“Hmm… maybe a lapel pin of some sort. Simple, cheap, and easily seen.” Eremoz finishes his food. “If they can be made today, I can add a symbol to them before the party. Then we will know they are not counterfeit.”
"So, what have you done so far?" Zelena asks curiously. "This is not your first work together, right? Did you fight monsters together? Rescued dignitaries from foreign countries? Saved a town from complete and utter destruction or an invading army? The mercenaries at the Silver Sable always have the best stories even if some only do it for the money and not for the thrill of the adventure. Arthorius also has the best stories, but his sounds more fantastical. I mean, what would you say to his experience fighting some sort of aberrations from another dimension that is both nearly intangible and invisible? One time he says that he fought a wolf that could split itself every time it made a decision, and, before he knew it, he had to fight a dozen of them."
David sighs heavily and shakes his head at Zelena's admission. "Zelena, we've talked about this. You have to stop sneaking out to the Silver Sable even if the place is safe. And most of the stories the mercenaries told are often gross exaggerations."
Drexon smiles at Zelena, "It sounds as though you have heard many stories, both fantastical and mundane, Lady Zelena. Your Uncle appears to be a bit of a cynic, but we have seen enough to know that what seems fantastical is not a guarantee that it is exaggerated. And if this was more of a social call, perhaps we could have some drinks and speak of our adventures, but alas we have a job to do".
You talk about more mundane things as you pass the hour after supper. You lead the way back to the lake when the hour is up. Zelena and David are accompanying you.
When you reach the lake again, the sun is almost setting. The last pinprick of light is still on the horizon, but the city around the estate is already busy lighting up the night. Unusually, as if prompted by the darkening sky, the front of the manor and the path leading to the manor also light up in a soft dim glow that is very different from the lamp glow. The source of the glow is the golden flowers that decorate most of the estate.
Cob asks Drexon "How far out was the crevasse where you started feeling the magic? Can we tie a rope to Eremoz in case something happens? If it's too far from shore, I can fly out to stay over top of him and pull him up if something happens."
Eremoz changes into a simple pair of pants and begins stretching to prepare for the swim. “Any other family relics I should look for? Maybe a frying pan that never burns food?” He makes a neat pile of all of his things, excluding his maul and the Wayfarer’s Band. “You magic folks figure out something novel like that and we’ll all be rich as kings.”
Drexon points out to where he found the crevasse trying to give Cob a good idea of where Eremoz will be going. He then also takes off his coat, hat and boots as before so he can swim out and map the perimeter.
He looks to Lord David, "Are you going as well?".
He then gives Eremoz and Lord David, if he is going, magical protection.
When they are in the right place for Eremoz to dive, he also helps him focus before establishing a telepathic link. "We can communicate for only 3 minutes, so be quick", he says to Eremoz telepathically.
"Nothing of the sort, I think," Zelena replies to Eremoz with a chuckle. Still, you notice there is a contemplative look on her. It is as if she is considering Eremoz's idea. "Other than the blade, House Clarent doesn't have any other relic. House Pedrov's relic is buried with grandfather in the Pedrov's mausoleum on the other side of the city."
David nods in reply to Drexon's question. He takes off his boots, blazer, and ties, putting them aside on the lakeside, and wades into the shallow to wait for the others.
Eremoz, you dive into the lake with David right behind you. The lake is quite small compared to other natural lakes you've seen, but it still has some depth. You dive for a few minutes, surprisingly reaching 100 to 150 ft. The bottom is murky, but Dvark's blessing helps in some way, allowing you to see more than you would have been able to on your own. Some parts are uneven and you have to go back to the surface for air when you notice a place that is similar to a crevasse but not.
Drexon, despite following behind Eremoz and David, you notice something peculiar about your first experience diving into the lake. The place where you froze? It moved. When you relay this information to Eremoz, Eremoz also begins to notice that there is a current at the bottom of the lake that displaces dirt, mud, and possibly the blade. This endeavour will not be as simple as a grab-and-run.
Cob is the second one to notice that there is a current at the bottom of the lake. Sometimes, the rope you are holding gets pulled in a different direction than where Eremoz is swimming. You equate it with your experience in flying, noticing the eddies and currents of the wind that look similar to what is happening at the bottom of the lake.
