darkSpyro

Inside the ship, the hallway's silence were usually shattered by the sound of stomping hooves, echoing through the walls. In the hallway where Maverick's cabin was located, Dahlia did some rounds, looking more like a giant guard dog than anything else. She would sometimes pry her head on the entrance of the room to check on Angora, who was in the same state. The buffalo got claustrophobic at first with the rather small hallway, but got used to it very fast. She was color blinded, she she had no way to know if Angora's skin color was better...

Quote: Spyroconvexity

Shade moved a little as well. He then started to come to. “Maverick....maverick...”

Maverick answered immediately.
"I'm here Oscurito. Come through for me, por favor! I need you! Angora needs you. Come on! You're stronger than this!" Maverick begged, knowing that if Shade remained unconscious too, he would have only Dahlia to support him in this painful ordeal. The deal was for he and his friends to not interfere with Shade's training and obey orders, not to tolerate this insane amount of torture. He didn't know that Raclaw was going through the same experience, so as he prayed for Shade and Angora to get better, he wondered where Chester and the fur dragon were. He needed comfort so badly right now, and since Dahlia was watching Angora and he didn't trust anybody else, their companionship was going to be more than welcomed...

Maverick gently touched his snout, not caring anymore about the hexphage. The fungus still wasn't visible, and he already carried Angora, so the inflicted disease didn't matter much to him, especially since he didn't have any internal magic the hexphage could feed on.
"Ok Oscurito. Rest. Recover. I... have to be someplace else, but I'll return. Raclaw can keep you company. And the cute Chester too." Maverick said with a small smile, looking around to see if he saw Raclaw or Chester around. He didn't see them, and only looked briefly at the distance. Since it was already little light from the approaching night, he failed to spot them. He didn't have time to look for them though. Certain they would turn out sooner or later, he made his way to the cabin, thinking along the way what could he do right now. Was Sere still thinking about confronting that beast even after everything that was happening? He was more than ready to kick Angora out of the ship, but would he still do it in her condition? Would he really be heartless enough to consider leaving her this way? Maverick didn't want to think he would go so far. He wanted to believe that under all that harsh authority and extreme views, there was a noble heart who thought about the wellbeing of people, not just about saving their lives and receiving pay. He wanted to believe there was love and compassion in him, even for a troll.

At Latnok's request, the figure raised an arm to the sky, calling forth... something. Seemingly nothing happened for half a minute. Then, a deep rumbling sound could be heard, approaching and growing louder as the tremors became more palpable. Eventually, what appeared to be a giant root of some kind burst through the ground, right behind the cloaked figure.
"Follow me. The roots transport us. Nothing to fear." As he spoke, a hole opened up on the outer side of the root, revealing a hollow pathway. The figure, leading by example, stepped in.
Though it seemed very risky, Latnok followed nevertheless. As he entered, the hole closed up, leaving them in darkness - or it would, were it not for some bioluminescence. The root moved back below the ground, with the original ground roughly shifting back into place, leaving no trace that anyone had been there - Latnok had covered his tracks as best he could, not wishing to be followed.
"Please, sit down," the guide said, sitting down himself. Latnok obliged; it was then that the root started moving them, in a mannter not completely unlike how food moves down one's throat.
"Where are we headed?" Latnok asked.
"We are headed somewhere I can show you what I mean - instead of just telling you," the guide said confidently. "At the very least, you will have a better idea of what I mean by the time we're through. You will be returned to your allies - in time."

Meanwhile, Leoquin had gotten a bit of word about what had happened through the rumor mill. He headed to the gangplank himself to see what was up - his friend Raclaw unconscious, as well as the monster. That just wouldn't do - Raclaw being unconscious, anyway. He cared little for the monster.
Running back, he found the first bucket he could - being used by a prisoner to swab the deck, but he had better things to use it for. Grabbing it, he ran down, disembarking thw ship, before filling the bucket with brine, which he then splashed on Raclaw's face by swinging the bucket. "Wake up, buddy!" he called out urgently. "This isn't the place to sleep!"

All the while, Maverick had returned to Angora. She was still very unconscious, but thankfully, color seemed to be returning to her face. This made Maverick hope again. Angora had always been very strong, but her severe condition made him doubt his faith for a moment. As he watched over her, he started to wonder something.
"What do you think Dahlia? Should I... call Ilasi? Do you think... she would help me?" Maverick asked his mount, feeling in his despair she was probably the only one she could talk to besides Raclaw. Even though he appreciated Dahlia's support and animals like Chester, he really needed someone to talk to, someone that would restore his faith. They didn't need to help him with Angora. They could just talk to him.

As Maverick pondered about everything, Dahlia had disappeared. Even though this made him rather sad, he decided to let her be. Turns out Dahlia had returned to Ilasi's cabin, memorizing it when Maverick took her there, once again demonstrating her intelligence. Dahlia then touched the door with a hold, mimicking the knock on the door that Maverick did earlier. This seemed to attract people's attention...

Ilasi was once again on her bed, reading a story about a man who was, by a water spirit, granted the ability to breathe underwater and swim effortlessly - but, in exchange, there was a plague afflicting the river and lake, which he had to find the solution to, or he would lose his terrestrial capabilities. Absorbed in the book, Ilasi was rather startled by the knock on the door. What could Maverick need right now? Did he already talk to Angora? She wasn't expecting it to be within the day.
Ilasi hesitated, wondering if she wouldn't be better off pretending to sleep. Better to confront the issue now than later, however - she climbed out of bed and opened the door, seeing Dahlia, to her surprise. "Oh, hello there... buffalo," Ilasi said, not recalling the creature's name. "What's wrong?" Ilasi wasn't sure if the creature knocked deliberately, but she would at least entertain it.

The buffalo looked at the now two legged mermaid with penetrating eyes, stomping a hoof as if trying desperately to speak. How Dahlia wished she could be understood like Raclaw could. She lowered her head and beckoned to Ilasi, wishing so badly the underwater person could understand what she was trying to say and how Maverick needed her now more than ever...

