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The Floating Gardens Magicly infused into the wood, exotic plants grow out of the ship itself. Flora from all over the lands thrives here. The smell of fresh flowers and clean air is both refreshing and delightful. A running fountain in the likeness of Galvatar Xebonn lies directly in the middle of this breathtaking scene. [Exits: west] (Magical) A magical spring flows from the ground here. The sound of someone whistling a merry tune wafts in from somewhere nearby. Riona is sitting here, deep in thoughts. The whistle meanders through the gardens, almost passing her by unnoticed. After a few moments, she blinks her eyes and looks up, eyes scanning her surroundings. Every now and again, the whistling stops, and a cheerful voice hums to itself, 'Dum dee dum... Hmm hmm hmm'. On and on the merry tune goes... Riona rises to her feet and starts moving over towards that voice. She is cautious, wary as she approaches whoever is over there, and yet an amiable smile lingers on her lips. A man in black flies in. A man in black whistles merrily to himself. A man in black says 'Oh, hello!' A man in black says 'I didn't mean to interrupt' 'Good evening,' Riona replies, curtseying low before the black man. Riona shakes her head. 'Not at all, not at all.' A man in black says 'I was just wandering about and...' An enormous, exaggerated grin spreads over the man's face. A man in black says 'Ah!' A man in black says 'You have seen it!' A man in black says 'There's no mistaking that look' A man in black rubs his hands together with glee, 'How wonderful!'. Hands clasped in front of herself, Riona tilts her head slightly to the side and gives the man in black a long, scrutinizing look, her gaze sweeping over his form. You say 'Seen what?' A man in black says 'Come, now' A man in black says 'You know what I mean, there is no mistaking it' The odd fellow can barely contain himself, and does a little skipping jig on the spot. Riona arches a slender eyebrow. 'I have seen much.' A smile creeps up on her face, widening at the man's spontaneous dance. A man in black says 'You have seen It, and It has seen you!' Riona nods her head slowly. A man in black says 'Did It show you things?' In a much higher pitched voice, the man exclaims, 'It showed me things...'. Riona hesitates for a moment, eyes narrowing into thin lines, and then her jaw drops. 'You.. you have seen It as well, then?' Riona asks, 'What did It show you?' A deeper voice, now... and you are not even sure you saw the man's lips moving, 'Oh yes! Such things...'. A man in black says 'Such...' A man in black says '... things' An almost child-like voice, 'I didn't know what most of them were!'. A much deeper, drawling grate, 'But It showed me anyway...'. Riona steps in closer to the man and grips his shoulder firmly. Excitement streaks through her voice and her eyes gleam with anticipation: 'Tell me.' 'Tell me!,' Riona urges again. A man in black says 'It... showed me things' A man in black says 'He didn't want to see' A man in black says 'I mean, I didn't want to see' A drawling, high-pitched whine, '...But It showed him, anyway!'. You suddenly notice that tears are streaming down the man's face. Riona's grip tightens, fingers digging into the man's shoulder. 'It demands much of us. Too much, I fear. And yet...' A man in black pulls at his hair, and cries out 'I DIDN'T WANT TO SEE!!' Blood suddenly starts trickling from the agitated man's nose. 'Hush, hush. I will make things right.' Riona's voice is a soft, comforting coo. Noticing the blood, she reaches down into her satchel, pulling up a sharp, gleaming kris. Wiping the blood on the back of his hand, the man starts to fidget and chuckle to himself. Softly, Riona says, 'This will all be over soon.' A man in black says 'Oh my!' Tears of blood begin to freely flow from the man's eyes... His ears are already soaked red. A man in black says 'Heh heh heh heh...' The mans limbs and torso have begin to bulge unnaturally... 'What you saw was not meant for your eyes.' There is a hint of sadness of Riona's voice, laced with... envy. A man in black says 'Hehehehe!' The man coughs out some words, his mouth filled with blood, 'You see It, and It sees you...!' A man in black says 'Heahehahah!' The man's head has begun to expand grotesquely, bulging out in disgusting balloons. The suddenly laughter seems to take Riona by surprise. She takes a step back, suddenly seeming quite doubtful. Then, a grim expression settles on her features. A man in black says 'Uuh seee it, it ssesss uuuu!' Riona steps forward to the man, grabs him by the wrists, and plunges her kris towards his chest. 