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« january open log: avaleci »

This is our Open Log for players to have an easy opportunity to tag others and have fun with prompts that deal with current happenings that are not covered by our MANTA Board quests. Sometimes we provide extra quests at the bottom, but oftentimes we just let the MANTA Board cover it. Players are free to include MANTA Board quests in their toplevels!

For your toplevel, please include the following: Character Name | Canon | Armada Choice.

TOPLEVEL DIRECTORY (Updated January 16)

WINTER LODGE

As part of an annual migration of sorts, the three leviathans will journey north where the waters are cold and small icebergs and chunks of ice will float aimlessly. As if serving as a "boundary point," there is a large island called Avaleci. It is a unique place where one half is an active, submerged volcano and the other is a snow-capped mountain. For a few years now it has become a place to serve not only as a waypoint for those traveling through the area, but a tourist vacation destination. It is here the three leviathans will rest, Nogard attaching itself in the black coastal sands where the mountain and volcanic plains meet.

Riding up a special sky gondola will take visitors high up on the mountain to a luxurious winter lodge that will allow anyone to stay in one of their cozy cabins—for a fee, of course. If one cannot pay with cash or treasure, then earning one's stay through labor, such as hunting for cooks or helping clean and assist others is an option.

The lodge itself will provide for most anything visitors may need, from appropriate clothing to gear and equipment for any sports or activities they may wish to partake in the area. Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, bobsledding, snowshoeing, mountain climbing—most everything is available with marked trails and areas that would be safe to partake in such activities. There are also a few special activities visitors may want to try their hand at.

Along with the mountain slopes and the snow covered forests surrounding the lodge, there is a large frozen lake just a small hike up a trail from the lodge. There are also ice caves that some may try to venture through, but should take caution as there are also natural predators and monsters that live in the area.

🎣 Ice fishing. There are two forms of ice fishing: 1) the usual dig through the ice and drop a line into the frigid waters, and 2) have a net ready to try and catch flying fish that will fly over.
⛸️ Skating. Show off your moves! Just stick to the thicker ice, and watch out for anyone trying to play hockey instead.
🌟 Stargazing. Although chilly, there is a designated platform where one can use telescopes or just lie out on the ground to stargaze. Maybe if they're lucky, an aurora borealis will appear to paint the sky with a curtain of colors.
🦇 Snow bats. There are special little white bats whose homes were devastated by a small avalanche not too long ago. There are now rescue efforts to help rebuild their habitat to create hollows for them to build their nest. Form a positive bond and they may gift helpers with a special powdered sugar that falls from their fur.

Although not the tallest mountain in the world, climbing to the peak can be a challenging feat, especially as it includes venturing through some ice caves. The staff try to keep the trails and caves clear of any dangerous animals and monsters, but they still sometimes come through so be careful. However, should one reach the peak, they can collect a special mountain ice crystal that will stay frozen no matter how it gets. Just beware of potential avalanches. There is a magitech system installed to automatically create a special dome shield in certain areas to help protect anyone who can reach the safe spaces in time. But if otherwise caught, rescue efforts will be quick and should be able to pull anyone out to safety.

Finally, there are a number of wildlife and monsters that inhabit the mountains. For the most part they will leave the busy lodge and recreational areas alone, but encounters are inevitable. Territorial mountain goats, ice golems lurking the ice caves, and the occasional yeti may appear. Some may be persuaded to leave peacefully, especially with food. But others may be hostile no matter what. While the lodge would prefer no bloodshed, they understand if it must happen. Otherwise, for hunters looking for game in the wilderness, they will find the usual variety of animals and will need a permit before venturing out.

HOT SPRINGS

Warmed by the volcano, the hot springs are located at the foot of the mountain, where the snow disappears and the terrain is rockier with short cropped grass and valleys before it fades out to the barren volcanic plains beyond. Built a bit simpler compared to the winter lodge, the hot springs' inn is set outdoors where the pools are, but it, too, has special rooms and lodgings for people to enjoy themselves for a relaxing stay (again, for a fee). Because the hot springs are easier to access on foot, the sky gondola starts down there and connects to the winter lodge above.