Ilasi wasn't exactly sure what the buffalo was trying to communicate; nevertheless, out of boredom and curiosity, she would follow. "Are you hungry?" she asked. "Is that it? Can you not find Maverick?" Ilasi was unaware of the animal's intelligence; it just seemed like any pet trying to satisfy some base need, or something of the like

The ride, though far from smooth, was oddly comfortable, like getting a massage; Latnok and the guide, after at least half an hour, reached their destination, Latnok feeling oddly rejuvenated. It was a spacious underground chamber, not unlike the ones back at the stronghold. The more interesting thing, however, was the sight of many bug creatures, that were the odd mix of beetle and spider in appearance. Above them was what could best be described as a fleshy balloon, with eyes and various sacs which inflated and deflated around its body.
"Watch, and learn," the guide said. It was then that the eyeball creature let out a telepathic shriek, which felt harsh but tolerable to Latnok. The shriek triggered all of the creatures to meet up in the center - and start fighting each other. They bit, they gored, they spat acid, they showed no mercy to each other. The fight went on for a long time - in the end, there was only one. Its shell was cracked and burned in several spots, but did not break completely, unlike the others.
"These creatures are rather special," the guide said, "in that, thanks to our effort, they can alter their carapace in battle to better deal with any specific attack. They usually have a difficult time doing so on their own; however, thanks to the mastermind - the creature you see above - it can readily receive that information. Now, this particular creature you see in front of you has survived; whether it be because it was intelligent enough to know when to fight and when to back off, or because of its more sturdy shell, it had an advantage over the others. This creature will form the base for more of the others, and the process will continue.
"They reproduce quickly, so we can execute that with them; we do not have the luxury of doing that with most sapient creatures, however. And so, we must endeavor to find a different way to achieve that. Much research into the nature of living things has gone into this; imagine the possibilities!"
Latnok listened patiently, having diligently observed the battle. "That's nice and all... but how does that help me?"
"I have more to show you," the guide said. "Patience, please..."

Before their very eyes, the bug began to devour bits and pieces of the fallen, shredding them with its mandibles. As it did so, it grew visibly larger.
"You see, conflict is not just good for the whole - it is also good for the individual, those strong enough to survive, that is. You have shown this capability."
Latnok was a bit suspicious - hr knew there was something he wasn't being told. "Tell me - how do you know about my past?" he demanded.
"We know many things. We know where your allies are, what they are doing. We know they intend to engage the White Shadow. In that conflict, they will grow ever stronger. What we do not know, we can either divine, or research - or at least attempt to. Pray, stay awhile. You will return to them, in time."
"In time... I have things to do. I may not trust those I used to, but that doesn't mean that I can just abandon them."
"That line of thinking... helping the group is important, yes, but the individual must not neglect themselves if they seek to grow. You seek growth, power. Stay, sharpen yourself, just for some time. Test your abilities. We will all be the stronger for it. We will hide you from magical detection while you are with us, so no one bothers you. We will watch over your allies, and deliver you to them when you are ready."
Latnok had to think long and hard - how much could he trust this... whatever it was? However, it seemed to make no attempt to kill him thus far - and being short one person in the naval battle wouldn't be the end of the world. Sere would adapt. He always has.
"Well, I've come this far. Let's see what you've got."

Quote: A Guy

Ilasi wasn't exactly sure what the buffalo was trying to communicate; nevertheless, out of boredom and curiosity, she would follow. "Are you hungry?" she asked. "Is that it? Can you not find Maverick?" Ilasi was unaware of the animal's intelligence; it just seemed like any pet trying to satisfy some base need, or something of the like.

Convinced that the mermaid would follow, even if it wasn't for the reason she hoped, Dahlia guided Ilasi to the hallways, once again her stomping echoing through the walls. They didn't encounter any sailors along the way, and it was better if they didn't. Soon, the buffalo opened the door by pushing it,mhaving been only half closed. Maverick left it that way in case she returned.
"There you are girl. Why you disappeared like that? You had me worried." Maverick said as he went to give her a hug, but as he walked to her, he spotted Ilasi behind her.
"Ilasi!? What are you doing here? You... how... you... Dahlia? Did you do this?" Maverick asked, finding too much coincidence that Ilasi was behind her as if the buffalo had led her there. He then used his own body and Dahlia to cover the door as he waited an answer, not wanting Ilasi to see Angora in such deteriorating state.

Ilasi, hearing nothing unusual from Maverick and not immediately seeing Angora, didn't think much of the situation. Just a pet being a pet. "She wants something, I think," Ilasi said. "Maybe some food? Did you get separated from her? I think she might have had some difficulty finding you." Ilasi gave the buffalo a pat on the head. "There we are, Dahlia," she said, just hearing the name from Maverick. "Maverick is here. No need to worry."

Dahlia then glared at Maverick, feeling angry that he practically just asked for her to be there with him. She had confused Maverick's question earlier for an actual request.
"Naughty girl! I'm so sorry she bothered you Ilasi. I don't know what has gotten into her lately. She already ate and I already played with her. I guess she just wanted more attention." Maverick commented, still finding it difficult to assimilate Dahlia bringing Ilasi as a result of him talking about her earlier. He still remained by the door to hide Angora, not noticing that Dahlia already moved her head slightly so that Ilasi could take a peek inside and see what Maverick was up to. She knew her rider didn't want her to see, but she wanted the mermaid to understand his sadness. Everyone else on the ship made her very uneasy, but she really liked Ilasi, and found her very trustworthy.

"No worries," Ilasi assured Maverick. "I wasn't doing anything impor- wait, is that... what happened to Angora?!" Ilasi's tone suddenly shifted to one of surprise and concern upon seeing the troll Maverick was trying hard to hide from her. Regardless of whatever problems they had, she didn't want to just leave Angora like that. "We have to do something! I... I have to help! Let me in!" she demanded.

It was Maverick's turn to glare at Dahlia, with the buffalo simply smirking naughtily at him in response. She then turned around to leave further into the corner, accidentally bumping him with her backside. She left the entrance of the door, but remained nearby in the hallway, pouting. She truly believed Maverick had asked her to fetch Ilasi, and was angry at him for being ungrateful. Maverick was now trying to understand what she was angry about, but didn't want ignore Ilasi. Knowing that she how had space to enter, he went alongside Angora and motioned her to stay back.
"No. Por favor, don't come any closer. I don't want you to get infected with hexphage. Angora may still have some and I touched her, so please." he warned, not wanting Ilasi to touch him or Angora, though he wished for nothing more than a hug.

