Slyphe's nagging feeling

Kerryn

(Congregation): Slyphe says, "Mm. You lot."

(Congregation): You say, "Yes, Lord Slyphe?"

(Congregation): Jami says, "Yes, Lord?"

(Congregation): Koari says, "Yes Lord?"

(Congregation): Slyphe says, "I've got a bit of something nagging at Me in this wonderful mood I'm in. Care to meet Me at the Hydra to discuss?"

*movement*

Overlooking an enormous hydra figurehead. (Riparium.) (29695) [-Slyphe-]
The bright sun shines down, blanketing you with its life-giving warmth. There are 6 carved obsidian cups here. A tall, bearded Yeleni man stands here. Covered by an ever-shifting veil of seawater, a large throne resembling a rising torrent of water sits here. A barnicled anchor stands here, a perpetually wet rope wrapped around its shaft and pooling at its base. Surrounded by a whirling vortex of water, Slyphe, the Maelstrom is here.

Koari enters from the northwest following Jami.

Slyphe sits down on a throne of tides.

As Slyphe eases into His throne, the waters around you begin to stir and churn as if in response to His presence.

Koari raises her staff before her in wordless greeting with the soft clatter of bone.

Offering a sharp salute, Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says, "Greetings, Lord."

Atticus presses the open palm of his left hand against the clenched fist of his right and bows
respectfully to Slyphe.

Spirit Guide Koari Del'baeth says to Slyphe, the Maelstrom, "Hail, Lord."

"My favored," Slyphe greets with a warm smile from the confines of His throne. He's leisurely sat within it, but there's a sort of almost palpable energy about Him that betrays this lax facade. "How are you lot?"

Koari loosely wraps her arms about her stomach, gazing upon the Maelstrom. "The same as we spoke, my Lord."

"I'm doing fair, Lord Slyphe." Atticus says, eyeing the empty cups on the deck.

Jami idly drums her fingers across her chin, gazing about group before looking towards the throne, "Doing well I suppose. Don't have anything real to fuss over.

You have emoted: Kerryn folds her hands before her, "I'm well, thank You, Lord Slyphe."

It isn't until Atticus' gaze travels to the cups that Slyphe Himself seems to even notice them. This elicits an immediate stare aimed towards Maelo Evergva and an amused shake of His head. "Keep your ship a little cleaner, My son," He directs.

Maelo Evergva offers somewhat of a grunt in response before idly quipping, "Lord, it was probably other members of Your Order that left 'em there."

Terrah enters from the northwest, riding a misty grey mare.

Terrah gives the world a smart salute.

Terrah leaves to the southwest, riding a misty grey mare.

Slyphe opens His mouth as if to speak, but is distracted by the entrance of Terrah. His brow creases ever-so-slightly before He waves a dismissive hand at her departure.

While picking up one of the cups, Oblate Atticus Sinclair says, "It's just sad they're empty."

Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says, "Oh, that's the one who met Hungry."

Pointing in the general direction she had just left, Slyphe, the Maelstrom says, "Sneaky little
Syssin there, you lot know? Was actually putting together a profile on Me to show the Syssin types."

Oblate Atticus Sinclair says to Grand Mistress Jami Siarani, "We became quick friends."

Oblate Atticus Sinclair says to Slyphe, the Maelstrom, "Young little thing, isn't she, Lord?"

Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says, "Figures, I wasn't so upset when she didn't read my sarcasm and sat on Your throne."

Slyphe smiles wryly at Jami.

Koari stretches languidly.

"Anyway," Slyphe states with a nod of affirmation as He places Himself back on the proper thought process. "You are all aware I created the Kelki race, yes?"

Spirit Guide Koari Del'baeth says, "I would be quite ashamed if I wasn't aware of where I came from."

Atticus makes his way over to the railing, sitting upon it, "Sounds fishy to me." he says, resting
his hat in his lap.

You have emoted: Kerryn gives a quick nod of her head, "Yes, Lord Slyphe."

Slyphe levels yet another wry grin in Koari's direction before addressing the group as a whole, "I...with the exception of a few, have been ultimately uninvolved. Do you know what it is like to take a crucial part in the creation of something, and have it merely, mm," He pauses, as if struggling for the proper word. "Disappear I suppose? Wander off?"

