Last Unicorn Astral Quest

GM: Sheba
Players: Sheba Elena
Synopsis: Sheba and Elena enter the world of the 'Last unicorn' on an astral quest to meet Elena's totem as preparation for an initiation.
Date: Juli 29th 2071

Sheba has just locked the door for the night, and is in the process of shutting off the computers. She looks over at you. "Hey, honey. How are you doing at learning that spell?

Elena smiles at that, "Oh… I am done with learning my current spells. I was actually looking for something else… I have been communing with Unicorn and she thinks I am ready to undergo the next initiation. Though she asked me to take a test… I have to go on a quest to find her home in the spiritual world. I am not sure what she means by that, but I assume she asks me to find her home in the wood realm."

Sheba nods. "If you'd like to do it here, I'll take care of your body for you. You know you're safe here, of course."

Elena ponders that. "Hmmm… I had thought to do it in my lodge in the woods. But an astral quest can get pretty … crazy. I remember my first one still quite vividly. Maybe it would be a good idea to have someone watch my body."

Sheba nods, and smiles. "Then I will." She settles down on the couch, and motions for you to join her there.

Elena smiles and after some deep breathing she sits down with the cat shaman. "Phew… I am a bit nervous.", she admits. "This will just be my second quest… And the first one I will do alone."

Sheba giggles. "I could accompany you if you'd like me to. Myobu could watch over both our bodies.

Elena tilts her head, "But … that would mean you'd have to risk your skin as well. Just for me wanting to quest.", she asks with some wonder in her eyes. "Would you d that for me?"

Sheba smiles. "Dear, you're part of my family. Of course I would.

Elena smiles and hugs Sheba eagerly after those words, "Thank you.", she says blushing a bit. "It would be so nice not to be alone out there yet…"

+ Consent

Sheba smiles, then leans back, relaxing, her eyes closing., as she leaves her body…

Elena too leans back on that sofa. She will be doing some breathing exercises to calm her self once again. A little bit afraid now that the time is there. Sooner than expected even. She will finally lean back and lets go of her body, then floating into the astral she lets go of this world as well to drift into the darkness she has learned to implicate with the border into the Planes.

The Dweller

Eventually, the mists and darkness of astral space give way, at first to large, tall, and thick shadows. These gradually take the forms of huge, towering trees, some easily ten to fifteen meters in diameter. Bright green moss covers them, and a fresh smell of evergreens fill the air, with just a hint of salt water as well. Looking up, the canopy of the of green is impenetrable. The ground is uneven, hilly, and numerous of the great trees lay, decaying, as often happens in a forest.
Next to you, Sheba walks, wearing a simple, flowing white dress, her feet bare. However, she lets you lead the way.

Elena too is looking quite different than usual, she too is in an white flowing dress, but her face is even more delicate than in RL with a little horn peeking out of her forehead. She looks around and a sigh of pleasure escapes her at the sight of this primal forest. Her also bare feet walking without hesitation over the ground while she is inhaling deeply. Her hand instinctly going to her friends.

The trail winds through the redwoods, over the soft hillocks beneath them. Suddenly, it comes into a clearing. The sun is low, and fog seems to have rolled in. In the distance is the sound of the surf hitting the rocks and cliffs…or so it seems. But there seems to be more. The fog slowly congeals into a humanoid form, seemingly that of a person of indeterminate gender, in a black robe, a cowl drawn over it's head. The figure isn't much taller than either Elena or Sheba, but there's a sense of power about it. "Hold… What do we have here?"

Elena gulps, she has met this one before. Or she suspects so. The Dweller on the Threshold out to challenge anyone who wants into the planes. She prepares herself for his challenge with some controlled breathing. "It is Elena and her friend Sheba. We are out to meet the horned mistress, Unicorn, for her wisdom.", she then says to the foggy shape. Her hand clasping a bit stronger on Sheba's.

