View source for 1198/Answering The Dream

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2014/12/23
|Location=Mor Dhona, Hydaelyn
|Synopsis=Xau'ra has been plagued by odd dreams. Thankfully Inga may have the answers to what is going on-- or just more questions.
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=525, 548, 635
|Tinyplot=
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
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{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The best way to travel into Mor Dhona is through the desert lands of Thanalan, but given the earth quakes-- this makes travel dangerous and worse, the way in has been pretty much taken control over by the Garlean Empire.<br /><br />Even with the truce in play, they were not suppose to /upset/ the Garleans and thus bring the possible ire of the Confederates. It was going to be hard. Thankfully, Xau'ra knew some guys and those guys knew Mor Dhona-- even after its slight change after the Calamity.<br /><br />This means the group would meet up in one of the cities, get teleported to an aetheryte temporary gate point setup by this group to get around, and from there-- it will be a bit of a hike, not only that, but Xau'ra wasn't sure /what/ Inga would need.<br /><br />So this is where we all are now. Standing up on the cliffside of the mountainous of Mor Dhona. Off to the west is the castrum, where construction could be seen. Airships moving from the castrum out to a even /larger/ airship that has been dropped into a massive lake in the center, with a large dead draconic serpent coiled around it.<br /><br />To the east is heavy aetheric fog, obscuring any view of what may be going on there and to the far north, past the mighty fallen airship is where the camp is and its own construction as well. The air here is cold and the winds do howl as they move along the rocky ridges and hum is carried in that same wind from the massive aetheryte crystals that jot out from the rocky face.<br /><br />The sun has trouble getting through this day and the "Gloom aura" is in effect.<br /><br />Xau'ra himself is standing on the edge of the cliff, looking out over the whole area. His tail swaying side to side gently and his black and white hair being gently moved by the breeze. Observing the activities from the east and more correctly what the resident critters are up too.<br /><br />As he wasn't so much worried about the Garleans-- but the giant toads that could swallow a man whole.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:635|Quentyn Westwind (635)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Quentyn is a quiet follower on that chocobo of his. Also from a world with monsters, the student-adventurer has his full kit today, including rifle slung across behind him, just in case. What's actually in the boy's hands, however, is a notebook and pencil. While Xau'ra gazes, Quentyn sketches among his copious notes. The castrum, the airships flying and fallen, and all else. Pausing only to take another look around or adjust his glasses, maybe even to pull his hood to guard against what sunlight does make it through the gloom.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But it seems Quentyn is content with just that for now. The gloom aura does seem to have that fog-like effect on his desire to speak.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Another strange, dire land, filled with the unfamiliar and the assumably unfriedly. A wild, windswept landscape, cold and forbidding. Beautiful, it its way. Beautiful, and difficult. Especially for a woman who has trouble walking normally. The hike has been a grueling one. The Seer has had to lean on her companions and accept their help many times in tricky spots. Luckily, Quentyn has a GIANT CHICKEN to ride on, and is kind enough to let Inga ride when the terrain gets too difficult for her. Inga makes do. <br /><br /> The Seer sits atop the 'chocobo' (GIANT RIDING CHICKEN!), gazing out into the mountains, her eyes distant. She bundled up in a good, thick cloak of good wool, lined with fux fur, thrummed mittens and warm boots. Her face is cold, so she turns it away from the wind to look to Xau'ra. "Down we go then? What is the obscuring fog? ...And what is that?" she asks, raising a hand to point toward the dragon and the crashed airship in the lake. She isn't sure if she hopes to actually see a dragon again or not. It was excellent for talisman crafting and magical charms...but it's also a dragon and she doesn't fancy seeing anyone perish.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xau'ra inhales deeply, as he breaths in the cold, crisp air. He looks back at the other two. Watching one draw and the then to Inga who asks her questions. "The ripple you see is known as 'Gloom'. It is a side-effect of the aetheric energy in the air getting heavily charged. It isn't dangerous, so don't worry."<br /><br />Xau'ra then starts to make his way down, leading down the path of least resistance and best for the Chocobo to follow on as well. It was easy to see he was use to climbing and moving around such environments. He after all, was a bit of an outdoors men.<br /><br />"As for the airship and the dragon.." Xau'ra pauses about then to stare out at it. "That is known as Silvertear lake. The dragon was known as the king of dragons, Midgardsormr. He is known by the locals as the Guardian of the Lake."