'Shush-shush-shush. Things will be alright.' Blood and bits of clotted flesh have begun to pool and gather around the rapidly decaying creature's feet. As the blade pierces the mans chest, he explodes in a disgusting river of blood and clotted gore! You are completely covered, the muck is in your eyes! An Immortal has transferred you. The Void Nothing. A lot of it. Are you even here? Who is you? You feel a pull tearing at your soul, urging it to go on. What awaits? Damanation, Salvation, Rebirth? Who knows. [Exits: none] Riona jumps back, muttering to herself. She begins wiping her eyes clean from gore with her hands, trying to restore her vision. A cacophony of whispers set to babbling all around you. The voices. She has heard them before, and she will hear them again. Every word spoken known by heart, every syllable a miracle untold. Riona merely smiles. A disjointed voice, somehow both high and low, exclaims blandly, 'It sees yooooooou...', before fading into the nothingness. 'It sees all.' Riona steps into the void, meandering through the nothingness. There is no destination, yet she keeps walking. The blackness pulses, you feel as though you are upside down. Space and time, shrunk to a knot. Riona has been here before, but it is different now. Or perhaps it is -she- that is different now. Flashes of indistinct images come unbidden into your mind. From somewhere nearby, yet infinitely distant, mad laughter rings out. Riona clutches her head and falls to her knees, gasping loudly. 'Agh.' Riona slowly climbs to her feet again and presses onwards. Further. Towards the laughter. Sudden visions assault your mind's eye..! You see prone corpses, splayed like fleshy marionettes upon bare wooden boards. Their flesh a dull yellow, gleaming with sweat and blood. Eyes wide, mouths in exaggerated gapes ... their flesh stripped - pricked, poked and slashed to death. 'The dead pile high.' Riona's eyes flutter closed, her body tensing as more visions sweep through her mind. One of the corpses, a woman, burbles, 'You have seen It'. Your vision swimming, a stinging pain begins to build behind your eyes. The metallic stink of spilled blood is thick in the air. Riona turns her head to stare at the phantasm woman, eyes wide and lips stretched in a wide smile. 'I have s-' Her reply is cut short at the sudden pain. Riona blinks her eyes a few times, grimacing, trying to subdue the pain with the force of her will. You feel suddenly overcome... as though to look fully upon the grandeur and terror of realms beyond normal consciousness and reality is too much. '-seen it. I have seen It.' Riona's words are sluggish, her voice strained. She stumbles, but manages to keep herself on her feet. Somehow, through the blackness, shapes begin to form... A strange cacophony of inhuman, alien gurgling can be heard. A pillar of rock, uncarved and jagged, rises out of the solid shadows in the distance. Riona turns around in the darkness, then turns again, trying to find the source of the noises. Every time, a different direction, space itself contorting around her. And then, the pillar! The half-breed begins moving towards it. Out of the unimaginable blackness, shapes begin to form about the pillar... Riona moves in closer towards the shapes, trying to make sense of them. Gangrenous, uncanny and unheard of... a throng of unnamable things squirm and flop rhythmically about the pillar. Webbed feet, bulging sacs and rubbery tentacles strain and cavort in an ecstacy of delight about the pillar. It would be natural to recoil, to shy away from such horrific things. And yet Riona stares with fascionation, inexplicably drawn to them. She steps forward, reaching out with a hand... The mass of thronging monstrosities throw their webbed and tentacled limbs skyward, crying out joyfully... terribly, in unison to their long dead Gods. The gurgling, mad shriek builds in volume, reaching a mind-shattering crescendo! Although you can barely see, suddenly you are among them. Riona falls to her knees, her eardrum rupturing. She presses her hands against her ears, tiny flecks of blood trickling between her fingers. She screams a silent, voiceless scream. Slippery tentacles and clicking mandibles tug clumsily at your clothes and exposed flesh. About your left leg you feel the bone-shattering grip of a spiny, wet tentacle. The nerve-rending scream continues unabated, the pillar now gone. The tentacles grip tightens... Riona's eyes dart around in frenzied panic, her voice sore from the scream that never ends. She finally gasps, out of breath, desperately trying to suck air into her lungs. Riona tries to pull herself free from the tentacle-grip, pulling her leg, hands trying to unwrap it. Your lungs are sucked dry, your eyes feel as though they are filled with sand... Consciousness begins to fade... There it is. That tiny crack. A fracture on Riona's mind, a chip in her sanity. In the blackness, you somehow perceive the stink of rotting meat... From... somwhere else, a sound barely reaches you. The furious, deafening roar of a monstrous beast. The roar grows louder, louder and louder still! White