Agava - Fruitful Expedition

[21:30] {NARRATION} Under the gentle rays of twilight from the moon the party's hired skiffs make their way towards the foretold lands by the sailors of Agartha. Sailors were an odd superstitious lot, but the rumors were too cohesive to be a mere tall-tale.

Through the parting mist a large wall of vegetation appears with scarce enough land to stand upon the edge much less proceed to whatever lies within the mysterious glade beyond.

The lapping waters echo loudly around Arkgvunde as he was far too large to fit in the rented boats and was thus forced to swim all his own.

Victor and Agava however can hear a faint chittering, almost like hushed laughter, as the group draws nearer to the landmass.

With a soft thud the boats land 'ashore' and can be scaled. To the east is where the fading noises came from however the path seems easier straight ahead.

Either way it must be scaled which is fortunately made easier by the large and numerous roots jutting out of the earth.
[21:34] Arkgvunde apparently swam all the way out here on his own, the boats simply being too small for a whole Kaor to deal with.

Thankfully, they're also quite literally a plant and can just drink > expel Water Crystals like a very slow turbine engine.

The Demon took their time getting up on shore after having been focused on just swimming for so long - PResumably at least an hour - All the way out here. Thank Kraus for inherently sturdy Demon bodies.

Without really knowing what they were up against, unable to determine what would be the best path outright, Arkgvunde decided to stick near Agava whenever the Dryad got on the isle.
(Arkgvunde Vel'heim)
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[21:35] So it was, after a time at sail the group arrived at their destination. What he caught almost immediately was the overabundant flora and vine. Enough so that it seemed almost impossible to pass.

Yet, as they progressed through the waters they made land. Upon which Victor would steadily and slowly lift himself into the air. Hovering a good distance without getting himself tangled or caught up in any vines or other forestry growth.

At that point the glowing ethereal mage heard what sounded like perhaps laughter? Ah.. it was hard to tell really. Despite such the mage would turn and hover that way a few feet, but only a few.

Trying to make anything out through the thick of the growth.

"Something to the East here."

He'd stated openly toward the party.
(Victor Ducante)
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[21:40] The salty air and swaying of the boat left the dryad burying her limbs into the wood of the ship up till their landing, making it clear how much Agava hated the sea travel. To her concern the crew didn't take in account the side of their demon companion, leaving Ark to swim along with them instead onboard the ship with the others.

Once they beached, the dryad would have finally separated herself from the boards and railing of the ship only to sigh as she landed on the beach, her eyes narrowing as she tried to find where the odd laughter came from only to look at Vic as he pointed towards eastern path.

"Let us head through there then...but be on your guard, a random laughter ain't exactly a good sign, especially with how lush this vegetation is..." the dryad remarked, feeling that something was clearly off with the vegetation that surrounded them.
(Agava)
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[21:46] Agava whispers: (feels kind of ironic you use young Wyr'ama's playby)
[21:51] {NARRATION} Some might say it was silly that a demon swam all the way here, but there is more than one way to skin a cat.

As the group, one by one, begin to scale the overlush cliffside the roots that give handholds begin to wriggle almost as in protest. They support their weight however and allow them safely up on the first plateua.

The view from the sea gave no justice to the scope. Trees towered here like the greatest of human aspirations to construct building upward towards the heavens putting to shame the efforts of civilization.

Here was a power that was raw, unfiltered, and knew no bounds.

As Victor drew near, floating, vines the size of an average man in width and indiscernible length began to rise up from deep within accompanied by smaller thin tendrils.

The land itself was responding to a threat as though wards had been created against most common approaches. They did not lash out, but simply writhed to and fro waiting for an invisible threshold to be crossed.

As the group ventures gingerly towards the place where the sounds were heard the disturbed grass leaves as trail. As the tracks, such as they are, are followed the grass begins to unfurl and try to disguise itself back to a nature state as though it knew it was giving away something..

But, it is not quick enough.

The perceptive adventurers weave their way to a hollow glade and the path from whence they came is swallowed and lost by the shifting climate. No tree ever seems to be in the same place when eyes wander away from it.

A stone formation at the center is one of the only constants. Seven smaller round rocks surround the earthen pillar at the center. An inscription is carved down the center of the spires and one sigil each upon the surrounding stones.
[21:51] Bolero whispers something.
[21:59] Suddenly, as he rose in height, he noticed as large vines began to lift toward him. Narrowing his gaze a bit the aura around the magus would increase. In size and brightness at the same time.

