“That was amazing,” Kheeta gushed, beaming ear to ear, “where did you learn to do that,” she asked sniffing through the different fragrances.
“Well thank you my sweet foxling.” The Florae replied, a vine booping Kheeta on the nose softly. “I was thinking about soaking my roots in the hot springs… why don’t we all go there and talk a bit more about ourselves?” Aurora suggested, grabbing Kheeta’s hand and leading her outside.
“Wait we have a hot spring?” The Kitsune asked excitedly as she pranced behind her new friend. “Bartlebee, Golluk, lets go, we can leave a note for Tarek wherever he is,” the boys hurried to comply and catch up.
Outside of the large building housing the spring was a large sign engraved with the spa rules:
Subrion Hot Spring
This restorative spring is a favorite among students, bringing peace of mind and healing properties, it is the perfect activity after a rigorous day of tests.
1. No running or horse play.
2. No food or drink Whatsoever
3. Inappropriate conduct will lead to termination of this privilege
4. swim attire required in co-ed spring, optional in the unisex spring
And
Please do not remove the stalagmites
Thank you and enjoy!
Kheeta looked on at the sign, a small knot in her stomach. “Well, I’m a little disappointed, I was really looking forward to going in, but I don’t have anything to wear,” she said looking down at one of her three outfits.
Aurora laughed, “don’t worry about it, I have you covered, or should I say I’ll be covering you.” The Florae winked as the flowering vines that encircled her began to writhe and move; after a moment she lifted one of her side petals and pulled out swimwear made of intertwined vines and covered in blossoms. “I’m going to have to help you tie it together, I wasn’t really sure how to make bottoms that accommodate your tails,” she said taking her by the hand once again and leading the way to the girl’s locker area.
Walking into the dressing room Kheeta’s eyes grew wide; several girls in varying states of undress stood in the room chatting to one another, and the sight caused her tail to puff. She quickly looked at her feet, the thought of being near so many scarcely dressed women making her nervous.
As she sat panicking, a pair of hands suddenly undid the string that held her tunic together causing it to fall to the ground and her to let out a squeak. Her hands rushed to cover her exposed chest only to find the vine top already being tied in place.
“Foxling, are you okay?” Aurora’s concerned face popped in front of Kheeta’s. “Your eyes are as big as dinner plates, and I can feel your heart fluttering in your chest,” she said placing her hand on the vine top.
“Yea…yea, I’m okay,” she stammered, “this is just my first time in a place like this. I thought there would be more…cover.” She gulped as she realized the vines that climbed her friend’s torso to make the usual form-fitting shirt were snaking their way back down; revealing smooth green skin covered in small amounts of flowers and vines, strategically placed to resemble two-piece swimwear like Kheeta’s own. “I also wasn’t expecting my shirt to fall off,” she continued with a tittering laugh as the vines from under Aurora’s skirt slid around her, securing the bottoms around her tails and waist snuggly, as she stepped back to admire her handiwork. Kheeta’s cheeks burned intensely, realizing that she was revealing as much of herself as her tailor.
“Oh, you really shouldn’t be so self-conscious, you’re adorable, and it’s not like the boys are still here.” The Florae encouraged the embarrassed fox girl, who was still trying not to look at all the changing girls around them.
“Speaking of the boys, I bet they’re waiting for us in the co-ed spring… wouldn’t want to keep them waiting.” Kheeta insisted with an awkward and panicked chuckle as she began walking towards the doors, Aurora rolled her eyes, an amused smile settling on her lips as she followed behind.
Kheeta quickly slinked through the open doors, the cold night air gently caressing her fur and causing a shiver to run down her spine. Where are the guys at, she wondered, scanning the area, all too aware of how exposed she was as she stood alone. The steaming water glowed a soft pink that emanated from several stalagmites scattered throughout the pool, and high stone walls separated the three springs. Searching the area again she saw would-be-adventures of all races and size sitting and enjoying the rejuvenating water, until finally she caught sight of Golluk sitting on the opposite side of the room with Bartlebee; who sat nearly submerged in water given his height. She turned to find Aurora opening the door behind her and beamed, grabbing her hand as the flower girl had done to her earlier, leading them towards their teammates.
