2019-08-05: The Mystery of the Macalania Litterbug
- Log: The Mystery of the Macalania Litterbug
- Cast: Seraph Clarine, Kamui, Acacia Saitani, Marivel Armitage
- Where: Macalania
- Date: August 05, 2019
- Summary: Clarine leads Kamui and Acacia(with a surprise guest appearance from Nob) into the Macalania Woods in search of a wonderful sight she had seen before...and, to see if they can't find any clues as to who's responsible for leaving litter around the woods. But with the Woods freezing over, will the case go cold as well...?
===============================<* Macalania *>================================ The Macalania region is home to two ancient, crystalline formations of unsurpassed mystery and beauty. The first is the Macalania Woods - a shining maze-like forest overseen by strange, ancient, birdlike Beastmen who speak in bizarre riddles and weave light like silk. The second is Lake Macalania - an eternally frozen lake surrounded by snowy crevasses, which one can just see the frozen Temple beneath. Macalania is a distant, remote region -- and full of its own dangers.
DG: A party led by Seraph Clarine is now entering Macalania Woods. DG: Party formation is now over. An Entry Challenge will now be drawn and displayed to the party.
============================<* Macalania Woods *>=============================
===================<* CHALLENGE - A Disorienting Element *>===================
|Type: Entry |Dungeon Ability: Combat |Challenge Rating: 2 |
--------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------
North of the Thunder Plains lies the Macalania Woods; in order to reach
Macalania Lake and the temple there, a traveler has no choice but to
traverse the woods.
Unfortunately, the woods are a nightmare to traverse; the woods have been
altered by the power of the Fayth. Between the paths that spiral into
impossibility amidst glittering trees and the shimmering illusions courtesy
of the light reflecting from the same, it's easy to get turned around in
these woods.
Oh, and there are the Fiends to contend with as well. Many a traveller has
found to their dismay that the Fiends that lurk here are no small matter. In
fact, speak of the devil--
Here are a quartet of Blue Elements, spinning disorientingly as they
advance, here to greet you now. If by 'greet' we mean 'attack', that is.
=Dungeon Conditions: Madness==================================================
<Pose Tracker> Seraph Clarine has posed.
The Macalania Woods! These mysterious, crystalline woods are perhaps one of Clarine's favorite places in all of Spira. It was practically infused with light, and she felt more at home here than anywhere else. As someone whose specialty is navigation, she usually doesn't have much difficulty finding her way through it, and so today Clarine wants to bring Kamui and Acacia to a lovely sight she had found in her last foray into the deeper parts of the woods. It would be the perfect site for a picnic, and also to just relax and enjoy the view.
And if they run into more litter on the way there, all the better - Clarine wanted to see all of it gone, and the one's responsible brought to justice.
But, they'll have to get there first - now they have to contend with twisting, mazelike passages, as well as the Fiends that called this place home.
"Be wary...there are Fiends in the deeper parts of the woods..." Clarine warns. It's almost as soon as she says this that there's a flash of blue between the trees, and four Blue Elements appear, attacking with water magic. Clarine floats out of the way of the initial volley, and reaches deep into her sleeves to draw out a length of silvery cloth - her Lightbending Veil, used to hide from enemy eyes. But she doesn't throw it over herself, as she usually might.
"Here...use this." She offers, to either of them. With a quick gesture an array of mirrors flies out of her sleeves as well, smacking into one of the Elements - which she then follows up with a flash of light magic that bounces right off the mirrors.
DG: Seraph Clarine has used her Tool Lightbending Veil toward her party's challenge, A Disorienting Element.
<Pose Tracker> Kamui has posed.
Kamui has had an incredibly difficult time between Operation Mi'ihen and the battle at Luca and also now even more war in the Mi'ihen Highroad, but at the very least, right now... she can be truly who she wants to be--
Someone who's getting to the bottom of this Littering mess.
Kamui is headed up the path with Clarine and Acacia, but then pauses as she hesitates to say, "N-no, wait, mui, I'm entering the wrong way."
She hurries and runs down the other way, even as Clarine warns them about the Fiends. Is she retreating?! Is she leaving Clarine and Acacia to deal with the problem?
No. It's been a while, but now she's...
R E A D Y !
As a pillar of light streaks down from the skies from the other end, forming into Kamui in an unleashing pose as the Fourth Armour's Foot Parts manifest around herself in cubes of data.
... well, at least she managed to flank the enemies. The X-Buster is out, and with a quick charge, fires several reflective lasers that bounce well off off Clarine's mirrors.
"Dual Tech! Reflect Laser!"
She looks really happy to be combining powers...!!
DG: Kamui has contributed a Combat Basic Action toward her party's challenge, A Disorienting Element.
<Pose Tracker> Acacia Saitani has posed.
"Is it just me, or does it feel like this is a bit harder than normal?" notes a red-headed reporter thoughtfully to herself. Acacia frowns as she jogs her way up one of the light paths, watching as it spirals away into a maze of foliage and canopy in front of her. "Maybe it's just because we're going deeper into the forest or something, but it's definitely not this rough or complicated getting to the usual picnic spot."
Or as... mechanics-laden.
"Not that I'm complaining," she adds quickly, not wanting to dishearten the Seraph that's showing them the way. The first growl of the fiends makes her hesitate, then reach for her jacket; she's smart enough to have done some reading up on the local dangers ahead of time, recognizing the blue crystalline shapes that bobble towards them.
She hesitates when Kamui runs off, looking a little worried. Bringing the Reploid along to large-scale fights isn't something she's particularly proud of, especially not the way it seriously disheartened the girl for a long while. There's been at least one shoopuf ride to try to make up for it, and she's made sure to give Kamui some lighter, more peaceful assignments to report on. In that respect, news of litterers is almost - almost - welcome.
She's still going to kick their ass, though.
Her pistol is in her hand in the blink of an eye, which doesn't seem like a great idea when she's drawing a bead on one of Clarine's mirrors... but reading up on the local dangers means reading up on their weaknesses, too. A mumble under her breath, and what actually discharges from the battered gunsmoke ARM is a crackling line of lighting, deflecting off in a slightly lesser version of the Buster.
