going to have bloody nightmares about this." Although Asari hadn't heard her sounding afraid before and so might reasonably just mistake it for grouchy, Arlo had and Vega was bordering on terrified. She kept it together, though, mostly although her prayer to Xiur was heartfelt. "Let me keep up hope, let me not forget that the light of the stars is in me, I am Biqaj and we are free and hopeful. Let me keep up hope in your name, Xiur. she prayed internally and she held on to Arlo's arm.

Just when she was starting to think that she couldn't keep going Vega realised, suddenly, that she could see. Just a little, but she could make out some sort of contrast and as Kata approached them (although Vega didn't know that was what it was) and the light of the lantern shone on the three of them, Vega squinted as her eyes tried to adjust. Tried to make out what in all of Idalos was going on.

She turned towards the light, her eyes starting to adjust to it as she felt a hand clamp over her mouth and Vega felt panic rise in her. It was close to the surface anyhow because of the disorientation and growing fear she had felt but the fact that she had turned stopped her from acting in a way which she normally would. Usually, if someone grabbed her from behind and clamped their hand over her mouth without a warning, Vega would punch first and ask questions later but in the light of the lantern she thought she made out Kata's face. Could it be him? She squinted to try and make out what she was seeing and, as she did, she lifted a hand with the intention of getting out of the grip of whoever thought it was sensible to sneak up on someone in the dark and clamp a hand over their mouth.

Off Topic

Clarified with Ent that the lantern light is with Kata and so the light returns with him.
Hope all that's ok - let me know if not, and I'll edit.

 

[Arlo Creede]

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Once he'd examined the tracks on the floor, Arlo was sure they were headed in the right direction. But in spite of all his usual bravado, it was still unnerving to be traveling through the sort of darkness that was as thick as pea soup and black as pitch. Eventually even the light that Vega let off wasn't enough.

The young man figured that of the three of them, Asari could probably see just fine. It was the nature of what she was. But him and Vega? "Take my arm," he said as he reached out and guided her hand to his sleeve. "I can follow Lyova, you hang tight to me." The little fairy was swimming through the stale air a few strides ahead of him at a height which mean the tallest of them wouldn't scrape their scalps against any of the low spots. And now and then Arlo reached out to the side to make sure they didn't collide with any walls. It didn't stop him from stumbling once or twice over a rough spot in the tunnel's floor.

While running the tips of his fingers along the wall beside him, Arlo found a rough spot, a sort of divot in the wall and he slowed his steps there. "Stop," he told Vega, "For just a bit?" Reaching up, he plucked the bright colored feather from the band of his hat. The one that Vega had handed him, one morning after a dream that he'd wandered into. And he tucked that feather into the wall, carefully as an offering to Cassion. He liked the thing and would like to have kept it. It gave his hat a little something extra. But what better offering, than if it was also a sacrifice?

And he whispered a prayer to the Immortal before they moved on. "From one traveler, one adventurer to another, accept this gift offered in your name, and guide my feet. Show us the way, help us to find the smallest of travelers, safe and sound." And then tugging at Vega's arm, he moved on, relying on Lyova's light to guide them. Then hoping to distract Vega and ease her nerves, Arlo asked her, "Did you know that if Cassion was to be walking right beside you, sharing a fire or a story with you, you might never know it? He's not like the others. Chances are, he wouldn't tell you his name," he said.

"He's the ultimate traveler," he carried on as they walked. "The journey is what's important, I mean, not the destination. He's so well traveled that he's journeyed farther into Emea, the dreaming world, than any Immortal, before or since. He was gone so long in fact that they believed he'd died there. Some trial," he whispered to Vega and smiled a little when he said it, "I'm going to find out where he went, and what he saw while he was there."

But then just when he'd begun to think that they'd walk forever, the tunnel emptied out into a much wider place. Although he couldn't actually see much of it. Not much beyond the glow that Lyova let off. Though just when he was about to ask the others, what next, Kata appeared, grabbed him and threw a hand over his mouth. Arlo spun round on his heel, and just in time to stop him acting on impulse, recognized Kata's face in the faint glow of the lantern. None too soon. The young man was already reaching for his knife. A split trill then made the difference. Otherwise he'd have stabbed first and asked questions later.

[Asari Rosacea]

Asari had known she couldn’t resist her change. It wasn’t long down the path that it occurred. Her skin changed to pure shadow, her height rising from her meek 5’1 to slightly over six feet. Her fingernails grew into claws, long and gnarly. She melted into the darkness, her long legs carrying her further than the others, keeping her distance from them. Her hair shifted into wispy bits of shadow, just as dark as the rest of her. The only part of her visible to the others were her eyes- glowing blue orbs that shone like cat eyes in the dark, reflective and bright.

Not wanting to bother Arlo and Vega with her Naerikk form, Asari ended up walking a little ahead of them. It was easy for her to see. Perhaps, even easier than in daylight. She was in her element, comfortable for once, silent as she moved down the tunnel.

Behind her, she could hear the other two talking, helping each other and discussing their immortals. Who would I pray to now? Audrae, since we’re in her shadowy domain? Asari wondered. Yet, she knew better. Audrae would not care for the life of a Sev’ryn girl- not if it didn’t benefit her. In her own jaded mind, Asari didn’t think Audrae would be any help at all.
Instead, Asari found herself thinking of who Rin’ea might have prayed to. She was a Sev’ryn, so perhaps Moseke. Most Sev’ryn did. If she had been taught to pray, Asari wondered if, when alone and scared, she might have prayed to Moseke.

Even though she was a little unsure of how to, Asari took a breath.

Moseke, Immortal of Life. I pray for Rin’ea, on her behalf. I pray for her life and wellbeing. I pray for your protection over her, as a Sev’ryn. I pray that we find her well.

It was shortly after this little prayer that they entered a large cavity. Asari instantly noticed was the little body, lying so peacefully across the room. Almost as if asleep- but a feeling of dread went over Asari that it may not be a happy ending after all.

“Rin’ea?” The name left her in a whisper. However, it was at that time that a shining lantern light appeared behind her. Asari threw up a shadowy arm over her piercing blue eyes as she turned around- the light already forcing her to change. Her shadows dissipating, Asari's long legs and arms shrunk, her body returning to regular size. Her clothes, her bag, her skin, her hair, all of it returned slowly, as if melting out of the shadows. Finally, she stood there as a human would have.

From where she stood, she had to squint past the sudden light, her eyes adjusting from the previous darkness. It would seem that Kata had returned- and he stood, clasping shut Arlo and Vega's mouths.

I don't understand. Why is he... She didn't finish her thought, frowning. If Kata was here, and he grabbed Arlo and Vega like that... something must be wrong. Asari forced herself to stand still, her hand gripping the handle of her whip tightly. The Naerikk could only let her gaze drift from Kata to the body of the girl.

She couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

[Ent]

Your rewards little ones

Name: Vega

Knowledge:
Xiur: Immortal of the stars and hope
Xiur: Worshipped by your mother
Kata: Was beginning to lose hope in finding the girl
Kata: You helped him to rediscover his hope
Kata: Disappeared for a short while when you were in the cave
Asari: Struggling with the weather
Asari: Made a stupid decision coming out without proper clothes
Arlo: Is a wart, irritating and hard to get rid of
Arlo: Guided you through the darkness
Tactics: Not to rush into an unknown situation
Tactics: Playing it safe
Tactics: Remaining within eyesight and staying together
Tactics: Calling out someones name at intervals
Navigation: Finding your way in the dark
Navigation: Following another's instruction and guidance
Leadership: Going first and being the lead in a group
Leadership: Taking charge in a difficult situation

Loot: N/A
Injuries: N/A
Fame: +5 taking part int he Cylus Event in Desnind
Devotion: Xiur +2 (Give someone, Kata, hope )

Story: 10/10
Collaboration: 5/5
Structure: 5/5
Magic: N/A

Name: Arlo

Knowledge:
Vega: Took charge of the situation
Vega: Follows the immortal Xiur
Vega: Called you an irritating wart
Kata: Was beginning to lose hope in finding the girl
Kata: Disappeared for a short while when you were in the cave
Asari: Gave you an apple
Asari: Struggling with the weather
Hunting: Telling the direction of tracks
Hunting: Examining markings in low light
Hunting: Difficult in the dark while raining
Navigation: Using a light source to guide you
Navigation: Acting as a guide for another in the dark
Navigation: Finding the way in a dark tunnel
Tactics: Going into a tunnel in pairs
Tactics: Going into a tunnel as a group of four
Tactics: Calling out someones name at intervals

Loot: -1 tooth necklace
Injuries: N/A
Fame: +5 taking part int he Cylus Event in Desnind
Devotion: Cassion +4 (2x leave an offering for Cassion), +2 (prayers to Cassion), +3 (have an adventure), +2 (dedicate a story to Cassion/telling a story about him)

Story: 10/10
Collaboration: 5/5
Structure: 5/5
Magic: N/A

Name: Asari

Knowledge:
Vega: Took charge of the situation
Vega: Follows the immortal Xiur
Kata: Was beginning to lose hope in finding the girl
Kata: Disappeared for a short while when you were in the cave
Arlo: Made an offer to Cassion
Arlo: A regular boy hero
Audrae: The immortal of shadows
Audrae: The immortal you put your faith in
Tactics: Going into a tunnel in pairs
Tactics: Going into a tunnel as a group of four
Tactics: Calling out someones name at intervals
Navigation: Finding your way through the forest in Cylus
Navigation: Traversing a tunnel in the dark
Hunting: Following tracks to find the target

Loot: N/A
Injuries: N/A
Fame: +5 taking part int he Cylus Event in Desnind
Devotion: +1 (prayers to Audrae)

Story: 10/10
Collaboration: 5/5
Structure: 5/5
Magic: N/A

Comment: Great job everyone, I was so happy with how you all took part in this thread and you all worked well together. All three of you write splendidly and there were no issues at all, very well done and max points for all! I hope you enjoy the rewards and I hope you all enjoyed writing this as much as me. It was all very exciting and I will thank you again for taking part in this event of mine, I hope it has been great for you all so far just one thread left to grade! Fantastic and I hope to write more with all of you in the future!

If there are any issues or questions please feel free to send me a PM and I will do my best to sort it out! Enjoy the rewards all!