Although you can't see his face (for the voice is definitely masculine this time,) you get the feeling that the Dweller is smiling. "And what do you seek, little Unicorn? Do you still feel guilty for what your parents have done, how they've raped the Mother, all in the name of profit? Do you still feel like you can't ever live down, Victoria? Do you still seek to trade the Wallinger legacy of destruction, to assuage your own shame?"

Elena grits her teeth at those accusations and blushes a bit as these names are given. "I have no need to feel guilty for the deeds of my family. I have pledged myself to the Mother out of my own free will. They still follow their misguided paths. I have nothing to do with them anymore. Even if they won't accept it yet. I am Elena now. Sister of the Coven of the White Dawn. Victoria is a name of the past.", she then replies.

The dweller turns to face Sheba. "And you, I remeber well. The slut Cat. You with three wives, and innumerable lovers. But do you still crave the poison of the poppy? What would you do to attain it? Go back to that place, laying on your back and spreading your legs, to get it, to lose yourself in it's oblivion?"

Elena squeezes Sheba's hand as those accusations are thrown her way. She knows how hard the cat shaman fights to get over those shadows of her past.

Sheba clenches her jaw. "I am not proud of my past. You know that as well as anything. And I have to struggle every day, to resist the need for the drugs. But that part of my life is behind me. There, I had no choice. I was a thing. Now, I have free will. Yes, I have many lovers, but they are of my choosing. Do not speak of these things any more. They are past.

+ Threshold tests

The Dweller's cowl seems to nod. "Well spoken. Well spoken indeed. You may proceed onward, and seek your goals." His voice seems to fade, even as the fog becomes thicker, and the dweller disappears into it…

Amalthea

Elena sighs as she sees the dweller disappear, all too aware that she had been close to pannicking and running away. A thing she knew would have ended her friend alone on the planes forced to complete the quest without her. She squeezes Sheba's hand again and moves on.

Sheba smiles and squeezes back. "Lead the way, dear. This is your show, after all." The path continues through the fog, the smell of ocean breezes growing stronger.

Elena nods and smiles. She walks on, for now unconcerned about any troubles. Sheba will never have seen her that relaxed and never as happy. She looks curiously around this primal forest unable to believe she is allowed to walk in such a natural habitat, much greener and more fragrant than any mundane wood would be. Even the natural smell of decaying wood a pleasure to the unicorn shamans senses.

The path leads deep into the woods, the sequoyas becoming larger, if that's even possible. The sounds of birds echo through the almost primal forest…only to be interrupted by a woman's voice from up ahead. "No. Please… I don't have the money to give you now…"

Elena frowns as she hears talk about money in such a wonderfull place she moves ahead to see what is going on there. Her hand still on Sheba, dragging the cat shaman alkong with her unconciously.

Sheba acks, as she's dragged along, but runs. Up ahead, in a clearing, there is a ragged looking elf woman, seemingly somewhere between Sheba and Elena in age. She huddles on the ground, next to a worn sleeping bag. A small fire ring , the embers of a campfire is nearby. Standing over her is a tall, ugly man, dressed in flannel shirts and blue jeans, with heavy work boots. They don't seem to be threatening her physically, but are definitely menacing her.

"This is my land, elf bitch. If you want to stay here, you pay. You don't have the money, I'll take it out of you another way." He practically leers at her…

Elena practically growls at that, "No you don't!", she calls out. "This is not /your/ land. All of the land is the Mother. And though she allows us to live on her nurturing body you cannot own her. Begone or face the consequences of your actions. I am not letting you harras this woman just for being poor."

The man turns, and more than just practically leers at the new arrivals. "Oh? And who's to say that it's NOT my land, Chica? Maybe I'll just have to charge you a toll as well….unless you got something else to offer…"

Sheba takes a breath, and seems about to say something, but then can't seem to bring herself to speak. However, her eyes do narrow as she watches the man, although she doesn't do anything.

Elena's eyes are ablaze with anger, "If you dare to go for someone who's stronger than a poor beggar. But you are obviously thinking you are the strongest there is. Or is it merely an overdose of male hormones that make you think a woman is nothing but an object of your lust? I am fed up with your kind of guys. Begone or prove that you are more than just haughty words." She stands there proud and stern, the little horn on her brow shining with her anger. Unicorn for sure would be proud for her the way she stands there in her innocent anger. Just out to help an innocent.

The man smirks, and comes closer, although he pauses a few feet away. "And just WHY should I leave? Because you say so, little girl? You ain't my boss."

Elena tilts her head, "Well … who is your boss then? I'd be quite willing to settle it with him if you are too small a cog in the machinations of your … organization to handle this. But surely one as strong and decisive as you can handle a minor situation that merely involves a poor beggar without needing to ask the big boss? Yes? And who knows maybe one day you will be glad to have let her go. Fate is a wonderfull thing. And the Mother teaches us that every deed we do comes back threefold at us. So hurt her or me and you might be cursed three times. Be good to us and you'll be blessed three times.", she then talks on, talking quick in the hopes to avoid physuical conflict, while still determined not to let the beggar be without help.

+ Test of this place: Intimidation?

The man furrows his brow for a moment. He's obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed, and it takes a few moments for it to trickle through the bone, but he finally scowls, and stalks off. "This ain't worth it. All this mumbo-jumbo and magic drek…" He shakes his head, and disappears off into the woods…

The elf girl looks up. "Thank you… I was afraid of what he was going to do to me…"

Elena smiles at the girl, "It is okay to be afraid. You can bet I was afraid now. I would not have liked to make a wrestling contest with him.", she says looking to where the man disappeared. "You still should better leave here, lest he comes back and tries to continue where he left off…" She offers a helping hand to the beggar. "I am Elena by the way."

The girl takes the offered hand, as she stands. As far as elves go, she's actually tiny, little taller than Sheba. Beneath the grime and the rags, she's very lovely, if thin. "I'm Amalthea… I don't know how I could ever repay you…

Elena shakes her head, "I didn't do this for pay or reward.", she says. "It was my sense for justice and good that made me act. This was simply wrong and I was not going to watch while you suffered. But … I am looking for the way to the realm of my guardian. It is rumored that she lives in these woods somewhere. Can you perhaps give me a hint how to meet Unicorn?"

Amalthea nods slowly. "They say that, for those who seek her, the path will open to those who's hearts are pure, and who's spirit is noble." She blinks, and pushes a strand of white-blonde hair from her forehad.
She does continue. "However, they say that the most direct path is that direction." The forest is heavy, dark in the direction she indicates.

The Gargoyle

Elena nods to the elf, "Yes, I guess such would be said… I hope that I can be noble and pure enough to satify her requirements, then." Getting the directions she bows to the elf, "I thank you Almathea. You have been a great help for me. Then walking without hesitation down the offered path.

Sheba follows Elena, shooting Almathea a reassuring smile, before she looks forward, down the path, squeezing Elena's hand. "How are you feeling, dear? Are you doing all right?" She takes a breath, and continues, not waiting yet for a response. "Something doesn't feel right about this place…"

Elena nods, "Yes, I too thought so… Probably some darker forces that linger here. But so far I am quite alright. How are you?", she then asks the cat shaman. "You seemed about to interfere before… I am sorry to have dragged you into this. You might have not liked a situation like that. But … I could not let Almathea be raped."

Sheba shakes her head. "Of course not, sweetness. And I couldn't either…but I can't act here, not unless you do." She sighs.

Elena nods to that, "Yes, my teachers at the university taught me that there are strange laws on the planes. And that no visit would be like the other… I hope I can keep you out of too much trouble, then…", she says softly and hugging

Sheba she places a shy kiss on her friends cheek. "It is good to know you are with me though."
Sheba smiles at the kiss, then suddenly freezes. "Hold on a moment, dear…" She frowns. "Wait here… Something's wrong." She starts to move ahead, and vanishes forward into the darkness of the woods…

Elena frowns as Sheba so suddenly disappears, "Sheba? Are you alright?", she asks after a little wait. Looking around nervously.