DG: Acacia Saitani has used her Tool Trusty Friends toward her party's challenge, A Disorienting Element.
============================<* Macalania Woods *>=============================
===================<* CHALLENGE - A Disorienting Element *>===================
|Type: Entry |Dungeon Ability: Combat |Challenge Rating: 2 |
--------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------
North of the Thunder Plains lies the Macalania Woods; in order to reach
Macalania Lake and the temple there, a traveler has no choice but to
traverse the woods.
Unfortunately, the woods are a nightmare to traverse; the woods have been
altered by the power of the Fayth. Between the paths that spiral into
impossibility amidst glittering trees and the shimmering illusions courtesy
of the light reflecting from the same, it's easy to get turned around in
these woods.
Oh, and there are the Fiends to contend with as well. Many a traveller has
found to their dismay that the Fiends that lurk here are no small matter. In
fact, speak of the devil--
Here are a quartet of Blue Elements, spinning disorientingly as they
advance, here to greet you now. If by 'greet' we mean 'attack', that is.
=Dungeon Conditions: Madness==================================================
=======================<* Macalania Woods - Round 1 *>======================== =====================< Results - A Disorienting Element >===================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Seraph Clarine 0 --(0)--> 0 Pass Lightbending Veil 2 Combat Effects: Stalwart ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kamui 0 --(0)--> 0 Pass Fight 0 Combat Effects: BASIC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Acacia Saitani 0 --(0)--> 0 Pass Trusty Friends 1 Combat Effects: Cleanse ----------------------------------< Party >----------------------------------- Leader: Seraph Clarine 0 --(20)--> 20 Pass Conditions: Madness Effects: Cleanse ==============================< Dream Chasers >===============================
DG: The party led by Seraph Clarine has passed this challenge! The party gained 20 exploration! If anyone needs to use party management commands, do so now. Otherwise, the next round's GM may begin the next round with +dungeon/draw. DG: Kamui has drawn a new Challenge.
============================<* Macalania Woods *>=============================
==================<* CHALLENGE - Who Put A Bench Up There *>==================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Brute |Challenge Rating: 3 |
--------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------
It's a tough hike through the woods, with the path winding this way and
that, rising up and into the trees, or down again to the forest floor. And
that's not even taking into account the issue of the Fiends. So perhaps the
sight of a comfortable-looking bench might be a welcoming one.
...Perhaps a little less so for the fact that it is perched up on a loft in
a tree, with no visible easy way to ascend to it. If you want to take a load
off -- and not risk, say, disturbing a nest of ants down here -- you'll have
to get up there first.
=Dungeon Conditions: Save Point===============================================
<Pose Tracker> Seraph Clarine has posed.
"I believe that is the case..." Clarine confirms with a nod. "People rarely head into the deeper parts of the Woods without purpose, and so there are fewer people to clear out the Fiends..."
"...Also, the trees will start to play tricks on you..." She doesn't clarify this - not out of malice, but because she doesn't think so. Partially due to the sudden rush of Fiends. Still, she sends Acacia a smile all the same.
Clarine pauses and blinks as Kamui...departs? She waits patiently, though, even as the four Water Elements start to move in. They seem to be waiting patiently too, actually. And then, Kamui appears, in a pillar of light!
"Oh...!" Clarine gasps in awe, and applauds enthusiastically. She greatly approves! And that's when the fight begins in earnest - and as it happens, the Water Elements really are not ready to prepared to deal with the level of teamwork on display here.
Clarine's mirrors provide an excellent opportunity for Dual Techs - the X-Buster reflects off the mirrors in ways they can't predict, striking them solidly and taking two of them out right off the bat. So, too, do Acacia's bullets reflect. They might be lesser than the Buster, but striking the elemental weakness more than makes up for it - with a barrage of lightning, the remaining two fiends are dealt with, leaving nothing but a cloud of pyreflies in their weak.
Clarine can't help but smile.
"We work well together...!" She notes with obvious cheer.
<Pose Tracker> Kamui has posed.
"Master knows about Elemental Weaknesses...! Kamui is still trying to re-learn everything... when did they stop using Wood and Elec, mui..." Kamui sounds just a little dismayed in the middle of being dazzled. She pumps her hands and jumps up in happiness, clearly appreciating their teamwork.
"Kamui will lead the way!"
...
...
In retrospect, a couple minutes later, that may not have been the wisest of ideas, because as much as the Reploid tries, they... they wind up at the spot where they usually lounge about, ontop of the canopy in the sunlight?
"..."
Kamui looks horrified.
"Someone vandalised our rest spot, Master, Clarine!"
She points up to where their usual bench has suddenly arrived up at the top of a loft of a tree. "The Litterers are trying to stymie our efforts!"
She tries to kick up the wall, but finds that the tree seems mysteriously marked as a slippery surface that she just glides off off. ?:<|?
"... uuu ... this is our greatest opponent yet ..."
<Pose Tracker> Marivel Armitage has posed.
There is a faint bobbing noise that gradually becomes a louder bobbing noise as Nob floats into the area. It chirps merrily upon seeing Kamui, Clarine, and Acacia and does a little dance in the air, tongue sticking out briefly as it does so. It's a pretty weird robot. And then it starts hovering towards Kamui who seems to be having some trouble.
Nob does another little dance and then the top half of its head twists backwards and the creature coughs up a slightly soggy WEAPON ENERGY PELLET that looks like has been in its mouth for a long while nearby that Kamui can touch if she so desires. It's free weapon energy.
Nob chirps once more, head sliding back into position before nuzzling against Kamui's cheek.
<Pose Tracker> Seraph Clarine has posed.
"It is alright...I have been having to adjust to the way things work in Spira, as well..." Clarine admits with a sigh. Spira is a strange, strange place, when it comes to elements - especially for elemental spirits!
And then, Kamui elects to lead the way!
"I will follow you...!" Clarine decides, following after Kamui. ...At which point they end up circling back toward their normal rest stop, but...!
"Ah...!" Clarine gasps, scandalized at the sight of the bench that is not taking up space on their precious, precious canopy. Now, she could try to bring out a mirror and float up on top of it...but, she wouldn't be able to bring Acacia and Kamui up with her, so that idea is out of the question.
