#Nazyl Tharazyl

[heartwoodventures]

Primary Access Required: A Thirst For More

As the members of Heartwood started to gather within the manor they would be met with the Head Medic dressed in rather warm winter attire, the look on her face however showed the news she had wasn't good. Looking around the crowd a soft sigh slipped past her lips as she figured out the best way to tell the news.

"As you all know, an Ishgardian Knight had brought a job for Heartwood. Yesterday Tynos and I had gone ahead to investigate the area to make sure everything was safe. But what we were met with is something we weren't expecting, we came across the body of the Knight who had given us the job, he was found depleted of aether and left for dead in the cold. A paralyzing bullet was found stuck to his armor, the other object found was rather....odd. I have no words for it. It was allagan made but there was flesh around the limbs." She paused a moment. "I am no expert with allagan but if any of you are, Tynos does have the object in question. So please pay him a visit to help us better understand this object, we also have to unlock it somehow, there's a code to it but at the time we're unable to crack it."

The young sorceress Edda peered up from her steaming cup. "...Do you happen to have a copy of the sequence written down?"

Lumarto's ears perked at the mention of allagan-made objects. "Haila and I worked on Allagan contraptions in the past, so we can investigate into the bullet with time. She would obviously have more experience in it than I." Luma said, remaining leaned against the counter.

Amasar furrows his brow. So much of what was said had just gone over his head. He looked around at the others to gauge their reaction to the explanation.

"Apologies but I don't, if you wish I can give Tynos a call after this so that he may bring it to the house so that others can take a look at it." G’lewra offered.

Livia Arkwright shook her head. Allagan was apparently not her strong suit.

"Oh, I don't need to examine the machine directly. I just need it to spit out the aforementioned code." Edda pointed out.

Well, at the very least, Amasar won't feel alone in his confusion. Sval'li's expression is... woefully blank. He's attentive, he just has no clue what's being conveyed. Allagans? That's said in a way that seems like it should hold significance.

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn nods knowingly, feigning understanding. But truth be told, she doesn’t understand the first thing about Allagan thingamabobs and whazzits.

"Aside from examining this... thing, what can we do?" Amasar asked curiously. 

"I wish to go back to this area and see if we can find more of this....thing." G’lewra wasn't even sure what to call it. "Perhaps track where it's coming from and why it's going around draining people of aether."

Full Logs here!

[lettersnorth]

The Crystal Man Pt. II

The small band of Heartwood’s mercenaries stood in a collected huddle at the edge of Witchdrop, staring down into the shadowy depths with a variety of expressions on display. Most of them the grim sort. Tracking their quarry through the frozen land had been enough to set several teeth on edge. A party of Seekers, Seawolves, Plainsfolk and Ala Mhigans, not one of them had ever known a cold like this. Even now, Aislinn edged closer to the arcane fire Khora had called forth into his hand. What had begun as a sputtering flame grew stronger the more composed the Seeker became. It was strong enough now to radiate a gentle heat. 

“Damn this frosted place." Y’ahn muttered. 

"Bloodeh h-hells ye can feel the void's chill....ye sure he’s down there?" Nazyl shivered as his small frame leaned over as far as he dared to gaze down into the depths. 

“Void? Like...ghosts?" Aiswyda stuttered. She had only heard of this place before, but figured all the rumors around it were just that. Standing here now though, it definitely felt haunted.

"Any Elezen that decided to willingly wander down there wouldn't exactly be 'sane' in my book." Aislinn noted as she tucked her hands under her arms. “Not with this place’s history.” 

Nazyl nodded, not lifting his gaze from the silent dark below. “This place is a breedin' ground fer 'em. Long time ago as it were, when Ishgard was less....acceptin', they'd throw anehone even accused o' hereseh down this hole."

Aiswyda turned to Aislinn with a worried glance, looking to her to figure out if she should be nervous or not. Catching the Seawolf’s eye, all Aislinn could do was shrug. The lalafell wasn’t wrong. Though there was little they could do about the Drop’s fabled history. If their man was down there, they either went after him or forgo the contract. 

"Witchdrop certainly does have a dark history. Wouldn't surprise me a bit if all that negative energy decided to hang around. If the man's down there, we should be careful." she told Aiswyda in all honesty. She saw little point in sugar coating it. 

There was talk of sending half the party down to investigate but in the end, no one was willing to be the cowardly sort that stayed behind while their compatriots did the hard work, so one by one, they slid down the embankment to a small ledge that ran down into the Drop’s depths. The world of white above disappeared the further the group descended, the darkness settling heavy and oppressive on them all as chatter slowly fell away until eventually they moved in wordless silence. 

N’yami reached the chasm floor first and soon held up a hand that brought the rest of them to a halt. Eyes and ears straining through the gloom it soon became apparent they weren’t alone in the echoing depths. With a flick of her hand, N’yami pointed out the muted form of a duskwight, crouched down, picking at something in the snow. Edges of movement just catching enough light to make out the figure. 

“Well. That’s a bit out of place.” she murmured. 

Several of their number followed her gaze and watched as the duskwight eventually uncovered a frozen corpse and hefted it over his shoulder.  

"The hells? Is he grave robbin'?” Nazyl sputtered in surprise. “Though I can't say those here would have a peaceful rest, but that don't mattah. OI!" He called out. Subtlety wasn't his forte.

The elezen swiftly looked up at the group, and approached with a smile. From a brief glance, he looked completely fine, and seemed to radiate a comforting sort of heat in the chilly weather. A detail, that while tempting to this group of warm climate folk, was nevertheless disconcerting. 

“Ah, what a large group of people! What brings you down here?” The stranger said, still hefting the frozen corpse upon his shoulders with ease. 

Nazyl quickly scanned the man's face. He didn't seem like he had crystal in or around him, "'Scuse us, what're ye doin' with that bodeh there?"

“These poor victims don’t deserve a shallow grave of snow and ice. Sometimes I come by to give them a proper burial, away from Witchdrop.”

The group passed each other a handful of looks that said down to a one, none of them was put at ease by this explanation. Nor were they sure of what to make of the man’s altogether calm and rational demeanor. This wasn’t the usual state in which they found those who had become crystal tainted and it set them off their footing. As Nazyl continued to converse with the strange man, N’yami turned to the rest of them, her ruby eyes glittering in the darkness. 

"Is that the person we're looking for?" she asked. 

Khora shrugged. "I don't know? Is he covered in crystal? Or is that snow?"

"I...Well, the intel does say we're looking for an elezen. And I'm assuming that not many people come down here for fun, so...yes?" Aiswyda ventured. 

"They might send someone down here to clean up corpses from time to time?" Y’ahn proposed. 

Aislinn reached up and quietly slid the gun from her back, regardless.

Koh followed suit, keeping his hands on his weapons, ready if need be, though he did turn back to the man, waiting for a lull in the conversation before asking, "Seen anything suspicious down here? Looking for an individual, would have seemed...out of sorts."

“To be honest, you lot are the most suspicious thing I’ve seen all week!” The elezen laughed, and strangely, the air grew warmer as he did so. “Though I suppose, there was that group earlier, that came down just to ask me how I was feeling. Otherwise, it’s the usual. Just a few like minded folks, but we mostly keep to ourselves.”

Khora ears fell over his head.  He was beginning to grow impatient, a feeling expressed by that furrow in his brow.  "No one in their right mind would come down here to 'see how someone is feeling.'  And how long have you been down here?  Long enough for two separate parties to venture down here?"

The man, who offered up the name Ifoux, dodged the question. In fact, he seemed very apt at dodging most of their questions. Something that soon grated on the more hot blooded among them. One heated argument and a report of gun fire later, the man hurriedly tried to make peace, smoothing the way by offering to continue this conversation back at his hut, where it was assuredly warmer than the depths of the chasm. He led the group back to his home in the wilderness where he made his living as a hunter. A hunter who apparently felt called upon to plumb the depths of Witchdrop and bring up the bodies from time to time. 

After hastily burying the retrieved corpse in a freshly dug grave, the elezen ushered them all into his home though he continued to nervously look back now and again at Khora’s gunblade. Khora, for his part, was now quiet. Listening. Piercing silver eyes refused to leave Ifoux as less and less the Seeker trusted the elezen.

They all huddled around the small hut’s cooking fire as Ifoux poured them each a cup of hot pine tea. Several of their number politely refused but Aislinn wordlessly accepted a cup. Though she had no intention of drinking it, she let her freezing hands curl around the warmth it provided as the conversation continued, each one of them trying and failing to pin down the wily man who was either completely clueless to the strange heat he was putting off or he knew very well that it wasn’t natural and was doing his level best to fend them off. The last thing one wished to be this close to Ishgard was unnatural. 

Nazyl quirked a brow at the man. "Have ye always lived here then?”

Ifoux took a dried karakul haunch off from a dangling string, and tossed it into a pot. “I’ve lived here for as long as I remember. It’s a simple life, hunting and living off the land.” He tossed in some garlic and popotos into the stewpot alongside the karakul. “...though things have been a bit odd, as of late.”

"So we've heard. What's the odditehs ye've heard about?"

“Something is...grave robbing my makeshift cemetery. The entire body goes missing, and all I’m left with is a hole. At this rate, eventually my cemetery will just be a collection of deep ditches.” The elezen stopped stirring, and looked down in defeat. “No tracks. It always happens at night sometime though. I’ve tried staying up to catch the graverobber, but I can never seem to stay up the entire time.” Ifoux looked at everyone with hopeful eyes. “You lot are adventurers right? Perhaps you could help.”

Aislinn North slid a questioning glance N'yami's way before looking back to the Elezen with a considered gaze. "Suppose...we could see our way to doing that." she spoke up. 

Honestly, this entire venture was turning odder by the moment. Why not lie in wait for a graverobber to boot?

(To be continued!)

[blooms-of-ice]

RP Log: Wyda and Nazyl catch up on each others’ busy lives

Nazyl Tharazyl found himself at the Heartwood residence yet again, his steps a tad lighter than usual. The night before seemed to have been rather eye opening. Seeing the lobby empty again, he deigned to head downstairs to see who he would find tonight, "Anehone here?" He hadn't made it to the bottom of the stairs yet.

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn loiters in the company bar, a neat row of empty bottles forming a wall between her and the empty seat across from her. A familiar voice, and one that she hadn’t heard in several moons, calls out. “I’m here. Who’ss here?” She responds in kind, speech slightly slurred.

Nazyl Tharazyl made it to the bottom, not wearing his typical silver armor, "Mm? Oh, evenin'! Yer uh..." He blanked, hand raising to his head, "Well this is embarrassin'. I'm sure i know yer name, but I mighta taken a few too maneh blows ta the head recentleh..."

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn: “Nazyl?! Nazyl!” She gets up and slams her hands on the table, causing a couple of the bottles to topple over. “Huh?! It’s...It’s Wyda. Blows to the head? What... what’s happened to you?” Seeing the lalafell dressed in non-armor comes as a surprise to her as well. Is this really Nazyl, or simply someone who walks and talks an awful lot like him?

Nazyl Tharazyl: "Wyda...OH!" He snaps his fingers, "That's right, we were tryin' ta break ye outta prison! Gods, how long has it been...?" He went red, seeing how she seemed to remember him, but the reverse wasn't exactly true, "Gah, sorreh. I've been buseh huntin' a terrible demon that terrorizes the oceans. It's been...a stressful time." He approached the table, climbing into a stool, "Where do i even start?"

Nazyl Tharazyl: "Glad ta see ye've been proven innocent....I hope that's what happened, right? I ain't been around..."

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn shakes her head and laughs. “Far too long it seems...Though you never struck me as the forgetful type. Must’ve gotten a good conk on the head, eh?” She settles back into her seat and pushes the empty bottles to the side with a noticeable lack of grace. “There’s a lot to catch up on...hah! But why not start at the beginning of your tale? What sorta demon were you chasing after?”

Nazyl Tharazyl removed his hat and shook his head to rufle his hair, setting the cap on the table, "Hooboy. So...a disclaimah, the hunt itself is s'posed ta be confidential. I don't think I can take on othah huntahs without some...complications." He cleared his throat, "But, it started when I was called ta accept a platinum level leve, ta find n' slay a terrible voidsent by the name o' Focalor. All the info I had was that it was aquatic, n' that it was approachin' from the Sea of Ash."