Sheba doesn't answer. Indeed, even the sounds of the forest creatures fade away, even as the darkness seem to close in further about you…

Elena gasps as she realizes that the darkness seems to close in. She does not dare to run, lest Sheba will not find her again. "Sheba?", she then calls out louder, "Are you okay Sheba? Do you need help?" The little horn of her astral shape the only light she has with her. And it's only good to light her face, making it even more visible in the darkness.

The darkness draws in closer, and there is a sound now, other than your voice and the echoes. A fluttering, rustling sound, like that of a huge bird moving in the branches high above you. "Ah.. A sweet morsel, just right as a snack." The voice is hoarse, shrill, as though that of an old woman, and comes from above you, where the rustling is…

Elena looks around to see where that voice comes from, her stubborn spirit refusing to just give in to another threat. "Show yourself and fight for your 'morsel', then. I am not intending to give up easily. And I have faced a few threats in my time. But I doubt you'd have the courage. Otherwise you'd not need darkness to hide in."

The rustling stops, and what feels like a wind dives past you. Suddenly, before you, a hideous old woman, her hair long and stringy, her body bare, nothing covering her sagging breasts, leans forward, licking her lips. "Courage you think you have, girl? Courage to face me, a creature of the night?

Elena nods, "I have gone through darkness dark one. And yet I still follow the lead of my beloved guardian. Do you think I will change that for a little danger as you?", she asks sternly. Her jaw clenched as she prepares for the worst to come, maybe even her own doom. "If I die, then I do defending my ideals, loyal to my cause. What would you die for?", she asks.

The hag leans in closer, and now, it becomes evident that, instead of arms, she has wings. Black, ragged wings. Below her waist, she has the body of a large bird, her feathers falling out. "Die? Little one, I cannot die. Not like these others. These poor, pitiful things." The darkness pulls away. Surrounding you, in this clearing, there are several creatures. A great, terrifying manticore, a saytr of mythology, leering at you, a huge, great serpent that seems to twine through the roots of a huge tree, easily the biggest one in the clearing. But, as you look, you see the truth, see through the illusions surrounding them. The Manticore? An old, toothless lion. The Saytr? A sad ape, it's foot deformed. The serpent? A mere snake, slithering about… The Harpy grins, a gruesome, disgusting sight, her teeth rotten, her breath foul. "She who brought us here keeps them, shows them off to fools who believe the illusion. But me? She fears me. For she knows that, should I regain my freedom, I will destroy her…

Elena blinks at the sight, then looks around, "Then let /her/ fear you. I don't fear you. You are just part of the Mother as all the others are. If in a different way." She stays at her place. Wary to the harpies next move. It's frightening to be so close to this beast. Especially since she just lately had an encounter with one on the mundane plane. A painfull encounter.

+ Test of this place: Strength of Will?

The Harpy cackles, sounding almost like the traditional stereotype of a wicked witch. "You're a strone one, little morsel. Perhaps I'll let you be for now, let you grow stronger, more flavorful." She beats her wings, and takes off into the darkness above. The darkness seems to disappear with her, leaving you alone in the clearing with the poor creatures, wrapped in their illusions.

Elena sighs as she sees the poor animals. She lets them be for now. None of them a threat or even endangering someone. But she looks out for Sheba, frowning as she calls out for the cat shaman, "Sheba?"

Sheba still doesn't answer. However, the path continues before you. With the darkness gone, it no longer seems as forboding. However, it's still somewhat dark, as night seems to be falling. Suddenly, from behind you comes a blood curdling scream, that of an old woman, the voice echoing terror and pain. It seems that the Harpy has found her prey.

Elena sighs, "Poor woman… But I cannot stay here…", she mumbles. "I need to find Sheba somewhere else…", she says and moves down the path visible to her. "Maybe I can see her down there… That was where she walked down."

There is still no sign of Sheba. The forest is becoming darker, as night settles in, but before long, in the distance, you see the glow of what is obviously a campfire. The voices of several men can be heard, rough sounding, but jovial.

Cully's men

Elena is a bit worried. She is still on her quest and Sheba is gone? Hopefully the shaman didn't fail this part of her quest… She sighs as she moves on down the path and carefully moves to the campfire. "Hello…", she greets the men, "Is there place for a weary traveller?", she asks them.

Well, actually, there is a sign of Sheba now. She's sitting at the fire, looking a bit nervous, but not in any danger. She does smile when she sees you. She's accompanied by five people. One a large, rough looking ork. The second more non-descript human. The third is a dwarf with a long scar on one side of his face. The fourth is a rangy elf, who seems to have had one ear shot partially off. The fifth man, apparently the leader, is a portly human, middle aged, his red goatee streaked with gray. He grins when he sees Elena, and speaks. "Please join us. There's room for more. Moll, bring another bowl of the soup for our latest guest. Never let it be said that Cully's hospitality is bare!"

Elena nods and moving over to the fire she says, "Thank you sir. Towards the man." She sits down beside Sheba, her hand clasping hers as she sits down, "Good to see you. I had a slightly disturbing exerience waiting for you… Didn't you hear me call?"

Sheba shakes her head, and seems about to speak when a shrill voice from behind comes out. A skinny human woman, her dirty blonde hair cut short. "Cully, you are an idiot. We ain't got enough to feed ourselves, much less these two strays you've picked up! The soup's practically water already." She glares at both the women, but there's no malice in it.
Sheba whispers "No… I didn't hear you call. I got lost in the darkness, and was stumbling around when I ran into the ork over there."

Elena shakes her head, "No… it's okay. All we ask for is a little place to rest our weary limbs at. We'll be gone soon enough…", she says to the Cully and the woman.

Cully shakes his head. "That's enough, Molly. I know we ain't got much, but what we got, we share." He turns to the elf. "Now, Will, how about a story? Let's give these pretty ladies some entertainment with their dinner…

Elena sighs, "Really Mr. Cully. There is no need to make a fuss about us. We're just here for the rest and some warmth at the fire.", she says to the man. Her hand is holding to Shebas as she says that, her trying to be more confident than she feels with this ragged group of men around.

The elf seems about to start speaking, when Molly chimes in. "Story about brave Cully, the man who steals from the poor because he don't dare go after the corporations? Some runner you are. You like t' think of yourself like a Robin Hood, but you ain't able to even bring yourself to try and run against a corp." She shakes her head again. "Now, Robin Hood… I'd be so happy to go with a man like him. And wouldn't the rest of you?" She looks at the elf. "Will, how can you keep tellin' them stories he writes for you, when you know how full of drek they are? And you, Dick?" This time, she looks at the nondescript man. "Why'd you join up? Because he gave you a contract? He ain't even signed it!

Elena for now lets the woman named Molly talk. No need to get too much attention in all of this. Sometimes not getting seen or heard ist the better part.

Cully stands and roars. "Enough! You'd go with a myth? A creation of legends and history? A mere illusion, figments of your imagination? Well, that's all well and good, but a spell can't feed you. An illusion can't keep the rain from chilling you to the bone.

As she listens, Sheba's eyes narrow, and she leans over to whisper to Elena.
Sheba whispers "They seem pretty dissatisfied. Perhaps we should try something to calm them?"

Elena nods and rising to her feet she, blushing, starts to speak, "Well, me and my friend would be more than glad to prove that magic is more than illusions, thus I would like to offer you the help of my humble healing magic. After all the runners business is dangerous and there surely are wounded among you, or not?", she says.