After the first hour of looking with no result, Karm's keen mind proposes something: to let Eremoz be swept by the current. With the agreement of the group, Eremoz slackens himself to the current and moves his hand along the bottom of the lake as he is moved. It takes a few times as his instinct is to fight against the current, but, eventually, Eremoz lets himself be swept away. He has to swim against the current several times because it seems to swirl around randomly at the bottom of the lake before it converges into the crevasse.
Three hours later, Eremoz, your hand finally grasps what seems to be a cold metal cylinder. As soon as the cold metal settles on your palm, you see at the forefront of your mind the symbol that you've seen before when the Ancient touched you. It is the symbol of the sun in Giant Rune language with hints of what you can only surmise is Ancient Rune language. The longer it rests in your palm, the warmer it gets until you no longer feel the chill of the lake near wintertime.
As soon as Eremoz grabs the metal cylinder, Drexon, Dvark, Cob, and Karm, you four feel a weight being lifted from your shoulders. You feel lighter somehow, content and tranquil. Beforehand, there is always a sense of urgency to leave and a feeling of unease at the back of your mind. Now, everything feels good and right -- warm and cosy.
A few moments later, Eremoz and David surface with a silvery metallic cylinder on Eremoz's hand.
Drexon hadn't realised how oppressive the feeling was until it was gone, and he no longer felt its weight.
"Well done Eremoz", he calls out as he swims back to shore and gets out the water, his clothes dripping everywhere. He grabs one of the towels that they had brought with them and starts to pat himself dry.
"I have to admit, I was expecting a sword, not a rod. So when it is wielded, the effects are not present?", he asks the last of Lady Zelena.
Zelena shakily grabs the cylinder from Eremoz. She examines it carefully, looking for any damage or defects and finds none. The casing is metallic silver without blemish. It is about the length of two of her palms. There are a few buttons and notches on the surface.
"Within me burns the holy radiance made manifest," Zelena murmurs, grabbing the cylinder with two hands and holding it upwards in front of her chest. She closes her eyes and you can tell that this is part of a prayer. "I am the light against the darkness. As dawn scatters the shadows of night, so shall I purge all traces of darkness from this world. In Ynana's name, the Bringer of Dawn."
She moves her thumb to the side, to where one of the notches is visible, and presses. A beam of bright golden light burst out from the top of the cylinder. The beam starts broad at the base and tapers off to form the tip of a radiant blade almost as long as half of Zelena's height.
For the briefest moment, Drexon, you feel the same primordial fear building from within your body. Cob, while you are not as affected as Drexon, you feel as if you are intruding on a sacred ground -- doing something taboo that you should not have done. Dvark, you get the same feeling as Cob; it is as if you don't belong and you are standing on the grounds of another god's jurisdiction.
Karm, perhaps your response to the blade is the most primal. Your scar, covered by your acquired tattoo, begins to warm up. Your other hand, the one without a tattoo, begins to pulse with something cold and a silhouette of a tattoo with a swirly pattern briefly appears before disappearing. Around your feet, the ground briefly churns. The wind gusts around you. You feel as if you are in the presence of that very meteorite you've collected in the past but more potent and massive.
And then, just as quickly as the feeling comes to the four of you, it disappears. Zelena has turned off the blade once again.
"Thank you," Zelena breathes out and gives you a shaky smile. There is happiness in her eyes. "Thank you for returning this precious treasure of House Clarent. Yes, as far as I know, the Sword of Dawn has two features. One active, and one passive. When it is not wielded by anyone, the passive effect activates, giving an aura of confusion, pain, or fear to those who have magic in them. When it is wielded, the effect is more potent but it has to be consciously activated by manifesting the blade."
Eremoz watches in awe. “Wow. That is a thing of beauty.”
“I hate to bring it back to business right away, but how will the sword factor in to the festivities tomorrow? Is it presented to you, or just on display? Do we need to someone to accompany it in case of theft?”
Drexon also looks impressed by the blade, and more than a little concerned by it.
"I don't know Cob, if every time that blade is used it has that effect on me, I would want to be anywhere but near someone using it", he says looking at the blade with narrowed eyes whilst waiting for the answer to Eremoz's questions.
"I think keeping the blade a secret is a must," Zelena says. "The last time the blade was displayed in the main hall for everyone to see. That's why it was taken so easily. I think keeping this a secret will ensure no one will try to steal it again. Moreover, I am not trained or powerful enough to keep it safe outside the protection of the family room, which is protected with blood magic. But, with the blade in hand, that means you can freely inspect the crevasse. Didn't you say that you cannot go to the crevasse because of the blade's aura?"