Gesturing, Slyphe, the Maelstrom says, "They go about their own business, I mean, and truly you see significantly less nowadays since the destruction of Kelsys by the Kerrithrim."

You have emoted: Kerryn nods in agreement, choosing to remain silent for the moment, listening.

Jami seems to think for a moment before nodding slowly.

Koari seems to think for a moment before nodding slowly.

Atticus drums his fingers atop his hat.

"It's impossible for Me to check on each and every one," Slyphe states, leaning back somewhat within His throne. "But... the existence of Tecpatl's Cradle has allowed for somewhat of a way around that." He's almost leery in the way He phrases this latter statement, His gaze sweeping the faces of those gathered as if for any signs of opinion via facial features. "If I would venture within, I would be presented the opportunity to see their dreams. Their memories. All of it, tangibly - I could truly -see- how they find life to be. I could see if it measures up to what I had hoped for in their creation."

You have emoted: Kerryn frowns faintly, her brow knitting, "Forgive me, Lord. But dreams aren't to be trifled with, there can be dangers even in the most mundane ones."

"And when precisely have you known Me, My Avatar, to take danger into account for things?" Slyphe comments amusedly, as if the spoken statement was one more so of a challenge than anything.

"I felt uneasy in there, it was the oddest place I've ever seen." Jami gazes up to the Maelstrom,
her frown leveling out to a clean slate, "Could it be possible for even You to be lost in dreams, or worse?

Shaking His head just somewhat, Slyphe, the Maelstrom says to Grand Mistress Jami Siarani, "I doubt it, highly My dear. Dreams are merely that, are they not?"

You have emoted: Kerryn glances at Jami, nodding in agreement. "Yes.. wait. No." says frowning quickly as she takes a half step towards Slyphe, "They are not to be trifled with, My Lord. While You may not consider the dangers as You are well..." she gestures to Slyphe. "There are lasting effects that they can have, good or bad." she attempts to explain.

"Yes, and there were inherent dangers present when I stabbed the Goddess of Corruption within Her stomach," Slyphe almost flatly retorts, eyebrows drawing together somewhat as He observes you. "Yet that hardly stopped Me."

Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says, "Mister Daweson says he has a message for us, mind if I bring
him?"

You have emoted: Kerryn straightens her back a bit, though the concern is evident upon her features. "I am but a mortal, My Lord. Far be it for me to tell You what You should or shouldn't do." she holds up a hand, "However, no one should take venturing into another realm so lightly. Be it dreams or even Your own." she says respectfully.

Koari glances to Jami as she frowns slightly, remaining quiet.

"Which is precisely why I wished to invite you lot to accompany Me, and seek Her assistance," Slyphe attempts to explain, His lips pushing into a pensive purse as He regards you.

Jami heaves out a relieved sigh as she gives a small smile towards the Maelstrom, "Ah, that would perhaps be quite a good thing, and hopefully a worry off your mind, Lord.

Treading softly, Daweson's gray-furred form wanders in from the ether.

Daweson bows respectfully.

"You said you had a message?" Slyphe almost irritably responds as He snaps His gaze away from you to level upon Daweson.

You have emoted: Kerryn gives the barest of nods before taking a step back and turning her attention to Daweson.

Daweson raises his head up and nods. "Yes. I am to act as escort to You and yours. My Mother said to inform you that your memories have surfaced."

Koari wrinkles her nose and sniffs.

Slyphe leans forward as if to inspect Daweson more clearly, gaze narrowing in a scrutinizing sort of stare. "She sent you to say this?" He echoes just once by means of acute clarification.

Daweson nods once, very clearly making no sudden movements. "She said exactly that and no more. I believe I am to escort You and Yours to her, as I said."

"Very well," Slyphe responds, the hesitation wiped from His features in an almost questionable
instant. He rises from His throne and casts those before Him save for Daweson a beckoning jerk of
His head.

You have emoted: Kerryn prepares to follow along, moving over to Atticus side as she does.

Jami stares towards Daweson, her gaze flicking over him before shrugging as she falls in line near the Maelstrom.

Slyphe nods His head at Daweson.

Slyphe, the Maelstrom says to Magister Daweson Dark, Ward Prefect, "Onwards, messenger. We shall seek Her."

Daweson sniffs once uncertainly before nodding again. "Alright...here we go."

