Civic Festhall, Sigil; The Second Lady, Fated, 130th year of factol Reus (Omnifrost)

[Chris Chandler]

The smell of smoke is nearly overpowering.

As you move through the Festhall, the din of noise has a strange effect; The sound of an entire room of people talking takes the form of the surf crashing against the cliffs. You pass through the great chamber and into the anteroom to the north without upsetting a soul. These are the people, whether Gith or Illithid, Maenad or Kobold, who know that to learn one must experience, but in the Festhall, experience is loud and the people do not notice you.

Her name was Tiska, a tout, but more importantly, a thief, and she'd stolen it two nights past. You found her handler, Omarax, a noxious, if interesting old Eye Tyrant, last night. It seems that the two of you had something in common. Unfortunately for Tiska, it was your property.

You reach the door, knowing the chant from the past few nights.

Oh, he's reasonable. He's only looking for something new. Make an offer - he might surprise you!

Just don't look him in the... what? It's funny!

He's not the one you need to mark. He won't put you in the dead book. It's who drives him that will.

All talk, no substance, that's the way of the gossip, but you've heard Omarax thrown around enough to know that he's smart enough to call The Cage his home. That, in and of itself means that there is a time for pleasure, and there is a time for business.

The door, one of the few doors in the Festhall, is closed. Even the Sensates like privacy, every once in a while.

[LightBringer]

The noise is pleasing. I smile as I make my way through the hall. Experience is the only true teacher, but I prefer those experiences to be mine. Right now I want to experience the warm air against my skin as I walk through the crowded streets. For now though, I simply walk through the door, closing it behind me.

[Chris Chandler]

You've met his kind before - arrogant and paranoid all at once, calculating and capricious, Omarax is truly a Beholder in spirit and body. His scarred and pitted carapace, floating in the main chamber before you, shows a life of resolution and his rheumy eyes betray an age appropriate for an Eye Tyrant of Omarax's reputation. He does not seem surprised to see you, but neither does he seem particularly pleased.

G'lathk, clean up this mess. We have a visitor.

A slender Githyanki woman, dressed in the familiar robes of a servant, enters from the hallway to your right, moves toward an ornate tray of what might loosely be considered food, and takes the tray away.

I apologize for the state of affairs of my parlor. I was finishing my repast when you arrived. Now then, Miss Omnifrost, how can I be of service to you today?

[LightBringer]

The corners of my mouth begin to turn up at the mention of my name. As my head begins to rise, I reach up and remove the goggles from my eyes, and place the lenses against my forehead. I meet the gaze of Omarax's central eye, as my smile finishes forming. It is I who should apologize Lord Omarax, I begin striding forward, It was not my intent to disturb your repast. I stop at a respectable distance, mischief dancing in my eyes. I have come to you in search of the blood who has lifted my property, or the property itself. I have learned that you are the one who can help me.

[Chris Chandler]

The beholder laughs and smiles toothily.

Yes, property or blood, true business. So then, you can't have Tiska's blood now, because she has none - she's forever gracing the entrance of my sleeping chamber.

He quickly continues in an attempt to assuage your possible reaction -

Not to worry though. Your treasure wasn't with her. She had... hidden it prior to her punishment. Now then, I may not be able to pull your... what do you care about a simple watering can anyways? No matter - I may not be able to pull it off my bookshelf, but I can tell you were Tiska kept her trove.

The smile at the end of his statement contains the unstated requirement of contract, the quid pro quo so common to dealing with the denizens of the cage.

[LightBringer]

I expected something, but that seems particularly harsh. Although I try not to even flinch.

When he is done, my expression becomes a little more serious, as does my posture. "Seems like a waste of talent, but you are the one in charge." A very brief pause, "Well, since it is, in your own words, a simple watering can, and I would like it back in my possession, I believe a simple agreement is in order." Making sure that my verbal agreement keeps his portion of this contract from getting out of hand.

[Chris Chandler]

Of course! Simplicity is my very namesake. I only ask that you retrieve a trinket of my own, that little Tiska felt she deserved. Her ma - I get ahead of myself, of course. You are still only a... visitor to The Cage.

He slowly floats across toward his bookshelf, and pulling out a solid tome with his enormous tongue, he places it on a easel, to read.

Tiska was reputed to have navigated the maze of The Lady, lore that, truly, bade me to initially hire the girl. She has, had, quite the gift with a maze. Her trove, indeed, is past The Fence, down UnderSigil.

His central eye widens ever slightly as he watches your expression. He continues speaking despite any amount of knowledge or feedback you may actually have on the subject.

