The Tale of Korjia

Chapter 9: Realizing Each Other's Skills

Thomrin and his allies had to leave in discreet, since sneaking away with the princess of a holy kingdom wasn't exactly considered a misdemeanor. However, the getaway was smooth and unnoticed. The five new heroes decided to get some work done, and have fun with it at that.

May: "We need to find the Fountains of Peace, right? Well, we should start by going back to where you guys met Krish."

Krish: "I happen to know that battlefield like the blade of my halberd. I know a few places that might be where the fountain is."

Thomrin: "Excellent, you can serve as a guide and a guardian."

Krish: "Indeed."

Many days were spent travelling back to the Northern Mountains, but they finally got there. The long walk seemed to speed by due to the jokes and stories told by one another.

Eventually, the heroic five made it back to the home country of the Frost Elves. Thomrin was happy to see the villages and cities alike, rebuilding themselves to their former glory. As they walked through Krish's home village, people would gaze in awe at him, seeing him in a new light of confidence and happiness that they never gave him the chance to feel before. He had begun to impress all of the people who mistreated him.

At long last, they arrived at the divine battlefield that held the Ancient Crusade, as referred to in Frost Elven history. Krish immediately picked up the search and sped through the terrain to find the Fountain of Peace. The group came up to a small cave entrance. Krish began speaking to his friends.

Krish: "At night, you can see an eerie light emanating from this cave. If I know this place, this is where we'll find anything 'ancient and divine'."

The group walked into the natural dungeon, ready for anything. They were glad to finally get a real adventure in.

Almost immediately, they came to an odd, green glowing pool of water.

Picaletta: "Ooh! I bet this water has some kind of healing powers!"

Picaletta ran to the water and instantly realized her mistake. The Water began to rise and form a humanoid shape. The Water elemental attacked the group with as much power as possible. However, a good mixture of magic and sharp metal took care of it immediately. As the elemental melted in defeat, a green mist rose from the water. The water began glowing blue.

Picaletta: "Green mist…I didn't know anybody used that curse anymore."

Phileo: "I'm sorry?"

Picaletta: "There is a curse called 'Orjuun Kairros', which is a phrase in the Ancient Divine Language for 'Curse of the Living Fluid'. Thus, a green mist comes over any body of any liquid. That being a stream, an ocean, a pond, a river or a puddle. It can also take over an elixir someone has prepared, or some other manmade liquid. It just has to be liquid. There is no minimum volume, but the maximum is enough liquid to take up space twice the size of one of us. The liquid glows a vibrant green and a water elemental is formed. It can fit in my hand, or could fit in its hands. It takes an order from its creator and does so at the right time. The creator only has to think its order, and the water elemental will do so."

May: "Wait, so then something had to create this?"

Picaletta: "And it wouldn't have attacked us unless told to do so. And these things don't just attack anybody, they only attack a certain number of people they are assigned to. None of these can be assigned to guard anything from anyone. Therefore, someone knows we're here."

Krish: "Or some THING."

Picaletta: "Exactly! Very good Krish! Umm…oh yeah, so, either way, this could be trouble."

Thomrin: "Hmm…Well then, we'll just have to be on our guards. I say we keep movi- wait a minute…"

The group stops to look at Thomrin. He reached his hand in the water and pulled out a small bone statuette in the shape of a humanoid carrying a large Chakram. Picaletta examined with excitement.

Picaletta: "HEY! This is a statuette of Profaer, god of battle! From the looks of it, it was made around the times of the Ancient Crusade! We can get some real cash for this!"

Thomrin: "I've always been one to know treasure when I see it. If you can prospect this stuff, we can pick out the good treasures and sell them."

Picaletta: "Works for me! Before we keep moving, hang on just a second."

Picaletta first tasted the now fresh water. She seemed energized at the sip, so she decided to store a few vials with it. She also pulled out an empty scroll and placed it in the old puddle of green water that was once the water elemental. She began chanting and waving her hands until the green water glowed and soaked into the scroll. Writing appeared on the suddenly dry paper, and Picaletta stored it in her bag.

Picaletta: "I just turned that curse into a ritual and now, I'll be able to use it whenever I wish. It might be useful later."

At that, the group finally got moving again. They started through the dungeon, excited for whatever awaited them later.

IF anyone has read this story yet, I'm sorry for the long wait. I hope you've enjoyed it so far, I know it seems to run together so quickly. I was gonna put the actual dungeon adventure in this chapter, but it seemed wise to dedicate that to the next chapter. Thanks for reading.

-Tobalancetoslay-