In terms of amenities, the hot springs have both separated and mixed pools. They are usually well marked, but sometimes pranks happen. There are several located outside with some near lava streams that flow out from the volcanic crater far from the springs, to the ocean. There are invisible, protective barriers to prevent anyone from accidentally touching the lava. All rooms will have their own small private pool. There are also foot baths, saunas, spa and massage rooms, a gaming room, and several food stalls and restaurants for one to dine at.

Of course, just like up on the mountain, there are some "hazards" that those using the larger pools, especially those that are near the lava streams, to be wary of.

🦎 Fire Drakes. Fire drakes are a common sighting around and in the pools. They are for the most part "friendly," in the sense that they won't outright attack unless they are injured first. But they can sometimes crowd the pools, so one may have to gently "shoo" them away.
🥚 Drake eggs. Nests can be found scattered here and there, and the eggs are a delicacy of the island. Blue eggs are safe to harvest as they are unfertilized, just like chicken eggs. Red eggs, however, are considered protected. Should a drake catch anyone trying to take a red one, then all hell will break loose as the entire hoard of drakes will descend to save their egg and the entire springs will shut down until it's settled.
🐧 Waltz of the Penguins. It just so happens this is the time when large flocks of penguins will migrate down for mating season. They usually won't bother anyone as they are more intent in performing special dances to find a partner, which can be beautiful to watch. Or perhaps someone may want to try and play matchmaker. But it isn't unheard of for someone else to catch their eye…

Some unusual activity is happening outside of the springs, and a local environmentalist will run in distress. Ice giants were spotted attacking and trying to collect a special native breed of tortoise. They grow up to be as large as giant boulders, with their shells made of molten rock. They are formidable in their own right, but the ice giants are larger, capable of picking them up and knocking them over. Rescue the tortoises either by guiding them to the safety of the springs or beating back the ice giants (killing is allowed). Save the tortoises and be handsomely rewarded!

Finally, those in Nogard may find their leviathan's choice of stay a bit…warm. They already had to experience witnessing their leviathan turn into a flesh dragon and engulf them in its gut only to be popped back out to the sweltering heat of the volcanic plains. Good luck to anyone who decides to stay in their homes. Elah and Eltrut will be unaffected.

VOLCANO EXPLORATION

Note: All threads involving prompts in this section will count as "quests" and be worth 4pts.

On the other side of Avaleci where the lava is hottest and where there is no cold to ward off the heat is a dangerous terrain where only the brave and more adventurous should go. Make sure to bring plenty of water and anything else that might help beat the heat. Who knows, even a bit of snow might help. There will be several tunneling entrances leading to winding corridors and wide caverns, some even boasting floors of lava, so watch your step! Fortunately, those who are fleet-footed should be able to make it across on the stones.

Within the caverns, there is plenty to discover: from gemstones and fire crystals to fire blossoms (interesting, they look strangely like the winter blossoms only red), and even some old magitech that appears to be broken. Still, there is no one around to tell people not to collect any of it...

🌋 Floor is lava. Getting across the volcanic terrain will require adventurers to hop from safe stone to safe stone to get to the other side of a lava lake. Beware of lava blobs that will shoot lava balls.
🧂 Sulfur smelling salts. Journey deep enough to find a sulfur field, where smelling salts can be harvested to help ease the nightmares brought on by the sleeping curse. However, too much exposure to the smelling salts will leave one feeling hyper energetic to the point of acting sleep deprived.
💎 Fire crystals. These crystals are a hard sought after item as they can be used for a large variety of magitech and even jewelry. However, they are extremely hot to the touch and can even burn if not handled carefully.
💾 Old relics. Scattered throughout the caverns are odd remnants of what appear to be old relics from the past. Researchers and archaeologists have tried to study here before, but due to the dangerous nature of the environment they've been hindered in their efforts. Those who retrieve pieces to return for study will be able to learn and work with the researchers. (note: Players can come up with any kind of relic that could be found here, from old magitech parts to fantasy genre artifacts. We'll ask for submissions during AC, but you are welcome to ask if you're not sure if your idea is okay or not!)

Roaming around the volcanos, especially in the caverns, are small flame sprites that can talk, sing, and dance. They are mischievous little things with a penchant for trouble, and love playing tricks on people, so keep your eyes peeled for them. Be careful, they also have some very sticky "fingers" and will try to steal whatever you might have on you. However, those sticky fingers are also very fiery, and will burn whatever they get their grubby little hands on!

The sprites will lead you on a merry little chase with your items, over lava pools, through winding tunnels, deeper and deeper into the volcano to take their new items to their secret stash of treasures. They will be hard-pressed to give it up, but should one have the charisma or the charm to convince them, they may instead be swayed to return with you if they are promised a comfortable life elsewhere! A large ship, perhaps? Or a fireplace? Away from that "big, scary, flaming animal" that lives further in the volcano.

Guarding the sulfur fields is what one could surmise is the "big, scary, flaming animal" that lives within the deeper depths of the volcano. Should anyone journey too far, they will no doubt hear its hooves thundering throughout the tunnels. Whether you choose to fight this fiery horse or attempt to tame it will be up to you, but it will not be an easy task… Especially upon close inspection it appears to have a few bones sticking and not quite "whole."

There are some odd things about this area with the flaming horse. Not too far is a small cave where what looks to be remains of a broken altar made of obsidian, the ground charred along with bones and bits of fabric. Dark red stains can be made out as well, but is that just the red rock of the volcano, or something else? Other artifacts can be found, such as torn books, stone tablets, but it all seems made within recent years.

More details about the flaming horse:

Attempts to tame the fire horse may be partially successful. If characters manage, one of two things will happen:

The horse will stare at them as if in a daze before it retreats into the lava, stopping its attacks for a short period of time.
The horse will charge off towards where the strange altar is, attempting to break the remaining structure and dig at the markings on the ground. A strange black smoke will appear and it will retreat back in anger before rushing into the lava and disappearing.

Subduing the horse will be very difficult, but we will leave it up to players on what method will work, and whether it is successful. We will ask for AC submissions, as this will unlock a follow-up quest in February.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[When she so earnestly proclaims that she's going to help him is when Zack moves to sit up. He puts a hand to his forehead and tries to swallow back the sudden exhaustion and then with a clear mind he asks,]

Hey. You don't have to push yourself for someone like me. You just met me.

[She's a sweet girl. He can already tell that. But if she's so willing to jump into finding a cure for something no one knows about for someone she just met she must be kind of reckless. And as good-hearted as anyone is- Zack can't let someone recklessly charge off for his sake. He's already a dead man walking.]

If you're gonna be looking for something to help me then I'm coming with you.

[Who cares if he can't sleep well. He'll keep going.]

[ Her eyes widen as he sits up, concern clear upon her expression, but any protests she has die on her tongue the moment she notes his determined expression. Someone who may soon fall into slumber, suffering this curse, and perish wants to risk taking the last of his waking days trying to help find a cure...?

It feels a bit off. It feels as if she should try to convince him otherwise, that he should leave finding the cure to those who are more able, and in turn spend time with those he knows. Not embark on a quest with a stranger.

Perhaps she's underestimating him (or overestimating the curse). Or, perhaps, he simply does not want those closer to him to worry-- don't think she hadn't noticed how he'd given no name to notify just in case. And-- Crystals, if she doesn't sympathize with that feeling, then she'd be the biggest hypocrite of them all.

So her expression shifts, brow lowering slightly, watching him carefully for any signs of hesitation. ] You're certain?

[He sits up and firmly plants his feet on the ground. He's like an unmoving wall now. If she had tried to fight him on the decision he wouldn't have let her. Zack has been in this situation before. He's been faced with a life-or-death situation and if he's going to go through this again he'd rather do it alone. He wouldn't want to hurt people or tell them about something they know nothing about yet. A solution first. And then he'll think about the rest.]

I'm sure. Yeah.

[His tone is certain even as he looks at his hand and that bruise sitting right there like a new reminder of something he already knows. He died once. Is he doing this again? Not if he can help it...

And the fact that she is so ready to help a stranger says a lot too.]

You said something about smelling salts or a relic, didn't you? Do you know anything else?

