Of Dreams and of Legends

[Mokobo]

The white wolf offered a simple nod as his only response to Aelariah's assertion that they should investigate this newest mystery further. As they pair swam toward the shrouded shore, Gjelu maintained this newfound silence as he racked his mind for any relative information. While he knew that such large creatures were not unheard of, some of which had caused great mischief in the past, he had never heard of a creature like the one before them. The closer the siblings came to dry land, the more the gigantic turtle was hidden by the thick mists. Yet Gjelu never tore his gaze from the beast, even long after it had become a blurry shadow which failed to portray its sheer immensity. It was only when Aelariah spoke once more that the warrior wolf broke free from his thoughts and tore his bright blue gaze from the confounding creature.
"I don't know-" Gjelu words were interrupted as another thundering sound of sorrow echoed through the mist. "-But something tells me that if it can, and does, it will not have very pleasant things to say to us."
Another thought slowly crept up into Gjelu's mind as he and his sister finished their trek toward the shore. Other than the occasional cry of anguish the gargantuan creature emitted, the beach had grown much quieter than it had been before former's arrival. The fish-people seemed to have scattered amid the winds of their hasty retreat, and yet he felt that perhaps they had not seen the last of them. Additionally, there were no recent signs of Navlos' presence, a coincidence that Gjelu wasn't sure if he should celebrate of lament. The other male canine was obviously mad, and therefore entirely unpredictable. Yet something, perhaps instinct, told him that, like the fish-creatures, he and his sister had yet to escape the influence of that particular wolf. His mind heavy with these thoughts, Gjelu would absently shake his frame upon landing ashore. Those bright blue orbs of his would scan their surroundings to no avail before turning upon Aelariah once more.
"Let's get closer, but be careful. It's impossible to know what might be lurking in this fog."

[Relairah]

Aelariah nodded at Gjelu's words and continued her trek closer to the monstrous turtle. For a moment, she had considered attempting to use her magic to disperse the fog. Afterall, fog in essence was water. But for one, she had already consumed much of her energy. And for another, this fog seemed different than any normal fog. Like the fog itself came from the creature. In which case, it would be no small feat to control.

As they crept closer, the giant turtle continued to groan, bowing its head over the remains of the turtle they had discovered on the beach before their encounter with the fish-creatures. "Gjelu..." Aelariah murmured, "I think they were..." she paused, observing furhter, "mates," she finished softly. It was just a feeling. She couldn't know for certain. But within the fog itself, she felt a pull of emotion not her own.

Leaving her brother's side for a moment, she moved to the other side of the gargantuous remains, attempting to get the living turtle's attention. "Great sea turtle," she spoke aloud, though suddenly felt her voice no more than that of a rodent's in comparison to the creature before her. She sucked in her breath as its eyes met hers, or at least, she thought they did. She couldn't quite tell as there were no pupils. Much like her own, perhaps. Another groan escaped the beast, a gush of wind following that whipped through her fur.

Aelariah's brow furrowed as she felt a nudge agains her mind. The turtle's gaze remained locked on hers. Its lips did not move. But she heard words.

"Was it you, little wolf, that killed my beloved?". The voice was deep, though distinctly female, and held a mixture of wrath and sorrow.

Aelariah shook her head, dipping it slightly. "No. The remains where already here when we arrived." Aelariah glanced toward Gjelu, wondering if he had heard the voice as well, or if it had only been herself. "My brother and I are here on a journey to save our homeland." She wasn't sure how much she should share with this creature. So she glanced toward her brother once more.

[Mokobo]

