[HQ Ignorance] Scene 67: Thanor: As Above, As Below.

[Lev Lafayette]

Reaching the shore Eurynome casts her water breathing magics among those
who wish to go to the ancient Godlearner city of Thanor. Rikku is of
course first in line, along with Anzhur's faithful ally Swordsinger. The
other members of the Fellowship discuss among themselves their desire to
attend.

[In other words, you get to make a decision ;-) Needless to say, I
suspect Rikku would protest if the Dragonewt had ideas about attending]

Travelling beneath the waves, the frozen majesty of the old Provincial
capital becomes evident. The city was built on hills, but with
surrounded by lowlands. The old citadel now inhabited by the Dragonewts
was evidently a watch tower some leagues from town. For those unfamiliar
it is a strange place, a testament to the unexpected religious
liberalism of the Godlearners, with temples to numerous pagan deities of
the sea, of storm, of the sky and even more. Swordsinger looks at wonder
at the temple dedicated simultaneously to St. Humact and to the pagan
god Humakti.

Another aspect that catches the eye of a skilled surveyor like Eurynome
is the number of food halls. It is like the city took the necessities of
eating and drinking to an art form, and perhaps more else beside that.
"Other people eat, drink and study in order to live", remarks Rikku.
"The people of Thanor lived to eat, to drink ... and to learn". Rikku's
sadness however at the loss of this great city is evident. Even under
the sea his sighs can he heard and Eurynome swears there are tears in
his eyes.

Taking Eurynome from the many and various distractions, Rikku leads the
underwater group to a surprisingly simply library. "Here", he says, "Is
the greatest prize of all. The research centre of the Godlearners."
Swimming through the long-rotten remains of shelves and scrolls, Rikku
leads the group to the middle of the library. On a raised dias there is
a lecturn. On the lecturn, a book which shines like a beacon. Although
Eurynome charges forth, her legs and arms feel leaden as she approaches
the book.

"Amazing", Rikku remarks, managing to walk up the dias without
difficulty. Taking the book from the lecturn and returning down the
stairs carrying it in in veneration, he whispers. "... It is totally
undamaged." 

Raising his voice he calls out to those present, holding the book aloft.
"I present you, fellow seekers, something most remarkable. This is the
*original* Abiding Book of Malkion. Written by God himself."

Before the others are able to express their awe at this artificat
however, a rumination is heard within the library. Several grotesque
humanoids make themselves present, the teeth bared and claws out in
obvious malevolence. And then, a great octopoid being with anger in its
eyes. It speaks telepathically, an feat almost unknown in Glorantha, but
its message is clear. "Give me the book." Rikku of course, refuses and
the squid issues forth a steaming cloud of ink.

[Nota bene: Damien is without internet access at this rather critical
time, so I'll be playing his character. Feel free to make suggestions on
what he should do!]

On the surface, the remaining members of the Fellowship are initially
enjoying the warmth provided by Yelm and the Aldrya season of life. The
minutes pass by with small talk, snacking and resting. However they are
rudely, but appropriately interrupted by Angelo and the pod of the
Ludoch dolphin-people who are obviously in great distress.

"Pppp..pirates!" the merman blurts out, indicating in a westerly
direction. Indeed such a ship can be spotted, in the style of the
syndicate of Smelch, and they bear down toward the island with great
speed. There is no less than a score of these brutes aboard and their
intentions look clear as well...