Just as she's about to try and make her way up, though...she's surprised by the sudden sight of the little robot!
"Oh!" She remarks in surprise, briefly mesmerized.
DG: Seraph Clarine has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Who Put A Bench Up There.
<Pose Tracker> Acacia Saitani has posed.
The reporter doesn't let herself relax until the last Element is gone, but then she spins her pistol around a finger and tucks it away. "The last time a tree played a trick on me was when I parked my bicycle under it," Acacia sighs to herself and Clarine with a grumpy sort of pout, but doesn't elaborate when she offers a smirking grin in Kamui's direction. "Master makes sure she studies, after all, and doesn't just doze off under the blankets," she teases merrily.
Perhaps the fact that they've returned to their usual haunt is just a force of habit on Kamui's part. It's not like Acacia's worried - rather, it seems like a good idea to check that the litterers haven't hit their favorite spot - but it does leave her quietly curious. Is it because it's the path strongest in the Reploid's memory that she followed it? Is it connected to something in her past? ... maybe it's just because Kamui's only used to going left and right.
Either way, she's left staring in mild disbelief at the bench that's become suspended in a tree - and slowly turns towards Clarine as her expression gives way to a deadpan, glum look. "I'm assuming this wasn't what you were talking about. Who'd do something like this?" she wonders as she scratches at her hair, then-- then sights Nob casually bobbing towards them as one particular name comes inexorably to mind.
"If she's making you new perches to stand on, I think I'm going to have to have a word," she grumbles, before dusting off her hands and looking up at the bench in thought.
"First things first, let's get it off the tree. Safely, I mean. Then we can put it back where it should be." She's reached inside her coat, a measure of sorcery-like force starting to build around her as the wind suddenly picks up; it suddenly rushes forwards as a sudden gale - but only on one side of the perch, sending the bench rocking precariously in place, hopefully to tip over ready to catc--
Maybe she didn't think this entirely through.
DG: Acacia Saitani has used her Tool Mana Egg toward her party's challenge, Who Put A Bench Up There. DG: Kamui has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Who Put A Bench Up There.
============================<* Macalania Woods *>=============================
==================<* CHALLENGE - Who Put A Bench Up There *>==================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Brute |Challenge Rating: 3 |
--------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------
It's a tough hike through the woods, with the path winding this way and
that, rising up and into the trees, or down again to the forest floor. And
that's not even taking into account the issue of the Fiends. So perhaps the
sight of a comfortable-looking bench might be a welcoming one.
...Perhaps a little less so for the fact that it is perched up on a loft in
a tree, with no visible easy way to ascend to it. If you want to take a load
off -- and not risk, say, disturbing a nest of ants down here -- you'll have
to get up there first.
=Dungeon Conditions: Save Point===============================================
=======================<* Macalania Woods - Round 2 *>======================== ====================< Results - Who Put A Bench Up There >==================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Seraph Clarine 0 --(15)--> 15 Fail Force 0 Brute Effects: BASIC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kamui 0 --(15)--> 15 Fail Force 0 Brute Effects: BASIC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Acacia Saitani 0 --(15)--> 15 Fail Mana Egg 2 Brute Effects: Stalwart ----------------------------------< Party >----------------------------------- Leader: Seraph Clarine 20 --(10)--> 30 Fail Conditions: Save Point(1) Effects: ==============================< Dream Chasers >===============================
DG: The party led by Seraph Clarine has failed this challenge! The party gained 10 exploration! If anyone needs to use party management commands, do so now. Otherwise, the next round's GM may begin the next round with +dungeon/draw.
<Pose Tracker> Kamui has posed.
Clarine decides she shouldn't mirror her way up and leave Kamui and Acacia alone. Acacia opts for a wind-based solution that--
Somehow! Perhaps because a Weapon Energy Pellet is being used! The wind really picks up and--
*PEWW*
"... ... ..."
Kamui stares as their bench slidewhistles somewhere deeper into the forest. "We have a new mission objective! Find our Bench!!"
She starts running, but then holds her stomach.
"Kamui's tummy doesn't feel good..."
That's why you don't eat things you found off the ground, Kamui...
DG: Acacia Saitani has drawn a new Challenge.
============================<* Macalania Woods *>=============================
=====================<* CHALLENGE - An Intrusive Glaze *>=====================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Brute |Challenge Rating: 1 |
--------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------
The Macalania Woods are close to the colder portion of the Spira
subcontinent; while the forest itself maintains a largely temperate climate,
during dips in the temperature sometimes the woods see a chill set in.
In this case -- with a small wall of ice half-covering the path you were
aiming to take between the crystalline trees -- it seems like the
temperature must have dropped recently while a precipitation event was
taking place or... something. Climbing over it might be reasonably attempted
but there's always the risk of slipping -- it would be a lot easier to just
break or melt it.
=Dungeon Conditions: Hesitate=================================================
<Pose Tracker> Acacia Saitani has posed.
"--ah--" blurts Acacia, as the bench goes sailing off the path and somewhere below, and the three of them are left staring at it for a moment. Perhaps something like this should be expected, because she is something of a wild caster rather than a learned one, but at least she has the grace to look chagrined as Kamui blurts out that their mission parameters have changed. "S-sorry..."
Drawing in a breath and picking herself back up, she squints as she tracks a path amongst the glowing lines. Left, and then right... "I think we can get down in that direction. Come on," she adds, pausing to pat Kamui on the head as part apology and part commiseration. "But let me know if it gets worse, okay? No sense in running around out here if you're not feeling well. The bench'll keep."
Picking her way down in that direction, it isn't long before another obstacle shows up - a large ice structure has formed across the path, and while it isn't particularly large, Acacia doesn't like the idea of anything slippery nearby, especially with the lack of any handholds or barriers on the sides. She's not the one who can fly, after all, and so she stops dead well in advance.
"... I don't suppose you can focus a bunch of lights on it? Like setting paper on fire with a magnifying glass?" she wonders, accidentally revealing a bit of her childhood as she worries over whether to use her Mana Egg again. The first time didn't exactly work out, but... it's not like Macalania Woods has a whole lot of sunlight to focus, and so she sighs.