He wanted Ilasi to stay back and avoid her question, but he was in such a sad state that he couldn't deny Ilasi the answer.
"It... it was Latnok. He confessed it to me. He... pried into Angora's mind. I don't know what kind of twisted magic he used to read her mind, but you can see the results for yourself. She was even bleeding from the nose Ilasi! I... I don't know why he keeps doing this! Why does he has to abuse Angorita so much? He even treats me bad! And now Sere does it too! Why Ilasi? Why? Are we really such awful people? Do we really deserve this? Have we really sinned so badly?" Maverick asked with trembling lips and a nearly cracked voice, having wanted to keep Ilasi out of this problem that was his alone, but the sight of her meek, beautiful self was enough for him to lower his guard completely and not keeping his feelings secret.

Ilasi listened in disbelief at Maverick's accusation. Latnok... he was harsh, but he didn't seem the kind to resort to such violent punishment. Not after how kind he had been to the rest of them. "Surely, this must be some misunderstanding..." Ilasi said, her voice wavering.
"Latnok... he was always under the impression that neither of you had any intention to pull your weight. That you would do as little as possible to help and escape with Shade as soon as the opportunity presented itself. 'Angora never does any training,' he said." Ilasi changed her voice as best she could in order to emulate Latnok's, though it was still a far cry from it. "Said that all Angora does when she's not doing chores is play around with Shade, not caring about anyone else. He said you were being used by her, and were too weak-willed to realize it.
"He was initially training Angora with me... but after she blew him off on the first lesson, he decided to have Leoquin's dump chores on her instead. 'If she doesn't want to make herself as useful as possible, then we will have to make her as useful as we can manage.' He... was really frustrated. 'Why can't Angora get off her high horse?' he said. 'All I want is for her to be a member of the team like everyone else. She's always as rude and defiant as she thinks she can get away with. Why can't she just care a tiny bit? We let her keep Shade company. Why does she insist on giving us a hard time on OUR ship?'" Ilasi paused a moment as she paraphrased Latnok's words, trying to regain her train of thought.
"Latnok... I don't know too much about him, but I do know that he and his kind spend much of their time training. To him... I think, more than anything, that shows investment. I don't think he was really capable of understanding Angora's feelings. Though I don't agree with it, I can see why he was so hard on her... but to do this? Something doesn't seem right. Wouldn't he use a more simple method if he wanted to hurt her? I don't even know if he's capable of using such magic... from what he told us, Raclaw was much more powerful telepathically than him, and he was limited to just transmitting thoughts. If he did this, and if he did it intentionally... I don't know. That would be purely wicked of him. I don't know if I'd want to follow someone like that. We need answers... we have to have answers."
Ilasi almost completely forgot about Angora as she went off on her tangent, before catching a glimose of her once again. "Even if I can't touch her, we need to help her. Maybe I can make some medicine to ease the symptoms... no, she wouldn't be able to take it in. I... might have to touch her. I will need gloves." Ilasi, despite the risks, was determined to help out - leaving without doing anything when she was able to seemed almost criminal. Besides, she was certain that Sere may be more liberal with the cure on her than he was with Angora.

Meanwhile...Quote: A Guy

Leoquin had gotten a bit of word about what had happened through the rumor mill. He headed to the gangplank himself to see what was up - his friend Raclaw unconscious, as well as the monster. That just wouldn't do - Raclaw being unconscious, anyway. He cared little for the monster.
Running back, he found the first bucket he could - being used by a prisoner to swab the deck, but he had better things to use it for. Grabbing it, he ran down, disembarking the ship, before filling the bucket with brine, which he then splashed on Raclaw's face by swinging the bucket. "Wake up, buddy!" he called out urgently. "This isn't the place to sleep!"

As soon as the salty water hit his face, Raclaw's senses quickly awoke and the fur dragon was able to get up. "Woah.. Leoquin. Wait-- how long have been out? I-- I need to find Latnok, explain...," he started to say as a great sense of guilt washed over him. That blasted memory had the severable Damon had sent him-- he was surely taking it hard. Suddenly Chester ran up to the now awake Raclaw and the two briefly barked something in their private language known only to dogs and dog-like fur dragons. "Wait-- he left?! You're saying that he just left a note and left me here? Oh my-- what have I done? No.. what has Damon done?!," he said in dogspeak with a tone that would sound somewhat agitated and worrisome to the certainly not dog-like Leoquin. "Damon-- what have you done?! Answer me.," he demanded internally only to get no response. "I'm sorry-- thank you for waking me. Sere, where is Godfather Sere? I need to speak to him at once.," he then said in common looking at Leoquin. He wasn't sure what to do, but perhaps the trusted Sere might be able to help-- and he could at least provide some answers to the whole incident. For better or worse.

Elsewhere, Risar kept an close eye on Shade-- prepared to do what he had to should the large Dragolet wake up and have a negative reaction. He glanced off the deck and was somewhat pleased to see that their sleepy fur dragon was finally waking up. 'About time.,' he thought to himself.

Maverick closed his eyes as Ilasi talked, taking in everything Ilasi had been saying. If that's everything Latnok ever talked about her, it was no wonder why even Ilasi herself was giving Angora the cold shoulder.
"I didn't want to believe it either Ilasi... but I heard him from his own mouth. With his own voice. He told me right there... what he had done. Is that really everything he has said about Angora? Heh, boy does he really like to say the very worst about her. Angora... she was... IS rude I admit it, but she never really means to hurt anyone. She is trying very hard to be more polite. Have you really seen her get violent with anyone? Or have they ever told you the story about Darkmatter? Or how they left her rotting in jail for a crime she didn't commit?" Maverick asked, doubting very much the Guardians have ever mentioned the very noble things Angora had done. He knew the answer was a no, so before Ilasi could respond, he then realized he had offered her help. Despite being touched by the offer, he declined.

"Gracias for the offer Ilasi... but... this is my problem. I'm sorry if I told you all of this. I didn't want to get you involved. It's just..." he said, swallowing hard before continuing.
"Por favor Ilasi, don't get in trouble because of us. I don't want you to be treated differently because you cared for the two most hated beings on this ship. I'm really grateful for your help, but it's alright. Angorita is strong. And I... can take care of her." Maverick said with a small smile, treating Ilasi with the most respect and politeness he has ever shown to her yet. It really said a lot about her that she wanted to help someone she thought hated her.