*movement again*

Kerryn

Part II --

Sandy stretch of grass. (Tecpatl's Cradle.)
Clad in black and white fur, Omei, the Beast Queen hulks over you, rage in Her eyes.

Omei rises from Her crouch, hunched over a claw-scratched sigil in the sand, like a shaman over cast
bones. "Very good, Daweson," She growls.

Daweson walks in leading the others behind him and dips his head to Omei. "As You asked, Mother."

"Sister," Slyphe greets as He steps closer towards Omei, a subtle hand pushed to His side in
somewhat of a halting gesture to those trailing behind Him. "It seems You've heard of My proposal."

"I hear all whispers on the air, the same as You," Omei remarks off-handedly, rising to full height,
Her back cracking numerously as She stretches. Without fanfare, She adopts Her smaller, humanoid
form.

You have emoted: Kerryn comes to a stop not far behind Slyphe at his signal. Spotting Omei, she bows
at the waist, her right fist coming to press against her left palm.

Slipping a pale, white hand across Daweson's shoulder blades, Omei, the Beast Queen asks, "You mean
it, then? Do you quite understand what it is You're looking for?"

"I mean it," Slyphe states almost somberly, head dipping once in an affirmative nod as His gaze
remains settled upon Omei. "I've neglected My creations for far too long - a glimpse, at the least,
would assist Me in My plight."

You have emoted: Kerryn silently glances between Slyphe and Omei, concern evident upon her features.

More or less using Daweson as a piece of furniture to lean on, Omei sucks on Her fangs, tapping Her
temple in a moment's woolgathering. "Brother, what You ask for is reckless. Stable dreams - like the
ground on which we stand - are one thing. But to pull up old dreams, old memories, volatile, only
partially-realized vignettes of time... even -I- do not dabble in these things."

Daweson shifts himself to better allow Omei to lean on him, the twitching of his ears the only sign
to betray his attention to the matter at hand.

"Nothing worth acquiring is done without risk, Sister Dearest, a lesson both You and I know quite
well," Slyphe states to Omei. A brow arches though with the question, and an expectant gaze is
turned upon Her as if a challenge to acknowledge otherwise.

Omei neither agrees with nor argues Slyphe's point. Almost expectantly, Her sharp, violet eyes scan
his followers.

Noticing Omei's gaze, Slyphe too turns His expectant focus towards those assembled behind Him.

You have emoted: Kerryn worries her lower lip, a quick glance is given to Jami before her attention
shifts to Slyphe. "I will accept the risk, I wish to accompany My Lord, if You would grant it, Lady
Omei." she says respectfully.

Omei answers with only a lifted hand of compliance.

"If possible, I'd wish to accompany the Maelstrom and His avatar in whatever risky endeavor lies
ahead." Jami says slowly, her confidence shaky as she glances over to you.

Omei, the Beast Queen says, "By My Father... devour a few trees and Duiran rides up My arse -
entertain the merest possibility of an unstable memory timeprint and the lot of you line up to hurl
yourselves into it."

"Let's be on with it, then," Omei says, turning toward the southwest.

Omei vanishes without a trace.

Slyphe is suddenly enveloped in a swirling vortex of water that writhes and sinuously curls about
His form before disappearing as abruptly as it arrived, leaving nothing in its wake.

Omei grunts, seeing that She has, indeed, been followed, and continues onward, into the cavern.

You have emoted: Kerryn quickens her pace in order to keep up with Omei and Slyphe, when something
sparks her memory and she hesitates, turning to look behind her, "Sister." she calls out, looking
for Jami.

"I would not do this for anyone, Brother," Omei says. Halted at the edge of a cliff, Her very body
casts faint light, outlining its edge in sharp brilliance. The drop-off is unspeakably deep. "There
is -much- down here. Years of rearranging, unspoken miles of quicksilver to fill in the gaps, just
to hold open this instance for You."

Slyphe seems to visibly consider Omei's words, His attention shifting towards the abysmal drop just
ahead, His eyebrows lifting in no subtle display whatsoever of unexpected surprise. "While I am far
from Our Brother the Sovereign, consider it a favor paid that you may claim in return one day," He
finally states as He rips His gaze from the looming hole to level again upon Omei.

Omei turns sharply on Her heel, ensuring that not a single one of you evade a moment's hard Divine
gaze. "Just as you would not disturb the infant in her crib, or the bishop on his knees, you are
expected to treat the past-visions of these people respectfully. Is that understood?"

