queenoflogs | the power of friendship.

The Caves of the Arimoi are an extensive network of caverns, winding through the earth. Who maintains the torches which light each passage with a dim and flickering luminescence? Who placed here these treasure chest, filled with artifacts both ancient and obscure? What is it even doing here, as it is clearly not part of the Queen's domain? Nobody knows, or at least nobody is answering. But here it is nonetheless, and it is both ancient and strangely beautiful.

You are not alone in these caves, however. Echidna's children lurk, jealously guarding treasures and preying on unprepared explorers. Here a woman with the lower boidy of a dragon lurks, vicious teeth dripping with venom. There, a formless, shapeshiting mass strikes out with its terrible barbed whip. There, hydras and chimaerae patrol, and in some places the beautiful woman you stumble across may not be what she seems...

How are you supposed to make nice with creatures like these? That's up to you to figure out.

[ooc: A more detailed description of the Caves and Monsters can be found on the setting page. We will be tagging into threads with NPC monsters, if you have a specific monster you would like to encounter please leave a note in your thread.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"It seems diplomacy is the order of the day. Do not draw your sword unless we are attacked directly, Agrias. If we can win this without bloodshed, it will be for the best..."

The monarch drew in a deep breath, letting it out in a long sigh before stepping into the caverns. Who knew what challenges awaited them? She could only hope for the best... But hope was a thing that had failed her before.

Agrias nods to her liege, keeping a relaxed hand on the hilt of her sheathed blade, keeping control of it at all times lest someone come by and try to snatch it from her and use it against them, ready to grip down hard at a moment's notice. Her eyes scan the cave slowly; it reminded her so much of the countless dungeons her and the crew back in Ivalice would go spelunking in for levels and Gil.

"At your command always, milady." she said, voice as strong as her posture. "Do not wander too far ahead now, devils and beasts are not the only perils when exploring."

Agrias followed in tow, keeping her ears and eyes clear and tuned in to everything.

Their attentiveness soon comes in handy; not far from the entrance, a lion roars. A chimera hides in the shadows, only its lion head visible. It does not move toward them, but is obviously on guard. It is loyally following its mother's orders to not immediately attack--it is giving them a chance.

Ovelia visibly flinched at the sound, having never come across such a beast on her own. It was certainly a sight to behold...

"Fear not, fair creature. We are here to seek treaty. We do not know these caverns, however... Would it, perhaps, serve you to provide us escort?"

... She certainly hoped it could understand.

At once, Agrias' grip tightened on her hilt, her face frowning as she made eye contact with the creature. It was not unlike what she had fought back home, but still disheartening to see all the same. However, she remembered her command, trusting in Ovelia to see this through. If she knew anyone who could talk a beast down without a convenient job change, it would be her.

However, should it make even the slightest hint of a move on her, she would cut it. There's no way she would risk losing her, especially to a common beast.

"Be careful now, milady. We know not what it is capable of. I can only pray your assessment of it rings true." keeping her eyes locked on it, quite curious as to how it would act.

For a long while, it merely stared. It was assessing them as well. Its eyes often moved to Agrias' sheathed sword, as if trying to figure out if they were going to attack. When they do not move to hurt it, however, it turned around. Though the serpent's head was keeping its eyes on them, glaring, the chimera's slow movement were as if it was allowing them to follow.

So far, so good... With a swallow and a nod, Ovelia began to follow the creature.

"Tis but one success in many trials I fear we've still yet to face..."

The knight blinked a bit, genuinely surprised. Ovelia, you weren't secretly leveling your Mediator class, were you? No, you'd have a cool cap if you were, and you are decidedly hatless. Agrias loosens her grip again and follows; stranger things have happened, but still. She keeps her eyes peeled as she walks on.

"Not bad at all, milady. You certainly are worthy of your regal title. It is quite telling though when beast would deign to listen to you more than nobles, though. Such is the world, I suppose."

The chimera walks on for some time, making sure its pace was slow enough for them to follow. When it stops, there is no difference between their current location and where they once were. Its lion head peeks back at them, eyeing Ovelia, before it knocks into a fake wall in the caves.

When the dust settles, there is a distinct glow. It comes from the large pile of jewelry merely sitting there--it was fit for nobility. It is an offering.

"Such beauty...," Ovelia stands in awe of the treasure, eyes sparkling in the reflected glow. Even one of royal blood, she had never seen such a collection before in her life.

"Fair beast, might I ask the meaning of these treasures? Do they belong to your master? Her appreciation for such craft is indeed admirable, if such is the truth of the matter..."

Well, if grinding and looting had only ever been this easy in Ivalice, then everyone would have donned one of those Mediator caps. To be honest, the knight almost preferred it this way. This world seemed one of peace, and bloodshed would only beget more. It was a pleasant surprise.

"Aye, I too wonder who or what they are for. Though I would say they would suit you quite well, my liege, were we to keep any. You deserve a reward for your tongue's golden words saving us, do you not?"

The creature sits, keeping a marked distance between itself and the girls, but the deadly snake at its tail lays itself placidly alongside the lion's forepaws, narrow eyes watching.

There is merely an entreating rumble from its chest, and a nigh on comical bleat from the goat at its back. A reassurance that this be no trick, that mother monster will not demand her beauties be returned alongside a pound of flesh.

... Oh.

"Agrias, I do believe these are meant as gifts of goodwill to us."

the power of friendship.

Agrias and Ovelia

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject