Into the Darkness [Yuna+Veinexes 1x1]

[Veinexes]

The party has stopped for rest on an outcropping of stone, behind them lie a cliff-face that had been instrumental in deciding on this as their resting place. The cold stone prison of earth that was the Underdark had been unforgiving to not only the groups physical, but mental health. The very stone and fungus that pervaded the area seemed against them as the lack of sun drained at their morale. The was not totally unprepared for this dangerous journey. The knight and ranger seemed eager to go into the black murkiness of the earth, The wizard had not been so keen on the idea, and had not been quiet in her opinion of what to do. Faux had signed on late as the groups guide, he was a druid well traveled in at least the upper layers of the Underdark. However these fools had decided to go even deeper, he should just leave them all here to rot. He shook his head to dispel those thoughts, he'd told them what to do to stay alive so far. Camping on this cliff would ensure that attacks could only come from one direction, in front of them. The cliff to their backs was both a danger and a shield, he hoped the latter more then the first.

The fires crackled softly as the others had gone to sleep, Faux took the watch for them. the smoldering fire pit offered some illumination, but only to a certain point. He worried more for them now though, and wondered how they could sleep so soundly, after all they were now trespassing deeper then one should in this world of caverns.

 

[LadyYunaFFX2]

Elari Hasar

Drow, in general, had a few customs of sorts. One was usually avoiding leaving the Underdark. Then again, they didn't usually have any incentives to ever leave. There were however, at times, the select 'idiots' whom dared to venture in. They usually wound up dead soon enough ... but there were tales of a few whom could actually put up a hell of a fight. Still, the end verdict was all most Drow cared for and more often than not, Lolth always found a way to aid out the residents of the Underdark.

The second eldest daughter of the Hasar family had felt something. Yes, felt ... and almost literally too. Unlike most other Drow, she hadn't gone done the Priestess route. Perhaps the better wording was ever since she had felt her Psionic abilities awaken years ago, it seemed pointless for her to bother. She focused on attempting to self-teach herself those - along with a few 'shady' skills - to aid her out for times when she needed to fight. Thus far, it had not only helped, but been quite rewarding. It made all the time and effort of the self-teachings very well worth it. Most people could be mentally crushed or have their throats slit so fast, they wouldn't know what had hit them.

But the new presence ... what had intrigued her the most was the number. It wasn't only one person. No ... it was several. They were a bit ways off; but the fact that they still were in the Underdark at all was what had gotten her attention. Silently tapping the hilt of her dagger, she contemplated. She should inform her Mother and eldest sister, she knew. But why? They both always got to do all the fun. More than that ... if she wasted too much time, she would probably lose track of them.

Making an excuse and saying, instead, she would head out to gather ingredients she headed out once she got dismissed. Continuing to let her 'sixth sense' of sorts guide her, she soon found them from afar. Oh? All humans? She mused silently, an intrigued smirk crossing her lips. Most would outright attack. She wouldn't ... yet. First, she wanted to try to figure out what in the nine layers made them bold enough to do such a task as entering the Underdark. Assuming, to begin with, they had a reason.

Still, she was never one to allow herself to be caught completely off-guard either. Pulling her dagger out, she kept it held firmly in her right hand and at the ready. Keeping to the shadows, she would wait for one of them to speak up ... and explain their presence here.

 

[Veinexes]

Faux threw a few more pieces of dry timber onto the fire to bring back the light as much as he could, prodding the pit with his staff as he sighed. "We're leaving tomorrow, that's for sure. I'm not getting paid enough to take these fools to much deeper..." As he spoke a slight movement from his arm made him look down as he saw his pet circling his hand as if trying to reassure him. The small snake flicked it's tongue out before retreating to a pocket on his jacket, he was glad he had gotten it enchanted earlier to allow his companion a resting place.

Retaking his position as lookout he walked off towards the shadows, stopping short of them and began to circle the camp, using his staff as a walking stick and for balance. How he had wished they had a dwarf or some other mountain dweller with them, not being able to see anything past a certain point was very unnerving for him.

 

[LadyYunaFFX2]

Elari Hasar

... A guide for the others then? Seeking what though? It was enough to almost make her laugh aloud. They had nothing; well nothing humans would be stupid enough to go form parties and seek out. The 'typical' items were usually legendary or powerful magical items of all forms; weapons, jewelry ... pretty much anything one could think of. But there almost none of those types of things here so ... what was bringing them down?

Natural curiosity seemed ... even stupider. Almost impossible in fact. But ... she had heard it to be possible. Her head shook as she gazed from human to human. They're too organized for something that simple. It is a specific thing ... person maybe. But it isn't random ... Damn her father .... she knew it was the source of her curiosity.

... Really? No torches? Her amused smirk widened more. Maybe they were as foolish as she had thought to begin with. Ah well ... it'd make this investigating so much easier for herself. Watching one of the humans begin to try to navigate himself around with his staff, let her crimson eyes fall upon the figure as she silently studied his every move.

