Captain Contelli Parleys with Elder Li-Varili

Teyitha Contelli shouts, "Elder Li-varili! I, Teyitha Contelli, and my crew have
come to bid an audience with you. We stand on the beach of Rhizoda for a
conversation."

As the intoxicating fragrance of bromeliads perfumes the air, you sense that Li
-varili, Lady of the Lagoons has returned to mortal perception.

Upon a wave of wind bitter as the salted seas, the striking voice of Li-varili,
Lady of the Lagoons cries, "How irritating. I hope you aren't upsetting My
darling nereids."

Xiran swirls about Galaphyrae before heading towards the commotion in Rhizoda.

(( Fly fly ))

You scent at the air, your skilled nose picking up the faint traces of others in
the surrounding area.
Calioliahali	from slippery sea-side cliffs.
Tau	from slippery sea-side cliffs.
Qillilitli	from slippery sea-side cliffs.
Xenthos	from slippery sea-side cliffs.
Mmellialleh	from slippery sea-side cliffs.
Yilan	from slippery sea-side cliffs.

Slippery sea-side cliffs.
Shimmering mist hangs in the air, drifting away from a healing shrine of
Carakhan nearby. One or two light fluffy clouds drift lazily through the sky.
Plumes of smoke whisper about Teyitha "Stormfury" Contelli's face as she puffs
on a fragrant cigar. Dino "the Brains" DiGagio peers at his surroundings with
one eye shut, the other bulbously magnified through a green glass lens. Rauye
"the Ruby" Rhineseer stands to one side, cradling a heavy manifest under her
arm. Luki "the Seahound" Bowtail leans here on his peg leg, baring his fangs in
a canine grin. A leopard lurks in the shadows, curiously watching anything that
moves. Nothing more than a puffball with cerulean eyes, a seal lynx point
ragdoll kitten lies here lounging languidly. There are 5 blue-spotted
mudskippers here. A midnight black woolly rhino with a black diamond horn and a
tufted tail dominates the area, pawing the ground and snorting arrogantly.
Calioliahali Skydrifter looms here, lingering with an unsettling aura of strict
severity. She wields a titanic greatsword of silvery swirls with both hands.
Swirling clouds of purest white meld to outline the ghostly figure of a stormy
air elemental here. Clad in matte black leather, a golden-eyed savage lingers
here like a living shadow. Mmellialleh Skydrifter floats here, enchanting notes
weaving ceaselessly about her form. She wields a circular shield of crystalline
foliage in her right hand. Orbiting around her head are several spinning
crystals. She is surrounded by a deflection bubble. Li-varili, Lady of the
Lagoons floats here upon a swirl of blue water, Her wild red curls tangled like
seaweeds. She wields a salt-kissed whip of lashing waters in Her left hand. The
shadowy form of a Daughter of the Night stands here, exuding wyrden power from
within swirling black robes. Limned with holy fire, a radiant archangel hovers
here, wings outstretched.
You see exits leading north, southeast, and down.

Ilistala eyes you warily, settling into a predatory crouch.

The spinning beryl around Mmellialleh showers her with sparkling pink light.

Xiran freezes under Ilistala, an enormous leopard's gaze, feet finding rock.

You see the following people here:
Calioliahali, Mmellialleh, Li-varili, Tau, Qillilitli, Xenthos, Yilan, Xiran.

Her eyes narrowing, Li-varili, Lady of the Lagoons says to Mmellialleh, "If you
are going to listen in on My conversations, do at least give Me the courtesy of
not being blinded."

Mmellialleh blinks.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard does not appear to pay any further attention to
you.

Mmellialleh runs her fingers over all her crystals, causing their lights to
dull.

Teyitha Contelli snorts, smoke escaping her nostrils. "Seems that way, Elder."
Though her eyes scan quickly across those who have gathered here, the taurian
returns her attention to the Goddess. "We seek to come to an accord with you,
Elder. Given that your freedom is a byproduct of our design." At Li-varili's
scolding, she sneers, nodding. "Aye, I would agree with the Elder on that, at
least."

Visibly relaxing as She stretches, Li-varili, Lady of the Lagoons says, "Ah.
Much better."

Languidly turning to face the captain, Li-varili, Lady of the Lagoons says to
Teyitha Contelli, "Mm? My freedom is a byproduct of your actions, is it?"
You think to yourself: Parleying with an Elder. Scary-brave.

