The Mariner Ashore

Occasionally waking up wet, confused and stranded on an unknown shore is the sort of occupational hazard a professional MARINER should expect to happen once in a while, but that doesn't make the experience any more pleasant. To the West you see a rocky, unclimbable outcropping. To the East the shoreline stretches as far as you can see. Inland to the South, you see a fire of some kind burning in the middle distance. With little else to gather than your wits, you set off... [[East]] along the shoreline. [[South]] toward the flames.

After hours of walking, aside from crashing waves on your right, there is little to see or hear. Continue [[East2<-East]] Turn [[South2<-South]] toward the now more distant flames.

Climbing to a grassy plain, you see a ring of fire burning steadily, but somehow not spreading to the dry grasses all around. Inside the ring of fire, you see an ENCHANTRESS sitting casually on a metal throne. You call to her, but she either does not hear, or is ignoring your greeting. Get a running start and [[leap]] through the flames.

So far you've gained nothing aside from the irritating sand in your tattered moccasins Continue [[East3<-East]] Turn [[South2<-South]] toward the now very distant flames.

The sun continues to beat down on you. The beach is still desolate and deserted for as far as the eye can see. You recall everyone, all your life, from your parents, to your shipmates warned you that the trait most likely to get you killed before your time would be your stubbornness. Now you know what they meant. You turn [[South2<-South]] toward the now quite distant flames.

Your still soaking wet clothes have saved you from any bodily injury the flames would have caused. Now that you've entered the circle, the Enchantress finally deigns to acknowledge your existence. After sizing you up, she nods and [[speaks]]

Your long walk on the beach dried out your clothes, making them combustible in the flames. You're left smoldering and slightly burned for all your troubles. Now that you've entered the circle, the Enchantress finally deigns to acknowledge your existence. After sizing you up, she nods and [[speaks]]

I am **Queen Ignis** ruler of this land between all waters. What brings you to my presence with neither invitation nor introduction? How do you answer? With [[righteous bluster]] or [[charm]] ?

Bowing deeply, you address her highness. My apologies for any offense I've caused. I'm **Nauta the Mariner**, a humble sailor really, washed up on your shores by an angry sea that destroyed my ship and took my crew. I seek only assistance in finding my way back to my home port. The Queen does not appear to be moved by your plea. She stands to address you again. We are not in the habit of charity here. Nor are we welcoming to ragged, destitute strangers. But perhaps if you do for me, I *might* provide you with some assistance. She rises from her throne and [[approaches]] you.

Thrusting out your chin you tell her... I am the **Nauta the Mariner**, Captian and Navigator of deep water ships that have sailed all Five Oceans of the Realm. You will address me with all due respect! Queen Ignis nods and smiles before speaking: "Of course Mariner...With all due respect" Looking away, apparently bored, she [[flicks her wrist]] in your direction.

You tumble back through the flames, like a piece of cloth blown by a great wind. The flames have left you uncomfortably burned. You force yourself to [[speaks<-jump]] back through the flames. Again.

With a wave of her hands she conjours up a clay jug with a cork stopper. She motions for you to take it from her then, looking you in the eye, she continues: My lands are vast. Far to the South you'll find an inland sea of fresh water. If you can survive the journey, fill this jug with waters from that inland sea and bring it back to me. Do this and I might reward you with safe passage back to your home port. Hefting the jug, you bow again and respond: Many thanks. You're a magnanimous Queen. Her eyes grow cold. I'm also an impatient Queen. She reaches out and gently touches a your chest with one of her seemingly delicate [[fingers]]

A deep *pain*, small but searing, starts burning in your heart. It does not go away when she removes her finger from your chest. Let this be a constant and *growing* reminder of my impatience. Return before the fire now burning inside you grows and consumes you from within. She [[flicks her wrist at you]] again, and returns to her throne.

After patting out your smoldering clothes you are reminded of what every mariner knows in his bones: Bad things happen on land. With the Queen's firey curse still burning in your chest, you reluctantly turn your back on the sea and move South and further [[inland]].

