[Nexus] Outside XXX

[Devixer]

[The Meadows of Gildamanjoo]

Welp, that'll be problematic. Before getting doused in flame, Maarsukaal takes to the air. Her reflexes allow her to get up before being hit, and she can probably outpace any further flame breath while flying. She probably looks a little smug right now.

[Rebonack]

[Meadows of Gildamanjoo]

Looks smug? Looks smug?

Why shouldn't she be smug?

Not only does Maarsukaal have those resplendent bat/butterfly wings she possesses agility and maneuverability on par with a humming bird despite her size. The speed of a diving falcon. And the ability to control the air itself to further refine her motions.

The Gossamer demi-dragon has every reason to be smug. Because nothing can touch her in the sky.

She easily evades the expected counter attack and pulls the slow, plodding, horrifically injured Orichalcum dragon's attention onto herself. He roars and hisses in pain and fury-

-and takes his eyes off Zaaldunvah.

Zaal exploits the opportunity and bounds forward like a perfectly hurled javelin, his wings snapping forward into a single deadly spear-point. The Ebony blade is driven through the oozing hole in Shul's flank and expertly transfixes lung and heart alike. Zaal then braces his limbs against the body of his foe and leaps off, landing with poise and grace a good two hundred feet away.

Shul gives a horrific gurgling cry of agony, burning blood spraying from mouth and wound, flames spurting spastically from his body.

And then he falls still, flesh already dissolving away until only Orichalcum scales and bones remain.

[Devixer]

[Meadows of Gildamanjoo]

Well, if Maarsukaal wasn't smug before, she certainly is now as she watches the dragon die. She lands far away enough to not be harmed by the spastic flames, and allows herself to return to her human form. Hildur heads over to Zaaldunvah's side.

[Rebonack]

[The Meadows of Gildamanjoo]

The dragon's body is quickly reduced to nothing more than shimmering bits of Orichalcum. No doubt the metal will fetch a fair price! Though begs the question of how they'll carry it.

"Well done, Maarsukaal!" Zaal cheers. "The plan was executed perfectly. And now we have just one more issue to see to."

And with that he'll approach the magma pool, breath out of lance of molten metal, spin and twist and fold it until it becomes cool and hard, and then begins to destroy the eggs floating in the lave lake.

"What remains of those corrupted by the dead wyrm," Zaal explains as he smooshes one. "Usually a young dragon will create spawn, demi-dragons, as servants. Even with their parent dead they will likely fall to Discord. And there's no telling which will inherit the parent's name. So it's best to send them to the rest of death they should have earned to begin with."

[Devixer]

[The Meadows of Gildamanjoo]

"Alright. I can help with that," Hildur says. Not long ago, she would have had quite the problem with crushing live eggs, but after knowing more about Dragons, she was just fine with it. Since she can't safely be near the magma, she just lifts a few of the eggs with Air Shaping, and then throws them back, hoping to crush them there.

[Rebonack]

[The Meadows of Gildamanjoo]

The eggs are crushed.

The dragon dead.

And now?

Now the short little man as well as the rest of the Whos approach!

"A daring display, for this you will have fame! Now my good heroes, might I ask your name?" the Who inquires.

The Ebony demi-dragon nods in reply. "I am Zaaldunvah and this is Maarsukaal. We are both honored to have visited justice on this monster to prevent it from harming your people further."

"Then honored in kind, you both shall be! Return with us to Whoville, and do celebrate with me!" the Who laughs. "You shall be guests of honor, and we shall hold a feast! With fresh bigglebag berries and racks of roast beast!"

[Eadin]

[River Styx]

A sort of mirror-like portal opens near the edge of the river.
Out steps Eadin, who is probably being followed by Grantz and Lynette.

The place is... very dark. A little chill is in the air.
The area constists out of rock, a dark sort of stone.
There's a peer, where a dark figure waits at a boat. The over bank of the river is misty, making it hard to see what's on the other side.

[Asha'man]

[River Styx]
The darkness envelops the area and the place feels cold, Grantz never did like the cold. The darkness made it so that his eyes and full-body tattoo glow strongly as if it was trying to stave away the darkness. He sees the man on the boat and does nothing. He was not an expert on the place so he'll let Eadin and Lynette declare who is hostile and who is friendly.

[Quinsar]

[Old Lair]
Antera smiles a bit. "I know of a house we could get to, a real house and not just an old house like this."
((We should put the Leo and Pisces in an inn/tavern somewhere soon.))