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn tries to take a sip from her bottle, only to find it empty. She peers up into it, giving it a disappointed shake. “Fo..Focalor? And did you find the bugger?”

Nazyl Tharazyl: "I've taken some folks I can trust ta deal with such awful creatures, includin' Yami. Shar uh...sorta came inta the scene on her own, was tryin' ta avoid that." He sighed, "We prepared by aidin' some Sahagin so we could ride Elbst inta battle, n' petitioned the Maelstrom ta give us a raft similah ta the Whorleatah ta combat our foe. Oh we found it."

Nazyl Tharazyl: "Focalor is a massive beast. Ye evah seen the ship that's been drowned in Silvahtear Lake?"

Nazyl Tharazyl: "it's about that size. A shark with horns n' magic tendrils, bladed fins n' endless teeth.....we even had Dragonkillahs readeh ta deal with it."

Nazyl Tharazyl closed his eyes and reminisced, "Weren't enough. It shrugged off the guns n' invited chaos ta the sea, a storm that destroyed our raft n' sent us ta the cornahs of the world. We all ended up meetin' in the Ruby Sea inj the end."

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn: “Though I want to, I don’t think I’d be of much help to you. I punch as hard as a soggy pup now, after spending so much time in jail. That, and the sea and I aren’t on good terms..” She leans her face against the palm of her hand, weight braced against her elbow and the table. “Gods, that big? Sahagin? Dragonkillers? WAIT, destroyed your raft? D-did you /swim/ back to shore or something?!”

Nazyl Tharazyl: "...Things happened, terrible things. Innocents were alreadeh gettin' caught up in the crossfire, n'..." He deflated some, then perked at Wyda's question, "....Kinda. I ended up doin' battle with the ebast alone, in the cold waters someplace east."

Nazyl Tharazyl: "All i remembuh was chokin' on the water, n' a bright flash....n' when i awoke, I was on the shores of an island I'd nevah seen."

Nazyl Tharazyl: "That's when things started goin' south..." He frowned, "I didn't wanna see death, especialleh of those that weren't related ta the hunt." He seemed to avoid disclosing the details on that particular incident, "I was chased by a powaful darkness, where I ended up escapin' ta Othard, where I met up with A'mariss...ah, she's me partnah of sorts. When we banished the darkness, we met back up with Yami too."

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn: “Sounds like you’re lucky to be alive! Seven hells.” She pushes an unopened bottle towards Nazyl, a concern tugging on her face. “Innocents...don’t beat yourself up too much about that. If you weren’t there, even more would’ve gotten involved. Can only do the best you can do, and sounds like you did an awful lot.”

Nazyl Tharazyl glanced to the empty bottles strewn across the table, rolling one with a finger, "We all gathahed where the Kojin live, n' figured out that Focalor had squatted there, corruptin' the waters n' the life within. We set out ta remove the source of it." He caught the bottle with his other hand, looking it over. He really shouldn't drink, but it looked so tempting.... "We did what we could. Sometimes I wish i could use magic." He sighed again, "The source was within an undahwater cave that-

Nazyl Tharazyl ||-housed the cultists worshippin' Focalor. They summoned a massive voidsent that looked much like a Kraken, n' we did battle with it n' its armeh, I think they named it Phorcys, if the mutterin's were anehthin' ta go by."

Nazyl Tharazyl: "It took a long while, but we ended up killin' the thing, n' removed the source of darkness from the Sea. Focalor has moved since then, n' now its location is unknown..."

Nazyl Tharazyl: "We've come back half broken n'...a lil' more than rattled in the head. I wish doin' this didn't cause so much damage..."

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn listens with as much attention as she can muster, but it’s a tad hard with all the alcohol pumping through her system. “Phor...phorcys, and Focalor. Damn, if there’s one thing the world needs less of, it’s evil worshipping cults. You said you were chased by darkness? What’s that like?”

Nazyl Tharazyl: "A figure of incredible powah, that I could do nothin' against. I dunno where it came from, or why it sought me, but without the aid of othahs, I'd not be talkin' ta ye right now."

Nazyl Tharazyl: "I...I'm not sure what caused it ta chase me." That was a lie, "Strange things happen when ye deal with creatures that can bend realiteh."

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn lets out a long sigh. “I’m glad you’re here Nazyl, but I can’t help but worry. You said that this demon, Focalor. It’s still out there? And it sounds like it’s done so much already, that...well. There are risks in the business after all...” Her voice gets quieter as she talks around the topic of death, and loss. She doesn’t know quite how to word that she’s scared he won’t come back a second time.

Nazyl Tharazyl gave a half smile, weak and frail, "I...know the risks. I assure ye I'm not ridin' on some false bravado that I'm some invicible warriah. It's indeed still out there, n' I'm currentleh researchin' its wherabouts...." He lowered his gaze to the table, "Death will always be loomin' behind me. The last hunt against a voidsent o' this caliber was similar, where each moment our lives held on by mere threads. It was a miracle we even came back from that alive."

Nazyl Tharazyl: "...N' yet, there will onleh be mroe tragedeh if we let it alone. Dangerous though the hunt may be, it's so that othahs won't have ta suffah. Even if it means some of us...don't make it back." he shook his head of that thought, "But, that's also why I'm a paladin, ta protect those who throw themselves with me lot. So that they can return ta quietah homes, with the thought that they achieved the impossible!"

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn vacantly stares at the table, tired eyes cast downward. She wishes she can just tell him to...not hunt voidsent. But that’d be like telling him not to breathe. It was out of the question. “No one ever said being a hero was easy, right? Gods, it’s just that...I don’t know. I just don’t know.”

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn looks back up, determined to lighten up the mood. “So, was that your first time to the far east? Like it there?”

Nazyl Tharazyl gave a small laugh, "No hero is forged by ridin' it easeh. Though what we do is dangerous, it's necessareh. I don't plan on dyin' anehtime soon, so don't be lookin' like that alright?" He held a fist out, "Just wish us luck, n' we'll bag the biggest fish ye've evah damn seen." He blinked at the question, "Actualleh, no. I've been there befer once."

Nazyl Tharazyl: "...So, funneh storeh. A while back I had been browsin' a bookstore, lookin' fer somethin' fer a lass I had been sweet on at the time. Turns out the store was actualleh a front fer a group of sky pirates who had been accused o' holdin' a Garlean citizen of import within their ranks. Just me luck, I happened ta be there when the Maelstrom showed up."

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn tries her best to put on a happy face. “I look forward to it! When that happens, we’ll be eating sashimi for days.”

Nazyl Tharazyl: "I didn't get ta plead me case, they jsut lumped me in with the pirates. So we escaped by the skin of our teeth, n' took an airship across the world, with the Maelstrom hot on our trail. Our ship was fastah, thankfulleh, n' we ended up stoppin' in the Far East...we were forced ta live there while we had a diplomat deal with the Maelstrom n' clear our names. Fer a few moons, Othard was me new home."

Nazyl Tharazyl seemed to have fond memories, from the wistful look on his face, "I got ta see the swordsmanship of the east, the legendareh creatures of Yanxia, n' even got inta some Hingan intrigue."

Nazyl Tharazyl: "Oh! I even befriended an auspice! Ye know, the talkin' animals...have ye seen one?"

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn: “Sky pirates? A...a lass you were sweet on?!” Eyes open in surprise, and she shakes her head to clear her thoughts. “Ahem, okay. One step at a time, one step at a time...Anyway, that’s a pretty crazy story. Glad to know I'm not the only one the Maelstrom has wrongfully chased.”

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn: “Auspice? You mean like...a moogle?”

Nazyl Tharazyl: "Aha...does me likin' a lass realleh seem that s'prisin'? It ain't the first time someone has admitted such..." He shrugged, "Ah...not quite! Though mayhaps it's somewhat similah...I would reckon they'd think Moogles are a type of auspice."

Nazyl Tharazyl: "So, as Shiroitachi had told me...he's an auspice, a wee weasal...an auspice is born when an animal gains reasonin' aftah livin' fer ovah a hundred or so cycles! They become immortal n' can speak with us like regulah folk, it's rathah fantastical!"

Nazyl Tharazyl: "Some even possess magical powahs that can rival mastah mages...."

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn: “Wasn’t sure you had time for romance, between demon hunting and all.” She sends Nazyl a good natured, and clearly drunk, grin. “Some folk seem too busy to dabble in such things.”

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn sways a little as she considers what he’s telling her. Animals that live forever, and learn to talk. She repeats the idea in her head, and doesn’t understand it anymore the second time. “Talking weasel. Magic talking weasel? Okay, are you tugging my chain now..”

Nazyl Tharazyl: "...Mayhaps now I don't have the time, aye. It's...difficult ta keep a relationship while skirtin' with darkness evereh othah sun. Eventualleh I just accepted that mayhaps I'll be a bachelor fer a long while." He smirked, "A tall tale aye, but 'tis true. I even live with a talkin' catfish by the name o' Gyosho, sent by that vereh same auspice!" he beamed, "He's a Namazu, as he tells me. They like ta live around the big rivahs."

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn: “No shame in being single! I, for one, enjoy being a lone ranger.” She shuts her eyes as she smiles, and there’s a long enough pause to wonder if...she’s fallen asleep. But then Wyda jolts back awake. “Talking catfish?! Okay, now I’m certain you’re making up tall tales. What next, walking and talking wolves? Hah.”

Nazyl Tharazyl leaned forward as Wyda dozed off temporarily, reaching to poke her until she jolted back up, causing him to recoil, "I assure ye, it's all true! In fact, me hosue ain't actualleh far--in the Mists is where I keep me office. Gyosho acts as me attendant, handlin' much of the papahwork. Should come by sometime!"

Nazyl Tharazyl: "...Ye holdin' up alright? Looks like ye might need ta find a bed soon..."

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn: “You’re awfully confident, to keep this story up for so long...really starting to doubt myself...” She rubs at her temples, confused. “Huh? Oh, don’t worry. Just haven’t been sleeping well as of late.”

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn has noticeably dark bags under her eye, the other being covered by a bandana.

Nazyl Tharazyl: "If I hadn't seen these events with me own two eyes, I'd probableh have trouble keepin' it tagethah. Realiteh is oft more strange than aneh fantaseh book I've evah read." His eyes narrow somewhat, focusing on her eye for a moment, "...What's keepin' ye up? With this much drink I figured ye'd be down fer the count, but I s'pose ye hold yer drink well."

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn: “I’ve learned that...There really aren’t any rules to reality, is there?” A hollow laugh escapes from the Seawolf. “I’m alright when it comes to drinking. But it’s hard to sleep when your evil twin is just a room away.”

Nazyl Tharazyl: "....Evil twin?" He blinked. This is a new development.

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn: “I wish I could tell you that this was just some terrible, dumb lie. But yeah...” There was a lot to unpack. At the moment, Wyda had decided to just...ignore the whole situation, which made it worse. “Looks like me. Has my voice. Has my memories. It’s weird, and I hate it.”

Nazyl Tharazyl: "Has yer -mem'rehs-? How in the seven hells...?" He stared, mouth agape. Twins was one thing, being practically the same person, mind and all... "Now that would just plain weird me out. I dunno how much I would like havin' anothah me out in the world..." He says, but might have an uncomfortable story on that very topic.

Nazyl Tharazyl: "Explains why ye were jailed I reckon. Is this the one that uh...." he tried to recall the events prior, "She's the one with the pirates?"

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn quickly downs another drink, but it does little to wash away her frustrations. “Right, she’s the reason I was tossed in jail. My old crew has gone rogue, and she was there, with them. Committing crimes and all.” Wyda narrows her eyes, a muddled doubt growing behind her eyes. “/She/ was there, and I wasn’t. I wasn’t there...”

Nazyl Tharazyl couldn't help but feel like the woman was trying to convince herself, rather than anyone listening. Whatever events had played out since he left appeared to have been rather strange, "So yer twin shacks up with some pirates...folks ye knew, n' causes trouble in yer name. I guess by capturin' the othah one ye've proven that ye've got yer own identiteh. But she also ain't in custodeh so..." He quirked a brow, "What's all happened?"

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn: “Muneshige brought her in, and I was cleared when other members brought in proof that my twin was still out there, doing evil, even with me in jail.”

Nazyl Tharazyl: "Moonay...who? Twelve we've realleh been gettin' a lotta new membahs huh...has heartwood been makin' a name fer itself?"