circles begin to flash and circle in your vision. Is this the end? Riona continues to struggle, although her efforts grow more futile by the second. Darkness surrounds her, demands her. She turns to the roaring sound, watching, waiting. The Floating Gardens Magicly infused into the wood, exotic plants grow out of the ship itself. Flora from all over the lands thrives here. The smell of fresh flowers and clean air is both refreshing and delightful. A running fountain in the likeness of Galvatar Xebonn lies directly in the middle of this breathtaking scene. [Exits: west] A monstrous, slavering bear towers here. Strangely, the darkness seems to have abated. Towering here before you is the largest bear you have every seen, its hackles bristling with primal anger. Even on all fours it is well over seven feet in height and raised on its hind legs it would surely be at least double that. The sheer size of the beast is sublime to behold - it dwarfs the largest of giants and looks as though it could stop a landslide in its tracks. Despite its monstrous frame, it seems capable of great speed and moves with a terrible, fearsome purpose. Shaggy, brownish black fur covers the bear's entire body, spiked and shuddering with an ancient and unfathomable fury. Its snout is encrusted with dried blood. Set in a permanent snarl, the creature's elongated jaws boast a terrifying and ragged set of fangs, yellowed and dripping with saliva. Rank, stinking breath rattles through this horrible maw, turning to steam as it meets the air. A set of powerful forelegs, twined with rope-like muscle, extend from the bear's broad shoulders. They are each tipped with razor sharp claws that look as though they could fell an oak with one blow. Its back legs are similarly armed, and tear up the ground with each step. A pair of feverish, yellow-green eyes sit on either side of the beast's snout, holding in their depths the memories of a time before men walked the land. These mysterious and haunting orbs regard you with a mixture of suspicion and contempt. A guttural growl echoes deep in the bear's throat as it notices you staring at it. Shagarh is in excellent condition. Shagarh lowers himself back to all fours. Riona collapses to the floor, her body trembling, hands shaking. Glowering at you with distaste, Shagarh growls 'You runts should not toy with forces you cannot understand'. Shagarh says 'You almost let It free' A loud roar can be heard from far above. 'No.' Riona shakes her head firmly from side to side. 'No, no, no. This was.. something else.' Shagarh says 'It is older than you could possibly comprehend' Shagarh says 'It would gladly devour this world, if It had the chance' Riona slowly steadies herself, taking a deep breath and then another one. She gets up again, taking control over her mind once more - expelling fear, and doubt, and terror from it. Shagarh suddenly stops and sniffs at the air, a low growl rumbling in his throat. A frowning halfling walks into the floating gardens. Rygothran steps out from his cover. 'It loves us,' Riona objects, looking up at the gigantic Bear-God. Shagarh says 'Bah, what do you know?' Shagarh looks at Rygothran. Rygothran stares at Shagarh. Shagarh says 'You should tell your followers to stop poking their noses where they don't belong' Rygothran snaps his fingers and says 'You smell of rotting meat.' Riona glances over at Rygothran. The mere sight of the Potentate of Avarice fills her with strength, standing a little bit taller now, confidence returning to her posture. Rygothran walks towards the fountain, 'Why do you bother my High Priestess?' Shagarh says 'This cheap black magician was blundering around in It's nether' Rygothran climbs up onto the fountain, turning to face you. Shagarh says 'If not for me, you'd have a batty dullard serving as your high priestess right now' The halfling says 'She does as she pleases, as a Queen is wont to do.' Riona glares at Shargarh defiantly. Rygothran grins, showing his gold capped teeth 'Perhaps you should tend to your flock of arrogant sheep?' Shagarh says 'Arrogant they are' Shagarh says 'But at least with the good sense to keep their bodies and minds where they belong' Rygothran says 'Do they?' Rygothran grins once more, taping a finger against his chin 'Do they truly?' Rygothran says 'We shall know soon enough, I think.' Shagarh says 'That we shall, Wyrm' A soft, mirthful chuckle bubbles from Riona's lips, gaining in volume at Rygothran's comment. 'Heheheheh-HEH HEH-heh.' Shagarh says 'You see? She is still yet affected' You say 'Do they truly? That is the question.' Rygothran says 'I wonder, bear, what it is you want here.' Rygothran claps his hands together 'Perhaps a deal to be made?' Shagarh says 'I do not deal with your ilk, Wyrm' The halfling flicks a coin into the fountain. 