[ATS] The Pool

A brief discussion of certain discoveries in Ama'rane. Plot seed for something soon to come, after a week's hiatus :) There are quite a few quests coming up, some that I might be running :)
Characters: Sameron, Aeolus, Vaysh


Tralisia - Town Center
Dominating Tralisia's plaza is an enormous tower that is composed of
multi-colored essence fragments and various blocks of stone. At its base
is a garden of violet bell-shaped wildflowers and yellow marigolds
surrounding a white marble fountain.

[Exits: north east south west northeast northwest]
A white marble fountain, spouting crystal clear water, is here.
A stone door leading into the enormous tower is here.
A bored-looking guard is here on patrol.

Sameron nods politely to Vaysh. "Well met."

Vaysh inclines his head in his usual frigid manner, eyes flicking rapidly over the human Cleric. "Likewise."

Sameron says to you, "I do trust all is well?"

Sameron gazes at Vaysh with a hint of concern.

"As well as can be, considering." Vaysh's mouth twitches slightly, whether from displeasure at being doubted or amusement can't be told, his voice even as ever. "I've not spent time within the city for long, if you can judge by the few times we've met."

Sameron chortles softly to himself. "Indeed." Quirks a curious brow. "The city troubles you?" Rather tactless really. But that was Sam.

Vaysh affords a somewhat colourless, detached smile. "No. Merely that I have no need of lingering within it now that it seems all is...peaceful, at least on the surface. I can spend my time as I desire, and that often means exploring the pass to the south. Unless of course I've been mistaken. Folk here are rather closemouthed unless you pry, and I've no intention of doing so."

Sameron chuckles softly to himself. "hhhmmm... close-mouthed? I haven't really noticed that. But perhaps that's because I tend to pry?" Clearly he seemed amused by the thought. "I've just started traveling beyond the outpost recently myself. A rugged country. But some very curious places to see ot be sure. You've seen the treasure cove I'd imagine?"

The young Indago lifts a hand, pale fingers pulling up his cowl to conceal his features from sight, as if he were uncomfortable with being glimpsed loitering about in the centre of the city. "Cove? If that's by the beach to the south, no. I haven't been to the beach in nearly a fortnight." Vaysh shrugs, a deceptively complacent gesture, his attention on Sameron. "What is within that...cove that might be of interest?"

Sameron smiles just a bit his tone turning a bit playful as he shares a bit of what he's seen. "Well, there is a most curious cave. Treasure abounds within. However it is guarded by fearsome magical creatures. An amazing place. Truly the very walls of the cave all but glow with essence. The magic is so strong within even I can sense it."

"I've noted that one can more readily tap into the Tributary in the caves and tunnels of Southern Ama'rane," murmurs Vaysh, a rather dry observation, his lips just barely visible from the depths of his cowl. "The presence of iron ore deposits in the North obstruct the flow of magic, somehow. Or so I theorise." A slight laugh issues from him. "It would depend on the depth of the caves you've just found, and if it's further south than the chisim cave."

Sameron smiles a bit wider as he quietly observes. "I think I can say with nearly complete confidence that the magic of the cave is due to it's location. It seems to sit upon a natural pool of essence within the Gaia tributary."

A faint intake of breath, and Vaysh gives but a barely discernible shake of his head, folding his arms over his chest and clasping his elbows. "If that is the case....did you know that we'd ventured to suggest sending an expedition to the Tributary itself, but Erius had refused on account of the possible dangers that such an expedition would encounter? I would think that if he should be told of this, all Tralisians might be prohibited from visiting the cove."

Sameron smiles just a bit as he's still one step ahead of the Indago. Almost seeming to take some pleasure in the fact. "Oh there is certainly danger from exposure to the pool. I've seen it personally you see. As did others in my party. A curious affliction claimed us from our proxcimity to it. It drained essence from us. However the effects were transitory."

Sameron says, "I'm not sure however that they may not be permenant after a longer exposure."

The Indago's tone turns caustic. "Such effects are well recorded, Sameron. Hence my concern that you had ventured within the Cove itself." Vaysh flicks his sleeve back from one thin wrist. "But I suppose none of you can be faulted for stumbling upon such a discovery."

