Chapter 50: Rewards and Insights

It wasn’t a moment after the Guardian hit the floor that Kat and Ann were beside Rosalyn.

“You sure she’s good?” Ann asked, fretting over the Druid, hands gently rubbing her shoulders.

“Yes, yes. Again, she is simply unconscious,” Bren consoled the worried wolf. “She should come around soon. Please, give her some space. A nervous one like her could very well pass out again the moment she awakes to you two crowding her.”

“Damnit, you’re right,” Ann grumbled, forcing herself to withdraw. “Kat, you doing all right? You got hit real hard at the start there.”

“Aye. Shoulder’s still a bit numb, but I’ll live,” Kat said, rolling her shield shoulder. “Been a long time since somethin’ sent me flyin’ through Stand Yer Ground. I gotta ask, though. The feck was wit’ ye? Never seen ya so pissed off at somethin’.”

“Oh, yeah, that. Well, the head of that thing was an animal I remember. Native to where I’m from, actually. A Canadian Goose. Those things came up to about mid thigh on me, flew around in flocks, and would fight just about anything that got close to them.”

“They sound terrible. Are you certain Warped did not exist during your time?” Bren joked.

“If they did, those things would fit right in. To be clear, though, they were just birds. Big birds, but birds. None of that weird turtle shit. Anyway, oh, hey there, sweetheart,” Ann cut herself off as Rosalyn’s hazel eyes fluttered open.

“Mmm, my head hurts. Are we ok? This isn’t the afterlife, is it? Oh, if it is, you’d have fewer clothes on, and so would I and just a lot less light and pain. Owowow,” Rosalyn moaned as she sat up, cradling her face.

“You got hit real ‘ard there, lass,” Kat murmured, supporting the girl’s back. “Take it slow. Ann was tellin’ us about the Warped and why it got her bollocks in a twist.”

“Oh, ok,” Rosalyn nodded, cringing at the movement, before falling quiet to listen.

“Like I was saying,” Ann continued. “I was a kid out for a walk with my parents. We had a lake about thirty minutes from our house we’d visit now and then. Well, I’d always thought the geese were pretty, being all black and white like that. I wandered away from mom and dad and went to go say hi and pet them. That’s when I found out that they’re mean, and that they hiss. Three of the things charged me, their wings all spread out and hissing. They started pecking at me, hitting me with their wings. I was screaming and crying and curled up on the grass before dad got over and beat them off of me. Been terrified of birds since, but especially them.”

“That’s horrible,” Rosalyn murmured woozily, reaching a hand out to pat Ann’s arm.

“Yeah, well, it’s definitely a core memory. That’s for sure. Not sure how that’s gonna work with any Avians I meet, but hopefully the human parts outweigh the bird parts,” Ann sighed, leaning into Rosalyn’s touch.

“What’re we gonna call tha’ thing?” Kat asked, looking back at the corpse. “Goose an’ turtle. Gurtle sounds like it’s a body part. Toose? Nae, not tha’.”

“Could we just settle with dead?” Rosalyn asked. “To be honest, I’m not coming up with anything better than Gurtle myself.”

“Yeah. Just the Guardian Gurtle,” Ann laughed. “Gods, that honking was ridiculous. If I wasn’t so mad, I’d be falling over laughing.”

“And the way it looked at you,” Bren chuckled. “Every time you spoke to it, it seemed confused. Like it knew you were talking to it, but was not certain why you would be.”

“Yeah, I noticed that too. Nothing else has really reacted like that, though we didn’t do a lot of talking to the Croaking Oak or the Snail. Could it have been smarter or something?”

“It is possible. There are records and reports of more intelligent Warped out there,” Bren advised. “Raving mad, the lot, but a few records of conversations have been had. Usually, it comes from the more human creatures, owing to their vocal cords being capable of speech. Usually, however, those encounters end up with someone dead after growing overly trusting of the creature.”

“Weird. Well, not like we can actually ask it anything. Seeing as it’s, ya know, dead,” Ann sighed. “Makes me want to talk to those other ones. How humanoid we talking? I think the Snail is the closest thing to a humanoid I’ve seen.”

“Some can be fairly convincing,” Bren explained. “It all depends on the Warped. I can dig up some records for you later.”

“For now, can we just be quiet?” Rosalyn pleaded, wincing again. “Sorry, but the noise hurts.”

