[centre][h1]The Journey to Tendlepog: The Final Chapter[/h1][/centre] [centre][img]https://i.imgur.com/LrvJv14.png[/img][/centre] The arrival of Kree and Serenis had initially sown some doubts and discontent among the sailors, especially from the Noble on account of the number of instruments that had been ruined at the dragon’s descent. However, that did not stop the heartwarming environment from returning as what could be repaired, was repaired, and stories previously only shared among sailors were told to their new guests. Before Zhengwu set off from the Serpentine Isles, Qiang Yi summoned Serenis to the helmspost, where all the other officers onboard also had gathered. Qiang Yi nodded at the present personnel. “Thank you all for coming - and our greatest gratitude to Your Holiness, too, for allowing these servants to bask in Your presence.” The gathered personnel all bowed to Serenis. “[color=silver]No, I should be the one thanking you for allowing me to travel with you,[/color]” Serenis replied, shaking her head. “[color=silver]I know I can’t contribute much to your crew, so I’m grateful you’re willing to have me here.[/color]” Kree, who was with Serenis at all times, yawned as he rested his head on her shoulder. Qiang Yi straightened himself back up and smiled widely. “Your sacred self is too polite - in fact, these servants were hoping that Your Holiness would be willing to aid us on the last stretch.” Qiang Yi turned around and received a paper roll from Zhen-zhen. Zeng En, who had mostly recovered by now, save for a missing left hand and foot, made great efforts to place down a table in front of the captain. Despite of his struggles, no one seemed willing to help him. When the table eventually found its place, Qiang Yi unfurled the scroll and laid it down for all to see - it revealed a map of the eastern hemisphere - the most accurate description of it that they had, anyway. Qiang Yi pointed at a black blot surrounded by a few curved lines. “These are the Serpentine Isles,” he said, his finger moving to upwards along the surface of the map until it reached the starlike shapes of Swahitteh-Tendlepog. The finger eventually fell on the southern point of one of Tendlepog’s arms. “This is our destination. We will make landfall here and proceed on foot with the gifts. The carpenters have already prepared palanquins and rickshaws to the best of their abilities and opportunity.” He nodded to Li Shan who returned the nod. “Reaching Tendlepog will be relatively simple - as long as we keep a northward course, we cannot miss it. However, according to His Lordship’s details, the shores of Tendlepog are not easily reached.” Qiang Yi looked to Serenis. “This is where these servants hope Your Holiness could come in.” “[color=silver]I see,[/color]” Serenis said, looking over the map. In truth, she didn’t actually see anything, and the map’s vagueness didn’t help matters either. Still, if there was something she could do to help, there wouldn’t be a reason to refuse. “[color=silver]But what, exactly, do you need my help for? What makes this Tendlepog so difficult to land on?[/color]” Serenis asked. Qiang Yi pursed his lips and walked over to the railing, gazing out across the sea. “According to His Lordship’s instructions, His Holiness K’nell once informed him that Swahitteh-Tendlepog possess a rather unconventional trait: They are constantly spinning.” He turned back, a frown darkening his face. “His Lordship suggested that we should come up with a plan as we arrived, and we have!” He grinned at Serenis. “Your Holiness, if it is not too much to ask, these servants humbly request that, as we approach Tendlepog, Your sacred self flies ahead and finds us the safest place to make landfall.” Serenis nodded. It made sense in her mind. “[color=silver]Of course. I won’t let you down,[/color]” Serenis answered, smiling confidently. Tapping Kree lightly on his head, Serenis whispered to him, “[color=silver]Come on, Kree, wake up. We’ll have some work to do soon.[/color]” Kree blinked and looked up at Serenis, then yawned as he began to stretch. The officers all smiled at one another and Qiang Yi bowed deeply to Serenis. “Our deepest thanks to you, O holy spirit Serenis. We estimate that we will be approaching Tendlepog in a few days, depending on the wind. You may leave tomorrow, unless Your Holiness would like to time alone to explore the continent first?” “No need to wait any longer. I will scout it out now,” Serenis said, nodding before leaving the helmspost. As she walked, she clapped twice, signaling Kree to transform. Kree then jumped off of Serenis and into the air, flying off a short distance before expanding in size. Serenis had tried to stress to Kree the importance of not transforming while on the ship, and it seemed to have paid off. As he approached the ship, Serenis took a short running start before jumping onto Kree. Together, they flew off towards to continent of Tendlepog. Qiang Yi and the others bowed to her as she disappeared, then seemingly