The ork nods, slowly, and limps forward. It's obvious that he's been cut along the shin, and he settles down near Elena. "It ain't gonna hurt, is it, pretty lady?

Elena ponders that, "Usually it's feeling good if I heal someone…", she says. "But older wounds or those that still have bullets in them can hurt a bit… How old is this?"

Cully speaks up. "Poor Jack's been limpin' on that foot for going on a week now.

Elena nods, "Let me see if I can heal it, then…", she says to the ork. Her mental senses taking in the wound and then calling for her magic to heal the orks leg.

+ This places Test: Healing Magic

Jack looks down at Elena, his expression greatful. "Thank you, Miss," he says, politely. Cully smiles as well. As for food,
Molly finally brings the soup, which is far more than water, and quite good…
Elena just smiles back at the man and when she gets her part of the soup takes it with an gratefull smile. Eating all up.

Cully smiles. "You done good for poor Jack, m'dear. Please, both of you stay with us tonight, before you continue your journey. If there's any way we can help, just ask…"

Elena nods to the man gratefully, "Thank you sir. We're just on the lookout for the Unicorn woods. You might not by chance know the way there?", she asks him. Her leaning against the cat shaman a bit tiredly.

Cully shakes his head. "Lookin' for the Unicorn? Well, last I heard, she was down at the shore. But there's only an old, abandoned house there, and ain't no way to get down." He shrugs. "I wish I could help you more, but…"

All of the sudden, Molly interrupts. "I… I heard there may be a way down. But all I know about it is a riddle…" She takes a breath. "When the wine drinks itself, when the skull speaks, when the clock strikes the right time. Only then will you find the tunnel that leads to the shore, and to Unicorn…" She goes silent…

Elena smiles softly, "Well… I don't know what that means… but I want to thank you nonetheless.", she says to Molly. She falls asleep against Sheba, her last thought a wondering, "How can I be tired when I am on an astral quest…?" Then darkness overcomes her.

Sheba drifts off next to Elena… The next morning, when both women awaken, the clearing is empty, but for them, the remaining embers of the fire, and an empty wine bottle…

The skull

Elena, waking yawning and rubbing her eyes to get awake stretches a bit. Then she looks around to see whether she is able to see where they can go on. She just waits for Sheba to get ready.

Sheba yawns, and smiles at you. "Did you sleep well, dear?" She disappears behind a bush for a few moments, then comes back out. Her eyes find the wine bottle. "Hmmm. Elena….what was that riddle again? When the wine drinks itself?

Elena nods, "Hmmm… you are right… We better take this with us…", she says, then jokingly hands you the empty bottle with the words, "Want some wine dear lady of the cat?"

Sheba giggles, and kisses your cheek, before she takes your hand. "But of course, my dear beautiful Unicorn

Elena giggles at that, then holding your hand she pockets the bottle to go on along the path that's open to them.

Sheba grins, and lets you lead the way. As the path goes on, the smell of the ocean becomes stronger, until you come out of the woods, and towards the cliffs overlooking the ocean. The breakers below crash over rocks and into the base of the cliffs, with occasional narrow strips of beach. The path turns, and runs for some distance along the top of the cliffs, until you come to a large, abandoned house. The door is flanked by two statues, one a young, handsome looking man, the other a gnarled old man. The door is open…

Elena ponders that, "What a strange place…", she says, eyeing those two statues over for a little while. But then she walks into the house, if nothing keeps her from doing so. "I wonder why my path to unicorn would lead me here…", she says.

Sheba shakes her head as she follows you. "I have no idea, dear. This is one of the most bizaare astral quests I've ever been on, and considering I've been to the heart of the Seductress' domain…" She looks around, then starts as she spots something. "Elena, look!" She points at a tall grandfather clock, the pendulum still moving, but the second hand running backwards. On a shelf next to the clock, there sits a skull.

