Ashes Whisper

Chapter 12 : Thalassia the Water City

As the crew disembarked and began to make their way through the crowded streets, Elara kept her senses sharp, observe the faces of the people around them for any signs of danger. She felt a strange energy pulsing through the city - something ancient and powerful, yet also sinister

Suddenly, a group of guards approached them, their weapons at the ready. "Halt," one of them barked, eyeing Elara with suspicion. "You, with the pale and ash-like skin. The goddess demands to see you."

Elara was taken aback. She had heard stories of the powerful deity who ruled over Thalassia, but she never expected to be summoned by her. With a deep breath, she followed the guards through the winding streets, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn't shake off the feeling that something dangerous was about to happen.

Elara followed the guards, her companions close behind. They wound their way through the twisting streets of Thalassia until they came to a castle overlooking the sea. The guards led Elara into the castle and up a flight of stairs to a chamber at the very top.

There, sitting upon a throne of shimmering mother-of-pearl, was the goddess of Thalassia. She was breathtakingly beautiful, with skin the color of the sea and hair that flowed like waves. Her eyes were a deep, mesmerizing blue that seemed to see into the very soul of those who gazed upon them.

The goddess spoke in a voice that was both soothing and commanding. "Welcome, Ashes Whisper, I have been watching you, and I sense great potential within you."

Elara felt a chill run down her spine at the mention of her cursed name. She had always been careful to keep her curse, but it seemed that the goddess had seen through her guise.

"Perhaps, why did you come here? " asked Goddess to Elara, Elara replied "We come here to find an artifacts "

"The artifacts? its here with me but before giving it to you, Thalassia is in dire need of your help. A great evil has arisen, and only someone with your unique abilities can stop it."

Elara's heart quickened with both fear and excitement. She had always dreamed of using her cursed powers for good, and now it seemed that opportunity had finally arrived.

"Creature of the deep have become corrupted and are attacking our ships, making it nearly impossible for us to trade and survive. We fear that if this continues, Thalassia the Water City will be lost."

Elara knew that she couldn't refuse the goddess's request. She had to use her abilities to help the city, even if it meant putting herself in danger. "What do you need me to do?" she asked.

"I need you to go to the Temple of Deep Sea, find source of this corruption and destroy it, but it will not be easy. Are you willing to help us?"

"I will provide you with a guide to help you navigate the dangerous waters. But be warned, the path ahead is treacherous. Are you prepared?"

Elara nodded once more, steeling herself for the task ahead. She knew that with the goddess's guidance, she would be able to overcome any challenge that lay in her path.

The goddess smiled at her, sensing Elara's determination. "Very well," she said. "I will provide you with a guide to help you navigate the dangerous waters. But be warned, the path ahead is treacherous. You will face many obstacles, and the source of the corruption is not easily defeated. Are you prepared for what lies ahead?"

"I am ready. I will do whatever it takes to stop this evil and protect Thalassia." Said Elara.

As the group listened intently, Khai spoke up and asked the goddess about the creatures of the deep. The goddess simply replied, "It is the Leviathan."

Zarek's eyes widened at the mention of the legendary creature. "The Leviathan?" he exclaimed in disbelief.

Khai nodded solemnly, his face etched with concern. "Yes, the Abyss Leviathan. It is said to be one of the most fearsome beasts of the sea."

The goddess spoke with a serious tone, "I believe that the dark forces have awakened the Leviathan from its slumber in the deep sea in the Temple of Deep Sea. It has been stirring, and its rage has been felt across the oceans. It is imperative that you stop the source of corruption before the Leviathan unleashes its wrath upon Thalassia."

Elara and the crew understood the pressure of the situation. They knew that they needed to act fast to prevent a catastrophe from occurring. The goddess handed them a map and gave them directions to the Temple of Deep Water.

"Remember, you are Thalassia's last hope. May the tides guide you and the winds be at your back," the goddess said.

As Zarek approached Elara, he noticed the troubled expression on her face. "What's on your mind?" he asked gently.

Elara sighed deeply before replying. "I can't shake the feeling that there's more to this than just a simple quest for an artifact. The goddess seemed too evasive when we asked her about the true nature of the corruption, and I can't help but wonder if there's more at play here."

Zarek nodded thoughtfully. "I agree, something feels off. But we have to trust in our abilities and the guidance of the goddess. We'll uncover the truth and put a stop to whatever dark forces are at work."

Elara smiled at Zarek's reassuring words, feeling a sense of comfort in knowing that she had someone always stay by her side. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead and emerge victorious.

The next morning, the group met with Trisha once again. Samael spoke up and said, "Trisha, we need your help. We must find a way to reach the Temple of the Deep Sea."

Trisha raised an eyebrow and replied, "That won't be easy. The temple is hidden deep beneath the waves, But I may know of a way to get you there."

She went on to explain that there need a magic or device which could grant the user the ability to breathe underwater and swim at great speeds.

As the group discussed their plan with Trisha, a guard from the castle approached them, carrying a small, intricate device. The guard explained that it was a magical device that could grant the user the ability to breathe underwater.

"Take this," the guard said, handing the device to Elara. "The goddess forgot to give you this, this magical device It will aid you on your journey to the Temple of the Deep Sea."

The magical device with conch shaped, Elara took the device, examining it closely. She could feel a powerful energy emanating from within it. "Thank you," she said, tucking the device safely away in her bag.

Trisha looked on in awe, recognizing the conch as a powerful device that was said to have been lost for centuries. "You have been truly blessed," she said, her voice tinged with reverence.

Samael nodded, his face set in determination. "With this device, we will be able to face whatever dangers lie ahead in the Temple of the Deep Sea."

And with that, the group set off towards their next destination, the promise of adventure and discovery calling them forward.