Slowly his right hand would reach for his spear-staff. However, he had yet to take hold of it. At least for now.

Continuing on, keeping himself close to the others as they went Victor would notice something. He was certain the others noticed it given how clear the tracks in the grass were.

Without saying much he'd look back up and press on through the path. As they went he'd take a glance over his shoulder only to notice that their path had been swallowed by the growth of nature.

At that point Victor began to calculate a few things. Keeping notes of certain things as they occurred and where about they had occurred. Going on to formulate a theory as to the land which they explored.

Eventually, as they broke some kind of threshold they were met with some sort of sigil. Or so he summed it up to be. Without approaching it too closely the mage would notice the slightest of movement in the background.

Or at least what he thought was movement. Narrowing his gaze a bit more he'd allow for his fingers to curl around the length of his spear-staff. Keeping it sheathed upon his back for the time being, but also keeping himself poised to act if need be.

"What do you two think?"

He'd ask. Unsure of what the runes meant.
(Victor Ducante)
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[22:00] Arkgvunde drew up on Agava's flank as they scaled the eastern path, going deeper into the island's premises and...

...

What's this in an empty glade? A barrier of some kind appeared to block the way towards the sounds that the rest of the party had heard.

The Demon took note of how the land itself appeared to be reacting to the party's presence before going on to try and read the inscriptions and various sigils placed in the pillars surrounding/including the glade.

Arkgvunde read aloud what they could make out from the mildly worn rocks,

"I come in torrents or I come tame..."

"Soothe a heart, as grain..."

"Stow in me vessels yet to prove their worth,"

Ark paused to move their head around for a better view of the rest of the runes present,

"I am the beginning of the end, the first of rebirth,"

"A gift from above..."

"My grace is one all that live do require."

After having announced what they could decipher from the odd periphery, Arkgvunde mulled it over for a moment, allowing Agava and Victor some time to react on their own. Their face darkened when they realized what the stones surrounding the center spire meant when put into context...

"...I think it requires either a major magical sacrifice, or a minor blood sacrifice."
(Arkgvunde Vel'heim)
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[22:06] Unlike the other two, Agava scaled the cliffside using her untangled legs, which like swarm of tendrils that either dug into the ground to provide grip for others to rise the dryad up or weaved around the hanging root system, slowly climbing up towards the top, her eyes wandering around as she found it hard...if impossible to attune to surrounding vegetation.

Unlike anything she met before, even in Dreadwood, the plants around her felt wild, erratic and driven by something that she couldn't apprehend. They didn't speak or whisper as most would, something was clearly off for the dryad but for now she had to focus on following the group, occasionally looking around to see the vegetation move and only focusing on the rock formation when they reached it.

She didn't reply to Victors question, not knowing what to think or say up till she heard Ark's reply and read of the runes, leaving the dryad to approach the runes as she hummed and soon replied.

"Sounds like something of spirits... a blood sacrifice..." the dryad looked at her palm and sighed only to clench it and add. "I would say that we use my blood, its potent and should suffice for either of the sacrifices..." the dryad said while rising few of her tendrils towards her risen palm, preparing to pierce it and let the blood to drip on the pillar, unless stopped.
(Agava)
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[22:07] Victor Ducante says, "It could be blood. But, it could also be rain or simply water itself."
[22:08] Arkgvunde Vel'heim says, "I'm edging out on blood here; Rain doesn't directly soothe a heart... Like how hearts pump blood... Could also be referencing Divine blood, in which case, we're screwed."
[22:08] Victor Ducante says, "Mm, it says as grain."
[22:08] Victor Ducante says, "Grain could mean that of plants. Thriving on water. However, you could be right."
[22:08] Victor Ducante says, "Just giving my take. I'm not opposed to trying the blood. If you want."
[22:08] Agava says, "Dryad's blood rises life, plant one to be more frank."
[22:09] Victor Ducante says, "Well, I say it's at least worth a try."
[22:09] Arkgvunde Vel'heim says, "If you're up to it."
[22:09] Victor lifted a bit higher, taking a defensive position near Agava.
(Victor Ducante)
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[22:10] Arkgvunde nodded to Victor, and turned to take position on the opposite flank in case something went wrong with the sigil.
(Arkgvunde Vel'heim)
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[22:11] Agava sighs as her tendrils pierce her opened palm, retracting only a second after drawing a sappy, greenish blood from within of the dryads palm just before having it drip against the pillars rune, allowing it to drop till there was any effect from the runes.
(Agava)
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[22:16] {NARRATION} The warm sap-like blood runs down the dryad's palm to fall upon the pillar where it splatters and trailing down it.