Elena nods, "Well… guess we're on the right path still…" She then moves to the skull, then asks, "Well we have the bottle, so how to make a skull speak?", she asks Sheba then.

Actually, that seems to be no problem. Upon hearing a voice, the eyeholes of the skull light up. "Wow! Look at the babes!" It may seem to be impossible for a skull to leer, but this one manages it! "Hey, cuties. Wanna give a show? I've been stuck here for so long, with absolutely NO female companionship."

Elena tilts her head, then asks the skull, "Well… this all depends… What do I get for offering a 'show'?" She examines the thing wondering. But not really doing more for now.

"Or better asked… what would an old skull as you have to offer for it?", she adds.

The skull coughs. "Well, that all depends. But first, do you have anything to drink? My throat's parched, and I haven't had any wine in forever!" Now, how could a throat that doesn't exist be parched?

Elena blinks to that, "Well, I might be willing to part with our wine…", she looks thoughtfully at the bottle, "But why should I hand it to you? It would all go to waste… No… no… I think I'll keep it for poor thirsty Sheba here…", she says.

The skull practically whines, the orange lights in it's eye sockets somehow managing to give a pleading look. "Hey, you're looking for Unicorn? I can tell you how to find her.

Elena tilts her head, "Well… tell me what you know and I might consider giving you the bottle. If your information serves me."

The skull starts to speak, only to go into a coughing fit. "Oh, come *cough* on… I *cough* can't tell you what *cough* you want to know if I'm *hack* coughing like this.

Elena sighs, then with a look at Sheba hands the skull the bottle. It's empty off course, but she didn't tell that the skull, "How will you drink it though… you have no throat no more…"

The skull doesn't seem concerned. In fact, it seems to have things well in hand. The orange lights in the eye sockets float out, then what practically looks like a galaxy of orange motes follow, gathering in front of the skull for a moment, then flowing into the bottle. "Oh, this is delicious… The best vintage, easily from the twentieth century!" After a few minutes, the motes flow back out of the bottle and into the skull.

Elena nods, "So… you wanted to tell me something…", she says. "And I am getting impatient waiting for answers…", she says to the skull. What is it you wanted to tell me?"

The skull seems to think for a moment. "Oh! Yes. You're looking for Unicorn. Just walk through the clock. It's an illusion.

Elena smiles, then replies. "Thank you.", as she moves over to the clock, dragging sheba on that hand behind her. She seems excited hoping that she finally is at her aim.

The Red Troll

Sheba seems completely bewildered as you drag her to, then through the clock, and into a narrow passage. Stairs lead down, the passage winding. After a time, the corridor opens into a large cavern. Unfortunately, there seems to be someone there. A familiar someone. It's the scroungy man who was menacing Amalthea earlier. "Hello, Chicas. I was wondering when you'd get here…

Elena sighs as she sees the man, "Oh, really? Still out to get money?", she asks slightly angered. Looking to see what is ahead of her and this time preparing for battle for real.

+ Places test: Combat

The man grins. "It ain't money I'm lookin' for. And, Chica, I'd say you bit off more than you can chew…" Suddenly, he starts to grow, and grow, until he's about seven feet tall. His skin turns red, the red of blood from an old wound, and his features change, turning from human into those of a troll, horns sprouting from his head. His grin is evil, malignant…
A spell is hurled Elena's way and slaps down into her body and the surrounds. Powerball being an area spell. Hitting the unicorn and the cat shaman.

Sheba grimaces at the hit, but there's a good side to it. The kid gloves are off now. She hauls off, and sends a Stunbolt into the troll, staggering him again, but still not taking him down.

Elena is hit badly by that spell. Visible only by her bleeding nose. She does blink the pain away, though there is no way she will give in now, after all the things she went through. And that troll is /not/ going to stop her. She focusses on the man and slams a hard Stunbolt into him, her little horn now glowing red with her anger. It's tiring her even more but the troll collapses, making her croak out in triumph.