Carolyn raised an eyebrow, stretching.
Oh really? What house is that?



We can, yeah.

[Beans]

[Old Lair]
It's out on the granite flats, not too far from here.

((I'll post for Leo gal to be in the DFI soon.))

[Devixer]

[The Meadows of Gildamanjoo]

Hildur smiles and looks at Zaal. "What do you think, Zaal? Shall we go celebrate? For what it's worth, I'd like to celebrate." Bigglebag berries sound delicious to her for some reason.

[Rebonack]

[Meadows of Gildamanjoo]

"You know what? I think we should," Zaal replies with a rather smug grin. He's quite pleased with his performance. And that of Maar as well. She did amazingly well for her first battle. It just goes to show that his initial impression of her was correct. Her story and Name will be known well.

Back to Whoville!

The heroes will be transported via Go-Dog Carts should they allow it. And they'll find that the city of Whoville has been patched up with impressive speed! The mayor will call for a time of celebration, a feast in honor of the saviors of the city!

And before long the feast has begun!

There's music! There's dancing! There are stories and prancing!

All the Whos are joyous, their hearts filled with glee! For from their fear, the heroes set them free!

Far-lily juice is poured, and roast beast is carved! Bigglebag jam is abundant and no one is starved!

The Whos sing songs of their heroes, their Names do they call! All honors to graceful Zaaldunvah, and beautiful Maarsukaal!

Zaal basks in the accolades, the feeling of his Name gaining strength from its exaltation! And noming on the roast beast with bigglebag jam isn't too bad either. He grins over at his companion. "You see? It might be easier for a dragon to feed their Name through fear. But feeding it with honor has much better side-perks."

[Slii Arhem]

River Styx

The robed figure holds aloft a reed pole, topped by a swaying lantern that holds a pale purple flame which dances merrily in stark contrast to his stern and stiff posture. Should the three approach, he will extend an empty, gnarled hand out towards them ominously, "Three travelers here, hale, whole, and hearty. Why have you traveled to this... deserted place before you time to settle in the beyond has approached? His palm is held flat out towards them, signalling that they should come to a halt and go no further. A mist swirls at his feet from over the river, clinging to his robes like a starving child.

[Devixer]

[The Meadows of Gildamanjoo]

Hildur participates in the festivites as much as she can, and definitely goes in the Go-Dog cart. She revels in the praise of her Name during the feast.

"You weren't kidding about that," She says while tearing into the roast beast. "I feel better about it too."

[Rebonack]

[The Fields of Gildamanjoo]

"Of course I wasn't! If you're going to be a dragon you had best know how to feed yourself. I would have felt awful letting you head back to the Abbey on your own without knowing how to stay alive," Zaal replies as he eyes a slice of dunlop melon. He isn't sure whether or not he trusts the violently purple fruit yet.

"I think we should stay here for the night. I'm sure the Whos wouldn't mind."

Given how jubilant they are that's a safe bet. Even the Grinch is handing out gifts to the merry-makers! Thankful that his heart grew several sizes many years ago, otherwise he would be a real grump on account of the party.

"Come morning I'll make my way to the city of Inside to meet Inquisitor Thomas there. I still have business to attend to after all. You can come with me, or strike out on your own if you prefer. Regardless of the path you choose I suspect your story is far form over, Maarsukaal."

[Devixer]

[The Meadows of Gildamanjoo]

"Yeah, alright. I'm sure we can get a couple rooms to sleep in." Hildur smiles at all of the sights going on at the party.

"Do you mind if I just come with you to Inside, then head off? I'd like to have a friend with me on the way to the city," she says.

[Rebonack]

[The Fields of Gildamanjoo]

"Of course not, Maarsukaal. It would be my honor to escort you to the city," Zaal replies.

And so the festivities wind down to a close!

Zaal and Maar are put up in the best rooms at the Whoville Inn. An elephant with a wagon is sent to haul the Orichalcum for them. And besides a great many oddly shaped baubles of gold and silver are heaped upon the pair.

The vile dragon had stolen many of the riches of the city. It seemed reasonable to the Whos to gift their heroes with a small portion of the loot.

When all is done our heroes will be seen off out of the city with much jubilation! And so begins the journey back to Inside, a caravan consisting of Maarsukaal, Zaaldunvah, the cart-elephant, and twelve Who knights mounted atop Through-Horns Deer and armed with boxing glove spears!