The grassy plain slowly gives way to the first hints of habitation. Cart paths between quiet agricultural fields slowly transform into hard-packed roads that pull you ever closer to civilization ...or whatever might pass for it on this hostile island. Approaching the outskirts of a low-slung village, you see a roadside [[tavern]]

Slouching comfortably on a bench outside the tavern is a clearly drunk man. His strong shoulders and dirty work clothes tell you he is not an idler but a workingman enjoying his day off. Without looking at you, he hails you with a friendly wave. "It sounds like you've been walking a long time" the man says "join me for refreshment" [[ignore him]] [[Accept his kind offer]]

As much as you might regret it, the constant, and slowly growing burning in your chest tells you that you have little time to waste. You must get to the inland sea and that means you must make haste down the road, so you keep on walking, and [[walking some more]]

While he digs silver coins out of his pouch to buy another round, you notice his odd habit of pointing his ear toward you instead of his eyes... which are small and squint tightly in the not-very-bright sunlight. After the tavern-owner brings over two full tankards of the best beer you've tasted in many voyages, the squinty-eyed man speaks. "Your clothes sound unfamiliar and smell of the sea." It occurs to you that he has still not looked directly at you, which causes you to ask the obvious question: Are you [[blind]]?

The man laughs heartily, then explains: No, I'm **Duo Vobis the Miner** I've spent most of my life underground where the eyes are not very useful. Down there you learn the usefulness of sharp ears and a good nose. The eyes are often too easily fooled. After finishing his beer and calling for another he continues: On you I smell the sea and trouble of some kind. Fire? Heat of some kind. but definitely trouble. [[tell him]] the tale of how you arrived at this tavern. [[change the subject]]

The miner is impressed with your tale of oceanic adventures and mis-adventures. When you begin to relate your encounter with Queen Ignis in her ring of fire, he soon stops you by placing his hand on your arm. Lowering his voice he warns: "Best not to mention her name, if you want to stay on peoples' good side" Thanking him for the warning, you feel the heat building in your chest, and are reminded that time is currently your enemy. You ask him if there is anything else he is willing to share. He smiles and says [[yes]]

Duo Vobis immediately senses your deception and is more disappointed than angry. He sighs before he speaks: "A miner's life is dangerous and often short. Too short to waste on dubious companions. Finish your drink and be on your way" The miner grows silent. Sizing up his muscular forearms, you decide to follow his instructions and [[continue down the road]]

To save time, and avoid any more possible delays, you avoid the village and stick decide to the country roads, where you continue walking, and walking, and [[walking some more]]

The miner reaches into his pocket and pulls out his still-heavy pouch of silver coins. He says: Silver. Gold. ...when you think about it, it is all just rocks of one sort or another, free for the taking if you're willing to dig them out, but close your eyes and they all feel the same... yet people like you cross oceans to find them, when what is *really* valuable is: information, news, secrets, even gossip. That's what rules the world. As he pauses you eye the pouch full of silver. Enough to easily cover the downpayment on a new ship, even better than your old one. The miner continues. I'll offer you one or the other. Which do you think would be of more use to you? [[A pouch of Silver]]? or [[The thing you don't know]]?

The miner smiles and pushes the pouch across the table and into your hands. "Enjoy it with my compliments. Best of luck to you on your journey." The miner stands up, happily unsteady on his feet and announces that it is time for his lunch. Without a good-bye he staggers into the tavern. You finish your beer, as always aware of the continued burning in your chest. You shout your thanks for his generosity and continue [[down the road]]

The miner rasies his ears and sniffs at the air to be sure no one else is around to hear what he is about to say. He lowers his voice and whispers to you: "Queen Ignis was the scourge of this land until we found the one enchantress more powerful than she is. She is imprisoned on that desolate plain, trapped in a ring of her own fire." After imparting this news, the miner stands up, happily unsteady on his feet, and announces that it is time for his lunch. Without a good-bye he staggers into the tavern. Weighted with this new information and the increasing burning in your chest, the road South still [[beckons]].