went back to their planning. [hr] A week had passed since Serenis had left on her heavenly mount. The rickshaws and palanquins had been prepared and loaded with wares and supplies. They rested safely below deck for now, the carpenters regularly inspecting them for flaws and areas to improve. As they worked their craft, the ceaseless beats of soles against the deck above them nearly drowned out the flush of the ever loudening waves. The shore was approaching fast, its uncanny drift across the horizon frightening some of the sailors. A new council of officers had been called to the helmspost. “Zeng En,” Qiang Yi called and gestured to the shore. The quartermaster crossed his arms over his chest and nodded. “Yes, captain?” he said. Qiang Yi’s brow furrowed and he drummed the map on the tabletop. “Have you made any progress on the plan to transport the goods to land yet?” The quartermaster sighed and moved his hands to his hips. “The plank is finished, captain - to use it, however, we must be conservative with the number of people we send over per round. We estimate that it holds five men at the time - two if we add a rickshaw or a palanquin, and even using it at all entirely depends on us finding a piece of land safe enough to dock against.” He gestured to the cliffs along the shifting shore. “As you no doubt have seen, that may prove to be a challenge.” Qiang Yi let out a disapproving groan and turned to the railing. He slouched over and tightened his fists around the wooden bar. “Where are you, sacred Serenis?” he whispered. Kree descended until he was parallel with the ship’s deck, allowing Serenis to jump off and land safely, causing a few of the present crew members to jump in surprise. She then clapped twice, and Kree began to shrink while landing on the ship himself, skittering over to Serenis and returning to his favorite position on her neck. “[color=silver]Good work, Kree. Get some rest now,[/color]” Serenis said, stroking Kree’s head as he closed his eyes. Making her way to Qiang Yi, Serenis began to greet him, “[color=silver]I have returned, Qiang Yi, and here to report the location of our landing site.[/color]” “O-oh, Your Holiness Serenis!” Qiang Yi said and bowed deeply, followed by the other present officers. “H-how very convenient, this servant was just thinking about y--it means, how nice to see that You have returned!” He cleared his throat into his fist. “Please, share with us Your discovery.” “[color=silver]We’ve found a piece of the shoreline where the Zhengwu can land safely. It’s several hours away, and the shore itself is quite sandy. There should be plenty of space for the ship to rest on the ground,[/color]” Serenis reported. Qiang Yi nodded slowly and looked to Li Shan expectedly, but the master carpenter shook his head. “Afraid that will be difficult still, Your Holiness,” the carpenter began. “It is true that the ship’s bottom is smooth enough that it could potentially be dragged ashore, but…” He paused and looked to the others. “... The hull is still largely made of bound bark, straw and wood - most of that will likely be scraped off if we try to pull the ship ashore.” The carpenter shrugged defeatedly. Qiang Yi bit his finger in thought. “What direction did we need to sail in to get to this place, You said?” the captain asked Serenis. “[color=silver]After reaching Tendlepog, Kree and I turned right,[/color]” Serenis answered thoughtfully. “[color=silver]That sandy shoreline was the first location I found.[/color]” “Right… So due east, northeast, then, is that correct?” the captain asked. “[color=silver]Yes, that sounds about right,[/color]” Serenis nodded. Qiang Yi furrowed his brow - as did many of the officers. “We will have to pick up speed, then. The continent rotates due east.” With that, the captain stormed down to the deck and barked orders for the main sail to be furled and for oars to be brought out. Zhen-zhen moved over to Serenis and smiled wryly. “How long has it been since you saw that place?” she asked in a friendly voice. “[color=silver]Perhaps three… no, maybe four days ago,[/color]” Serenis said. Zhen-zhen put her hands on her hips and pursed her lips. “Alright, so, that’s, uh…” She blinked at the floor. “... A slight deviance in placement from what you may remember. Big number, hard math.” She shook her head. “This is why I didn’t pass the Wise caste exam,” she said with a smirk. “Either way, any other details you recall about the landing spot - nearby cliffs, reefs, distance to nearest river or body of freshwater? Uh, depth of shore waters?” “[color=silver]Hmm…. I didn’t see any reefs… there were rather high cliffs on both sides of the shore, though…[/color]” Serenis began to recall. “[color=silver]Past the sandy shore was a large plain of dust. There might have been a river of water, but beyond that and a few bits of vegetation, there didn’t seem to be anything else for a long stretch of land. And... depth of… shore water… I-I don’t know either.