As Araxis contemplated what had just unfolded, she thought to herself that this indeed had been a very long day. Someone wise once said to Araxis that there were two types of tired: one that required rest and one that required peace. She knew at end of this day, she would be in need of both; but at present she needed all of her mental faculties about her. Thinking back to how the day started she had hoped to come across some nuggets of knowledge to help her team get through their current predicament.
The day started innocently enough with the team finally underway for their next part of their journey. They decided to follow the River north to Happenstance, which typically was a two-day journey. Finn was decidedly and annoyingly focused on the procurement of the Leaf of Light; although to be honest Araxis was impressed by his determination. And so long as this was a part of their greater mission, she was perfectly fine to indulge Finn and his steadfastness towards his vocation.
As Finn, Daphne and she travelled along the River, Araxis noticed that the water was flowing backwards. Thinking to herself that this was strange she vocalized her observation to the team. All of a sudden, Finn darted into the river to see what the fuss was all about. Never one to heed the advice to be cautious, especially around new and unknown circumstances, Finn once again seemed determined and focused to figure out this new and welcomed puzzle. Suddenly, a serpentine form surged out of the water; cerulean in colour and quite vicious in nature, and grappled Finn. Quickly remembering a conversation with Gimbel, the Archivist at the University, Araxis employed a Fist of Unbroken Air upon the unknown creature, which unfortunately bounced off with no effect. Daphne, also quick on her toes, shot the figure; and caused it to flinch, though not doing much damage. Finn’s physical prowess allowed him to successfully escape the creature’s grip; albeit only momentarily, and after significant effort. To continue the attack, Araxis shot darts at the creature and noticed it seemed as though it was protecting something. Finn was determined to continue on in the struggle despite the fact that he was repeatedly grappled by the water serpent every time he broke free, and at times was close to losing consciousness due to a lack of oxygen. Thank The Light that he had Light Bringer to assist through the battle.
Araxis thought to herself that the continued attack on elemental forces—the water serpent—with significant effort, would end this. All they had to do was continue their attack with force and determination. With quick wit and skill Araxis decided to freeze a cubic meter of the water serpent to enable the group to see where they needed to focus their attack. This helped significantly. Despite Finn’s reckless abandon endangering the team, he was making significant gains and finally the serpent imploded and settled back into the river as water and nothing more.
Once free, Finn dove deep to the bottom of the river and returned with a box.
This box had some sort of combination lock, which in very little time was solved due to the clues that Araxis had remembered from her conversations at the University, the smarts of Daphne, and determination of Finn. Once opened, the box had a cushion upon which a leaf was pinned, but this was not just any leaf. Finn was sure it was the Leaf of light. Finn struggled to come to terms with their discovery. For him, it was his singular purpose and he was thinking about the significance of this. Finn knew and vocalized his thoughts to the group. The Leaf of Light could turn the tide against the forces of Dreaming Dark. This was a defining moment for Finn and for all beings. This was a moment of great significance and Araxis and Daphne now understood and awaited Finn’s reaction.
Finn was so excited and focused that he blurted out that they should all return to the Temple with the Leaf of Light immediately, or at least soon after the group had taken a rest, for he was exhausted after his tussle in the river. Finn was reminded of the commitment to the University and the journey that still lay ahead. Admitting he’d forgotten momentarily, in the excitement, he and the group were contemplating rest when all of a sudden, they were beset with a strange breeze. Sadly, there was no rest to be had, as another attack ensued. This time Finn employed his full bag of tricks; conjuring his elk and badger. This next feat required all of the team’s expertise, and each member rose to the occasion. Daphne threw snow into the air to reveal the shape of the new creature. This was extremely useful as it aided in the new attack on this creature. Again, it took time and energy, but the trio was able to emerge victorious and defeat this next elemental figure. Hoping that it might now be time to rest, Araxis pondered to herself, what was this magic? And what was so special about this stretch of the River?
Only Finns Rush In