'No?' Rygothran says 'It could be fun.' Shagarh says 'If I want something, I take it by force of arms' You say 'Your men think more of their own standing than the ideals you espouse. To build halls for hunters, to rally men far and wide to go chasing after beasts instead of becoming one with the host.' Shagarh says 'You are ancient, I will grant you. But so am I.' Rygothran clicks his tongue and says 'Well, she has a point though.' You say 'And the Warlord? He makes deals with us, his sworn enemies, for his own gain.' Shagarh turns to face you, his feral yellow eyes narrowing dangerously. Shagarh growls. Shagarh says 'My legions have their faults' Shagarh says 'But they know their place, at least' Rygothran says 'Perhaps you and I can make a wager, bear?' Rygothran says 'A wager about your warlord.' Shagarh says 'Your kind would destroy the world out of foolishness' Shagarh says 'What wager?' You say 'And your kind has forgotten their purpose, Shagarh. The proud host of Athaekeetha, was that not from whence you came? And this, the men that follow you now? They seek nothing but glory for themselves.' Rygothran points to you 'My High Priestess will get your Warlord to aid the her in the taking of Miruvhor.' Rygothran says 'Aid his greatest enemy.' Rygothran taps his fingers on the fountain 'So.. if he does, what do I get?' You say 'The Khan, and his hunter's association. The Warlord? He has reached the peak of his hill, but is blind to the mountain beyond it. He is.. stagnate, and he turns to me and my lord for aid when all he needs is the power of his own arms.' Rygothran smiles at you 'She speaks truth. You see why she is mine, right?' Shagarh says 'I'll wager you my left eye' Rygothran says 'Ah, your left eye.' Rygothran says 'The eye of a bear.' Rygothran says 'Do you want his left eye, Riona?' Rygothran says 'A fine trophy, to present to Decimus.' 'Indeed.' Riona nods her head, a dark, wolfish grin claiming her lips. Shagarh says 'What will you wager?' Rygothran says 'You may have one of my most prized possessions.' You say 'An eye for an eye? Is that not the way of the world?' Shagarh says 'I don't care for your possessions' Shagarh says 'I'll take your left hand' Rygothran says 'My left hand.' Rygothran sits upon the fountain for a moment, waving his feet back and forth. Rygothran peers at you 'Yes?' Riona turns to Rygothran - a queen looking lovingly at her king - and smiles. 'Of course.' Rygothran nods at Shagarh 'You will recieve my hand, should I lose.' Shagarh says 'Indeed' Shagarh says 'Then the bargain is struck' Rygothran slaps his hands together 'Great!!' Rygothran sniffs the air. Rygothran says 'Well then, I would stay but..' Riona's gaze flits between Rygothran and Shagarh, a mouse between these two lions. Ah. Mortals - ever the playthings of Gods. Rygothran says 'You smell.' Rygothran looks over at Shagarh once more. Shagarh wanders off with a grunt of disgust. Shagarh walks west. Rygothran giggles, suddenly holding a golden chalice. You say 'The eye of the Beargod himself. How... exciting.' Rygothran says 'All yours.' Riona approaches Rygothran and reaches you out for the chalice, raising it to her lips. Rygothran says 'I like my hands.' Riona nods and says, 'We can not lose.' You feel a divine presence guide you to new found experiences! You earn 10 rp points! You say 'A foolish wager. Is not Greed our domain? Is not Guile our territory? I.. pity them.' Rygothran shrugs and laughs 'I am sure the bear is many things, cunning is not one.' You say 'Then we must labour to find that which the Black Warlord can not resist. Something to amplify his physical prowess, to make him an unconquerable soldier.' You say 'Something he simply can not resist. And then, Miruvhor will finally be mine, and the eye of the Beargod yours.' Rygothran taps the side of his face with a finger 'Well, I have an idea. I think it will be... very beneficial for you.' Riona smiles her sweetest, most pleased smile. 'Delightful. Just delightful.' You say 'What is it you are planning?' 'It is in the works' Rygothran grins, bearing his teeth. 'Now, now, my Queen, some things are meant to be a surprise.' You nod at Rygothran. Rygothran says 'You will be pleased.' You say 'I shall keep busy at my own endeavors, then.' You say 'And... Rygothran.' Rygothran says 'Yes?' Rygothran takes a long pull from a golden chalice. 