[Devixer]

[The Meadows of Gildamanjoo]

Hildur spends most of that night in bed, reflecting on the events of that day and how well she'd fought. Much better than she'd expected of himself. Maybe she would grow to fit her Name after all.

When the caravan heads off, Hildur travels next to Zaal, but will make conversation with anyone who asks. She's quite happy with this turn of events, and that shows.

[Rebonack]

[The Meadows of Gildamanjoo]

And Hildur has every right to be happy with the way things have gone! Just look at the last few weeks of her life.

She showed up in the Nexus and had no idea what was going on. She was scared and vulnerable. Now look at her! She has friends. She has fame. She has wealth. She has power. She can fly. She can pulverize solid rock by rawring at it. She helped save a city of kind, friendly little people from an evil dragon!

How could this get more awesome? Maybe if she commissioned a new snowboard for herself upon returning to Inside. One sized for her demi-dragon form. Imagine the tricks those wings would allow for!

The Whos seem to be happy traveling with Maar and Zaal, though they don't seem terribly talkative. Zaal likewise has been silent for a time, though he speaks up as they begin to draw near the edge of the Meadows.

"So... what do you think, Maarsukaal? About all of this, I mean?" he asks curiously. "You seemed disgusted with yourself when I first met you."

[Reinholdt]

[Forest]

Whew, that was close! No one got hit by the tree.

But, uhm.

Looks like the tree was just the tip of the iceberg.
Heavy footsteps seem to be fast approaching, along with a terrifying howl.

Soon enough the creature reaches them.
It's pretty hard to see what it really is, mostly a big shadow with flaming eyes.
Those eyes.
It might mesmerize one, if not careful. But the sharp shadowy teeth should warn anyone not to let their guard drop.

[Forest]

You mean one of these?

Spoiler

Show

Reinholdt's going to go ahead and assume that's not a friendly spirit, on account of it throwing a tree at them. As such, Rein decides to scramble to his feet and fire a shot at... those eyes. Yeah. Something about those eyes.

Bang.

[Mina Kobold]

[Gnoll Battlefield]

AM4 looks at the fallen Gnoll Mage, a very faint hint of an emotion behind the cold Obedient lights of the Robot's eyes. Perhaps pity? Melancholy? Compassion?

"Foe incapacitated."

The Machinaton turns to survey the surrounding area, looking for other threats to itself or its allies. The arm is ignored for the moment, as it would usually be replaceable in AM4's homeworld.

From the broken gears and steam tubes visible where the arm was attached, small aches of energy jump occasionally, finding new routes now that the arm is missing.

[Devixer]

[The Meadows of Gildamanjoo]

"I was," Hildur replies while walking. "Mostly because I had just changed into something I didn't want to change into." She sighs and shrugs. "But now I figure I'm stuck as a demi-dragon, even if I look human. I may as well try and do some good as long as I have the power to do so."

[Rebonack]

[The Meadows of Gildamanjoo]

"I was quite shocked when I realized what had happened to me at first as well," Zaal replies with a knowing nod. "But as time went by I became... accustomed to it. I believe I told you the other day that if I were to be human again I wouldn't know what to do with myself? More true than you might think. I've been a dragon longer than I was ever human now. And I've grown... quite accustomed to it."

He swishes his tail thoughtfully as he walks along.

"It means of course that I won't be able to enter the Golden City when I eventually die. But at least I'll still be able to serve the Emperor in the mean time. And it certainly comes with its own benefits! A dragon can live for a thousand years barring violence."

...wow.

That's a really long time.

"You have to constantly contend with your Name to keep it in check. But when I consider the trials that other demons have to face to ward off being consumed by Discord?" Zaal shudders at the thought! "I believe we have the easiest path to walk, Maarsukaal. Don't be ashamed of what you are. But don't forget who you are and who you were, either."

[Devixer]

[The Meadows of Gildamanjoo]

Hildur falls into her own thoughts for a few moments. Well, it was certainly easy now for her to remind herself of what her Name is and was, she supposed it would only get harder. And the fact that she now had the potential to live for a full millenium was certainly mind-boggling.


"Thanks for your advice, Zaaldunvah," she says. "I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have your help."

[UncleWolf]

Grasslands

"We are many leagues from any settlement, ma'am. I can find a safe place for you to rest, in the great forest to the south. But the nearest settlement is about two days travel, or so it is for me. I do not know how well you are able to travel in the wilderness."