Jami gulps as she feels the gaze of Omei upon her, shifting uncomfortably as she slides over to her
you, bumping shoulders with her, "I'll be with you, sister.

"Clear," Slyphe comments to Omei with a solemn nod of understanding.

Koari seems to think for a moment before nodding slowly.

You have emoted: Kerryn takes hold of Jami's hand, perhaps a bit forcibly to ensure Jami does indeed
remain with her. A curt nod is given Omei, "Understood, Lady Omei." she says before pausing and
looking over her left then her right, "Koari. Come." she instructs, holding out her other hand.
"We're all going to stay together." she says, looking to Daweson now, "Would you care to hold onto
Miss Koari's hand?"

Koari nods her head, following in line with Kerryn.

"You have my word, Lady Omei." Jami speaks, nodding slowly towards Omei as she squeezes against your
grasping hand.

Daweson ponders for a moment before nodding slowly. He growls low and ripples so that his form is
humanoid once more, taking Koari's hand when he finishes.

You have emoted: Kerryn looks to her left to Jami and smiles, then to her right, her smile growing
as Daweson complies. "Right." she says before turning to nod to Omei. "We're ready when You are,
Lady Omei." she says quietly.

This is all the confirmation Omei needs. She hesitates only briefly, looking Slyphe over head to
foot, then turns and leaps over the edge of the chasm, Her body a spear as She dives.

A thick pulse of energy whips across your back and sends you plummeting after the Goddess, deep into
the blackness.

Shin-high in subterranean waters.
Precious little light exists in this vast, underground expanse, but for a dim, phosphorescent glow
swelling beneath the water. The ground is a treacherously smooth, unhewn shelf, declining gently
into the water - one misstep and the unwary could be sucked under. A grub writhes here, its many
tiny legs flailing. Grand Mistress Jami Siarani is here. Magister Daweson Dark, Ward Prefect is here.
Wild white hair draping Her body, Omei, the Beast Queen stands here. Surrounded by a whirling
vortex of water, Slyphe, the Maelstrom is here. Spirit Guide Koari Del'baeth is here. She wields a
Shamanic quarterstaff in her hands. A pulsating glow dimly illuminates the water below. The flow
from that direction is warm.

You land with a splash, but are saved from a bone-crunching fall - some sorcery or freak of physics
softens your landing to little more than a rough thud.

Slyphe lands upon the water's surface in such a way that sends up splashing upwards and around Him,
though where the rogue drops produced would typically fall once more into the gathered pool, they
instead begin a slow, almost transient circling about His form.

You have emoted: Kerryn braces for an impact that never really comes, her eyes remain screwed shut
only to pop open at the wet feeling of water around her feet. Instantly she goes about ensuring
everyone is still accounted for and relatively unharmed, her head turning left and right. A
satisfied nod given before her attention turns to seek out Slyphe and Omei.

Omei strikes out confidently ahead, the water chasing up Her body as She descends the gentle slope,
until it reaches Her buttocks. "We are on the verge," She says. "Their thoughtweb was sufficient to
produce a coherent narrative... the summation of their memories beats, heartlike, in the depths
below. -Surely- this is as far as You need to see."

Daweson lets out a gasp of breath as he lands, gripping Koari's hand tightly as he does. His gaze
turns immediately to Omei and he moves to follow Her hastily before remembering the others and
stilling himself to wait for their lead.

The cavern is alive with the humming of some impossibly vast engine. The noise vibrates the water,
reflecting jittering shadows across your face and those of your comrades.

You have emoted: Kerryn slowly trails after Omei and Slyphe, keeping a firm grip on Jami and Koari's
hands. She opens her mouth as if to speak, only to suddenly snap it shut quickly.

Slyphe extends a hand outwards, palm facing skywards towards the previously-traversed drop. As His
gaze sweeps the area curiously, the water circling His form ebbs about in rhythmic bobs before
collecting itself into His awaiting palm. These smaller globules swish and swirl together before
coalescing into a larger globe that too seems to vibrate and quiver in response to the surroundings.

(Tells): You tell Jami, "What is that sound? It's so loud."

Shifting His gaze towards Omei, almost skeptically, Slyphe, the Maelstrom says, "What is this noise,
Sister?"

