Kalhala comes out of the rice field exhilarated.  "That was fun!  Who knew?  And what are you talking about Nexus, we did great!  Shoot we tied for first place, who knew?"  He gives her a big smile, "Hard work looks good on ya, girl" and he plucks a plant fiber out of her hair.

Once on dry land he shakes his body like a dog and water splatters everywhere, including on those that happen to be standing next to him.  He's completely oblivious.  "So, an ale, yes Shayone, now that sounds like a good idea indeed!  Come on, I'll show you the way!" and he waits till everyone is ready to go then shows them the way to the final festivities ready to slip into a local tavern if ale isn't being served directly from the festival.

Mornin return Aldith's excitement with an audible enthusiasm in his gruff voice, "Yes, we did. Good job." Mornin stenches and rubs his arms. "... My arms are tired."

The orange sun hangs in the western sky as you all make your way back into the Jumble. You all head into town and grab an ale and some food, feeling somewhat reinvigorated. Overall, it's been a pretty successful day. Not only have you all won at least one medal, but you all feel a little closer. Some of you were practically strangers at the beginning of the day, and now there's a greater sense of cohesive camaraderie amongst you all. As you wrap up your rest, the sun begins to set and the sounds of heavy rhythmic percussion fill the air - the signal that the closing ceremony is about to begin. You all follow the bangs and booms to the paddock where you wrangled tortoises not a few hours ago. Now it has been cleared out to accommodate the sheer number of festival goers. Some goblin and orc musicians are set up on a raised wooden stage , whacking away at their drums with gusto as more and more people appear out of the Jumble to answer the call. Xhorhasians of all races, shapes, and sizes are in this crowd along with you. One way or another, you all wind up near the front of the stage alongside familiar faces: Ayo Jabe, Irvan Wastewalker, Galsariad Ardyth, Maggie Brighteyes, and Dermot Wurder. It seems the five of them have found some success today as well; each of them wears at least one medal. 

"Well, look what the moorbounder dragged in," Ayo grins. "Looks like you all did pretty well for yourselves."

"That sure is a lot of medals you all got. Impressive! The Luxon has certainly smiled on you today," Dermot adds.

"Not bad, not bad at all. You're a pretty talented bunch!" says Irvan.

"There's still one more event, though," Maggie muses. "Isn't there?"

"That's right, one final test. I'm curious what it could be," Galsariad replies.

"It's different every year, but no doubt it'll be tough. They only choose the best performers in all the festival to take part, you know! I bet we're in it for sure. We'll see if you guys have what it takes," Ayo says with a wink.

The percussion swells to a height, then is suddenly cut off. An elderly orc, dressed in deep blue robes, enters from stage left, and a hush falls over the horde of festival-goers as he smiles at the crowd. From stage right, an old goblin dressed similarly to the orc enters; some of you know this to be Elder Colbu Kaz. "Welcome, brave and courageous people of Jigow, to the closing ceremony of the Festival of Merit! I am happy to introduce my fellow elder, Urshru, as he tells you more about our final challenge!"

“Mighty warriors, brilliant strategists, you have impressed us with your feats of strength, your incisive wit, and your sturdy bellies,” Urshru booms proudly. “But the main event, as you know, is yet to come. Only two teams will be chosen to compete in the final challenge—a race through the Emerald Grotto beneath the Ifolon's Black Islands, in the depths of which the greatest prize awaits! What prize, you may ask? Why, only the jeweled icon that represents the invigorating spirit of our town and our people: the Emerald Eye! This task will be harrowing, and as such, only the greatest competitors of today's festival will be invited by the elders to partake! After much deliberation with the festival officials, Elder Kaz and I have determined who our final challengers will be. Both of these teams, please step forward and make yourselves known...

"Ayo Jabe and Company... and Kalhala and Company! Behold, the mighty fellowships that shall participate in this year's finale!" As your group and Ayo's group step forward, the crowd cheers, hoots, hollers, and whistles. Every eye in this sea of people is on you! "Now, make way! Elder Kaz and I shall guide these challengers to the Emerald Grotto, where they shall meet this final test head-on! People of Jigow, follow us and cheer these champions on to victory!"