Nazyl Tharazyl: "Well, it's good that they saw reason at least. I guess what remains is what we'll do with yer twin...."

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn: “He’s a funny guy. Really wants to fight all the time.” She smiles, grateful for the momentary change in subject. “And yeah, we’ve grown a bit since you’ve been gone.”

Nazyl Tharazyl: "I s'pose questionin' is in ordah. Though I wouldn't know how receptive she'd be..."

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn: “I’ve been talking with her. While she’s tight lipped when it comes to any future plans her crew may have, she’s open to talking about useless things.” Wyda fidgets with her hair, looking a little shaken. “Which doesn’t help me get a wink of sleep, really. Not when she’s so confident that I’m the imposter, instead of the other way around.”

Nazyl Tharazyl: "I...aye, I dunno how I'd feel..." He looked down, scratching his head, "I'd definiteleh think somethin' fisheh is up. When ye both share the same past, somethin' ain't right. Eithah she ain't the real ye, or..." The other option was even weirder...but it was possible. He trailed off, not really wanting to go down that way.

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn - The corner of Wyda’s mouth pulls into a small, defeated smirk. “...Or I’m not real.”

Nazyl Tharazyl: "...Not what I was goin' fer, but I s'pose that's...also a possibiliteh." He froiwned, shaking his head, "What if yer both...parts of a whole?"

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn: “I’m pretty sure I’m real though.” She nibbles on the bottom of her lip. “Is that even possible? Then again...everything we’ve been talking about sounds pretty out there.”

Nazyl Tharazyl: "Truth is oddah than fiction, I've realized. There's a few storehs I have that I'm not even sure -I- b'lieve, n' I was there when they happened!"

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn: “If anyone walked into the middle of this conversation, they’d definitely peg us as mad conspiracy theorists.”

Nazyl Tharazyl: "Ta think this is tame compared ta some o' the shite I've seen in the past cycle or two..."

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn: “We deserve a vacation. A simple, calm vacation that's demon free, and hell. Magic free too.” She chuckles lightly.

Nazyl Tharazyl: "Ain't that the truth. A whole moon o' just...relaxin', worreh free? I might get used ta that life..." He smiled bitterly, "Which is why it's probableh good that I ain't gettin' that aneh time soon. Gotta stay sharp."

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn: “It’s not a bad thing to go soft.” Wyda sighs longingly. “Why not be selfish for awhile? You totally deserve to treat yourself.”

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn - The pile of empty bottles by Wyda clearly shows the flip side of ‘treating oneself.’ She’s none the wiser though.

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn - The pile of empty bottles by Wyda clearly shows the flip side of ‘treating oneself.’ She’s none the wiser though.

Nazyl Tharazyl glanced at the bottles. he knew the reason for such vices...kept everyone sane. But his case was a little different. He shook his head, "I'm marrehd ta me duteh, 'cause if I ain't there when danger occurrs...who'll be there in me place?" He offered a sad smile, "Mayhaps there'll be a time when I can rest, but at the nonce, it ain't soon."

Aiswyda Nuthalwyn: “You’re very responsible...that’s a good thing. Just make sure you don’t crack under all that pressure, you hear?” She sighs, but can see where Nazyl’s coming from. Maybe she could learn a thing or two from him, someday. But that day won’t be today. Wyda gets up and stretches, intoxication catching up to her. “Alright...I’m off to take a nap. Nice catching up with you, Naz.”

Nazyl Tharazyl: "Likewise. It puts me heart at ease ta know yer safe now, so get some good sleep aye?"

Nazyl Tharazyl slipped out of the stool himself, adjusting his gear. It was so strange being out of armor...

[gegenji]

Big Dreams, Bigger Problems - Part 2

Unfortunately, Nazyl is more confused and upset by his wife Sasazi’s newfound stature - concerned it is the dark actions of a Voidsent! This drives Sasazi to tears, and also upsets the Gojirafell - who just wanted to make others happy! To resolve this problem, he reclaims the height into himself - returning Sasazi to her normal size for a happy ending for the married couple... even though it also leaves him that little bit harder to miss.

A photo shoot with @casualelitism​‘s Sasazi and her RP partner Nazyl!

Part One: there! Part Two: here!

[roses-and-grimoires]

We’re perfectly serious voidhunters! That look nothing at all like a boy band!

...Now what were we gonna call our next album again?

@khyranoisin, @glowinggunmetal, @bride-and-bride, @winterdeepelegy

[shadottie]

Nazyl Tharazyl -  ❇ Holy Spirit ❇

My final Illustration commission of 2017 that I finished on New Year's Day. I'm really proud of this one for all the detail, the valiant ferocity of the pose and --everything!! Thanks for letting me work on this, Naz!

[rhotanored]

FFXIV WRITE #7 n o n a g e n a r i a n

prompt#7 - N O N A G E N A R I A N character(s) - A’mariss Renahg, Nazyl Tharazyl (mention), N’yami Synch (mention) @pocketninja-ffxiv​ masterlist - [x] warnings - N/A

    When A’mariss considered her still-healing injuries, and the awkward position in which she’d fallen asleep, she wasn’t surprised when she awoke in pain; she just hadn’t been expecting such a stiff, bone-deep ache permeating through what seemed like her entire form. Her hand trembled as she lifted it, though it did not have the familiar tremble brought on by exhaustion that she could flex from her fingers with enough concentration, but an uncontrollable shake that continued no matter how much she willed it otherwise.

    Her fingers, even, would not curl completely closed, and it was with mounting alarm she realised her vision was dark, narrowed as though she was peering down a tunnel through a thick, filmy haze. Try as she might, blinking did nothing to dispel her atrophying vision, and bringing her hands closer only served to redouble the panic causing her heart to flutter. They were unrecognizable; gnarled veins wound beneath skin darkened with splotches of age, wrinkled skin twisting over knuckles swollen with advanced arthritis. 

    Sounds, too, were muted; she could hear the thunder of blood in her ears--but that was the only thing that came to her with any clarity. As far as she could tell, her surroundings hadn’t changed; still beneath the sea in the kojin’s submerged bubble--but the sound of water was warped and distorted, and voices reached her only as though spoken from a distance.

    Even her own voice sounded foreign to her ears, a low moan of protest that never quite formed into a cohesive thought. Awkwardly, she attempted to shuffle to her feet, but her legs, bone-thin, her skin pulled dry and taut like parchment across them, would not obey. Wildly, her head trembled and lolled in the direction of the comrades she’d accompanied, but even with her limited vision they seemed unchanged; slumbering away nearby.

    She groaned again, what little ground she had gained in pulling herself further upright abruptly slipping out from under her as the loose, pebble-ridden sand beneath her provided little purchase for her trembling hands, and her head fell back with a heavy thud against the shipping crates against which she’d propped herself before retiring to slumber. Black sparks danced in her vision, and she let her eyes fall shut, chest still heaving--until she bolted suddenly upright, the world snapping back into painful clarity.

    Though the back of her head throbbed where she’d struck it on the crates, the wearying arch that had suffused her being faded as though from a dream. All that remained was the hint of exhaustion still weighing her limbs; typical of aetherial overdraught, and the sharper, more urgent heat still radiating with every pulse of blood through the gash on her leg, tightly bound and treated. She could tell it was further along in healing than it had been when she’d slept; between her regenerative magics and the natural aether of this place, it was healing far faster than it had any right to.

    Her heartbeat steadied the longer she focused on her surroundings; Nazyl and N’yami still slumbered nearby, oblivious to the nightmare that had seized her, and for that she was grateful. Carefully, A’mariss righted herself, no longer slouching against the boxes, and drew her knees to her chest, allowing her brow to rest against them.

    Not a vision from Focalor, or any other horror--only her own Echo providing her a glimpse into a future that she’d prefer never come to pass. She’d continue to fight to live as she was, but to live to infirmity--she knew in her heart of hearts she’d rather die on the field of battle than become such a burden. As much as she attempted to avoid sleep, considering what it had given her this time, she could feel it nipping at the edges of her awareness--and with the trials and tribulations of bringing the battle to Focalor still looming ahead, she allowed herself to succumb (hopefully) to oblivion once again.

[mokkri-valandiel]

Can’t Take You Anywhere

Nazyl Tharazyl can feel lungs taking in air that shouldn't be there. It rises and falls.

G'mokkri Rha watches intensely. "Ok, let me try!"

"I don't like that." Morgan says.

Nazyl Tharazyl turns his head to Morgan, flashing a thumbs up.

G'mokkri Rha cautiously tiptoes into deeper water.

Morgan Olivey snorts, and pushes down on Naz. He didn't keep the man down, just a spook push. He settles a hand on his hip.

G'mokkri Rha sticks her face into the water and tries to breathe.

"Eorzeans, I swear." Morgan mutters.

"Ggghhbbbblppbbll...." Nazyl Tharazyl rises, it was difficult to talk with water in your mouth, "Whoops."

G'mokkri Rha just keeps hanging out in the water, slipping slowly out with the current. She's focusing reallllllly hard.

"...Miss I can explain why i can-" Naz begins, “.....Don't let the ocean take her."

"Gods. Be good." Morgan drifts out that way, taking Mokkri's wrist.

G'mokkri ....appears to have grown gills.

"......What in the hells...?" Naz exclaims.

"Ah-hhah." Morgan -would- snatch his hand back at the alarm but doesn't.

G'mokkri Rha opens her eyes excitedly under the water! She does, however, clutch at Morgan as the current threatens to drag her further out.

((with @rhotanored @lominsadan @wamoura and naz. Near @silentlyjudgemental for good measure))

A'mariss Renahg takes another sip of her drink. She's listening to all parties.

Nazyl Tharazyl huffs. That's fine then, "...Carreh on."

"O-Oi, alright, easy!" Morgan snatches up with the other hand. He bobs, kicking a heel at the bottom and back to shore. He doesn't -bring- Mokkri to shore.

"I hope those work on land." Naz questions.

G'mokkri clutches at Naz instead.

"...Maybe they go away?" Morgan spitballs.

Nazyl Tharazyl doesn't like being grabbed, eyes darting around, "Wh-"

G'mokkri Rha burbles and thrashed under the water, looking panicked.

"Hey, calm down, I ain't that-" And Naz’s going under too.

Professor Gray is explaining the Lominsan Dan novels at length. "...SO then. Ferun Terun. Where. Lominsa Dan comes across the journal of Nymian privateer Ferun Terun, who claims he had found something known as the Arx Akropolis, an allagan citadel that floats hidden near meracydia. Terun claims he reclaimed vast treasures from the place, but that he regretted them so deeply he would take them to his grave--which has, for all of history, been unknown. Following a trail of breadcrumbs, he retravels the famous privateers steps all over the world, ruin to ruin."

"Ah, perhaps--" A'mariss Renahg points towards the trio, and the ...flailing Mokkri.

Morgan Olivey: "Gods be good," Morgan hooks an arm around Mokkri's waist. He's going under too. He pinches his eyes shut, feeling for the bottom with his foot.

Professor Gray DOVE RIGHT IN.

Morgan Olivey starts puuulling, but hey if someone else is here to rescue? Great. He's OUTTA THERE.

Professor Gray YEAH LIKE-- ....He abruptly stopped panicking. as he stood on the bottom on ocean, weighted by his mechanical arm...just staring. “...”

Silaena Naellenar hums. "Well. What's the problem, exactly?"

Morgan Olivey keeps pulling to shallow waters then, gilled girl and lalafell in tow, apparently!

Professor Gray 's created an absolute monster.

A'mariss Renahg sips her drink, observing, though a moment ago she'd looked ready to hand Silae her drink. "I'm--not sure."

Nazyl Tharazyl pulls on the woman, though how much force can his small legs produce? He hopes someone else can help.

"...She's--fine." Asserts Gray.

Nazyl Tharazyl rises from the water, exhaling from his nose, "Well alright. That was unexpected."

Morgan Olivey immediately swipes his hair down flat when they break the surface. He pulls away from Mokkri. "...You alright there, G'mokkri?"

"Is she-- are you--? All?" A’mariss redirects as the rest of them surface.

G'mokkri Rha is panting, hands on her knees with her hair plastered to her face. "I didn't know the water could grab you like that!"

"They do, and those would be called currents." Morgan educates her.