'There is something,' Riona mumbles, her gaze distant, lost in the haze of memories, 'Something old, lingering outside time itself. It calls to me. I must pursue it.' Rygothran nods and says 'You are capable. We would not be here if you were not. I trust you to handle your affairs.' You say 'Let us speak soon again.' Rygothran holds up a finger 'But be warned, if I am not here to stand in between you and the bear, it is best to avoid confrontation.' Rygothran nods to you and jumps off the fountain. You say 'I understand. I will not antagonize him needlessly.' Rygothran smiles at you 'So lovely.' The halfling walks out of the floating gardens. The Floating Gardens Magicly infused into the wood, exotic plants grow out of the ship itself. Flora from all over the lands thrives here. The smell of fresh flowers and clean air is both refreshing and delightful. A running fountain in the likeness of Galvatar Xebonn lies directly in the middle of this breathtaking scene. [Exits: west] (Magical) A magical spring flows from the ground here. The sound of someone whistling a merry tune wafts in from somewhere nearby. Riona is sitting here, deep in thoughts. The whistle meanders through the gardens, almost passing her by unnoticed. After a few moments, she blinks her eyes and looks up, eyes scanning her surroundings. Every now and again, the whistling stops, and a cheerful voice hums to itself, 'Dum dee dum... Hmm hmm hmm'. On and on the merry tune goes... Riona rises to her feet and starts moving over towards that voice. She is cautious, wary as she approaches whoever is over there, and yet an amiable smile lingers on her lips. A man in black flies in. A man in black whistles merrily to himself. A man in black says 'Oh, hello!' A man in black says 'I didn't mean to interrupt' 'Good evening,' Riona replies, curtseying low before the black man. Riona shakes her head. 'Not at all, not at all.' A man in black says 'I was just wandering about and...' An enormous, exaggerated grin spreads over the man's face. A man in black says 'Ah!' A man in black says 'You have seen it!' A man in black says 'There's no mistaking that look' A man in black rubs his hands together with glee, 'How wonderful!'. Hands clasped in front of herself, Riona tilts her head slightly to the side and gives the man in black a long, scrutinizing look, her gaze sweeping over his form. You say 'Seen what?' A man in black says 'Come, now' A man in black says 'You know what I mean, there is no mistaking it' The odd fellow can barely contain himself, and does a little skipping jig on the spot. Riona arches a slender eyebrow. 'I have seen much.' A smile creeps up on her face, widening at the man's spontaneous dance. A man in black says 'You have seen It, and It has seen you!' Riona nods her head slowly. A man in black says 'Did It show you things?' In a much higher pitched voice, the man exclaims, 'It showed me things...'. Riona hesitates for a moment, eyes narrowing into thin lines, and then her jaw drops. 'You.. you have seen It as well, then?' Riona asks, 'What did It show you?' A deeper voice, now... and you are not even sure you saw the man's lips moving, 'Oh yes! Such things...'. A man in black says 'Such...' A man in black says '... things' An almost child-like voice, 'I didn't know what most of them were!'. A much deeper, drawling grate, 'But It showed me anyway...'. Riona steps in closer to the man and grips his shoulder firmly. Excitement streaks through her voice and her eyes gleam with anticipation: 'Tell me.' 'Tell me!,' Riona urges again. A man in black says 'It... showed me things' A man in black says 'He didn't want to see' A man in black says 'I mean, I didn't want to see' A drawling, high-pitched whine, '...But It showed him, anyway!'. You suddenly notice that tears are streaming down the man's face. Riona's grip tightens, fingers digging into the man's shoulder. 'It demands much of us. Too much, I fear. And yet...' A man in black pulls at his hair, and cries out 'I DIDN'T WANT TO SEE!!' Blood suddenly starts trickling from the agitated man's nose. 'Hush, hush. I will make things right.' Riona's voice is a soft, comforting coo. Noticing the blood, she reaches down into her satchel, pulling up a sharp, gleaming kris. Wiping the blood on the back of his hand, the man starts to fidget and chuckle to himself. Softly, Riona says, 'This will all be over soon.' A man in black says 'Oh my!' Tears of blood begin to freely flow from the man's eyes... His ears are already soaked red. A man in black says 'Heh heh heh heh...' The mans limbs and torso have begin to bulge unnaturally... 'What you saw was not meant for your eyes.' There is a hint of sadness of Riona's voice, laced with... envy. A man in black says 'Hehehehe!' The man coughs out some words, his mouth filled with blood, 'You see It, and It sees you...!' A man in black says 'Heahehahah!' The man's head has begun to expand grotesquely, bulging out in disgusting balloons. The suddenly laughter seems to take Riona by surprise. She takes a step back, suddenly seeming quite doubtful. Then, a grim expression settles on her features. A man in black says 'Uuh seee it, it ssesss uuuu!' Riona steps forward to the man, grabs him by the wrists, and plunges her kris towards his chest. 