"Although," Zelena adds, mulling over Cob's comment, "if you so need it in the future, you can come to me to ask for the blade. I feel like there is a time in the future when this blade will help you, but that is not now. As long as it is for a noble cause and it is returned promptly, I can promise to lend it for you to use." David voices his protest on the promise, but Zelena is firm in her gratitude.
Eremoz takes a second to step away and shake off what water he can. Returning to the group he adds, “I can take another dip and check out the crevasse. Not sure if I can do anything to close it, but I can see what I can do.”
"A gracious offer. Perhaps we can find a way to become more comfortable with the blade's effect in time. Or perhaps the wielder can be more specific with its effect", Drexon replies to Lady Zelena. "And yes, we should check out the crevasse, just in case there is truth to the story that it was through the lake the thieves managed to gain access before".
"I will accompany you Eremoz, as Lady Zelena is right, I should be free to explore now. Perhaps we should all go?", He suggests.
Cob takes one more look at the sword and turns to join the others.
"I'm not much of a swimmer, but sure." Cob says. "Though if this is the same thief we've already encountered, I don't think sneaking in through a hidden back entrance will be their style."
"I will bid you goodbye this evening," Zelena says, clutching the Sword of Dawn close to her. "David will still be here if you need any help." She leaves after saying a few more goodbyes.
"If you require any more help, I will be here keeping watch," David says to the group. "Just give me a signal."
With Eremoz's familiarity with the lake's current after spending hours divining its movement, you dive directly toward the crevasse. Entering through the crevasse, you are led into a slightly downward horizontal tunnel for a few dozen feet before the tunnel abruptly ends. Looking up, you can see an opening that will lead you to an underground cavern right beneath the manor. Soft lights can be seen in the cavern. When you focus, you can hear soft murmurs echoing. You halt before you break the surface of the water, but you have to make a decision on what to do as you can see Karm seems to be nearly out of air.
{{What do you want to do?}}
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“Hmm… maybe a lapel pin of some sort. Simple, cheap, and easily seen.” Eremoz finishes his food. “If they can be made today, I can add a symbol to them before the party. Then we will know they are not counterfeit.”
"I will tell the smiths," David nods.
"So, what have you done so far?" Zelena asks curiously. "This is not your first work together, right? Did you fight monsters together? Rescued dignitaries from foreign countries? Saved a town from complete and utter destruction or an invading army? The mercenaries at the Silver Sable always have the best stories even if some only do it for the money and not for the thrill of the adventure. Arthorius also has the best stories, but his sounds more fantastical. I mean, what would you say to his experience fighting some sort of aberrations from another dimension that is both nearly intangible and invisible? One time he says that he fought a wolf that could split itself every time it made a decision, and, before he knew it, he had to fight a dozen of them."
David sighs heavily and shakes his head at Zelena's admission. "Zelena, we've talked about this. You have to stop sneaking out to the Silver Sable even if the place is safe. And most of the stories the mercenaries told are often gross exaggerations."
Drexon smiles at Zelena, "It sounds as though you have heard many stories, both fantastical and mundane, Lady Zelena. Your Uncle appears to be a bit of a cynic, but we have seen enough to know that what seems fantastical is not a guarantee that it is exaggerated. And if this was more of a social call, perhaps we could have some drinks and speak of our adventures, but alas we have a job to do".
"Perhaps it is best that we get to business?".
You talk about more mundane things as you pass the hour after supper. You lead the way back to the lake when the hour is up. Zelena and David are accompanying you.
When you reach the lake again, the sun is almost setting. The last pinprick of light is still on the horizon, but the city around the estate is already busy lighting up the night. Unusually, as if prompted by the darkening sky, the front of the manor and the path leading to the manor also light up in a soft dim glow that is very different from the lamp glow. The source of the glow is the golden flowers that decorate most of the estate.
{{So, who's doing what for this diving trip?}}
Cob asks Drexon "How far out was the crevasse where you started feeling the magic? Can we tie a rope to Eremoz in case something happens? If it's too far from shore, I can fly out to stay over top of him and pull him up if something happens."
Eremoz changes into a simple pair of pants and begins stretching to prepare for the swim. “Any other family relics I should look for? Maybe a frying pan that never burns food?” He makes a neat pile of all of his things, excluding his maul and the Wayfarer’s Band. “You magic folks figure out something novel like that and we’ll all be rich as kings.”
