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A faint smile

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Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2014 4:10 pm

Deep Dive Grotto can be reached by swimming through Aramil's water. It is located off the edge of a cliff. After successfully diving in one must manage to swim through the holes in the cliffside. Many have died trying to traverse the watery tunnels. Once the underwater tunnels are cleared the grotto is found. All sorts of creatures and fauna live here, making it a dangerous place to be. Sane people just take the cave entrance, though not many know of it.

Posted: Fri May 30, 2014 3:39 am

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The storm raged on around the wooden ship, the Haunting Guise. It was large enough to warrant a twenty five man crew yet small enough a sloop to pass unaware through most shiplines and barracades. The creaking and groaning if the boat was a testament to the struggle of it's crew. Shouts and screams battled to be heard over the wicked howling of the wind. Bursts of air and whipping wind battered the crew who tried to wrestle down the sails in hopes of gaining some semblence of control. The boat tossed and threatened to tip, but the captain of the vessel barely flinched. With an agility saved for fairer folk he managed to stay upright even with the intense rocking. "Captain! Land!" The piercing voice of the ship's lookout caught the captain's attention. With a brief nod he turned, the wind tearing at his cloak as he tred with unnatural ease across the deck. He climbed the stairs and edged his way past the human manning the wheel. Captain Horace the Dread grasped the wheel with inhuman strength and held it fast against the force of the sea. This plan was coming together nicely. An eerie silence fell over the crew as they noticed what was looming before htem. "Captain! Captain!" Multiple men from the crew shouted to Horace as they tried to reach his position. With merely a gaze the man reaching for the wheel was launched off of the deck, his body contorting in wild ways. The wailing widow adorning the stern of the ship was the first to smash into the cliff. Horace laughed heartily, a deep and evil rumble as menacing as the crashing of thunder. The wood cracked as the lightning flash, and Horace disappeared from sight.

A single man awoke in some dark and dank cave. The dripping of water was what caught his attention. He pushed himself to his knees weakly and coughed the remaining bits of water out from his lungs. There was light reflecting off of something golden. The loot. The man crawled forward, his eyes glittering just as the rubies were. He reached out with a drenched hand and tried to reach for the gems."No, you weren't supposed to make it. No problem though." The icy tony of his captain's voice set a chill in his bones deeper and more real than anything he had felt. He pleaded, begged for mercy, But Horace the Dread shows no mercy.

Russell shifted uncomfortably, unfolding his arms and bracing them against the table. Akeem was unnaturally agitated, completely on edge just as an animal was when danger was near. He never liked being around these creatures. Anything not strictly human made Russell feel like at any moment they would just snap and tear his head off. The only human in the group picked at the grime and grease under his nails, nervously shaking his leg while the group sat in utter silence. "How do we actually know its true then? Who lived to tell the tale?" The salty Djinn asked sharply. Russell shrugged his shoulders and realized he was tapping his metal fingers against the table. "Look, we've got this book of accounts from Kranila, it was a record of the treasury there around the time of the Dread Heist." He reached behind him and pulled out the leather bound book, opening it and blowing on it to remove the dust. He flipped through a few pages with his left hand, not wanting to tear the delicate parchment with his mechanical arm. When he made it to the page he flipped the book around and handed it to the Djinn. Akeem reached out and rapidly scanned the book, taking in the information. Russel watched him with his deep blue eyes, partially surprised that the beast of a being could actually read. He had been under the impression that Djinn were just savage brutes who trained only their bodies, instead of sharpening their minds. Russell tapped the page with his real arm and spoke again. "A large bit of gold, some priceless jewelery, gems, and a certain chest. The chest wasn't labeled but it was said to house a particular set of scrolls. Scrolls housing some deep elvish secrets. It could be there. Or..." Russell trailed off, not wanting to consider the alternative. This mission wasn't supposed to be easy and that much he knew, but the risk factor was just incredibly ridiculous. Nobody knew what was in those waters let alone a grotto that hadn't been explored in ages. Hell, they could even stumble upon Kaminae herself! No, Russell was certainly not looking forward to this expedition/ Akeem nodded his head before turning away, walking back and forth with his shoulders hunched forward and hish hands poised on his hips.