UnderSigil is below the catacombs, near the outer rim, you see. Madmen, berks I'm told, of such measure that they can no longer live in propernecropolis is The Fence, and it's as much maze as burial site. Tiska hid her spoils there. society, even here, in The Cage. They don't even bring their dead to the mausoleum anymore, building their own cities of the dead. One

His singular lung expands in a loud thrumming buzz, and he continues -

I know the tale, but have not traveled there, you see -

His outer eyes expand slightly as if to demonstrate -

I'm much too large to travel throughout much of The Cage. I would speak with Cuesi Kahl, in Bindings, just down the street. That... token -

he gestures to a small inkwell on his bookshelf.

Is the gatekey to The Fence. Cuesi knows where the gate is. He'll take you there for free, as a favor to me.

[LightBringer]

Remaining quiet, I keep my 5'8 frame as straight as possible as I listen to his tale. I purposefully keep my expression as neutral as possible, there is no need for him to know what I do, and do not know. As he turns to retrieve the tome, I glance around, shifting my eyes only, and get my bearings in the room.

I do shift my head slightly to look at the inkwell, and then turn back without moving. I guess we'll see how simple this turns out to be. Do you have no more exact location on her trove? Somewhere in the maze is rather vague, and what is it that I'm to retrieve for you, Lord Omarax?

[Chris Chandler]

The Fence, like many pieces of The Cage, tends to... move about, shall we say? It is in the same location, truly, but... the interior likes to shift a bit. The map I might could give you would be wrong, by any means. My trinket, however, will help you find your trinket. Her name is Peluda. Here is something that may help you -

He gestures on the bookshelf, lower than the inkwell. Aside from a few tomes you see nothing but a dull grey oblong disk, some three inches wide and barely longer.

Take these both with my compliments, and please give Cuesi my best regards.

His manner is such that you feel that you have been dismissed and the Eye Tyrant, indeed, turns away, taking another thrumming breath. He begins singing, after a fashion, in a most ghastly beholder manner, as he heads down the hall.

[LightBringer]

I move over to the bookshelf. Well there is no purpose in killing me yet... I reach out and take the inkwell, and disk. For the time being I deposit each into a pocket. After that I leave the room without farther delay.

I make my way past the people occupying the hall with a warm smile, and head towards the outside. Ahhh, now to roam in the light.

(My intent is to head outside and go down the street to find this Cuesi. I am in no rush though.)

[LightBringer]

You know, on second thought I don't like the description of the path I'm about to take, something about UnderSigil, just doesn't sit well.

(I go back to my quarters and get my pack. After settling it onto my back, and retrieving my walking stick, I then head out to find Cuesi.)

[Chris Chandler]

Of course. A careful consideration is as important as a stout sword or a mighty spell in the face of danger. Luck favors the prepared. By the time you reach Bindings, well within the confines of the teeming Clerk's Ward, it is some hours past Peak, and the light is beginning to fade. Most shops roughly follow the cycle of the Peaks, but you never can tell with unusual folks like Cuesi. You arrive just as he is removing his apron, ready to call it a day.

Bindings is a bookshop, a bookshop unlike any other. It is similar, now, in that it is a storefront filled floor to ceiling with bookshelves that do, indeed, contain books, but it is the nature of the books at this shop that are, in a word, otherworldly. Cuesi's motto, plain as day on the outide of the shop, states this quite plainly - "If it is bound, I can find it." The wealth of a dozen kingdoms lies in a small, unadorned stone shop.

Cuesi Kahl, a small pudgy human, though born and raised in the City of Doors, is a master of the knowledge of his books, what they are, where they can be found, and, most importantly, what they mean. He has spent a long life gathering the knowledge of the tome like a dragons thirsts for gold and gems. His curious, long intelligent eyes spy you as you enter and he smiles.

I was beginning to wonder if I should just board up the door, but some cushions in the lobby and make this my study, er, ma'am.

He doff's his skullcap, which takes with it his spectacles, thick, weighty wire rimmed spectacles that give Cuesi the appearance of a turtle. He smiles congenially as he reties his apron, dusts his hands and moves around the table he was behind.

Well, always a pleasure to meet a lover of knowlege. I am Cuesi Kahl, and I am your servant. May I ask who you are and what you might need?

He has a tablet of paper and a charoal stylus ready. He is truly pleased to meet someone new.

