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[color=9B9F94][h3][b]Velles 19th[/b][/h3]
[sub][b]Location:[/b] Zengali - Mezegol
[b]Day of the week:[/b] Victendes
[b]Time:[/b] Daytime -> Late Afternoon
[b]Characters:[/b] Zarina, Biby, Penny [@Force and Fury], Rikard, Yvain [@jasbraq], Taleja [@Ti], Guy [@dragonpiece], Keanjaho, the rowing crew.[/sub]
[hr]

[h2][color=ec008c]Zengali[/color][/h2]

[hider=Zengali]
[center][url=https://youtu.be/M3CSWLFL5u8]♫[/url][/center]
She had to admit, being a stowaway was not as adventurous as she had imagined. Eternally would Zarina be grateful of her progress with temporal magic after pinching a nerve of the hammock she had to make due within the cargo hold. Still, it was a bonding experience with the group of dregs she was with, and of course Biby the House Hippo that seldom left the confines of her messenger bag she had organised just for him. His head occasionally popped out of the pet-opening to sniff about and yawn before retreating back inside. 

On the occasions where Zarina had free time, she shot a glance at both correspondences she had been given. One was straightforward and the object of most of her pondering while the other held a more cryptic message, one surrounded by easy enigmas but ushered in moral choices she did not expect out of a mere animal control operation. Although then again, you never knew with the powers that be.

[hr]

Once they had arrived, introductions were in order. Appearing a tad blasé, like she had been in a ship for a bit too long, the dishevelled Virangish raised her hand. [color=E5E4E2]"A pleasure, Brother. Zarina. The Water Bug Connoisseur."[/color] she tapped her own chest and then gestured to the little head that emerged from the partially opened bag like a handbag dog. [color=E5E4E2]"And this is Biby. No doubt a key to my success strategy."[/color] she flashed a cheeky grin with her eyes still half-lidded.

The bright light of day hit hard, prompting her to raise her hand and shield her eyes. [color=E5E4E2]"Busy."[/color] her barely opened eyes scrutinised the port she laid her feet upon. [color=E5E4E2]"And familiar."[/color] she remarked in a distinct lack of surprise as she saw the other group of students - most notably Ayla and Leon. 

Before they would stray for ‘preparations’, the beastmaster turned to her group. [color=E5E4E2]"A few hours aren’t a lot, and we know better than to just blast the bug."[/color] she looked briefly to the side where coastal lines spanned with walls of stone and green continued on without any human interference. [color=E5E4E2]"First thing’s first, we’ll need a place to trap the thing that isn’t, well, here. And not in deep waters. It’s not only more dangerous in its element but we’ll have a hard time keeping it in place if we do manage to immobilise it."[/color] she rubbed her chin as she continued to muse their situation. [color=E5E4E2]"Someone that can be useful in that ailing camp could get information on the attack.”[/color] her attention briefly jumped toward the conspicuous pirate ship and her crew.  [color=E5E4E2]"These less than savoury folks probably have a tale or ten to share. It wouldn’t hurt to buddy up with the sailors we’ll be working with either, if anyone’s feeling it. Especially if other interests are involved here."[/color]

Zarina looked up the cliffside to notice the lord’s home that stood out among the architectures. [color=E5E4E2]"It would be wise for us to make our presences known and pitch a plan to those that hired us."[/color] she chuckled before glancing at her colleagues with a smirk. Biby yawned whilst looking their way as well. [color=E5E4E2]"Anyone feeling like they could represent the group? Or should I have the honours?"[/color]

[color=E5E4E2]"We hustle, then we reconnoitre during that festival, mmkay?"[/color]


Penny realized that she was standing quite aimlessly in the midst of her evaluations. She shrugged and shook her head to clear it. [color=f7976a]"Right, well I suppose I should follow her lead,"[/color] she concluded. [color=f7976a]"It's rather a walk out to that ship."[/color] With a polite nod and a smile, she took her leave. [color=f7976a]"I shall reconnoiter with you all in a handful of hours, by the large disturbingly phallic statue in the square, no?"[/color] With that, she was off.

Zarina gestured toward the pirate ship in agreement as Penny offered herself up to handle it. [color=#E5E4E2]“If you need backup,”[/color] she peered over toward Rikard. [color=#E5E4E2]“we can always have the titan killer himself, Rikard, stay nearby.”[/color] she winked his way, recalling the visions of him slaying grand demons and taking on Tojarra himself. A free electron, to be sure, but an effective one. 