"...Lominsa Dan an' The Nymian Shade. ...Which is about someone tryn' to spread a plague very similar to th'Green Death. An' us, uh. Stoppin' it," Gray said flatly, finishing his thought even as he stared. Dumbfounded.

A'mariss Renahg 's face shifts to one of some concern. "Ah. Fortunate you had others here, then."

"...She's fine." Gray insists.

G'mokkri Rha scratches at her neck absently and one of the gills falls into her hand with a splat, leaving her neck untouched.

A'mariss Renahg raises a brow, slowly, then glances aside at Silae.

Professor Gray leans over and starts checking her *obsessively* like what the fuck-- EW EW EW he grabbed her wrist and turned the hand upward. staring at it.

"-Are- ..you .. fine, G'mokkri." Morgan asks.

Gray comments, "....Ominous."

G'mokkri Rha 's eyes widen at her hand holding the gill and her eyes roll back in her head and she faints dead away.

Professor Gray ...Lifted her up and cradled her in his arms. don't die in the water NOW, kid.

[ichirosden]

I decided to get back to drawing and try to get some new things done. This is for my friend Nazyl Tharazyl on Balmung, a gift.

[maskedmagicat]

I decided to get back to drawing and try to get some new things done. This is for my friend Nazyl Tharazyl on Balmung, a gift.

[heartwoodventures]

Primary Access Required: Better Run, Faster Than My Spiders

Once everyone had gathered around Crific to teleport back home that soft 'Oh no' hit the Seeker's ears and that's when the realization hit her, Nazyl couldn't teleport with them, and refusing to leave anyone by themselves G'lewra launched herself out of the group to grab a hold of the lalafell. The whooshing sound behind her made it clear that the others got away, besides one other, one of the spiders had latched itself once again to Livia and had interrupted the cast for her. With a quick wave of her hand a small ball of aether blasted from her palm and launched the blasted thing off the Hyur, and with quick work did the medic grab Livia as well then booked it with both of them. Launching both of them in front of her the Seeker dug around in her bag and pulled out a few empty shards to fill them with her own aether and launched them at the flood behind them, the spiders would pause to absorb their treat which gave the three time to gain some distance. "Don't look back just keep running!"

Livia had measures of her own. The telltale magical facets of a large scale barrier spell set in place as a wall. It wouldn't hold the whole of the swarm back, and even then it wouldn't hold those it did block off for long, but it was a measure enough. Panicked as she was by her fear of spiders, the conjurer had absolutely no reservations about running. FAST.

Nazyl barely had time to tell Crific that maybe teleporting him would probably be the last time any of them would see him, considering the ramifications of such a spell on his body and spirit...thankfully he was pulled away, forced to move away from the encroaching horde lest the others be overwhelmed. he did not fear the spiders--nay, they had no reason to pursue him. The others, however....he made a mad dash through the snow, using his shield to swipe away whatever blocked him.

The snow crunched under their feet as they booked it through the cold Coerthas lands and all they would hear behind them was the echoing of 'Locked on Target' and the metal limbs rushing through the snow. They smacked into Livia's barrier and the smaller ones would launch themselves at it to try to break it down, the bigger ones struck the barrier with their limbs, and with each hit did it become weaker. "We need to get somewhere safe."

"Safe? What if they decide ta go huntin' beyond those grounds? What happens ta the ishgardians here?" Nazyl Tharazyl panted, stopping near the river, "Well they can't just be allowed ta stay here..."

"To die senselessly here would do little to aid said Ishgardians. We can do little as is to contest the numbers of those monstrous things, as is!" Livia was just as out of breath. "We're in agreement. We've got to at least try to lead them astray before we throw them from our trail."

G'lewra stopped along with the lalafell and started to dig through her bag again, there had to be something in here that could help them. "Come on...." All the Seeker had though were healing potions and ointments, she didn't carry bombs on her as her daughter did. "I wonder..." Looking behind her Lewra watched the flood continue trying to break down the barrier, they were losing time. "We need to find a spot to hide in, I can form a barrier around us to hide us but I can only hold it for so long."

Nazyl began to look around the area...he was pretty familiar with Coerthan terrain, and oft marked areas where he could stave off the cold…

Livia scanned the area for a moment. "A... cliffside with soft sediment in a large enough spot may do. I could part the earth to allow us a crevice, though it would ultimately box us in."

"I don't know this area at all, I avoid cold places at all cost and now I have another reason to do so." Lewra looked between the two. "If either of you two know the area better lead the way, Livia I'll have you part the earth if needed to make us a hiding spot."

Livia Arkwright nodded. "I... am unfamiliar with the specifics of the wilds here, I fear."

Nazyl stared across the river some, then glanced to his left. Things began to look familiar, "...There's a cave system ta our left, up the stream. It goes deep n' the openin' is small, we'll be safe from largah threats."

"Quickly lead us there, apologies for sounding demanding but we must be quick." Even in a time like this the Seeker apologized as she was never the type to demand something of someone. "I'm going to start preparing." Pulling the Codex from her hip G'lewra flicked to a page with complex arcane circles on it. It looked like complete nonsense to the other two but to the Scholar it was the spell that would keep them safe in this desperate time.

Nazyl cared not for apologies or whatever spell Lewra was preparing...though wouldn't it be more practical to use as little as possible to avoid drawing attention? Well, he'd fight in a chokepoint if he had to. He began running upstream, towards a small opening in the rock face...

Livia dragged her cane's base over the ground briefly as they ran. Ambient aether from the very land rose up into the rod of the focus, suffusing it in a flickering and occasional hue of deep earthen gold. She was canting as she ran. “Ready?”

Nazyl skidded to a halt as they made it into the cavern, "Alright, whatevah ye got planned, now's the time ta do it."

G'lewra ran after Nazyl and she thanked that she was fit enough to run through the Coerthas terrain, sliding to her knees behind Nazyl she placed her book in front of her and grabbed a few crystals, and threw them in place. Making a circle around them the Seeker placed her hands over the book and the tattoos on her arms and back started to glow under her coat. The book and crystals started to float around the three and that's when the barrier started to form. The usually green barrier had become blue and it finished forming around the three, the Seeker's eyes glowed a faint green and she stayed still like a statue. She wouldn't be able to move while holding this spell so if any of the flood came at them it would be left to the other two to fight them off. But something was off, they would see the flood run right past them and those that came into the cave to investigate would either walk around them or walk right on top of the barrier.

The Lalafell braced himself for a fight, and even advanced as they came for the barrier, raising his shield to stop them...their movements gave him pause, watchign them skitter over and around them as if finding something else of value, "Eh? What's this..."

Livia moved to make things more difficult for those that did investigate, it seemed. The gathered aether she'd supped up from the path was released into the cavern walls. Her call was met with the emergence of stone teeth, which locked together to form a jagged, makeshift wall of some sturdiness from the sparse material she was willing or able to manipulate. Bit by bit, these earthen spikes covered with drawn-out permafrost, and even the barrier's face got a thin layer of ice on it by the time she was done with her own spellcast."W-.. why did they stop?"

The flood crawled along the walls as their eyes whirred with noise to try and detect the three but all that was heard were a  few beeps then 'Target Missing'. It was a terrifying sight just to see the spider-like creatures to crawl over the barrier as they looked for them. G'lewra had remained still the whole time and one would have to look closely just to be able to see if she was breathing.

She remained petrified. Arachnaphobia is no joke, be the spiders robotic or organic. Livia stood as still as she could, not wanting to risk further alerting the drones by sound or motion.

Nazyl held his position, sword pointed forward...if they fell into it, they'd at least be impaled. Somehow, the spiders being machines made it so much less frightening than had they been real, breathing vilekin. The way machines functioned were predictable, though their behavior now was puzzling...he glanced back at Lewra....was she hiding their presence?

The spiders clicked around the cave and turned in circles, for a moment they looked like lost puppies looking for their owner. 'Target Undected' One beeped out, and then that's when each one made a *ping* noise as if they just got notified for something. 'Return to Homepoint'. They started to skitter around the cave as the smaller ones climbed onto the bigger ones to be carried back to their base of operation, Nazyl and Livia would see them climbing over the cliffs to head back.

Livia Arkwright staggered, winded and worn by all the running and aetheric expenditure. "Matron's bosom, they're actually withdrawing. Tis a miracle."

Nazyl Tharazyl relaxed some, watching the last of them retreat back to the mountains...he'd make note of that location, mayhaps he should investigate, "Hm. Ye hide us Miss Lewra?"

The crystals around the three dropped to the ground to show they were depleted of any energy they held, the Codex fell into G'lewra's lap with a thud and the Seeker just sat there for a moment to gain back her energy, she just offered a soft nod while clipping the codex back to her hip. "It was the only way....I'll need to rest a moment as that took a lot out of me." The Seeker reached up to her linkpearl and gave it a couple of clicks, hoping a certain Viera would pick up on it.

Livia Arkwright placed a hand gently upon the Seeker's shoulder. The faint, pink glow of her aether began to hum in her palm as she channeled what little remaining excess she had into her, just to help her remain stable.

"Here's a good place...if we need food fer the moment I can go huntin' outside, it'll help replenish what ye lost."

G'lewra gave a small shake of her head. "I appreciate the offer, Nazyl, but I would rather keep you around just in case they come back. Even though they can't detect you we would be left defenseless especially in my state right now." She offered the lalafell a tired smile. "I have a few things in my bag that will hold us over until we either start traveling or the others come looking for us."

Livia slumped into her place, laying her cane at her side. "Gods' breath, but that was harrowing. I do have a few vials of formula that could keep us going, as well. I hope neither of you take offense to the heavy taste of apple."

Nazyl Tharazyl shrugged, taking out a waterskin and sipping from it. Frosty, "We shouldn't tarreh ovahlong here. Lest we get spotted again, we should probableh start makin' our way back ta the Shroud as soon as possible."

G'lewra offered a small nod. "To the Shroud then." Shakily pushing herself to her feet the Seeker held a hand out to Livia to take. "Let's keep going then, we may rest when we're back home. I also don't mind the taste of apple."

Livia Arkwright offered up a fair-sized vial to Lewra and Nazyl both. The liquid within the glass looked the color of caramel and had the consistency of juice. Little flecks of iridescent... something floated within it. "I ah-- left a few gaps to allow us a route out. My apologies for making the two of you climb, in advance."

"Don't push yerselves, we got a long walk back ta warmah climes...if ye ened ta take a break ta get yer bearin's, by all means, we can set up camp here...but I'd rathah be away from here quickleh." Nazyl Tharazyl took the curious vial, arching a brow, "...What is this?"

"A mix of apple juice, and a few nutrients run through an alchemical process. Tis good for energy, and rich for the body. The aftertaste, however, is fairly bitter in spite of the apple overtone."

Taking the offered vial G’lewra offered the snowy haired hyur a smile. "Thank you, now, let's get out of this place before my tail freezes off. I'm not rather fond of this place and the Shroud sounds a lot nicer."

Nazyl Tharazyl stared at the vial...and pocketed it for later. He didn't need it at this moment, "Thank ye, I bet it'll come in handeh when I find meself stretched thin again."

With that the three started their trek back to the Shroud to get away from the nightmare that was causing chaos over Coerthas, the question was, would they meet up with their fellow members or run into more of these creatures? 

[heartwoodventures]

Four adventurers enter a stinky, vine infested dungeon at the behest of Ecir Coyacir. Treasure lies within, he claims! But would it be worth the reek? Immediately upon entrance, the party is taken aback by the foul stench emanating from gold puddles scattered across the floor. None are pleased, but it was too late to turn back...

".....This has bad idea written all ovah it," Nazyl says. "This smell...it couldn't be, right? Does goldbile grow in othah places...?"

Khora’s head sinks to the stench growing within his nostrils. A sigh carries his words forth, already sounding defeated, "What did I volunteer for...?"

“The quicker we do this, the quicker we can wash all the smell off....I hate this place already..." N’ana grumbles.

Amid ample complaints, the group pushes forward, traveling through abandoned halls where wild life has long taken over. With just a map to guide them, they carefully navigate the old thieves' hideout one corridor at a time. Not one second passes without someone reminding the others about their distaste for the place.

In between dispatching monsters, Aiswyda steps into the yellow liquid, and watches in horror and...curiosity as it fizzles at her heel. N’ana giggles, the smell temporarily forgotten. "Hehe, go on and jump in! Looks warm!"