Drip.

Drip.

Drip.

Then, against expectation, the stone begins to shift as though it was being fed. Unwittingly the magic contained within the Dryad's 'veins' seemed to be that which the stone was constructured of.

As it draws in the lifeforce the face of the stone is healed, the runes becoming more clear and less-weathered.

Clearly the security guards had known protocol so long it had been a little run-down, but the lack of maintenance was much more of a nuisance for any would-be plunders.

Now that accidental bit of extra security was gone.
[22:20] While his eyes were trained upon their surroundings Victor was also paying attention to what was happening with the stone. Occasionally looking toward it before back to the ever moving trees.

This fingers tightened around the spear-staff. Showing his readiness to defend Agava if need be.

Upon looking back o the stone he saw the runes lighting up. Almost as if it were restoring itself from the blood of the Dryad.

Overall the magus hadn't a clue as to what was happening with it. He was no runescribe nor was he attuned to nature. Only that of the Cosmos.

"What happened?"

The mage asked, obviously unsure.
(Victor Ducante)
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[22:20] Arkgvunde coiled in and off of itself in idle as it waited for Agava's little sacrifice to do...

...something?

The Demon didn't initially notice since their head was turned in a different direction, but when the runes of the stone emitted the tiny bit of soft light that all proper runic inscriptions do when powered up, they knew it more-or-less worked.

And that's what mattered.

Without further ado, Ark turned to try and walk into the spot the magical barriers defended before the group likely progressed onwards.

"Alright."

...Is all the Demon had to say.
(Arkgvunde Vel'heim)
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[22:25] As much as she believed in power of her blood she did not expect for it to restore the stones on its own. She blinked and took a step back as her healing abilities kicked in and sealed the wound she made herself, her eyes venturing around and soon looking towards Ark.

"Can...you make out anything of the runes? I will try to commune with the nature around us to see if I can get any hold on what is going on here." the dryad asked while addressing the demon only to close her eyes and extend her consciousness towards the surrounding vegetation in attempt to bond with it or at least seek to learn as much from it as she could, hoping that her attuning wasn't taken as invasive action by the surrounding plants and possible entities lurking within the island.
(Agava)
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[22:29] {NARRATION} The thoughts of plants are simple things and only the oldest of their kind can truly hold any sort of conversation. Like shrill little vibrations they echo back speaking under the dryad not through their words, but impressions. Images and feelings are used to convey the concepts she reaches out for.
[22:31] Bolero whispers: The plants cry out in unison through their tinny voice 'What we need.. What we need..' in a stady chant.. Then it goes quiet.
[22:32] Arkgvunde thought over the inscriptions that have been made more obvious, in particular, the rocken sigils in smaller pieces surrounding the main inscription.

A hasty explanation soon followed,

"All of these smaller ones have to do with one of the five base elements, plus the Occult. Hold on, I have Element Crystals for everything except Fire."

Sure enough, the Demon walked around and shook an Earth Crystal, Wind Crystal, Water Crystal, and Lightning Crystal out of their branches. Ark made sure to try and balance these on their respective stones, and faced the Darkness stone.

Arkgvunde willed a single little orb of their own Darkness to float over the respective stone.

"...Fingers crossed."
(Arkgvunde Vel'heim)
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[22:34] Victor had nothing to go on in this situation. His knowledge when it came to these kinds of things was, well, limited.
(Victor Ducante)
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[22:37] {NARRATION} As the crystal fall out from Arkgvunde's limbs they clatter to the ground and the pillar seems, overall, unaffected until one tumbles down and lands upon one of the stones.

It lights up for a moment then the color disperses from it after no further stones are lit up and there it remains dormant.
[22:37] Bolero whispers something.
[22:38] Bolero whispers something.
[22:38] Bolero whispers something.
[22:39] Victor Ducante says, "Hmm.."
[22:40] Victor Ducante says, "I'm not really sure."
[22:40] Agava says, "What we need... I don't understand what they mean."
[22:40] Victor Ducante asks, "Perhaps I could put a bit of fire on the one?"
[22:40] Victor looked to Agava.
(Victor Ducante)
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[22:40] Arkgvunde Vel'heim says, "... Hmm. No, no, they didn't light up when the Crystals were placed next to them..."
[22:41] Arkgvunde Vel'heim says, "Maybe I should consult the inscriptions again. There might be a certain shape we have to arrange them in, or an order we touch them in..."
[22:41] Bolero whispers something.
[22:42] Agava says, "The trees around us repeat that they need something..."
[22:42] Victor Ducante says, "Hm.."
[22:43] Arkgvunde went on to check the main runic inscription again to see if there was more to the little poem.

