Chapter Three

Torri took a break for only a split second, before entering the temple building, Nirra and Knave in tow. The first thing to hit her was the not-so-pleasant smell of salty ocean water, and the moon elf's reflexes got the best of her when a hand rose to her nose and covered it. One second later, however, she removed the hand, when she realized she wouldn't like to offend anyone.

The smell was, by all obvious probabilities, emanating from the numerous pools, which monopolized the room's floor, leaving only small platforms of stone for people to walk along. To the left and right, there were thin wooden walls, with doorless entrances/exits to or from other similar rooms. However, they didn't need to go much further, since the priestess was standing only two pools away from the temple's main entrance.

"Such an attractive place..." the moon elf could hear Knave whisper behind her. Nirra chuckled slightly, and even Torri began a smile, given the fact that they couldn't see her doing it. Then they headed towards the half-dressed priestess of Umberlee, a rather dull woman, blond-haired and quite vulgar, overall.

"Good afternoon," Torri said, nodding courteously, and trying as best she could to keep her tone neutral, although she doubted such manners were really needed here.

"Welcome," the priestess warmly greeted them. "Would you require the services of Umberlee?" She eyed Knave for a short moment, and her already benevolent smile grew. "Or maybe those of her followers?"

Torri had to retain a small laugh, as Knave rolled his eyes. "I've nothing to say," the mage retorted. "Speak to the moon elf."

The priestess was obviously disappointed; her facial muscles relaxed a bit from the smile, and her shoulders slumped downwards with resignation when she had to turn back to Torri.

"I am here to collect a reward, if you please?" the moon elf tested the ground.

"A reward?" the priestess inquired, one of her eyebrows rising. "Of what sort?"

"I was told you would possess a ring, which the pirate Seamus the Quick-tongued left here a while ago," Torri exposed the facts, as ridiculous as the entire situation looked from her perspective.

The priestess was apparently satisfied with as much, because she didn't look suspicious, and just turned around. "I might've to look around for it some," was the only thing she said, or much rather muttered. The three awaited her return in a state of tense silence, sharing the discomfort of having to linger in there more than they had hoped would be necessary. Finally, the woman returned, carrying a plain silver ring, a circle with three ornamental elevations on one side.

"It grants its wearer resistance to mind-affecting spells," she said, sparing Nirra the casting of an identify spell once they would be out of there. "You know, Charm, Domination... things like that."

Torri nodded, gently relieving the priestess of the object. "Thank you," she said, beginning to withdraw, and once her polite reverence was finished, she turned around, to follow Nirra and Knave, who had already gained a small advantage on her.

They all took deep breaths once outside, the door closed behind them. "Remind me to never go in there alone," Knave tried a joke.

"Why?" Nirra teased. "Wasn't the priestess nice enough?"

Torri's reply was slightly different. "Like I would care," the moon elf shrugged, before turning towards her friend. "Here, Nirra... I think you'd need the ring more than I would."

"Oh," the gold elf smiled complacently, taking the jewel and slipping it on her left ring finger. "Thank you. It's nice." (That made Torri roll her eyes again, obviously in disagreement with the ring being so "nice".)

"Great," Knave ironically pouted. "That was to render her immune to my natural charm, I know it."

Nirra chuckled again, but Torri shook her head, and let out a theatrical sigh. "I wasn't aware you had any," she took a moment to sympathetically pat the human's shoulder. "But... if you say so." She nodded to him, the same motherly way, and offered a kind smile, for the effect.

The gold elf cleared her throat, trying to prevent this from growing into a larger conflict between the two. "So," she changed the subject, gracefully. "Where to now?"

Knave shrugged. "I've been to a lot of places... there aren't many I still wish to see. Why don't you two choose the destination?"

"Oh my, how very noble of you," Torri smirked, continuing to be ironical. "Hmm. You know what, Nirra? It's your turn to pick a location, since it was my idea to come here and all."

"Oh, Torri..." the gold elf sighed, suddenly melancholic and pensive. "If it's not too much to ask, I would like to visit my beloved Suldanessellar and make sure everything is going well for my people. Could we... could we go there?"

Torri's face clouded visibly, and she gritted her teeth shortly, before she replied, "Well... the route is damn close to the Underdark all along the way. But... we will go." Her words were gradually gaining firmness, and her last affirmation had been deft.

"Thank you, Torri," the gold elf's eyes fixed her with a more than simply grateful look.

"If I'm not prying into anything," Knave interfered, looking at Torri. "What's so bad about that place? I've been there countless times. True, there have been unfortunate events, but the surface is no less dangerous."

Torri shrugged, and remained silent.

"Are you alright?" the mage asked her, in the end, frowning slightly. "I'm sorry if I have said anything troubling."

"I'm fine," Torri shook her head abruptly, then regained her composure entirely. "If we do get to the Underdark, however, I won't be. But. That is a concern that serves no useful purpose right now."

"Don't worry," Knave continued his attempt at comforting her. "I know the Underdark well. Even if we do end up there, we will get out in one piece."

Torri nodded, swallowing tightly. "Let us just go," she bid.

"Ah," Nirra sighed heavily, trying to center attention back upon her, saving Torri from further grim thoughts like that. "Another trip on the water..."

"Why would that disturb you?" Knave was quick to comply with her plan, turning back towards her with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh... umm..." Nirra blushed a little. "I happen to be sea-sick."

"Really?" Knave's eyes flickered, curiously. "I mean no offence, but truly it is a sight I've never had before... An elf, sea-sick. Then what should I think of dwarves?"

"I know, I know," Nirra giggled, deciding to enjoy the short time she still had before boarding a new ship. "The world will get over it."

With that, they all began to make back for the lowest street, the one that went along the docks.