[/color]” Zhen-zhen shrugged. “Qiang Yi’s a bit uptight about his plans - don’t mind him. He appreciates all the help you’ve given.” She gave her a grin. “We’ll improvise, alright?” Serenis looked slightly disappointed, but nodded, smiling weakly. “[color=silver]Sure,[/color]” she said. [hr] The collective grunts and groans of the paddling crew did little to drown the crushing waves slamming against stone and cliff. They were closing in now - the white beach taunted them from the horizon, but they rowed faster than the continent spun now, even if it only was by a fraction. Qiang Yi had taken a spot at the helmspost and shouted ‘row, row, row’ in a predictable rhythm to avoid the mindless chaos they had experienced the last time during their encounter with that monster. Zeng En and a few others stood readily by with the plank, a long structure of several bound stocks and ropes that formed a flexible, yet stiff and firm rope bridge that would be bound to the shore upon successful landfall. “Keep the course steady, first mate Zhen-zhen,” Qiang Yi called out. He pointed to Serenis. “Serenis! If you would please, could you give us a bird’s eye view of the situation and keep us away from any cliffs and reefs?!” Serenis nodded and ran towards the edge of the ship, signaling Kree to transform. In seconds, she was back in the air, keeping an eye out as instructed. Now that she had a second look, she could see things that she had missed before. “[color=silver]Rocks! Port side![/color]” Serenis warned. The faint call barely reached the shipdeck, but Zhen-zhen’s keen ears picked them up still. With a diligent pull, she dragged the tiller to the left, sending the ship on a hard starboard turn. Zeng En stood by the railing, keeping a fixed eye on the cliffs. “They’re gone!” he eventually called. Zhen-zhen resumed the ship’s course and gave Zeng En a grin and Serenis a wave. Serenis returned the wave and resumed her surveillance on the waters below. Other than the rocky outcrop they had just avoided, all seemed good for the time being. Still, she kept her eyes open. There was little time to relax right now; her job was not yet done. The ship was nearing the beach now. Behind them slowly disappeared the cliffs they had spent the better part of a day outrunning. It took another half of an hour to finally reach the shores. With ten servants lined up along the starboard side, ready with the stone anchor, Qiang Yi gave the order. The anchor was dropped and nearly immediately crashed to the shore below. “Lay down the plank!” Qiang Yi commanded. Zeng En and his assistants toppled the contraption of the side of the ship, hooking it tightly to the railing on one end. The bridge was extended forward, crashing into the sea at first. The sailors grabbed what parts of it that they could reach and lifted with all their might. The bridge did not budge. “What happened?!” called Qiang Yi. “The bridge, captain!” Zeng En yelled back. “It’s stuck in the sand!” Qiang Yi grit his teeth and waved his hands at Serenis. “Serenis! Have Kree pull the bridge out of the sand and place it on the beach!” “[color=silver]Ok![/color]” Serenis said, gesturing Kree towards the wooden plank in the sand. Kree watched quizzically, unsure of what was going on at first, but soon got the memo when he saw what the crew was doing. Putting his head underneath the bridge, he arched it back, lifting the plank into the air while also creating a small shower of sand. “[color=silver]It’s done![/color]” Serenis called out. With diligent roars, the Strong steered the bridge towards the shore with Kree’s help. It would have been impossible without the dragon, but now they could properly control the bridge. However, as they attempted to fasten the bridge to the sand on the beach, the bridge would not reach - it was as if there was a wall between the sea and the shore. Qiang Yi came over to the plank crew and looked in bewilderment at the phenomenon. “B-but it’s right there! Has the continent sped up or something?!” Qiang Yi exclaimed and looked back at the faraway cliffs behind them. Zeng En, now thoroughly exhausted, shook his head in disbelief. “I have no idea, captain…” he mumbled as he let Yong Mei take over his post. “It’s as if… As if the beach is an illusion or something.” Qiang Yi blinked and scratched his chin. He once more eyes the cliff to the west and the highlands that stretched out from it for miles. He let his eyes follow the cliffside along the horizon, comparing it to the flat beach in front of them. Zhen-zhen came over to him and nudged his with a raised eyebrow. “Figured it out yet, captain?” she said with her hands on her hips. Qiang Yi pursed his lips. He looked to Serenis by the bridge and called out: “Serenis! Are you certain this was the only beach around?” “[color=silver]It’s the only one I could find on such short notice![/color]” Serenis called back. “[color=silver]But I can still go find another place to dock if we need to.