Drexon points out to where he found the crevasse trying to give Cob a good idea of where Eremoz will be going. He then also takes off his coat, hat and boots as before so he can swim out and map the perimeter.
He looks to Lord David, "Are you going as well?".
He then gives Eremoz and Lord David, if he is going, magical protection.
When they are in the right place for Eremoz to dive, he also helps him focus before establishing a telepathic link. "We can communicate for only 3 minutes, so be quick", he says to Eremoz telepathically.
"Nothing of the sort, I think," Zelena replies to Eremoz with a chuckle. Still, you notice there is a contemplative look on her. It is as if she is considering Eremoz's idea. "Other than the blade, House Clarent doesn't have any other relic. House Pedrov's relic is buried with grandfather in the Pedrov's mausoleum on the other side of the city."
David nods in reply to Drexon's question. He takes off his boots, blazer, and ties, putting them aside on the lakeside, and wades into the shallow to wait for the others.
“I’ll do my best.” Eremoz likewise wades into the water. He takes a breath and dives underneath.
Eremoz, you dive into the lake with David right behind you. The lake is quite small compared to other natural lakes you've seen, but it still has some depth. You dive for a few minutes, surprisingly reaching 100 to 150 ft. The bottom is murky, but Dvark's blessing helps in some way, allowing you to see more than you would have been able to on your own. Some parts are uneven and you have to go back to the surface for air when you notice a place that is similar to a crevasse but not.
Drexon, despite following behind Eremoz and David, you notice something peculiar about your first experience diving into the lake. The place where you froze? It moved. When you relay this information to Eremoz, Eremoz also begins to notice that there is a current at the bottom of the lake that displaces dirt, mud, and possibly the blade. This endeavour will not be as simple as a grab-and-run.
Cob is the second one to notice that there is a current at the bottom of the lake. Sometimes, the rope you are holding gets pulled in a different direction than where Eremoz is swimming. You equate it with your experience in flying, noticing the eddies and currents of the wind that look similar to what is happening at the bottom of the lake.
After the first hour of looking with no result, Karm's keen mind proposes something: to let Eremoz be swept by the current. With the agreement of the group, Eremoz slackens himself to the current and moves his hand along the bottom of the lake as he is moved. It takes a few times as his instinct is to fight against the current, but, eventually, Eremoz lets himself be swept away. He has to swim against the current several times because it seems to swirl around randomly at the bottom of the lake before it converges into the crevasse.
Three hours later, Eremoz, your hand finally grasps what seems to be a cold metal cylinder. As soon as the cold metal settles on your palm, you see at the forefront of your mind the symbol that you've seen before when the Ancient touched you. It is the symbol of the sun in Giant Rune language with hints of what you can only surmise is Ancient Rune language. The longer it rests in your palm, the warmer it gets until you no longer feel the chill of the lake near wintertime.
As soon as Eremoz grabs the metal cylinder, Drexon, Dvark, Cob, and Karm, you four feel a weight being lifted from your shoulders. You feel lighter somehow, content and tranquil. Beforehand, there is always a sense of urgency to leave and a feeling of unease at the back of your mind. Now, everything feels good and right -- warm and cosy.
A few moments later, Eremoz and David surface with a silvery metallic cylinder on Eremoz's hand.
"You found it," Zelena gasps in mesmerized awe.
Drexon hadn't realised how oppressive the feeling was until it was gone, and he no longer felt its weight.
"Well done Eremoz", he calls out as he swims back to shore and gets out the water, his clothes dripping everywhere. He grabs one of the towels that they had brought with them and starts to pat himself dry.
"I have to admit, I was expecting a sword, not a rod. So when it is wielded, the effects are not present?", he asks the last of Lady Zelena.
Zelena shakily grabs the cylinder from Eremoz. She examines it carefully, looking for any damage or defects and finds none. The casing is metallic silver without blemish. It is about the length of two of her palms. There are a few buttons and notches on the surface.
"Within me burns the holy radiance made manifest," Zelena murmurs, grabbing the cylinder with two hands and holding it upwards in front of her chest. She closes her eyes and you can tell that this is part of a prayer. "I am the light against the darkness. As dawn scatters the shadows of night, so shall I purge all traces of darkness from this world. In Ynana's name, the Bringer of Dawn."
She moves her thumb to the side, to where one of the notches is visible, and presses. A beam of bright golden light burst out from the top of the cylinder. The beam starts broad at the base and tapers off to form the tip of a radiant blade almost as long as half of Zelena's height.