Luki Bowtail's tail tick-tocks back and forth as he listens to Teyitha Contelli.

Taking a drag of her cigar, Teyitha Contelli says, "Indeed, it is. Me and mine
put together the compass that brought us, and those around us, to your...
containment cell." She takes another drag, smoke spilling out from her nostrils.
"If it wasn't for us, you would still be there, sitting, waiting."

Letting out a long sigh as She runs a finger through Her red hair, Li-varili,
Lady of the Lagoons says, "Perhaps, perhaps not. You cannot surely pretend that
My release was your intention, can you? Am I to reward your accidents simply
because they favor Me?"

Dino DiGagio squints, trying to peer through the thick cloud of smoke issued by
his captain. He coughs a slight bit, which earns a fierce glare from Teyitha who
promptly focuses again on Li-varili.

You think to yourself: ** tamping down on amusement, agreement **.

Luki Bowtail says, "Accident makes it sound a bit easier than it was, if you'll
pardon my saying so. Took many days of work to unlock that puzzle."

Rauye Rhineseer smirks at Dino before turning her gaze back to the Elder. "We do
not feel that You owe us a debt, per se. Perhaps we might come to an arrangement
due to Your good fortune." she states.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land
in utter darkness.
It is now the 21st of Shanthin, 591 years after the Coming of Estarra.

"That much is true, Elder," Teyitha Contelli agrees, "Your release was a...
fortunate circumstance." There is a slight drawl as Teyitha speaks, byproduct of
smoking between sentences. Perhaps she said 'unfortunate'? "We," she pauses,
then glances at her mates, "I sought something else: my son, as you may be aware
from your nereids."

Offering a nod at Rauye, Teyitha Contelli remarks, "Exactly what I was getting
at, Ruby."

Her voice cold and cutting, Li-varili, Lady of the Lagoons says, "What does your
son have to do with Me?"

Taking another drag, Teyitha Contelli's demeanor remains cool and focused,
almost as if she were entertain someone other than the Goddess before her. "Why
everything, Elder. Ilaedron the Fair's compass was to point to my heart's desire-
-my son--and it for some inexplicable reason pointed to you and your
abandonment." She exhales; smoke dances around her horns. "I believe that the
compass did work, and it is You who will help me find him."

Stars glitter overhead in the beautiful expanse of sky, illuminating the pearly
sands below.

Appearing desperately bored by the conversation, Li-varili shrugs lightly as She
walks towards the cliffs, as if intending to depart. "You must have Me confused
with some other Elder, one whose heart bleeds for stories like yours." She turns
to the many other mortals gathered to watch and Her eyes settle on you, to whom
She asks, "Tell Me, little mortal. Should I assist this taurian in her demands?"

Rauye Rhineseer tilts her head while gazing at you, her crystal body flickering
curious shades of light green.

You blink.

You blush furiously.

Teyitha Contelli's focus is pulled from Li-varili to you. She plugs her mouth
with her cigar and inhales.

Attempting to alleviate the mood, Luki Bowtail says to you, "Don't tell me,
catfish got your tongue?"

Xiran winces at the smoke, hiding a cough behind a sleeve. "No," she manages.

Hastily, you say, "That is, no catfish here."

Shrugging slightly, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says,
"Her manner of request seems a bit... demanding, from a Divine."

You think to yourself: ** frantic panic need words need words **.

Xenthos purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully
gathers his thoughts.

Xenthos tilts his head a fraction, regarding you curiously.

Shifting Her attention to the one who has spoken, Li-varili, Lady of the Lagoons
says to Xenthos, "Do you speak for the little mortal, then?"

Faint, girlish laughter echoes throughout the beach, its origins indiscernible.

Shrugging lightly, Li-varili, Lady of the Lagoons says, "Not that it matters. A
lengthy silence is hardly a ringing endorsement, and her noble champion's words
are true enough."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "For her? No. To her,
on the other hand... yes. Her tongue oft gets caught when thrust into an
unexpected situation and one hears only a squeak."

Cigar pulled from mouth, Teyitha Contelli exhales, quietly watching the display
of dominance that the Elder seeks to exert. She remains as calm as a clam, eyes
moving to Xenthos now.

Xiran squeaks indignantly.

Moving his hand in a small gesture, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon
Strategist says, "Like so."

Xiran turns red, shrinking inward. "If. If I had words to offer, Elder Lady,
would it be convincing enough?"

Drily, Li-varili, Lady of the Lagoons says, "That would depend on the words,
would it not?"