"Okay, well, maybe just stand back a bit," she suggests instead, and furrows her brow. Rather than draw her pistol, her hands start to pulse with a light red glow - then she kneels and thrusts a punch at the light path, sending a gout of flame forwards.
DG: Acacia Saitani has used her Tool Mana Egg toward her party's challenge, An Intrusive Glaze.
<Pose Tracker> Kamui has posed.
Kamui is in a pinch...!
But Kamui sees Nob and exclaims loudly, "Nob!! Nob, you've come to save us!" ... or is this Marivel's doing? Putting the forbidden Al Bhed Machina of Resting up on a high place Kamui can't climb to...
"... it's okay, Master, I'll bear it! After all, my Weapon Energy just got refilled!"
N [||||||||||||||| ]
With Nob seated on her shoulder, Kamui does look a bit happier, tummyache or not. But there's a daunted expression as she looks towards the sheet of ice that's formed over them...
"Mmmh... I'm really being challenged here--"
Kamui flings herself towards the ice sheet to try to climb off off it.
She glides off again, like last time.
"They really know how to stop me from wall climbing!!" She looks like she's about to cry...
DG: Kamui has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward her party's challenge, An Intrusive Glaze.
<Pose Tracker> Seraph Clarine has posed.
"O-oh, I see..." Clarine murmurs to Acacia in regard to trees, but then blinks and shakes her head as she asks whether this was what she meant.
"I have no idea...I did not see this last time..." She explains. She seems a little confused about this situation, herself.
In the end, though, the bench is sent rocketing deeper into the forest. Clarine blinks, her head tilting to the side in confusion.
"I was unaware they were capable of moving with such haste..." She remarks, dumbfounded, but then nods. "...Understood!"
She, too, pauses when Kamui remarks on her stomach, though.
"Ah...! Yes - there is courage even in retreat! Your health is more important!" Clarine says with a nod as they start to move forward.
There's a large wall of ice in their way - this, too, seems to be completely new to her.
"...I believe I can try!" She says. Once more, with a gesture the mirrors unfurl from her sleeves. She focuses, and after the brief glimmer of a Seraphic glyph beneath her feet...a beam of light is sent bouncing toward one of those mirrors. It reflects off of one and into another...and another, and another, until finally it is directed into the wall, with the aim of melting it down. But even so, Clarine can't help but cheer Kamui on as she tries to wall climb.
"I-I believe in you, Kamui...!" She calls out.
DG: Seraph Clarine has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward her party's challenge, An Intrusive Glaze.
============================<* Macalania Woods *>=============================
=====================<* CHALLENGE - An Intrusive Glaze *>=====================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Brute |Challenge Rating: 1 |
--------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------
The Macalania Woods are close to the colder portion of the Spira
subcontinent; while the forest itself maintains a largely temperate climate,
during dips in the temperature sometimes the woods see a chill set in.
In this case -- with a small wall of ice half-covering the path you were
aiming to take between the crystalline trees -- it seems like the
temperature must have dropped recently while a precipitation event was
taking place or... something. Climbing over it might be reasonably attempted
but there's always the risk of slipping -- it would be a lot easier to just
break or melt it.
=Dungeon Conditions: Hesitate=================================================
=======================<* Macalania Woods - Round 3 *>======================== =======================< Results - An Intrusive Glaze >======================= Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Seraph Clarine 15 --(0)--> 15 Fail Force 0 Brute Effects: BASIC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kamui 15 --(0)--> 15 Fail Force 0 Brute Effects: BASIC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Acacia Saitani 15 --(0)--> 15 Pass Mana Egg 2 Brute Effects: Stalwart ----------------------------------< Party >----------------------------------- Leader: Seraph Clarine 30 --(20)--> 50 Pass Conditions: Hesitate(2) Effects: ==============================< Dream Chasers >===============================
DG: The party led by Seraph Clarine has passed this challenge! The party gained 20 exploration! If anyone needs to use party management commands, do so now. Otherwise, the next round's GM may begin the next round with +dungeon/draw.
<Pose Tracker> Marivel Armitage has posed.
Nob settles down on Kamui's shoulder and lazily leans against the side of her head. It chirps back at Kamui enthusiastically which might be some sign of affirmation.
Marivel doesn't seem to be in sight. This is just a lazy robot that wants to nob around being lazy. That's why it's named Nob.
When Kamui looks like she might start CRYING though, Nob bobs around Kamui's head and then from side to side as if to try and cheer her on before flopping back down on her shoulder and looking droopy from all this super incredible effort.
"chrrrp."
<Pose Tracker> Acacia Saitani has posed.
Be that as it may, Acacia still has the capacity to be skeptical of little round adorable robots. Such are the trials of being an investigative reporter. Sometimes, you have to suspect the cute ones. Besides, she's absolutely certain that Marivel would shove a bench in a tree to give Kamui a better view.
The reporter can't help but chuckle when Kamui slides down to the ground once more, holding off on her punch until the Reploid can get safely clear. "I mean, it's ice," she agrees, but then puts on a wry smile. "After this, we'll go back to the waystation and you can clamber up it again. It's not like everything's going to be blocking you, after all."
The redhead looks mildly impressed at the mental gymnastics involved to come up with a combination of reflections that long, and smirks as the light hits the ice... but it quickly becomes clear that for all the good it's doing, it's still a lot of ice, keeping the surrounding temperature significantly cold. Something a little more flash-fire might be needed...
... and actually seems to work. Once again, Acacia's kind of misjudged her own power, and the rolling wave is rather larger than she intended. On the other hand, it's not like a path of mystical light can actually burn - so the flames are free to race over the intervening space, melting down the floe until all that's left is a puddle slowly dripping off the sides of the bridge.
She looks as surprised as anyone that her plan actually worked, and then plants her hands on her hips to try to carry her confidence with a grin. "Well, let's keep going."
DG: Seraph Clarine has drawn a new Challenge.
============================<* Macalania Woods *>=============================
=====================<* CHALLENGE - Many Blinkenlights *>=====================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Wits |Challenge Rating: 1 |
--------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------
Simply put, Macalania Woods looks like something out of a dream. The trees
themselves, already twisted into unearthly shapes, appear to sparkle, and
the air itself seems to swirl with a shimmer of light.