[LightBringer]

I smile, and move forward toward him, Greetings Cuesi Kahl, I am OmniFrost. While I am a seeker of knowledge, the knowledge I need today is not in a tome. You see Omarax has sent me to you, and requested that you escort me to the gate of the Fence. He said, you would do this favor for him!

(I look over a couple of tomes while I talk, but I certainly finish looking him in the eyes.)

[Chris Chandler]

Cuesi looks positively crestfallen.

Oh. You're the favor, I see. Well, escorting is all well and good, but you can't get anywhere in The Cage without a key. I can only hope that the bastard sent the key he so bragged about. A word of advice, Miss Omnifrost, never trust a beholder, especially one that is a drunk.

He shakes his head -

I should just board this place up -

He lingers on one of the books you looked over -

I... No, never mind. So, if you don't mind me asking, Miss, what business do you have in The Fence? It isn't exactly a rosebush, if you catch my meaning.

[LightBringer]

My smile widens and becomes a small chuckle, as he calls Omarax a drunk. Then just a warm smile as he continues.

Believe me Mr. Kahl, I'm not as young and inexperienced as I look. Well, I am as young. :smiling: While I naturally tend to trust cutters I've just met, I have been around the Cage a time or two. I know this could just as easily be a peel to get me to do something for nothin'. There is no guarantee that Omarax wasn't behind the item, I'm looking for, being stolen from me. There's no guarantee that he really did kill the blood who stole it in some act of compensation, and there is certainly no guarantee that this thing he says is a key, is a key! On the other hand, it could be exactly as it's been laid out. There's nothing like finding out for one's self. ;)

Looking back at the book, You...What?

[Chris Chandler]

Cuesi smirks and walks over to you -

I like to get out, surely, but my passion is right here, with these tomes. It's a sad affair to say that there's none too many who hold the same passion. Take a look at this book you -

He pulls the book you eyed -

- seemed interested in an actual book. This is just a simple Gith History, really only pertinent to Astrals or their kin, but you've got the curious eye. I hesitate to think how many times it's gotten you in trouble, but me - I can appreciate curiosity.

He slaps the book closed, and moves even closer to you -

So, the key. What did it turn up as? Keys do fascinate me so.

[LightBringer]

I listen calmly still a slight smile on my face. His closeness doesn't bother me, although I don't allow myself to be distracted with the book being slapped shut.

When he finishes I give a wry smile, I suppose you'll see when we get where we're going. Until then I think I'll just leave it safely where it is at, almost in a whisper, as if I'm telling a secret, you never know who's up to something.

[Chris Chandler]

That causes him to laugh loudly.

Or you always know that everyone's up to something, right? Oh, The Cage makes the best of us paranoid prisoners some days, but you are right, you don't know me from The La... from anyone, so better to play close to your chest.

Cuesi moves in the direction of the table where he saw you first, moving around it, he picks up a satchel, not much larger than a coin purse, opens the main pocket, reaches in, and pulls out a small gem, a thumb-sized emerald from what you can tell, and puts it in his vest pocket. He looks up at you, smiles again, and speaks -

Well, I suppose you haven't eaten, seeing the time of day. What say we pick up a bite to eat, then take a nice walk down UnderSigil way? I know a nice enough spot. The liquid courage there is top shelf, if you catch my meaning.

He stops, as he puts on his overcoat -

Are you ready, or was there something else?

[LightBringer]

No, I'm ready, and if you need a bite and a drink I suppose we have time.

Once he is ready I'll just walk along with him. Although it's fairly apparent I'm ready to get the show on the road.

[Chris Chandler]

He actually seems as ready, but you can tell that the prospect of the actual trek is a little unnerving to him. He stops just down the street, at a street vendor, and buys a small bottle of liquor, takes a flask out of his overcoat, and knocks back the overfill from the bottle. Smilling, he hands the bottle back to the vendor, and coughing a little bit, turns back to you -

Oh, sorry, did you want a touch?

No matter the answer, he heads down Crystal Dew Lane and leads you through the Clerk's Ward into the Guild Hall Ward. He stops in Farrier's Court, then takes another swig from his flask. He then heads up into Eldor's End, where you can spy the Great Gymnasium reaching over the crowded buildings of the ward. A large steep peaked building with the sign of two open hands hanging over the front door seems to be Cuesi's destination, and he stops, opens the door for you, and waits for you to enter before heading in. You would note that the locals refer to this as The Other Place, and from what you know it is a spa, fitting given the proximity to the Great Gymnasium. You smell the salts and pungent floral aroma wafting from the proferred open door.

[LightBringer]

((Oh crap, I thought I posted!))