They left the Elemental Crystals still sitting on the ground, not fully willing to admit that their idea was a complete failure.

The Demon kept glancing between the runes, and the smaller rocks...
(Arkgvunde Vel'heim)
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[22:47] While he watched the magus would add a few things up before lifting a bit higher in the air. Looking down upon the different stones, he'd notice different looking runes scibed into the faces of each one.

What he picked up on there after was, well, it lead him to what he was to say.

"Ark, it looks like there are runes on the individual stones. I can't read them but maybe they'll tell you where each crystal needs to be?

Maybe even pressing them in a certain order? I saw it light up as it was touched but I don't know why."

The Keeper spoke at length and admitted the extent of his suggestion at the end. Ultimately unsure if what he suggested would help.
(Victor Ducante)
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[22:47] Bolero whispers something.
[22:48] Bolero whispers: The plants diplay an image to Agava..
[22:49] Bolero whispers: You can feel their thirst.. The global rejoice as drops of moisture come down from above, soothing you.. Nourishing your body.
[22:50] Arkgvunde turned back to Victor and reconsidered the smaller stones.

"...Yeah, I think we're on to something."

The Demon went on to where they dropped their Wind Crystal, picked it up, and placed it on top of...

...wait, where'd it go...

The Earth sigil.
(Arkgvunde Vel'heim)
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[22:51] Victor nods toward Ark, then looks back to Agava. Waiting in silence for now.
(Victor Ducante)
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[22:54] Agava remained attuned to the surrounding nature, listening and observing only to be hit by a sudden idea.

'What we need...'

That made sense, the basic needs of each plant, the very same feelings she felt whenever she was rooted and watered in a mineral rich soil. She clapped her hands and soon nearly exclaimed with a wild enthusiasm.

"Basic needs of the plants, mineral rich soil, water or moisture and the sun! Water is most likely what we need, they are dry... why I didn't think of it earlier. This overgrowth must have drained their natural sources of water."
(Agava)
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[22:58] {NARRATION} As the Earth sigil is touched it begins to light up with a warm brown glow.

The second row of the pillar lights up with the same hue, the runes now infused with magic begin to materialize their meaning into the minds of those who observe it despite their appearance remaining the same.

"Stow in me vessels yet to prove their worth
I am the beginning of the end, the first stage of rebirth"

The other two lines remain indecipherable, dormant.
[23:02] Arkgvunde observed the puzzle as it managed to materialize the meaning of the poem to the party present.

...

Getting a good idea of what to press next, given that Water and Earth have already been done, the Demon went on to do something without prompt, touching...

The stone marked with the Light sigil.
(Arkgvunde Vel'heim)
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[23:04] The Keeper kept himself at that slightly elevated level mid-air. Keeping his eyes on the trees which moved around them. Occasionally casting a glance back to see what was going on.

Of course, being unable to read the runes the mage hadn't the slightest ideas if it was working or not. Instead he'd trust in Ark and Agava to see them through the rest of this puzzle.
(Victor Ducante)
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[23:08] Agava looked between the two as she tried to figure out how to handle the last bit of the puzzle, tapping her chin and looking around before back at Victor, her eyes narrowing for a moment before deciding to ask.

"Any ideas love? Do...you think Comic magic would work here? Seeing that we do lack holy or anything else light related?" she asked just before looking towards Ark, hoping to see him having any revelation as well.
(Agava)
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[23:09] {NARRATION} The Water sigil was, currently dormant, but it appeared by the lighting of the sigil that the order did not matter.

One of Arkgvunde's moss-coated claws reaches out and clicks against the rock representing 'Light'..

The Earth rune's light fades as does the inscription, and its magical change that allowed it to be read, It is reverted back to a archaic angular carvings in the stone and nothing more.

It seems Light was not the correct answer.
[23:15] As the change happened Victor would narrow his eyes upon the large stone. He was silently cursing himself for not knowing more about the art of rune writing.

"I'm not sure.."

The mage answered Agavas question and trailed for a moment. His mind was mulling over any and everything he could think of. Trying to pinpoint something that might stand out more than another.

"It has something to do with the surrounding stones. That much is clear. However, what it needs or wants I'm not sure. If not water then I'm not sure.."