[ The determined look in his eyes doesn't fade, doesn't flinch, doesn't show any signs of fear or regret-- and she recognizes it as one who has come to a conclusion, a decision, and one that will not be dissuaded. Her lips part with a quiet, hollowed breath; she's seen that look before on fourteen different faces, including her own.

"Walk on, wandering souls; for your respite, we pray."

Like sandpaper upon skin, death shreds all semblance of autonomy away. Respecting his choice-- even the one of not informing others-- is the greatest gift any could give another when there is, effectively, no other choice.

She only wonders if, should they fail, his is a face she will forget. All the more reason to do whatever she can to help this man. Quickly, at that. ]

There's sulfur field, deep in the volcano... and there are relics, too. [ Books and tablets, from what she's seen from a previous journey, but there are multiple of them, and who knows what they're exactly looking for. ] But first, we have to make it to one of the vents or caldera-- [ The journey itself will take time, and it certainly won't be an easy one when one is cursed. In his state, she doesn't know how much time he has left, or if he'll collapse on her again during their hike.

Rem glances away for a few moments, conflicted, biting her bottom lip, and then back to Zack. She's made a decision, too. ]

--...I can take you there, fast.

Edited 2024-01-08 03:52 (UTC)

[Once again, he has to admire her tenacity. For someone who looks so young she's so ready to jump to help someone she's just met. A bleeding heart.

He glances down at his marked hand again and frowns. This is a new curse or sickness and from what he's heard around from others not a lot of people know what it is or what to do with it. The fact that she knows something might work in the sulphur fields is enough for him to go on. And all the more reason for him to go because if he can find something, anything, then he can help others too.

They better be fast with this. Before Zack runs out of energy for the day and has to sleep. And he's not looking forward to whatever that dream is.]

How can you get us down there fast? Tell me how.

[He looks like he's certain about this too. He's already grabbing his greatsword from where it's sitting against the wall.]

[ That's a rather... large sword, and it reminds her of the one wielded by someone else she's met in this world. Perhaps he and Cloud know each other. This is good to know just in case Zack suffers and end to this curse.

Or it would be good to know, if Rem could remember someone beyond their passing. All the more reason to get up that mountain as soon as possible. ]

I can summon us a ride. [ She replies, and when he has his equipment sorted out, she begins walking out the door with him. ] An eidolon, one who will carry us both to the mountain.

[Zack's comically giant anime greatsword will greatly resemble the ones that Cloud carries, yup. They indeed know each other.]

An eidolon? Like a summon? Great.

[Luckily he comes from a world where summons are pretty commonplace if you have the materia for it. Dangerous, sure. But the right people can do it. He secures his weapon and his gear and heads for the door.]

Let's do this.

[ Once they step outside, Rem walks a few paces ahead of him motioning with her hand for him to keep his distance. Bringing a hand to her chest, she then turns from him, ensuring that he'll only see her back before she begins.

Her shoulders shift in front of her as she's doing something with her hands.

Then a sigil appears below her feet, intricate, circular, and blood-red. The light burns white, then flashes upward in a great release of power, causing Rem's hair toss with the storm of magic that rapidly condenses above her. A form manifests from this power into a colossal figure, shadows solidifying into armor that's darker than night. Eight, black hooves step upon the air as the eidolon comes into being, with its master forming last. Mounted upon the beast of the stallion is an ominous titan wearing a magnificent, skeletal, horned helm. ]

C'mon. [ Rem motions for Zack to follow and climb aboard. There's enough room for both of them, and the Eidolon even guides his stallion to step onto the earth. The summon seems to intrinsically understand what Rem wills.

There's something ironic about summoning the eidolon of darkness and death to potentially save someone's life. But with her other summons willingly locked (summoning a person would not be helpful in this situation), this is her best choice. ]

[Zack isn't sure what to expect from her summon. He's seen a ton of summons happen in his life but nothing quite like this. There's something eerie about it, sad even, and it makes the hairs on the back of Zack's neck stand up. And when he sees the eight-legged beast Zack nearly chokes on his breath.]

Hang on. Is that... Odin?