'Shush-shush-shush. Things will be alright.' Blood and bits of clotted flesh have begun to pool and gather around the rapidly decaying creature's feet. As the blade pierces the mans chest, he explodes in a disgusting river of blood and clotted gore! You are completely covered, the muck is in your eyes! An Immortal has transferred you. The Void Nothing. A lot of it. Are you even here? Who is you? You feel a pull tearing at your soul, urging it to go on. What awaits? Damanation, Salvation, Rebirth? Who knows. [Exits: none] Riona jumps back, muttering to herself. She begins wiping her eyes clean from gore with her hands, trying to restore her vision. A cacophony of whispers set to babbling all around you. The voices. She has heard them before, and she will hear them again. Every word spoken known by heart, every syllable a miracle untold. Riona merely smiles. A disjointed voice, somehow both high and low, exclaims blandly, 'It sees yooooooou...', before fading into the nothingness. 'It sees all.' Riona steps into the void, meandering through the nothingness. There is no destination, yet she keeps walking. The blackness pulses, you feel as though you are upside down. Space and time, shrunk to a knot. Riona has been here before, but it is different now. Or perhaps it is -she- that is different now. Flashes of indistinct images come unbidden into your mind. From somewhere nearby, yet infinitely distant, mad laughter rings out. Riona clutches her head and falls to her knees, gasping loudly. 'Agh.' Riona slowly climbs to her feet again and presses onwards. Further. Towards the laughter. Sudden visions assault your mind's eye..! You see prone corpses, splayed like fleshy marionettes upon bare wooden boards. Their flesh a dull yellow, gleaming with sweat and blood. Eyes wide, mouths in exaggerated gapes ... their flesh stripped - pricked, poked and slashed to death. 'The dead pile high.' Riona's eyes flutter closed, her body tensing as more visions sweep through her mind. One of the corpses, a woman, burbles, 'You have seen It'. Your vision swimming, a stinging pain begins to build behind your eyes. The metallic stink of spilled blood is thick in the air. Riona turns her head to stare at the phantasm woman, eyes wide and lips stretched in a wide smile. 'I have s-' Her reply is cut short at the sudden pain. Riona blinks her eyes a few times, grimacing, trying to subdue the pain with the force of her will. You feel suddenly overcome... as though to look fully upon the grandeur and terror of realms beyond normal consciousness and reality is too much. '-seen it. I have seen It.' Riona's words are sluggish, her voice strained. She stumbles, but manages to keep herself on her feet. Somehow, through the blackness, shapes begin to form... A strange cacophony of inhuman, alien gurgling can be heard. A pillar of rock, uncarved and jagged, rises out of the solid shadows in the distance. Riona turns around in the darkness, then turns again, trying to find the source of the noises. Every time, a different direction, space itself contorting around her. And then, the pillar! The half-breed begins moving towards it. Out of the unimaginable blackness, shapes begin to form about the pillar... Riona moves in closer towards the shapes, trying to make sense of them. Gangrenous, uncanny and unheard of... a throng of unnamable things squirm and flop rhythmically about the pillar. Webbed feet, bulging sacs and rubbery tentacles strain and cavort in an ecstacy of delight about the pillar. It would be natural to recoil, to shy away from such horrific things. And yet Riona stares with fascionation, inexplicably drawn to them. She steps forward, reaching out with a hand... The mass of thronging monstrosities throw their webbed and tentacled limbs skyward, crying out joyfully... terribly, in unison to their long dead Gods. The gurgling, mad shriek builds in volume, reaching a mind-shattering crescendo! Although you can barely see, suddenly you are among them. Riona falls to her knees, her eardrum rupturing. She presses her hands against her ears, tiny flecks of blood trickling between her fingers. She screams a silent, voiceless scream. Slippery tentacles and clicking mandibles tug clumsily at your clothes and exposed flesh. About your left leg you feel the bone-shattering grip of a spiny, wet tentacle. The nerve-rending scream continues unabated, the pillar now gone. The tentacles grip tightens... Riona's eyes dart around in frenzied panic, her voice sore from the scream that never ends. She finally gasps, out of breath, desperately trying to suck air into her lungs. Riona tries to pull herself free from the tentacle-grip, pulling her leg, hands trying to unwrap it. Your lungs are sucked dry, your eyes feel as though they are filled with sand... Consciousness begins to fade... There it is. That tiny crack. A fracture on Riona's mind, a chip in her sanity. In the blackness, you somehow perceive the stink of rotting meat... From... somwhere else, a sound barely reaches you. The furious, deafening roar of a monstrous beast. The roar grows louder, louder and louder still! White circles begin to flash and