Of course Victor had one other idea, however, he'd not say anything about it. At least not yet. Instead he'd turn his eyes back to the rocks. Trying to piece together what the separate lightings meant and why it stopped at the last one pressed.
(Victor Ducante)
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[23:19] Upon seeing that the puzzle of sorts had essentially reset by a stage, Arkgvunde paused. Apparently Water, Earth, and Light wasn't the right answer.

In order to try and clear their thoughts, the Demon repeated what they could make out on the central inscription before Agava's blood sacrifice.

"I come in torrents or I come tame..."

"Soothe a heart, as grain..."

"Stow in me vessels yet to prove their worth,"

"I am the beginning of the end, the first of rebirth,"

"A gift from above..."

"My grace is one that all live do require."

Arkgvunde mulled it over for a moment before trying to speak to the group at large,

"Isn't that the three building blocks of mother nature? Rainfall, healthy soil, a bit of sunlight..."

The Demon appeared to be lost in thought, unable to reconcile multiple conflicting predictive measures. This one really stumped them, and given that the Nature Kaor is too busy talking, they didn't touch a rune this go-around.
(Arkgvunde Vel'heim)
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[23:20] Victor Ducante says, "That is, yes. "
[23:20] Victor said toward Ark.
(Victor Ducante)
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[23:21] Agava asks, "Like I said earlier...I think?"
[23:21] Victor Ducante says, "Perhaps it means warmth? In that case fire, but.. then again I'm not sure. "
[23:22] Arkgvunde Vel'heim says, "... The poem's about how it's a gift from above. Arthor Pendragon brought Light magic to the world through the powers that Kraus granted to him, if the Mythic Era legends are to be believed."
[23:22] Victor Ducante says, "Mhm."
[23:22] {NARRATION} The sun beats down on the glade steadily from overhead.
[23:23] Agava says, "Mmmm..."
[23:23] Victor looks up toward the sky, then back down then back up then again.
(Victor Ducante)
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[23:23] Victor Ducante asks, "Should I try a bit of fire?"
[23:23] Victor Ducante asks, "Perhaps an aura to give warmth to the area?"
[23:23] Arkgvunde may or may not have an existential crisis on not being able to solve puzzles because they don't have the Divinity necessary to cast both Dark and Holy spells for a frame of reference.
(Arkgvunde Vel'heim)
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[23:23] Arkgvunde Vel'heim says, "I... Don't see why not."
[23:24] Arkgvunde took the time to point Victor at the rune they think was marked with Fire.
(Arkgvunde Vel'heim)
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[23:26] Unsure what else to do, given the growth above and around them was too thick to really get through, Victor would nod as Ark agreed. More or less..

That aside, he'd hovered closer to the area with the stones.

Upon which the mage would begin to draw his own mana. Building it within himself. There after the mage would look toward the stone marked for fire and approached it. Instead of creating a full aura he would concentrate a spiral of flames down his left arm and onto his hand.

Where he then pressed the same hand against the stone pointed toward. He'd hold it there for a moment. Certainly warming the stone and the surrounding area there after. But of course, not enough to damage anything or even light anything on fire.
(Victor Ducante)
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[23:28] {NARRATION} Victor's flame enshrouded hand draws nearer to the stone and as it is touched, the very moment up, the rune lights up in a bright orange hue that is mirrored upon the pillar.

The third line of texts like-wise springs to life and the foreign magic in it distorts the perception of the runes into one the bearer can understand.

"A gift from above where the ambitious aspire
My grace is one all that live do require"
[23:30] Victor looked up through the thick of the vines once more.
(Victor Ducante)
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[23:30] Victor Ducante asks, "The sun maybe?"
[23:30] Agava says, "Water I would say."
[23:30] Victor Ducante asks, "Perhaps touching them at the same time?"
[23:30] Victor Ducante says, "I don't really know.."
[23:31] Arkgvunde Vel'heim says, "Hmm.."
[23:31] {NARRATION} The pillar simply waits for another input. Judging by previous attempts either a wrong answer must be submitted or too much time must pass. The Fire rune and the third line of text continues to glow for now.
[23:31] Arkgvunde Vel'heim says, "I get the hunch that touching too many sigils at the same time might overload the mechanism."
[23:31] Victor Ducante says, "Mhm, perhaps you're right."
[23:32] Arkgvunde double-checked the central pillar to try and determine which runed portions of the poem were active.
(Arkgvunde Vel'heim)

[23:35] {NARRATION} A delicate giggle emits from the trees beyond, reminiscent of the noise from when the adventurers first arrived, and one of the trees begins to shake.