[/color]” Qiang Yi scratched his head to the point where he nearly ripped out hair strands. He once again looked at the cliffs to the side. He planted one foot on top of the railing. “By Nanhe, I hope I am right about this…” Zeng En looked over. “Right about what, captain?” Then, in a sudden burst of energy, Qiang Yi threw himself overboard towards the beach. As the crew let out screams and howls of horror and panic, the captain reached out in front of him and closed his eyes. With a hard, yet wet slap, his body smacked against a flat, transparent wall in the air. Stunned for a second, he quickened to as what approximated to adrenaline coursed through his form. He clawed desperately along the invisible wall, the textures scraping the sand off his fingers, but no matter how much he grasped for safety, he only managed to slow his accelerating descent. Suddenly, what he had felt was a rock turned to wet clay in his ruined hands and he tumbled towards the foam below. [i]Is this how I die, then?[/i] the captain thought as he fell. He closed his eyes and parted his lips for one final prayer before the wind was knocked out of him. Qiang Yi blinked his eyes lazily as his mind tried to grasp what had happened. He felt around for what he had landed on and felt a fibrous texture around him. He rolled his head as far back as he could and saw the celebrating crew on the opposite end of the bridge, and upon turning his head a little to the side, saw Serenis atop Kree. “Th-thank you,” he said to Serenis. “[color=silver]You’re welcome,[/color]” Serenis replied, before turning to face the beach. It was clearly not what it seemed to be. Qiang Yi didn’t just collide on nothing; there had to be something there, something they weren’t seeing. However, Serenis noticed one little spot in the air - a hole where Qiang Yi had pulled out the mud clump. It hung there in an uncanny fashion, like a brown ball midway through its journey across a field. There evidently was a wall there - the question was how tall. “[color=silver]Hmm…[/color]” Serenis pondered as she stared at the spot, then looked up. An idea began to form in her mind. Looking back at the crew, Serenis walked over to them, saying, “[color=silver]I should’ve seen it earlier. This isn’t a beach. This is a cliff. If Tendlepog truly spins, then it’s collision with the other continent should make it so that beaches wouldn’t form like this. There’d be a cliff wall all around the shoreline.[/color]” Qiang Yi nodded slowly. “Yes… Yes, then this truly was a cliff!” He got to his feet and walked uneasily back to the celebrating crew. “Zeng En!” he called. “Never -EVER- do that again,” the quartermaster growled loudly at him. Qiang Yi grimaced sheepishly. “Yes, I’d rather not. Listen - we have to bring the bridge up to the top of the cliff and use it as a ladder! The beach is an illusion, just as you said.” Zeng En blinked and looked up. “A-alright, but… Where is the edge?” Qiang Yi frowned his brow in the same direction. “I don’t know - we will have to trust Serenis and Kree to lift the bridge up. You and your Strong will make certain the bridge remains bound to the ship, is that clear?” Zeng En hammered his broad chest proudly with one fist. “Yes, captain!” Qiang Yi grinned and turned to Serenis. “Serenis! Could you and Kree carry the bridge to the top of the cliff? We will secure it down here!” “[color=silver]Ok![/color]” Serenis agreed. She relayed a few instructions to Kree, who proceeded to fly up to the top of the cliff, then stick his head out and lower himself down to where he needed to be, holding the bridge up with his head and securing it onto the top of the cliff. “[color=silver]It’s ready![/color]” Serenis said when the job was done. The crew looked up at the bridge-now-made-ladder that seemed to hang onto nothing. Many of them recoiled a little, whispering fearful explanations between one another. Qiang Yi muttered a little, grabbed onto the rope and looked to the rest. “We will ascend to the top and bring with us as much as we can. The ladder may not be wide enough for two of us at once, but it can handle as many as we get put along its length. Bring rope and wood so that we can hoist up the wine and rickshaws.” He took a deep breath. “The palanquins can remain aboard the ship.” Then the captain began to climb. One by one, more and more crew members flowed to the ladder and began to climb. Kree had secured the lines well - even as the entirety of the remaining thirty crewmates had climbed and brought with them wine and equipment, the bridge had not budged. Qiang Yi counted the heads present atop the cliff and nodded. “Alright, everyone made it up. That’s good.” Qiang Yi turned to Serenis and fell to his knees. “Your Holiness Serenis and Kree, the sacred, these servants cannot even begin to thank You for Your aid in this. This, uh… This servant also personally apologises for its commanding tone during landfall. It was unnecessarily rude and coarse.” “[color=silver]There is no need to apologize, Qiang Yi,[/color]” Serenis said, holding a hand up. “[color=silver]It was necessary in the situation we were in. And honestly, I wouldn’t know what to do without your commands. We just did the jobs we needed to do.