As brother and sister swiftly crept through the thickening mists the former continually cast his gaze over his shoulder and to the sea. Even though those deep waters were quickly shrouded behind the miasma, and danger quite possibly awaited them, the same thought continued to distract Gjelu from his usual vigilance. When he had first emerged from the depths he had seen a fog bank in the distance and almost mistook that similar anomaly for dry land. Such a mistake could have proven fatal if Aelariah hadn't arrived when she did. Yet the warrior wolf could not help but wonder; if what he saw wasn't the shore, than what had he seen? As the large silhouette of the turtle grew more tangible, Gjelu wondered if he was hearing the echo of those loud cries of sorrow in the distance, or if he was hearing an answer.
Gjelu's preoccupation with this new mystery was deep enough that he barely registered Aelariah's words, which directed his bright blue eyes forward once more toward the mourning monolith of a creature once more. After a brief examination he would give a quick nod to show he agreed. The giant reptile was obviously suffering from grief, a trait which was proof the beast was not only intelligent, but had cared for its deceased companion greatly. Once more the wolf's wonder grew, and he found his mind drifting back to its previous path. Just how many of these majestic behemoths were there? Again Gjelu turned his head toward the sounds of surf and distant cries of anguish. Yet this continuation of the canine's persistent reverie was short lived, as his sister suddenly left his side to approach the turtle.
"Aelariah!"
Rather than call out loudly to his sibling, Gjelu hissed her name beneath his teeth in a tone barely above a whisper. Yet he was too late, and she brazenly sought to gain the creature's attention. The warrior made to follow after his sister, but quickly hesitated before coming to a full stop. If they both startled the turtle, it could attack, and yet it was quite possible it would attack anyways. As Aelariah called out to the giant reptile her brother watched with bated breath, asking himself how he would explain to their mother how he had lost his sibling. For a brief moment Gjelu felt a tingling sensation at the corner of his mind, yet his anxiety over Aelariah quickly overshadowed it. Yet almost immediately after, to Gjelu's amazement, his sister spoke aloud once more in answer to some unheard query. Was the elixir he had been tricked into drinking still affecting him in some way?
Cautiously Gjelu would approach the turtle and his sister, wearing a small frown of concern. He quickly deduced from what he had heard of the broken conversation that not only was Aelariah's theory correct, but that this newly made widow was seeking her lover's killer. Luckily they were completely innocent in this matter, and Gjelu felt a quick moment of gratitude that the mad wolf was not with them still. Once he closed the small gap between them, the warrior wolf would anxiously, and needlessly, look his sister over before breathing a soft sigh of relief. Thinking that their second chance at meeting and unknown people had gone much better than the first, he would turn his gaze to those enormous, pupil-less eyes before giving a hesitant bow of his head. Hoping that the meek gesture might be enough to display their goodwill, Gjelu would look to Aelariah and speak in a soft voice.
"I can't hear what it-she's saying. Try and answer her honestly, but best avoid talking about our hosts. We still don't know how they are connected, and who knows-" Here Gjelu would pause to quickly dart his gaze between Aelariah and the turtle looming over them. "She might know something about what we seek. Best to try and get on her good side." Once more the male wolf would pause, this time allowing his gaze to freely roam over the surrounding scenery of shifting mists. "Also probably shouldn't mention you-know-who, we don't want her to get the wrong impression about our kind." If you can even call him one of us.

[Relairah]

As Gjelu approached and his emotions seemed to shift from apprehensive to more good-natured, Aelariah suddenly felt grateful that her own eyes were about as pupiless as the tortoise's. He wouldn't be able to discern her annoyance, though she quickly dismissed it.
Afterall, she had been looking to him in the first place. She only hoped the beast didn't hear what he had spoken to her more privately.
With the ability to reach into her mind, she had no clue what this behemoth was capable of. Better not to risk upsetting her further.

She nodded, acknowledging she had heard her brother's words and suggestions. At least their minds were on a similar track. She had every intention of choosing her words carefully.

After her last words, the giant tortoise had nodded slowly, its focus clearly on its mate's remains. "Very well, little wolf. I will accept your words."

Aelariah wondered if the beast wished to be alone. But she wasn't going to simply leave their largest opportunity for answers since they had arrived. "My name is Aelariah... and this is my brother Gjelu. If we help you bury your beloved to give him peaceful rest, will you help us?"

Again Aelariah saw the tortoise's head dip slowly and she felt the tingling against her mind as the creature's brow seemed to furrow. "I will do as I can, for it is only right, perhaps. Come." The great tortoise then turned, its eyes taking on a soft blue glow.
The remains then also took on the same color, rising slowly until they hovered over the beach. Mist continued to swirl, and seemed to take on life as it moved with the tortoise.

Aelariah followed, not sure exactly what they could do to help, but determined nevertheless. She motioned at Gjelu and spoke softly for his ears only. "She is willing to help us."

Before long, the tortoise turned seaward, the bones following it. Aelariah stopped. "Gjelu, has your strength returned yet? I suspect we need to fly."

[Mokobo]