The result is a sole acorn, tumbling down from the branches high above, then striking one of the runes. The Earthen rune Ark had touched before.

That same brown hue lights up on the rune and the second line of text which ones more becomes legible like the others.

"Stow in me vessels yet to prove their worth
I am the beginning of the end, the first stage of rebirth"
[23:35] Victor had no real idea where that came from. Looking over the words as they came more legible.
(Victor Ducante)


[23:35] Victor Ducante says, "That could mean many things."
[23:35] Victor Ducante says, "Copious amounts of rain, the sea on a harsh tide, fire itself because of destruction.."
[23:36] Arkgvunde took note of the random giggling and...

...a bit of acorn artillery that messed with the Earth sigil on the ground.

Once again, taking authority/responsibility for the puzzle, the Demon hastily went over to the Water sigil and poked it.
(Arkgvunde Vel'heim)
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[23:42] {NARRATION} Once again a moss-coated finger clicks against a rune and a cool blue light is the result on both the stone and the pillar. The poem itself is fully revealed now unto all who gaze upon it.

It begins to lower sinking into the ground beneath it as the entire landmass begins to shake under the power of its spell.

The limbs of the trees tremble violently sending a downpour of their fruits, nuts, and pieces of foliage from the turbulent change and then the source becomes of apparent.

An entire line of trees at one side of the glade had uprooted themselves and began to walk away revealing yet another similar copse in the trees beyond, a further path.

And something was approaching.. A tangled mass of worm-like vines in a vaguely humanoid shape was approaching. In the periphery around it flooded several faint apparations.

The spirit-like beings darted playfully between the trees with child-like enthusiasm. Golden-eyes peered out at the adventurers from the shady areas as they watched.

Whatever gate had just been disassembled had summoned the gate keeper itself and it did not slow for speech as its rumbling steps brought it closer and closer to its targets.

[00:07] As their combined efforts worked to solve the puzzle worked, it became very obvious very quickly what was happening. Something was coming. For them.

Narrowing his gaze forward he'd lift from the ground once more. The ethereal energy around him began to increase a bit. Giving the overall area a brighter shine. Even a bit of stardust had began to fall around him, clinging to the vines and ground nearby.

There he saw what looked to be a humanoid being approaching them. With no intentions of stopping. Without a glance back at the two the magus flew forward in a frontal charge! Hoping to take its attention for the time being so that the other two could charge in after him.

To overwhelm the being.

With luck the plan worked! The trio worked well with one another. Dashing in to keep the pressure on while the other backed off to rest for the moment. As they continued to alternate, barraging the being with a vast variety of magic, Victor saw an opening!

Dropping low he flew sharply and quickly through the vines and magic cast from his companions. Upon reaching the being he'd quickly dart upward! Riding on a brilliant wave of fire which lashed out and harshly wrapped itself around the being!

It burned at it for a few good seconds before of course extinguishing. Upon which he would back up and ready himself with the party. There after dashing in as the being turned back and charged at them again.

Whatever this was would not stop them here.
(Victor Ducante)
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[00:07] Arkgvunde joined alongside Victor and Agava in the ensuing battle against what the Demon could only presume was the spirits guarding the area.

...But who, or what, were they guarding? And for that matter, what did they intend to keep out?

These questions burned into Ark's mind as the battle progressed. A duel of Nature magic and flashes of varying Cosmic or Earthen potential ran rife throughout the area, slightly damaging the ground everyone was on.

Arkgvunde had to compensate with more precise long-ranged area strikes, acting as an artillery unit of sorts. The occasional healing spell from the Kaor's mastery over Nature was a nice touch, too, bolstering Agava and Victor whenever they fell short.

The Demon even got a lucky shot off in the second-third of the fight, temporarily stunning the supposed guardian with a well-placed Shadow Cannon. Nature's folly ran rampant, and attempted to restore their internal Mana reserve by manipulating the life-force in the immediate environment under Drain Life's interaction with Nature magic.

Arkgvunde even emitted a ringing sound when they were done, runed aura in full attendance.
(Arkgvunde Vel'heim)
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[00:20] The arrival of the odd guardian left the dryad untangling her limbs and merging with the soil, as much as she could at least only to follow her companions into the battle, trying to dodge any strikes that were directed at her.

With Victor's flames scorching the guardian she proceeded on providing as much support as she possibly could, smiling as the trio danced past the opponents strikers that at few moments left the dryad confused while she tried to figure out which cosmic attacks came from Victor and which form the odd guardian.