Her head then shifted to the other side with Yvain being suggested for the meet. [color=#E5E4E2]“Ah.”[/color] the Virangish crossed her arms while Biby's head poked out. [color=#E5E4E2]“Right.”[/color] her scowl wasn't stifled whatsoever, her disdain very clear from the mere aura she projected. [color=#E5E4E2]“Do you think yourself capable of speaking for us, Berbignon?”[/color] she nudged her chin to expectation of a response.

[color=#E5E4E2]“Well, then again, risking that boat suddenly exploding would be a pretty bad start anyway.”[/color]

Yvain felt the utter disdain of the Virangish woman fall upon him. Multiple different responses ran through his mind, running from [color=00e600][i]How dare this merchant scowl at me?[/i][/color] to a apology. With a heavy sigh, he tried to wash the filthy disdain from his mind. [color=00e600]"I will speak in the interest of the Sovereign pact."[/color] He scoffed. Looking at Zarina with his signature shit-eating grin he nearly lost. [color=00e600]"But back to the question of being capability."[/color] 

His grin turned to a sour expression. [color=00e600]"There is a high chance your friends are your opponents in this task, so to let me ask you this.. . . Will you let that cloud your judgement? Will you work in the interest of Virang and the Sovereign pact as a whole?"[/color]

Zarina cocked a brow and studied Yvain's demeanour briefly. A challenging look soon clashed with his. [color=#E5E4E2]“I'll get the job done right. Preferably with most of us alive.”[/color] she answered, arms crossed and posture adamant. [color=#E5E4E2]“So we got a speaker for us. Then I'll go check on that boat and the coast. Hells, I'll see if I can scout out the hot zone, even.[/color]

Yvain clapped his hands together and smiled. [color=00e600]"I'm glad we are on the same page here. I'd rather not get violent with the others either."[/color]  He tried to picture the Virangish with a smile as well but all he could picture is disdain and annoyance. [color=00e600]"I am not your enemy, miss Al-Nader. If you need assistance, I shall offer my help."[/color]
[/hider]

[hr]

[h2][color=hotpink]Captain Bean-Man[/color][/h2]

[hider=Captain Bean-Man]
[center][url=https://youtu.be/xOF0i60gHi8]♫[/url][/center]
As Zarina made it to the rowboat, she was greeted with the sight of many strongmen loading the last crates of supplies on a rowboat. All of them seemed friendly, nothing but smiles and they ended up directing her to the captain of this small voyage. A tall, rotund man dressed in beautiful clothing and jewellery. 

He was smoking a pipe and seemed generally jolly. He was staring at the sea with childlike amusement of his little journey. One of the men called out that they had a fine looking guest. He bounded over, tripping over some oars to eventually get to his new shipmate. 

[color=hotpink]"Hello! Welcome! Salutation young lady, what can Keanjaho do for you today?"[/color]

An airborne Zarina descended with considerable meticulousness onto the small empty space she could find on the rowboat. Even after over a year of practice, tight landings were always tricky it seemed as her arrival came with a light rocking of the vessel. 

[color=#E5E4E2]“Salam brothers and sir Kee-nej-ajo.”[/color] she waved in their general direction and nodded curtly. [color=#E5E4E2]“My name is Zarina, and I’m studying local wildlife.”[/color] she flashed a reassuring smile at all of them while Biby eyed the unknown factors from the hole in the bag. [color=#E5E4E2]“And according to my findings, you lot are rowing into dangerous waters. Very dangerous. May I ask why?”[/color]

[color=hotpink]"A pleasure to meet you! You look Virangish no? I have many friends from Virang,"[/color] he waved over to one of the men to bring some stuff over, somewhat listening making small gestures to make sure Zarina knew he was. A table was whisked in and 2 drinks of tea made. 

[color=hotpink]"Your studying local wildlife? Their are some beautiful birds that roost in the cliffs. Truly a rainbow of variety-"[/color] his mind jumped from one spot in the conversation to another. [color=hotpink]"Ah! Yes, yes, the thresher. I am well aware of Miss Zarina,"[/color] a momentary pause took place where he seemed to contemplate what he was doing but then a big smile appeared on his face. [color=hotpink]"But there must be some one to help scout out the day before and we are the best rowers in all of Zengali!"[/color] Keanjaho waved his glass around to his men and they let out a cheer.