 

[Veinexes]

Stopping slightly he felt as if he was being watched, not a strange feeling in this place. The shiver in his spine felt unnatural, "Ugh, this barren land is taxing on us all it seems." Opening his palm he closed his eyes beginning to chant. Just a small amount of magic began to erupt from the ground making a small sprout grew as he smiled leaning down to inspect it. A sigh escaped his lips as he picked it up before beginning to turn on his way back to the campfire.

Why had those fools set out without enough supplies, at least a few sunrods or more torches. It was quite unfortunate, they wanted to explore the dark with the least amount of money spent.

 

[LadyYunaFFX2]

Elari Hasar

This would perhaps be one of the few times she wouldn't mind being a Priestess; to alter herself and get closer. As it was, though, she would probably be shot on sight. She wouldn't be foolish enough to make such a stupid move and give her guard up. Her eyes went from the man to the new plant he seemed to create. .... Druid ... They weren't at all common in occupations in the Underground. However, a few of the previous 'invaders' had been them, so she knew of them.

Noting him finally leaving - and heading off towards somewhere else - she began following behind the Druid. He had hinted enough he wasn't even the main reason for the humans being here. So ... she would need to hear it from one of the others anyways. Keeping her footsteps as light as possible, she continued following behind the druid.

 

[Veinexes]

He continued walking before stopping short, "Oh god not now... Looking around he placed his staff down and began to run a few feet past the lit area as he looked for a rock to duck behind. letting out a sigh of relief when he was sure he was out of sight he began answering the call he had gotten, it seems nature down here was as strong and demanding as ever.

Back at the camp the fire had continued to burn, the shadows dancing from the flames as the others slept, the Wizard had been the only one who tossed and turned in her sleep, she just couldn't get comfortable on the ground. What was wrong with just going someplace with a warm bed and bath waiting? Her sleep continued to drift in and out, she would turn and toss trying to find comfort in her sleeping bag.

 

[LadyYunaFFX2]

Elari Hasar

Elari's head quickly turned ... keeping her head away from the druid as he replied to his call. She had some honor and that ... would be one. Waiting for tell-tale hints that he was done first, she then turned back around, remaining close behind her hiding spot. The hints of a fireplace suggested to be careful; not because of the source, per se. But it gave off shadows ... ones she wouldn't be able to hide within. Then again, if worst came to worst, she could be prepared. It had been one good reason she had kept her dagger held and at the ready.

Seeing a female figure tossing and turning, she realized that her curiosities probably wouldn't be able to get answered. Not if all the people whom had really wanted to arrive here were passed out already. Mentally cursing, she tried to see if any of the others whom could hint their true reasons for being here to begin with even conscious. Otherwise ... there would be no point in remaining.

 

[Veinexes]

Sitting back near the fire the hours passed druid prodded the embers keeping the fire up as much as he could as the others slept,the flames seemed to sway slowly as he felt himself begin to pass out. He shook his head fighting it, but the long day had gotten to him and soon he was asleep.

The wizard woke a few moments afterwards and shook her head at the sleeping form,"Damned wilders, they could sleep anywhere." Her own sleep not satisfying she looked around in the darkness, letting her eyes adjust as much as they could before pulling out a small book as the runes inside glowed a light blue. She seemed to be reading it over trying to figure out something, looking up every now and then "We have to be close now don't we? We've gone down far enough haven't we?"

 

[LadyYunaFFX2]

Elari Hasar

She had been ready to leave... before the wizard finally began to speak. Though ... whom to? She didn't see anyone else nearby. Still, it was a lead finally and she would take it. ... Far down? So it probably is a person, place or thing ... Remaining silent, she bit down on her lower lip at the sight of the book and runes glowing. The easiest way to begin to understand it would see about establishing a link. But casters always had good will power, priests and wizards especially. She'd be found out faster than she desired.

The fire was still remaining ... though not nearly as strong as it had been. That seemed to be her biggest advantage at the moment. Now the real question ... would it be worth the risk? Part of her said yes; the other no. Maybe if the wizard didn't have the book open ... the light would ruin any chance she had to remain safely in the shadows. Cursing lowly, she decided to keep her distance for the time being still.

 

[Veinexes]

Studying the book again she closed it lying back down and holding it close to her as she tried to rest. She would be useless without her spells, and the rest she had gotten was not enough to recover her spells. She hoped that tomorrow they would finally reach their destination, she wanted to get home as soon as possible.

 

[LadyYunaFFX2]

Elari Hasar

A frown crossed Elari's lips. That book .. would probably be the best source of information. But, of course, the damn wizard kept it close. Waiting for the tell-tale hint of her chest rising and falling, only then would she begin to move forward. Kneeling in front of the now sleeping - she was, right? Double checking to make sure she was indeed unconscious first, she then laid her hands upon the cover of the book. Making sure she first had a firm grip on it, she then slowly - and steadily - began trying to pull it away.