You and your rivals proceed with the elders to the southeastern edge of Jigow with what seems like the entire population in a procession behind them. The atmosphere is one of anticipation and excitement. You soon reach the Ifolon River, where black jagged islands of basalt rise up out of the murky waters. You all follow the elders as you wade through the shallows, from one island to another. When you reach the smallest island, Elder Colbu Kaz places several potions of water breathing on a nearby table-like rock—one for each of participant. “Their magic lasts for one hour,” he says.

Elder Ushru stands before the mouth of a cave and addresses you and your opponents. “You brave and valiant individuals have triumphed in many challenges this day; now, the final Test of Merit awaits you!” He pulls a palm-sized gold-and-emerald amulet from his robes, holds it aloft, and declares: “This medal’s twin has been placed in the deepest cavern of the Emerald Grotto. Be the first to claim the Emerald Eye and return it to this place to be declared Jigow’s Champions of Merit! Begin now!”

Ayo and her team make a dash for the cave's mouth. "Six on five? We can take it. May the best team win. Good luck - you'll need it!"  

Aldith followed her new companions to the closing ceremony. There she saw the stage that had been erected with an elderly looking goblin standing there. Before she could react to much else though, they were greeted by Ayo and her group.

"Thank you," she says politely, her eyes lingering on Galsariad, her fellow drow. "Looks like you all did very well yourselves."

As Elder Kaz explained the final event, Aldith couldn't help but feel a swell of excitement. At the beginning of the day, she had been hesitant and rather shy; part of it had been uncertainty in her own abilities, but a big part was that she was not used to spending so much time with others. Back in the Shadowshire of Rosohna, she had kept very much to herself, especially after the murder of her father. Her family kept her busy, as the eldest of many siblings, it was her responsibility to look after the others and her mother. There hadn't been time for friends. Friends...is that what these new companions were? She wasn't sure, but she thought they had the potential to become friends.

Aldith took one of the potions of water-breathing. She was definitely going to need it. Her mysterious patron had not gifted her with any abilities to breathe underwater, not yet anyway. She swallowed it down; it tasted like seawater and almost made her gag. Before she could turn to speak to her companions about the event, Ayo and her group were already off!

Feeling a surge of competitive spirit take hold of her, Aldith cries, "Let's go! We'll show them who the best team is, won't we?"

Nexus, for a time, goes quiet while she tries to recover some of her social energy from the day. While she was good at putting on a mask, at showing a peppy spirit---in truth, she was starting to feel truly tuckered out already. But she didn't want to be the downer on the party, and some ale and food in her belly helped replenish her to the point she was once more in top spirits. Further compounded by the praises Ayo and her other childhood acquaitance offered up. 

That is, until, they're called forward for having been the second team that the judges that day deemed 'victorious' in the pre-lims, and ready for the main event. She knew they did well, yes, but to be at the end of this all with the final showcase for the evening? When she woke that morning never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that she'd be ushered up in front of everyone, feeling the intense stare of not just her group or Ayo's, but the collective of all present. Those that knew her no doubt noting the immediate way her brow furrowed, the way her shoulders seemed to sink. Nexus withstood the cheering and attention for a few seconds, yes, but eventually did let herself be eclipsed by Mini's figure, partially hiding behind her minotaur friend as best she was able till they were lead elsewhere and she could once more 'relax' like she had been with the group all day. 

It was only as they traveled, and things were explained, that her joyful demeanor seemed to return in earnest. Not as bright as she was that morning, but certainly not as shaken/sullen as she had seemed when that crowd of people turned their eyes upon her. The fasciating chance to go underwater, breathing freely, and explore was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for many folks! Plus, the prospect of another race against Ayo just sounded sublime in that moment, seeing as she took the win in the plunge challenge. 

Topper to the bottle she was handed pulled off, she took the time to slowly down every last drop of it's contents to ensure full effectiveness. 

"Right---Let's get going everyone!"