circle in your vision. Is this the end? Riona continues to struggle, although her efforts grow more futile by the second. Darkness surrounds her, demands her. She turns to the roaring sound, watching, waiting. The Floating Gardens Magicly infused into the wood, exotic plants grow out of the ship itself. Flora from all over the lands thrives here. The smell of fresh flowers and clean air is both refreshing and delightful. A running fountain in the likeness of Galvatar Xebonn lies directly in the middle of this breathtaking scene. [Exits: west] A monstrous, slavering bear towers here. Strangely, the darkness seems to have abated. Towering here before you is the largest bear you have every seen, its hackles bristling with primal anger. Even on all fours it is well over seven feet in height and raised on its hind legs it would surely be at least double that. The sheer size of the beast is sublime to behold - it dwarfs the largest of giants and looks as though it could stop a landslide in its tracks. Despite its monstrous frame, it seems capable of great speed and moves with a terrible, fearsome purpose. Shaggy, brownish black fur covers the bear's entire body, spiked and shuddering with an ancient and unfathomable fury. Its snout is encrusted with dried blood. Set in a permanent snarl, the creature's elongated jaws boast a terrifying and ragged set of fangs, yellowed and dripping with saliva. Rank, stinking breath rattles through this horrible maw, turning to steam as it meets the air. A set of powerful forelegs, twined with rope-like muscle, extend from the bear's broad shoulders. They are each tipped with razor sharp claws that look as though they could fell an oak with one blow. Its back legs are similarly armed, and tear up the ground with each step. A pair of feverish, yellow-green eyes sit on either side of the beast's snout, holding in their depths the memories of a time before men walked the land. These mysterious and haunting orbs regard you with a mixture of suspicion and contempt. A guttural growl echoes deep in the bear's throat as it notices you staring at it. Shagarh is in excellent condition. Shagarh lowers himself back to all fours. Riona collapses to the floor, her body trembling, hands shaking. Glowering at you with distaste, Shagarh growls 'You runts should not toy with forces you cannot understand'. Shagarh says 'You almost let It free' A loud roar can be heard from far above. 'No.' Riona shakes her head firmly from side to side. 'No, no, no. This was.. something else.' Shagarh says 'It is older than you could possibly comprehend' Shagarh says 'It would gladly devour this world, if It had the chance' Riona slowly steadies herself, taking a deep breath and then another one. She gets up again, taking control over her mind once more - expelling fear, and doubt, and terror from it. Shagarh suddenly stops and sniffs at the air, a low growl rumbling in his throat. A frowning halfling walks into the floating gardens. Rygothran steps out from his cover. 'It loves us,' Riona objects, looking up at the gigantic Bear-God. Shagarh says 'Bah, what do you know?' Shagarh looks at Rygothran. Rygothran stares at Shagarh. Shagarh says 'You should tell your followers to stop poking their noses where they don't belong' Rygothran snaps his fingers and says 'You smell of rotting meat.' Riona glances over at Rygothran. The mere sight of the Potentate of Avarice fills her with strength, standing a little bit taller now, confidence returning to her posture. Rygothran walks towards the fountain, 'Why do you bother my High Priestess?' Shagarh says 'This cheap black magician was blundering around in It's nether' Rygothran climbs up onto the fountain, turning to face you. Shagarh says 'If not for me, you'd have a batty dullard serving as your high priestess right now' The halfling says 'She does as she pleases, as a Queen is wont to do.' Riona glares at Shargarh defiantly. Rygothran grins, showing his gold capped teeth 'Perhaps you should tend to your flock of arrogant sheep?' Shagarh says 'Arrogant they are' Shagarh says 'But at least with the good sense to keep their bodies and minds where they belong' Rygothran says 'Do they?' Rygothran grins once more, taping a finger against his chin 'Do they truly?' Rygothran says 'We shall know soon enough, I think.' Shagarh says 'That we shall, Wyrm' A soft, mirthful chuckle bubbles from Riona's lips, gaining in volume at Rygothran's comment. 'Heheheheh-HEH HEH-heh.' Shagarh says 'You see? She is still yet affected' You say 'Do they truly? That is the question.' Rygothran says 'I wonder, bear, what it is you want here.' Rygothran claps his hands together 'Perhaps a deal to be made?' Shagarh says 'I do not deal with your ilk, Wyrm' The halfling flicks a coin into the fountain. 