<br /><br />Xau'ra then continues to head down as he talks. "When the Garlean Empire came through here so many years ago.. Midgardsormr called upon the Dravanian Horde and they took flight against the Garleans. It was here, their massive Dreadnought-- the airship you see now rusting away-- was brought down by the king of dragons. Yet in taking down the Drednought, it also took its own life with it."<br /><br />Xau'ra steps around an aetheryte shard which crackles with energy as he does, though seems to ignore the two of them. "That is much as I know about the Gaurdian of the lake.. as for the fog to the west.. that is aetheric fog. It will stay on the ground, but if enough of it collects.. it has some nasty side effects for those who breath to much of it in."<br /><br />He looks back at the two, "But we will be staying away from most of it, so don't worry."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:635|Quentyn Westwind (635)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Quentyn nods to the explanation of Gloom and then Silvertear, sketching shifting once more to notetaking. But when Xau'ra actually says 'Midgardsormr', the boy looks up sharply. And looks to the fallen dragon and airship more carefully. "Um... and he's..." Quentyn pauses, looking down back at this notebook and tapping his chin with a curled finger. Then back to the dragon, as though comparing some similarlity.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"They killed... it's possible to kill... Midgardsormr?" The boy's pronunciation of the name suggests this is far fromt he first time he's heard the word.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Before they start to move again, Quentyn looks back to Inga. "Um... make sure you've got a good grip." And he'll wait until he's sure she's ready before he starts the chocobo down again... wouldn't do to have his passenger topple off by surprising her.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Inga's brow furrows as Xau'ra explains. "Midgarsormer," she says, the name rolling naturally off her tongue. "Another name from the lore of my land," she says, frowing. "In my lore, it is a serpent so large it encloses the entire world..." she shakes her head gently. <br /><br /> Inga looks to Quentyn then, blinking in surprise as he makes it clear he is also familiar with it. "Yours, too? Uncanny..." she comments. <br /><br /> Inga nods to Quentyn and latches on, likely a little more tightly than actually necessary. The chocobo is bizarre and makes her nervous. CLING! <br /><br /> As Xau'ra passes the crystal, Inga turns her head to the side as one does where hearing something far off, brow furrowing. Her frown deepens, but she cannot quite make it out.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xau'ra looks over to Quentyn as he asks if it is possible to actually 'kill' the great dragon. Xau'ra then looks back to the Guardian wrapped around the Garlean warship. "Given it has been about.. ten--fifteen years ago and the dragon has been deteriorating alongside the Airship.."<br /><br />Xau'ra doesn't get into further details as he hits a nice flat for them to all walk along. "Midgardsormr was just a dragon king-- not that of a Primal or an Elder Primal." The Miqo'te decides to explain perhaps a bit more. "Though powerful, he, is like the rest of the Dravanian horde at which he ruled over-- like all of us-- mortals. Though perhaps the more powerful of the dragons.. it gives only an idea what we Eorzeans deal with almost every day."<br /><br />Xau'ra then frowns. "If the strongest of dragons had to sacrifice itself to take down the mightiest of Garlean airships.. and that was several years ago.. I am sure you can see now why we not only stand with the Union, but plead for the help we do."<br /><br />"What is even /worse/, is that apparently there are some parts of the damn thing that are /still/ functional. It is why the Garleans go there back and forth. Slowly gutting it, before we can get anyone there to do it ourselves." The male miqo'te then waves his hand, "but that is another story entirely."<br /><br />As they walk, he moves into a large cave, and slides down a bit. "Careful where you lead the chocobo. Its a bit slippery here." Thankfully the Aetheric crystals that hang from ceiling and ground light the area in a beautiful blue light. There is even deep blue water that runs along the wall and into a small stream. "..and don't let your bird drink that. It probably wouldn't agree with him.. or her.."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:635|Quentyn Westwind (635)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Close as she is, Inga might catch Quentyn murmuring something about Midgardsormr into his radio. Which then goes nuts with faint, disorted chatter from the earpiece hidden somewhere in his hood. As if to confirm, Quentyn looks abck to Inga, gives a tentative smile and nods.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I, um, see..." Quentyn nods to Xau'ra, looking down at his notes and jotting down a few new things. Yes, while riding. Apparently the giant chicken is pretty tame and easy to control? But if one looks closely at the chocobo... something about it just doesn't seem quite lifelike.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As if to confirm... Quentyn tears his eyes away from the crystals long enough to look as Xau'ra, blue water and crystal light refleced in his spectacles. The boy gives a small smile of thanks but says, "It's ok. She doesn't drink." She does, however, give a soft kweh.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I've, um, heard they're with those Confederacy people but um. What do the Garleans *want*?" Quentyn asks curiously.