“Here, let me help,” Bren whispered, magic glowing over the woman.

After a couple minutes, Rosalyn sat up, clearly feeling better. “Thanks, Bren. I just, wow, that took a lot out of me. Never had my bell rung like that. Lucky I didn’t chip a horn,” she giggled, rubbing her horns just to make sure. “Oh, and yeah, oh my gods, that thing was hilarious. What honks like that? What honks like that as its attacking? I was trying so hard not to laugh at it, but it was trying to kill us!” As she spoke, she got up and trudged over to the Gurtle.

“I do wonder something. Ann, Kat, could you help me peel back this hide? We kinda ruined its leg, but I want to see what else is under there. It’s so baggy and loose. Here, help me roll it over,” she instructed.

They eventually, after a bit of effort, with the thing’s shell sliding around on the ice making things difficult, got it on its back. Ann’s blade was fucked, to put it nicely. The tip had snapped off, the edge was chipped, and it looked like it had been beaten by a boulder, which wasn’t far off, to be honest. She looked at it forlornly, before sheathing it again, and just using her claws. Working with Rosalyn and Kat, they peeled back the baggy skin and laid at least the front of the musculature underneath bare.

It was surprisingly human. Ann could make out pectorals, abdominals, obliques. The weird thing was that all the musculature was a grisly grey, probably owing to the black blood. Rosalyn tied up her robes and stepped into the gap they’d pulled, balancing on the slippery muscles easily as she knelt down and prodded with her knife.

“Interesting. See this here, and here?” she jabbed at six distinct slits in the thing’s sides. “I think this is how it worked its magic. Generated the cold out through its sides, then pushed it all out through here. Kinda like bellows at a blacksmith. See these?” she prodded at some other strands of ligaments Ann hadn’t noticed in the gore. “These probably pulled back on the skin when it inflated. Really interesting.” As she spoke, she reached in and plucked at one like the string of a guitar. “Hmm, ok. I’m done,” she chirped as she jumped out of the corpse.

“So, learn anythin’ useful?” Kat asked, cocking an eyebrow at the Druid.

“Nope. At least likely not something that’ll be useful for other Warped, considering how different they are, but this one, for sure. Just all part of seeing cool new things,” Rosalyn said happily, wiping her hands off on the Gurtle’s hide. “So, we looking at the Core next? Considering that’s the whole point of this trip.”

“Ugh, yeah. Also, I’ve got two hours on my Libido left, so we’re going to have to handle that early, Kat,” Ann informed the group. She had a moment of clarity, realizing how weird it was that she was announcing she needed to fuck soon, but brushed it off. “I hope this one doesn’t hurt as much as Estvall’s.”

The Core was set in a room, glowing, black clouds shimmering over its surface like the last one. The room was circular, ice lining it in smooth reflective surfaces that made the light from the core cast trippy patterns over the visitors.

“Yeah, hear it calling again. That song is so strange. So… enticing…” Ann said, speech slowing as she regarded the core.

“’Ere she goes again. Rosalyn, stay back. Bren, ready wit’ some healin’,” Kat instructed as she moved up behind Annita.

Annita, for her part, was lost to the world. That siren song the Cores seemed to emit, that only she could hear, was enchanting. Slowly, she approached the floating orb and reached out to it. The black clouds reacted to her touch once more, surging to her fingers and racing up her arms. Instantly she was screaming in pain as she felt cold tendrils moving through her, and then she was on the ground.

“no…” she heard a faint whisper, so faint she wasn’t sure she’d actually heard it.

Shaking her head, opened her eyes. Kat had caught her, and she was resting with her head in her lap. “Hey there gorgeous,” she mumbled with a sharp toothed grin. “Gotta stop meeting like this.”

“Yeah, she’s fine,” Kat laughed, leaning down to kiss Ann. “Welcome back. Feel anythin’ different?”

“Ugh, I feel violated. Could feel whatever bullshit is on those cores going into me this time. Not pleasant at all,” Ann groaned, sitting up. “Oh, and there’s the notification. Got something new for the Warped thing, and a level from the Guardian, probably.”

“Now that ye mention it, so do I,” Kat said, eyes losing focus for a moment.

“Me too!” Rosalyn cheered.

“I as well,” Bren confirmed.