Golluk waved to the girls as they neared, “hello ladies, you look exquisite. Miss Aurora you did a magnificent job,” he complimented, offering his hand as they stepped into the warm water. They thanked him as they sat on the smooth stone, the water causing their bodies to tingle and numb as a wave of contentedness washed over them. “Well then,” he continued after they settled in, “I overheard several other parties giving, ‘backstories’, if you will, and I was thinking perhaps we could give it a go… it might be a good bonding activity.” The group looked at one another for a moment and nodded their agreement, with only Kheeta hesitating slightly. “You already know what there is to know of my tale,” Golluk informed them. “I am simply a golem, created by master Tarek’s father, as a safeguard and companion in childhood; and a team member once he grew to be a Quester...Master Tarek, he is the son of a notable Sylphyte noble, he is accustomed to maids scurrying to and fro to placate him. His life has been free of difficulty aside from studying, so having to work for himself for the first time has been difficult. Speaking of, I regret to inform you I still am unsure of his whereabouts,” he concluded solemnly gazing into the pink steaming water.
“He must have allergies,” Bartlebee quipped receiving only puzzled looks from his party. “You know… because he said we’re a bunch of animals… he’s allergic to us…” He looked at his new friend’s unamused faces. “Ha Ha,” he chuckled awkwardly, “shut up I’m funny... Anyway, there isn’t much to me either; my entire race obsesses over art. We’re born painting or writing masterpieces; being a Bard is just kind of natural for a Meripint.” He was swimming around the water now a few feet in either direction as he began to ramble. “I mean, of course there are others who aren’t Bards… my older brother, Ryeneer, he’s a Rogue. He got our granddad’s genes and his tentacles have suction cups instead of the ability to produce ink. He’s a really good Rogue too, a few dungeons have hired him to try and break out to test their guards. Since we’re the only children and he’s a Rogue it’s expected that I graduate Dauntless and become a famous Bard so that our family can hold their heads proud at home.” As he finished, he submerged his head under the water and began to swim around again, dashing through the spring with a graceful agility only water breathers can achieve.
“Well I think that it’s awesome that you’re continuing a family tradition Bartlebee,” Aurora said as the small Meripint’s head broke the surface of the water, shaking his tentacles off and sending droplets in all directions.
“Thank you,” he replied pulling himself out to rest on the rock to Kheeta’s left.
“I’m trying to become a Rogue like your brother, but my family doesn’t actually agree with that decision.” Aurora’s tone was a little sad as she looked off into the distance, lost in thought.
“Your family doesn’t want you to be a Quester?” Kheeta asked empathizing with the poor girl, she understood unsupportive family members better than most.
“Well, it’s not that they don’t want me to be a Quester; they just don’t want me to be a Rogue. ‘Florae are healers…’” She mocked, imitating her parents. “They say that it’s a dishonest profession, that I shouldn’t make a living by breaking into places and stealing.” Aurora’s tone was no longer sad, it instead seemed to drip fr
ustration into the pool around them.
“Well I mean isn’t stealing technically wrong?” Golluk asked as he looked down at his fellow party members, the water barely reaching his waist as he sat in the spring.
“I understand that, but there are so many things that Rogues do that aren’t bad. We disarm traps to protect our Party, we unlock chests and doors so that they can advance on their Quests, we solve riddles and talk our way out of danger more often than not. Being a Rogue is so much more than just stealing and sneaking around, back stabbing people, it’s about being your Parties skeleton key, their secret weapon, good for any occasion.” Aurora had stood up now her roots stretching as she rose another few feet higher, standing roughly seven feet tall now, and obviously filled with passion.
“You seem to care about being a Rogue a lot,” Golluk commented as Aurora began to descend into the water again. “I meant no offense, I hadn’t realized all the ways in which they’re useful.”
