Void Rift (rp) - Intermission

"Well, I suppose it allowed us to test Ihra...which is what caused her to turn." Gaia says, seeming a little sad.

 

He still seems upset, but toys with the bug once more.

 

“That was in part me, forcefully remerged with my form. I didn’t expect her to still be annoyed after I left, though.”

 

Gaia just looks away, seeming to control her breathing to further control her emotions.

 

"Where to?"

 

This bug seems to mind the shifting less, only freezing up if the surface below it shifts.

“If you go straight towards the water part of the swamp, there’s a pretty big rock sitting where the ground starts to get muddy. That’s where most people leave their offerings.”

“I know I screwed up big time. You’re free to kill me, but it’ll feedback in part into Ihra and I’ll just be back after she has her next bad dream. Frankly, we both deserve it.”

 

Eight giant thorn stalks emerge around Iris, threatening to crush and squeeze her to death. They seem to hesitate, before shrinking back into the ground; Gaia releasing a clenched fist.

 

For once, Iris doesn't attempt to avoid the attack.
"The demons inside us all inevitably come to play."
She picks up her staff.
"Should you find the abnormal will to reach out to me, you know how to. Ultimately, though, your biggest concerns from our reality are far from fruition."

 

Gaia just sighs, not looking at Iris.

 

“One last thing, be wary how you treat Idhaenna and her creations. As terrible as their implications may be, they are nothing compared to what she keeps for those who speak against her.”

 

"Okay. Sounds easy enough. Though keep giving me directions while we go."

 

Gaia nods, though she seems a little lost in thought.

 

Crystal makes another identical bug to see if this bug freezes up.

 

Iris vanishes again, Ihra starting to stir a few minutes later.

It doesn’t, instead trying to bite it.

“It’s like the one stone slab in the middle of mud, I think it’s hard to miss.”

You already see it a little ways ahead.

 

Crystal tries his best to make the made-up bug completely mirror the actual bug.

 

"Oh yeah. I see it."

I'll head towards it.

 

Gaia returns to her sanctuary to meditate, while Mortius waits near Ihra.

 

It winds up cracking the fake bug’s mandible in its attempt to outwrestle it.

Ihra eventually wakes with a yawn before glancing around.

Your feet get muddy as you approach, but the platform made by the rock is enough for several people to stand on.

“Okay, we put it down and then we can head back for the night. Or wait out here, but the naga are shy.” Anne says, looking for a good spot to jump down onto.

 

"I'd rather not spend the night in a swamp. Let's just drop this off and go."

I'll place down the note.
"You do the shells?"

 

Mortius seems to be sitting by Gaia, though the two don't appear to be speaking. Ihra finds a few vines wrapped around her arms, which seem to be pulsing with life magic.