[/color]” The crew encircled Serenis and all fell to their knees. Qiang Yi chuckled. “Your Holiness is much too humble. These servants all owe their lives to You for what You’ve done for us. Without You, we would never have made it ashore. Please, if there is anything we can do for You, tell us.” “[color=silver]Just being with with you and your crew was more than enough,[/color]” Serenis answered. “[color=silver]The stories I’ve heard, the laughs we’ve shared… this felt more than a mere journey to me. It felt like spending time with friends, no, with [i]family[/i]. I’m very thankful for this time. I’m sure Lady Arae would approve of you all as well.[/color]” Kree then decided to stick his head into the conversation and softly growl. “[color=silver]Kree and I could use a few provisions, though. We’ll need them when we depart,[/color]” Serenis added. Qiang Yi and the crew looked up with sheepish expressions, then at one another. Their heads returned to the ground. “Th-that is… Something we sadly cannot grant. Our people do not eat, you see - at least, not for the purpose of sustenance. However, if Your Holiness would like any water, we will gladly offer You as much as You could want.” There were several shameful headshakes among the crew. “We’re terribly sorry,” one of them whispered. “[color=silver]That’s alright, then,[/color]” Serenis said. “[color=silver]Kree and I can search Tendlepog for food when he needs it.[/color]” Kree bumped his head into Serenis’ side and snorted. Serenis patted his head, then continued, “[color=silver]If there’s nothing else that requires my help, then Kree and I should be off. I did say I’d only travel until we reached our next destination, after all.[/color]” “I-if it’s not too much to ask, these servants beseech Your Holiness to give them another task to accomplish for You as a thanks - tradition demands it.” There were hums of agreement throughout the crew, occasionally echoes of ‘tradition demands it’. Serenis tilted her head sideways as she gave the matter some thought. She thought of the crew of Zhengwu as nice folk and didn’t really want to trouble them any more than they had to be. Then an idea flashed into her mind. Nodding, she decided to go with it. “[color=silver]Then offer prayers and thanks to Lady Arae as well as Shengshi. Unlike myself, she is a true goddess, and she is the Goddess of Family. This crew is very much like a family, if not one already, so do incorporate her into your traditions. She will not ask for much, and will not offer much in return, but as long as you retain your love for each other, she will not let your family fall.[/color]” The crew members looked at one another, nodding and smiling. A chuckle coloured with Zhen-zhen’s voice bounced across the soundscape. Qiang Yi hummed approvingly. “Then we shall do so. On our honours as Servants, we shall erect a shrine to Her Holiness Arae aboard our ship and praise her as well in daily prayer. We thank You once more for Your aid. Please don’t be afraid to seek us out again if You see us on your travels, Your Holiness.” Serenis bowed, then proceeded to walk over and jump onto Kree. As Kree got up and spread his wings, Serenis bid farewell to Qiang Yi, “[color=silver]Safe traveling![/color]” With a mighty leap and a flap of his wings, Kree was in the air, the two soon a speck in the distance. The servants collectively rose and looked at Qiang Yi. The captain nodded to the left and right and then looked down at the ship far below. “Someone will gave to remain here to maintain the ship. I want one third of our crew to remain - who volunteers?” Sure enough, some hands, mostly belonging to the Skilled and the Noble, soon sprouted into the air. Wang Huangxia, having only recently recovered, was among them. Qiang Yi put his fists on his hips and furrowed his brow as he counted. “A bit fewer than hoped, but I cannot fault you for not wanting to remain here all the time. Li Shan, have two of your carpenters come with us. The rest can remain. Wang Huangxia, you and the Noble that remain here will scout for a source of water and see to it that the tank aboard the ship is full.” The servants all bowed. “As you wish, captain,” Huangxia said in a slightly sour tone. Li Shan pulled his apprentice Tong Lao aside and gave him some specific instructions. Zeng En and Zhen-zhen gathered the expedition crew and prepared them for the journey, filling what flasks and gourds needed to be filled, and checking footwear and the like. Qiang Yi winced a little and looked down at his bandaged hands. They had fixed him up quickly after he came back to the ship, but his hands would likely not be functional until their quest was complete. His eyes grew misty as he imagined all the sights that he would never get to record in his poetry. He felt an elbow in his side and recoiled. “Oi, captain, what’s with the slouch?” Zhen-zhen said with a sly smirk. Qiang Yi started