It began shortly after entering the mist. First it was just a ringing in his ears, annoying and ever present, but insignificant. Yet as the elixir Navlos had consumed earlier continued to wear off, he knew his world was about to be a lot more interesting once more. The ringing grew louder and began to beat in tune with his own pulse until it was powerful enough for him to stop in his tracks. After squinting his eyes tightly shut in an effort to ward off the migraine, a sudden fit of coughing took hold of the wolf's frame. For several moment he hacked violently and when he finally managed to get a hold of himself blood was running freely from his snout. It was then that the voices began to rise up from the constant ringing in his head.
Bastard. Betrayer. Unworthy! Not good enough, never good enough.
It always began like this. At first it had been disconcerting, frightening even, but after so long secluded in sanity Navlos looked forward to this fit. It had been so long since he had heard her voice, seen her beauty.
"Was it you, little wolf, that killed my beloved?"
Eagerly Navlos raised his gaze from the blood speckled sand to look upon her. A stunning wolfess with a pelt as dark as his own and a small smile for which he would do the most unspeakable things in the hope of seeing. Yet something was wrong. The voice he heard was not hers, not even close. Had it been so long that he had forgotten what his beloved's beautiful voice had sounded like? No, that was impossible, he could never forget those enchanting tones. Perhaps it was the elixir still affecting him in some way. Either way she thought he was dead, and he could not stand for her to think that. Quickly he would take a few steps forward, but she retreated just as far like she always did. 
"No! I'm right here, I'm still alive!"
"Very well, little wolf, I will accept your words."
"What do you mean?!"
Unworthy-Never good-
In his anxiety Navlos dashed forth in a futile attempt to embrace his love, who in turn drew back further into the mists. Soon the mad wolf was sprinting headlong across the beach, careless and ignorant to all obstacles in his way.
"I will do all that I can, for it is only right, perhaps. Come."

After a few anxious, silent moments Gjelu felt his heart race when Aelariah offered forth their names. While he still could not hear the turtle's words, he felt sure that his sister making introductions was a good sign. It seemed that they were finally going to get a break. After being held captive with the mad wolf their goal had never seemed so far away. Yet now they had a real lead, a real chance, a real hope of finding what they sought. The warrior wolf mustered enough self control to give another small nod when his name was mentioned instead of exclaiming aloud his excitement. Remembering his father's lessons, Gjelu somehow managed to maintain an outward appearance of relative calm.
However, he could do nothing to conceal his wonder as the turtle began to display its powerful magic. Gjelu took a brief moment to try and calculate how many of the Vorlfur it would take to lift the immense shell. Despite being hollow, the remains' weight was indubitably immense, and even exploiting the powerful sea the fish creatures had barely be able to pull them ashore. That this mysterious creature could carry what remained of her mate so effortlessly spoke to the great power she possessed. Although, Gjelu reasoned to himself that great feats born of powerful emotion were far from unheard of. Gjelu was so captivated with the amazing feat which the turtle was performing that when Aelariah whispered into his ear he would visibly jump.
Turning his bright blue eyes upon his sister, Gjelu would grin broadly at her in response to the confirmation to his suspicion. For a moment he turned to watch the turtle in wonder before Aelariah spoke once more. While he wasn't sure if the effects of the elixir had fully worn away, he was more than willing to try. "I'll give it a shot," were the words he emphatically uttered before dropping into a crouch. His glorious white wings snapped to their full span before he leaped into the air. Yet, as with before, his wings failed to support him in the air, allowing the warrior wolf to fall back to the earth's grasp.
"That's not good." The anxiety which quickly replaced his excitement was obvious in Gjelu's voice. He would dejectedly lift his head to look upon his sister, intending to inquire as to what they should do now. What he saw behind her drew the blood from his cheeks, making white pelted face seem even paler.
That's even worse.

"What's this? You guys weren't thinking of leaving without me?"
Navlos' pursuit of his beloved had led his right to the place he had originally sought. She was always looking out for him in that way. When he at first came upon the siblings, the mad canine had once again mistaken them for someone else. Yet the fog of his madness cleared quickly along with the turtle's mists, revealing the pair's true identity in time for him to see Gjelu's failed attempt at flight. Now he practically swaggered toward them with a small smirk plastered across his lips.

[Relairah]

Aelariah couldn't help feeling hopeful as Gjelu attempted flight once more, though it was quickly dashed, much as his own,
when his wings failed. "Guess we'll be swimming then..." she murmured, moving toward the sea after the tortoise. She suspected their chance was getting away and wouldn't wait for them. Her ears flicked at the sound of another approaching followed by the now familiar voice of the mad wolf. She frowned, turning to look at him. Certainly, they couldn't bring him along! The creature would undoubtedly sense something different... off even about him. And if she learned it was he who killed her mate. Aelariah stopped her train of thought.

She looked to Gjelu, entirely uncertain how to respond. It was entirely possible, she suspected, that they might end up in a battle with this crazed wolf, and if so, she wondered if he could kill such a beast, what then could he do to them? Gjelu wasn't even at his full strength right now...

Aelariah turned her head to look at Navlos once again. She had determined to part their ways and was hopeful that he would get the hint despite his clear madness. "Yes we were. You suddenly disappeared and we can't be held responsible for your actions. Besides, I held up my end of the bargain, so we have our own quest to fulfill. We've lost enough time as it is." She turned her gaze seaward once more, moving into the frothy waves now sweeping across her paws.