"The captain? He was here not too long ago checking up on you, I think," Leoquin said. "He should still be on deck. Let's go find him." As Leoquin crossed the gangplank, he turned back and beckoned to Raclaw for him to follow.
They were only a few paces from the ship end of the gangplank when they found Sere - who was intending to return to check up on Raclaw. "Raclaw... you're up," Sere said. He noted the fur dragon's wet fur and the smell of brine - no doubt someone, most likely Leoquin, decided to assist him with awakening. Sere would've let him be, but what was done was done. Sere had no intention to beat around the bush. "Would you happen to know why my Guardian has deemed himself mentally unfit for duty and left us for now?"

Ilasi wanted to help - Maverick was rather insistent on her not helping, however. Despite her best intentions, she didn't feel comfortable forcing the issue any further, especially with Maverick being much more familiar with Angora...
...maybe he just didn't care for her presence. Angora was his whole world, and with her ill, Ilasi was just jetsam to be tossed aside. "...okay," Ilasi conceded dejectedly. "Just... let me know if you need my help..." Ilasi began to walk away, feeling extremely disappointed once again. Maverick said one thing, but his actions showed something completely different. Could she trust him? And what was the deal with Latnok? It not only seemed uncharacteristic of Latnok to go to such an extreme, it was out of the limits of his abilities as far as she knew. Was Maverick lying about that, too? Was he just trying to turn her against Latnok in some attempt to get some sort of revenge for Angora? Was this all some sort of act for pity? What was the truth?

Before Ilasi could leave, Dahlia was already there again, on the mermaid's way and glaring at Maverick.
"Oh come on girl! Now you're angry at me too? What did I do wrong now?" Maverick asked the buffalo, this being the first time Dahlia had been genuinely angry at him. The buffalo looked at Ilasi with care and some sorrow, knowing Maverick had accidentally hurt her feelings again. It took him some little time to ponder about it, but then he somewhat knew what was distressing his mount and the kind mermaid that had offered her help.

"I... I'm sorry Ilasi. Lo siento. I didn't mean to offend you. You... do you really want to help? I don't want you to get in trouble, but... if it'll really make you feel better, then I... I would like you to help. I guess... I need all the help I can get." Maverick asked meekly and in shame, hoping Ilasi would reconsider her original decision. He didn't want her to get into trouble, but if she could help Angora heal faster and if it'll really make her feel better, he wasn't going to decline Ilasi's offer anymore.

"I do Godfather. It-- it was me, at least in part.," Raclaw said with his head hung low, feeling somewhat guilty about the whole thing. He started to explain what had happened-- about the initial 'fight' between Latnok and Angora, about his suggestion to act as some sort of truth detector, about his meditated (but approved) invasion upon the now unconscious Troll's mind, and what happened afterwards... no matter how much it pained him. "And that was when Damon crossed the line and did something very much against my will. Deep inside, buried far beyond what Latnok's influence can see-- I have a memory. It concerns the old caves and Latnok and.. and Angora. You may know what I speak of.," the guilty fur dragon started to conclude. "What Latnok did in those caves-- I never admitted it afterwards, but it scarred me and it scared me from interacting with Angora. That side of Latnok was an side I had never seen before and something that some part of me never wants to see again. To threaten my own control, my freedom, my freewill-- you.. you have to understand. That was something that I deeply feared and something that Angora had brought out of him. I had never fully resolved that moment, but I had never let it get between us ether. Latnok-- I trust him and I..," he explained inadvertently some tears out in front of the Guardian head.

"But Damon-- he saw fit in that moment to reveal that memory to Latnok and to give me little to no opportunity to explain. I had just used my abilities to probe another individual almost to the point of breaking and he saw fit to use that same probing technique on myself. It was too much for my system to handle and I.. I guessed I passed out. When Leoquin woke me up, Latnok had long been gone and Angora-- I can handle such things even it knocks me out from time to time, Shade is surely used to it by now, but I can't account for how she is taking it. Godfather Sere-- I'm sorry. I'm sorry I ruined everything. If I had only somehow resolved that memory or was able to block Damon, I might have.. I might have somehow stopped all of this from happening.," Raclaw than said sounding absolutely desperate and already missing the Guardian he had to know and love over the many months.

Sere listened as Raclaw spoke - being left speechless on the matter y the end. Letting out a sigh, he lowered himself onto the deck to sit, looking down while he thought. "Shade... he will recover. Angora... after what she's been through, I don't think that this will be what defeats her. And Latnok, I'm sure, will be back after he's had some time to clear his head... you can still sense him, correct?" Sere's last question was not a result of having reason to believe that Latnok had left the island, but rather him being unsure of exactly how well the bond between Raclaw and Latnok allowed them to locate each other. Though things sounded pretty bad, Sere eventually became confident that the group would overcome any difficulties by the next day. "Time is all that is needed. Do not worry yourself... this is nothing that cannot be fixed."

Ilasi stopped as Dahlia intercepted her, having no choice but to hear Maverick out. The beast's apparent sympathy did not go unnoticed by her - was the creature really capable of understanding how people felt? Or was it just some sort of illusion, just her seeing what she wanted to see? She was unsure of whether Maverick was being sincere with his request or just wanted to placate her. Regardless, she wouldn't turn down the opportunity to help out someone in need.
"I will need to get some gloves," she said in a neutral tone, turning back towards the exit and expecting Dahlia to move out of her way.

"I.. I can-- with some effort, it may be possible to locate him.," Raclaw with a still slightly teary nod. He sat down on the deck with his head hung low, hoping that Godfather Sere was indeed correct. The bond that had long formed between him and Latnok had been a very powerful one-- and the love that went with it. Regardless of how the others considered him ('pet', 'future mount', etc) and his connection to the Guardian-- he saw the Guardian as a dear good friend. As they briefly sat there; he touched his collar thinking of Damon... and of a possible solution to any 'trust' issues. He and Latnok had taken powerful steps with each other and his development had certainly shifted towards a future alongside the Guardian. Whatever became of them-- he had an idea.