“Well, seems like we’re actually on the same level, literally,” Ann laughed. “Now, let’s see what the hells my body is going to be able to do this time.”

She summoned the level up window for the Warped class first, the inky black and smoky screen filling a portion of her vision.

Warping Increased!

You have absorbed a tiny portion of the corrupting forces affecting the Seeds of the Gods. This will allow mutability of the flesh. The more you absorb, the stronger the effects will be.

Current Choices Available:

Minor Cosmetic Mutation (2)

At the sacrifice of 5 HP, you may modify the length and or color of your body hair to your choosing. Your eyes may also be altered. You may change the color of your eyes or replace them with that of another creature. These effects will last until the skill is used again.

Follicular Manipulation:

Gain minor control and manipulation of your hair. It may move or shift under your control. Strength is dependent on its length, as well as the health of your hair and fur. Current carry weight: 5 lbs.

“Well, that’s neat at least,” Ann muttered, reading over her skills to the rest of the party.

“Oooh, hair manipulation? That’s interesting. I wonder how that’d feel,” Rosalyn said, fiddling with her own wooly locks. “Would it be like a new arm? A new million arms? But the other option could be cool. Changing your look completely? I guess your face and the rest of your body are stuck, but hair and eyes are a huge change. Wonder why it says Minor, if things are that obvious.”

“Yeah, that’s got me thinking, too. Plus, it took away the natural colour part from the first version of the skill,” Ann said, pondering her screen.

“Ye remember how it felt tae use yer last skill? Can’t imagine what swappin’ yer eyes would be like,” Kat said, grimacing as she pictured the sight.

“Nor can I. The hair manipulation may be useful in multiple situations,” Bren posited. “The issue being, it is limited to the current length, and even if you grew your hair out, it would still possibly get in the way, and any cutting would reduce the usefulness.”

“Yeah. I guess the smart thing for now would be the first option. It looks like it upgrades too, so possibly a building block for other better upgrades? I think I’ll take it,” Ann decided. She mentally focused, and the hazy blackness disappeared in an inky drip.

“Ye feel anything?” Kat asked, looking at Ann intensely.

“Nothing yet. I think it might, wait. Nope, there it is. Ooooh, I don’t like thaaaaat,” Ann groaned as her entire body began to itch. It itched worse than any mosquito bite, chicken pox, or anything else she’d felt. She brought her claws out without thinking and just started scratching everywhere. It itched on her back, and her scalp the most, and she writhed as she tried to soothe the infuriating sensation. “Fuck, this sucks!”

As she scratched, the others watched as her hair began to fall out, and keep falling out. Soon, within a minute, she was completely devoid of hair. Then, the next instant, it began to regrow. The same colour and places it had been before, but brand new, lustrous and healthy. Finally, the growth stopped when it reached the previous length in the various parts of her body, and Ann sat up, panting.

“I fucking hate that,” she gasped, feeling her raw skin ache where she’d gone a bit too far with the instinctive scratching.

“I really hope it’s not that intense every time. That looked super uncomfortable, and super weird,” Rosalyn said quickly, picking up a lock of hair off the ground. “Kinda surprised it has to shed first to grow more in. Maybe this was just a one time thing? C’mon, let’s at least test it. We never tested your Burst of Speed, and we really need to, but I want to see this. Try growing it out more?”

Nodding, Ann focused, thinking about growing her hair out. It was already most of the way down her back so she aimed for around her ankles. Slowly, the itching in her scalp returned. It wasn’t as bad this time, and she restrained herself. After about thirty seconds, it stopped, and she opened her eyes.

Her shaggy grey hair had definitely gotten much longer. Exactly as she wanted it to, in fact. “Well, would you look at that!” she marveled, running her fingers through the strands. “It didn’t itch near as much as last time.”

“Damn, kinda jealous,” Kat muttered as she stroked the long hair. “Though it’s gotta get in the way now. Can ye get it shorter?”

“I dunno, let’s see?” Ann said as she created her mental image of. The itch returned, but was more intense this time. “God damnit, not again,” she groaned as she felt her hair falling out of her scalp. Quickly, she was bald again, and just as quickly, she had a new head of hair that draped just above her shoulders. “So, lengthening keeps the hair, but shortening loses the hair first. I’m almost scared about the eyes…” she admitted.