[The summon of death. Even Zack has used this summon before. It's one of the most powerful summons that someone can wield. Just how strong is this girl?]

You didn't tell me it was going to be Odin.

[There's nothing wrong with riding Odin's horse around but... Holy shit?]

[ He'd mentioned that he had summonable beings in his world, but that he can name this one, too, is-- no. Questioning why some worlds seem to have the same sort of summons is for another day. He knows of it. She's not sure what that expression of him means, but at least he's familiar. ]

There's no time. [ She says, urgently, going towards the eidolon. The summon appears to acknowledge them both, a cool, shadowy breath misting just in front of the vents of his helm. The summon leans down, extending his armored hand towards them, ready to assist with their climb. She's the first to take Odin's hand, settling behind him on the horse. ]

C'mon. [ She repeats, quieter. ] Tell me more about the Odin you know, on the way up.

Right. Alright.

[He's still a little baffled by this but he decides after an uneasy moment to follow her and he saddles up and takes a seat on the multi-legged horse as well. It is a very weird feeling to be seated on Odin's horse and it's sort of giving him the heeby jeebys but he tries not to freak out.

Besides... She's right. If the rumours are true Zack might die if he doesn't figure out this curse as fast as he can. Or at least slow it down. And he's already not looking forward to sleeping and seeing whatever these nightmares are.]

Odin's away. Or something.

[Sorry, he's just mildly freaking out.]

[ By a silent command from Rem, the Eidolon takes off with shadows misting at its hooves, carrying the both of them towards and up the Avaleci mountain.

They won't be able to ride him inside. Odin is too big a boi for the smaller chutes and channels-- and they do not stay long in the living world, anyway. Perhaps if they make it to the sulfur field, the eidolon can help them out again, should they encounter the fire horse. But until then, it might be an arduous trek.

In the meantime, Rem uses one hand to onto the rider's platemail, while the other goes to her chest. Turning carefully, she glances back at Zack. There's two purposes for this. First: she wants to see how he's doing (because if he falls alseep here and now, at least she can attempt to wake him). Second-- distraction. That is, conversation, at least until they must dismount. ]

....How do you know Odin?

[Zack is hanging in there. There's something like mild awe on his face because he's never ridden a summon like this before in his entire life. But the rest is a mixture of sudden exhaustion thanks to the curse appearing and heavy trepidation.

His eyes scan the ground below, catching sight of the volcanic mountains and eying them with a frown.]

He's a summon in my world. Not a lot of people have the materia to use him though. I've only used him a couple of times myself.

[He shifts his gaze back to her.]

I'm guessing you're from a world where he shows up too. I've noticed that a few times now.

[ A "few times". So there are others, then that have other versions of Odin. It's an interesting coincidence, and she wonders, however briefly, what this 'materia' exactly is. It sounds like a means to summon an Eidolon without having the need to sacrifice one's phantoma. Or as a l'cie, that of others. Rem has enough on hand to spare, but-- ]

I'm not sure how long summoning may last in your world, but we won't have him for long. [ She warns him. ] Maybe just enough time to drop us off at a cave entrance, and from there... [ Well, she doesn't think she needs to explain that venturing through the mountain can pose its own dangers. Fortunately, she's been exploring a few times before.

Rem tips her head in his direction. ] You speak of Odin like he's... [ She searches for a word. ] special, or rare among the summons.

[ She has to keep this conversation going. She has to keep him awake. Because if he falls asleep and dies on her... she'll be carrying back a corpse whose name she doesn't know, and who she might only recognize as significant enough to return with to someone by the similar greatsword he carries. It won't get to that point. It can't.

Below them, the ground's terrain begins to dramatically slope upward, turning rocky and hostile. They're getting near a cavern entrance. ]

Yeah, I know.

[He also understands that summons don't like to stick around for long. They use an incredible amount of energy so it only makes sense that summons would only be able to sustain themselves for a short period of time. Luckily, the volcano is just up ahead and Zack can already feel the increase in temperature. The cave is just up ahead too. He'll let Rem steer the summon and once they get close enough he'll jump off safely too.]

