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Part 17 - Home Sweet Home

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Part 16 - Water Wisp Woe

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The old man called out from the front, “Three ahead!” A few of the well fed wisps ahead of them were readying attacks. Orvus and the old man did the same and let loose a series of fire and lightning blasts. Some of the wisps attacks collided with theirs, leaving behind clouds of hot steam. Kogg joined in on the assault, backing up their attacks from the clear blue sky above. The wisps sent out a second wave of attacks soon after and caught the group off guard. Through the steam a flurry of water emerged and struck the old man and Merobaku. The cold water splashed into the canoe and soaked the group. “Again, at the same time!” shivered the old man as he called out to Orvus and Kogg. Each one readied a prime spell and sent it gracefully at the wisps. Kogg's fire rained from above as the lightning from Orvus and the old man electrocuted each one sending them back to the lake from whence they came. Merobaku's focus had seen them through the cloudy steam and just ahead was the other shore, waiting to congratulate them with dry land.

Part 17 - Home Sweet Home

The old man gestured to Merobaku for an oar. She paused, then thrust one of them upwards to him through her grip. Using the oar, the old man slowed the canoe down by prodding at the shore upon approach. The canoe slowed further then came to a sudden stop as everyone rocked forward. Orvus called out from the back, his faded red cloak wet and eyes wide with worry, “Good work. Now let's get off this lake.” Merobaku wasted no time and exited into the shallow water at the lake's southern edge. She pulled the canoe parallel with the shore, then both Orvus and the old man shivered their way out onto the grassy land. Kogg landed proudly nearby sounding off caws of success. Merobaku watched the remaining wisps on the lake closely as the two old friends took some time to change into fresh clothes. She calmly raised her body temperature to evaporate the water, then steam started to rise from her skin.

The old man found his navy blue cloak rolled up and carelessly stuffed into a large side pouch. He hastily changed into it and did the same with some old socks and then stuffed the wet items into his bag. Orvus finished changing into a less faded red cloak and met the old man at the canoe. The two hoisted it out of the water and dragged it a ways inland where they covered and concealed it with some brush, branches, and foliage. Orvus turned to the old man, “We should make for my place. From there we can head along the north-eastern shore to Algen.” The old man looked confused, “What's in Algen these days?” Orvus smiled back, “I know an alchemist there that would be interested in a few vials of this gold Ormus. In exchange, he may be able to get us on board a sundry trade ship headed for Verlys.” The old man just stared at Orvus in disbelief, although he really wasn't all that surprised to find out Orvus had stowed himself away on a ship that delivers sundries.

Merobaku approached them from the lake with Kogg hopping alongside. Kogg cawed at them both and managed to get their attention for an update. Orvus pointed east, “We're going to my place for the night,” then north-east, “then to Algen for passage to Verlys.” Kogg sounded caws of excitement as he hopped up and down. The old man picked up Kogg, “He's never been on a boat ride before. Heck, I don't think he's left the island.” The three of them laughed while Kogg managed his way onto the old man's shoulders to stretch his wings. “Very well, let us make haste,” said Merobaku reminding them of the danger that loomed on the lake nearby. The path they had cleared to shore was gradually being filled in by nearby wisps.

The group made their way eastwards towards Orvus' place as the lake disappeared behind the sights of the trees and bushes. Orvus made sure the group stayed on trail with the subtle mention of a few hard to spot ravines and deep ditches along the way. They were lead past the first couple pitfalls, then up and back down a bush covered hill. “Here, a drink!” called out Orvus from the base of the hill near a rocky opening in the ground. Orvus had lead them to where an underground stream broke through the surface, and he was refilling his water-bladder with fresh, cold drinking water. Kogg hopped down to the ground to a small pool and drank his fill. The old man did the same, gulping down every refreshing drop and then going back for more. Everyone made room for Merobaku, who drank a few cupped handfuls of water and rinsed her face with the last.

Daylight was fading quick as they neared the eastern coast of the greater island. The familiar scent of ocean air tickled their nostrils. Orvus whistled a happy tune as he lead them through some dense bushes and around the side of the only large tree in the area. Merobaku and the old man caught up with Orvus a ways past the tree. Orvus stood atop a modest hill, just staring out at the field of yellow and white flowers in the distance. “Home, sweet home,” sighed Orvus before he took several long, deep breaths of air. The old man looked around confused, “Did you move? Where's your house, Orvus?” Orvus laughed heartily and stomped his right foot a few times, “You're standing on it!” Kogg cawed in support. The old man's look grew strange, “You live inside a hill?” They followed Orvus down one side of the hill past three windows and out around front, where a face of the hill had been lopped off. A circular, wooden frame was set into the clay face, which held a wooden door with various wooden alchemist's symbols carelessly nailed into it.

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“You really do live inside a hill,” said the old man with disbelief still in his voice. Orvus laughed, “I hired a few strong lads from the mainland to dig it out for me.” Orvus went on to explain how they used hot iron shovels and picks to dig into the clay foundation, carving the house from the inside out. Orvus approached the door and reached for the top of the frame and lifted a small lever, then flipped it over. “Come in, come in,” welcomed Orvus as he opened the door and entered inside. The old man followed inside as Orvus went about his residence lighting fuel-based lanterns so everyone could see their way around. Merobaku emerged inside, fully crouched being too tall to stand in the entryway. Orvus lit the last of the lanterns then gestured for Merobaku to come down to the centre. The floor descended a few steps and was low enough in the centre for Merobaku to stand comfortably. The old man admired the interior clay-work carvings which adorned the walls, and the small inlets where there were three small windows with a view outside. Orvus smiled at the old man, then brought out some bedding items for everyone to use for the night. The two old friends both hung their wet cloaks to dry overnight then enjoyed a quick meal of fish and fruits at the table nearby the western windows. Satisfied and with heavy eyes, everyone readied themselves for bed, wondering what adventures tomorrow has in store.

Awaken

Part 01 - Message to Orvus
Part 02 - The Lake Beckons
Part 03 - Night of Rest
Part 04 - The Tomb's Secret
Part 05 - The Deep Gouge
Part 06 - Dismay Down Deep
Part 07 - Orvus Restores Order
Part 08 - Magic Sans Scroll
Part 09 - Clear Path Provided
Part 10 - Trace The Key
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Poem 01 - Immortals of the Aegis
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Part 11 - Eigin Rooted Magic
Part 12 - Ancient Koaj'kah Magic
Part 13 - Elemental Wisp Infestation
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Poem 02 - Elemental Call Song
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Part 14 - Kogg's Aerial Ace
Part 15 - Fiendish Fiery Foe
Part 16 - Water Wisp Woe
Part 17 - CURRENT
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