I smile and politely decline the offer.

I look at the entrance slightly boogled, then at Cuesi. If I don't pick up on anything unusual, I'll go ahead in.

[Chris Chandler]

The entryway to the spy is wood paneling and hardwood floors. It is warm in here, and humid, suggesting a hot spring. There is a young girl, an Aasimar with white-gold hair and silver eyes in a pale blue robe, off the shoulder, who greets you.

Welcome to my home! Would you care to visit the masseuse?

Oh, that's tempting, dear. Is Thora in toda... No, sorry, actually, my companion and I would like to attend to the whirlpool.

Oh, of course, Mr. Kahl. Please follow me.

You head down a hall, and down into a staircase. The air becomes positively steamy down here. She continues down a stone corridor and stops at a sturdy metal door.

Here you are Mr. Kahl.

She looks at you -

Do you need assistance undressing, miss?

[LightBringer]

Hmm, nice.

I simply wait for Cuesi, to do his bit, smiling politely.

Once downstairs, No thank you. I'm sure I'll be okay, concluded with a wink.

[Chris Chandler]

Cuesi, for his part, does not undress either. he puts a small chit in the hand of the girl, and she, smiling, heads off.

He opens the door an you see an enormous steaming pool of water, swirling about, though not so quickly that one could not sit comfortably. The rest of the room is granite, floor to ceiling. There are a few divans for reclining and soaps, oils, and other ungents for whatever purposes one might have for such a room.

I don't believe we'll need to disrobe for this occasion -

He says, smiling brightly, looking at you with only the slightest hint of disappointment.

Once you both enter, he closes the door and latches it shut. the door clanks with a certainty to suggest that this room is now watertight.

So then, the whirlpool is the portal, naturally, but it needs a key. Is it appropriate now for me to see this key, or shall I close my eyes?

He's smiling, not meaning anything derisive from his comment. His liquid courage is fortifying him quite well at the moment.

[LightBringer]

No that won't be necessary. I remove the ink well from my pocket and hold it out.

[Chris Chandler]

He looks at it brightly, his eyes full of wonder. He is enthralled.

How ingenious! Brilliant! That is wonderful! How does it work?

[LightBringer]

I smile, and shrug my shoulders, as I drop it into the whirlpool.

[Chris Chandler]

It's a good thing, for the proprietor of this place, that Cuesi secured the door.

The inkwell drops into the pool with a small plip and starts to tumble around through the current. That's when the lid pops off. The ensuing maelstrom as the bulk of the ink within the inkwell mixes with the water is like a hurricane and you fight to keep your feet. Cuesi slips and tumbles into the far wall. The water turns from a deep crystal blue to the blue-black of the ink then the water drains and you see, at first, nothing but empty darkness, but you can tell that there a tangible space beyond. The wind dies down to a dull roar, and Cuesi stands and gingerly walks over to you.

I... think... that perhaps it wasn't the well, but the ink itself that was the key, and it just spilled all out. I'm not sure, but you either just made a permanent portal or this key worked really well, and once.

He's a litte angry, but more he's facsinated by the situation.

[LightBringer]

Way, freaking, cool!!!!!!!!

Oh well, a large multi-eyed blob should have given clearer instructions. I shrug, smile broadly while taking Cuesi's hand, and jump in.


((If the inkwell is anywhere visible I'll get it before I jump, otherwise...........:cool: )

[Chris Chandler]

The inkwell is lost forever, unfortunately. You jump, grabbing Cuesi who is unable to resist your tug, and in you go!

You fall an uncomfortable distance, perhaps 20 feet, but you land softly. You are in a dark, wide expanse. The chit-sized cobbles and smokeless flames of the deep of UnderSigil. You see nothing in the immediate vicinity within your gaze, and you see no evidence of the portal on this side of things, though that is not uncommon when dealing with portals.

So, er... I, um... I figured there would be more of a landmark. Let me see... just where are we. Let me see...

He pulls out a small round disk. He rubs it quickly a few times with his hand and it begins glowing, a dull red growing to a bright yellow toward his left.

Ah, this way!

He heads right.

[LightBringer]

I am to busy being cool-ly impressed for his lack of direction to bother me.

This is sweeeet. As I look around while he gets his bearings.

Hmmm, I wonder.... as I start to follow him I pull out my oblong disk and look at it.

[Chris Chandler]

((I believe the word is duh))

As you continue along the dark expanse you pull out the stone. It is cool to the touch, smooth, with a few cracks in it. It is otherwise unremarkable. It isn't doing anything either.

