Task Acquired: Ryuu and Cloud talk to the Wild Vine (03-02-2402)

Ryuu was rather intrigued by Cloud’s entrance into the area, as his gaze trailed off now to the considerably smaller channeler that was following the large framed Mercenary.  Ryuu paused momentarily, attempting to figure out just who this person was, until he noticed the Mercenary insignia on the channeler’s clothing, causing him to deduce that he must have been a subordinate of the Stryfe.  With this question answered, the two channelers would greet each other, before making their way towards the centre of the great city in search an audience with the deity who formed the city.

Luckily for the two, their wait would not be long, as the massive plant-like city had been expecting them for quite some time.  As usual, they would not be granted an audience directly with the Wild Vine, and the two would instead be forced to communicate with her through one of her avatars, a specialised Snap Dragon designed for that purpose.  The two scrappers would be escorted into the chambers of the avatar, where they would greet her respectfully before taking their seats.

“So you have returned to fulfil your end of the bargain made some time ago?”  The Snap Dragon inquired, causing Cloud and Ryuu to nod in affirmation.  “I must ask then, is there a specific way in which you seek to repay the Wild Vine’s generousity?” The entity inquired.

“No, but we’re willing to do anything that she wants us to.”  Ryuu replied casually, causing the Snap Dragon to nod.

“Very well.”  The creature replied, pausing briefly before to inspect Cloud.  “It seems that you have a question on your mind little one...”  The entity replied, drawing Cloud’s attention and a slight twitch from the large framed Oyan’s eyebrows.

“Cloud wonders if there are any other beings like the Wild Vine...”  He stated now, causing the avatar to laugh lightly at his question.

“There are no others like the Wild Vine... but she does have kin.”  The entity explained.  “Her sister is noble Thalassa, goddess of the seas and wielder of the Ki streams.  And her brother is Eranes, ruler of the lands to the south, god of the skies and advocate of the chaos of magic.”  The entity explained, drawing considerable intrigue from both Ryuu and Cloud.

“Eranes?”  The question escaped Cloud’s lips, causing the creature to nod.

“Yes, the land is his namesake and he is its master.”  The creature explained.  “But young Eranes can by a mischievous master at times... he treats his subjects rather harshly.”  The Snap Dragon sighed as the Wild Vine’s thoughts ran through its mind now.  “Ah, but why should I explain this to you when you can see it first hand?”  The creature pondered, expressing Wild Vine’s thoughts.  “The Wild Vine has found you a task.”  A smile broke across the creature’s lips now.  “It seems that Lord Eranes’ mischievous nature has once again spilled over from his shores and infects the lands which he does not govern... it has led to quite the uproar within the Underhill.  The Wild Vine wishes you to travel to the Underhill and quell the chaos created by Eranes.  West of the centre of the Underhill, there is a small village of extremely adept channelers, subject to the Fae, a powerful clan of beings who call this area home.  In recent times, their conflicts with Eranes have caused the Fae to abandon this clan in an attempt to fend of Eranes’ folly, and this has left the clan open to the torments of the more diabolical occupants of that area.  I have devised a ward that should be able to project their city against these dastardly intruders, but their city must first be cleansed.  You will travel to the Underhill, navigate its shifting path’s and find this city.  You will then deliver the Ward and assist in the cleansing of the city.”  The entity explained.  “Once this is complete, your debt will be paid.”

“Fair enough... this sounds painstakingly difficult and potentially life threatening...”  Ryuu added with an amused smirk.  “We got this covered.”

Cloud just sat quietly as usual, nodding slightly to acknowledge the he complied before he and Ryuu would be allowed the leave.  The two would make a call to Roun in Borzya to inform him of their task before they made arrangements to travel to Aianores.