But that's exactly right, where I'm from not a lot of people have access to the materia to be able to summon him. He's mostly a classified first-class summon. That's why I was so surprised to see you with him. And quite frankly, I'm impressed too.

[She must be pretty damn talented to be able to use Odin.

He does feel the heavy fatigue creeping up on him. It feels like there is something heavy filling up in his lungs. He's not sure what that feeling is and he's not sure he wants to find out.]

Let's see what we can find in this volcano. There's got to be something useful. Even if it's something to beat me awake with.

[ Once they dismount, Rem turns to look at Odin, giving him a nod. The summon vanishes in a sweep of shadowy magic, leaving nothing but a dust of dark, crystal-like shards of light that also wink out of existence.

One look at Zack tell him that they have very little time. ] This way-- quickly.

[ She'll begin guiding him down the cavern and to an off-shoot of one of the vents. Rem conjures a flame to her hand, illuminating their path, but the further they travel into the mountain, the less it's needed as more fire crystals line the walls. Eventually, there's enough amber light for her to extinguish her magical flame, and an extra free hand means that she can use it to help him. If he needs it, she'll offer her arm and shoulder like she helped walk him up the stairs at the inn. ] The smelling salts might work... [ They have to work. They worked for others. They only have to reach it. There headed there, he just needs to hang on a little more.

For Rem, worry and concern for others, even in the face of doom, does not discourage her; instead, inspire her to act-- and act quickly. Zack, like others, has so little time left. Everything else becomes less important.

...And so she needs him to focus. ] Breathe, Zack. You can do this.

[He's certainly trying to handle it as best as he can right now. He's surprised how fast the fatigue has caught up with him but he wonders if that's only because he's only just gotten the curse. Like getting hit with a truck, the worst of it is right at the start.]

Yeah. Just keep talking, I think that'll help.

[He sighs out a breath. But he doesn't stop walking. He's prided himself on being someone who is strong. He can do this. He can't pass out now.

The tunnels are rocky and heavy with heat the deeper down they go. The smell of rock and burning will fill their nostrils. It's an uneasy hike downwards into the deeper parts where the lava is the hottest. But the sulphur fields should be close because of that.]

What made you so intent on helping someone you just met?

[He gives her an easy little smile. He's genuinely curious. But lo and behold just up ahead are some yellowish rock deposits that might yield something.]

[ Seeing him struggle, she takes the initiative to slip beneath his arm, pulling his arm over her shoulder so he can lean on her. ]

What a question to ask. [ Her voice is soft, chiding but well-meaning. Does she need a reason? Does anyone need a reason to help others? She supposes some would ask for something in return. Or others do it out of obligation or duty-- both of those reasons are valid, but it's so much simpler for Rem.

And there it is, ahead of them: a yellowish deposit on a slab of stone just some meters ahead. Compared to the dismal and ashen volcanic rock around it, it's the equivalent of gold. She finds herself relaxing at the sight of it, her smile strengthening. ] It's beca...

[ Rem turns her head to glance at him, and her smile instantly fades. ]

Zack?

[ ... ]

Zack.

[What a good-hearted girl. Zack would have loved to hear that answer out loud and would have agreed with her. He's grateful to have met someone so selfless. He's just as much a bleeding heart as she is.

But that conversation will have to have a pin put in it. Zack's vision suddenly starts to blur. And he feels his weight getting heavier even as he tries to lean on the small girl for a little support. Black spots start to appear in his vision and he feels...

So damn tired...

It's so sudden. The feeling of falling. He can feel his lungs filling up with something that isn't air. And Zack is blacking out, his body going limp. It might be difficult for her to hold him up entirely because he's sort of a big guy and over six feet. So... He's going to collapse to the ground if she can't immediately hold him.]

[ Rem is petite, but she is stronger than she looks-- more than that, she's been trained as a cadet on how to carry others who are much larger than her. So when he slumps, it causes her to stumble but not fall, and she immediately adjusts her grip so he won't utterly collapse. It's not easy work, though, to keep him lifted, and the haze and heat of the cavern doesn't make it any easier. ]

No-- [ No. No. But-- ] Zack...! [ Good. Good. She can still remember his name. Every time she recalls his name, that means he isn't gone. There's still time.

