[HQ Ignorance] Scene 66: The Mournsea Isles and a nest of Dragonewts

[Lev Lafayette]

Scene 66: The Mournsea Isles and a nest of Dragonewts
        
After rescuing Eurynome from the merchants of human flesh in Khorst, the
Fellowship take the earliest available opportunity to continue eastwards
aboard The Acindina. Upon her askance, and Rikku's equal insistence, the
powerful craft makes it way towards the isles where the ruins of Thanor,
the former provincial capital of the Godlearners is located.
        
The journey takes only a few days, in and out of the numerous islands of
the region, albeit slowed down by some escort by the Khorst navy until
leaving territorial waters. On the morning of the fourth day The
Acindina finds itself surrounded by Ludoch, also known as the Dolphin
People, one of the merpeople tribles and those friendliest to
land-travelling people. Born of the voluntary consummations between the
Storm Gods and the Ocean Niiad's and with blue-grey mamallian upper
bodies and the piscene features on the lower body, the Ludoch's
playfulness and friendliness was famous among all coastal peoples of
Genertala.
        
This particular pod was led by Angelo, who recognised Eurynome from her
previous investigations and welcomed her return on the new watercraft.
He apologised most profusely that the Ludoch had been unable to
sufficiently assist her when first the pirates from Smelch attacked and
then when the same occurred when the Khorst Naval fleet arrived. Most
interestingly however, the Ludoch remarked that he saw the same pirate
ship and the same crew patrolling the waters less than a week later.
This is not the first time either that this he happened, he remarks.
        
Neverthless the Ludoch are more than happy to guide you to Eurynome's
last investigative location. For many of the Fellowship this is perhaps
one of the most enjoyable periods in what has often been a grim journey.
These south-coastal waters are warm with Yelm's energy as they teem with
spring life and to have dolphins and dolphin-people guiding the boat is
just an additional bonus.
        
Much of the water here is shallow, less than the height of ten men
according to the Ludoch, and often the remains of the old Goldearner
villages are often quite visible beneath the surface. As the day passes,
Eurynome becomes more excited recognising additional features of her
prior search. For Rikku too, there is some memory, but they are far more
sombre. These are the remains of an ancient and great civilisation,
places where he walked centuries ago. Now they are naught but coral and
seaweed encrusted remains.
        
Eventually, the Ludoch bring the boat to a small island. On the far side
of the island is an ancient Godlearner road which leads directly down
towards the ancient city of Thanor, according to Eurynome. The road
continues up a sharp incline until it reaches the remains of an old
Godlearner citadel, which is now inhabited by a nest of Dragonewts.
Strange, that they should choose a place of their ancient enemies to
make a home.
        
Again spurred by Eurynome's enthusiasm, the Fellowship makes their way
towards the Godlearner road. Unlike her previous journey however, this
time they are stopped by a group of Dragonewts. Led by a powerful and
venerable tailed priest, there are three beaked warriors and six crested
scouts. 
        
"Chrysophylax", indicates the Tailed Priest, presumably referring to his
name and in a reasonable approximation of human speech. "Youse ssseek
the sssity of sthe Godslearnersss.. I hasss divined it ssso. Bads people
these Godsslearnerss. Very dangerousss.. One dayss be ressssponsssible
for *utama*, the dissssmemberssment of thisss universsse."
        
"Thissss time might be sss diffferent... Thissss time youse have
Godlearner with you... Luatha said sssoo.. Hero Warsss have begun...
Very dangeroussss... Very dangeroussss... Ssso Dragonewt mussst alsso
join your Fellowssship... Jusst in cassse."
        
With that, a mature crested dragonewt steps forth. Slightly taller than
a man, and with some armoured protrusions on the skin, the Godlearner
estimates that this first stage dragonewt is facing maturity to the next
very soon. But nothing could compare the surprise to the original
members of the Fellowship that issued from it's mouth.
        
"I mussst go to Karolela... I musst find Yao Fune... He hasss my
klanth-flail..."