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Inga wonders briefly about Quentyn's radio conversation, but lets those thoughts disappear as they continue. She must keep her mind open. To Xau'ra, she smiles slightly. "All the gods...are mortal. In a way," she says. Yet...she is not. What does that mean? <br /><br /> She can't think on it much longer, for once they enter the cave, Inga hears that voice again. More distinct now. <br /><br /> "Fate. Tapestry. Unwoven..." she begins, echoing the voice she hears. "Weaver Loom. My children. Suffer...Awaken," she continues, her grip on Quentyn's back tightening, eyes staring ahead, distant.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xau'ra hops down a slight ledge, but motions for Quentyn where to go. "What do the Garleans want? Rule all of Hydaelyn. They control almost all of it already or so we are told." The Miqo'te then shrugs as his tail flicks gently before he continues to lead.<br /><br />"They are power hungry, world conquering mad men." Xau'ra says with a snarl, his ears go back a bit. The Aetherytes around him discharge a little with electrical pops, but they don't come close to anyone. "I wasn't there for the war, scrounging to survive really-- but I do remember the news.. and I remember /what/ they did when our city-states would not surrender."<br /><br />Xau'ra turns on his heels to face them, walking backwards without a need of concern. "The White Raven, they called him-- Nael Van Darnus-- he used some type of device to take a hold of Dalamud, one of our smaller moons and pull it from the celestial sky."<br /><br />Xau'ra then turns back around. His tail bristling a bit. "All we could do was watch as Dalamud got closer and closer.. the aetheric flow of our world eventually went into chaos cause of how close it started to become, and though the Alliance did all it could in its power to /stop/ it.. we couldn't."<br /><br />"Worse, everyone realized that Garlean Empire was willing to /wipe/ us all out and scorch all of Eorzea if it meant to win the war. Complete genocide... even when Nael Van Darnus was killed, the invasion never stopped." Xau'ra's hands then clenches tightly as he walks. "Then worse.. when Dalamud broke surface, it cracked open to unleash the Elder Primal Bahamut-- and Bahamut..."<br /><br />Xau'ra stops in what he saying, as he then turns to look at Inga, "..loom? Weaver?" His ears go up for a moment, even though his tail does not move. "Do you speak of Nymeia? Nymeia-- the goddess of the weave and tapestry?"<br /><br />Yeah, Xau'ra is a little distracted by the possible bring up of one of the Twelve's who oversees fate.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:635|Quentyn Westwind (635)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I guess that's true..." Quentyn admits. Gods weren't immortal, but killing them isn't in the reach of Hume power, usually.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Quentyn listens, and only when there's a pause in Xau'ra has to say that he circles around on the chocobo. He seems to look down more than at the Miqo'te guide as he takes in the story. Though the mention of Bahamut is another word that gets a sudden look from the teen. Nymeia, notably, *doesn't*, but Quentyn glances back at Inga again.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Quentyn looks back at Inga, expression quizzical and marred with concern. "Um... are you ok..?" With that question comes certain , subtle signs... it's in his tone a little bit, the way he slightly shifts his posture on the chocobo, the nigh-imperceptible change in his breathing... If one puts it all together... Quentyn's somewhat expecting to get hit for asking that?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then he looks again to Xau'ra, with a slight nod. "Um... I kind of... understand. Um, war's coming to..." Quentyn glances aside and lets out a breath. "My world too, probably, but um, I hope it doesn't get that bad..." A finger picks at the edge of his notebook, then rubs the chocobo's neck. Kweh! "Anyway um. If my white magic can help sometime, um, just let me know..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Of the Garleans she has no comment. Inga has opened herself to be a channel through which other forces may speak, and it seems the further they travel the more the gods and spirits feel like speaking. The echoes of events are written in the tapestry. A thread is grasped, then pulls Inga into the past. The inquiry from Quentyn goes unheard it seems, as she continues to narrate what she sees. <br /><br /> "The sun weeps, raining tears of fire upon the earth...the sun? The moon? Below, shields clash and swords ring in a great tide of battle. Lightning and fire sizzle through the air, the smell of burned flesh permeates as blood flows from steel-made wounds," she says, her body beginning to tremble. "From the sky, a god's blade falls to earth. The ground trembles....the orb in the sky shatters like an egg and something...oh history whispers his name...Bahamut. Bahamut emerges, primal fire in his wings. The tapestry trembles with his might. All is fire and dust. Warriors flee, fight, and perish. An old man stands bravely agaisnt the beast, wielding light....mortals pray accross the land, but how...how can they be saved?" she continues. <br /><br /> Inga slumps forward against Quentyn, shaking almost violently in the wake of the vision. So much terror and destruction.