You continue on for some minutes before you see the haze of lantern light ahead of you. You see a few decrepit homes nearly piled on top of each other, haphazardly built and poorly spaced. They are in a ring, 8 doorways facing one another, with a ring of lanterns on posts in a sort of loose central court. There are a few carts and rickshaws along long wall of one of the homes.

Keep your hands to yourself, miss Omnifrost. These are the folks that aren't... equipped to live topside. Some'd sooner send you to the dead book than to talk. They are... unwell.

[LightBringer]

I nod to Cuesi, in acknowledgement, grip the disk tightly, and continue to follow. I try to be alert and pay attention.

[Chris Chandler]

The two of you move quickly to the cluster of buildings and head into the court. Once the lantern-light hits you, two doors open, and two creatures tumble headlong in your direction! They flip and twist and leap so quickly that it is difficult to see just what they are, but they seem humanoid in shape, if only a bit larger than a big human male.

[LightBringer]

No sudden moves from me, although I watch with interest the moves they are making. I'm basically following here, so I'll wait and follow Cuesi example, except to draw a weapon. If he draws a weapon I'll just prepare to defend, but not draw a weapon myself.

[Chris Chandler]

The tumbling forms come to a sudden halt along each side of Cuesi and you see that they are human, but warped, twisted, broken. They both look completely mad.

A dozen feathers or a posey off yer dead mum's maggoty corpse fer passage basher! Don't be let into the dead book by not havin' a posey berk!

Cuesi blinks hard at the request, then looks back toward you - the other speaks.

We don't be needin' no fool feathers Akos - tell 'er -

He gestures to you -

She they ain't gettin' by wi'out a kiss.

[LightBringer]

I begin digging in my pockets, "I'm sorry the offer was a dozen feathers or a posey. If you were wanting kisses you should have included those in your original dealing. I know I have some feathers around here somewhere. There's no changing a dealing."

[Chris Chandler]

Cuesi fights a laugh as he, too begins rifling through his pockets. He gives you a sidelong glance, hoping to catch your eye, and he pulls out a a pigeon from the folds of his cloak. It is flapping madly trying to escape. Before he puts on his display, he gives you a wink.

Just a moment, just a moment there berks! I've got a right pretty dove right here! Now then, with a twist of the neck and pop of the wing, you each will have double your payment, and I'll toss a good cooking breast for free.

His actions follow his speech exactly, as he breaks the dove's neck and yanks hard to remove the wings. He hands off the payment to the confused jackals, and returns his smile to you.

If, of course, it would be appropriate for me to pay for your passage, miss.

[LightBringer]

I smile back at him, "No good sir, I do not mind at all. Thank you kindly." I slip my arm under his and to not even wait for a response as we begin to continue on.

[Chris Chandler]

You both step lightly away from the settlement and the two begin bickering as to whom shall have the breast of the pigeon. You can hear the shouts, songs, and challenges of poetry until you move out of earshot.

They be on that for hours 'til they realize it wasn't a real bird, poor, poor souls. Ah, here we come, look ahead.

He gestures to the yawning glow, a sickly amber, before you. You can see a great, warped iron gate, and equally warped iron bars, floor to ceiling, extending as far left and right as you can see, extending out of sight.

[LightBringer]

Wow, so I take it that's the fence. Looking left, then right, up and down the fence. So, how do I manage to get myself in there or are you coming with me? accompanied with a sly smile.

[Chris Chandler]

Oh, into The Fence? You didn't want to just take a look, chip a piece off, and head back? No? Damn, alright then. Well, there's a trick to it. 'Round here we call this -

He moves toward the gate itself and, grabbing hold with both hands, he swings one of the sides ajar -

Opening the door! Whew! After you Miss.

You can see beyond a tangle of stone and steel, the graves of UnderSigil.

[LightBringer]

I give a little laugh, and walk in. Some things are as easy as they look I suppose. The way everyone talks I thought it would be a lot harder.

I look around at the graves and then back into my hand at the oblong disk. After thinking for a moment, I rub the disk, and if nothing happens, I say my target's name to it, Peluda.

[Chris Chandler]

The disk vibrates slightly, humming, not audibly, but you can feel it.

Oh, things are just as hard as they appear. There's no lock on this place because no one but berks bother to ever come here, 'side from funerals, and most of the folks looking for trouble end up with a date for their own funeral. The fence is cold iron, the lot of it, and that keeps those that should rest but aren't from killing fools like those two pikers back there. Of course, now we're on the same side of The Fence as the dead.