Appearing, in a word, unimpressed with your display, Li-varili turns to Teyitha
Contelli once more. "What can you offer Me, I wonder? For I am an Elder Goddess,
and I do not offer charity to the first soul that seeks to garner My pity."

A smirk crawls across Teyitha Contelli's features. "You might be an Elder, Lady,
but sometimes you need people smaller than you to fit into places more easily.
Your nereids are a solid first attempt, but they are surely lacking."

Luki Bowtail places a gentle hand on your shoulder, reassuring her with a subtle
wink. "We've got legs, for one," he offers.

Dino DiGagio snigger.

Teyitha Contelli sniggers evilly.

You think to yourself: ** terrified whiteness **.

Dino DiGagio sniggers evilly.

Rauye Rhineseer whispers to herself, "Well, some of us have more than one."
before nodding at Luki.

Xenthos blink his eye once at the word 'lacking,' then his gaze narrows
slightly.

In the quietest voice, you say to Li-varili, "She's looking. Did You not wish
for someone to look for You, my Lady?"

Drawing a lazy circle of water droplets before Her, churning into a misty arc,
Li-varili comments, "Insulting My fae is a unique tactic, I'll grant you, but I
wouldn't call it a more successful one. Try again." Still, something flickers in
Her eyes -- curiosity, a sense of intrigue.

Continuing, Teyitha Contelli says, "And as I said, we were able to construct the
compass under the noses of not only other pirates, but the cities of the First
World. Our heists proved successful in the end, and again, your freedom is a
showcase of that."

Li-varili whirls upon you with all the swiftness of lightning striking sand, Her
eyes wild. "What I wished for? You know nothing of what I wished for." The words
are low like the hiss of a water viper, laced with threat.

Rauye Rhineseer spreads her hands in a supplicating manner, finally addressing
the Lady of the Lagoon. "As I mentioned, we might come to an arrangement of
sorts. You are one who wields great power. We, too, have a power at our disposal
to put to work at Your whim."

Xiran flinches, but steps free of Luki Bowtail's hand as the lucidian continues.

As if catching some previous unconsidered clue, Teyitha Contelli takes a long
drag of her cigar. "Indeed," she offers, affirming Rauye's choice of language.

At the words of Teyitha Contelli and Rauye Rhineseer, Li-varili ceases Her
advancing towards you, a sudden calmness overtaking Her as She turns back to
listen to the captain. "Power," She repeats, the word sweet like honey in Her
mouth. "What power could you mortals wield to interest Me?"

Snorting a cloud of smoke, Teyitha Contelli says, "The power to find what it is
that you wish, Elder."

A strange, bewitching melody drifts upon the salty breeze, beckoning you across
the sunlit sea.

Li-varili, Lady of the Lagoons says to Teyitha Contelli, "And again, you know
nothing of My desires. Is all this bluster the only thing you can offer Me?"

Digging a thick hand into the longcoat around her shoulders, Teyitha Contelli
procures an eldritch nautical compass, its avian-shaped needle forcefully
pointing toward the Elder as it lies within the taurian's hand. "I didn't say I
need to know what your desires are, Goddess. I am saying, we can figure out how
to find them."

What little patience the Elder Goddess possesses has begun to slowly unravel as
Li-varili waits for Teyitha Contelli to elaborate further, contempt plain upon
Her face.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard stares intently at the compass, the tip of her
tail twitching once.

Dino DiGagio glances back and forth between Li-varili and his captain, unable to
read either with the precision to determine how this conversation shall go.

Rauye Rhineseer glances at the Elder's face before stepping closer to Teyitha,
whispering something quietly in her ear.

Luki Bowtail rubs his neck anxiously, looking away as he murmurs, "Ah. I see."

Teyitha Contelli smirks at Rauye, giving the lucidian a quick wink. "It's magic
is meant to locate what one's heart desires most, Elder," the taurian shares.
"If you agree to spare my crew of your whims, to help me find my son, you may
have it to determine whatever plans you seek to accomplish." With her free hand,
she spares a quick drag of her cigar again.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard pads forward a few steps more, sniffing at the
compass with interest.

Li-varili pauses, the smirk on Her lips now replaced by something akin to
interest as much as irritation. "Ilaedron the Fair," She says unprompted.
"Mortals have spoken to Me of this strange artifact and the Vernal God who
crafted it. If it possesses the power you say..." The words trail off, lingering
in the air as She weighs the possibility. "It is the most intriguing proposal
any mortal has offered Me yet."