Fortified by the beer, and the satisfying heft of silver in your pocket - more silver than you've ever seen in one place in your life, you decide to go around the town to avoid further delays. Finding yourself back on quiet and deserted country roads you start imagining the spacious captain's quarters on the new ship you'll purchase as soon as you get through this ordeal. As you come to a bend in the road you are accosted by another wayfarer. Is it a bandit of some kind? No, it is far worse: a [[performer]]

Fortified by the beer at least, you decide to go around the town to avoid further delays. Finding yourself back on quiet and deserted country roads you start imagining the spacious captain's quarters on the new ship you'll purchase as soon as you get through this ordeal. As you come to a bend in the road you are accosted by another wayfarer. Is it a bandit of some kind? No, it is far worse: a [[performerB<-performer]]

So light on his feet he almost appears to be floating, the manic jester leaps into his monologue: Hearty sir! I ask you for just a moment of your time! I am **Sphera the Juggler** My only desire is to rejoin my troupe; forced as they were, to leave me behind, in the custody of the town magistrate - I assure you it was all just a misunderstanding you see - But now I must raise the funds to travel on my own and -- With much effort, you stop him mid-sentence, and tell him that you've no money, or TIME, to spare. If Sphera is disappointed by this news, he permanent smile hides it well. He bows theatrically and continues: "No matter sir, more important than the food I eat or the air I breathe, bringing joy to people is my greatest desire. Allow me to perform for you." He digs three balls out of his bag and begins to [[juggle]]

So light on his feet he almost appears to be floating, the manic jester leaps into his monologue: Hearty sir! I ask you for just a moment of your time! I am **Sphera the Juggler** My only desire is to rejoin my troupe; forced as they were, to leave me behind, in the custody of the town magistrate - I assure you it was all just a misunderstanding you see - But now I must raise the funds to travel on my own and -- With much effort, you stop him mid-sentence and tell him that you've no TIME to spare. If Sphera is disappointed by this news, he permanent smile hides it well. He bows theatrically and continues: "No matter sir, more important than the food I eat or the air I breathe, bringing joy to people is my greatest desire. Allow me to perform for you." He digs three balls out of his bag and begins to [[juggle2<-juggle]].

Sphera's juggling performance is impressive and transporting. For a few moments anyway, you forget your predicament and the heat radiating through your chest. He doesn't seem to throw the balls. It is more like he places them wherever he wants in the air, and then retrieves them at his convenience, like some kind of magic. When the performance ends, you are left wanting more. Your attention has been a gift, allow me to return the favor with one of the few things I have to offer. He tosses you one of the bright red balls he had been juggling, saying: My humble gift to you. Fear not for me though. The world has taught me that every gift one gives, comes back as manyfold blessings! [[accept2<-accept]] the ball and put it in your bag then continue down the road. [[decline2<-decline]] the ball and continue on your way.

Sphera's juggling performance is impressive and transporting. For a few moments anyway, you forget your predicament and the heat radiating through your chest. He doesn't seem to throw the balls. It is more like he places them wherever he wants in the air, and then retrieves them at his convenience, like some kind of magic. When the performance ends, you are left wanting more. Sphera bows deeply and says: Your attention has been a gift, allow me to return the favor with one of the few things I have to offer. He tosses you one of the bright red balls he had been juggling, saying: My humble gift to you. Fear not for me though. The world has taught me that every gift one gives, comes back as manyfold blessings! [[accept]] the ball and put it in your bag then continue down the road. [[decline]] the ball and continue on your way.

Growing bored with these quiet and deserted country roads, you continue cursing your fate when you come to a bend in the road and are accosted by another wayfarer. Is it a bandit of some kind? No, it is far worse: a [[performerC<-performer]].

So light on his feet he almost appears to be floating, the manic jester leaps into his monologue: Hearty sir! I ask you for just a moment of your time! I am **Sphera the Juggler** My only desire is to rejoin my troupe; forced as they were, to leave me behind, in the custody of the town magistrate - I assure you it was all just a misunderstanding you see - But now I must raise the funds to travel on my own and -- With much effort, you stop him mid-sentence, and tell him that you've no TIME to spare. If Sphera is disappointed by this news, he permanent smile hides it well. He bows theatrically and continues: "No matter sir, more important than the food I eat or the air I breathe, bringing joy to people is my greatest desire. Allow me to perform for you." He digs three balls out of his bag and begins to [[juggle3<-juggle]].

Sphera's juggling performance is impressive and transporting. For a few moments anyway, you forget your predicament and the heat radiating through your chest. He doesn't seem to throw the balls. It is more like he places them wherever he wants in the air, and then retrieves them at his convenience, like some kind of magic. When the performance ends, you are left wanting more. Your attention has been a gift, allow me to return the favor with one of the few things I have to offer. He tosses you one of the bright red balls he had been juggling, saying: My humble gift to you. Fear not for me though. The world has taught me that every gift one gives, comes back as manyfold blessings! [[accept3<-accept]] the ball and put it in your bag then continue down the road. [[decline3<-decline]] the ball and continue on your way.