(Tells): Her voice laden with crackling fire, Jami whispers warmly to you, "Very unfamiliar, but it
sounds..mechanical of some kind."

(Tells): You tell Jami, "Anything that loud has to be...huge. Let us hope it's not something wishing
to squish us."

In the dark blue light, Omei's sudden, manic grin is limned in razor brilliance. "Do you remember
Your dreams? Or any of you, little ones?" She says, voice pregnant with excitement. "Your
subconscious deals in the abstract. People you fear are as tall as the world. The merest jump vaults
you through the heavens. All details are first polished free of fine detail, then exaggerated."

"What you hear is a vast machine... it does everything. It does nothing," Omei explains.

You have emoted: Kerryn tenses a bit at Omei's question, her gaze adverting quickly as her grip on
Jami's hand tightens.

Koari drapes her arms across her stomach, a feeling of discomfort washing over her face as she chews
lightly upon her bottom lip.

"While I do ever enjoy Your riddles, Sister," Slyphe states, His fingers curling about the orb of
water within His hands in such a way that would practically insinuate the item's made of solid
material rather than the freely-flowing water it is. "I tend to understand better by seeing rather
than conceptualizing."

Omei swallows down a hard lump, the light of the water smeared together into wavering pinpoints in
Her eyes. "Go... slowly. Wade in one step at a time. Pray, keep Your magics at bay, Brother. The
dark energy that cut off these memories has made it profoundly unstable."

You have emoted: Kerryn eventually seems to get herself under control, "Focus." she says in hushed
tones, attempting to shake Koari's shoulder.

Omei looks over Her shoulder. "The rest of you... it is somewhat safer for you, but slowly. Quietly.
"

Omei's warning does little to relinquish Slyphe's grip upon the globe of water He holds for
whatever reason, but He offers forth a simple nod nonetheless. "Understood."

Daweson carefully adjusts his weight to move as quietly as possible, giving Koari's hand another,
more reassuring squeeze, but saying nothing as directed.

You have emoted: Kerryn reaches for Koari's hand once more, "Together." she instructs before taking
a slow step forward, her lips pressed into a firm line.

Every step feels, somehow, as if it falls on a great structure, not terrain. The ground is clearly
rock, but lacks the unyielding solidity that rock would suggest. The closer you get to the shelf's
edge, the more powerfully you can feel the vibrations, sonic waves quivering resoundingly from the
depths.

Koari carefully steps forward as she brings her eyes closed, bowing her head slightly.

Each and every vibration and quiver stirs the globe within Slyphe's grasp, each ripple upon its
surface seeming to distract His gaze for a fascinated fraction of a second.

You have emoted: Kerryn hesitates the closer she gets to the edge of the shelf. Despite her clear
cautious nature, her curiosity is evident by the way she cranes her neck in an attempt to peek over
the edge in order to catch a glimpse of the machine from which the sound originates.

The water is murky, foggy with mineral content and the natural detritus of the subterrane. It is
like staring into a luminescent broth, and just as warm.

Koari tilts her head slightly as she slowly opens her eyes. She chews slightly upon her lip as she
takes a small glance to you, the small sound of a gulp coming from her throat as she squeezes
lightly upon the woman's hand.

You have emoted: Feeling Koari squeeze her hand, Kerryn turns her head and offers Koari a reassuring
smile before her attention is once more captured by the luminescent water.

Omei visibly prickles, an edge of impatience in Her voice. "We go no further. See what You must see,
but do it from here - even here you can find out schematics, hear snatches of conversation, even
look at their bloody paintings if You must--!"

True to the Beast Queen's words, strange snatches of memory filter through your mind. You recall
conversations held with Kelki you have never met. Moments spent in the gardens of Kelsys'
residential complex. The soft surge of undersea currents against the barrier glass. The echoes of
insects and small vermin at night through the ventilation shafts.

Long before Omei even speaks, Slyphe seems to be all-too-aware of the fact. His head snaps from side
to side, up and down, almost distractedly as He seems to exude quite the effort to focus upon each
and every source as it's revealed. The water's surface ripples to the sides as if in anticipation of
His forthcoming steps which carry Him step-by-step further onwards, eyes wide with keen interest.
"Do you feel that?" He more so murmurs than states, hands stretching outwards to His sides in a
stabilizing effort. "That rumble. The whirring?"