briefly, then shot her a sideway glance. “That stunt of mine was silly… I lost my hands and I could have lost my life - all to prove if the illusion was what it was.” Zhen-zhen made an exaggerated chin grab and squinted at Qiang Yi with pursed lips. “Yeah, it was silly, alright - downright dumb, if you ask me.” Qiang Yi deflated. “... But! It looked heroic and the poems will remember you for it--” She looked down at his broken hands and frowned. “... Well, when they’re written down, anyway.” Qiang Yi rolled his eyes. “Thank you, first mate, for cheering me up,” he said airily. Zhen-zhen elbowed his side again. “Hey, you did it for us. That says something about the character of a leader.” She gave him a warm grin. “His Lordship would be proud of you.” The captain’s eyes became saucers and he cleared his throat. “Y-you think?” he said and prodded his stumps together sheepishly, wincing with every prod. “Absolutely! He’ll put you on a monument for sure! You know what your title would be?” Her cheeks flushed and she let out quiet snickers. Qiang Yi furrowed his brow and smiled uncertainly. “The… Brave?” he proposed. “The Skipper,” Zhen-zhen burst out with a chuckle. Qiang Yi smiled wryly and rolled his eyes. Zeng En called out and the two turned to him. “We are ready to leave at your order, captain,” the quartermaster said. Qiang Yi nodded firmly. “Very good. Those that remain with the ship will maintain its position, integrity and access - if the ship or the bridge falls, we can no longer return home. You will made certain that does not happen. Furthermore, in honouring our promise to Her Holiness Serenis, you will construct a shrine to Arae aboard Zhengwu and praise it daily along with Ashalla and our Lord. Any question or queries?” “No, captain!” the remainers boomed in unison. Qiang Yi nodded. “Very well. May His Lordship keep you safe, and may the Queen of Oceans be with you, and may the Loving One bless you with familial bonds and warmth for one another.” “And to you, captain,” Wang Huangxia said on the remainers’ behalf. The expeditionary crew looked at one another, took deep breaths and set off towards the centre of Tendlepog. [hr] After the crew had pushed past the original vegetation of the cliffside, and a brief stint through an uneventful forest, the soon found themselves in a land very bizarre. All around them was a sea of white dust, and the iron smell of broken rock. Vegetation had thinned to a plant here or there, specks of yellow-green on a canvas of alabaster. The heat bounced off the sheet of dust, and there was no water in sight. Worst still, it soon became apparent that they were lost, their footprints never quite forming, and their eyes flickering over mirages of broken promises. After several hours of this madness, a number of crewmates grew paranoid and aggressive. It did not take long until an argument broke out at the end of the caravan, one which soon spread to the front like wildfire. Qiang Yi, Zhen-zhen and Zeng En moved to the back, arriving at a scene of spiteful insults and vicious threats, primarily spat by two robe-clad membres of the Noble. Qiang Yi racked his brain to remember their names, but Zhen-zhen stormed over, put her hands on her hips and shouted, “Tu Er, Po Lan, what in Nanhe are you two doing?!” “Back off, squirt, it’s your fault we’re in this mess!” the one likely known as Tu Er shouted in the smaller girl’s face. Po Lan stomped over to Qiang Yi and stuck his finger in his face, causing the captain to back away with wide eyes. “Captain, look where you’ve taken us! Nowhere! We haven’t seen water for ten hours and our skins are emptying - what have you got to say for yourself?!” Qiang Yi blinked and opened and closed his mouth, unable to form a sentence. Zeng En crossed his arms over his chest and glared at the man. “You dare cast such accusations at the captain’s face, Po Lan?!” The man backed off, but returned the glare. Meanwhile, behind him Zhen-zhen and Tu Er were nearly butting heads. The girl grit her teeth at the menacing man, her fists clenching and unclenching. However, she eventually took a deep breath and stepped backwards. “I don’t feel like fighting, Tu Er. Just calm down and fall in line, and we’ll forget your attempts at harming morale.” Tu Er spat a ball of water on Zhen-zhen’s robe and sneered at her. “Make me.” Zhen-zhen’s eyes momentarily flashed red and the little girl pounced the other servant, her fists hammering mercilessly at his face. Qiang Yi and Zeng En both gasped and sprinted over to pull her away, but as they left Po Lan to his devices, the servant ran away. “You will all die in here! Escape while you can!” he screamed as he ran. There was a sudden whinny and the thunder of hooves. A figure appeared on the horizon, a lot closer than one would hope. It was dressed in dark glinting thorns and swung a large sword back and forth over the head of a midnight colored mare, hooves aflame. As it passed Po Lan the sword swung down, the blade slipping through him while leaving no a