He stops as you call your prize's name.

Who is Peluda?

[LightBringer]

I don't know. Someone Omarax said could help me find what I was looking for. Of course I think he was looking for her as well, soooo I don't know how reliable anything will be. Loooking around, Well hopefully the dead stay quiet for awhile, I'd really rather not fight with them.

[Chris Chandler]

You know, I've heard... it's only a rumor now, that it's really not the spirits that are the problem, it that these piking tombs move around on a person, get them locked in The Fence, like some horrible maze. Personally, I don't mind a nice walk, even a long one. I do mind some old Dust walking around because he doesn't know any better than to lay down and be still.

You continue on, and you do get the sense that things are shifting, ever slightly, around you. You can't place it, specifically, but it's like the branches of a tree closing behind you after you push it aside. The humming of your stone continues to grow, though, again, it is still not audible.

[LightBringer]

I smile at Cuesi, and give him a 'yeah I know what you mean' nod.

I'll just take my time, looking at the names, and markings on the graves, trying to be respectful and avoid stepping on anything, or anyone. I think about what I'm looking for, and Peluda, and Tiska, and basically see if this disk leads us.

[Chris Chandler]

You wander for hours. Cuesi is a polite conversationalist, once you get into the search, and he's very helpful. He saves his wit for when it is needed, and now that there is a job, he is on-task.

You know that the maze of The Fence is swallowing you up. It isn't any surprise when you have to double back to find that the way has been altered or flat-out barred.

The graves are in many different languages in many different styles. There are stone cairns, elaborate marble mausoleums, simple markers, even staked pieces of parchment. It is nearly impossible to avoid missteps. Things are such a jumble!

You get a feel for the stone, and follow it's lead of humming louder and louder. Eventually Cuesi will ask -

I hear a soft thrumming, like from deep passage hit by the wind. Do you hear it?

[LightBringer]

((Is it the disc he hears or is there actually another noise?))

[Chris Chandler]

((Oh, sorry, it is the disk))

[LightBringer]

"Yes I hear it. I hope it's telling me I'm heading in the right direction. Iguess we'll see when we get there." I shrug and keep trying to follow the directions.

[Chris Chandler]

Luck may or may not be with you. After a few minutes you happen upon a gravestone, marked with a fine hand:

A S K I T

Ask it what, and good grief what is that buzzing? It sounds near you, but I don't see anything unusual.


Should you try to touch the disk, it is vibrating so rapidly now that it will hurt.

[LightBringer]

It would appear to be Tiska 's name rearranged. I look around us to see if anyone, or anything is approaching. If not I'll bend down and touch the headstone, or touch the disk to the headstone if that does nothing.

[Chris Chandler]

Like I said, the disk is vibrating painfully right now, though you are correct, that is what needs to be done. It hurts, but doesn't cause you harm, and you manage to sweat it out and touch the disk to the stone.

The tombstone shatters!

By the Lady that's no good!

You see a young woman before you, naked, covered in scars and caked, dried blood. Her hair is dark and matted to her shoulders and arm. Her eyes are open. Her neck is broken.

[LightBringer]

Ignoring Cuesi, I look at her. Do I recognize her at all?

[Chris Chandler]

No, not at all. You've never seen her before.

She staggers toward you and she opens her mouth. Maggots begin to pour from her throat and you hear the buzzing of flies.

[LightBringer]

Keeping myself between her and Cuesi, and ready to defend, "Are you Peluda, or are you some kind of guardian?"

Getting ready to draw a weapon and defend myself.

[Chris Chandler]

You hear voices, thousands of tiny voices -

Do not seek Peluda. She is freed from her bondage. Do not seek Peluda. She is freed from her bondage.

[LightBringer]

"Very well, but I have come for my watering can. Return it to me, and I will leave you alone." Still on the edge, watching for any attack.

[Chris Chandler]

The girl advances, her arms low, but her hands straining like claws. The maggots are now all but covering her, from head to foot, and they begin dropping off. When one hits the cemetery grounds, it boils and hisses, letting off a most foul odor.

You seek your treasure, so look within, but do not harm Peluda. Peluda is freed from bondage. He may not have her back, for she is ours.

Cuesi, of course, is ten feet further than he had been just a moment before, and, chancing a glance in his direction, you spy within the rubble of the tombstone, the soft dull gray so familiar to you - your can.

Cuesi responds -

A what? A piking watering can?! I'll buy you a thousand if we can just leave, please.

[LightBringer]

I really, really, try not to be totally grossed out. :x Seeing my can will help me keep my focus.