When the troll collapses, another passage becomes visible at the back of the cavern, which had been obscured by him. The sound of the crashing waves is coming from it, and loudly.

Sheba is shaken herself, a nasty bruise already starting to appear on her right arm, and a trickle of blood coming from her nose as well. "Are you all right, Elena," she asks, as she goes over to her friend…

Elena stumbles on. She is still bleeding out of her nose, but she is not going to stop now… This guy has been protecting something and the words of that riddle would indicate that she is at her aim… Though why she would hear the sea there is not really clear to her. "I am okay…", she says. "Lets see if that riddle was right…"

Sheba nods, and shakes her head, as she's a bit woozy at the moment, while letting you lead the way

Elena moves on, taking her friends hand, "Thank you for all we shared here…", she says to the cat shaman and moves on.

Happy end

Sheba nods, and follows. The passage winds for a short distance, before opening out onto a narrow beach. The surf is crashing onto the sand, and running up to cover the feet of a delicate, feminine figure. While her clothing is different (she now wears a simple white dress, like the ones Elena and Sheba are wearing,) and she's far cleaner, it's Amalthea. She smiles as she turns, and sees the two women arrive.

Elena blinks as she sees the elf again. "Are we still not through?", she asks awed by the sight of the crashing waves and the now much cleaner elf. She almost drinks the sight of the sea in, wondering what is going to happen now…
Almathea shakes her head. "No, brave child. You have reached your goal." She slowly walks up the sand, and stretches out her hands, reaching for Elena's. As she does, a horn, similar to the one from Elena's forehead, appears, glowing brightly. "I welcome you to my dwelling. What is it that you seek?

Elena smiles, "I come at your request. To find the enlightening to gain in strength. Strength that I need to fight for your righteous cause on the physical plane…", she says falling to her knees before her spiritual guardian.

Unicorn nods, and smiles down at Elena, one hand gently stroking the girl's hair. "A request that I will most willingly grant. You have shown me your bravery, your selflessness, and your wisdom this day. You have proven through your actions that you are worthy of the enlightenment and strength that you seek, and shown that you will use it well, to protect and to heal, as is the charge of all who walk with me." She then turns to Sheba, and smiles. "And you, friend Cat. This was not your quest, yet you willingly came with my daughter, to aid her. That is unusual for those who walk with my silent sister. What do you seek?"

Sheba shakes her head. "Fair lady, I seek nothing. Elena, your daughter, is my friend….no. She is family to me. I came to aid her in her quest. I ask no favor of you."

Elena rises to her feet after that and walks over to Sheba, "She is like a sister to me. She deserves a reward, but if she demands nothing else, then she will gain me as her sister in spirit. Would you fair lady…", and she turns to Unicorn, "… would you be so kind to be witness of that pledge to her?"

Unicorn nods. "Young Cat, you have truly earned this reward. Your loyalty to my Daughter have shown me that you truly are her sister, in spirit, if not in fact. I gladly witness this pledge."

Sheba swallows, and bows her head, a smile on her face, as she reaches for Elena's hand, squeezing it gently. "Thank you, Fair Lady. I…I am honored indeed by this. As Elena has pledged our sisterhood in spirit, so do I pledge likewise."

Elena smiles and then turns to her guardian, to learn what must be learned to be taught what must be observed and to find out what responsibilites come with that knowledge. She only reluctantly lets go of her friend, but now they both are save.
And she has duties to attend to.

Ages later, or so it might seem, she opens her eyes, blinking puzzled into the light of day. Night has passed while she and
Sheba where on the astral. And now she has to hurry for a quite 'mundane' problem.

Sheba needs to as well, as it's not only been hours, but days (four in point of fact.) She lets you take the bathroom off the bedroom, and runs downstairs to the one in the back of the store, returning a few minutes later…

The end … or is it?
page revision: 4, last edited: 30 Jul 2011 20:54
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