Sameron says to you, "Indeed. Though the difficulty only occured when we were within the chamber that holds the pool itself. The rest of the cave complex seemed safe enough. If one discounts the magical golems and silver sentinels that guard it."

Sameron nods politely to Aeolus.

Sameron says to Aeolus, "Well met my friend."

Aeolus nods with a grin, "Ah, hello Sameron."

Sameron says to Aeolus, "I was just discussing with Vaysh our exploration of the cove to the south."

Aeolus turns towards Vaysh and offers a slight nod.

Aeolus grins, "Ah, most interesting. And has Vaysh said? Perhaps this would help further my research..."

Aeolus turns towards the tower, looking up at the top and then to the base. He then walks up and leans against the base, watching the other two.

The ghost of a smirk touches Vaysh's lips, all too swiftly concealed, though it's politely enough that he inclines his head to Cryinale. "Only what we are already aware of...the fundamentals. The effects of the Tributary on mortal races, and such. I'm not sure folk should so blithely visit that pool."

Aeolus says, "Indeed, it would be unwise, though there are a few mortals who can survive the effects, though it would be a gamble, and perhapd an unwise one. But for now, the cave reveals much when tied to the surrounding points of the land..."

Sameron says, "My thoughts had turned in a different direction actually. I'd wondered if there would be a way to drain the pool of its essence. To divert the flow of the tirbutary and thus rid the cove of it's protections."

Aeolus grins, turning his head south, north, east, and then southeast.

Aeolus murmurs something to himself.

"If you've visited the other subterranean networks to the south, such as the cave where the chisims may be hunted, I'm sure you've noticed that tapping into the Tributary is much easier..." Vaysh slides an assessing look to Aeolus. "And..I'd mentioned that those to the North suffer from the ore deposits within them. Perhaps they've something to do with the fact it's nigh impossible to channel the Tributary there."

Aeolus frowns, "Ah, I suppose... but it all depends on what exactly lies there. Is it a secluded pool, or something more? A mere pool is possible to drain, though still dangerous, but..."

Sameron nods at Aeolus.

Aeolus says, "Ah, perhaps, but I doubt it is the ores that cause the low amounts of essence. No, my studies of that region were completed long ago, and I've since moved on to the pit in that place..."

Sameron says, "Unfortunately I must be on my way. Travel safely."

Aeolus shakes his head, "Ah, but to explain, notice that there is a rune inscribed on the southern edge of the cave, one that is green. Notice also that two area high in essence lie to either side...

Sameron quietly leaves and disappears into the surrounding area.

Aeolus says, "They, of course, are outside the cave, but close none the less... Hmmmm... It all provides a nice trail when the area are tagged together, but..."

"So it is closely tied to the geography. That there should be a point in Ama'rane so close to the Tributary is surprising; I was under the impression that the Empires would have taken great pains not to situate a city thus," Vaysh gestures. "Knowing its dangers. Yet..."

"That certainly might have figured in Sesi's choice of a stronghold." Vaysh's smile, blade-thin and sharp, curves his lips. "Will you be venturing within the cove again to study the pool?"

Aeolus says, "Ah, or perhaps that was the reason... one must wonder why a city would be built so close to the Silent Wood, or why it was built on such a dangerous spot... Why was a trade city built away from the sea? It's all so very strange, yes?"
You hear a bellow far off in the distance...

Aeolus frowns, slumping against the tower, "Ah, I would desire to do so, but my strength isn't... the best. There are beast there resistant to magic, and without a defender of some sort, I could not last very long in that place."

Smoothing his cowl back so that his features might be more visible, his smile fading into a thoughtful, withdrawn expression, Vaysh muses, "My race certainly is resistant, but I have no way of knowing whether working our magic so close would pose any danger to ourselves or those near us. What did you feel when you entered the cave system? Nothing of note?"

Aeolus raises his brow, "The northern cave, or the southern cove? I must say that the southern cove was almost numbing at first, but then empowering, and then... almost nausiating, though I did make it out before contracting anything serious. I suppose I'm not the most resistant, but still, if he could do it..."

"The cove. That such an essence pool hasn't gained the attention of the mages in Tralisia until now comes as something of a surprise. Unless..." Vaysh's voice changes subtly, growing speculative. "It appeared only recently. Possible shifts in the earth...volcanic activity...changes in the Tributary, who knows...might have exposed the pool."