In particular there is a glimmer shining in the air not far from where you
stand now that seems to be somewhat stationary -- and it isn't the only one.
But is this a waypost of some sort, or is it really only a trick of the
light?
=Dungeon Conditions: Reckless=================================================
<Pose Tracker> Seraph Clarine has posed.
Clarine looks a little disappointed that her light trick doesn't work...but it doesn't last long as Acacia succeeds in opening the way.
"Oh, good work!" Clarine says as the wave of flame melts the way forward. Clarine steps through cautiously, deciding to take the lead this time. The pathway they've found leads them even deeper into the woods.
Though already gleaming, a thin coating of ice has only helped to intensify the brilliance of the trees. Even the slightest bit of light will reflect off of them, causing them to light up. Which leads to the question - are the lights ahead of them trees marking the pathway, or a trick to lead them astray?
Clarine fidgets a little. That thought certainly occurs to her, and it brings to mind things she'd rather not think about. So she takes her mind off of it by drawing out a sphere of pure, clear crystal from her sleeves.
"I will guide our way...try not to stray too far from me..." Clarine suggests. She focuses power into the sphere and lets it go. It floats a little ahead of her, letting off some light of its own - light that dispels falsehoods and uncovers truths. It should help clear away some of the uncertainty ahead of them.
DG: Seraph Clarine has used her Tool Brilliant Sphere toward her party's challenge, Many Blinkenlights.
<Pose Tracker> Kamui has posed.
Kamui was looking rather terribly daunted, and even moreso when Clarine's trick of light fails. She pumps her hands and whines, "W-what do we do...?" but Acacia is there to their rescue with a gout of fire that blasts the ice away.
Acacia is also cheering her up as she sucks in a breath and nods towards the reporter as she promises her many opportunities to go hop up and climb over other walls...
Clarine suggests she'll lead, which-- well, it's best that she does. "Okay!"
A little orb of brilliant light appears in front of them... then Clarine perks up again as she beams and says, "Clarine, Clarine. Remember what I said about how... the Picto Box captures a reflection of light?"
She holds the camera up and points it towards the orb. There's a 'whirrr' as it charges up and--
SNAPP!
"Truth be shown! Evil spirits begone!"
...
...
Kamui's camera seems to be as much an evil ghost-banishing device as it is a camera... curious...
DG: Kamui has used her Tool Picto Obscura toward her party's challenge, Many Blinkenlights.
<Pose Tracker> Acacia Saitani has posed.
No sooner has Acacia valiantly stridden forwards than she nearly slips on what remains of the ice water; she has a moment where she pinwheels her arms, then clings to the nearest tree branch as she makes sure of her feet. "... haah..." she sighs, realizing in her panic she's let herself get a little sidetracked, losing track of their path down after the heart of the Woods... or their lost bench.
"Right," she admits after a moment, nodding towards Clarine. Encouraging the Seraph aside, there's also just the simple fact that Acacia's not really much of a woods person in general, more at home in cities and urban areas. Not that she dislikes the walk, or dislikes Macalania - she's just not as good at navigating in more natural areas.
"Are they... fireflies?" she wonders of the sparkling lights, and then furrows her brow. It's just as likely that they're pyreflies, after all, especially here on Spira. Clarine suggests following her - and given that they're in her element, Acacia is more than happy to oblige, watching as Kamui gives the Picto Box a whirl.
A thought strikes her - and she cuts in to Kamui's declaration. "Wait, wait, what about that 'capture' part? We could make a bunch of torches for ourselves--" she starts to suggest, always on the lookout for a good idea to save money - and then pauses as she feels distinctly guilty, the immediate second-guess of 'maybe we shouldn't mess with the souls of the dead' rather sharply cutting that thought off.
DG: Acacia Saitani has used her Tool Thrifty Drifty toward her party's challenge, Many Blinkenlights.
============================<* Macalania Woods *>=============================
=====================<* CHALLENGE - Many Blinkenlights *>=====================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Wits |Challenge Rating: 1 |
--------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------
Simply put, Macalania Woods looks like something out of a dream. The trees
themselves, already twisted into unearthly shapes, appear to sparkle, and
the air itself seems to swirl with a shimmer of light.
In particular there is a glimmer shining in the air not far from where you
stand now that seems to be somewhat stationary -- and it isn't the only one.
But is this a waypost of some sort, or is it really only a trick of the
light?
=Dungeon Conditions: Reckless=================================================
=======================<* Macalania Woods - Round 4 *>======================== =======================< Results - Many Blinkenlights >======================= Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Seraph Clarine 15 --(0)--> 15 Pass Brilliant Sphere 2 Wits Effects: Enlighten ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kamui 15 --(0)--> 15 Pass Picto Obscura 3 Wits Effects: Rally ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Acacia Saitani 15 --(0)--> 15 Pass Thrifty Drifty 2 Wits Effects: Enlighten ----------------------------------< Party >----------------------------------- Leader: Seraph Clarine 50 --(20)--> 70 Pass Conditions: Hesitate(1)|Reckless(2) Effects: Enlighten(1) ==============================< Dream Chasers >===============================
DG: The party led by Seraph Clarine has passed this challenge! The party gained 20 exploration! If anyone needs to use party management commands, do so now. Otherwise, the next round's GM may begin the next round with +dungeon/draw.
<Pose Tracker> Seraph Clarine has posed.
It does give Clarine a bit of confidence, that they both so easily agree to letting her take the lead. She pauses, though, as Kamui gets her attention.
"...Ah, I recall that, yes." Clarine replies with a nod, and then watches curiously as Kamui brings out the Picto Box. Clarine gets what she's going for just as Kamui snaps that picture.
"Oh...!" She says with a gasp of acknowledgment. The flash of the camera captures the reflection of Clarine's sphere...and in doing so, it projects the powers of the device over a wider area. Several of the mystifying lights ahead vanish under the camera's power - and Kamui gets a pretty cool picture out of it, too.
Clarine looks toward Acacia then, for a moment, watching her quietly as she starts to make a suggestion. There's a hidden meaning to that stare...but somehow, Clarine looks satisfied and nods to herself when Acacia seems to think better of the idea.