Powerful mechanical exchanges underfoot. Vibrations on a schedule - some thick, some thin and spaced
out, moving with perfect, regular rhythm. The noise is not loud, but acts as a pervasive bass line
that cannot be avoided, punching right into your auditory bones.

You have emoted: Kerryn comes to an abrupt halt at Omei's words, a quick glance given to Jami, Koari
and Daweson, ensuring they've listened as well before she notices Slyphe continuing. "Lord Slyphe."
she calls out, in the hopes of capturing his attention.

"Sister, can they hear Us?" Slyphe abruptly asks as He spins upon a heel to gaze upon Omei,
evidently paying no mind to your call.
H:8167 M:4917 E:32400 W:20400 K:0 [csdb eb] [None]

Omei thinks on this for a moment, then snaps a quick, "Yes." Nervous, goosebumps standing out on Her
bare flesh, She snatches Slyphe's arm. "No further. We are done here. This place could close on us
at any minute."

"No, no, just a touch further," Slyphe argues back, though the awestruck beam that seems by this
point more of a permanent feature upon His countenance than anything makes the statement one far
from hostile in nature. "Please, Sister, I hear them - they speak to Me." An astonished gasp escapes
from the depths of His chest. "They -recognize- Me."

"They -died-," Omei protests, "I know they were Your children but they are gone, don't You
understand? If this place collapses with us inside, even -I- could not free us!" Worriedly, She
assesses the location of the mortals, counting heads.

You have emoted: Kerryn looks relieved as Slyphe turns back to Omei and she reaches for him. Eagerly,
she takes a cautious step back, still holding onto Jami and Koari's hands. It is then she hears
Slyphe's words and she begins to panic, "M'Lord." she calls frantically, "We must go, listen to Your
Sister!" she all but yells, a pleading look is given to Omei.

Slyphe's gaze falls upon you for a moment, but sure enough Omei has His attention again only moments
later. "Sister, one more step - I may not get this opportunity again, please," He pleads, giving the
hand that Omei grasps just the faintest of tugs as if the physical motion would help sway Her
decision.

Koari coughs a bit, finding her voice. "Lord Slyphe...Your resolve to seek further is unquestionable.
..but please, pay heed to Your Sister's warning." She looks up, gazing upon the Maelstrom.

You have emoted: As if an afterthought, Kerryn reaches up to touch the pendant around her neck,
still grasping Jami's hand, "Quickly, call to him.. touch your pendants!" she orders, "Maybe..." she
touches the coral-covered pendant again and again as if hoping to garner Slyphe's attention.

His focus cast distractedly off into the distance, Slyphe, the Maelstrom says, "Yes! Hello! We will
visit you, yes. We are coming."

Omei gazes at Slyphe for several heartbeats, Her lips moving but producing no sound. Then She looks
over Her shoulder at Daweson, gulping again. "Tw- twenty... seconds..."

Omei, the Beast Queen says, "Nevermind what I said about quiet - go as quickly as You can!"

"Lord, they wouldn't want You to become trapped or dead, as lovely as speaking with them would be
for You." Jami states, her hand rubbing over her coral pendant as she looks to you with a nervous
glance.

Hardly needing any more than that, Slyphe pushes onwards with rigorous, splashing steps.

High above the dome, in the murky water, the silhouette of a vast fish can be seen swimming past.

Submerged in warm, glowing water.
The water surrounds, a warm, gentle pressure suffused with murky light. Little can be seen through
the mineral-rich depths, sight cutting off roughly an armspan away, but the sense and dim smear of
some enormous, looming shape, far below, is impossible to avoid. Grand Mistress Jami Siarani is here.
Wild white hair draping Her body, Omei, the Beast Queen stands here. Surrounded by a whirling
vortex of water, Slyphe, the Maelstrom is here. Spirit Guide Koari Del'baeth is here. She wields a
Shamanic quarterstaff in her hands.

The machine-pulse pours into your ear canals, and with it, the world-sized throb of a beating heart.

"-That-," Slyphe emphatically notes, jaw dropping as His gaze seems to scan the surroundings in an
attempt to discern the source of the pulsing, bass-like anomaly. Despite Omei's warnings, perhaps
due to being fully immersed now, the God seems to move more swiftly through the waters, His limbs
blurring in rapid displays as He darts this way and that. A manic laugh is ushered forth from His
lips as He cranes His neck upwards to observe what would likely be a looming figment of a structure
before Him.