Quote: A Guy

Ilasi stopped as Dahlia intercepted her, having no choice but to hear Maverick out. The beast's apparent sympathy did not go unnoticed by her - was the creature really capable of understanding how people felt? Or was it just some sort of illusion, just her seeing what she wanted to see? She was unsure of whether Maverick was being sincere with his request or just wanted to placate her. Regardless, she wouldn't turn down the opportunity to help out someone in need.
"I will need to get some gloves," she said in a neutral tone, turning back towards the exit and expecting Dahlia to move out of her way.

Dahlia moved out of the way, feeling a bit guilty for forcing her into this situation. When Ilasi went to get the gloves, Dahlia followed her, and when she finally had them in her possession, the dirt buffalo gently placed her head on her hands, almost as if apologizing for the situation. She could feel Maverick and Ilasi cared for each other, so she really couldn't comprehend why there was so much tension between them. Dirt buffaloes, like many other animals, always acted on their feelings just the way they were, without any tensions or secrets. She didn't understand that humans, or at least humanoid emotions were far more complex than that.

At Maverick's room, he still continued to attend Angora, who still showed no signs of waking up.
"Ilasi will help you Angorita. I... I know you're angry at her, but she wants to help. I... I didn't think it would offend her too much to decline her help. Did something similar happened between you two? What happened back then?" Maverick had always wondered, what Angora did to Ilasi that made the mermaid dislike her so much, to the point of going as far as to suggest to him to ditch her? That was too unlike her. Did Angora do something to make her fell that way? Or was Latnok's constant backmouthing that made her feel that way?

"You will grow," the cloaked figure said. "But first, let me reveal myself. Put my cards on the table, as you may say." The figure took off its cloak and mask - revealing a bipedal, insectoid body.
Latnok wasn't shocked at all - he had seen creatures much more odd than the one who stood in front of him now. Still, he hadn't seen anything quite like it before. "So... what exactly are you?" he asked.
"I was once a human, like yourself," the guide said. "In fact, much like yourself, I still consider myself to be one. I am Cernentium. The form I now take, though it has its functions, is more symbolic - insects are one of the greatest manifestations of our ideals. They often suffer some sort of conflict, and are often killed in high numbers - however, despite the odds, they grow more and more, becoming better and better each generation. Now, this isn't to say that martyrdom is needed of you - it is purely symbolic of one of our most important tenets."
"So, how exactly did you transform?" Latnok asked.
"In a matter not too dissimilar to yourself," Cernentium answered. "A ritual specifically designed to transform me. However, rather than infuse my body with magic and force a transformation to adapt, my body was essentially reformed, cell by cell. Now, come, let us begin..." Latnok felt he wasn't going to get more answers until he at least gave something back. He prepared for whatever Cernentium had in store for him. The bond with Raclaw was no longer detectable - the magic of the area had completely suppressed all connection Latnok would have with the outside world.

As Dahlia put her head in Ilasi's hands, Ilasi instinctively began to pet her. "Everything will be fine,"she said, doubtfully - just as much to reassure herself as to reassure Dahlia. Soon, she was back at the room Maverick and Angora shared.
"Okay, let me begin... please, pardon me," Ilasi requested, trying to get some space besides Angora to do a proper examination of her. "I should - hopefully, at least - be able to do something once I know everything that's going on with her." Angora looked far from the headstrong, stubborn troll Ilasi had come to recognize her as; this was the most vulnerable Ilasi had seen her. If Angora was conscious, she was pretty sure that the troll would be telling her to stay away and trying to kick her out of the room.

Sere waited patiently as Raclaw ran his detection attempts. There wasn't much he could do on the matter besides that. The dragon seemed to be taking longer than Sere had thought such an action would take, though he couldn't say for certain as a result of not knowing the situation.
"Any luck detecting him?" Sere asked nonchalantly.
"Latnok can't be lost... can he?" Leoquin asked cautiously.
"No, no, I'm sure he's not," Sere assured Leoquin. "He wouldn't be able to make it off the island, anyway." Leoquin didn't have nearly as much confidence as Sere did, on account of not being as familiar with the Guardians; however, little did Sere know that Leoquin would be more in the right at this moment...

"I-- I can't detect him..," Raclaw started to say focusing all of remaining energy on his beloved Latnok. "Our bond is still intact, but it's as if he's no longer on this plane. If he is merely hiding or isolating himself, than I would still be able to detect something. Perhaps he has improved his techniques or perhaps a greater magic is at work, although I cannot say for certain.," he then said as his eyes pupils briefly turned white due to the increased use of his power. It was a strange feeling not being able to sense the Guardian and it worried him.

Quote: A Guy

As Dahlia put her head in Ilasi's hands, Ilasi instinctively began to pet her. "Everything will be fine,"she said, doubtfully - just as much to reassure herself as to reassure Dahlia. Soon, she was back at the room Maverick and Angora shared.
"Okay, let me begin... please, pardon me," Ilasi requested, trying to get some space besides Angora to do a proper examination of her. "I should - hopefully, at least - be able to do something once I know everything that's going on with her." Angora looked far from the headstrong, stubborn troll Ilasi had come to recognize her as; this was the most vulnerable Ilasi had seen her. If Angora was conscious, she was pretty sure that the troll would be telling her to stay away and trying to kick her out of the room.

As Dahlia stayed at the door, Maverick went with her to give Ilasi some space. Angora's pulse was normal, and her heartbeat wasn't accelerated. Even her body temperature was that of an ordinary troll. Whatever had happened to her, it had clearly been mental. Her own brain shut down to avoid any more damage to it after Raclaw's magic forced too much subconscience information to be out, and thanks to the action, it prevented Angora from having a severe hemorrhage. Even though her temperature was normal, Angora was very dehydrated, and the blood that she lost had been plenty for someone her size. Nevertheless, she was recovering. Her own body plus her inner magic were helping, but her defenses still felt threatened, and it was preventing the little troll from opening her eyes or hearing a thing...