Kenar follows this new group to get food and some much need respite baffled at how well the day had gone. Normally he would chock it up to just some dumb lucky and good times but their was just a feeling of what he’s not sure. Maybe it’s was the Luxons guidance after all that lead him to travel here an meet these new and intriguing people. Before he digs into his meal he make a quick prayer to the light for the success of the days venture’s, to new friends and to guidance for the future. A bit off guard when invited to appear for the finale with this new group he nervously put on a smile for feigned confidence as he listens to the challenge ahead. With a light pat on Kals shoulder and an encouraging nod a bit of grey tinged violet light seeps into him aiming to quicken his initial take off. Downing the potion in one go he chokes a bit on the horrible taste smiles at the ready and then realizes he and Shayone are standing their as others have already started running. With a light ”Woops!” He tears after the group!

The ale helps Shayone's mood tremendously. As the festivities begin, she tries to keep an eye out for Maryl, but sees no sign of her. Distracted, she misses the start of Elder Kaz's speech, until her own group begins to cheer. Another test was not really what she'd had in mind, but she'd be damned if she let the group down. Chugging one of the potions -- not giving it time to hit the taste buds was key to getting one down successfully -- she takes off after Kenar.

Catching up with the group, she asks "If this is the same rules as the river race, is there any sense in leaving someone near the entrance, in case the other group finds the Eye, and we could set an ambush?"

As the group moves toward the closing ceremony, Mornin reflects on this group he's found himself in. Even though he hasn't said much, it's nice to have some people by your side. They may not look like anyone he grew up with back home, but then again, neither did he. He starts to wonder what he'll do after today. He likes this group, it might be nice to stick with them, but his cloak was torn that awful tortoise. He may have to hightail it out of Jigow as soon as he can...

His thoughts are interrupted when the elders call their group up to participate in the final event. He pushes these questions out of his mind for now, so that he can focus on this final competition. He has a steely gaze as they are led to the cave. Mornin, his body tensed like a coiled spring, is ready to leap into action at a moment's notice. Before Ayo can even lift a foot to move towards the cave, Mornin has already taken several steps, and leaped towards the mouth of the cave. The hunt is on.

As the group reconvenes, Mornin hears Shayone's plan. "Not bad. But if we leave two of us behind, then there's four of us and five of them." If anyone asks what he means by leave two behind, he'll reply, "Never hunt alone. Bad luck." He continues as they begins their trek through the cave, "Plus, we're in the lead." Mornin thinks for a moment and snaps his fingers, "What if two fo us followed the rest of our group at a distance. Close enough they can support the main group if needed, but far enough back they can intercept the other group if they take the jewel. Or even slow them down when they catch up. I don't know who should do that though. Never hunted with magic people before."

Kalhala enjoys the drinks and food with his new friends, he hopes they stay awhile, he is really enjoying everyones company.  When they head out to the square, Kalhala greets his fellow competitors heartily.  Giving them some ribbing before being interrupted by the announcement that they were one of the two teams chosen!!  Kalhala is beaming with pride for his team.  As they start towards the river, he can see a few, mainly Nexus and Aldith are not really enjoying the spotlight as he is, so he does his best to keep them as far from prying eyes as he possibly can.  Though bumps into them a couple times for his trouble.

As they hear the rules, Kalhala is a bit nervous about the water and the heavy armor he wears, but figures this is a magic deal, hopefully it won't be an issue?  He chugs his potion and starts racing Mornin to get in, "Come on big guy!  We got this in the bag!!"

"We also need to consider that they might try the same thing on us," Shayone adds. "Possibly relying on stealth on our way out will be key." She looks around the passage they're traversing. "Any of you familiar with these tunnels? Or do we know if the other group might be? They're all locals, right?"

With the race now begun, you all make a mad dash for the cave entrance. You manage to beat Ayo's group to the mouth and make it inside first. The entrance to the grotto is a narrow cavern that leads to a murky pool of water. Knowing you'll be able to breathe underwater, you each dive in, your now-wet clothes clinging to you tightly. It is extremely dark up ahead; it would seem the cavern has no natural light. Kenar focuses and casts a light spell innate to his people, the pallid elves. Suddenly, warm white light fills the murky water and the way is clear. He also uses some of his Luxon-granted power to bestow darkvision onto Kalhala, Nexus, and Shayone. You all swim through a narrow cavern with your rivals directly behind you. It seems Galsariad has cast a light as well, as there is more light coming from behind your group.