A torrent of bubbles spills from Omei's mouth as She cries, "NO!" and kicks after Slyphe, but cannot
hope to match his speed.

You have emoted: Together the group moves after Slyphe and Omei, Kerryn's protests continue loudly
in a blind hope to call Slyphe back. "Please, Lord Slyphe!"

The God is too far to be clearly seen, but what looms ahead of Him is like a wall. It seems to be
moving closer, and as it does, colossal, pipelike structures and gears the size of entire buildings
ramify.

(Tells): Her voice laden with crackling fire, Jami whispers warmly to you, "The heck is that.."

(Tells): You tell Jami, "Trouble."

Kerryn

Part III --

Daweson follows along as fast as he can growing more alarmed by the moment but clearly unsure what,
if anything, he should be doing.

Slyphe is halted in His tracks some distance away, and from where you stand you can make out the
extension of His hand towards this wall of sorts. A powerful ripple slices through the water from
where He stands that speeds towards the assembled group with force, followed by another shortly
after. Even so, He remains where He stands, as if awestruck by the gargantuan structure before Him.

You have emoted: Kerryn instantly spots the ripples within the water as something moves towards her
and the rest of the group. "Stay together." she calls out, coming to a stop, a frantic look thrown
to Omei, as if to silently ask what's happening.

Omei's dark shape halts, stunned, before moving again. It becomes apparent that She is surging
through the water toward -you-, away from Slyphe! "Out, out, get out NOW!" She screams, arms
outstretched, a torrential current catching your body and pulling it hopelessly upward.

Jami squeezes your hand tightly, gulping loudly as she notices the ripples and then the fish,
"Together."

Koari looks to you, gazing desperately upon her in protest. She inhales in resignation as she firmly
squeezes about the woman's hand, nodding her head. "Together then..."

You have emoted: Kerryn is clearly torn between her God and her fellow order members. But, the
decision is quickly wrenched from her as Omei rushes the group and the current pulls them away.
"Lord Slyphe!" she screams, refusing to give up on Slyphe.

Daweson growls low and finally snaps into some form of action, snatching at those he can reach and
pulling them along with the current. "Out she said...and out she meant. There is nothing more we can
do!"

If only a moment too late, Slyphe finally turns to approach the group, His form lurching through the
water quickly - but not quickly enough. A hand stretches outwards, as if for help, but the looming
wall behind Him snares Him within its stygian expanse, concealing the Deity in His entirety only
fractions of a second later.

As the machinescape crashes shut, it expels a gout of dislodged parts and flying cogs. The current
pushes you violently away, blacking you out.

You awaken in a nest of feathers and straw, still dripping wet. Omei paces restlessly back and forth
across the entrance of the den. Slyphe is nowhere to be seen.

You have emoted: Kerryn sits up with a start, "Lord Slyphe." she demands. Frantically, she looks
about her, her gaze settling on Omei, "Where is He?" she asks, a pained look crossing her features
as she reaches for the coral pendant around her neck. "Please tell me He is alright."

As if possible, Omei looks even paler than usual, responseless and motionless, propped against the
wall with Her back turned. Water sluices from Her hair, spattering around Her feet.

Jami blinks rapidly, a hand raising to rub at her eyes as she glances about, "Lady Omei,did that
huge thing just...consume our Lord?." Jami mutters out, her glistening eyes looking over to Omei.

You have emoted: Kerryn scrambles to her feet, not bothering to brush aside the straw that clings to
her clothing and hair as she rushes to Omei's side. "Please." she begs softly. Her hand lifts as if
to reach out to console Omei, but she hesitates, her hand dropping back to her side moments later,
her expression growing more pained.

Koari sits up, a bit dazed as she clutches at her head, shaking off the fatigue of unconsciousness.
She looks about the new area, suddenly frantic as she climbs to her feet, feeling suddenly light-
headed. "Where's Lord Slyphe?!" She blurts out.

"It isn't a matter of... -where- He is," Omei whispers, nesting Her face in the clutch of Her
fingertips. "'Where' no longer makes sense for Him."

You have emoted: Kerryn turn and slumps against the wall next to Omei, "Why didn't He listen." she
asks, her gaze lowering to the ground, her question clearly posed at no one in particular.