Ilasi ran her brief diagnostic checks - she couldn't find anything life-threatening, and there didn't seem to be any wounds. However, it seemed the troll had had some severe bleeding.
"That's odd, epistaxis doesn't usually cause this much blood loss..." Ilasi said. "Yet I don't see any other signs of bleeding. I think that means that she had very high blood pressure - which would corroborate the idea of her being put under so much stress. Maybe she hit her head somehow as well? Something to weaken the nose lining..." Ilasi speculated for a bit more, before recalling that she was there to treat Angora, not perform an autopsy.
"It would seem that most of the issue she's had is as a result of severe stress," Ilasi said. "She should recover, given some time. Unfortunately, it would be unwise for me to attempt to give her anything until she regains consciousness. She has to drink plenty of water when she gets up, ideally followed by some salty food. Otherwise, we can't do much but wait." Ilasi, though still concerned, was no longer anywhere near as worried as when she first saw Angora.

"Improved technique? Greater magic?" Sere asked incredulously - somewhat surprised by Raclaw's apparent inability to locate Latnok as expected. "Is... is your telepathy perhaps not fully recovered from your little experiment?" Though Sere tried his best to hide it, his frustration was beginning to leak through his voice and, to some extent, his body language. "He has to be here. He probably didn't die - I would probably have felt it. There's no way he could leave the island, either..." With night falling, a search would be impractical. It would have to wait until morning, when ship repairs begun. Latnok may have returned by then, or so Sere thought at least.

Quote: A Guy

Ilasi ran her brief diagnostic checks - she couldn't find anything life-threatening, and there didn't seem to be any wounds. However, it seemed the troll had had some severe bleeding.
"That's odd, epistaxis doesn't usually cause this much blood loss..." Ilasi said. "Yet I don't see any other signs of bleeding. I think that means that she had very high blood pressure - which would corroborate the idea of her being put under so much stress. Maybe she hit her head somehow as well? Something to weaken the nose lining..." Ilasi speculated for a bit more, before recalling that she was there to treat Angora, not perform an autopsy.
"It would seem that most of the issue she's had is as a result of severe stress," Ilasi said. "She should recover, given some time. Unfortunately, it would be unwise for me to attempt to give her anything until she regains consciousness. She has to drink plenty of water when she gets up, ideally followed by some salty food. Otherwise, we can't do much but wait." Ilasi, though still concerned, was no longer anywhere near as worried as when she first saw Angora.

Maverick could see Ilasi didn't believe what Latnok told him, but he wasn't going to press the stater further. He was just glad to have her there, helping from her own kind heart. His earlier treatment made him feel like a despot jerk, and Dahlia's glare earlier didn't help him either.
"Gracias Ilasi. Thank you so much. Salty food you say? Perhaps the smell of food can wake her up. Better get some gloves just in case. You want something Ilasi? I can get you anything you want. Give you anything, just ask for it." Maverick said with a small yet rather goofy smile, being very grateful to Ilasi, but also wanting to compensate how he treated her earlier. Finally, he didn't feel so alone in this ship.

Quote: A Guy

"Improved technique? Greater magic?" Sere asked incredulously - somewhat surprised by Raclaw's apparent inability to locate Latnok as expected. "Is... is your telepathy perhaps not fully recovered from your little experiment?" Though Sere tried his best to hide it, his frustration was beginning to leak through his voice and, to some extent, his body language. "He has to be here. He probably didn't die - I would probably have felt it. There's no way he could leave the island, either..." With night falling, a search would be impractical. It would have to wait until morning, when ship repairs begun. Latnok may have returned by then, or so Sere thought at least.

"It is possible. All I can I-- all I can say is that I have done all that I could for now. Perhaps I may be able to do more with some rest.," Raclaw concluded ceasing his attempts as his eyes returned to normal. Even if he had been out for what had to be several hours, he had used his powers quite extensively that day having usually not having to resort (or be resorted to) to such deep inquiries. Chester gave a whine, understandable to the fur dragon only. "Don't worry Chester-- we'll find him or he'll find us. Etherway, we'll be together again.," he gently said to the little Beagle whom no doubt missed Latnok as much he himself did. It was only a matter a time and patience-- hopefully.

Though Ilasi was still at least a little upset about the prior dismissal, Maverick's smile was highly contagious, and she had no choice but to reciprocate. "Well, if you're offering, I would really like some venison, if any is available," she said, then immediately feeling bad for giving Maverick the burden of preparing meat. "Or an orange would be fine," she added meekly, hoping Maverick didn't see her as demanding. Was Maverick really going to leave Angora alone for now? Ilasi didn't think it was possible. Yet, it was happening.

"Just... just get some sleep," Sere said, not wanting to look at Raclaw anymore lest any more of his anger be betrayed. "We'll see what happens in the morning. We still have other things to do - I cannot dwell on the subject for too long." Sere stood up and turned around, beginning to leave.
"Latnok... he wouldn't just up and leave, would he? Maybe... he's scared of the White Shadow?" Leoquin asked impusively.
Sere stopped dead in his tracks, unable to believe what he just heard. "Are you suggesting... that my warrior... is a... COWARD?" he asked rhetorically, through gritted teeth, as he raised a hand to his chin, though he did not turn back to face Leoquin. The thought of anyone calling his Guardians cowards - after all he's seen of them, all he's trained them for, all they've done - was unfathomable to him.
Leoquin realized that Sere was not going to take the suggestion kindly. "N-no, sir, I'm sorry, just that... I-I'm just throwing things out there, I just want to know why, that's all..."
Sere wasn't sure if he bought the excuse, but he was mollified nonetheless. "My warriors are no cowards. Especially not one as reckless at Latnok. Remember that."

Raclaw merely stood there is silence, his head still hung low. 'If only I had suggested... If only I had...,' he thought stopping himself and knowing it would do no good to dwell on the subject. What's done was done-- and all they could do now was wait. "Comeon Chester-- let's go get some sleep.," he said sounding somewhat ashamed and looking at the little Beagle. He proceeded to slowly walk towards the cabin doors with the little Beagle reluctantly following. Chester wanted to say something, do something-- but he knew that he was all but powerless in that quest. All he could do was try to comfort the others as best as he could for now. "Raclaw...? Isn't there...?," Chester barked in a quiet tone as the two walked. "No-- there's nothing. Let's.. let's just hope he shows up in the morning.," Raclaw responded in dogspeak carrying a tone of sadness and regret to those could recognize the difference.

Risar watched Shade's micro movements closely-- preparing himself for any potential reaction.