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xau'ra glances over to Quentyn and his tail flicks, "War seems to be a common thing across this new world. Maybe if your fortunate-- yours will remain within your walls and not also become the problem of outsiders."<br /><br />The Miqo'te glances to the side. "..and please don't take that the wrong way.. just.. the memory of that day.. even if I was far away from it all..." he inhales deeply, "..and maybe your people can..." Though his attention is pulled away from his thoughts as suddenly Inga's words become more.<br /><br />She doesn't answer his question, but she does voice the story told of the event he just spoke of, but in detail of the events that he did not see. Xau'ra ears go back and lay down flat. His tail stops moving, as he lifts up the leather visor, to look a her with his gold eyes. "Inga?"<br /><br />He watches her slump and quiver against Quentyn. His frown deepens. "...by the Twelve.. she is witnessing the very battle.." He then looks around quickly. "Maybe-- maybe we should get her out of this cave.. seven hells.. this.. maybe this was all a bad idea.."<br /><br />The Miqo'te suddenly has no idea what to do, but then the sound of something moving in the caves catches his attention. His ears suddenly go up. "..we really /do/ need to move."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:635|Quentyn Westwind (635)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Quentyn watches Inga uncertainly, but puzzlement does turn to understanding as her telling of events mirror Xau'ra own. He still looks concerned, however. When she slumps, Quentn looks between Inga and Xau'ra... to the former, "Um. Do you need an ether..?" Then to Xau'ra. "Is that, um, seeing things like that, normal here?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The sound of monsters stirring gets Quentyn's attention too. He slips away the notebook, hand brushing against the magitek rifle but settling on the smaller of his two weapons. His other hand makes sure Inga doesn't slump *off* the chocobo. He nods, wordless but understanding, to Xau'ra. Ready to follow.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Inga takes a few moments to just breathe, trying to steady herself. Quentyn was mostly a stranger to her, but she'll just have to trust him. He's certainly in close contact now. She straightens slightly, shaking her head. "I'm sorry..." she mumbles to Quentyn, then looking to Xau'ra. "Keep going. I'm alright," she tells him. She'd expected this, afterall. Visions like that are always difficult. It isn't her first vision of war and it is sure not to be the last. <br /><br /> Hearing the sound of something moving in the cave followed by Xau'ra going on alert causes Inga to listen for it away, trying to shoo away the visions at least for a moment. She reaches for the knife at her belt, pulling it with still trembling hands. <br /><br /> Inga's expression is a mask of pain. "Keep going...but I may not be much help to you against what is out there--the tide is too strong, I--" she cuts off, her eyes rolling back. She does not fall from the chocobo, but it is clear she's been swept off, back into the past or whatever it is she sees. <br /><br /> She has long been in the habit of describing her visions as they come, and this continues now. It was her purpose in coming here, after all. No matter how it drains her, how it stretches the now flimsy connection to the Here and the Now...this is what has to be done. <br /><br /> "A blue light shines from a single, enormous crystal. Lights orbit like fireflies...then, a still pond it becoms, reflecting...oh, gods, the roar of the great dragon sounds as if an echo in my bones," she says, quietly. <br /><br /> Suddenly, a distinct note of panic enters her voice. "By the Norns...the strands of fate unraveling, becoming re-woven!" <br /><br /> A shudder passes through her once more before her eyes come back into focus, shining with a sudden intensity. "We must go to the lake. Silvertear Lake," she says, her grip now tightening on her knife.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xau'ra draws out his bow, and gets an arrow ready. He reaches down to pull his mask down once more. "No. Visions are not normal for us here-- it is what Inga is gifted with.. it is /why/ we are here." Xau'ra then quickly fires off an arrow just as a black creature, with several eyes, and bright neon yellow spots comes out. It may remind one of a Salamander-- but its far larger and has at least 12 eyes.<br /><br />The arrow keeps it back, at least for the moment, as Xau'ra then leads then outside the cave. His steps are quick and light, as he hops over a rock. "Keep her steady." he tells Quentyn, "..and fire your weapon if you only /have/ too. If the Garleans hear it.."<br /><br />His boots slide across some of the rock as he makes a sharp turn. Some of the crystals here becoming orange in color as they spark dangerously and a few explode off a few of their shards. Xau'ra cursing under his breath as he attempts to hop down a ledge just slightly below. "Keep going around!" He yells to Quentyn. "Cast a protective shield if you must, just avoid getting to close to the organge Aetherytes! They are corrupted!"<br /><br />It wouldn't be much longer till that large salamander comes out and roars out, before blasting out a massive electrical bolt of a ball at the group itself even as the split up slightly.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:635|Quentyn Westwind (635)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Quentyn just looks more and more unsettled and looks once more to Xau'ra for... interpretation? Or just the next instructions? And thenthe monster comes.