For the briefest moment, Drexon, you feel the same primordial fear building from within your body. Cob, while you are not as affected as Drexon, you feel as if you are intruding on a sacred ground -- doing something taboo that you should not have done. Dvark, you get the same feeling as Cob; it is as if you don't belong and you are standing on the grounds of another god's jurisdiction.
Karm, perhaps your response to the blade is the most primal. Your scar, covered by your acquired tattoo, begins to warm up. Your other hand, the one without a tattoo, begins to pulse with something cold and a silhouette of a tattoo with a swirly pattern briefly appears before disappearing. Around your feet, the ground briefly churns. The wind gusts around you. You feel as if you are in the presence of that very meteorite you've collected in the past but more potent and massive.
And then, just as quickly as the feeling comes to the four of you, it disappears. Zelena has turned off the blade once again.
"Thank you," Zelena breathes out and gives you a shaky smile. There is happiness in her eyes. "Thank you for returning this precious treasure of House Clarent. Yes, as far as I know, the Sword of Dawn has two features. One active, and one passive. When it is not wielded by anyone, the passive effect activates, giving an aura of confusion, pain, or fear to those who have magic in them. When it is wielded, the effect is more potent but it has to be consciously activated by manifesting the blade."
Eremoz watches in awe. “Wow. That is a thing of beauty.”
“I hate to bring it back to business right away, but how will the sword factor in to the festivities tomorrow? Is it presented to you, or just on display? Do we need to someone to accompany it in case of theft?”
Cob, while disliking the feeling emanating from the blade, marvels at the sword.
"That is a powerful weapon," Cob finally says. "We fought a really nasty creature once. That blade would have been very useful to have had then."
Drexon also looks impressed by the blade, and more than a little concerned by it.
"I don't know Cob, if every time that blade is used it has that effect on me, I would want to be anywhere but near someone using it", he says looking at the blade with narrowed eyes whilst waiting for the answer to Eremoz's questions.
"I think keeping the blade a secret is a must," Zelena says. "The last time the blade was displayed in the main hall for everyone to see. That's why it was taken so easily. I think keeping this a secret will ensure no one will try to steal it again. Moreover, I am not trained or powerful enough to keep it safe outside the protection of the family room, which is protected with blood magic. But, with the blade in hand, that means you can freely inspect the crevasse. Didn't you say that you cannot go to the crevasse because of the blade's aura?"
"Although," Zelena adds, mulling over Cob's comment, "if you so need it in the future, you can come to me to ask for the blade. I feel like there is a time in the future when this blade will help you, but that is not now. As long as it is for a noble cause and it is returned promptly, I can promise to lend it for you to use." David voices his protest on the promise, but Zelena is firm in her gratitude.
Eremoz takes a second to step away and shake off what water he can. Returning to the group he adds, “I can take another dip and check out the crevasse. Not sure if I can do anything to close it, but I can see what I can do.”
"A gracious offer. Perhaps we can find a way to become more comfortable with the blade's effect in time. Or perhaps the wielder can be more specific with its effect", Drexon replies to Lady Zelena. "And yes, we should check out the crevasse, just in case there is truth to the story that it was through the lake the thieves managed to gain access before".
"I will accompany you Eremoz, as Lady Zelena is right, I should be free to explore now. Perhaps we should all go?", He suggests.
Cob takes one more look at the sword and turns to join the others.
"I'm not much of a swimmer, but sure." Cob says. "Though if this is the same thief we've already encountered, I don't think sneaking in through a hidden back entrance will be their style."
"I will bid you goodbye this evening," Zelena says, clutching the Sword of Dawn close to her. "David will still be here if you need any help." She leaves after saying a few more goodbyes.
"If you require any more help, I will be here keeping watch," David says to the group. "Just give me a signal."
With Eremoz's familiarity with the lake's current after spending hours divining its movement, you dive directly toward the crevasse. Entering through the crevasse, you are led into a slightly downward horizontal tunnel for a few dozen feet before the tunnel abruptly ends. Looking up, you can see an opening that will lead you to an underground cavern right beneath the manor. Soft lights can be seen in the cavern. When you focus, you can hear soft murmurs echoing. You halt before you break the surface of the water, but you have to make a decision on what to do as you can see Karm seems to be nearly out of air.
{{What do you want to do?}}