There are grasslands almost as far as the eye can see, but as he gestures to the south, there is a dark smudge on the horizon showing the edge of the forest.

Meanwhile, Mori continues to sniff and wonder why this human wasn't paying attention to her! She deploys the tongue to try and lick Edda's hand.

Crash Site

Edda gives a bit of a groan at the announcement that there's no settlement near by. The announcement is mitigated by a dog's tongue, and looking down, she pets Mori, gently scratching between the ears. As many questions as the boy answered, he caused more to rise. Who the hell used "leagues" as a measurement any more? And what was with the Ren Faire get up? Before the ship was attacked, she and many of the crew of Firebrand heard rumors that the Space around this system was an oddity. Maybe this was a result?

With a sigh, the Ensign looks back into the lifeboat. "Just let me grab a few more supplies and we'll head to the forest." With that, she heads back into the boat and starts rummaging around, getting as much in the way of supplies as she could carry.

[Rebonack]

[The Meadows of Gildamanjoo]

"Be a lot more confused. Have no idea how to feed yourself. Find yourself forced to bumble your way through being a dragon like I did," Zaal laughs.

Yay for bumbling!

"We'll be back at the city soon and when we arrive we'll be parting ways. Feel free to keep the better part of the riches for yourself, Maarsukaal. You have to start building up your own cave full of shiny baubles after all."

Yay for shiny baubles!

Zaal had taken a few himself of course. Just a few gold trinkets that he had stuffed in his saddle bags. But the lion's share he has chosen to leave to the new dragon! Suffice to say that once Hildur finds a place to begin heaping her loot she'll begin to feel the strength gained from it quite quickly.

[Devixer]

[The Meadows of Gilamanjoo]

"Well, bumbling doesn't sound like much fun, so I'm glad you helped me out," Hildur says, laughing as well. At least she has some idea of what to do as a dragon.

"So, what would be a good place for me to stash all my spoils of war? Do I need a literal cave, or can I pick a place that at least has air conditioning?"

[Rebonack]

[The Meadows of Gildamanjoo ==> Gates of Inside]

That manages to get a laugh out of Zaal. "Oh no, of course not. You just need somewhere to store them. Somewhere you can go and lounge on top of your riches every now and again. Taking on a nap on a huge pile of gold every once in a while is very therapeutic."

A beat.

"And surprisingly comfortable. You would think all the pointy bits form crowns and the like would make sleeping on a pile of treasure quite unpleasant."

But that isn't the case!

At least for dragons it would see.

And here they are at last!

Zaal seems to have arrived just in time since both Inquisitor Thomas and Wiggums seem to have shown up just now too! "Well," the Inquisitor comments. "It looks like you've been busy."

[Devixer]

[Gates of Inside]

"You know, I'd tell you it's ridiculous that gold and stuff is comfortable, but I get the feeling I'd just be proven wrong." Hildur's going to have to try that out as soon as she finds a place with a nice open space to put all her phat lewts.

She looks at the Inquisitor as they arrive at the gates. "Yeah, you could say we found a way to occupy some time."

[Rebonack]

[Gates of Inside]

"Hehehe, I'll bet you did!" the hideous little imp Wiggums jeers in a rather suggestive fashion.

Zaal gives him a rather sour look before turning his attention to the Inquisitor. "The Sisters set up some kind of device from the Nexus that can move someone from the bottom of the mountain to the top in an instant. Removed much of the travel time I was expecting, so Maarsukaal and I slew an Orichalcum dragon and saved a village. She's adapting to her new name admirably."

"And she still looks human. Curious... Had you been born in the Empyreum, miss, you would be pressed into the service of the Inquisition. But since you weren't," Thomas shrugs. "You're still a demon of Discord now. And we'll be keeping an eye on you if from a distance. If you're unable to keep your Name under control we might have to step in. And that would be troublesome."

The Inquisitor crosses his arms and sighs. "So many troublesome things to deal with. But I have the feeling you won't be one of them, miss. If you ever decide that you're interested in joining the Inquisition head over to Ironkeep and speak with the Bishop. I'm sure he would love to have the legendary Maarsukaal working for the Empyreum."

And with that he and the Boggart enter the city!

Zaal nods to Hildur. "It's been an honor traveling with you, Maarsukaal. Mayb the Emperor smile on you. And may you magnify your Name with deeds of heroism."

The demi-dragon will await a reply before departing himself.