From here on out, though, navigation will be so much easier for all of them - but where will the path lead...?
DG: Kamui has drawn a new Challenge.
============================<* Macalania Woods *>=============================
===================<* CHALLENGE - Winter Is Already Here *>===================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Agility |Challenge Rating: 2 |
--------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------
The temperature in the forest is usually steady, usually warmer than the
nearby lake (though cooler than the Thunder Plains). But there are
exceptions, and at times, the cold cannot be denied entry.
Snow, and more critically ice, have slicked the path ahead thanks to a
recent dip in temperatures; a light step will need to be taken to avoid an
unfortunate fall.
=Dungeon Conditions: Hesitate, Injure=========================================
<Pose Tracker> Kamui has posed.
"Someday I'll... find a camera that you'll really like, Clarine. And then I'll tidy it up and then gift it to you!" Kamui expresses with mirth, thinking that it might make for a nice memento. The way the device reports what the light tells it seems really appropriate, after all...
But they have another challenge ahead of them -- where it was a sheet of ice in the form of wall, now, there exists a sheet of ice on the floor.
"Hmm... Clarine, can you hide inside the pendant for a bit? I have an idea."
She reaches out for Acacia and says, "Let's fly. Master! Hover!"
She leaps to the air and the Fourth Parts erupt in a soft stream of light-blue flame at its soles; held aloft, she gestures for the other two to just bypass the ice through... well. It's not quite flight. It's just hovering.
... it might run out midway ...
DG: Kamui has used her Tool Lumen Armour - Foot Parts toward her party's challenge, Winter Is Already Here.
<Pose Tracker> Seraph Clarine has posed.
Kamui says she'll find a camera that she likes someday and Clarine smiles, nodding.
"I look forward to that day! It would be nice to go out and take pictures together someday..." Clarine replies. With how much she seemed to enjoy finding scenic places to just look over, it seemed like it would be right up her alley. But then, Kamui makes her suggestion as they come across an ice-slicked path.
"Oh! I can do that...but first!" Clarine reaches into her sleeves, drawing out a series of prisms. At her urging, they float out above the ice. She takes aim and sends a pulse of light magic through them. The light refracts into a series of shimmering rainbow platforms formed of solid light just above each of the prisms, giving Kamui a surface to land on and take a break if necessary - perhaps to replenish some manner of invisible flight timer.
With her task done Clarine shrinks into a ball of light which is then quickly drawn back into the safety of her vessel - a sign of the trust she showed the both of them, to leave her safety in their hands.
DG: Seraph Clarine has used her Tool Prismatic Projector toward her party's challenge, Winter Is Already Here.
<Pose Tracker> Acacia Saitani has posed.
Acacia isn't about to say it out loud, but she's certainly got a solid sense of the level of Clarine's Auntie Power from her stare. Instead she huffs softly, planting a hand on her hip as their path is left much clearer. "You should hang onto that photo," she suggests to Kamui after a thoughtful moment. "I think you've basically made yourself a map."
She shivers a little as they walk along further, frowning again as she glances at the air. "... I wonder if Spira's got seasons. It must do, right? But it's kind of hard to imagine Spira in winter, at least when it comes to Kilika and Luca," she chats peacefully, but her point is kind of driven home when they turn the corner and see another expanse of ice waiting for them.
She's already reaching for her jacket when Kamui pipes up, offering her the chance to fly; her eyebrows hitch upwards in surprise, and then she hesitates before reaching up to hold onto Kamui. ... to be honest, that's the hard part - she's a bit taller than the Reploid, and it kind of feels a little awkward to be perched on her, like she should be the one carrying Kamui instead. "Are-- you sure about this? I'm not heavy, right?" she grumbles.
She'd never admit it, but she's kind of impressed in a 'kyaa' sort of fashion...
With Kamui the one to fly, she ends up being the one to carefully hold onto Clarine's vessel, knowing well enough to keep it held securely in her-- in her-- wait. "I'm flattered and all," she huffs at the gemstone. "But can't you fly anyway?"
DG: Acacia Saitani has contributed a Agility Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Winter Is Already Here.
============================<* Macalania Woods *>=============================
===================<* CHALLENGE - Winter Is Already Here *>===================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Agility |Challenge Rating: 2 |
--------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------
The temperature in the forest is usually steady, usually warmer than the
nearby lake (though cooler than the Thunder Plains). But there are
exceptions, and at times, the cold cannot be denied entry.
Snow, and more critically ice, have slicked the path ahead thanks to a
recent dip in temperatures; a light step will need to be taken to avoid an
unfortunate fall.
=Dungeon Conditions: Hesitate, Injure=========================================
=======================<* Macalania Woods - Round 5 *>======================== =====================< Results - Winter Is Already Here >===================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Seraph Clarine 15 --(0)--> 15 Pass Prismatic Projector 1 Agility Effects: Fanfare and Quicken ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kamui 15 --(0)--> 15 Pass Lumen Armour - Foot Parts 2 Agility Effects: Stalwart ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Acacia Saitani 15 --(0)--> 15 Pass Rush 0 Agility Effects: BASIC ----------------------------------< Party >----------------------------------- Leader: Seraph Clarine 70 --(20)--> 90 Pass Conditions: Hesitate(2)|Injure(2)|Reckless(1) Effects: Quicken(1) ==============================< Dream Chasers >===============================
DG: The party led by Seraph Clarine has passed this challenge! The party gained 20 exploration! If anyone needs to use party management commands, do so now. Otherwise, the next round's GM may begin the next round with +dungeon/draw.
<Pose Tracker> Kamui has posed.
"It's a promise..." Kamui nods to Clarine, though she looks towards the prisms and lights up when she sees her creating that rainbow platform as she says, "That's amazing...! I want to be able to do that someday..."
But in turn, Clarine shrinks into a ball and disappears in her vessel, giggling. "Hehe. Since you're giving me a break, I'll let you take a break too, Clarine...!"
She nods to Acacia as she looks to the photo and hands it to her. "Master is better at deciphering maps...!"
... it's not untrue, given how Kamui still gets lost in Meria Boule...
"I heard about holy Mt. Gagazet from several Ronsos. It's winter all the time up there, because of how high up it is...!" Kamui shares with Acacia.