Quote: A Guy

Though Ilasi was still at least a little upset about the prior dismissal, Maverick's smile was highly contagious, and she had no choice but to reciprocate. "Well, if you're offering, I would really like some venison, if any is available," she said, then immediately feeling bad for giving Maverick the burden of preparing meat. "Or an orange would be fine," she added meekly, hoping Maverick didn't see her as demanding. Was Maverick really going to leave Angora alone for now? Ilasi didn't think it was possible. Yet, it was happening.

"Venison, beef, oranges, strawberries, whatever you like. Just the best for you." Maverick said ecstatically, almost looking like a little kid. He then asked Dahlia permission to let him pass, which she allowed, no longer upset with him.
"Now take care of Ilasi girl. I'll give you a full serving of oats if you do a great job." he said to the large buffalo before disappearing into the hallway. He had just left Ilasi alone with an injured Angora. That was really how much he trusted her.

From Angora's bed, the little troll was twitching a finger. In her mouth there was something. A smile? There was a smile, but also a frown. Was she dreaming about something weird? Was her nervous system all altered? It wasn't exactly a normal response, but this had been the first time her body was finally moving. Dahlia looked at Ilasi, snorting in approval. She was glad that Angora was somehow responding, but she also wanted to demonstrate just how much she liked the mermaid. She certainly had a more pleasant presence than the rest of the brutish sailors around the ship, which included the bunch of flying beasts they had with them.

"Welcome back to the land of the conscious Dragolet.," Risar said with a slight huff as he observed Shade getting up.

As Ilasi was distracted in thought about the food Maverick would be preparing, Angora's subtle movements just barely caught her attention. Ilasi turned to give Angora her full attention, finding her altered facial expression, as well as the finger twitching - the motion which she noticed. Odd as she seemed right now, Angora certainly seemed to be recovering, at least if trolls were anything like other creatures. Ilasi kept her distance but continued to observed, prepared to do anything else necessary to aid Angora's recovery.

Leoquin was still ashamed of what just happened. To suggest something like that about the captain's right-hand man, while he was potentially missing... why was it so hard to just think before saying things sometimes? Leoquin slouched, dragging himself to the kitchen - where he would find some rum to help tale his mind off the whole thing for awhile.

"That'll pass. From what I hear-- you, your friends, and Raclaw have been through a lot.," Risar commented putting away any concerns that the large Dragolet would immediately attack or suffer some other negative reaction. He withdrew his hand from one of his great axes and eyed a prisoner who was no longer do their assigned task. "Hey you with the mop-- go pick up that bucket and continue mopping!," he shouted seemingly having almost no remorse for the prisoners or perhaps just enjoying being the one to give orders; versus the other way around. He would continue to watch Shade closely, however, knowing that nether Latnok nor Raclaw would be around to calm him-- or otherwise resolve any such situation.

Meanwhile-- the shamed Raclaw and his canine companion Chester had stepped inside the cabin and would be soon finding their way to their room. A couple of the more friendly sailors tried to ask what was wrong, but the two furry friends just kept walking. They looked at each other, but didn't say another word. 'In the morning.,' Raclaw thought to himself. 'We'll find him-- we have to.,' Chester thought walking alongside the fur dragon.

Quote: A Guy

As Ilasi was distracted in thought about the food Maverick would be preparing, Angora's subtle movements just barely caught her attention. Ilasi turned to give Angora her full attention, finding her altered facial expression, as well as the finger twitching - the motion which she noticed. Odd as she seemed right now, Angora certainly seemed to be recovering, at least if trolls were anything like other creatures. Ilasi kept her distance but continued to observed, prepared to do anything else necessary to aid Angora's recovery.

The twitching continued for a few minutes... and then, surprising even Dahlia, Angora was slowly opening her eyes, looking as if she was seeing the world for the first time. She had a horrendous headache, but she was too weak to lift her arm to rub her head. She looked around, at first not recognizing the place, but after a few seconds of reflecting about the place, she started to regain her memory... or at least most of it. She saw Dahlia, but didn't think much of her. She was unable to move her head, so she moved her eyes to chance at her current nurse.
"Hello Ilasi..." Angora said in a very weak voice, recognizing her almost immediately. Her expression was very neutral from the pain, so it was impossible to tell if she was being polite of if she was disappointed with the mermaid's presence. She greeted Ilasi, then fell silent again, not even asking about her beloved Maverick...

As Angora slowly roused from unconsciousness, Ilasi continued to observe, watching for any potential difficulty or further symptoms. She was pleasantly surprised when Angora greeted her, somewhat weakly.
Unable to detect any sort of malice in her voice, Ilasi was glad to return the greeting. "Hello," Ilasi said politely. "How are you feeling right now? Headache, nausea, that kind of stuff - specifics," Ilasi clarified, preempting any possible smart comment Angora could make about obviously feeling terrible.

It wasn't long until Raclaw and Chester made it to their room, knowing the way well. As the two laid down in their beds-- it would be a very long night for them. "Latnok-- please return.. and please forgive me.," the fur dragon thought out loud in a quiet tone. Chester merely laid his head down and slowly tried to fall asleep. He knew that his telepathic friend would no doubt mentally torture himself over the matter, even if there was nothing he could about it currently.

At the kitchen, Maverick immediately started to work. He hoped nobody arrived to confuse his cooking as him serving the entire crew again, for he was only in the mood to cook for Ilasi and Angora alone, and maybe a little something for him and Shade. He would check on the dragolet later, but since Angora was in a more severe state than him, he was attending her first...

Quote: A Guy

As Angora slowly roused from unconsciousness, Ilasi continued to observe, watching for any potential difficulty or further symptoms. She was pleasantly surprised when Angora greeted her, somewhat weakly.
Unable to detect any sort of malice in her voice, Ilasi was glad to return the greeting. "Hello," Ilasi said politely. "How are you feeling right now? Headache, nausea, that kind of stuff - specifics," Ilasi clarified, preempting any possible smart comment Angora could make about obviously feeling terrible.

Angora had to breathe deeply before answering. Her motor skills were slowly returning, but they still hurt.
"A bit... A bit of the muscles... but mostly the head. I feel like I just stopped a mountain from falling with my own body and no protection." Angora replied, stammering at first. But her voice was finally coming back to her. There wasn't any sass or anger in Angora's voice, just a neutral and tired one. She looked around for Maverick, and felt a little sad about him not being around. But she was in no mood to ask about him, knowing that wherever he was, he would return eventually.