You continue your push to as day turns to night. There is no time to rest as you plod on, exhausted, along unmarked country roads guided South by the same stars you use to find your way across trackless seas. As the sun finally rises on your left, and the burning pain in your chest continues to spread, your Mariner's senses tingle and you finally feel the presence of open water... nearby. You quicken your pace up a large hill. At the crest you finally see it - an inland sea with a long rocky shore that stretches past the horizon line. You run down the hill, pulling out the clay jug as you go. At the water's edge, you dip the clay jug below the surface and it is immediately pulled from your hands. A small Dophin surfaces nearby, but out of reach Balancing your jug on it's nose, it speaks to you: I am **Lacus of the Lake** no one takes my precious water without an offering in return. Toss her the [[ball2<-ball]] the juggler gave you.

Lacus scoffs: What use have I for heavy rocks that sink to the bottom of my realm? Have you nothing for me to play with? You answer that you don't have any other possessions besides the jug she has taken, and you desperately need it back in order to collect the waters. With a flip of her tail, Lacus swims off with the jug toward the distant horizon. You attempt to scoop up some water in your hands, but you are magically prevented from touching it. A sense of doom closes in while the burning pain in your chest starts spreading more rapidly. After many futile attempts to get near the water, you realize your only hope is to return to Queen Ignis and beg for mercy. As the searing internal pain continues to spread through your body, you turn around and start heading [[North]]

Lacus scoffs: What use have I for heavy rocks that sink to the bottom of my realm? Have you nothing for me to play with? Toss her the [[ball1<-ball]] the juggler gave you.

Lacus tosses the jug back to you and catches the ball on her nose. She is delighted. What a lovely ball! Your gift is accepted. May my waters bring you the peace you seek. Lacus swims off toward the horizon, playing with her new ball. You immediately fill your jug and drink deeply from the waters. If you were hoping the waters would douse that internal fire, you were wrong. The pain continues, reminding you that the journey is only half over and you must now travel [[North3<--North]] and return to Queen Ignis

Lacus tosses the jug back to you and catches the ball on her nose. She is delighted. What a lovely ball! Your gift is accepted. May my waters bring you the peace you seek. Lacus starts swimming off toward the horizon, playing with her new ball You fill the jug quickly, then call after her and explain: I fear that peace is a long way off. I've come suspect that Queen Ignis, who sent me to find these waters and bring them back to her, is not to be trusted. Lacus circles back and swims closer, the ball still on her nose as she responds: "You are much smarter than you look. I've granted you the waters, but you mustn't return them to Ignis." You then [[explain]] why you have no choice.

Lacus scoffs: A stranger to our lands presumes to know more about Ignis than I do? Who do you think trapped her in a circle of her own fire? I might be able to put out the flame she started in your chest, if you have something for me to play with. You answer that you don't have any other possessions besides the jug she has taken, and you desperately need it back in order to collect the waters. With a flip of her tail, Lacus swims off with the jug toward the distant horizon. You attempt to scoop up some water in your hands, but you are magically prevented from touching it. A sense of doom closes in while the burning pain in your chest starts spreading more rapidly. After many futile attempts to get near the water, you realize your only hope is to return to Queen Ignis and beg for mercy. As the searing internal pain continues to spread through your body, you turn around and start heading [[North]]

You tell her you don't have any other possessions besides the jug she has taken, and you desperately need it back in order to collect the waters. With a flip of her tail, Lacus swims off with the jug toward the distant horizon. You attempt to scoop up some water in your hands, but you are magically prevented from touching it. A sense of doom closes in while the burning pain in your chest starts spreading more rapidly. After many futile attempts to get near the water, you realize your only hope is to return to Queen Ignis and beg for mercy. As the searing internal pain continues to spread through your body, you turn around and start heading [[North]]