Before they can find out, the group reaches a room where the doorway is covered in writhing vines, as if alive. A boom is heard and they hear a voice rasp against their ears. 

"I have rivers without water, forests without trees, towns without houses."

Khora's eyes widen to the flow of air as it brushes against his ears. "Huh?" He grows a touch confused, ears flickering over his head as his stance loosens up. "What in the hells...?" Eyes wander in every which direction, words spoken beneath his breath over and over. His company of three are similarly bewildered.

"Ye, uh...got aneh ideas? Kinda drawin' blanks here" Nazyl Tharazyl says.

N'ana Firesong taps her chin. "I think I might know what it is... but I don't want to jump in front of you all..."

"Well, a guess is bettah than sittin' here in this stinkin' hole in silence. Throw somethin' out there," Nazyl notes.

Meanwhile, Khora went back and forth between the members of the group, repeating the whispered words over and over. Aiswyda stands there dumbfounded, a tall and clueless backdrop to his pacing. He begins to wander on his own, before his ears stand on end.  "Oh! Oh!"

"Has the rock finally got an idea?" N’ana asks. Khora steps in place as a rush takes him over, like an excited puppy watching its owner return home. He begins to blurt out answers.  "A painting! A map! A picture?"

“Go with the first one. No, the second!” Aiswyda makes a pained expression. “No wait, the first one. The first one!”

As Khora blurts out his answer, the corner of the map starts to fade...but once his second answer comes out, the vines of the entryway part to let the group through. Khora clenches his hand into a fist while a cocky grin spreads to his lips.  "Hell yeah!"  He raised his hand to the air in a triumphant manner.

"Well, whatevah ye said worked. Glad it don't punish multiple answers..." Nazyl notes. "I can't say I approve of whatevah's still lingerin' here. Twelve ferfend it's a bloodeh spirit. Simple thieves don't just animate vines n' speak in the wind..."

Khora continues down the path, weapon drawn at his side in case any more trouble tried to make itself known. "Well if all these creeps and blockades are in our way, then maybe that is good tidings. Means the treasure might still be intact."

As the party makes their way deeper, the foul aura grows stronger still. Gone is even the faintest breeze of fresh air. N'ana stares into the room ahead for a moment, and then looks to the group with flattened ears and a pale face. "I don't want the treasure anymore..."

Nazyl Tharazyl rallies the girl. "Pull it tagethah lass. Yer strongah than that. Just keep yer wits about ye."

"Well let's hurry to the next one...Just seeing these....things make me worried and the smell is making me sick," N’ana curtly replies. "I just want a bath after this...I would give up my treasure just for a nice lavender bath....or for this place to smell of lavender."

Khora's ears stand up straight as his lips curl to form a round o-shape.  "OOohh...A bath does sound good right about now."

"If all monstahs n' treasure were found in fair-scented gardens n' houses, we'd all be 'venturers eh?" Nazyl jests.

They step it to the next room, and yet again, the voice from before booms around them. 

"Iron roof, glass wall. Burns and Burns and never falls." 

It echoes throughout the room and the walls around them shimmer. The coming of another riddle inspires great anger in the party.

"NOT ANOTHER RIDDLE!" N’ana yells.

Nazyl and Khora react more calmly, and take note of the strange behavior of the walls. Aiswyda, on the other hand, jumps at the sound of the voice, and throws a punch at the nearest teammate....Nazyl. The height discrepancy between the two means that the punch sails harmlessly over his head. 

“Thal’s balls, so bloody loud! Would it hurt to not be so mysterious?” Aiswyda groans. Thankfully, Khora offers an answer quickly, though he didn’t sound so certain this time.

"A... Lantern?"

"Now open up and no more riddles!" N’ana demands immediately after.

"Yer quick on this one lad. Givin' me a diff'rent outlook of ye,” Nazyl states.

Khora blinks as his stance shifts awkwardly. "What was your outlook on me before?" Worry carried those words forth, Khora unsure if he even wanted to hear a response.

N'ana gives Khora's head a light tap with her fist. "Just take the complament you dummy!"

Nazyl Tharazyl continues. "Loud, brash, too quick ta irritate." He was blunt at least. "Traits I tend ta dislike. But yer sharp, I'll give ye that. I ain't no riddle solvah, n' Twelve know me talents don't lie in me smarts."

Khora's shoulders slouch as his head hangs forward, ears dropping over his head. "I'm not always like that...Just on jobs..."

"Ah, don't beat yerself up ovah it. Some jobs it's perfectleh fine ta be that way, just not when a more subtle touch is required." Nazyl snorts, walking towards the next room, "Looks like the gas is taperin' off."

Khora's demeanor is quick to shift when the path opens up. "Oh yeah!" Disappointment and self-deprecation quickly melt away with excitement as they had done it again. "Excellent!"

The party quickly enters the following passageway, which is absolutely riddled with morbols. The scent of it all is enough to bring even the proudest warrior to their knees. But through complaints and nausea, they carry on, and finally make it to the last room. A square pedestal with four holes on each side, adorned strange markings, stood at the center of the opening. The voice roars even louder around them.

"I cover cities and destroy mountains, I make men blind, yet help them see."

Nazyl reaches for his ears, the voice all but shaking his whole body, "Gods! Now what, a third one?"

Khora Velaceras freezes in place. His eyes went wide and a look of complete cluelessness washes over him. "Yeah... I have no idea on this one.  The Sun? Though the sun does not really destroy mountains..."

“It would appear another measly riddle blocks our path,” Aiswyda says, as she looks to Khora expectantly, as if waiting for a magician to repeat yet another magic trick. This time, however, he would not supply the answer. Nazyl thought hard to himself, staring at the pedestal, gears going overtime in his head. "Covahs...citehs...Sand upon the wind erodes rock. Two whole nations rest beneath the Sagolii."

"OOooo! Makes sense!" Khora’s head raises slightly and a shine appears about his expression - as if a lightbulb ignited above his head. Aiswyda, on the other hand, is left in the dark. As Khora tries to explain it to her, the ruins start to glow around the pedestal. One of the openings starts to glow, as if it needed something to be placed within. 

"I am something you feel, but cannot see. I can be held, and touch you, but you can not touch me."

"Oh hells it's not ovah!" Nazyl felt his victory rush taper quickly with the addition of a new question. "Bah. This one is a bit diff'rent."

Khora blurts out. "The air!" 

However, the pedestal doesn’t react, and its hole continues to glow brightly. Aiswyda examines the pedestal and stares at the glowing opening. "What, do we blow in it?"

Khora Velaceras shakes his head. "I mean if you want to blow on it, then by all means go ahead. Won't catch me doing it."

Aiswyda shoots Khora a dirty look and blows into the hole. “Gods I feel stupid.”

The hole closes, accepting the offering. On the other side, another begins to glow, and the voice echoes through once again.

"Shines like the stars, filling the halls. For naught but rocks, a city falls."

"Color me s'prised...Who wants ta guess this one at bein' fire?" Nazyl offers.

N'ana reaches in her bag and takes a fire shard out. "I guess put this on it?" She places the shard onto the pedestal, letting the heat inside glow. "I hope this works." The moment it’s placed in the pedestal, it shoots out like a rocket, smacking her silly.

Khora shakes his head as he casually approaches the pedestal and walks beside N'ana. "Well...  Allow me then." He reaches into his pouch and lets the jingle of coin rattle in the air.  "Shine like the stars. Filling the halls. For naught but rock, a city falls." Khora pulls out three gil coins and sets them onto the pedestal. "Money."

The hole to the pedestal closes up and the third hole starts to glow. 

"Don't see me move, but still alive. Feet firmly on the ground, but reach for the skies."

This one comes to N'ana quickly. "Trees?"

Khora winks at N'ana with a cocky smirk on his lips. "Why not go get a branch for us since you got the answer?"

N’ana steps over to one of the vines, and chops a bit off at the tip. She then places it on the stand, with some trepidation. "Trees or plants."

The hole closes up and the pedestal starts to hum as the last hole glowed. Would they get their prize after it? 

"Still, a mirror the gods can use. Swift, a mountain one day moved. With none, you die, all alone. Too much, you die, in another's home."

Khora Velaceras nods approvingly toward N'ana. "Nice work! And by the sounds of it, I am going to assume the last is water."

N'ana pulls out a gourd from her bag. "Well I have some water... want me to try that then?"

The rest of the party takes a good step back. Nazyl mostly wishes he could -see- what the pedestal is doing. N’ana undoes the cap on her gourd, and pours clear water onto the stand. The final hole closes up and shakes as it falls into the ground, leaving behind a hole. A moment later it comes back up with a treasure chest, along with a longsword made of glass and silver, a staff topped with a caged flame, and a tri-bladed dagger adorned with three ominous crystals that glowed red.

The group had done it.

Three voices whisper around their heads. The word 'Worthy' repeats over and over, along with 'Show your worth'.

Nazyl Tharazyl narrows his eyes, keeping his sword gripped tight. "Wait."

Despite Nazyl’s reservations, N’ana reaches out and takes the blade in one hand. "This does look valuable..."

"H-hold on, I ain't sure-" Nazyl stammers. "Dammit, didn't ye listen ta the voice? Show yer worth...we proved our cunnin', now I'd say it seeks ta test our strength."

Meanwhile, Khora raises a hand to facepalm. "Have you not read the books or heard the stories?  Y'never just take the treasure 'cause it is almost /always/ boobytrapped!" 

"But... we cleared the trials.... and this is what we came for, isn't it?" N’ana says.

After a long, uneventful pause, Khora bows his head with a sigh. "I hope you are wrong Nazyl but..." The Seeker steps forward and takes the staff presented before them. "But I will admit that this is nearly not as much treasure as I thought we'd find."

“Well..." N’ana looks around. "Nothing is happening...let's take the treasure and leave! I want a bath!" She swings the sword over her shoulder and begins to walk out. With a shrug, Aiswyda picks up the treasure chest, and Nazyl takes the dagger.

“Phew, doesn’t seem booby trapped! Let’s get out of here,” Aiswyda says, the chest held securely in her arms. The thing is incredibly heavy - dropping it would send a smaller creature to the lifestream. However, in some ways, she had the lightest burden of them all.

Those who held a weapon eventually felt an immense heat. The words 'Show your worth' echoes around them with increasing fervor. Nazyl couldn't help but feel...wrong, once they made their way outside. The heat, the voices....the thing must be cursed. They all must be. His hand shifts while holding it, wanting to simply throw it onto the ground. The lalafell grips the knife in a vice, the voices drowning out all other sounds. Not again, don't fall for its words, he repeats to himself...and even then, his thoughts seemed distant and almost unintelligible.

"I really don't like this..." N’ana held the sword over her shoulder, tense. "I wonder if I can trade this for gil..."

"Gods someone silence the whispers...Anyone else hearing that?"  Khora’s eyes remain drawn to the weapon, looking to the flame that flickered within the cage and letting it glint in those silver eyes of his. In a moment's irritation, Khora slams the butt end of it to the ground before channelling his aether's forth. He feeds his energy into the weapon, and wisps in the air form as black clouds dance before him. The clouds spark and erupt into a bright and mighty flame. "Shut up!" The Seeker sends a surge of flames forward, as if he himself exploded in anger. The flames swirl around the staff and get sucked into the cage on top.

Unable to hear the voice, Aiswyda is shocked by Khora’s outburst. “Gods, what’s going on? Get a hold of yourself!”

Khora grits his teeth as he darted a feral gaze toward Aiswyda. "You do not hear the bloody voices? The whispers?!"

“Nay, since the last riddle it’s been all quiet now. At least, the whispers have been quiet,” she answers, as she ushers the group out with an increased sense of urgency, until the four of them were no longer deep within the ruin’s bowels. Unfortunately for them, the troubles didn’t end there. As the group steps out, they notice an area over by the client with a HUGE burn mark in the ground, and a knocked out man off to the side.

"...Guess they've been buseh entahtainin' guests...." Nazyl manages.

An unfamiliar Miqo'te looks toward the arriving party, and then back to the Hyur. "We'll have some more fun in the future, love. Promise I'll work on the pre-game just for you." She holsters the gun and blows a kiss toward, making a break toward the unconscious man (Kevin) and throwing a smoke bomb down. The client, and the strangers, were gone by the time the cloud expanded.

They had missed quite a bit.

[heartwoodventures]

If You Go Down to the Woods Today Pt. 2

Part 1 here!

