[b]Lucien![/b] Jackdaw asked a question, bell started ringing, catfish-cat said that her story was consigned. Hypothesis: this is an excellent place for burned spies, people with unbearable regrets, and the like. An alternative to alcoholism and black nights staring out the window: [i]give your sins to the briny deeps.[/i] As a result, you have no idea what these catfish-Beasts might be capable of, and honestly? Probably neither do they. You, of course, have never regretted anything in your life, except possibly belated realizations of even snappier comebacks hours after the fact. The bell’s just a bell! It’s not particularly likely to hurt you or help you. That being said, it does signify that Jackdaw has brought down the attention of one of the powers of the Heart, who is vastly more likely to hurt you or help you. As previously mentioned, the Flood could drown you, wash away your cares (and memories), drown you, dredge up strange and terrible things from her depths to torment you, or drown you. Leaving immediately isn’t the best idea, but honestly? You are not presently likely to get any proper supplies here. It’d be better to calm the wet trash goddess down and then try to cross her ASAP, or just descend into the Houses of Parliament and hope you all get out alive. That said, there is almost certainly risk of being eaten crossing the Flood, given the ominous ripples starting to appear on that placid surface. Thanks, Jackdaw. *** [b]Coleman![/b] “It’s best when they are given,” the Flood says. It’s impossible to tell if she is smiling, given the eternal rictus. “So sweet. So full of longing. And I am the first you have met. I do not taste the huntsman on you, or the lizard, or the Grail.” You can [i]hear[/i] the absence and presence of capitalization. There’s another question: why does the Flood respect the clowns? “Turtles lay their eggs in the sand.” Uh? Um? “When they hatch... so many die, as they travel to the sea. The birds snatch them up, the snakes poison them, and the careless tread upon them. The mothers shed their tears; so I am born. Maybe you will make it to Terminus,” she hisses, and reaches out to stroke Sasha, who flinches away with a chorus of metal whining. “But maybe you will not. I offer you certainty. Life. And she will not suffer. I am an end to suffering. I can even take away your guilt and shame. You need not suffer, either.” You have to give her [i]something,[/i] Coleman. If you don’t give her Sasha, she will make an attempt at killing you as you cross; if you don’t make [i]any[/i] sacrifice, she will make a [i]serious[/i] attempt. The difference between idly swatting at a fly and bringing the Flyfucker down on it with both hands. The fly’s much more likely to survive the first, even if it doesn’t enjoy it. And it’s best if it means something. She cares about what it means, after all. That’s why she takes. Oh hey would you look at that, the rest of your delving team just showed up with the whole town in tow, how nice. *** [b]Ailee, Jackdaw![/b] Coleman’s talking to a Wet Trash Homunculus. Behold, a god(‘s avatar). You can [i]smell[/i] it from here. Jackdaw, how blissfully ignorant of the Flood’s capability of taking your anxiety from you are you?