Akeem was not pleased. "So you're telling me its completely underwater?" He asked in his exotic and gruff voice. Mina took in a quick breath when he shot a glare at her, waiting for an answer. Her hand went to her neck as she tried to keep her blush to a dull shade of pink. Even when he was angry Akeem seemed to set her jimmes a rustlin'. There was something about his unnaturally peach skin, the tattoos running down his toned arms and chiseled chest. Or maybe it was his molten, golden eyes. They seemed to speak of years and years of time, as if Akeem had seen ages and eons pass before him as sand passes through an hour glass. She could just gaze into his eyes for days and not see enough of them. A beat of silence followed by a snapping of fingers caught Mina's attention. She gasped and then cleared her throat, now being completely unable to hide her blush. Mina turned her head to the left and let her fair fall as a facade between herself and Djinn. "Y-yes. Completely submerged." Akeem scowled and swore in the harsh language of Demonica. He pounded a clenched fist against the wall and began to pace about the room. All eyes were on him, especially Mina's. Akeem walked halfway across the room and stopped, rubbing his chin with one hand and placing his other on his waist. "Do any of you realize that the very thing we seek to destroy actually lives in the water?" Only a nervous clearing of the throat responded, bringing out another scowl from the leader of the group. Mina kept her eyes glued to the floor, only occasionally daring to peak at Akeem. "One more time, run me through the plan." He said, twirling his finger in the air as if rewinding time itself. Mina spoke up, wanting to try and get Akeem to notice her as more than just the cleric. "Russell will startup his machine, 'Diver'. Kevan, Russell, You, and myself will pile inside. Diver will take us down and right up to the grotto entrance, Doral will lead the way." Mina turned and nodded her head at the Mer of the group, a young boy grinning with pride as he twirled his spear in place. She looked away quickly, trying to ignore the winks and looks he had been giving her. "Once we're safely inside and docked, Doral will keep watch of Diver while the rest of us explore the grotto. Kevan will lead the way, You following suit with Russell and myself followig close behind." The clanging of a greatsword against a shield let everyone know Kevan was particularly excited for this venture. "We look for the chest. Once the chest and whatever is inside is found we'll head back to Diver and make our way back out." The plan was straight forward and simple, just the way Mina liked it. She watched as Akeem nodded his head, and then turned to the paladin.

"Are you prepared, Kevan? There is no knowing what will be down there lurking in the darkness." Kevan reached up and twirled the tips of his great mustache, chuckling at the small Djinn. Kevan was twice the size of the puny himan of the group, the man with the metal arm who seemed like he was about to puke up his dinner. Just for kicks he had been sure to take the place right next to Kevan, occasionally growling under his breath and flexing his muscles. When Kevan had huffed a plume of smoke out his mouth it almost looked like the human was about to pass out. The draconian laughed over that, not caring who he offended. "Anything strong enough to get past my shield needs to get past my scales next. It won't be an issue." Kevan wasn't a man of many words, he let his actions speak for him instead. Akeem had found this draconian deep in the underground fighting pits. The sheer size of Kevan had first drew his attention, but the way he cleanly lifted a man over his head and tossed him like a sack of potatoes had sealed the deal. Over a beer (a glass of water for Akeem) the two had discussed the job. It hadn't even been the money that had gotten Kevan to say yes. "As long as fishboy over here can keep it in his pants and get us there alive, we'll be fine. Just stay behind Kevan." The draconian said, his scaled legs scraping against each other as he shifted positions.

Doral merely made an unkind gesture to the dragon-kind. They always thought they were so superior to others. "Doral will get all you 'land lubbers' there safely. Doral Kyne is the best swimmer in all the sea!" The Mer boasted loudly, moving to a standing position and raising a fist in the sky. The silence that followed did nothing to harm his ego, nor the strength of his libido. The eyebrows that he was waggling at Mina suggested he'd rather be doing something that required less clothing. "The dive is easy. Doral is absolutely shore he could make it. Eh? Eh?" Akeem merely stared at the Mer, making Doral wonder if he even had a sense of humor. "Well, let's not waste anymore time then. Russell, prepare the machine." With that there was no more discussion. Everybody gathered there gear and set out.