In the utter silence of the forest glen Zorah's whisper seemed unnaturally loud. Several of their number craned their necks up to peer high above them. Nazyl slowly released his blade from its holster. Bird, demon, or whatever it was, he was ready for it. Aislinn slid a hand up to the grip of her gun and tensely waited, all the while stepping back to the relative shelter of the trees.

The group didn’t have to wait long. The sound of beating wings grew loud, and louder -- the closer it got, the easier it was to pick out a sort of ungainly, awkward gait to the flapping as though the creature was struggling -- the silence around them was abruptly shattered as something massive crashed through the canopy, and came in straight for the forest floor!

The three on the front-lines managed to scramble out of the way *just* in time; though no one could escape the smell. The overpowering, sweetly rancid scent of rot rolled through the clearing as the creature righted itself. Nazyl kicked away from the creature, putting distance between him and it to get a good look at it while Zorah managed to have the grace to step back when the creature fell into their view, her hands at her sides forming the aetheric discs she relied on in combat. Though both were able to miss being hit, that putrid smell was unbearable, causing the miqo’te to silently gag and cover her nose and mouth with the back of her hand.

"Seven Hells." Aislinn coughed as both she and Vanriri scrambled backward, but there was no reprieve from the choking smell. It was almost a certainty that scent was going to find its way into the hyur’s nightmares.

A sharply beaked head lowered to screech indignantly at the party that had dodged it -- or perhaps it was lamenting its own clumsiness. Empty sockets stare balefully at the gathered adventurers as it reared back, unfurling a massive pair of leathery wings.

Aiswyda answered the creature’s eyeless gaze with a mixed look of disgust, shock, and confusion. “Is this the guy? Ugh, this chicken is far too large.” she took a moment to shake out her fists and then, “Care-to-enlighten-us-on-what-this-oversized-bird-is?” she managed to get those words out with lightning speed -- to the point where it could be misinterpreted as a very strange and drawn out battle cry. Without a moment to lose, she dashed ahead and aimed a punch right at the creature’s beak.

With its head extended from its screech, Aiswyda’s fist connected easily with the creature, crunching bone and softened cartilage. It squawked in protest and reared its eyeless head back, shaking it as though to recover from the impact.

"I've not fought maneh o' these....livin' or dead." Nazyl wrinkled his nose at the scent. Undead beast. Great. Necromancy at work. While it wasn't the worst thing he'd ever smelled, it wasn't exactly pleasant either. 

N'yami turned her head to the side and a small crack was heard from her neck, her carbuncle made a noise that sounded as if to argue with the Seeker, clearly she was about to do something stupid. "Someone has to make sure it doesn't fly away." 

Bolting towards the weird bird-like creature, N'yami jumped up to grab it around the neck then held on for dear life. She was attempting to grapple the massive pteranodon's neck, but as she leapt up to grab it, its partially rotted flesh sloughed away under her grasp, sending her tumbling back to the ground nearby. With a very nasty prize. She slopped down to the ground with some very unpleasant.....flesh on her. 

"Well....I've had worse on me I suppose." She shook her hands to try and rid herself of the gore.

Nazyl wretched at N’yami’s failed attempt to keep the ptero held down, "Try its wings first, it's a scalekin. Or was." He took his holy blade in both hands and leapt up at the unfurled wings, cutting down at the arm in an attempt to sever, or at least break it. What was this creature even doing way out here?

His blade sliced straight through the undead pteranodon's joint like butter, the severed edges turning to ash where the sword had struck. The limb itself collapsed to the forest floor nearly on top of N'yami as the undead abomination reeled backwards, dragging its bloated carcass with rather surprising agility. Nevertheless, one faulty flap of its remaining wing reveals it was almost certainly grounded.

N'yami watched as the wing almost fell on top of her. "That would've been unpleasant." She said while rolling and pushing herself up into a standing position again. She was met with a whack to the back of her head from her carbuncle, trying to get her friend’s head back in the game. "I know I know."

Aiswyda gagged as flesh and wing rained down right in front of her. She was just, so upset. The smell. The everything about this.

While the others got in their attacks, Aislinn spared a moment to pull a bandana from her hip pouch and hastily wrapped it over the lower half of her face. The smell of death and decay was making her stomach churn and she had no desire to spill her dinner all over the forest floor. Too embarrassing. That done, now it was down to business. She yanked the handgonne from the holster at her back and leveled it at the creature. With a head full of calculations, she aimed for one of the empty eye sockets and fired off a round, her back heel digging into the dirt from the kickback.

The pteranodon swung its long neck about to screech with seeming indignation at its missing limb just as Aislinn fired off her shot; though it doesn't catch the eye socket directly as she'd intended, it does glance across its already charred and softened beak where Aiswyda had struck it earlier, taking out a chunk of what charred flesh remained and shattering bone.

Meanwhile, Vanriri remained almost plastered back against the tree; she had the sense to pull the quarterstaff from her back, but her hands were shaking where she held it. Swallowing, she tightened her grip on the staff and charged recklessly into the melee, swinging her staff at the other wing's vulnerable joint. It was a good hit. Her staff cracked against the elbow with considerable force, but the impact was mitigated somewhat by the layers of leathery, undead flesh that squelched uncomfortably beneath the blow.

With sudden and surprising agility, missing limb or no, the pteranodon swung its bulbous bulk around, jabbing its sharply beaked head down at the two lalafell while its lengthy tail snaked out to trip up the miqo’tes.

With a dancer’s agility, Zorah flexed her fingers, the aetheric discs sparking as the aether rose in the air around her.  It trailed along her feet and hands as she stepped back, out of the pteranodon’s reach, turning and moving with graceful, deliberate steps that lead into her hurling both discs toward the creature. The brief glow of aether lights up the area as they criss-crossed into the creature both into him from front and back, returning to her hands.

For her own part, N’yami wasn't quite as quick enough to dodge the tail that came slamming down, with an 'oof' she was sent back to the ground where she was before. "This bastard." With a groan she pushed herself back up to dust her coat off of any fleshy slime.

The pteranodon's maw closed on Vanriri like a bird plucking up a particularly juicy morsel, its teeth slicing easily through her leather armour as it proceeded to fling her back and into a nearby tree. She hit the trunk and slid down, unconscious or stunned, her staff falling from her hands halfway between her and the hulking undead creature. Losing no time, it swung its head around to Nazyl to do much the same -- though thankfully his armour largely prevented it from getting a good grip on him, and instead it settled for the satisfying crunch.

No one had bargained on the thing being so fast with so much of its flesh missing, but they should have, considering how fast some skeletons can move. Aiswyda watched in alarm as Vanriri soared through the air on impact while Aislinn could only curse under her breath as the lalafell hit the tree with an unnerving ‘thunk’. Nazyl moved quickly to stand between Vanriri and the beast, settling into a protective stance. He didn't need to watch someone die today. There was little more they could do in the moment. It did, however, give them a sense of urgency. The faster they could down the beast, the better.

Aiswyda continued to focus her punches at the creature’s head. One, because she thought it would do more damage, and two, because she didn’t really want to have her fist sink into the bird’s mushy torso. Her flaming fists succeeded in collapsing part of the pteranodon's skull, its motion began to seem a little more sluggish as the fire charred its flesh and blackened bone.

Back on her feet now, N’yami turned to her summon. "Whackara, ya wanna go for a little ride?" 

The carbuncle flicked her tails and already knew what was coming, with an excited squeak the summon prepared herself as N'yami held Whack like a ball in her hand. "And....go!" And with that the carbuncle went flying right through the pteranodon's body. The carbuncle made a whistling noise as she flew and like a boomerang came back to the Seeker to smack into her face....while covered in rotting flesh. 

"I hate you." the miqo’te muttered. 

As the carbuncle returned to N'yami there didn't really seem to be any effect at first, save that the pteranodon shifted slightly and began winding up for another tail swipe at the group. Then its midsection began to expand slightly, a flicker of aetherial light glowing from the slices Zorah had carved in the bulk of its middle earlier. It screeched once more -- a sound that is abruptly cut off as an impact ripples through the clearing from inside the beast -- and promptly splattered everything and everyone within a 10 fulm radius with gore as the aetherial bomb Whackara had left behind exploded.

Nazyl prepared himself for the inevitable attack, digging his boots into the dirt and raising his shield....only to me showered in a mess of rotting flesh and viscera. Gross. He exhaled slowly, staring at the ground some in quiet contemplation, before beginning to wipe the gore from his person, "Twelve, could ye a have killed it without...explodin' it?"

As the creature wavered, Aislinn saw her chance and rushed to the fallen lalafell to make a hurried assessment of her condition. Just as she had knelt at Vanriri’s side, however, the undead exploded and Aislinn simply hung her head in resignation as she was splattered in gore and rotten flesh. Yet another coat, ruined.

"To be fair that wasn't my plan." The carbuncle moved to the top of N’yami's head, each little foot squished through the flesh stuck to her. "I blame, Whackara, that was all her."

Aiswyda had been knocked over by the meaty impact, hidden under piles of miscellaneous viscera. From where she lay silent prayers leaked from her lips.

"Uh huh, blame the construct." Nazyl dryly replied. 

Vanriri was roused by the sound of the explosion; and as Aislinn approached it was clear she had some wounds that would need tending, but she seemed to be shaking off the worst of her trip. At least until she was suddenly and unceremoniously splattered with viscera which left her gaping in speechlessness. 

Surprisingly unfazed by the shower of gore, the highlander’s hands began to move as though writing in the air just above the lalafell's torso. As the arcane equation takes shape, Aislinn can feel the gemstone bracelets under her gloves heat as they release their aether, dulling the pain and redirecting blood from the injury site. It was a patch, at best. All she could do. 

She took in Vanriri's speechless face. "Surprisingly not the first time we've left a job like this." she says by way of explanation. 

“WHACKARAAAaa!” Aiswyda called out. A fist rose from the meat pile, followed by the rest of the Sea Wolf. She was covered head to toe in things that thankfully remain undescribed.

Vanriri relaxed just slightly as Aislinn's healing aether stemmed the worst of the bleeding, though she couldn’t immediately tell what was her blood, and what was the pteranodon's.

"Hey lass, ye alright? Ye took quite a hit there." Nazyl asked as he turned to Vanriri with a grimace, still wiping himself down.

"Mhm!" she squeaked immediately. She did not look alright.

"Right. Yer gettin' medical attention eithah way, in case that thing had some nasteh disease. I'll likeleh need a look too..."

Her expression said everything she didn’t as she looked at Nazyl, horrified at the idea he had just put in her head.

"It doesn't feel great either." N’yami pulled on the front of her coat as if to try and keep the flesh off her skin that had slid down with Whackara. "Someone throw me in the river."

“Nymeia's Blood, that's a good idea.” Aislinn murmured. 

Aiswyda lifted a hand and observed it. The limb is covered completely, stained red. The Roegadyn let out a sigh so long that it seemed to physically deflate her. “A river, right. We’re all going to need a good hosing off. Again!” She shook her head. “Again!”

Vanriri scrambled unsteadily to her feet, doing her best to ...not look traumatized. She looked traumatized. This was her first rodeo, guys.

Nazyl smirked in amusement, "Ye new ta this? Careful, wait too long n' ye might become a zombeh yerself!" He laughed, shaking his head, "I jest. Though, ye could get some nasteh infections if we don't get those wounds cleaned."

Vanriri did not look mollified by Nazyl humour. ".....Oh dear."

Aislinn nodded in agreement with Nazyl. She gave Vanriri a gentle look. "Could be worse. Let's get you back to the Company house."

"I'm gonna go home and shower, someone let Ma know injured are headin' to the clinic." N’yami said, still shaking out her coat. 

"Y-you have a qualified chirurgeon?" the petite lalafell asked plaintively.

Aislinn did her best not to show her amusement at the question. "With a group like ours? Indeed we do."

"Welcome ta me world." Nazyl snorted. "I deal with this daileh."

“And you never get used to it, unless your name starts with Naz and ends with ‘yl.’” Aiswyda gave Vanriri a tired, but amused look.

"I was...perhaps unprepared for this eventuality." Vanriri said, trying not to sound as anxious as she felt.

Nazyl smiled, more warmly than before, "I don't think anehone expected a bloodeh scalekin zombeh out here in the woods. I'm curious as ta why it was here in the first place..." He glanced back at the fleshless corpse, "Mayhaps we can research that latah. Fer now though, we've succeeded, n' the Shroud can sleep easiah."