 

[Veinexes]

The book slipped out easily as the Drow pulled it up from the wizards grasp. A hand grabbed her arm as a few words were spoken before a large jolt of electricity shot up through her arm.

 

[LadyYunaFFX2]

Elari Hasar

"...Son of a!" Hissing and wincing from the shock, she at least kept her grip on her dagger --- even if that did make things worse due to the electricity. Simultaneously, one thing was obvious enough. The source was either the wizard or someone else close enough; though unless the latter was somehow invisible, she was leaning towards the mage.

Then again .... it wouldn't matter whom when all was said and done. After all, they didn't belong. She had started this ... and she would see about ending this. Regardless of whether the mage had shocked her or not ... she wouldn't take the chance. Reaching for one of the female's arms, she aimed to toss her out of their sleeping place. She'd be easiest to carry and drag....

 

[Veinexes]

She had hoped that the first jolt was enough to knock her out, unfortunately the Drow seemed to be tougher then any normal thief she had encountered. The strength she had was also not expected as she was able to fling the girl from her sleeping area. "Ugh.. damn it." She began chanting again hoping that the spell would work to alert the others to their new invader.

 

[LadyYunaFFX2]

Elari Hasar

... Tch, the hell with this ... There was no point in holding back anymore. The mage wasn't going to - after all - so why should she? Closing her eyes, she began focusing on her own 'chanting' of sorts. Psionics, thankfully enough, only really required concentration; not the need to verbally speak aloud. The equivalent of a hammer lock - though instead of against an arm, on her mind - would soon begin to be felt.

 

[Veinexes]

The spell stopped halfway as she clutched her head "Ngh!" she tried to move away thinking that after leaving a certain area will negate the power. She scampered behind a rock to hide, begining to start up again, a more offensive attack this time then the simple alarm from earlier.

 

[LadyYunaFFX2]

Elari Hasar

... A rock? Really? Inwardly chuckling, she ran after the lithe body. Common wasn't her best language; but she did still know of it. And from the words she had tried to use not long ago to the ones she was trying to do now, she could at least tell it would be different. This didn't mean, however, she wanted to find out all the same. Getting behind the mage, she went to press the blade against her throat. Shifting to a tone she probably knew with how common it was - Elven - she began speaking lowly, "Quit the chanting and come with me ... or I'll just start getting rid of your group, beginning with you and working on the others ... "

 

[Veinexes]

Stopping short of her spell as the knife silenced her speech, she listened to the ultimatum. She knew more then the other did about why they were really down here and thought about what she would do now. She couldn't let this Drow know what was going on, she pulled back jumping backwards into the Drow behind her. The knife cut her slightly from the movement as she winced falling to the ground. She quickly grabbed for the book and lifted it to toss the tome.

 

[LadyYunaFFX2]

Elari Hasar

Holding two things at once was difficult for the less ... muscular people, Elari included. However, the fact the mage did seem dire to get the book made her know she had gone for the right object at least. Now that the mage had eagerly given herself a disadvantage - by receiving a cut - maybe this would begin to go smoother. Watching the mage's movements, she saw what she was beginning to do. Allowing her to re-grab the book, she swung for the woman's palm to make it hard to toss ... especially if she had used her more dominant hand.

 

[Veinexes]

The hit connects as the two watch the book bounce away from them as the Wizard drops it. she begins to scramble for it. rushing in a crawl using both hands and feet to move at the book and reclaim it. The camp grounds are now far behind you both.

 

[LadyYunaFFX2]

Elari Hasar

Not only had the slash connected, but she had gotten some distance finally. Smirking, she flipped the dagger around. Thrusting the blunt end towards the mage, she struck at her, aiming to knock her out.

 

[Veinexes]

As she scrambles she feels the hit squarely, and falls forward in a slump. The book lies a few feet from her reach, it's pages are open and the blue light returns illuminating a nearby cave.

 

[LadyYunaFFX2]

Elari Hasar

"...Finally ... " She murmured lowly, sighing in relief as she saw the woman fall over, her consciousness and grip slip. Putting the dagger away, she got some rope ready for when she was done checking the book out. Keeping the hemp ready in her left hand, she knelt beside the woman and simultaneously in front of the book. Letting her eyes gaze down at the pages, she began trying to read and look for the source of the blue light. Noting the nearby cave, she at least wanted to ensure it was mentioned in this book and ergo mean she even would need to head there to begin with.

 

[Veinexes]

The script in the book seems broken in some parts. you can read sections put not whole ones. The cave is mentioned but not much else afterwards is translated. The wizard shifts slightly, the blow had been enough to knock her out but not or much longer. It seems that she had encrypted the pages of her book somewhat.

Meanwhile~

At the camp the fire is restarted, the blaze can be seen from where you are and you know someone else has awoken.