“Let us save that for when I have a larger reserve of Mind to assist with any pain or complications,” Bren advised, placing his hand on her shoulder. “That skill costs health per use, do not get carried away.”

“Yup, gotcha, healer,” Ann chuckled. “Guess you get short haired Annita for a bit, Kat.”

“Oh nae, whatever shall I do,” her girlfriend laughed. “Ye look good wit’ short hair, too. Hells, ye might look good in any hair.”

“Definitely agree,” Rosalyn nodded eagerly. “The longer hair was all wild and fierce. This is more cool and intense. Focused? I don’t know. I’m rambling. I just know you look great!”

“Well, thanks,” Ann said, blushing and trying to tuck her hair behind a human ear that no longer existed. “So, uh. Bren, did anything happen? Any drop offs by whoever owns this seed?”

“There was a momentary flash, and a sound behind us. I did not go to investigate, as you were incapacitated. Shall we?” he asked as he offered his hand.

They made their way back into the Guardian’s chamber and, sure enough, there was a new passage out of the room. Stairs, leading upwards in a tight spiral, wound their way into the ice.

“Think that’s our exit,” Kat said, looking up. “Let’s get our arses outta ‘ere.”

It was with great relief that they greeted the pale blue sky. Their exit was nothing more than a hole in the surface that was situated at the top of the stairs. Looking around, they spotted the first change. Off to the east was a plume of steam that wasn’t there before. Walking closer, they found a natural basin of water, lined with stones, steaming away on the shore. A ridge of flat stones even divided it, allowing privacy for all parties involved.

“A hot spring,” Rosalyn gasped, looking at the recent addition to the Seed. “Oh, I want to take a soak. Can we? Please?”

“We need tae clean off first, can’t be ruinin’ it wit’ all this Warped blood, but, aye. I wanna take a dip too,” Kat said, setting down her pack.

“I would love some relaxation,” Bren admitted. “At least I can see the bottom of this water. Let us wipe off as best we can before entering.”

Before they entered, a satchel took their attention. This was different than Estvall’s. It was made of fish scales and hide, skinned and formed into a bag. Plucking the bag from the rocky outcrop it hung from, Ann opened it, pulling out a letter.

Dearest Guests and Saviours,

I pray that the visit to my lake was not overly marred by the twisted abominations that inhabit it as of late. Estvall has given us all much hope in revisiting our domains, and I am overjoyed to be the second to receive such a chance. Orenous speaks highly of you, and I must say I agree with her praise. The four of you will do much good for this world.

Please, take some gifts. A token of my appreciation.

For Bren, a ring made of a turtle shell. It will help with his own healing, helping reduce the need to mend himself.

For Annita, a piece of ore I was gifted by a friend. I see your blade has suffered greatly in that last battle. Do take this with my gratitude for slaying what used to be Horace. He would appreciate it, if he still had his mind. It is not much, but it will do you good for some time.

To Katlyn, I provide a shield. As with Bren’s, this is made from turtle shell. I had it blanched, pale, and enchanted to resist wear and tear.

For the new member, Rosalyn, I have a shawl. Woven from the reeds of this lake, and imbued for protection. Take this in thanks for your achievements.

One day I hope to speak with you all and offer my personal thanks. For now, farewell, and safe journeys.

Tylina, Goddess of the Lake

“By the Gods,” Kat gasped, pulling her shield from the bag. “Who the feck knew doin’ this could be so rewardin’ besides coin? A new feckin’ shield?” A giddy grin was plastered on her cheeks as she strapped the shield on. “It’s so light. Gods, thanks, Tylina, if ye can hear me.”

“We will need to get this all identified, however, this is a boon I could scarce imagine commissioning. I do wonder what the ore she gave you is, Ann,” Bren said, slipping his ring into a pocket for after the spring.

“Hopefully good enough to make something new. This thing’s probably seen its last fight,” Ann said, patting her sheath. It was a bit sad. The falchion had served her well. She’d killed a lot with it, and it had held up far better than she’d expected. With a sigh, she refocused. “Well, it did what it could. Killed one last Guardian. Hopefully, the new one can last longer.”

“Pile’d probably be pissed ye broke the sword she pointed out tae ye,” Kat joked, prodding Ann with an elbow.

“All I know is that I want to get in that spring,” Ann chuckled, tying the satchel to her pack. “Shall we?”