Her own spores combating the invasive ones sent at her, along with the waves of mud and earth aimed to pierce her form, though luckily only scratching and snapping few minor vines from her bountiful swarm that drove forth and allowed her to witness Ark's Shadow Cannon withering portion of their opponents foliage which left a perfect opening for Agava to move in and strike.

Seeing the entities shift of focus towards her own person, the dryad proceeded to draw their opponent into a trap, spreading toxic bloom seeds around along with creating small earth traps with her tendrils as her opponent neared, only to rise pillars of knife sharp rocks against the entity as the ground rumbled around them. With her companions prowess she managed to finally get close enough to now weakened Guardian before unearthing her swarm of tendrils, surrounding it with them before proceeding to tangle it in a crushing grip as she attempted to commune with the spirit, hoping to find some light to what was happening to this enigmatic island.
(Agava)
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[00:27] {NARRATION} The fight began in earnest on the microscopic level as spores from the guardian and and Agava's own met struggling for dominance in a tiny battle of epic proportions.

Without prompt the spirits dove into the fray. Tiny and frail though they were their numbers were incredible and threatening in themselves despite easily being torn asunder by a stray blow.

Foliage began to distort and join in combat on both sides as the forces struggled to control the world around them. It was, in no small terms, utter chaos.

As the dryad worked to lock down their surroundings, in tandem with Arlgvunde's own attempts, the demon's artillery spray landed as Victor's onslaught began.

The whirling star-charged inferno hurled in creating an opening and causing the titanic beast to screeh wordlessly as its form was left charred and smoldering trying to regenerate in vain.

Whilst distracted a beam of overwhelming occult caught the beast directly and left it reel vines snapping with a loud *crack* as its form began to weaken quicker than it could regenerate.

The power it exerted over nature began to falter to Agava's control and then the fateful blow from Victor sealed it all. Something within it was overwhelmed and the verdant green of its vines decayed to a light brown as motion cease.

A tiny crystal key clatters to the ground and the way beyond is clear. As the forest stills the sound of flowing water can be heard just beyond.
[00:33] With the fall of the Guardian the dryad ended up lowering herself to the ground and allowing for her tendrils to retract before slowly tangling back into what ended up being her hands and feet, letting her stand on the ground as she observed the odd crystal key for a moment before deciding to pick it up.

"Well there goes idea to learn anything from it...we should proceed forth towards the source of the water." the dryad said with a frown as her original fear of the plants drying up the sources of island water might been wrong in the original thought.
(Agava)
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[00:36] Arkgvunde nodded at Agava as the latter picked up the thing that the Guardian ended up dropping.

They didn't have much to say other than,

"I've got your backs."

Sure enough, the Demon kept off to the side and waited for Agava, Victor and company to move around and/or figure out where to put the key in the first place.
(Arkgvunde Vel'heim)
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[00:37] When it was all said and done the creature was beaten and, well, died because of it. Or at least he assumed it died given what happened.

When the key clattered to the ground he'd look down toward it. However, only momentarily. His hands spun the spear-staff in his hand. Keeping it a defensive position.

As the two of them spoke he'd nod once.

"There is no turning back now. We must press forward."

The mage agreed. There after he'd slowly begin to hover along with the two of them. Keeping his weapon at the ready just in case, despite the rather open and straight forward path before them.
(Victor Ducante)
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[00:44] {NARRATION} Once up the path the view changes and the second layer of curtain, which presumably none have seen before, becomes apparent. It was as though someone had crafted an entire structure out of nature.

Long straight trunks with interweaving braches formed two large pillars on either side their roots tangled into a bridge. A gap in the center of the foliage spilled out fresh water which cascaded down.

Whatever was producing enough water, which the land itself was channeling into the earth, to sustain the entirety of the wild vegetation here.

At the entrance to the bridge there is a single stone which glows with a faint light and atop it rests an ivy-covered tome.

Another faint giggle emanates from the vegetation then words appear in the common letters of man clearly displaying.

"Do you seek power? Knowledge? At what cost? The forest relies on this tome and shall perish without it."
[00:53] The dryad approached the source of the anomaly that fuelled the overgrown island with life, she stared at the source with her eyes narrowing as she observed words appearing for them to read. It was something she couldn't apprehend but also found oddly curious, knowing that there had to be more behind the book as someone or something had to leave it behind.

She looked towards her companions after a moment only address them with concerned tone.