Li-varili, Lady of the Lagoons says to Teyitha Contelli, "A shame that the
compass's last use was such a failure. How am I to know it functions as you
promise?"

Rauye Rhineseer visibly relaxes at the Elder's words before stepping back,
crossing her arms over her chest.

Mmellialleh Skydrifter asks, "Have someone with a simple desire test it out
perhaps?"

Ilistala, an enormous leopard reaches forth a paw to tap at the compass, a claw
pinging off its surface.  She tilts her head, listening to the sound.

Luki Bowtail absently scratches behind his ear, which attentively swivels
towards an unheard sound.

"My crew and I only seek to deal trade with the most intriguing of objects,
Elder," Teyitha Contelli assures, but when Li-varili displays uncertainty, she
tilts her head to Mmellialleh. The taurian shoves the compass into Rauye's
hands. "Go on Ruby, make it work."

Murmuring, Li-varili, Lady of the Lagoons says, "This should be interesting."

Li-varili crosses Her arms, eyebrow arched as She awaits Rauye Rhineseer.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard watches the compass travel away from her with an
expression of discontent, her tail lashing behind her, before she settles down
and begins to groom one of her paws.

Xiran moves back as the crew make to carry out Mmellialleh's suggestion.

Rauye Rhineseer takes hold of the compass, and as it passes hands, it becomes
inert: its light fading as the lucidian's crystalline fingers grasp the metal.
She brings it close to her mouth, and whispers--as gently and as muffled as she
can. You all watch as the compass once more springs to life: a cerulean light
skimming across its surface. Its arrow spins, as a thin blue light points toward
the gnome.

Rauye Rhineseer erratically pulsates in hues of ruby, emerald and sapphire.

"Ha!" Luki Bowtail exclaims with gusto.

Luki Bowtail says, "I knew it."

Teyitha Contelli smirks.

Dino DiGagio's eyes widen as the compass points to him. He turns his head, as if
looking behind him, then points at himself. "Me?" he whispers.

In a monotone voice, Rauye Rhineseer says, "It... works..."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist looks skeptical and says,
"That is not a very compelling example."

Li-varili rests Her hand upon Her cheek, eyes sparkling as She murmurs, "Amusing
enough. Let Us say I believe your little parlor game. Would My word be enough to
get you to part from such a thing?"
You think to yourself: The Lady's amused? She truly is as the tides... scary
scary.

Pulling her focus away from Rauye and back to the Goddess, Teyitha Contelli
says, "Some might not believe it, Elder, but a good pirate always keeps their
word. If you give your word, you would be entrusted to keep it, aye."

Appearing endlessly more amused with each statement uttered, Li-varili extends a
hand, Her coral-tipped nails gleaming. "That is enough to spark My curiosity. I
give you My word, then, and with it the responsibility to hold Me to it... for
some day I am fickle."

Teyitha Contelli snorts a laugh. "Then we are in an accord, Elder." The taurian
gestures at Rauye. "Give Her the compass, Ruby."

Rauye Rhineseer offers a short nod, still shimmering a confusing display of
colours throughout her body. As she steps forward, she presents the compass for
the Elder to take.

Li-varili snatches the eldritch compass with a glint in Her eyes, the artifact
immediately reacting as it enters the Elder's hands. Faster and faster the arrow
spins, until at last it appears too erratic to give any direction at all -- it
is unreadable, inconstant, and incomprehensible in its direction.

As dusk falls upon the Rhizoda Mangrove, the beautiful nereids of the isle lift
their voices in a bewitching nocturne to welcome the misty twilight.

You think to yourself: ** hairs rising as the nereid nocturne weaves about them,
the compass the eye of a brewing storm **.

Teyitha Contelli's eyes narrow as she watches the compass react within the
Goddess' hands. Uncertainly, she remarks, "Hmmm, how very strange."

The cold voice of Uzriel sends chills down your spine, "Something going on?"

Eyes widening, Li-varili, Lady of the Lagoons says, "That one? I would never
have suspected. My, My. How unexpectedly illuminating."

Ilistala eyes Uzriel warily, settling into a predatory crouch.

Her expression one of displeasure, Li-varili flicks her fingers, sending a
scattering of droplets in the direction of Netra.
Netra has been slain by Li-varili.

Li-varili, Lady of the Lagoons says, "Disregard."