Russell banged his wrench against Diver as he tried to get the door to budge. He could feel those creepy eyes of Akeem drilling into his back and could practically feel the draconian's breath on him. That pompous Mer seemed content with trying to show off his body to the girl. but the elf did not seem much interested. Instead she snuck glances at that Djinn like he was some sort of demigod. And now his own machine was working against him. "Move aside little guy, let me take a crack at it." Russel felt a strong hand on his shoulder and he stumbled aside, making way for Kevan. The human glared at the ground and crossed his arms over his chest. Kevan gripped the edge of the door and yanked sharply, popping the lid open like an over pressurized can. Russell would have gotten it open, he just needed a bit more time. "Whelp, everyone hop on in." He grasped the rungs welded onto the side of the big metal bubble and pulling himself in. Russell jumped in and moved to the side, making way for the next one.

Mina walked to the machine and made to grab onto the rungs as well, until someone lifted her into the air. She made a surprised squeek as Doral's arms wrapped around her, carrying her up and gently placing her into the bubble. "Do not worry, doll. Doral shall protect you." He winked at the elf and tried to blow a kiss at her. Akeem pulled him by the shoulder and in one agile leap hopped into the bubble. He landed as lithely as a cat, crouching as his feet touched the metal. Mina slid to the side and made space for Akeem to sit. He sidled next to her and strapped himself in, the bare skin of his arms brushing against her. That blush came in but there was little she could do to hide it this time. "Um, Akeem-" Before her words could get out a grunt from Kevan and the creaking of the metal let them all know he was about to try and squeeze himself in. Mina's eyes widened as Kevan filled up what little space was left. With the newfound proximity Mina was practically sitting on Akeem's lap. She had just enough room to look at him from the corner of her eye. When he turned to shift his legs the elf quickly turned her head away and stared hard at a little bolt in the bubble. "Everyone settled? Let's go then. Doral!" His voice raised up and resonated lightly in the metal cannister they were all sitting in.

"Doral shall now roll you into the sea!" The mer flexed for a second and then placed his trident between the earth and the metal ball, using all his weight to move the thing. It helped that Kevan was sitting on the side that was about to tumble over the cliff. The group inside braced themselves as gravity shifted. All of the sudden it was pulling at their backs, then their heads. Mina squeeled in shock at the suddenness of it all and gripped Akeem's thigh as Russell closed his eyes tight. Kevan roared with joy as his stomach flipped and finally the crash. A sudden darkness overtook the bubble and only the sounds of heavy and erratic breathing could be heard. Doral himself walked to the edge of the cliff and dove off as majestically as a swan. The water moved up to greet him and he entered the water as cleanly as a flying fish.

"Wait for it." Russell said as the water pulled Diver down deeper and deeper. He shifted in his seat and fiddled with some switches. A hum of electricity and a sizzling of some fuses later and the lights were on. Akeem's hand gripped Mina's lightly and moved it away from his leg. Kevan sighed and patted his stomach, shaking his head and smiling. The group of four watched out of the thickened windows, watching bubbles and fish go by. Two giant headlights came on and suddenly they could see for about thirty feet in front of them. Russell turned the wheel and spun Diver, trying to see where the hell the Mer went. "Gah!" The human shouted as that damned fishboy popped up infront of the hull. The mer motioned with his trident off to the left and then swam out of view. Russell turned the wheel again and then pushed in a pedal, sending Diver forward. He followed the Mer over coral reefs and into tunnells, sometimes letting an underwater current push them forth and other times directing the bubble himself.

A dark shadow passed over the bubble, swimming close enough to knock it roughly. A shout of surprise from Kevan had Akeem trying to catch a glimpse outside of the bubble. This deep down there was little he could see, but he knew something was wrong. Another rocking of the Diver and Akeem raised his voice suddenly. "Warn him! Doral needs to move!" Russell cursed under his breath and flicked his headlights at the Mer, having no other means of communication. The Mer flipped in the water and turned back with a questioning look on his face. "Look out!" The human shouted at the Mer, shoving the pedal down as he rushed forth. But before he could scare Doral out of the way the giant black mass swam right between them. In the blink of an eye the Mer was swallowed whole in a single gulp. But as the creature's tailfin sailed past them a cave could be seen. "Go! Russell GO!" Akeem shouted in fury, extremely pissed that he had already lost someone on this mission. The sudden force had the group slamming backward against the walls of Diver as Russell rocketed the machine forward. Before the creature could pass by again they entered the underwater cavern and pushed forward.

