A few chosen travelers have come together to stop a prophecy that will end the world as they know it, and the first step to this journey is by entering the Human Realm hidden in the waters. Some may prevail, while others shall falter, but will they...
CHARACTERS IN THIS EPISODE: Nereus Colton, Human Warlock (Haunted One) Avangard-Miraille, Disembodied Fighter (Soldier) Tiān Fēng, Human Ranger (Outlander) Parvum Nebulonis, Half-Elf Rogue (Outlander)
PREVIOUS EPISODE: 'Melody of Chaos '
CHAPTER: THALASSES DE MER (1966 words)
Fret not, for these travelers have awoken from their slumber. Their breaths were shallow, feeling as though they were surfacing from a suffocating darkness. Birdsong floated above them like chimes, and the warm sand beneath their fingers suggested they'd been washed ashore.
In the gentle morning light, they observed the vast ocean stretching toward the horizon, bordered by lush, palm-dotted coastline. The air was thick with the scent of salt, mingling with damp earth and the faint remnants of a storm.
One can't help but wonder, where are they?
Nereus who was bleary-eyed and disoriented, sat up as his gaze scanned the deserted beach. The familiar figures of Avangard-Miraille, Mahiro Oyama, and Akrin Cuy were absent from the group, leaving him with only Fēng by his side. His brows furrowed, and his gravelly voice broke the morning stillness.
NEREUS: "Where are the others?" He asked, voice laced with lingering concern.
Fēng, still collecting himself, shook his head slowly.
FĒNG: "I have no idea. One moment we were all there, and now.."
A ripple of unease settled over them; but just as they exchanged glances, they heard the crunch of footsteps against the sand. They turn to see a slight, nervous-looking half-elf, blinking at them with wide eyes, clearly as lost as they were.
PARVUM: "Uh.. hai! I'm Parvum! And uhm.. I have no idea why I'm here too!" He introduced himself, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.
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The rogue had a lean, wiry frame that gave him an agile appearance, as his short auburn hair looked tousled and messy, while his skin was fair with a slight scar that dashed horizontally across his nose. His left eye was light blue as the sky, while the other seemed green like grass. His shirt was an earthy-brown color with a cross-body leather strap, along with snugly dark green pants. The sturdy brown boots he wore also looked like it was made for quick, quiet steps, as the cloth wrappings around his forearms shielded him from minor scraps. Overall, the wide-eyed boy had a look that was more mobile than protected, lacking flare and fashion in one's humble opinion.
PARVUM: "Honestly, I'm just as confused as you guys are.." He continued.
Despite still being hungover, Nereus raised an eyebrow, his lips pressed into a skeptical line. Though Parvum's demeanor seemed harmless enough, he had encountered far too many deceptive faces in his journeys to take appearances at face value.
I mean, with the group all stranded and lost, is he foe or ally? Unknowing of this half-elf's identity, they keep their interest aligned. Except for one particular member.
FĒNG: "Nice to meet you, Parvum." Fēng said with a slight smile, trying to ease the tension. "I'm Tiān Fēng of the Air Nation, but you can just call me Fēng." He points at Nereus. "And that one right there is Nereus."
Parvum's eyes darted between them before settling on Nereus, who looked him over with an intense, slightly amused gaze.
NEREUS: "Ya got any boooze on you, Parvum~" Nereus asked, sounding half-hopeful.
His voice a little rougher than usual, still lingering on the aftermath of last night's drinks.
Parvum's face fell.
PARVUM: "Ah.. no, no, I don't. Not a drop! I'm uh, kind of broke right now.. hehe."
Nereus let out a disappointed sigh, shifting uncomfortably.
NEREUS: "Damn shame." He muttered, his fingers twitching for a bottle that wasn't there.
To cover his unease, Parvum tried pronouncing Fēng's name, though his unfamiliarity with the accent twisted it into an assortment of.. hopeful attempts.
PARVUM: "So, is it Feng? Fêng? Féng?"
FĒNG: "Fēng." The airbender corrected with a kind smile.
The half-elf's earnestness was endearing, and he found himself impressed by Parvum's persistence. The exchange seemed to ease the group's tension, and for the first time, Parvum felt less like a stranger in their midst.
Due to his high roll on a perception check, he finally notices their surroundings, though one thinks it shouldn't need a.. perception check of all things. He takes in the sight of the waves crashing against the beach and the sun rising over the ocean.