Daweson stands and shakes his head out quickly, then strides over to Omei and paces around her
somewhat protectively, looking around at the others. "I...have no answers for you save that I don't
believe your Lord is any where or any when even that we could follow..." He glances down at Omei and
shrugs at the second question but says no more.

"There was only one chance to open it," Omei murmurs. "I told him. I told him. He... didn't listen.
Children, are you well? Anything missing?" The Goddess turns heel suddenly, revealing a face that
could be ten years younger, stricken with worry.

Daweson steps quickly off to one side and shakes his head at Omei's question. "I am whole, as are we
all that I can see." He looks over the others gathered again, sadness and pain etched on his
features. "But I believe they will all answer that something is missing..."

You have emoted: Kerryn looks down at herself, "I'm physical unharmed." she says, falling silent in
order to look over the rest of those present before pushing herself away from the wall to turn and
directly face Omei, "But... I... we can't just, leave Him there." she says slowly.

"I won't lose ANOTHER," Omei snarls. The cavern shakes, beads and embedded toys tinkling in the
walls, the bedding shifting visibly underfoot. "Not again!"

Koari frowns softly as she bows her head a little bit, choking slightly on a breath. "There has to
be something we can do for Him..." She cradles her stomach back into her arms.

You have emoted: Kerryn flinches visibly as Omei snarls, "We are still..." she lifts a hand to touch
the pendant around her neck. "He still lives, there's hope. Yes?" she asks Omei, her look one of
pleading hope.

Omei stares into space, Her eyes focusing and unfocusing repeatedly, as if some tiny insect were
erring Her vision. She touches the air itself, slipping Her fingers into its folds.

"He... still lives," Omei confirms. "I cannot promise that that is a distinction that -means-
anything for Him. The metaphysical ramifications of this..."

Daweson steps carefully to one side as the energy passes around, scanning the room quietly for a
moment, before murmuring. "I'm not sure there's much more that we can do for the moment."

Koari shoots a look at Daweson, staring at Daweson in utter disbelief. "I outright refuse to believe
that. There's always something we can do, no matter how small the step."

You have emoted: Kerryn releases a soft sigh, her eyes slip closed briefly as if offering some
silent prayer. When they open, her expression is determined. "There is." she says firmly to Daweson,
"We will rally and offer Lady Omei essence, strength for what She has already done. In the mean time,
we must search out a way to help Him." she turns to look at Omei, her voice softening, "And to help
Lady Omei in this troubling.. time. None of us are alone and I don't think any of us are going to
give up on Him so easily." she looks back to the others, "Yes?" she asks.

Omei starts off into the tunnels, naught but a gleaming flash of flesh that trails off. "Save your
essence," Her voice echoes, "It is -He- who needs it. We will find Him. He is NOT LOST."

Omei vanishes from the den, tearing off into a sprint.

Daweson spreads his hands in a placating gesture at Koari. "I only said for the moment..." He nods
at you. "I wll help as much as I ca..." His voice trails off as Omei exits and he shivers slightly
before recovering. "Whatever you need, I will assist."

Jami nods towards the vanishing form of the Beast Queen, striding over to stand beside her sister,
"We will find a way, He will come back to us, or we will get Him.

Daweson nods his head emphatically.

You have emoted: Kerryn reaches out to take Jami's hand, offering her a smile as she nods in
agreement. "Damn right we will."

Moirean

EYE SEA YOU said:

"While I do ever enjoy Your riddles, Sister," Slyphe states, His fingers curling about the orb of water within His hands in such a way that would practically insinuate the item's made of solid material rather than the freely-flowing water it is. "I tend to understand better by seeing rather than conceptualizing."

Slyphe extends a hand outwards, palm facing skywards towards the previously-traversed drop. As His gaze sweeps the area curiously, the water circling His form ebbs about in rhythmic bobs before
collecting itself into His awaiting palm. These smaller globules swish and swirl together before coalescing into a larger globe that too seems to vibrate and quiver in response to the surroundings.

Each and every vibration and quiver stirs the globe within Slyphe's grasp, each ripple upon its surface seeming to distract His gaze for a fascinated fraction of a second.

Nola

This was such an enjoyable read. I really loved the visual and atmospheric quality, fantastic!

Moirean

Joking aside, it definitely was a great read. Slyphe and Omei have a great sort of chemistry and the scenes they make are pretty awesome.