Very softly Mina prayed for Doral. She prayed to Solonor to guide the Mer to a heaven above. Akeem sat forward, his hands grasping each other very roughly. Kevan merely had a disappointed look on his face and said nothing. "I, uh. I think I see the grotto right up ahead. Air pockets." Russell's words were clipped and very straight to the point. He may not have liked the halfling but he certainly didn't want him dead. Russell pushed in a few buttons and messed with the pedals, forcing Diver to displace water and rise to the surface of the water. Russell moved out of his seat and reached for the port door, spinning the wheel with a bit of a struggle before popping it open. A rush of salty sea air filled the bubble as Russell pulled himself out. Kevan was next and this time he had his sword and shield ready to go. Akeem waited for Mina to get out before leaving himself. As the shrunken group stretched their legs Akeem nodded his head at Mina. "Mina, light." The elf nodded her head and snapped her fingers, a spark of flame shooting up from her fingers and creating a ball of light that hovered before them. "Kevan, lead the way." Kevan grunted in response and lifted his shield up, crouching and stalking forward. Russell made to move forward but Akeem put a hand on his shoulder. "No, you stay with the machine. We'll need it for the way out." Russell swallowed path the lump in his throat and sullenly nodded his head. Mina gave him a meek look and hurried after Akeem.

The three of them walked forth in silence. They were currently moving away from the water and deep in the cavern underwater. Kevan's eyes shifted from left to right at every sound of water dropping or creatures skittering about. Mina kept the light shining but couldn't keep herself from observing the plants they were walking over. Every piece of fauna seemed to have a faint glow to them, a green light being cast out everywhere. It wasn't very strong but curious enough. Akeem was on guard as well, taking careful steps and taking in their environment. The stoneface had a ton of holes of all sizes. Anything could come climbing out of it. A crackling of sort went off, causing Kevan to stop moving and look back at Akeem. That same noise, a shuffling of something dry over itself. And then they struck.

Almost twenty skeletons burst from the shadows, brandishing rusted iron swords, bucklers, and even guns. One of them went off, the smell fresh in the air. Kevan whirled about and raised the shield, catching the bullet before charging forward. He smashed a skeleton into bits with the shield, using his brute strength to bash it with all his might. A contingent of skeletons pushed pass Kevan and made for Mina. Akeem slid in front of her as smooth as silk and raised an arm, catching the skeleton's blade between his palms. He twisted his arms and snapped the rusted metal clean in two. Then with a warrior's shout he leaped into the air and twirled his body, swinging his leg around and crashing it right through the skeleton. As he landed a spearhead found its way into his calf, bringing a grunt of pain to his lips. Akeem wheeled around and stuck an arm off, knocking the head clean off of the skeleton. As it raised its buckler Akeem slid one leg back and slammed his fist right through the shield and through the skeleton. Kevan suddenly appeared and destroyed the skeleton. Akeem reached down and snapped the shaft of the spear off, gritting his teeth as he gripped the haft. Small, soft hands replaced his as Mina grabbed the spearhead. Kevan backed up as the skeletons pressed forward. He swung his greatsword as two leaped forward and slashed them in two. Kevan stomped them with his dragon feet and destroyed them both. "Sorry!" With a quick yank Mina removed the head and then rapidly casted a spell, the Djinn's wound sealing itself up as if it never happened. Akeem did not have time to thank her. He pushed her out of the way and ducked as an arrow slammed into the stone behind him. Akeem sprinted forward and barreled clean through a skeleton. He pushed off of the ground and raised a knee through another one. When he landed his fists found another mark, and another. The next five minutes were a serious of grunts, hisses, growls, and the scattering of bones.