Zack. A step forward towards the sulfur.

Zack. Another step. His feet drag behind her on the ground. He's heavy. His sword is heavy. The air is thick with sulfur and smoke and ash, and it burns her lungs. She coughs.

Zack. This is taking too long. It'd be better to lie him down and for her to run and gather the sulfur.

Zack. She gently rests him down. She sprints forward.

Zack. She makes it to the sulfur deposit, manifesting her dagger and striking the rock to gather particles into her hand.

Zack. She runs back, immediately crouching to his side, pulling his head onto her lap. ]

Zack. [ She's breathless as she calls his name, desperate, her voice distant to her ears despite the loud echo his name causes throughout the cavern. The thunder she hears instead is her own heart beating loudly within her head, a timpani that accompanies her heavy focus upon the young man in her arms.

Rem brings the smelling salts to his mouth and nose. It works like.. this? It has to work. It must work. This is all she's got--...

Unless.

Unless she can time it effectively, a spell she's developed on her own, one that can ensure someone is brought back to life-- a spell that she, by all rights, shouldn't even be authorized to use even in this meager form, as it still is locked. Forbidden. So does she use it here, now? And if she does on this stranger and it works, what would he say? What would he question? And how would she answer?

....

.....The Archsorceress would say, she's sure, to let him die. Only her children are those privileged enough to be brought back.

Thus, if this sulfur fails, that's it. She must let him die.

(She doesn't want to. She doesn't want to.) ] Please...

[Meanwhile, Zack feels himself floating. It feels like he's floating on an endless ocean of black water, like a void that's about ready to swallow him up. He only floats for a while before suddenly sinking, a flourish of bubbles escapes his lungs as he tries to keep his breath inside his chest. Sinking down and down into the depths of nothingness... For a moment it almost feels peaceful. Almost like he's ready to give up and let it all float away. He feels strange fingers around his throat that aren't there. And the next thing he knows he's fighting, lashing out and gripping at his throat, desperately trying to breathe.

What would happen if he gave up right here and now? Just stop fighting and let his lungs collapse... Would it be peaceful?

Yet he can hear someone. Something desperate calling to him. And the thick salty smell of something burns his nose. Something that makes his lungs burn.

He lets out a painful cough. A surge of pain burns through his body and he suddenly gasps for air. He's alive- just barely. But he's alive and coughing like he's just been fished out of the ocean.]

[ The sulfur worked... ?

It worked.

It worked, and she remembers him, and he's coughing as if he's just inhaled water, but he's alive, and-- ] ...Crystals, thank you. [ It comes out with a shaky breath as she holds him, propping him up further. While she's not sure if he can sit up on his own, she guesses that lying down would be the absolutely worst thing for him.

Rem keeps a hand secure on his back. ] Take your time-- breathe. You got this.

[He continues to cough but manages to sit up with her help which is loads easier on his lungs. He inhales raggedly and wipes a hand over his mouth almost like he thinks there's seawater there or something. His shoulders are shaky and his brow is wet with sweat too. He checks his hand and the black mark is still there. ]

Rem. ... This is happening faster than I thought it would.

[But the salty smell of the rock salt...?]

That sulfur stuff. I think it helped. We've... [He coughs again.] We've gotta bring a bunch of that back. For anyone else.

[It's going to buy a lot if people time.]

[ He's just been awakened, saved by the sulfur, and helping other people is the first thing he suggests that they do?

...She wants to tell him that he should rest, and regain his bearings, but he's also not wrong. Countless others are suffering, with some already fallen to the curse. Rest is a luxury, and if they succeed in helping others, a miracle. ]

A-agreed, Zack. But, um, take it easy, for now. [ MEANING NO SUDDEN MOVEMENTs. Collecting sulfur for smelling salts is an easy task that she can do while he recuperates. ] I'll gather what sulfur I can, then we can head back. [ Once it seems like he's stable enough, she withdraws her hand from his back, scooting away. From there, she stands, bringing out her satchel and opening it, preparing to collect whatever she can. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

« january open log: avaleci »

WINTER LODGE

HOT SPRINGS

VOLCANO EXPLORATION

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