She doesn't seem to have a problem carrying Acacia, though. Reploid strength is what it is, tiny as she is. "You're not heavy, Master!"
Hover hover hover...
Can't you fly anyway?
"... really??"
DG: Acacia Saitani has drawn a new Challenge.
============================<* Macalania Woods *>=============================
====================<* CHALLENGE - Spherimorph Showdown *>====================
|Type: Final |Dungeon Ability: Combat |Challenge Rating: 3 |
--------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------
You arrive, at last, at what seems to be the heart of the forest, a gnarled
tree standing atop a deep pool. According to the locals, the water taken
from here is sometimes used to make spheres. Certainly it is clear enough --
and in contact with sufficient Pyreflies -- to be of most excellent quality.
But while the water is a treasured resource, it is also a danger.
The same force that allows one to make spheres can sometimes result in the
formation of a Fiend.
The pool bubbles at your approach. Arising slowly from the water, there soon
floats a massive sphere of Macalania water, a type of Fiend called a
Spherimorph. With its mighty magic and amorphous weakpoint-free form, it
promises to be fearsome foe.
But you didn't come all this way to run now, did you?
=Dungeon Conditions: Injure, Suffer===========================================
<Pose Tracker> Acacia Saitani has posed.
The reporter carefully tugs a little folder out of one pocket of her vest, accepting the photo from Kamui to place it carefully inside. It's actually a pretty nice thing - leather-bound and stiff enough to keep the photos safe, something she bought a while back when she decided it was worth preserving some of Kamui's memories in film.
"Sure, but we're still low down here. I know there's not a whole lot of sunlight or anything, but-- ah, well. When's the last time I saw snow, anyways?" she wonders thoughtfully to herself, then grins at Kamui as the Reploid carries her along. "You'll have to watch out once winter comes along, or the kids will build you into a snowman."
Kamui gets another pat for saying Acacia's not heavy. ... she can be flattered, okay.
"I'm pretty sure she can," she adds, about to indict Clarine - but the Seraph is saved by the vista that awaits them as they round the next corner. Not only does the ice end, but so does the path, angling down towards ground level to meet the edge of a wide clearing that opens up at one end onto a shimmering pool.
It's not the most appropriate thing to do in this situation, but Acacia whistles anyway, her eyebrows raised high. "This is really nice," she admits as she steps off Kamui and up to the glass-like surface of the water. Careful not to disturb it as she leans over, she watches her reflection in the water as it drifts and lifts and--
--rears up at her?
"Woah!" she blurts as she scrambles backwards and onto her backside, a kick against some earth pushing her away from the amorphous blob that's just lifted out of the pool. Instinctively, that crackle of electricity fires at her fists as she starts to concentrate, but the sperimorph answers her with a wholly unexpected bolt of flame, leaving her rolling in an attempt to put her suddenly smouldering vest out. "Kamui, ice if you've got any! Then watch for it to change!" she calls.
DG: Acacia Saitani has used her Tool Trusty Friends toward her party's challenge, Spherimorph Showdown.
<Pose Tracker> Seraph Clarine has posed.
That satisfied look lingers for a little while, but she isn't about to elaborate. Instead, she considers Acacia's question.
"I suppose it must..." Clarine considers. She hadn't thought too much about it herself - but it made sense, even if the general tropical air made it hard to imagine.
Within the safety of her vessel, she doesn't really have to do much but be along for the ride...which gives Acacia the perfect opportunity to make an observation. The gemstone shimmers faintly in what is perhaps the closest approximation it can make to a sweatdrop.
"W-well...you seemed so proud of your idea..." She admits, deciding it's best to come clean. "...B-but, yes...it is true."
It's more of a lazy float than the sort of high-speed flight one would expect from a Wind Seraph or something along those lines, but the fact remains.
But, finally, they're at the destination.
"This...this is what I wanted to show the both of you. It is truly lovely, is it not...?" Clarine replies. She sounds proud of it...but then, the water forms into a Fiend and attacks!
"B-but...I thought we defeated it..." Clarine whines, distraught. It seems like this is the sort of Fiend that just keeps coming back. But, with a sigh, she decides she's not about to leave them to fight alone.
"I shall support you!" She says. With a flash she leaps out from within the vessel...but it's only a moment later that she vanishes, concealing herself beneath the Lightbending Veil so that she can safely cast.
"Field Barrier!" She calls out. Blue light erupts out from her position, washing over Acacia and Kamui both to protect them from the Spherimorph's counter attacks.
DG: Seraph Clarine has used her Tool Lightbending Veil toward her party's challenge, Spherimorph Showdown.
<Pose Tracker> Kamui has posed.
"Did Master ever see snow with me...? I guess not yet... but..." Kamui pauses. "That sounds nice, one day. Or does this count, in its own way?"
She would rather like a powdery snow experience where they can make snow angels and snowboard and have lots of fun...
But--
"...!"
/
_ _ _ _____ _____ __ _ _ __ _ ____ /
| | | /_____\ |_____| |\ | | |\ | / / ___
| | | | | | \ | \ | | | \ | | --*----
\_/ \_/ | | | | | \| | | \| \___/ \
___________________________________________ / \
/
Kamui jolts back as the water rears up at Acacia, and she leaps out of the way of danger as she whines:
"No fair! There was no Guarder Room!! That's against the law!"
... which law, exactly? It's not clear, but what's clear is that Kamui seems to expect two doors before a boss encounter.
So instead of using ice, she stomps up with a grump inbetween Acacia's electricity, protected by the barrier.
She whips out...
(BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS7irscxVx0 )
The reporter's badge.
"Press! We're here because we have some questions for you, Mister Fiend!"
She snaps her fingers and somehow the camera revolves to where she's taken a seat -- and Acacia is playing bad cop?? next to her -- and the Spherimorph has been relegated to being on the other side of the table.
A spotlight beams over it.
"Let's get to know you, Mister Spherimorph... and your weaknesses!"
DG: Kamui has used her Tool Reporter's Badge toward her party's challenge, Spherimorph Showdown.