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Quentyn resists the urge to draw his weapon, instead quickly guiding the chocobo with his feet. Lightning, exploding crystals, and a charge to look after. Quentyn's tense, but quick to react. "Hold on--!" To Inga. He leaps the chocobo out of the way of the bolt (and down the same ledge Xau'ra jumps), one hand still making sure Inga stays steady with him. Or trying to anyway. And he stays well clear so they don't get stabbed by exploding crystal shards. Had enough of that recently.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Aether visible gathers around the mage as he prepares a spell, and again a second time. The target isn't Quentyn himself, however, but their Miqo'te guide and protector-- first Stoneskin, and then Blink. Doesn't look like he has any intention of separating from the archer.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Inga looks to Quentyn. Odin's bones, he has a gun. She can't imagine how noisy that will be in a cave. She prays he will not need to fire it. <br /><br /> Upon being told to hold on, Inga does so! Crystal shards explode around them. A piece of it lodges in her leg, which earns a gasp but nothing more. <br /><br /> Xau'ra says something about casting a protection shield. Inga isn't sure if this is directed to her or to Quentyn, but it is something she can do, so perhaps she should. As she is already bleeding from her wound, that makes it easy. Inga uses her knife as a magical focus, flicking it outward from her wound, drawing it in a circle as blood flows and turns to a fine, red mist that glimmers softly with gold. An orb of protection seals around them both, providing both protection from some incoming damage and an invigorating effect of excellerated healing. <br /><br /> The air smells suddenly of honey.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The Salamander seems very keen on giving chase and with a screeching of a roar, several more come out of their dens and start to make their way down the mountainside after the group. So much for a nice walk and perhaps some explanations.<br /><br />Heck, Xau'ra has to hold his own questions regarding what is up with the Great King Dragon being in their own cultures. Oh well, further questions and answers can hold once they get out of Salamander country.<br /><br />The male Miqo'te continues to move down the mountain side at a brisk pace, his boot gliding along the ground, even as the magic is cast, one seeming to be of defensive, while the other seems to quicken his steps ever so slightly, perhaps even cause a slight shadow to follow his form.<br /><br />"Keep going down!" Xau'ra barks over to Quentyn, as he turns sharp on his heel and then flips into the air. In his hand, he rapid fires off several arrows in a fast spree. The arrows rain down, and cause a few of the Salamanders to get dislodged and go tumbling down into some of the corrupted aetheryte, which explodes on impact.<br /><br />Xau'ra lands on his feet for a moment, only to then witness one of the Salamader's coming from below. He quickly draws out one of his swords and jams it through the top part of its mouth. Snarling his sharp canine teeth at the creature. "Not-- today."<br /><br />He yanks out the sword, then uses the steel of the bow to knock it aside.<br /><br />Though while Xau'ra has his moment of combat, Quentyn will notice two Salamanders coming out from below them and then attempting to lunge upward to come and say hello!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:635|Quentyn Westwind (635)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The chocobo skitters across the cave floor a little but once landed, they're through the worst. The gasp gets a quick glance back, then a more thorough one once he has a spare second. Quentyn starts to cast a spell, but stops when he sees the blood magic take effect. And probably watches for a moment longer than he should in a combat situation, but Xau'ra shouts pull his eyes away again.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Quentyn still looks reluctant to leave their guide's side. Strange land and the white mage is, well, a white mage. Inga doesn't look like a front line fighter type either. But he starts to move, at least until the two salamanders notice them.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Quentyn steers the chocobo back to give them a little distance/time. "Hang tight," he murmurs quickly to Inga. Aether gathers around the mage as he slips out of the chocobo's saddle and slipping that really large rifle forward into his hands. The closest one, Quentyn tries to Repose. If the spell doesn't get resisted... The other one, well. Quentyn crouches, tracks with the ironsights as it approaches, and pulls the trigger.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's a loud BOOM that reverberates through the cavern (ow!), and sends the little gunmage flying back. (But somehow Quentyn manages to keep from banging the rifle against the ground and practiced motions get him back on his feet).<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What goes towards the salamander... it's a bullet with an armor piercing core that drives in high explosive and two types of incendiary. Meant for monsters more armored than it, or vehicles, but as long as it can stop the beast, well...