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Part 19 - Ships At Sea

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Part 18 - A Blessed Breakfast

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“Ah, yes,” Orvus paused, “we'll be needing some spending money for our travels, just in case we need supplies or a room to sleep in." Orvus moved to the southern wall, stepped up onto his bed and reached up high into the ceiling behind a wooden support beam. He located a black, cloth pouch inside a square hole cut into the beam and retrieved it. The old man watched Orvus give the bag a good shake and then check inside to give a quick count of his gold and silver coins. “A little over eighty Auerz should be enough,” Orvus said to himself satisfied. He sealed the pouch tight and dropped it into a pocket inside his red cloak. The old man finished the last bite of his cured meat, “Are we ready to head to Algen?” Orvus gave an affirmative nod, then the two of them grabbed their travel-packs and exited the house inside the hill.

Part 19 - Ships At Sea

Orvus nearly closed the door behind him, but stopped and asked everyone to wait up a moment. He returned inside and came back a moment later with yesterday's, now dry clothing. “Couldn't forget us a change of clothes, could we now?” Orvus smiled, handing the old man's blue cloak to him. They both stashed their cloaks into their packs before Orvus shut and locked the door with the hidden lever above the frame. Kogg hopped over to the edge of the hill above Orvus' door and cawed at the old man. “Yes, yes, Kogg. We're going to Algen for a boat ride. Are you ready?” said the old man raising his arm up for Kogg to land on. With unbridled excitement, Kogg let out a happy caw and landed on his arm. “You ready too, Merobaku?” asked Orvus, “We've got a long walk ahead of us.” Merobaku twirled her spear around and then pierced the ground with it, before she willed it away in a golden flash of sparkling light. “I am ready,” she affirmed.

The group walked in the direction of a small forest to the north-east. Merobaku's stride often carried her ahead of the group, so she'd stop to admire the yellow flowers of the field on occasion. While Merobaku was distracted, Orvus gathered a dozen yellow flowers, roots, dirt and all, and tied them together with twine from his pack. The old man found some cloth in his pack and then handed it to Orvus who secured the dirt in a make-shift pouch and tied it with more twine. “Merobaku!” called out Orvus as they caught up with her, “I made something for you.” Curious to see what it was, Merobaku turned and was caught off guard. “The flowers! What have you done?!” she blurted, shocked. “Don't worry, they have everything they need with them,” Orvus replied showing her the base with the wrapped up soil. “All you need to do is water them. See?” reassured Orvus while he focused a small prime water spell on them. The cloth became soaked with water until it dripped. Orvus squeezed the excess water from the base of the bouquet and offered it up to her. She hesitated, then took the flowers and examined them closely. “See, now you can take them with you to Verlys,” smiled Orvus. Merobaku's concern for the flowers faded as she grew more comfortable of the idea, “Thank you, I will keep them safe.”

The group made their way past the southern tree line of the forest before coming to a small pond being visited by a team of ducks. Kogg cawed at them as if to challenge them, or boast of his new skills, but they plainly ignored him and went on about their leisurely swim. The group walked the perimeter of the pond and could see the beach and ocean ahead. Kogg cawed at those darned ducks once more for good measure before everyone followed the sandy ground northwards. The occasional boat out at sea could be seen which provoked caws of excitement from Kogg with each one he spotted. Not satisfied with the view from the old man's shoulder, Kogg flew over to Merobaku for a better vantage point for boat spotting. “Quirky bird. You can fly, what do you want with a boat ride?” asked Orvus still confused about Kogg's fascination with boats. Kogg let out another series of caws. “What'd he say?” asked Orvus. Merobaku laughed at Orvus, “Nothing, he's just spotted another boat.” Orvus sighed heavily, “I should've figured.”

Source Image

The Great Light tracked its' course overhead as it neared the western horizon. A beautiful, blue sky lingered above them and a handful of pretty, puffy clouds clung to the static of the sky. The beach faded as the land gradually grew rocky, grassy, and spotted with trees all at once. As the coastline of the greater island curved north-west, the shore became littered with large rocks and yellow-green willow plants and flowers. The salty taste in the air was now accented by a lovely aroma that permeated the area. Merobaku took long, deep breaths through her nose, savouring the scent. The group pushed forward but had grown thirsty in their efforts navigating the terrain. Orvus stopped for a moment, retrieved a bamboo flask of gold Ormus from his pack and opened it. “Ah, good idea my friend,” called out the old man as Orvus poured some into his water-bladder and gave it a good shake. The old man used the same vial and did the same. Orvus put the flask back and both of them drank until their thirst was quenched. Merobaku too, shared in the thirst quenching then tilted the water-bladder for Kogg's turn. Once everyone had a drink, the group set off once more.

Algen soon fell into sight through the trees in the distance. “We're here,” declared Orvus. Kogg cawed happily as he eyed the small port town ahead. “Good. I'm tired of walking. Let's find a place to sleep for the night,” suggested the old man. “Already working on it,” said Orvus as they entered the southern end of town. A young boy was playing nearby and spotted the group. When he noticed Merobaku, his mouth dropped open. The young boy just stood there as they approached. When they got near, the boy stepped forward once and looked up at Merobaku with unlimited curiosity. “A-are you a g-giant, miss?” Orvus and the old man looked at Merobaku. She smiled at the boy, “Even better than that, I'm an Immortal of the Aegis. My name's Merobaku.” “Wow! That's so awesome,” exclaimed the boy, not knowing what any of those things meant. “My name's Grayden,” said the boy, “why are you here in Algen?” Orvus stepped forward, “We're here to see Silgren. Do you know him?” The boy's eyes lit up, “He's my uncle! I'll take you to see him.” “How perfect, Grayden. Thank you!” said Orvus with delight. The daylight had begun to fade as they all made their way into town to see Silgren.

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 - Home Sweet Home
Part 18 - A Blessed Breakfast
Part 19 - CURRENT
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