============================<* Macalania Woods *>=============================
====================<* CHALLENGE - Spherimorph Showdown *>====================
|Type: Final |Dungeon Ability: Combat |Challenge Rating: 3 |
--------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------
You arrive, at last, at what seems to be the heart of the forest, a gnarled
tree standing atop a deep pool. According to the locals, the water taken
from here is sometimes used to make spheres. Certainly it is clear enough --
and in contact with sufficient Pyreflies -- to be of most excellent quality.
But while the water is a treasured resource, it is also a danger.
The same force that allows one to make spheres can sometimes result in the
formation of a Fiend.
The pool bubbles at your approach. Arising slowly from the water, there soon
floats a massive sphere of Macalania water, a type of Fiend called a
Spherimorph. With its mighty magic and amorphous weakpoint-free form, it
promises to be fearsome foe.
But you didn't come all this way to run now, did you?
=Dungeon Conditions: Injure, Suffer===========================================
=======================<* Macalania Woods - Round 6 *>======================== ======================< Results - Spherimorph Showdown >====================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Seraph Clarine 15 --(0)--> 15 Pass Lightbending Veil 2 Combat Effects: Stalwart ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kamui 15 --(0)--> 15 Pass Reporter's Badge 4 Combat Effects: Efficient and Rally ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Acacia Saitani 15 --(0)--> 15 Fail Trusty Friends 1 Combat Effects: Cleanse ----------------------------------< Party >----------------------------------- Leader: Seraph Clarine 90 --(30)--> 120 Pass Conditions: Hesitate(1)|Injure(2)|Suffer(1) Effects: Cleanse ==============================< Dream Chasers >===============================
DG: You have overcome the dungeon's trials! This run is a success! DG: The party led by Seraph Clarine has successfully explored Macalania Woods!
============================<* Macalania Woods *>=============================
===================<* CHALLENGE - Random Axe Of Violence *>===================
|Type: Discovery |Dungeon Ability: Conclusion|Challenge Rating: 1 |
--------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------
Felled in a deluge of water, a stream of Pyreflies flitting for the light
pinpricking through the canopy, the Spherimorph is quelled. Today, you have
been victorious.
It's in the aftermath of the battle that you sight something peculiar in the
grove. In particular, you spot an axe wedged into the trunk of the
centermost tree. Removing it is a simple matter -- it slides free from the
trunk easily.
But this is no ordinary axe -- in the semi-darkness of the grove, you can
see that it shines with a similar soft luminescence as the spring and forest
itself, suggesting it has a particular elemental affinity. And its blade
seems quite sharp, despite the shaft showing signs of age.
Did it gain some sort of enchantment from being left here...?
=Dungeon Conditions: Vault====================================================
<Pose Tracker> Acacia Saitani has posed.
As the poor spherimorph is pressganged into the Press Room, Acacia spins her chair around to face the gelatinous creature, slowly adjusts where Clarine is stood and facing so that she's shining more light right on the poor creature, and then leans forward until her elbows are resting on the table in front of her.
"But you see, we already know your weaknesses. You're giving everything away the moment you do anything. Playing like your hand's already on the table in front of you," she rumbles out, one of the cinnamon sticks she still has stashed in her bag between her teeth - at least until she stubs it in an ashtray. "You don't have to say a thing, and we can beat you."
The spherimorph looks chagrined, sinking a little in its chair; Acacia capitalizes, rising from her own to pace around the table. "See, we know someone's been littering all around this area. And I know that Spherimorphs tend to pick up things they think are food, letting anything else roll around inside them until they just... fall out."
There's a long pause, and then she grins with a dangerous gleam in her eye. "Doesn't that sound familiar? 'Littering'? 'Things falling out of you'? We've got you bang to rights. All you we need is for you to squeal."
* * *
Acacis lifts up to her feet, patting down her jacket. She's not entirely sure what made the creature squeal and then flee through the foliage and out of sight, but there's a distinct feeling in the back of her hand that tells her that if she knew, Yue would probably never let her live it down.
"... well... at least we sorted that out," she puffs, planting a hand on her hips again as she checks the pair over. "And y'know, I think that was our litterer - sort of. Case in point," she adds as she spots a metallic glint from the trunk of the tree. Buried between two low boughs, she grasps for the axe's haft and braces, straining with effort and working it from side to side until she stumbles backwards, the dislodged axe in her hands. "Looks like that's the last of it."
<Pose Tracker> Kamui has posed.
"I couldn't believe it. In the end, it was ol' Spherimorph! And it couldn't help but roll around and pick things up and litter in its path... but we wet the record straight!" Kamui is trying to pretend that she's some kind of detective with a long coat (she doesn't have one) and a cigarette (she doesn't have one) and a ceiling fan is lazily turning above (it doesn't exist).
A pause, as she bobs and looks and glances to the axe.
"... Treasure! We found the Treasure of Macalania Forest!" Kamui chimes brightly. She blinks a few times, as her camera-eye scans. "Master, there's an enchantment on this axe! It's..."
A pause.
"Wood-elemental! Because of course, a wood cutting axe would be Wood-elemental, right?! Or... if it cuts wood, does that mean it has to be Fire? But then a fireman's axe is good for firefighting, so that's Aqua... huh...??"
...
...
Kamui is short circuiting...
<Pose Tracker> Seraph Clarine has posed.
From her position, Clarine gives a thumbs-up and lets the pros do the talking. She seems quite proud of the role she's landed here. And when Acacia's makes her accusation...Clarine lets out a gasp of surprise!!
And thus, the Spherimorph flees - and the mystery of the Macalania Litterer is solved!
"I would never have guessed either... All this time, I believed some human was responsible... I feel a little bad about that now..." Clarine murmurs...and then cheers up, chuckling a little at Kamui's jokes and detective act. "But, I am glad we got to the bottom of it. And found this wonderful place again..."
At this point, Acacia finds something - a rather old looking axe. Clarine blinks, stares at it, and let's out a slow 'ohh' of awe.
"That weapon...it appears to have the power of-" Clarine pauses as Kamui puts forth her own explanation, giving her a brief pat as she ends up running around in mental circles. "...Ah, I believe it might have become infused with Macalania's own light..."
She smiles, then, looking back at Acacia.
"Perhaps you should hold onto it...? It may be of use someday..." She suggests.