Aislinn nodded and gestured to Nazyl. "As he said." she looked around at the others. "I'm going to head back and let G'lewra know you're coming."

Vanriri cleared her throat, nodding. "I--indeed. I will report the, ...success of the hunt to the Wailers on our way through Buscarrons that they might clean ...this... up before someone stumbles..." She trailed off, spying bits and pieces of what was perhaps the pteranodon's last meal in amongst a nearby pile of gore. "..."

She quickly averted her gaze up to Aislinn. "Thank you."

Aislinn gave a single nod in reply.

“Shh. Don’t think about it too much.” Aiswyda groaned, and began to make her way out of the clearing. Presumably back to Heartwood. Their job was done. The beast slain. More gil for the Company coffers. The Shroud a measure safer for those who lived within its boundaries. And, most important of all, every one of them had managed to walk away at the end of the fight. There wasn’t any better proof of success than that.

[heartwoodventures]

Heartwood ladies ready to kick names and take ass....and also there’s Nazyl.

[heartwoodventures]

*rolls for need*

[heartwoodventures]

It’s Probably Pirates

The letter arrived on Heartwood’s doorstep and almost immediately set off a flurry of speculation among the tight-knit group. It appeared that one of their own was in the gaol. 

Hi! Wow, it’s been awhile, hasn’t it? I hope everything’s been running smoothly. How’s the garden doing? Has it been sunny?

<What follows is several lines of text that’s been scribbled out to the point of resembling a black blob. Following many smudges and water damage, it continues...>

So, to get to the point. I’m writing from Aleport’s jail. Weird, huh? Pretty wild. And unjust! I probably should’ve written that first but jailers only gave me this pen, so I can’t erase and I’m running out of space. Oh, anyway, I was just visiting La Noscea to check on my farm, one thing leads to another, and I get tossed into jail! I’ve told them countless times they have the wrong person, but they won’t listen. They’ve got me mixed up with some pirate and think I’m feigning ignorance. Maybe you guys could tell them otherwise? I don’t know how much more...questioning...I can take.

-Aiswyda

Certain that this was all a misunderstanding, Heartwood hurriedly sent a small team out to Aleport to set things straight and secure the Seawolf’s release. While the port itself was a drunkard-filled hub of commerce, it was also home to one of the Maelstrom’s jails. Built of stone stained white from salt, the gaol was tucked away in one of the settlement’s darker corners guarded by Yellow Jackets posted at the entrance. 

Near the jail’s door was a wooden bulletin board, covered in layers of leaflets old and new. This was where the party agreed to meet. It was cold. The wind was salty. The Yellow Jackets didn’t even bother looking up as the team gathered. 

For his part, Nazyl had been on his way to inform N’yami of the newest development regarding other business. Of course, Heartwood seemed to get up to strange things while he was gone. So now he was...apparently breaking an ally out of jail. He really couldn't get on the Maelstrom's bad side, else it would adversely affect the aforementioned business. Nevertheless, he joined with the rest on the way, grumbling.

Crific meandered through the gate, a scowl on his face as he cast his gaze across those gathered. He'd come as soon as he'd heard the news. Fifteen minutes late, with coffee he’d gotten to go.

To the point as ever, Rolanda arrived and merely looked around at the dreary scene before her, before taking matters into her own hands. "You there! Guard! We're looking for Aiswyda, is she inside?"

The guard’s eyes were glued to his paperback. He wet a finger and turned the page. “What d’ya want.”

Rolanda walked up to the guard. "Our comrade has written us from jail, claiming that she was wrongly imprisoned. We are here to help set matters straight, and to help our friend, who is surely innocent."

Khora joined the Au Ra in her take-charge approach.  "Roegadyn. Named Aiswyda?  Probably wearing a straw hat."

Haila glanced up from the tome she had been reading as others began to gather, all thankfully familiar faces. As she tucked on the tome by her side, the viera took a deep breath before speaking up. "I'd ask despite having tried to look into matters myself, but no one has an inkling of what happened with Miss Wyda right?"

Crific glanced at Haila, shaking his head. "Just her letter." He shifted his gaze to the Rolanda and the guard.

"I'm unsure of what's going on." G’lewra replied, humming in thought for a moment. After hearing what happened she had decided to join the investigation. Right before leaving, however, she had a very long conversation with her daughter about how her loud mouth would've had her end up in jail as well. She just phrased it....in a more motherly way.

"Hard ta b'lieve she'd be considahd a pirate, she's rathah pleasant companeh." Nazyl added. But then again, so were Claws for a time, "Might we...know why she's bein' accused of bein' a pirate?"

The guard now looked up from his paperback, the cover of which featured a petite au ra, swooning in the arms of a very beefy roegadyn. 

“Tch...persistent buggers. Aye, I know that straw hat wearing pirate.” he snorted at Rolanda and Khora. “Set matters straight? Oh, just let me get out me keys and unlock her cell, an’ we can all part ways smellin’ of biscuits and gravy!” The guard rolled his eyes.

Unimpressed, Khora arched a brow at the guard's sarcasm.  "And for what is she even being imprisoned?  A pirate you say?  And how did you come to such a conclusion?"

Haila frowned at the remark, her research into Aiswyda's case had turned up no results at all... But if such an accusation was true, well, she was both hesitant and reluctant to connect the dots in that case.

For the moment, Crific remained silent. There were enough voices, though his scowl was growing deeper by the minute.

After some grumbling, the guard hobbled to the bulletin board, and directed the party there. “Just comb through those papers. She’s part of a pirate crew. Red Argos. Bleedin’ ‘ells, it’s me break. Can’t get a wink of rest ‘round here.”

Crific brushed forward to peer at the bulletin board, though he left enough room for others to search as well. "Red Argos," he repeated, muttering to himself. He found several papers detailing a mysterious cult of zombie worshippers. Interesting, but useful? Nope.

"Red Argos huh..." Nazyl added. There were so many names it was difficult to keep track of every crew in the sea. Given the height of the board, he'd need someone else to read it, and he wasn't about to start being antagonistic now.

Rolanda walked over to join Crific at the board. "What have we here..."

She found several advertisements for the Arcanist’s guild in Limsa Lominsa. A picture of what appears to be a carbuncle being ridden into battle! Neat!

There were so many papers. Bounties. Advertisements. It may take some digging to find what they were looking for.

Crific exhaled, and started digging deeper. Could be the charges against Aiswyda and her purported crew were old. "When were these bounties placed?" He directed the question to the guard, though he didn't look up.

The guard waved a hand in the air. “Eugh. Maybe like, two weeks old.”

Crific glanced at the dates on the current flyers, and started flipping through, looking for dates a sennight earlier and found something. Labeled ‘page 2’, a paper that detailed Red Argos’s exploits. They’re known to attack ships that are part of the Eorzean alliance. Not just that, but...generally speaking, there were no survivors. The ships might be seen again later, but the goods? The sailors? Gone. Outside of that, the pirates were known to even target local settlements for coin, supplies, and people. Kidnapping.

Crific tugs a flyer down, frowning as he noted the page number. "Have the second page of something, here. Concerns the crew, at least. Nasty business." He runs his finger down a list, "Attacking alliance ships, leaving no survivors--or at least none aboard. Local settlements, too--pillaging, kidnapping.""

Khora found something that looked promising. A bundle of marks, all detailing the last known actions of a group of pirates known as ‘Red Argos.’ Page 1 described the physical appearance of the gang. All Sea Wolves, donning a red ribbon earring. Approach with caution! They are well equipped, and attack on sight. Unfortunately, the other pages are scattered elsewhere.

The Seeker rubbed his chin, squinting as he read over leaflets and pamphlets sprawled across the bulletin board.  "Hrrmm..."  Thoughtful hum echoing in the back of his throat as his eyes wandered across the page.  "I mean Sea Wolf yes but...  Does she even wear a red ribbon earring?  Gods I cannot recall..."

Unable to peruse the board, Nazyl approached the cells instead, glancing through them. The system of 'law' they used certainly could use improvement, but it was better than nothing. Had he been born anywhere else, he likely wouldn't have considered living in Vylbrand. He glanced back at the guard, still hesitant to say anything.

Rolanda, meanwhile, found page 3 of Red Argos’s report. It was a list of scattered observations. Unlike bandits, or other pirate groups, these pirates seemingly strike at random. No discernable pattern in their attacks, or the locations at which they strike. There’s even been alleged sightings of the pirates in Coerthas! Rumors, or facts? It’s unclear. She shared the information with the rest of the group. 

"Perhaps we could look for clues in Coerthas, if we find nothing else useful here. There are certainly more pages to this report that may hold some useful information.” she suggested. 

"Pirates...in Coerthas?" Nazyl raised a brow, "Uh, that's...an odd place fer seafarin' bandits ta be. Water's all but frozen there."

With so many flyers torn from the bounty board, the last page of the Red Argos reports could be seen by all. It contained sketches of known members. One perfectly resembles Aiswyda, albeit in a different outfit. There were notes under each sketch which indicate that each was likely to be a leader of some sort. However, the captain of the crew had yet to be determined.

Crific did a doubletake as he noticed the board. 

"Now that is troublesome..." Haila muttered upon seeing the sketch resembling Aiswyda. 

G'lewra pressed a finger to her chin for a moment as she thought it over. "I believe since our company is under the orders of the Adder's I do believe we would need Captain Alarone to come collect our fellow member." Her ears flicked. "But if these pirates are stationed in Coerthas then we'll also have to worry about the Ishgardian Knights collecting her as well."

"The uncertainty of who may have to collect her could give us time to look deeper into this case. Because as it stands right now, a striking resemblance won't help us getting her out soon." Haila said. 

Crific frowned slightly. "We'd need to provide the actual pirate to prove Wyda's innocence, if I had to make a wager."

The guard snorted and wiped his nose roughly with the corner of his arm. “Hah! Let ‘er out. Yer jokin’, right?” He gave them all a smug smile. “Maelstrom’s got plans to hold on to this one, ‘til the rest of the bloody crew can be brought in.”

Nazyl nodded to Crific, then turned to the guard, "....There's othahs that ain't been caught yet?"

The guard nodded. “No dice. Damned pirates be actin’ weird, poppin’ up in all sorts of places. Unpredictable. An’ we can’t be spreadin’ our forces so thin. So this lass here be our best clue to findin’ the rest.” He shook his head slowly. “Now if we could just get a clue out of that bleedin’ straw hat. Some idea of where the scoundrels might strike next.”

Khora arched a brow.  Silver eyes settled on the guard for but a moment before shifting to the rest of his party.  "Did someone say..."  Excitement grew in his expression, a smile running wide as suddenly Khora drew his sword and raised it to the air.  "PIRATE HUNT?!"

Haila startled briefly, unsure of whether it had been Khora’s excitement at such a thing, or the fact that the miqo'te had just waved a sword in front of the guards like that. She sighed rather audibly, shaking her head in disapproval as she kept silent, praying that the small outburst didn't bring trouble in and of itself.

G'lewra reached into her back pocket and pulled out a small bag that was filled with biscuits. "Here darling, have a biscuit." She said while holding the bag out to Khora, hopefully to calm Khora down and to make sure the guard doesn't think the group was filled with idiots.

Khora's excitement settled as his attention was drawn to G'lewra, with ears falling flat over his head.  "What is...?"  The Seeker peered at Lewra as he sheathed his blade back into its scabbard.

She then strolled forward to speak with the guard, a calm smile curving her features to show she wasn't about to rip him a new one. "My dear, if possible, our company is under the order of the Twin Adders and we have a captain that keeps an eye on us. If it would be alright with your captain might it be alright for us to take this prisoner to help us hunt the rest down? That way your forces aren't spread so thin and our company can have one less worry when we do our trade."

Nazyl bit his lip. He felt it wouldn't be so easy, the Grand Companies rarely work together so well...the Frontlines were invented for settling disputes after all.

The guard pursed his lips. “Huh. Twin Adders?” He looked across the area, suspicious but interested. “I’ll bring this up, but no promises. The ‘igher ups are interested in ‘er, and me hands are tied. I don’t have that authority.”

“If you want though, I could let ye in to visit ‘er. Maybe you can get something outta ‘er now.” The guard shut his book. “It’s almost time for me shift to begin anyway.”