"Okay, so slight muscle ache and a headache..." Ilasi repeated. "Okay, I think I have just the thing for that! Some willow bark will help with that. I'll be right back. Please, wait here," she requested, as if Angora were in any condition to walk away. She soon left, only to return very shortly after with a chunk of bark.
"This is willow bark. Chewing it will ease muscle aches and headaches. Please, give it a try," Ilasi asked, presenting the bark to Angora. She was prepared for Angora to reject it, in which case she might have to come up with something else.

Since Angora's pain was quite unbearable, she accepted the root without much objection. She chewed as Ilasi instructed. It wasn't very tasty, and Angkra couldn't help making a few faces, but she still went through it, swallowing without that much difficulty.
"Well now, not a gourmet, but after tasting hexphage medicine, almost anything is." she joked, returning to some of her sass, though it was no way directed towards Ilasi. She then remembered the mermaid said chewing, not swallowing, but she already did, so no turning back. Angora was being quite polite with Ilasi, even going as far as making jokes with her. Was there something wrong with her? Or was there something Angora was hiding? Only the little troll knew the answer to those questions.

Ilasi did not expect Angora to take to the medicine so well - too well, in fact. At least willow trees were quite common among many wet areas, so that particular remedy was plentiful. "Well, not quite what I had in mind," Ilasi admitted, "but it should still work. Now... you will need to drink water and eat something with some salt in it. I believe Maverick is preparing food for you right now." Ilasi expected Angora to perk up at the mention of Maverick returning to her - he, of all people, would put her in a good mood.

Back at the kitchen, Leoquin barged in, not really caring much about Maverick, having had some rum. As if Maverick was invisible, he walked right on by to the scullery, to toss his glass in, before heading back out.

Angora smiled at the mention of Maverick, knowing that wherever he had been, he was doing something great, which Ilasi just concluded.
"That Maverick... he has quite the heart. Too much in fact. Truly only him could genuinely love an ugly little troll like me..." Angora said in a rather gloomy state, though she then looked at Ilasi, wondered what had gotten into her. Why was she taking care of her? Angkra believed she was doing it more for Maverick's sake than her own.

Maverick noticed Leoquin, and thought about greeting him out of mere politeness, but after seeing his cold ignorance, he decided it was better to remain silent. He was expecting an insult, or another rude nickname, but much to his surprise, the mermen had left without even a grunt or a push, prompting Maverick to breathe in a sigh of relief. How could Ilasi associate with him? They were of the same species, but they couldn't be any more different in personality. Still, he was glad that Leoquin wasn't around anymore, so he continued to cook in peace...

"Well, now, that's no way to be thinking right now," Ilasi lightly chided, not feeling comfortable in dealing with one of Angora's moody moments without Maverick present. "Don't you think Maverick wants to see you happy when he returns? Just take it easy right now. Think of the food he'll be bringing you. We're going to be here to do some ship repairs, so maybe you can have some fun here as well." With nothing much for Ilasi to do except wait for Maverick's return, she found a corner and took a seat on the floor.

Angora tried to remain positive as Ilasi had recommended, but she still had too many things on her mind to be optimist about. As she rightfully deduced, Maverick had left her alone with Ilasi, who had been nothing but kind to her and was even making sure she recovered. Even though she wanted to avoid the question, she had to ask anyway. She had to hear it from Ilasi herself.
"So what's your story? Why suddenly helping me? I thought you hated me." Angora asked, demonstrating that just like Ilasi, she had though the water girl hated her. Although she still maintained her belief that the mermaid was doing this for Maverick and his sake alone, she still wanted to hear what Ilasi would say. Angora would keep secret that Maverick already mentioned her about that night's conversation, so she was going to pretend not to know.

At the kitchen, Maverick's food was starting to smell divine, to the point it reached even the outside of the hall next to it. He was cooking for Ilasi, Angora, Shade and himself. After taking care of the troll for a little while, he was thinking of cooking a little something for Raclaw and Chester as well, even if the former had him sort of like a dog sitter, which he didn't minded at all given what a sweetheart the beagle was. Apart from Ilasi, Dahlia and his two best friends, Raclaw and his four legged companion were the only other ones he trusted the most.

"Hate? No, I think you might have a bit of a misunderstanding," Ilasi answered. "I know that, after... recent events, you didn't take too kindly to me, and probably wouldn't feel comfortable with me being anywhere near Maverick. So I've tried to avoid you..." There were some details Ilasi left out - such as how she felt that Maverick was too tied down to Angora, to his detriment - because she didn't feel they would help the situation.
"But you were in need, so I helped you, much like I would anyone else. I wasn't going to leave you to your fate over some differences... it is my job to take care of everyone here, after all. I'm just doing what I get paid to." Ilasi phrased the answer as best she could in a way that she figured gave Angora as little desire or opportunity to pose follow-up questions as possible - she wasn't counting on any conversation with Angora, with her current line of thinking, to end up anywhere pleasant. She would leave that to Maverick, who she knew Angora tolerated much more.

Ilasi didn't need to mention about Maverick being tied to her, for that was what everybody on that ship thought. She was really offended though when Ilasi said she was doing this for payment, not out of the kindnes of her own heart or even Maverick's sake. Knowing she would probably say something very rude if she brought the subject up, she left it out and focused on the other important theme.
"Near Maverick? He fell in love with you. Who am I to deny him love? Everyone here thinks I have him in some form of enslavement, but they could't be more away from the truth! Remember Ilasi? Remember when we all met on that lake? I admit I wasn't very enthusiastic about cleaning it up, but Maverick convinced me to help you, which is exactly what I did. I didn't stay on the edge of the lake looking stupid while the poor man did all the work. I decided to help him help you. Thanks to him, I got more motivated to be nice and kind to others. Improve myself, cause in the end, it makes you feel good too." Angora specified, wanting Ilasi to know beyond the shadow of a doubt how wrong she was about her. There was another thing she wanted the mermaid to know, but she waited for Ilasi to reflect on what she just said in order for her to understand how absurd it was to believe those awful rumors about Maverick being bent to her will.