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Inga's wound is already healing. The crystal shard that had sunk into her leg falls out as the wound re-knits. <br /><br /> "I am holding on as best I can!" she informs Quentyn as he slips out of the saddle and readies her weapon. Oh dear, this is going to be loud. Well, suppose if they are going to be making noise...<br /><br /> Inga pulls her staff from the saddle bag and turns the beast to aim at the salamander creatures coming toward them. The air fills with the smell of ozone, crackling, alive with eletricity.... CRACK! Boom! Lightning shoots from her staff into into the creatures. <br /><br /> Hopefully, it doesn't scare the chocobo so much it bolts and tosses her from the saddle!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Rule one about Eorzea-- only the Maelstrom and pirates have guns. Rule two-- sound carries very well against rocks. Rule three-- The Garleans are not all on 'vacation'.<br /><br />Xau'ra snarls as he hears the gun shot. "By Menphina's bosom! That is going to catch some unwanted attention soon enough." He then back flips as another Salamander attempts to bite him with a lunge, only to nom on the very shadow of where he was.<br /><br />Useful spell that blink was.<br /><br />Xau'ra then goes to slide down a bit more before he flips off another rock to land near the group, just as Quentyn's bullet causes a few Salamander's to explode with their mucus going everywhere and a few more knocked back by Inga's own attack.<br /><br />The male Miqo'te quickly leading the way down, and sliding right into a bush and under a tree that has some crystallization trying to claim it. "Get down, stay down for a bit." With good reason too, as one may notice one of those airships near the Dreadnought start to actually make their way over to the mountain side. A spot light flares on and starts to search along the mountain face where they were.<br /><br />The airship was solid black metal, at least it look to be metal. No jets or thrust kept it afloat, only a very low hum that emitted from it. It was easy to see the gauntlet cannon hanging from its underbelly, along with some missiles along side its form.<br /><br />Thankfully it doesn't hang around for long and when it does show up, many of the Salamanders go to high tale it. Apparently fearing the strange magitek creation of the Garleans.<br /><br />Xau'ra watches this for a moment as his tail flicks, before looking at the two, "You both alright?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:635|Quentyn Westwind (635)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thundercracks and a gunshot, yet... the chocobo doesn't spook /at all/. In fact it barely reacts, save for eyes following motion (and thus the commotion) almost algorithmically. How very odd. "Waaaaark." Odd... yet a convenient ride for Inga.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When they run for cover, Quentyn quickly motions for Inga to dismount and hurriedly says, "Quickly, um, need to get rid of the chocobo." He'll help her dismount if needed, and then the chocobo dissolves and collapses out of existence! A chocobo spell? But that explains that!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Quentyn stays low as instructed, flicking the safety of his rifle back on. He, too, watches the airship, eyes all but glued to it once the salamanders retreat. The white mage looks to the Miqo'te when the question comes, giving a small nod and apologetic look in answer.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Inga does as told, getting down with the help of a hand from Quentyn, staying low as the airship passes. She gawks as it flies over them, having never seen anything like it. A ship that flies through the sky? Such was the possession of gods. Truly amazing to think she could actually /ride/ on one. Perhaps someday she shall! <br /><br /> She blinks as the chocobo disappears, looking confused. "A spell?" she breathes. Well, that is also extremely amazing. How useful that must be! <br /><br /> Inga looks to Xau, nodding. "Fine...are either of you hurt?" she asks, looking them over. Inga's wound is fully healed. Perhaps not such a strange thing for those used to white magic from their world. <br /><br /> Now that they are through, close to the lake. Inga frowns. "The pull grows stronger...come, let us continue. Is a charm of concealment needed?" she asks.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xau'ra stays low and watches as the Airship starts to leave. He looks over to Quentyn, noting how the chocobo vanished. "I can see what you mean about needing to drink. An aetheric construct?" The male Miqo'te decides to ask with his brows furrowed.<br /><br />"I guess moogles are not the only thing your world is lacking, hm?"<br /><br />Xau'ra then looks over to Inga, "No. They didn't see us-- I don't think.. and if they did.. we probably hear it over their airship calling down at us." He snorts faintly. "They damn well think they own the land here, but they are but a sickness on it."<br /><br />"Mor Dhona wouldn't be like this, if they stayed away and Eorzea wouldn't be in the trouble she was in all the same." Xau'ra sighs softly. "But I am no soldier.. so I leave that to the Alliance to resolve." He then pushes up, before looking at Quentyn, "Do you have her?" He asks looking to Inga about then for confirmation that he has her and wont need the aid.<br /><br />The lake was indeed not far from them. Their was a fissure that lead down near the water's shore as the lakes waters slowly rippled in and out against what was a blue crystal layer of a flat. Though some of the aetheric fog was here, it was very low and extremely thin near the water's edge.