Li-varili smiles sweetly as She flicks the last droplets from Her fingertips.

All the pirates save Teyitha gasp gently, surprised by the sudden strike of the
Goddess toward someone known.
(IronHart Conflagration): You say, "Captain Contelli yelled she wanted to make a
deal with the Elder Lady. Eventually the captain offered Her the compass to find
Her heart's desire. Shipmate Rauye, the lucidian, demonstrated the use of the
compass and it uh. Pointed to her gnome shipmate?"

Liefenn slips silently in, her eyes wide and hands tucked carefully behind her
back as she watches from somewhere just beyond the crowd.

(IronHart Conflagration): Afrit says, "That's cute."

(IronHart Conflagration): Sulwh says, "Just now?"

(IronHart Conflagration): You say, "It seemed enough to amuse the Lady. I fear
the deal has already been struck and the compass now in Her hands. But the arrow
just spun and spun without a light emanating from it."

Li-varili, Lady of the Lagoons says to Teyitha Contelli, "This little trinket is
more informative than I anticipated. As a show of good faith, let Me extend a
moment of gratitude."

Teyitha Contelli tilts her head curiously at Li-varili.

Li-varili, Lady of the Lagoons says to Luki Bowtail, "You said My nereids
inconvenienced you?"

(IronHart Conflagration): Uzriel says, "Thank you for the summary."

(IronHart Conflagration): Afrit says, "Presumably, She does not know what She
wants. To be honest, I thought that the Lady had died along with the so many
others in the war of the Soulless."

Luki Bowtail says, "They sank my ship. The Spotted Dogfish. Fine little scouting
vessel, it was."

Luki Bowtail huffs, clearly still bitter.

(IronHart Conflagration): Afrit says, "If I had to wager, She probably wants
closure with Keltari. I wonder if She, too, yet lives."

Her eyes half-lidded in amusement and boredom, Li-varili, Lady of the Lagoons
says, "Is that all, then? Such a paltry favor."
 Conflagration): Afrit says, "Whoever the awakener of kelpies is. I might be
misremembering Her name."
(IronHart Conflagration): You say, "Keltari?"

A surge of frothing waters thrashes overhead as the snap of Li-varili's fingers,
churning and winding in a crashing wave.

(IronHart Conflagration): Afrit says, "Of course, I'm not going to say that to
Li's face. That would certainly earn me an untimely death."

When the spray subsides, the Spotted Dogfish emerges from the mist, half-sunken
but visible once more.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard ceases her grooming, staring now at the half
-sunken ship for but a moment, before returning to her task and studiously
ignoring it.

Li-varili, Lady of the Lagoons says, "Is that suitable enough as a sign of
goodwill?"
6240h, 10695m, 7725e, 100em ex-

(IronHart Conflagration): You say, "These pirates are a brave lot. They insulted
Her nereids but She was pleased enough with the compass to recover their ship
for them with the snap of Her fingers."

Sulwh's eyes swivel to look at the ship.

(IronHart Conflagration): Afrit says, "Let's hope that ship isn't cursed! Unless
you don't like the pirates."

Luki Bowtail eagerly walks up to the deck of the Spotted Dogfish, tail swishing
as he crows, "It's our scouting vessel all right, Captain!"

Teyitha Contelli's head turns to stare at the ship, the spray of ocean clinging
to her figure. "That is suitable enough, Goddess, aye."

Her nails curling inwards on the compass, Li-varili, Lady of the Lagoons says,
"I shall be keeping this, then. And when the time comes... I shall call for you,
as you promised Me."

Teyitha Contelli's eyes move from Li-varili to the compass, nodding mutely.

Her eyes scanning the mortals gathered, Li-varili, Lady of the Lagoons says,
"And as for you who study Me ever so closely... I hope you were suitably
entertained, mm?"

(IronHart Conflagration): You say, "Mm. The Captain also promised her services
to help locate what She seeks. But... since that was done by calling up-uh-oh."

Flipping Her striking red hair, Li-varili turns and dives away beneath a seaweed
laden tide.

Moody, turbulent waters darken the firmament with murky waves as Li-varili, Lady
of the Lagoons vanishes from perception.


Teyitha Contelli closes her eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of her
surroundings.

Teyitha Contelli exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from her
lungs.

"Dino, Luki, get your asses onto that ship and make sure it is in working
order," Teyitha Contelli barks, her attention swiveling to the now departed
Goddess to her crew.