Akeem's chest rose and fell rapidly as he sat against a stone, wiping away the sweat and grime from his face. Kevan was wiping the dust and dirt away from his shield and body, recounting his exact number of kills. "I bashed my shield against its little body and it exploded into tiny bits! Then I sent my fist clean through its skull! Look!" Kevan bent down and picked up the remnants of one of the skeletons, lifting its head and poking his fingers through their eyes. He laughed and turned to Akeem, a huge smile on his face. Meanwhile Mina crouched by Akeem, tending to a nasty cut he had received from a jagged blade. "I think those skeletons were the crew. The crew of Horace the Dread." Kevan gave Akeem an incredulous look and Mina merely kept working, only taking a single glance at the Djinn. He had seemed incredibly skeptical at first, and to hear him say that was a little surprising. Akeem elaborated soon enough. "Roughly twenty of them, those who perished in the storm. Outdated swords and armor. And look." Akeem picked up one of the guns that had been used during the fight and held it up for the other two to see. It was such an old make for any gunslinger to bother using. He tossed it away and then touched the glowing green plants on the floor. Akeem scratched at it softly, and then more fervently. Mina turned to watch and her eyes grew wide when she saw what he pulled up.

A single gold coin. "Well I'll be damned. That little book worm knew his stuff!" Kevan said as he grabbed a handful of the ground and ripped it up. In his hand he held a gem. The draconian pocketed the gem and shrugged his shoulders when Mina gave him a judgmental look. A ghostly whisper caressed each of their ears. Akeem stiffened and stood up rapidly, recognizing that feeling. "Leave...LEAVE!" An eerie voice shouted at them. Kevan shook his head and stood slowly, speaking softly. "I hate ghosts..." He shivered and shook his head once more. In front of them a small hillock suddenly glowing. On top of it was a chest. Behind that chest was a man. That man had green glowing eyes and an ethereal body. It raised an arm and pointed behind the group, opening its mouth and releasing a hellshriek. Kevan and Mina fell to their knees in pain as they covered their ears. In the next instant the creature stopped shrieking and fell to the ground. Akeem stood behind the creature, having just snapped its crushed in its skull. He dusted off his hands and grabbed the chest, lifting with his legs and hoisting it off of the ground. Akeem walked past the group and back towards the bubble. "I hate zombies."

Russell flinched when he heard approaching footsteps. He jumped into Diver and crouched low, peering out of the main window. When he saw Akeem and the rest of them approach a sigh escaped his mouth. He was actually glad to see them. A few moments later and they were all piled in. The human began to work the machine, finagling it so the machine was moving back out of the cave entrance and to the water. "Only a few skeletons eh? That wasn't so ba-" Some great force knocked into the machine and sent it spiraling. Alarms blared and lights flashed inside of the bubble. Kevan pushed against the top to keep from being hurled and Akeem held Mina back. Russell cursed up and down as he tried to gain control. "It's that thing that got Doral!" Akeem closed his eyes briefly and sent a very terse prayer to Michael, even if he did not devote himself to him. All he asked for was help. Russell raced the Diver to the surface and broke water, and Akeem rapidly undid the top. He popped out of the bubble just as the creature did.

A giant eel-like beast shot from the water, creating a large wave that rocked Diver. Akeem had to hold on tightly to keep from getting tossed overboard. The eel-beast let out a horrid roar and shook its head, spraying water in every direction. Its maw loomed over Akeem and it was then that he knew it could swallow this machine in one bite and crush it in one go. As the beast opened its jaw wide it roared once more. It made a queer motion as if it was gagging. Akeem angled his head to the side in confusion and watched its throat bulge. Suddenly a blade popped forth out of its scaled skin. Akeem watched as an entire trideny popped out and then widened the gap. A wheeze came from the beast as green blood rushed forth. Riding that wave of innards was one Doral Kyne, a triumphant look on his "Did Doral not say he was the greatest swimmer in all the sea?!" The Mer threw himself forward and into the water. Akeem watched as the eel-creature sunk into the water and disappeared into the murky depths.

Not long after the reunited group was ashore. Diver was left discarded on the beach as the group hefted the chest onto land. Kevan slammed his shield onto the lock a few times before it fell off. Akeem pushed it open and began to dig through it. After tossing aside a few random items Akeem found...