I move around the creature, out of arms length, and towards the grave, taking time to give Cuesi a little shrug and smile, but quickly returning focus to the girl. Once at the grave side I glance in. What do I see?

[Chris Chandler]

Okay, the girl will follow you, but you easily outpace her.

You see your can in the rubble of the tombstone, seemingly unharmed, and can retrieve it if you wish. The grave itself is now unearthed, of course, and the coursing press of millions of maggots spills into the empty grave and out into the open air. When a maggot touches the surface it boils like those that fall from the girl's body.

[LightBringer]

Did the disc shatter with the tombstone?

[Chris Chandler]

No, and it is still thrumming painfully, though with the voices and tumult you can no longer hear it.

[LightBringer]

Okay, so my can is the only thing in the tombstone, and the grave is empty! Why does this feel off?

I am fairly well confused, but this place is very different. I reach down and pick up my watering can, immediately tipping it to make sure 'water' comes out of it.

(I have the next action in mind, but want to check the can first.)

[Chris Chandler]

You pick up your can, recognizing the dweomer about it immediately, and it does, indeed, tip out water, while losing none.

You see grass at your feet and feel the heat of a late summer sun on your neck. You smell roses, and hear the play of children in the distance. You are holding a watering can but it is incredibly large and heavy, battered and made of copper. You have difficulty carrying it one-handed. The water inside sloshes lazily.

[LightBringer]

My left eyebrow raises. I use two hands to hold onto the can and look around.

(Did I feel any shift in space or time?)

[Chris Chandler]

You felt no shift, but there it is, a shift. You see your home, the thatch-roofed home of your childhood. You see the hands of your childhood. This is the can that you used to water your roses, one of the delights you were allowed on the farm. You see your cousins playing across the stream, and your mother is laying out some linens over the line to dry. This is when you were... nine? This is the day that the tornado came through.

[LightBringer]

'Something is not right. I have been...this can not be.' I shake my head in an attempt to shake loose whatever has hold of me.

[Chris Chandler]

You shake your head, and the braided ponytails that your mother was so fond of plaiting slap you in the face. From behind you, a boy shouts -

Hey 'Bean! Why're y'hittin' yer head? Not that there's much to hit!

He giggles and comes around - it's Peter, your friend from the plot over. Tall and lean with a mat of blond hair, wearing work clothes, carrying a woodcutting axe, he looks at you, smiling.

[LightBringer]

Something is still wrong, but I play along, 'You've got room to talk', I smile back.

[Chris Chandler]

Oh, but I don't have handles on my head like a bucket. Are y'done watering yer flowers, or do I have t'wait? I've got some persimmons, if y'want one.

He pulls one out of the small bag he carries and offers it to you. It looks pretty tasty.

You smell the air start to change, the wind picks up, just a bit. You smell rain, and the sky, in the no-too-far distance is looking a bit cloudy and green.

[LightBringer]

Mmmmm, a storm is coming!

I reach out and take the fruit from his hand, Thanks. I head over to a tree, and have a seat. What you been doin' over yonder? I know you weren't cutting wood.

[Chris Chandler]

As the wind continues to gather strength, he sits down as well, taking a big bite from his own persimmon.

Oh, the ash over down 'bout a mile 'cross t'strea fell down. I guess from last week's storm. I went and cut a bundle of staves fer Pop, so yeah wascuttin' wood.

You know he had done what he had said, this morning. It is close to lunchtime now, though.

You hear distant thunder.

Oh, this looks like a gullywasher comin'. I love the rain.

[LightBringer]

I let it go, tilting my head back and feeling the wind on my face.

I just love the storm. Everything 'bout it.

[Chris Chandler]

You hear the miller's windmill start to hum the way that it does in a brisk wind. You can feel the first stings of rain from the fierce gust coming your way.

Peter smiles and sucks his persimmon dry.

Y'know that cave w'found last week? Think it goes back a bit further than w'thought. What say w'head over there 'morrow?

You hear an enormous crack, from above! The largest limb of this old tree has broken. This is the limb that killed Peter.

You hear another crack and you see the side of a gully, and catch sight of the dust and shards of rocks from the boulder flung down toward you.

You should have stayed out of my den if you did not want to play!

Another rock flies at your head, exploding just to your left.

The tall, lean giant looks like he was carved from a block of granite. He hops down into the gully where you fled, some fifty feet and grins.