“It’s okay, it’s the same thing my parents said when I told them that I wanted to be. You see I live in the Marshanaw Swamps and a few years ago we had a Necromancer crept into town and started raising the dead from our graveyards.” Aurora looked past her party into the distance as she remembered. “Raising the bodies had an unexpected side effect, the magic mixed with the natural spores of the local fungi and created a toxic cloud. Many Florae were lost to the purple fog in first few weeks, entire villages had to evacuate, it was chaos, and no one knew where it came from. Finally, a sole Quester, a Rogue, came to our aid and tracked down the Necromancer. After defeating him and brewing an antidote for our people he returned... Seeing a Rogue single handedly defeat the Necromancer, cure the purple fog, and save my family filled me with inspiration.” Aurora looked at her friends who were staring at her intently and her cheeks began to redden. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to go on a tangent… was there ever anything other than a Bard that you wanted to be Bartlebee?”
The Meripint shot out of the water with a splash and landed in between the two girls with a large grin. I didn’t even see him get back in, Kheeta thought to herself as he answered Aurora. “I actually got really lucky I guess… In my home, the Seculian Cove, it’s considered dishonorable to not have at least one Bard in the family, it’s like a status symbol.” He expanded after seeing his party’s confused expressions, “If your family doesn’t have a Pro-Bard, then you’re not contributing to Meripint culture. I’ve known a few people that were forced to become Bards just so that their family wasn’t scorned by the rest of the town. Thankfully I’ve always loved singing, drawing, writing, and dancing so the Bard’s life has always been my dream.” The Meripint was kicking his small feet in the water from his perch on the rock and his tentacles wriggled wildly on his head.
“Well what about you Kheeta?” Golluk asked turning his blue misty visor towards her, the rest of the Party turning to focus their attention on her as well.
She gulped, this is it… they’ve told you all about them, now it’s your turn… Kheeta thought to herself as she decided what she was going to say. ‘Kitsunes were hunted down, almost to extinction, by the other races of Rhespira for the magic contained inside of their tails.’ Calisto’s words rang through her mind and she thought of her family back at The Den. I can tell them about me while still protecting them… I just have to choose my words wisely.
“Well I actually ran away from home…” Aurora let out a small gasp and Bartlebee’s eyes grew wide as she continued. “I’m a Kitsune and my people have been hiding in seclusion, protected by magic, for the last two centuries. My family didn’t support me coming to Dauntless Dungeon because no Kitsune has ever left before; but I was born to be a Quester! I’ve spent my whole life hearing and reading about adventures and Quests; now I have the opportunity to have one of my own… how could I pass that up?” Her friends nodded in agreement and she began to relax. This is my party… my new family… Kheeta thought to herself with a smile as they continued to chat and get to know each other long into the waning hours of the three moons.
After they finished in the hot springs the group returned to cabin number eight, where they found Tarek asleep in his bed, deciding they too needed sleep before tomorrows test, they chose to follow their Clerics example…
Kheeta groaned as she opened her eyes, her muscles aching and joints creaking as she stretched one arm over her head. “What time is it?” She managed to grumble as she wiped a sleepy eye with her furred hand.
“Well it’s time for us to go back to the training hall for the Warrior test,” Aurora responded as the Florae entered the room with a warm smile on her face, “I was just on my way to wake you.” The flower girl was garbed in her usual vine corset and had moved to stand next to Kheeta’s bed handing her the clothes hanging on the footboard.
“Thanks,” Kheeta answered taking them and quickly getting dressed before exploding into a fit of panic. “No, no, no, no!” Kheeta hollered frantically as she began tearing at the blankets and mattress.
“What is it?” Aurora asked alarmed and taken back by her friend’s sudden switch in mood.
“My sword! My sword isn’t here! I left it right at the foot of the bed.” Kheeta cried lifting up the mattress and looking under it, knowing it wouldn’t be there but anxiety forcing her to look anyways.
“I’m sure we’ll find it Kheeta,” Aurora assured her, placing a flowered hand on her shoulder.