The narrow cavern opens up into a slightly wider chamber. The light that trickles in from the grotto’s entrance is blotted out by the thick patches of kelp that fill this underwater chamber. The tops of the kelp fronds brush the ceiling, but between the stalks you can spot a glimmer of light coming from farther ahead. Swimming through this small kelp forest is tricky work. Your arms and legs get tangled in the fronds, but you all push through and make it to the other side unimpeded. The tunnels narrow once again, and your group soon comes upon a fork. One tunnel continues straight ahead of you, while another winds to your left. It seems you've a choice to make: which way will you go?

Aldith shakes her head at Shayone's questions. "Never been here before," she says. Her excitement has been tempered with a bit of trepidation at what they might find inside the cave.

Mornin continues to run into the cave, he stops at a fork in the road. His large frame is hunched over, more like a feral beast than a man. He considers the two paths for barely a moment and mutters, "no time to decide," and bolts to the left. 

Mornin, the agent of chaos, bolts to the left, and you all decide to follow. Looking back, you see Ayo's group look at you all before opting to head down the other passage. You swim on and enter another cavernous chamber. The walls, ceiling, and floor of this chamber are covered in bioluminescent algae, which emits a faint bluish glow that dimly lights the wide cavern. Two large, jagged stone pillars, also coated with algae, stand at opposite ends of the chamber. Surrounding the far pillar, in front of the exit from this cavern, is a thick patch of bone-white sea grass. As you all swim for the exit, the grass stalks react to your presence and snap out at you, trying to tangle you in their grasp!

(Everyone roll dexterity saves!)

Nexus wasn't the most proficient of swimmers, but being able to breath underwater was something she could certainly marvel in, traveling forward with the rest of her group up till they found that fork in the road, and seemed to decide to go left!

Almost immediately they're attacked by something, Nexus doing her best to kick off a rock or some other surface if able to give herself a little speed boost to get out of the way. Hand immediately dropping down to hover over her book, seeming to tug arcane energy from it and fully intending to blast a cold ray of energy at the attacking plant---assuming she could, and wasn't ensnared or stopped or something of the sort.

You all dart out of the way as the grass snaps out at you, but Aldith isn't quick enough. A strand of grass wraps around her leg, and she feels sharp teeth-like thorns bite into her!

(Aldith takes 3 points of necrotic damage, already accounted for in the character sheet, and is restrained.)

Aldith cries out as the strand of grass encircles her leg, its thorns biting deep. She curses in elvish and tries to wriggle free, but she's stuck fast.

"Help!" she cries out. 

With the aid of Nexus' magic and Mornin's might, Aldith is able to wriggle free from the grass' grasp! The group is able to escape this chamber and leave the carnivorous seagrass behind. 

The tunnel opens into a cavernous space. Rays of moonlight shine through a wide crack in the ceiling, which sits ten feet above the water level. One side of the chamber is covered in the crumbled and muddy remains of a landslide.

As you swim into this area, ripples course through the water as more rocky debris begins to slide toward you! The landslide is coming down, and it could block the exit!

The landslide comes down, but thankfully you all manage to avoid getting completely crushed and instead sustain some scrapes and bruises. This does throw some of you for a loop, though, and you're uncertain how to proceed forward. Thankfully, Nexus and Shayone spot an opening beyond some of the rubble that you all can traverse to continue your plunge into the Emerald Grotto! Shayone also spots a hidden cavern near the top of ledge the landslide came down. She thinks she can make out the faint outline of a bag, and upon further inspection, it turns out that it is indeed a leather bag! It contains what looks like a vial of syrupy red liquid and a soggy scroll scribed with arcane sigils.

Heading through the tight opening, you all emerge into another narrow tunnel that winds deeper into the earth. The pressure is steadily increasing, but you press on, determined to find the Emerald Eye. You all soon arrive in a deep cavern with another tunnel on the other side, but there's something swimming between the tunnel and our group: A school of tiny fish, their bodies shimmering in the dim light, swirls in formation like an undulating silvery pillar. Drawn by Kenar's light, they suddenly dart towards all of you with sharp teeth bared!

Mornin is the first to act - it is his turn!

 "I think this is a healing potion," Shay says. "Might come in handy if something goes really bad."