Crific glanced at G’lewra. She was far too optimistic towards the Grand Company's leniency--but at least they could visit. "We'd be much obliged." He nodded at the guard’s offer.

The Seeker’s eyes lit up as the guard offered them to let the group speak to Aiswyda. "If you don't mind, dear, we would appreciate it." Looking over to Khora, the head medic simply smiled at him. "Snacks, I've learned to keep some on me to keep the members going in tough situations."

"Oh I am far from a 'tough situation' there friend."  Khora’s ears rose once more to flicker over his head while a wide grin spread across his lips.  "I'm actually getting excited about this pirate hu-  Wait..."  The Seeker froze up, tension clear in his body as his eyes went wide.  "C-Coerthas...?"

Bloody. Frozen. Coerthas. 

The guard nodded, and got up with a big stretch. “Alright. Stay close now.”

He led the party down a narrow hallway, cells to the left and right of them. It was a cramped walkway that required everyone to walk in single file, and shoulders brush as oncoming jailers went on their patrols.

Some jail cells were occupied, others were not. Thick, iron bars separate the criminals and the law. A few rowdy individuals rushed up to the gates of their cells and reached out towards the party, calloused hands grasping for freedom. Such behavior was quickly halted by the jailers, but that didn’t stop the imprisoned from clapping back with insults and jibes.

After several turns and going through locked doors, the guard stopped. To the left, an empty cell. To the right, Aiswyda sat on a stool, facing away. She was looking out the small, reinforced window that lets in a thin trickle of light.

The guard rapped on the iron bars, and the Sea Wolf quickly turned. On seeing familiar faces, she lit up, and stumbled up to meet them. Her long hair, though matted, was still tied in a messy braid. She donned a cloth bandage around her eye. Bruises and small cuts could be spotted on her body.

"Evenin' sunshine. Prison rags hardleh suit ye." Nazyl greeted. 

Crific seemed unmoved by the state of the prison, bringing up the rear of the party as the guard led them through the winding passages. His scowl grew at the state of her, but he didn’t seem surprised.

“Nazyl! Everyone!” Aiswyda looked excited and relieved. “Aha, yeah. Jail isn’t exactly the place for expressing one’s creativity in fashion though.....”

"Oh dear.....who did this to you, sweetpea?" G'lewra had to stop herself from moving in to try and heal Aiswyda but with the current situation at hand she had to stay put.

“The...guards.” Aiswyda briefly glanced at the Yellow Jacket that was currently monitoring the prisoner visit. “I think.”

"Yer good fer toughin' it out though. We're here ta try n' set things right." Nazyl replied. 

Aiswyda was nearly in tears. She couldn’t seem to express herself at the moment, and so she simply gave Nazyl a hearty thumbs up. When she finally collected herself, she managed to reply, “It’s been rough. Not exactly thriving, but living.”

Crific glanced at G'lewra, biting back on a sigh as Aiswyda answered. He'd thought as much. "Expect it to get worse afore it gets better. There's more pirates in the crew they've mistaken you for a part of, and they want them, one way or another." He tried to keep his tone neutral, but there's a gruff displeasure in his voice.

“Ah yeah. Red Argos, I think?” Aiswyda visibly deflated at Crific’s statement. “ I swear, I don’t know the first thing about them. You all know I’ve spent most of my time with Heartwood, in the Shroud.”

"Oh Wyda.." Haila’s voice trailed off with worry over the roegadyn's state. "Do you think you can hold on just a little longer while we figure this whole mess out?"

Aiswyda was grateful for Haila’s concern. “I think so. But I won’t lie, it’s pretty...wild. In here.”

"Good news is, there seems ta be othahs out there that ain't been caught yet. I reckon if we can find 'em first, we could squeeze info outta 'em regardin' this othah woman who jsut so happens ta look like ye." Nazyl paused for a moment, blinking, "Ye don't happen ta have siblin's, do ye?"

“I don’t.....think so?” Aiswyda crossed her arms, a little sheepish. "You think I have an evil twin?"

"Not rulin' out the possibiliteh. The similaritehs between ye two -are- rathah uncanneh."

Crific raked a hand back through his hair, his stoic expression fracturing slightly as he turned away, silent for a long moment, though he had ears on the conversation.

“That’s what she said too......” Aiswyda scratched her head in thought. “Oh! I mean. There’s been someone who’s been visiting my jail cell often. She’s always asking me stuff like that.”

Nazyl canted his head some, "Someone...? Who? From that response, it sounds like she's seekin' the same as us..."

"Maelstrom officer, if I had to guess." Crific muttered.

"More than likely given how serious the Argos’s crimes are." Haila agreed. 

“Yeah, the Maelstrom and I have had a lot of. Talks.” She pauses. “But also, someone else. A lalafell who goes by the name of Momori. I think she works for someone who had something stolen by the pirates.”

Crific glanced back at Aiswyda. "Do you know where this Momori can be found? She may have more information on the pirates that we'd be able to put to use."

"Aye, she could make it easiah fer us ta hunt down the rest in hidin'." Nazyl added. 

“I don’t know where she is, for obvious reasons.” She motioned to the cell around her. “But given that she’s visited me several times, maybe she’s still in town? She’s a red haired lalafell, about yay tall.” Aiswyda crouched down and placed her hand on the ground, then raised it up somewhat. “Like Nazyl.”

Crific grunted at the description. It wasn't much, but it was probably enough, if she was staying in Aleport.

"Plains, or Dunes? Small detail, but it helps." Nazyl asked. 

“She’s visited about four times. Mostly to ask me about the pirates, or to update me on her own investigation status. She doesn’t...” Aiswyda abruptly stopped. Pursed her lips together, words failing her. “She doesn’t think it’s a coincidence, that I happen to look like one of the pirates. A hunch. I think it’s all baloney, but hey. Anything’s  possible I guess. She’s quite tan. Which, em, I don’t think is specific to either? OH. Her eyes are glassy. Dunesfolk! ....right?”

"That'd be Dunesfolk aye. Alright, that'll make it easeh ta track her." the lalafell nodded. 

The Yellow Jacket piped up. “Dunesfolk? Oh, aye. Right. That ones got ‘eavin pockets...Ye might find ‘er in the alehouses. Seen ‘er there many times.” He shook his head. “Haven’t ever seen a lalafell down so much drink. God forbid.”

"This lalafell sounds like a good lead. Should we head to the tavern and see what we can see?" Rolanda asked, looking to the rest of the group.

"Sounds like the best option for now while we try to figure everything out." Haila agreed. 

Aiswyda nodded. “Good luck. And thanks for visiting!” She tried to sound her usual, bright self, but it sounded a little hollow. The guard, sensing the party’s intent, pushed the group along towards the exit, as Aiswyda watched for as long as she could.

Crific lingered behind, turning to Aiswyda with an unreadable expression; he held up a finger to the guard ushering the others out and motioned that he'd follow in a moment. "Eat whatever they give you, regardless of what it is, you'll need your strength to heal. Keep all your wounds clear as you can, and out of the damp." He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "We'll figure this out before long." He turned, then, without giving her a chance to reply, and hurried after the others.

The Aleport tavern was bustling with activity! Seamen, merchants, adventurers, farmers...they all came here to share a table. To play a hand of cards while guzzling ale. As such, it was incredibly loud inside the tavern. Orders were hollered above the noise, above the brawl that had broken out in the corner. All and all, a good time.

Nazyl wrinkled his nose at the smell of a Limsan bar--generally unpleasant, and the sheer amount of alcohol didn't help. He grimaced, scanning the area--a lively lot, but it wasn't hard to spot one out of place.

At one of the tables, a red haired lalafell was playing a game of poker with several others. Her hair was neatly tucked in a bun, and her attire reflected someone of a scholarly nature. She was out of place, surrounded by salty sailors and the like.

They were betting at the moment. The lalafell wordlessly slid in a hefty amount of gil, and as they went around, a few others dropped out. Three, including the lalafell, stay in. Cards were exposed. Sweat beads on a sailor’s forehead. The lalafell is unblinking. It was almost like she was wearing a mask.

The final turn came around, and it was down to two. But the pressure gets to the final player, who folds. The lalafell takes the pot without ever revealing her hand.

Rolanda motioned to the lalafell playing cards. "This looks like the one, eh?"

Nazyl wasted no time and approached the table.

The lalafell already had her eyes on Nazyl. She hopped off her stool and simply stared at the other lalafell. “Hello. What do you want.”

Khora leaned close to G'lewra, nearly hovering over her shoulder as he whispered.  "Think we'll get to see a Lalafell fight?"

"I would hope not, my dear, as I'm the only medic currently here and I'm not too sure these two would give up too easily." She whispered back.

Nazyl had to do a double take. He swore for a moment he was looking at a former employer, but smaller. The surprise was quickly wiped from his face, "Nazyl. I hear ye've been down ta the jails questionin' a good friend of ourse recentleh."

Crific hovered in the back, his shoulders sagging slightly. He seemed more distracted after leaving the gaol, somehow, though his expression was as hard to read as ever.

Momori stared at the group, expressionless. Stoic. There’s a long pause, and then finally. “Nazyl. You all must be from her company. She told me about all of you.” She raised a brow. “Are you here to speak business?"

Khora's hands rose to rest atop his head.  "As much I would like to say leisure...  Business it is."

"Straight ta the point, aye. We also think she was wrongfulleh imprisoned, n' will do what we need ta get her out, lawfulleh mind." Nazyl nodded, "I got the idea of huntin' down the crew o' Red Argos n' seein' if we could squeeze info outta them."

Momori tilted her head. “Our goal is one and the same then. To bring those pirates to justice.”

Nazyl nodded again, "So it is. Thought ye might be able ta help in that regard, ye seem ta have been on this case longah."

“Oh and I’m Momori. Nice to meet you all, the weather is great, have you tried the ale.” she said dryly. “Now that we have that out of the way, yes. I have been to visit your friend. While I don’t think she did it, I also don’t think she’s giving us the full picture. Nothing is quite as it seems.”

Momori snapped open a small, worn journal. “Pirates spotted in Coerthas. Targeting very, very particular ships. An interest in trafficking bodies. I dare say, we may have something fun on our hands.”

Crific grunted quietly at mention of 'fun'. Their definitions probably varied.

"What...ships? There's no large bodehs of water that way lest ye head towards Dravania. Unless..." Nazyl tapped his chin, "Airships?"

Momori drew her lips back slightly. “Before I can tell you more, I’d like to propose a deal. You want your friend freed and I want my client’s treasure recovered. We’re both chasing after the same pirates. Shall we work together?”

"That was the idea. What deal were ye proposin'?"

“I have some ideas of where Red Argos might strike next. What their goal is. But I’m just one lalafell.” She looked to the company. “That’s where you guys come in. To wherever the pirates strike, you can go and capture them. Collect their bounties if you care to. I’m only interested in the stolen artifact.”

Khora's ears flattened over his head with his posture slouching greatly.  "Gods...  Coerthas of all places?  I thought pirates preferred warm and sunny weather, not the freezing cold and snow..."

“I can also tell you a bit about what to expect. These aren’t your ordinary pirates, that’s for sure. Most would pawn off stolen goods as soon as a buyer is found, but these? They’re hanging on to what they get. It’s dangerous.”

Nazyl narrowed his eyes, "They sound like the type ta carreh tainted shite thinkin' they can control it. As if I alreadeh didn't have enough on me plate with Focalor..." He sighed, "Should mention I make me livin' as a Void huntah, so this ain't news ta me. I'm still baffled as ta why they set up shop in Coerthas of all places, but whatevah. It'll be their folleh when they're stripped n' freezin'."

“Of course they can’t control it. They’re pirates, not scholars.” She sighed, taking off her glasses and polishing each lens with her sleeve. “Anyway, we have a deal. Still compiling my research, but I’ll send word as soon as I’m certain where the pirates will strike next. Let’s stay in touch.”

The lalafell seemed very pleased by this outcome, and she gave each member a hearty handshake and a small bow. “I look forward to working with you all.”

"Mm. Ye'll probableh need ta contact one o' them, not me. I've got...business out in the sea." Nazyl replied. 

Crific shook hands reluctantly, looking not at all thrilled by the prospect of mysterious pirates and worse -- artifacts -- but he'd do his part.

It seemed there was nothing else to do except wait for Momori’s investigation to bear fruit.