Witnessing his friend's distress, Stool right away engage in an effort to ease Glabbagool's spirit. - "Don't worry, Glabbagool! You know the difference between enemies and friends. Those others do not. Unfortunately! Maybe some day."

Ash snuggles into Quinn as the group travels. "Well yes. I know you're not like that... But perhaps we can change her mind? Your mother. I... Well... I wouldn't want to keep our families apart just because of race. Although I doubt Yama will stay in one place for too long." Ash smiles and pokes Quinn's nose. "Anywho... What should we do around here? Other than look for the path to the surface of course."

 "Declaration: Upgrade process complete.

Distressed as well, though for a differing reason that Glaabagool, Enkindle would break away from the group long enough to help the two guards with their slime problem. "Oiii! Ya can use so 'elp, don'tcha?" She calls out to them. If it looks as if she might get there in time to pull the guard out, her skin and armor turn oily and luminescent(Acid Resistance) prior to her jabbing a hand down in boldly to pull the gnome out if alive.

But if too far for more than a sacred flame, then she flicks some divine fire the goops way. At least enough for the guard to get free if still alive. No matter which comes about, the instinct to aid nearly overwhelms all other. A reminder that had become increasingly more constant since the Mushroom City.

Amara moves through Blingdenstone quietly, eyes watching her surroundings thoughtfully.

Level up dream coming tomorrow.

Mev, the deep gnome stuck in the gelatinous cube, is obviously grateful to be rescued from the monster. Once it dissipates, there's 100gp and a long sword +1 in it's remains. He says if you're interested in leaving for the surface, talk to people at Diggermattock Hall.

That morning Svana felt reborn, rejuvenated, and powerful and she poured lots of it when she gave Jezzika a good morning kiss. It was infectious, and very much intoxicating, like the drow had told her before. This was just the beginning and it felt fantastic, the noble already craving more of it, but she needed to be patient. If asked how she felt, all she would reply with would be a big beaming smile, "I feel magnificent!" While they made way in the gnome city, Svana had been swinging her and Jezzika's interlocked hands, humming some odd tune, minding her own business for the most part unless spoken to.

As you accept, the voice of Umbra caresses your mind.

WHAT IS A DROP OF RAIN, COMPARED TO THE STORM? WHAT IS A THOUGHT, COMPARED TO A MIND. MY UNITY IS FULL OF WONDER, WHICH YOUR TINY INDIVIDUALISM CANNOT EVEN CONCEIVE. BUT YOU WILL. YOU HAVE TAKEN THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS INFINITY.

"You can feel it, can't you." Jezzika whispered to Svana, holding her hand and tasting her lips. "I told you. Isn't it wonderful? This is only the beginning. Imagine the knowledge and power you will have. You have to believe me, it's almost orgasmic." she giggled devilishly. "It's almost like I can't wait to learn something new from it. I remember how I felt as you do now, it's such a wonderful feeling."

As the group is walking, Ash's back suddenly is racked with pain and she dopples over. Her back glows bright beneath her new armor and she feels Quinn worriedly trying to help her, unable to respond. She feels almost paralyzed, stuck in place. Able to sense and feel everything around her but unable to react.

Ash's whole body trembled in pain, anger, sadness. From the outside she almost looked like she was having a panicked attack mixed with burning pain. Her eyes were teared up as she tried to fight against her paralyzed state. 

Almost as if suddenly released from her binds, Ash collapses onto the ground infront of Quinn. She takes a sharp gasp, her face a look of fear and shock. Her breathing trembles a little as she shakes her head, running her hands through her hair. She almost scaredly glances around herself, the dark shadow now gone from her vision. When Quinn concernedly tries to comfort her, Ash almost flinches away for a moment before moving to hide against him, calming her breathing. After a moment, she speaks hesitantly. "I... know what he wants... what... he is... Quinn I... I can't... I don't... Know what to do..."

Quinn coughs as he feels himself released by the malevolence as blood stains his lips

What the **** was that? Are you ok Ash? What the ****!? THATS Ophidian?! We need to talk about this to the others. That power i felt, none of us can do anything about it, not alone. I swear on my life i will not let him have you. Not for what he wants. Ill do... whatever i can do.. i wont let this happen...

Ash's breathing slows and when she notices the blood on Quinn's lips her fear turns to anger. "I'm fine. Oh Quinn. Are you okay? He actually? That's it! This needs to stop. Preferably before we reach the surface. I can't let him hurt you Quinn. He's getting stronger. Too strong. Quinn... Who is Yahweh? Ophidian... He's a leviathan... Do you know anything about any of this? And Umbra... If he is working with Ophidian... Then... We have to do something about that as well." Ash's tattoo can be seen still illuminated slightly, however, it instead glows a dark black instead of it's normal red. She runs a hand through her hair in thought. "Quinn... Who do I... Even talk to about this? I... Need to get rid of him... Even if that means losing my powers. I'd rather be powerless than under his control." 