[color=#E5E4E2]“Well well, you came prepared.”[/color] chuckled an amused Zarina, opting to not sit but accepted the tea as a gesture of politeness. Still, as taught by her betters, she had a brief chemical cleansing of the stuff before indulging at the peril of its flavour. [color=#E5E4E2]“Gandakar, actually. You must've met a few friends. Mustafa Derari ring a bell?”[/color] she tilted her head expectantly before moving on to the more pressing point.

[color=#E5E4E2]“Ah, well, that's precisely what I came to study.”[/color] the tall girl held the cup with both hands as she briefly pondered how to formulate her approach. [color=#E5E4E2]“I'm here to investigate and research the causes for the Bluewater Behemoth's unusual behaviour, and help stop it if I can.”[/color] and with that, she smirked. [color=#E5E4E2]“Looks like I've found the right people. Would you accept a coastal city girl as a plus one?”[/color]

[color=hotpink]"Well of course,"[/color] Keanjaho laughed and was just about to start a story before sitting in to listen to Zarina's request. He set his tea down with much more purpose. The friendly smile was still there but his eyes carried more weight to them. He judged her with the eyes of a merchant, weighing the value in her addition versus the risk of her loss as a fighter tomorrow. 

[color=hotpink]"I can accept on 3 conditions, miss Zarina. One, you must pull your weight and be an active member in the voyage,"[/color] he stuck up his thumb. [color=hotpink]"Two, you must, if able, secure your own life if the need comes. I won't have a young soul like yourself in my guilt,"[/color] He put up is index finger. [color=hotpink]"And third-"[/color] Keanjaho expression became light again, [color=hotpink]"Share a drink with me and crew before we set off! It's only tradition, no?"[/color]

[color=#E5E4E2]“Naturally.”[/color] Zarina grinned as her feet levitated off the group, literally carrying her own weight.

[color=#E5E4E2]“Of course.”[/color] she landed back down and crossed her arms. Biby had since poked his head out to yawn.

[color=#E5E4E2]“Hmmm.”[/color] the Virangish hesitated on the last one, with her right hand rising up to rub her chin. [color=#E5E4E2]“If it isn't some Tettari piss water, then count me in.”[/color]

Keanjaho stood up the good ole fashion way after Zarina agreed to his stipulations. [color=hotpink]"This is nothing like Tettari piss water, I can assure you!"[/color] he said proudly, [color=hotpink]"This is a family recipe that people have been drinking in Zengali for generations at this point. Let me go make it."[/color] Keanjaho headed off to prepare the tonic. 

In the meantime, some of the crew introduced themselves as they waited for the drink as well. They were a relatively friendly group who didn't speak Avincian well but enough to get by. One of the larger men, truly massive in frame and muscle, gave Zarina a warning, "Plug your nose before you drink it." Other than bickering, some said it wasn't that bad, some said it was that bad. None said it was good. 

Soon ten full cups of thick yellow drink came out. Swishing it in the cup gave off a pungent spell of lentils, spices, and the twang of fermentation. It was just a bit thicker than ayran and it didn't look appetizing at first glance. 

Keanjaho rose a glass, [color=hotpink]"To us and safe voyage even if it may be a short one. May the gods protect out souls and this drink strengthen our hearts."[/color] With that the entire crew began to chug it down quickly. The large man from earlier was choking it down like it was the worst thing in the world.

The warnings met with shows of confidence and dismissive chuckles. In truth, the prospect of slurping something absolutely rancid prompted a visceral reaction from Zarina. Already she was planning a way to dull out her senses. And yet ...

As she saw the piss-coloured 'delight', she pursed her lips and stared at it for a moment. [color=#E5E4E2]“To safe voyages ...”[/color] she spoke with a distinct lack of enthusiasm that was easy to recognize, so much so that she even realized it. In an attempt to correct her landing, she employed a deeper and louder voice. [color=#E5E4E2]“And the end of that white blight!”[/color] and with that, she chugged the stuff like a madwoman.

The first gulp was led with a delicate salt flavor that gave way to a high of warm floral flavors. As you got through the cup, more subtle flavors became apparent. Things like cinnamon, cumin, cardamon, coriander, and a hint of fennel became more noticeable. 

Finally the main flavor took form, this fermented earthy notes of the lentils developed on the tongue. Bringing the with it a slight hint of smoke that came only at the final sip. As an experience, it was wholly unique in the way of its development. It had the flavors you would associate more with meats and fish but it played with the fermented lentils quite well. Too heavy and spice forward to have as daily refreshment but quite good for your last warmth on a perilous journey. You did feel it in your stomach though.

The fact the taste was not only quite mild compared to what she had imagined but also familiar to some degree had Zarina worried. Was the aftertaste going to be terrible? Was it going to linger like a Virangish Pepper? Ultimately, none of her fears were realized, leading to a somewhat anticlimactic, if not welcomed outcome. [color=#E5E4E2]“Huh.”[/color] Zarina cocked her brows and observed the empty glass before her. [color=#E5E4E2]“Honestly, not too bad.”[/color] she gave a thumbs up, even if her stomach wasn't so sure about giving out so much positivity. She could feel the gurgles coming already.[/hider]

[hr]

[h2][color=skyblue]Off to the Seas[/color][/h2]

[hider=Off to the Seas]
[center][url=https://youtu.be/FftDrweUNvc]♫[/url][/center]
It had been a few hours since they had left the high activity wharf and daylight was slowly sinking into an orange-tinged dusk, although they still had time before it got dark. It did leave Zarina wondering just what was the plan once they had their recon? Each time she alluded to it, they reassured her it was typical work and the fjord held no secrets to them. Not exactly reassuring, but the temporal factor she kept close to the chest pacified her somewhat.

Her heart went out to this crew, however, who had little recourse if something happened. Clearly this mission was urgent given the lack of resources other than a conspicuous journal Keanjaho wrote every detail into. Zarina did the same, only mentally with Biby occasionally emerging for some pats and hand feedings to distract her. 

The house hippo wasn’t the only distraction, but it was definitely a magnet for more attention going her way. If the crew wasn’t already intrigued by the presence of a random ‘scholarly’ girl among them, the bright coloured critter did the trick. The hours were decorated with pleasant exchanges and joy.

Djembe had recently had his third daughter and couldn’t stop boasting about her supposed attunement to the ocean.

Kilik was a crass older man always seeking to make light of everything. Vulgar but clever, and was the one to veil the true risks of the expedition.

Ade was the youngest of the crew and often the butt of jokes. Barely Zarina’s age and definitely more reserved, if not a good sport about it all.

Daoud always had a story to tell, making him the most consistent voice they’d hear during the trip. He was also clearly making half of the things up.

Hami didn’t speak a whole lot, but when a good joke was cracked, he had the heartiest of laughs.

Jabali was the very large and muscular of the bunch, and quite the sweetheart too.

And finally there was Penda, the first mate to Keanjaho. He took his job very seriously and hardly smiled. It seemed he was all too aware of what was going on.

[color=#E5E4E2]“That cove.”[/color] the Virangish plus one pointed at an isolated opening by a large cliffside. [color=#E5E4E2]“It looks just shallow enough for us to work with. You got a map?”[/color]

[color=hotpink]"Of course, what captain would I be if I said no?"[/color] the jolly man tugged one of the many scrolls he had in his sack - a spare and virgin map he so graciously gave to his guest. Zarina accepted with both her careful hands.

[color=#E5E4E2]“Gracias.”[/color] she said.

[color=hotpink]"De nada."[/color] he replied.[/hider]

[hr]

[h2][b][color=white]It Came from the Depths[/color][/b][/h2]

[hider=It Came from the Depths]Soon enough, they had reached the floating graveyards of the recent attacks. Wooden and human remains were being dragged by the currents but many stagnated still near the site of disaster. With the use of flight, Zarina scouted out while the boat remained at a relatively safe distance. 

Dismembered ships just as much as torn apart people. It was a horrid sight to be sure, and she could only imagine just how wicked the depths truly looked. Corpses that had hit the nearby shores were riddled with crabs and other seaborne parasites feasting on their bloated carcass. It was there that Zarina realized just how dire of a situation this was - as dire as that demon from An Zenui. This thing was but a source of misery and had to be stopped.

As she returned toward the ship, she noticed one unusual detail: Foam. It resembled seaweed foam at first, but as she drifted closer, the consistency did not match up. Nor did any sort of sensing reveal an abnormality. And yet the peculiar spread of clustered foam near the coast but also around the attack site left the teen at a loss. As a coastal girl, she knew they didn’t cluster like this. With a portable cup she used for her coffee, which she selflessly sacrificed the remains of her caffeine boost for the cause, scooped a few samples before sealing it away.

[color=#E5E4E2]“Hmmm.”[/color] Zarina pondered as she returned. [color=#E5E4E2]“Isn’t that smell familiar?”[/color] she peered down at a clueless Biby as if she expected an answer. [color=#E5E4E2]“Just at the tip of my tongue …”[/color]

She arrived on the ship with the captain still dutifully scribbling everything he saw. [color=#E5E4E2]“You find it weird too?”[/color] she asked as her feet hit the wooden surface. [color=hotpink]"That foam isn’t from any sea I’ve voyaged through, Lady Zarina."[/color] he didn’t seem to jolly as he turned to face her. [color=hotpink]"The smell reminds me of a bar somehow."[/color] Zarina flinched. [color=#E5E4E2]“A bar, really?”[/color] for a moment, they both pondered.