The giant had kidnapped a young noble's bride and newborn babe. You had been able to secure their escape, but was not so fortunate about the hair on your own neck. This had already happened! This was just a few years ago, while you were traveling in a land called Ansalon. You'd just left the city of Sancrist heading south.

I'll accept payment in your hide, little human!

[LightBringer]

My blood was already pumping, now it begins to boil.

I defeated you once foul beast, now I'll show you the full fury of my wrath.

If there is a storm in the area I'll take to the sky, if not I'll use my armor to launch myself into the wind. I'll draw my bow, and prepare to slaughter the beast.

[Chris Chandler]

It's a mismatch before it even begins. You are far more mobile than the giant, even though with little effort he can send enormous stones in your direction. Your bowstring hums as you slay the creature, and he lay crumpled like slag.

'Tis a fine shot, to be shore, Missy, but I can do a moit better. If'n you please.

You feathered the bullseye with your last shot and the tall man to your left, the very Duke who invited you to this tournament for a bit of relaxation before you headed out to... no wait. this hasn't exactly happened, now has it? You are dressed in the colors of a soldier of Furyondy, and you carry a stout ashen bow, but certainly not your own... except that it is your bow. You feel the familiar weight of a chain hauberk upon your shoulders and the man, middle-aged with the broad features of a career soldier, you've never seen, yet you've known him for... years.

He pulls back and, taking a deep breath in and letting it out, sends his shaft to the target. It hits a bare breadth to the right of your own fletching, still hitting the bullseye, but not bettering your own shot.

Bah, you've the blood of Solonor Thelandira, Captain Frost. I'd that shot dead, and was as fine as I could pull. Well met. You've earned your prize today. I'll grant you another two weeks 'fore we muster again. Tell Arthur I said, "Hello!"

He smiles and squeezes your shoulder, then leaves -

You saw that, right? As close as I've gotten!

You hear a cheer from your men for the both of you.

Wait, Arthur? You have a husband named Arthu... Husband?!

[LightBringer]

I nod to the Duke and cheer for my men as they cheer for me....No, someone or something is messing with me. I probably never left the beholder's lair. I refuse to play anymore.

[Chris Chandler]

Even when you are actually enmeshed in an illusion, the few times that you've succumbed, you've been able to acknowledge that there is a primal element of life missing, even if your mind is receptive to the effect. Clearly, something is "messing" with you, but this is something altogether different. The memories are real, that element of life is there.

Nonetheless, you begin to clap for your men and you suddenly have the feeling of falling, backward, as if you are about to black out.

[LightBringer]

Interesting!

Try to twist into a protected landing position before passing out.

[Chris Chandler]

Your sense of falling only increases, and your vision does, indeed, quickly fade to black, but you do not feel unconscious, but rather, that you are falling, no, rather that you are flying suddenly through some enormous dark space. You can see nothing around you, but have the sense of rapid movement through wherever you might be. Your sense of direction is at odds right now, as well. It's hard to tell any direction.

[LightBringer]

Oooooooo, now this really is interesting!

I try not to fight it to much, and enjoy the hell out of it. This is one of those once in a lifetime experiences. Let the senses go.

[Chris Chandler]

Excellent! You do so and, as a result will be most able to adjust to the sudden development before you.

You remain in this state for what could be hours, could be minutes - your sense of time was checked at the portal, as well, and when you see, in the distance, the burgeoning dark red glow approaching, you are actually able to control your descent, as you have the distinct impression that the red glow is down.

[LightBringer]

Ahhhh, quiet introspection. :cool:

I fully enjoy the time of absolute nothingness. So much so, that I almost jump out of my pants when I suddenly become aware.

Once I regain my composure, I'll continue to allow destiny, or divine guidance, whichever it is, to guide me. If I suddenly feel the urge to veer right, I do so. If I suddenly feel the urge to veer left, I do so, and so on. I do have fun with the dive though. Going fast, then slow, then fast, but making sure to go slow, and soft on the landing. :P

[Chris Chandler]

And that, as they say, is that.

You softly pass through the dark red aura - almost like a membrane, come to think of it. As you do, you begin to smell dust and bones, feel heat, hear the clink of wooden chimes, the sound of the wind against the dunes of sand.

Then you are standing, your feet on the hot, dry sand.

((You are the third through into Athas. Welcome home!)

[LightBringer]

Mmmmmm, nice heat.

I look around, looking for the source of the chimes.

(Do I still have the disk in my hand? Or any other sign that I'm back in 'reality'?)

[Chris Chandler]

Yes, the disk, cracked down the middle, is still in your hand. We'll pick the rest of it up in the upstart IC.