"So this might be the source, what should we do about it? I don't know if things will be alright if we remove it..."
(Agava)
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[00:54] Arkgvunde Vel'heim says, "... To be fair, we're coming back afterward. Maybe if we brought another runewriter or two, we could make a ritual that restored the forest."
[00:55] Victor Ducante says, "That is true, however, if we remove it now there's no telling how safe it would be."
[00:56] Arkgvunde Vel'heim asks, "There's both potential bonuses and risks involved in depleting the forest. Whatever other secrets it holds will be more apt to reveal themselves if we took away from it, but that's not my call. Agava?"
[00:56] Victor nods. Looking to the Dryad.
(Victor Ducante)
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[00:56] Agava says, "We were supposed to study the ecosystem of this island...if we remove the book now we will lose this opportunity...as much as this books proves to be a treasure... it works as potential end to our journey if we decide to ignore its importance..."
[00:57] Arkgvunde Vel'heim says, "Alright."
[01:01] {NARRATION} As the Dryad's sentence is complete the book shimmers and begins to dissolve as well as the pedastal it was resting on. The shimmering motes swirl in the wind with a flurry of color as the illusion is dispelled.

"Child of Lopochtli you do your people proud." A cacophany of tiny voices merge into one which floats through the forest to the adventurers. Another faint giggle and then..

A woman in blue covered in a beautiful dress made of exotic foliage appears. The nature spirits glances at each of them her beautiful yet haunting gaze sizing up each.

"However you claim to defend this ecosystem yet barge into it to discover its secrets." Those lifeless eyes shift to each member present in turn, "How can you defend your actions?"
[01:08] Seeing the book being the illusion Agava blinked as a new entity appeared before them, leaving the dryad to narrow her eyes as she heard the question only to hum and reply with a calm tone as she knew exactly what brought her and her companions to the island in the first place.

"I have no way of defending or justifying them, the truth is that no foliage can be this dense on such remote island without suffering a degradation at some point, literal walls blocking a path, plantlife spilling out of the cliffs means that an anomaly exists within this ecosystem, disturbing the original cycle that nature follows."

"We seek not to exploit it but to learn it in hope that we can uncover them for future generations, to uncover what beauty it holds and if among all resides a plant or mineral in potency similar or equal to one we know as fae dust. As each of us present we seek knowledge for we are Keepers of it, we collect and keep it for others to use and learn from it." the dryad explained, hoping that her response would suffice.
(Agava)
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[01:12] There was no humanity beyond the form the spirit took. No flick of the eyebrows in acknowledgement nor any crease of the face to show it had registered a thought.

Those blue eyes turn to Victor and Arkgvunde in turn waiting.
(Vine Guardian)
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[01:14] The mage would slowly lower his weapon to his side. Keeping drawn, but in a nonaggressive stance. While his sky blue hues shifted from Agava to the entity.

"She is correct. We seek only to learn what knowledge this place holds so that we may spread it unto the future generations."

That was all he offered the being. It was his truth. That was what he had come here for. That and to protect Agava.
(Victor Ducante)
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[01:14] Arkgvunde mulled over what the apparent guardian of the forest, lost in thought--

How many guardians really were there? How many spiritual things did the group even bump into without knowing? Too many questions that'd be left unanswered even at the end of it all.

The Demon ended up nodding along with Agava in agreement, but added their own take on the spirit's reprimand:

"I can't defend what I can't sense or know."
(Arkgvunde Vel'heim)
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[01:15] Vine Guardian says, "Fair answers all. You showed you are not brutes."
[01:15] Vine Guardian says, "Willing to risk to learn, but not destroy to acquire."
[01:16] Vine Guardian says, "You have my permission to continue your quest then."
[01:21] {NARRATION} The nature spirit approaches an innocuous stone by the wayside and with a wave of its hand a chest appears in its place. Another illusion in this mystical haven tucked away and out of sight.

Its gaze shifts between each of the adventurers and it speaks with the forest as before, but this time more pointed and harsh. "See that you do not lose yourselves or you shall become part of the balance."

The feminine creature's words linger in the air for a moment then she erupts into the orbs of light which cascade through the air before bursting offer towards the waterfall.

Once more the earth trembles lightly as the form of the island shifts and the mouth to the waterfall out of the trees opens, the water splitting into two streams, and a passage is created.

Within the chest rests an assortment of old books and scrolls with three of particular note.

At first glance they detail more about this strange island and provide intel that might be valuable upon further excursion. Access has been allowed to the deeper confines and the mysteries within, but for now..

Discovery was already underway and it was time for study and further preperation.