Aeolus steps away from the tower and begins to pace in front of it, "Yes, perhaps... perhaps it is somewhat recent... yes, if... hmmm..."

Aeolus returns to his post at the base of the tower and nods, "Yes, that does seem likely."

Aeolus says, "A pool of essence, it must of somehow seeped into the cave, but... wait, maybe..."

Having observed the Cryinale dispassionately in his pacing, the slight Indago cocks an eyebrow, his hood shifting with the movement. "It might have been close to the surface, yet not enough to have been noticed until recently because of such changes." Vaysh pauses for emphasis.

Aeolus turns around and looks up at the tower, mumbling to himself.

Vaysh says, "There are also those who would seek to use such a pool for their own ends. They would throw all caution to the winds and pay no heed to the well-established fact that essence exposure may very well be fatal. "

Aeolus says, "Though it seems no one has attempted to use it, at least not yet. That place is nigh deserted except for the dockworkers, and I somehow doubt they'd try to use it. But then again, it's not as if our search was thourough... not in the least."

"Anything of such significance merits a closer look," Vaysh notes, one corner of his mouth quirking. "Though as to whether Erius would sanction such efforts is another matter entirely. I recall he wasn't overly fond of the idea that Tytan proposed...to send a group to study the Tributary at close quarters."

Aeolus grins, "Ah, but perhaps if someone he trusted where to ask... The man did recently give me an asignment and order to enter the Silent Woods..."

Aeolus says, "But if all else fails, it's not as if we need his blessings. We won't have his protection, but I'm sure we could rally our own forces if need be..."

Nothing can be gauged from Vaysh's reaction -- or lack of it -- but mild displeasure...whether affected or otherwise, can't be discerned. "Oh? And what was it in the Silent Woods that he deemed important enough to merit the risk?"

Aeolus says, "And what of the soul binding... I wonder if it's possible..."

Aeolus says, "Ah, to see if my theories were correct. I suspect that pit maybe important to the mystery of the Tributary, as well as what tranpired there... yes, the souls of... But I did not go very far in, at least not as far as the marsh, across the bridge, and into that... Ah, but no matter. I suppose I'm merely rambling now."

Aeolus says, "Perhaps you've heard of the unusual pit there? It lies at the furthest northern edge of Silent Woods, and it is... most unusual. Perhaps Erius would give you a copy of my report... if it interest you of course."

A quiet laugh slips from Vaysh's lips. "You have a way of dropping hints as if they were bait to encourage the most dauntless seekers." he says, without rancor. "Though as for myself, I should be curious as to what he has to say on the matter of the pool first of all. I daresay I don't poke my nose where it's not wanted," here he smiles yet again - "And I've some doubts as to whether Erius would want many to know what lies within the Woods, at least."

Aeolus says, "Many know of it, but it's those that would awaken it, their master, that he fears. Still, few are as stupid, and the girl seems to have gone dormant, I've seen little of the old man nor their messenger... "

Aeolus says, "But you are right. If that is what you wish to focus on, you must not become distracted. It is an interesting place, that cove, and further study is required..."

"One must at least be cautious in conducting such study." Vaysh appraises the elf before him wordlessly for a few moments. "My only concern is that those who were with you might be eager to return, out of curiosity, and commit the blunder of touching the pool. Or others with them might display such lack of judgement."

Aeolus says, "Hmph, those who are foolish enough to do so would be dead now... But I suppose if someone were to find it, they could attempt to manipulate it. Though the results may not have been to their liking. The stream is not a benevolent thing, and such actions could be their undoing."

"Very well." Clearing his throat, Vaysh essays a glance around the square. "I don't believe it poses much of a danger, as the cove is some distance away from Tralisia, and few know of it as it is...but if you...or the Arch-mage, should think it safe enough to pursue a study of the pool, then I should be glad to offer my services." He cants his head to Aeolus. "I must take my leave."

Aeolus nods at Vaysh, "Ah, very well. I suppose I will talk with Erius and see what he thinks. But if you are taking your leave, I shan't keep you."

Slipping away through the passing throngs of people without a backward glance, Vaysh is soon lost to sight as he wends his way west.