You need to find a temple, one focused on all things holy. We need a god on our side... maybe one of balance, because this shit is too much to be balanced in the world. That darkness, Ophidian, must be stopped. Now in order to figure this out, how and when did your powers start?

Quinn looks into Ashryns eyes, and can tell she means what she says about wanting to do away with this force.

Im fine, im more worried about you. I dont want to lose you..

Ash looks down for a minute in thought. "Well... I... Hmm.. When I was younger, my mom sent me on a boat to cross the ocean. I dont... know what happened really. But... The ship crashed... err... well... Exploded more specifically. I think... I think I was the only survivor? I was... Young and stupid. He promised me safety. Even gave me a small boat and sent me to the shore... That's how I met Yama. But he... branded me... forced his powers onto me. I never... I never really wanted any of this Quinn. He left me alone for a long time... But now... something is different. Things are changing. And I... I dont want this..." 

Hmm, boats, explosions, death? Hmm, did you give him anything of yourself? Any payment? And i know how that is, being young and afraid on the water. Its just so massive.. this mark,

*quinn holds ashs waist and looks at her tattoo* 

This tattoo, is it normal? Or is this his brand? Is this the symbol of your connection to him?

Ash lets Quinn look at her tattoo, it still glowing black slightly. "Hehe. Nothing about that is normal... It's a brand. I remember him searing it into my back when he promised me safety. I... Dont think I intentionally gave him anything... I just... didnt want to die... I accepted his help... That was my mistake." 

Ash feels Quinn carefully looking over the symbol glowing on her back. "It's... Only glowed red before now... And only when he... Is upset with me. Consider it a warning burn? Like a shock collar... " 

After a minute of silent thinking, Ash sighs. "I don't think any church down here would be willing to help with this..."

Ah, ****. So, have you ever had any injuries on it?

*Quinn takes a closer look at it. Is it as clean and as fresh as the day it appeared, or does it have cuts and blank spots?*

Because if its burning you, then i dont think it would be as simple as removing it... in fact that may anger him. I dont want him to hurt you like that. And he is part of the sea? Or trapped by it? That may be an idea, we have to find a weakness for this shit, darling. 

Quinn racks his brain to figure things out

Hmmm. Hes a legend of the sea... this started at sea... maybe.. maybe we can end it at sea? If not, maybe we can talk to a few sailors to see what they have heard or know of him?

Ash let's out a slight sigh. "I've probably had injuries on it... But as far as I can tell, it just remains the same... Perhaps we should talk to Amara or Enkindle? They have more... Holy... Beings yes? Perhaps they could look into it?" 

She looks away for a second in thought. "The more I disobey him, the more he hurts me. Last time I attacked him. This time he used you. I'm sure if we try to remove this... The branding... It will just come back worse.  Whatever we do to get rid of this... It sure as hell wont be easy..."

She almost gets so caught up in her worries that she doesnt notice the change in name. "Darling? That's cute." 

Quinn turns beet red, 

Ah, erm, well yeah. Shut up. 

He smiles wide and looks down

They can maybe help. Sure. Yes. Id like to talk to everyone about this. As soon as i gain my right color.

He gives Ash a look from the corner of his eye to see if shes still looking at him.

Deep breath,

Yes, well. Yes. I have no idea how to help, but i will find a way. And youll be safe. Youll be free. Hes not going to continue to hurt you like this. I will do whatever it takes. Even if its a long shot, or if its a vague idea, i will try.

Ash can't help but giggle a little at Quinn's sudden blushing. "what? It was cute. A nice smile compared to all of this shit." 

She looks away in thought with a smile that slowly fades. But her eyes seem to almost light up a little. "Quinn? Do you know anything about Yahweh?" She looks to him, a thought obviously running through her mind. "B... Because... If we can figure out how to contact Yahweh... He obviously did something to upset Ophidian... And maybe they could... Fix this? I think we need to talk to the others soon... before we reach the surface..." 

Erm, well the only thing that i recall, he is a diety of holy, righteousness, and... stuff? Eh.. im sorry, ive never really studied the ancient lores. The only thing i really know about history or anything religious, is the great calamity, bahamut and Tiamat, and... eh.. maaaagic...

*as Quinn says "magic" he prestidigitates sparkles from under his waving hand, wiggling his fingers.*

Im sorry dear, i wish i knew more about that. I mean if it comes to hard work, sailing, or playing music, i can tell you all kinds of things, but that doesn't seem like that will help at all currently. Yes. We will go to Enkendle and Amara for anything that we didnt think of or didnt know. Theyre both pretty smart.

*Quinn scratches his head,*

Yeah im sorry. I feel like im not helping..