<br /><br />The water itself was rather cold and no manner of fish could be seen living in it. It was almost seemingly, void of any life. Though if that was true or not, was hard to say.<br /><br />"Once we are done here, we can head up north where the Adventure's camp is. They will have an few inn tents there, some food, and be a safe place to rest. They are good people-- even if sometimes a bit.. wild."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:635|Quentyn Westwind (635)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The healing doesn't faze this student anyway. Quentyn manages a weak grin and thumbs up. "I'm OK." Pause. Stealth magic? Quentyn looks to Xau'ra for an answer to that, though looks a little disappointed at the refusal.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But he nods to Xau'ra. "Yah. Um... real chocobos are almost extinct..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Have... her?" Quentyn looks from Xau'ra to Inga in confusion. Eventually he nods uncertainly. And once the all clear is giving again, he pulls out a polyhedron embedded into a bracelet from his jacket. Aether visible gathers arond the mage as though he's casting a spell, save that the crystalline polyhedron is the focus.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Kweh!" The chocobo is back, and to Inga, "Um, do you need to ride? I can just walk along." Quentyn will lead the chocobo on foot if so, but dismiss it again if not.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once they're down on the shoreside, Quentyn fishes that notebook out of his bag again. He catches up on his ntoes and his sketches, also taking time to take in the lake once more, and the ruined airship and guardian dragon. He looks up to give a nod and small smile to the guide at the talk of the camp's hospitality.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Inga gets to her feet again, picking up her staff to aid her walking. She turns to Xau'ra giving him a look. "I am no cargo," she informs him, narrowing her eyes slightly. <br /><br /> Inga looks to Quentyn and the chocobo, blinking as it reappears. She shakes her head. "No, it is not far... I will walk a bit," she says, then begins walking down toward the lake. She has a feeling another vision will overtake her soon. "A voice...I hear a voice. Perhaps it is your goddess I hear, Xau'ra. She urges us to the lake," she says, picking up the pace a little. She limps with every step, but is moving at a fairly steady pace.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Menphina?" Xau'ra asks Inga, before he goes to follow. Though he does give a sheepish smile when she reminds him that just cause she is crippled-- doesn't mean she can't handle herself.<br /><br />Once they arrive at the lake, Xau'ra looks around it. He also notes the very light Aetheric fog, but only nods faintly. No danger here though. He then turns to look at Quentyn, "Extinct huh? I suppose I can understand that. Eorzea got her chocobos from Ishgard-- but when Isgard locked themselves up and after Bahamut rain of fire.. we lost a great deal of our own flock."<br /><br />"Thankfully this world of Spira lend us a few of their own flock.. maybe your people could arrange the same?" Xau'ra says with a smirk, though his features get more serious, "..Though I am curious to know what your relation is when the Great King of Dragons."<br /><br />"..and why do you sketch so much?"<br /><br />After all, Xau'ra needed to leave Inga to her work, so he may as well bother poor Quentyn.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:635|Quentyn Westwind (635)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Quentyn simply nods to Inga, though the talk of voices and such brings about another curious look. But if there's a question on his mind, he doesn't ask. All the questions from Xau'ra, on the other hand, look like they overwhelm the boy a little. "Um... just rare, I guess, um. Bahamut's, um, the king of the dragons like you said. Um. They don't talk to us much..? And um... I just... like to..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xau'ra raises a brow at Quentyn, "Well-- I meant Midgardsormr." He smirks faintly, "Give that for us-- he is the king of the dragons, where Bahamut is an Elder Primal." The male Miqo'te frowns at that. "..And Primals are nothing but trouble.. for they feed on aether and yet..."<br /><br />Xau'ra shakes his head. "..yet I believe they are also part of the land.. somehow.. Given that I am sure the Mothercrystal keeps them around for some reason and they.. just have gone out of check.. or.. maybe have become corrupted like the crystals.. I do not know."<br /><br />Xau'ra tilts his head and extends out his hand, "Mind if I see the sketches?