sight of harm. The servant collapsed, and the charge continued in a straight line towards the others. The caravan froze as one. The squirming Zhen-zhen and Tu Er both immediately halted mid-punch as the Warden barreled down on the quarrel. The mare suddenly turned, stamping to a halt before the group. The Warden pointed a finger at the group, “What is the meaning of this!?” His voice boomed, leaking the smell of wet soil. For a moment, no one neither answered nor moved. Even Li Shan at the front of the caravan remained petrified. Qiang Yi blinked a few times, then took a step forward. “O-oh sacred spirit, for-forgive these servants for breaking out into such needless squabbles on Your holy territory - they are but humble travellers bearing gifts for His Holiness K’nell. Th-they recently made landfall and have been trekking through these lands for a week, but they have not seen water for hours - and water is quite necessary to our subsistence, You see. Its absence incites a desperation in us that--” “Fools!” The voice rumbled angrily, “You walked with the dust, not across it, that is why you are lost.” He shifted on his mare in an angry silence. A gentle tickle could be felt in the servants’ minds and the Warden suddenly spoke again, “However, you are faithful, and even in your folly you shall be granted reprieve.” A shadowy crow flew over head and the Warden pointed, “Even now the Lord K’nell watches.” “H-He does?” Qiang Yi whimpered. Around him, all the servants fell to their knees in prayer. The captain permitted himself to look at the Warden’s black-armoured face, though his eyes flicked away swiftly. “Forgive this servant for asking, but… Who does it have the pleasure of addressing?” The dust began to shift as the Warden stared in silence at Qiang Yi. Po Lan, who was a distance away began to stir, the dust around him shifting. The Warden looked down as the flames of his horses’ hooves began to douse, the dust rising slowly. “Our Lord has arrived,” The Warden rumbled, and then all at once a gentle flush of cool water rolling in from the horizon, shallow and wide. The dust coated it like a sleeve as it washed over the praying servants knee’s, the landscape turning into one of swirling white and crystal. The servants’ eyes became saucers as they spread their fingers out into the shallow, foamy flow. “It’s a miracle - a gift from the Lord of Dreams!” came a shout from the front of the caravan, eliciting echoing sentiments and calls from the rest. Tu Er blinked at the water and tossed himself around in it like a hog in mud, cackling maniacally as it soaked his robes. Po Lan blinked to life, sat up and spotted Tu Er. He let out an equally crazy chortle and went sprinting over to his earlier enemy to drink his fill. Qiang Yi, Zhen-zhen and Zeng En all remained kowtowing, though they could not help but giggle at one another as water seeped through their skin and reinvigorated their thirsty souls. The blue sky seemed to be mirrored in the white speckled flood below, all sounds drowned but the gentle laughing and praising. It was only when the soft string of an unseen violin played did the servants suddenly feel a pressure in the air. There before them, though they didn't look, a gentleman stood aloft the gently shifting flood. His voice swirled, “Welcome, servants of Shengshi.” The celebrating servants all froze for a moment, before rolling over on their tummies and prostrating themselves. Qiang Yi glanced left and right to make certain the whole caravan remembered their manners. “His Lordship sends His warmest greetings, O Holiness K’nell, Lord of Dreams, Sovereign of Sleep, Exalted Creator of Hermes, the Love of the River, and beloved brother of Shengshi, Lord of the Thousand Streams.” He and the rest all dipped their heads a little lower, if possible. “His greetings are well received, as are you,” K'nell replied, “You diligence in your duty does not go unnoticed, I assure you.” There was a pause, “Might you rise so I may see your faces?” The servants rose in unison, bowed and then looked forward, though none of them dared make direct eye contact. K'nell tapped his chin and walked by Qiang Yi, “Would I be wrong to say that you are their brave captain?” As if programmed, Qiang Yi once more fell to his knees as K’nell walked by. “Th-th-this servant is the captain, yes - Your Holiness intuition is impeccable. This servant is most grateful for Your Holiness comment about bravery!” “Very good,” K’nell smiled, “Present your gift and finish your quest so I may congratulate you and your compatriots on your journey.” Qiang Yi bowed proudly and turned around. “Bring forth His Lordship’s gift.” Five rickshaws were quickly rolled up to Qiang Yi, each loaded with a large, fifty litre pot of wine, a different flavour for each pot. Qiang Yi stepped aside and gestured to the rickshaws; the sailors who had pulled them took a few steps back and fell back on their knees. “His Lordship Shengshi of the Thousand Streams wishes to give His dearest friend, Lord K’nell