'No?' Rygothran says 'It could be fun.' Shagarh says 'If I want something, I take it by force of arms' You say 'Your men think more of their own standing than the ideals you espouse. To build halls for hunters, to rally men far and wide to go chasing after beasts instead of becoming one with the host.' Shagarh says 'You are ancient, I will grant you. But so am I.' Rygothran clicks his tongue and says 'Well, she has a point though.' You say 'And the Warlord? He makes deals with us, his sworn enemies, for his own gain.' Shagarh turns to face you, his feral yellow eyes narrowing dangerously. Shagarh growls. Shagarh says 'My legions have their faults' Shagarh says 'But they know their place, at least' Rygothran says 'Perhaps you and I can make a wager, bear?' Rygothran says 'A wager about your warlord.' Shagarh says 'Your kind would destroy the world out of foolishness' Shagarh says 'What wager?' You say 'And your kind has forgotten their purpose, Shagarh. The proud host of Athaekeetha, was that not from whence you came? And this, the men that follow you now? They seek nothing but glory for themselves.' Rygothran points to you 'My High Priestess will get your Warlord to aid the her in the taking of Miruvhor.' Rygothran says 'Aid his greatest enemy.' Rygothran taps his fingers on the fountain 'So.. if he does, what do I get?' You say 'The Khan, and his hunter's association. The Warlord? He has reached the peak of his hill, but is blind to the mountain beyond it. He is.. stagnate, and he turns to me and my lord for aid when all he needs is the power of his own arms.' Rygothran smiles at you 'She speaks truth. You see why she is mine, right?' Shagarh says 'I'll wager you my left eye' Rygothran says 'Ah, your left eye.' Rygothran says 'The eye of a bear.' Rygothran says 'Do you want his left eye, Riona?' Rygothran says 'A fine trophy, to present to Decimus.' 'Indeed.' Riona nods her head, a dark, wolfish grin claiming her lips. Shagarh says 'What will you wager?' Rygothran says 'You may have one of my most prized possessions.' You say 'An eye for an eye? Is that not the way of the world?' Shagarh says 'I don't care for your possessions' Shagarh says 'I'll take your left hand' Rygothran says 'My left hand.' Rygothran sits upon the fountain for a moment, waving his feet back and forth. Rygothran peers at you 'Yes?' Riona turns to Rygothran - a queen looking lovingly at her king - and smiles. 'Of course.' Rygothran nods at Shagarh 'You will recieve my hand, should I lose.' Shagarh says 'Indeed' Shagarh says 'Then the bargain is struck' Rygothran slaps his hands together 'Great!!' Rygothran sniffs the air. Rygothran says 'Well then, I would stay but..' Riona's gaze flits between Rygothran and Shagarh, a mouse between these two lions. Ah. Mortals - ever the playthings of Gods. Rygothran says 'You smell.' Rygothran looks over at Shagarh once more. Shagarh wanders off with a grunt of disgust. Shagarh walks west. Rygothran giggles, suddenly holding a golden chalice. You say 'The eye of the Beargod himself. How... exciting.' Rygothran says 'All yours.' Riona approaches Rygothran and reaches you out for the chalice, raising it to her lips. Rygothran says 'I like my hands.' Riona nods and says, 'We can not lose.' You feel a divine presence guide you to new found experiences! You earn 10 rp points! You say 'A foolish wager. Is not Greed our domain? Is not Guile our territory? I.. pity them.' Rygothran shrugs and laughs 'I am sure the bear is many things, cunning is not one.' You say 'Then we must labour to find that which the Black Warlord can not resist. Something to amplify his physical prowess, to make him an unconquerable soldier.' You say 'Something he simply can not resist. And then, Miruvhor will finally be mine, and the eye of the Beargod yours.' Rygothran taps the side of his face with a finger 'Well, I have an idea. I think it will be... very beneficial for you.' Riona smiles her sweetest, most pleased smile. 'Delightful. Just delightful.' You say 'What is it you are planning?' 'It is in the works' Rygothran grins, bearing his teeth. 'Now, now, my Queen, some things are meant to be a surprise.' You nod at Rygothran. Rygothran says 'You will be pleased.' You say 'I shall keep busy at my own endeavors, then.' You say 'And... Rygothran.' Rygothran says 'Yes?' Rygothran takes a long pull from a golden chalice. 'There is something,' Riona mumbles, her gaze distant, lost in the haze of memories, 'Something old, lingering outside time itself. It calls to me. I must pursue it.' Rygothran nods and says 'You are capable. We would not be here if you were not. I trust you to handle your affairs.' You say 'Let us speak soon again.' Rygothran holds up a finger 'But be warned, if I am not here to stand in between you and the bear, it is best to avoid confrontation.' Rygothran nods to you and jumps off the fountain. You say 'I understand. I will not antagonize him needlessly.' Rygothran smiles at you 'So lovely.' The halfling walks out of the floating gardens.