“You don’t understand, it belonged to someone really special to me,” tears welled up in her eyes as she thought of Celia.
“Uhm, girls? I think we’ve got bigger problems than where your stupid sword is…” Tarek called out from the living room.
“You are such an arrogant…” Kheeta began, ready to tear Tarek apart, as she threw open the bedroom door; only to stop dead in her place, looking at the sight before her in confusion. Tarek stood at the entrance to the cabin with the front door wide open; and even from her position, Kheeta could tell that outside wasn’t the same island they went to bed on.
She slowly moved across the room to try and get a better look, while the rest of the party joined suit… The soft green grass and scattered wild flowers were replaced with hot sand and scattered shells everywhere. The river that flowed through the island, ending in the infamous waterfall was gone; in fact, they didn’t appear to be on an island at all, as they could see giant palm trees just beyond their clearing.
“What in the Gods?” Tarek exclaimed, lost in amazement as they all began to walk outside the warmth of their cabin and on to the hotter beach with the scorching twin suns pounding down on them.
“Where’s all the other cabins?” Aurora yelled over the roar of waves surrounding them.
“I don’t know! I can’t see anyone else but us!” Bartlebee responded his small voice fighting the sound to be heard. Kheeta looked around at the crashing blue waves and smiled, she had never seen the ocean this close before. She knelt down to inspect an odd object near her feet; it looked like a five-pointed star covered in bright red and blue feathers. As her fingers touched it she recoiled, the object beginning to wiggle and move. “Guys what is that?” She asked her Party as the creature slowly lifted a few feet off of the ground, flapping all five of its feathered points.
“That’s a Tucahr,” Bartlebee smiled, holding out his hand for it to land on. “They’re pretty common on beaches, sweet, colorful little things really, lots of sea-folk keep them as pets.” He patted it softly before letting it fly off.
Tarek impatiently cleared his throat, “if you two are done sightseeing, we should probably start trying to figure out where we need to go.”
“I think I see something over that dune!” Golluk yelled gesturing to their left.
“It’s probably our destination,” Aurora added using her vines to block out the bright rays of the twin suns.
“What makes you think that?” Tarek sneered.
“Well it’s the only thing I can see aside from sandy desert and coast line so…” Aurora answered
annoyance dripping off her words.
Tarek simply grunted in reply as they continued their trek. Drawing closer, Kheeta could see that the building was made of yellow stone bricks and was what appeared to be a pyramid of sorts. After a few minutes of searching they found the doors to the building, standing nine feet tall, and made of solid stone; opening that is going to take a feat of intense strength. “I don’t think I can open that.” She remarked, voicing her internal thoughts.
“Well duh, you’re a weak little fox… my metal manservant can though, huh? Get to it Golluk, get it open.” Tarek barked at the iron golem a prideful sneer staining his face.
“Well lucky for you miss you won’t have to, you have me.” Golluk said ignoring Tarek as he put Bartlebee down and placed one large iron hand on the stone door, pulling as hard as he could. A loud creak split the air as the door swung open and the group entered the main room slowly. Several steps into the room the door slammed shut with a loud thud, causing Kheeta to jump and her fur to stand on end.
“Oh, I don’t like this…” Tarek whined as Kheeta looked around the room that was now pitch black.
“Welcome!” A loud voice boomed through the darkness, echoing off the cold stone walls, seeming to come from nowhere and everywhere. Torches on either side of the party burst to life causing Aurora to let out the squeak and jump this time. As the group began to move forward torches self-immolated on either side of the walkway, progressing with them, until they were in the center of the room. “Party number eight, you have made it to the warriors test, congratulations!” As the voice finished the remaining half of the torches burst to life, illuminating the other half of the dark room. Gorn, the Selchii Pro-Quester stood ten feet before them with a sly smile that seemed to connect with the scar on his face.
“What’s to be the test?” Golluk asked looking around the room and seeing that it was unremarkable and empty, save five doors on the opposite side of the room.
Dauntless Dungeon Page 8