As the fire rages inside your body, now spreading to your arms and legs, you push North with increasing desperation. ...oh brave creature who set off upon the waves for a life of danger and daring adventure, you knew the risks. You knew that tides turn, luck runs out and sometimes the fates conspire against you. ...and now, your moment has come. Falling to your knees, you let out a final wail of regret and reluctant acceptence as you perish, alone in a strange land and far from your beloved seas. Rest in Peace **Nauta the Mariner**

With the heat all but consuming you, you finally see the the Queen's ring of fire again in the distance. With your last ounces of strength you cross the grassy plain and tumble through the ring of fire to fall at Ignis' feet. On your knees and gasping in pain, you present her with the precious clay jug of fresh water from the inland sea. She is clearly pleased as she stands up, uncorks the jug and raises it over her [[head]]

After closing her eyes, Ignis begins chanting an incantation that starts softly, then slowly builds in intensity and volume. You feel the ground shaking under your knees as her body begins to sway, like she is falling under a spell of her own making. She starts spinning her body, the force sending the water out of the jug and into the encircling flames. The surrounding flames are extinguished, not with the usual "hissss" but with the sound of souls howling in mourning. Meanwhile, the fire still burns inside you. You clutch at her boot and beg her to [[release the curse]] she has placed on you.

You plead with her: Queen Ignis, I've done everything you've asked of me. I found the waters and brought them to you. Please release me from this burning curse and grant me the safe passage back to my home port you promised me. Ignis laughs, kicking you onto your back. Looking down on you and your agony she laughs again before speaking: What "promise?" I said "might" help you, you foolish man. Now that you've released me from my prison I can execute the revenge I've been plotting for the 300 years I've been trapped in that infernal circle. You've fulfilled your purpose to me, that is all. I wish you luck in whatever lies beyond this realm of the senses. Queen Ignis stalks off South, in the direction of the village, setting fire to everything in her path. Unable to move any longer, you feel the inner fire [[spreading]] through the rest of your body.

With your final breaths you realize that you last act in this life was folly and a blunder that unleashed terror on countless innocents. This is a mistake that will likely carry over into wherever your soul might journey next. ...oh brave creature who set off upon the waves for a life of danger and daring adventure, you knew the risks. You knew that tides turn, luck runs out and sometimes the fates conspire against you. ...and now, your moment has come. You let out a final wail of regret and reluctant acceptence as you perish, alone in a strange land, far from your beloved seas. Rest in Peace **Nauta the Mariner**

You tell Lacus that an invisible fire is consuming you from within, and that you'll die, soon, if the curse isn't lifted. Lacus ponders this before speaking. "I am more powerful than Ignis, but lifting another's curse requires a deep sacrifice on your part. Are you willing to surrender your current vision of the future to save you in the present?" You answer immediately: [[YES!]]

Lacus explains: Enter my waters and swim with me to the bottom of the deepest part of my lake. Breathe deeply there and the fire will be extinguished. You're horrified. "I'll drown and die anyway if I do as you ask." Lacus begins to get impatient. "I told you sacrifice would be required. Giving up one future for a different one. The choice is yours, but you must make it. Now." What is your choice brave Mariner? [[Yes1<-yes]] or [[No]]??

You set down the jug and wade into the waters. Lacus swims beside you, gently taking your wrist in her mouth. Together you dive below the surface of the lake. Lacus pulls you along with her as the waters darken and the sunlight gets weaker the deeper you go. Finally she rests you on the sandy bottom of the lake. Being immersed in water again and feeling it caress your skin is a comfort, but you've been holding your breath and now the burning in your lungs is enough to rival the burning of the invisible fire in your chest. Your mind screams Breathe! You fight the urge to inhale. You fight it some more. Your lungs, heart and mind ALL are on fire now. The terror of the unknown seeps into the core of your being. You feel the coldness of infinity. It is strangely more welcoming than you ever imagined. You finally [[breathe]]

You decide to take your chances with Queen Ignis. Evil or not, you have no quarrel with her and you expect she'll keep her word, lift the curse and grant you safe passage to your home port. Without another word, you turn away from Lacus of the Lake and start heading [[North2<-north]]

...oh brave creature who set off upon the waves for a life of danger and daring adventure, you knew the risks. ...and here you are, the flame in your chest finally extinguished as you explode in every direction at the speed of lightning. What might lay on the other side of this chaos, you do not know, but as any Mariner worth his salt will tell you, another adventure is always over the next horizon. Godspeed **Nauta the Mariner**