of Dreams, Sovereign of Sleep and Exalted Creator of Hermes, Love of the River, a gift of two hundred and fifty mugfulls of wine, fifty mugfulls respectively of apple wine, mango liqueur, longtsao wine, palm wine and, of course, blueberry spirits. His Lordship prays they will satisfy Your Holiness’ pallet.” “How kind!” K'nell praised, “Be sure to give my deepest thanks to your Lord the next time you see him.” He tapped his chin, “But you shouldn't leave empty handed, no.” There was a pause as K'nell thought, “Should it be within your pleasure, I invite you to rest and recuperate on the bountiful plains of Tendlepog until such a time I come to an idea for a gift in kind. You may bring your entire crew while my faithful Warden,” He Tilted his head to the grumpy horseman, “Shall ensure the safety of your vessel in the meantime.” The crew members raised their heads to look at one another. Qiang Yi shot a glance at Zhen-zhen and Zeng En, who both beamed like Heliopolis itself. “If His Holiness allows it, then these servants would be more than honoured to accept. Thank You, blessed Sovereign of Sleep. Thank You from the bottom of these servant’s hearts.” “Then you are now my welcomed guests,” K'nell grinned wide, “You may take from my rivers, collect from my fields and forage from my mountains. But,” He raised a finger, “Do not go beyond the inner mountain ranges and into the central forests, not without further invitation.” He looked them over, “While you sleep here, you will find paradise awake and in your dreams, and when you are finally rested and I have a gift in mind, there will be a final task from me should you accept.” “A-a task, Your Holiness?” asked Qiang Yi carefully. The others gathered around closer to listen in. “There is delicate cargo that I wish disposed of,” K'nell folded his hands behind his back, “Who better to do such a task than the brave sailors of Shengshi. I will not let you leave without the proper provisions and equipment of course, and should you refuse then I will even still see you safely home.” Zhen-zhen, Zeng En and Li Shan all exchanged glances. Meanwhile, Qiang Yi’s eyes were glistening with joy. Zhen-zhen gave his pack a prod and whispered, “M… Maybe we should think a--” “These servants offer their services, Your Holiness!” Qiang Yi exclaimed and bowed. Zhen-zhen and the rest froze momentarily, but quickly bowed, too. “It will be dangerous,” K'nell warned, “I will accept your response in the coming days, after rest has taken you all.” He paused, “But your enthusiasm is most refreshing.” “O-oh,” the captain began. “Naturally, O sacred Sovereign! We shall rest and have ready for You an answer.” Yet again, he bowed, inciting everyone behind him to also bow. “Very good,” K'nell nodded, “I advise you send one sailor back with the Warden to inform your crew of the new arrangement in the plains. As for the rest.” He snapped his fingers and a set of footprints appeared in the drying dust, “Follow these to your new place of leisure. I will be watching you, ensuring your safe arrival.” Qiang Yi pointed at a gi-clad servant, who set off in a jog back the way they came. “These servants are eternally grateful for Your hospitality, Your Holiness.” “I'm glad to hear it,” K'nell smiled, “I am equally grateful for your lords gift and your services.” He clapped a hand and shadowy figures jumped out of the air itself. They scurried and picked up the containers of wine, running off as quickly as they came. “I should think of a gift,” K'nell mused, “One for the servants as well as the master.” He turned on his heel, “Yes, indeed.” [hider=Finished Winequest] The crew set off from the Serpentines and tell Serenis to scout the Tendlepoggan shore for them. She agrees and flies off. A week passes and the ship is at the shore. This is when Serenis returns and tells them about a beach they can land on. They bust out the oars to outspeed the spin of the continent. They avoid some reefs and soon lay down the plank. However, they find that the plank gets stuck and that it for some reason cannot reach the beach. Zeng En drops the possibility of the beach being an illusion. To test this hypothesis, Qiang Yi throws himself overboard towards the beach, crashing into an invisible wall. He grabs onto stones and stuff, but loses grip and falls. Luckily, Kree and Serenis catch him on top of the bridge. They compare the beach to the surrounding cliffs and propose that this must also be a cliff, so they turn the bridge into a ladder and climb on top of the cliff. Once there, they thank Serenis and part ways. The servants leave one third to guard the ship while the remaining 20 travel towards Limbo. However, they soon become lost and two servants suffer a breakdown. As they start to fight, the Warden shows up and stops them. Then K’nell shows up. The wine is delivered, the quest is complete and the sailors are rewarded with some R&R. [/hider] [hider=MP Summary] K'nell: None used. Floods caused by the mountains moving a river into the dust lands [/hider]