[color=hotpink]"Of course!"[/color] the big man clapped his hands. [color=hotpink]"It’s the-"[/color]

Then, they felt it. It was unmistakable. It was gargantuan. It was coming.


Only eyes spoke at this moment. Zarina quickly sealed her bag to protect the hippo and the crew quickly manned their positions. There were no more merry demeanours, only cold hard professionalism.

[h3][center][url=https://youtu.be/1XwvTc05lfU]♫[/url][/center][/h3]


[color=hotpink]"Penda, zhue-"[/color] a massive wave erupted from right under the ship, splitting a third of it away instantly and leaving the other two-thirds to capsize. Those at the front had no chance, and those at the back all met the sea. Someone was impaled by a piece of plank, another had been dragged in by that [i]thing[/i].

Zarina desperately reached out for the nearest two people she could with barely any control over the massive kinetic forces driving the currents. One man was hurled into her, while another had barely caught her hand. Keanjaho, however, had taken too much time to secure his diary and missed Zarina’s other hand by a second before another crash from the beast’s claw separated them. With that, the student had vanished with her rescued duo. 

One second they were in the hands of death, the next they were among the rubble at the coast. When Zarina rubbed the salt water off her eyes, she realised she had saved both Daoud and Kilik, the latter without a scratch and the former with a few wood splinters dug into his leg and arm. 

They could see the carnage unfold. A mass of foamy waves as white as the claws that clobbered them. The water had turned red with screams of the survivors left behind reaching them. 

[color=#E5E4E2]“Hold this.”[/color] ordered Zarina as she passed her bag to Kilik.

[color=blue]”Don’t go girl, it’s suicide!”[/color] pleaded Kilik as her caught the bag.

[color=green]”Let it go, you can’t change her mind.”[/color] a pained Daoud spoke up and gestured toward Zarina’s resolute eyes. [color=green]”She got that look the captain had.”[/color]

With that, she zipped into the fray once more. Most were dead or drowning after losing consciousness. The red fog made it so much worse, but-

[color=#E5E4E2]“Captain!”[/color] she called out as she sensed a familiar form. However, it was within the murky waters, and alive! She dove, only to witness [i]it[/i].

Unbelievably large, pale as a ghost meshed with the blood of its victims, and burning with an unnatural rage. The mere sight gave her vertigo. Almost enough to let her just drift away in utter horror. She had forgotten to breathe, and had it not been of Keanjaho’s kinetic strike on her cheek, she may have become perfect bait for the creature. Shaken out of her daze, she frantically reached for the captain.

They were so close, doing their best to fight off the currents and influences of the Thresher’s magics. 

They were so close, with Keanjaho’s advanced channelling enabling feats she didn’t think possible.

They were so close that she could just touch the man’s hand, the one holding the bag with the diary. That was it! All she needed was a strong grip. One more second. 

That second passed and she finally dug her nails into that wrist. And in a tenth of that wait, she had disappeared back onto the shore.

A panting Zarina was found fifty metres away from the two she had saved. On all fours and her hand clutching that hand she had held onto for dear life. The bag the captain risked everything for lied before her, wet but in one piece. Along with that single piece of Keanjaho she could save - all up to the elbow.

Upon acknowledging the ghoulish sight with the carnage nearing its end in the background, she found her vision beginning to blur. And as the two shipmates arrived, they found her lying down, face half in the water, and with a mango-sized hold on her flank, where the spleen would be. 

As her vision faded, she recalled every single one of these men that had been sacrificed.

Djembe, killed nearly in an instant by a wooden plank through the chest.

Ade was taken in by the current and subsequently devoured by the beast. He could not scream in agony when buried in the sea water.

Hami was at the front and fell unconscious immediately. He subsequently drowned in the deep depths.

Jabali fought the current and thrashing beast with all her could, but found himself impaled by a massive spike, only to be then discarded into two split pieces.

Penda was instantly obliterated when the claw shattered the boat, creating a red that painted the battlefield.

And of course, Keanjaho. Sank with his ship and fought to the bitter end until he was indistinguishable from the rest of the ocean he had devoted his life to.[/hider][/color]