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Inga comes to the edge of the lake, stopping there. She leans on her staff, staring down into the reflective surface like a scrying mirror. Her eyes stare at nothing, but her mind's eye is wide open. <br /><br /> For a while, she is silent, still, staring into the beyond. Finally, she begins to speak what she sees. "The mirrored lake reflects crystals of orange hue..it reflects us, too. Xau'ra, I see you...your hair pales, your body withers, the essence of your life drains away...it swirls like a whirlpool around the cyrstals." <br /><br /> "The waters turn dark, a being rises from its depths. An armored ma in whit, a lance upon his back. His form blurs as a reflection does in a pool when wind blows across it's surface. His hand, clawed, breaks the surface, the eye-slits of his helmet a black void as the space between the stars. Suddenly, they glow crimson, blood staining the night..." her voice grows unsteady, but she continues none the less. <br /><br /> "The head of a great dragon, men in white armor stand before it...they...stand as if figures in a mirror...they.../become/ him..." she takes a step backward then, gasping in surprise to something the others do not see. It certainly seems real enough to her. <br /><br /> Her eyes move upward, watching some play unfolding before her. "I see in the sky energy gathering...it gathers from points all over the Multiverse. Dragons take wing, crying their defiace to the sky. The words cry 'savior!'. The words cry for war." <br /><br /> Inga now turns toward Xau'ra and Quentyn, her eyes dark pools. The air of her presence changes, her voice transformed by the one that speaks through her. "My children cry. Tears run cold. Vengeance will be ours, on flames of purity burning forth." <br /><br /> Then there is silence. <br /><br /> Inga's eyes close as she lets out a quivering sigh. She takes a step backward, her head spinning, unconsciousness crashing. <br /><br /> She falls backward into the water.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:635|Quentyn Westwind (635)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh. Um. I don't really, um, understand what you mean by Primal..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;See the sketches? Quentyn suddenly looks as a deer in headlights, grip on his notebook and pencil tensing. "Umm..." Slowly and very reluctantly Quentyn holds out the notebook to Xau'ra, as though handing over something that might break at the slightest knock.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inside, well, are sketches of the various things they've seen so far. The lake and Midgardsormr several times, as mentioned, but also the caverns and the salamanders (And Xau'ra fighting them!), Inga using her blood-magic shield, and the airship and other miscellany, all annotated in Galiandan sigils. He apparently has a pretty decent memory for details even when he's busy fighting.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Quentyn's distracted from watching over his notebook by Inga. From his quizzical expression he's not following the prophecies or visions or who knows. But when she falls into the water, panic crosses his features and he bolts for the water himself. He dumps his rifle and bag on the ground (they're probably heavy) as he runs but doesn't hesitate to jump in and try to get his arms under her armpits to at least keep poor Inga's head above the water.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xau'ra looks over the sketches. "I guess one day I will see if I can get a primer written-- also you have one seven hells of an eye for de.." Then that is when Inga starts to speak, "..tail.." The male Miqo'te listens to her words. They echo some of what his dreams have showed him but in greater detail.<br /><br />His brows furrow and when her voice speaks in a deeper tone, his eyes go wide behind the mask. Though it is when she falls does the male Miqo'te go to snap Quentyn's sketchbook closed and place it aside to quickly give aid in order to get Inga back to land.<br /><br />It is also details for now, he'll have to brush aside, for her life is a bit more important then his own. "Inga!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Inga is merely unconscious. Luckily, she didn't drown while she'd fallen into the water. Quentyn and Xau'ra are quick to pull her out and prevent that. <br /><br /> Slowly, she comes to, groaning softly. Her eyes flutter open, a loof of confusion on her features. Why is she wet and cold? <br /><br /> Oh, she'd fallen in. <br /><br /> When she comes to, she is shivering. She is soaked through. "I-I-I'm al-r-right," she says, teeth chattering. <br /><br /> She has more to tell, the imprint of words written on her mind...but she's not going to bloody do it while she's shivering like this. "T-T-to c-c-camp?" she asks.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:635|Quentyn Westwind (635)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's probably a good thing Xau'ra helps. Quentyn is /small/ and probably couldn't do it alone, although, at least they're close to the shore as is. Once they have Inga ashore, aether gathers around the mage and he puts a palm against her-- A diagnostic spell. Whether Inga says she's all right or not, he wants to be sure.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And, well, Quentyn might be wearing layers but he just got soaked himself. Not shivering just yet, but he looks like he's getting colder fast.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Looking to Xau'ra and agreeing with Inga, "Um... I don't have any black magic spells we could dry off with, we should get to camp quick..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xau'ra aids with Inga and gives a nod to them both. "The camp isn't far. We will keep low to avoid some trouble with some of the local wildlife and then make our way up. They may even offer some ale to help with the cold."<br /><br />Thankfully-- at least one of them has a chocobo and Xau'ra at least knew how to run for a pretty good distance, so getting her there would be no trouble and besides.. after some rest, they could maybe even break down what this was all about.<br> <br>


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