[Mokobo]

Rather than upset the crazed canine, Aelariah's words seemed to bring him great amusement, forcing a rumbling chortle to roll forth from his chest as he muttered to himself. "Can't be responsible for my reactions, that's rich, neither can I." Navlos' chuckling would erupt into a bark of laughter before he seemed to realize his lapse and quickly gain control of himself once more. After giving a nonchalant shrug in answer to his sudden merriment, the heavily scarred wolf would approach the two younger canines in a carefree manner. "You did fulfill our bargain, in quite the impressive manner too, but I warned you about that wave and saved your lives. Seems to me you two owe me."
"We're water elementals, we were never in danger." As soon as his sister had begun to speak, Gjelu had pressed protectively against her side. He shared her apprehension that the mad wolf may grow angered and attack. That the beast instead broke into a most unsettling laughter instead on;y stirred Gjelu's caution more. While part of him pitied this wretched soul before them, they had more important matters to attend to, others were counting on them back home. It was possible that Navlos had planned everything that had happened after their capture, and could even disrupt their quest in a catastrophic way. To Gjelu it didn't seem wise to find themselves in such a creature's debt.
"Perhaps your sister would have been fine, but you? You're still feeling our little drink earlier aren't you? Must be a low tolerance, an uptight fellow like you really should party more." Navlos paused once more to let loose another low laugh, halting his approach of the other wolves near the edge of the sea to gaze out at the large turtle and her deceased mate. "Even if you two had managed to escape that tidal wave without my help, how do you think you're going to follow that creature? I'm sure Aelariah here can support the two of you, for a time, but the going will be slow. What about when she gets tired and you two find yourselves leagues away from shore with no place to rest? You'll drown, your quest will fail, and no one will ever see the hair of your hides ever again."
"Nothing you're saying in certain. Besides, what's your interest in our business?"
"My interest? I just like a good adventure. And I am certain, I've seen more of this world than either of you. The two of you wouldn't be the first to be lost to the sea." Even if I can't remember who else has been. "You can settle your debt to me by accepting my help, which I assure you will get you where you're going much faster than drowning."

[Relairah]

As much as she hated to admit it, Navlos brought up a valid point. She felt ire growing, yet she huffed and dismissed it. However, she was not ready to simply accept him along so easily. She turned back to him once more, putting on a coy smile. "Okay. Let's just say that we do owe you a debt. And that you could really get us there, without drowning, which, I have no idea how you'd do without water-controlling abilities. But, details aside. How do you even know our destination in the first place?"

Before they were going anywhere with him, she needed more information. Their entire journey thus far had felt like nothing but a huge distraction and loss of time. They'd finally gotten a good solid lead, and here this wolf was, after drugging her brother and nearly causing his death, holding them back once again. Her frustration was palpable, though she kept it at bay. To her, they owed no debt what-so-ever. It was his fault they were in this mess in the first place!

Her eyes narrowed, waiting his answer, though she knew they didn't have much time to delay. The beast they had intended to follow was slow -
but she doubted would wait for them.

[Mokobo]

At first Navlos had returned Aelariah's coy smirk with a simply smile of his own, which upon his scarred mug somehow seemed sinister. That alone had made Gjelu even more skeptical about accepting the heavily scarred wolf's aid. As soon as the expression crossed Navlos' lips it quickly changed into a grimace as he bow his head and struggled to restrain another fit of coughing. The frown which had settled upon Gjelu's own face quickly deepened and he softly shook his head. This wretched creature needed to seek the aid of a healer, not accompany them across the sea to an unknown land. By the time Aelariah had posed her inquiry, the dark-pelted wolf had regained some form of composure. Yet rather than reply, Navlos instead stared down the beach with glazed eyes. With a sigh, Gjelu would approach and nudge his sister before speaking softly into her ear.
"Come on, let's go."
There she was, just down the shore, casually leaning against the fish-people's crude drum. She was just as perfect as ever, beckoning him to her. Yet Gjelu's words, as quiet at they were, stirred him from her toxic presence, causing one of his ears to twitch. Go. She whispered the words softly into his own ears just as the white wolf spoke the same word to his sibling. With that same, maddening smile she then gestured toward the hollowed tree, crudely covered on both ends with the flesh of some fish, which had seemingly summoned the giant turtle. It was then that Navlos broke from his reverie, looking to the other wolves before offering a broad grin.
"So it's settled then? Excellent!"
Gjelu felt astonished by the sudden changes the lunatic before them seemed to suffer from. He knew Navlos was mad, but the sudden lapses in consciousness were disturbing. At the least the beast wasn't attacking them, but Gjelu stayed close to Aelariah nonetheless. The young warrior was surprised once again, however, when the other male apparently began to use his magic. The metal claws in the satchel had been scattered during the scuffle with the fish creatures and swept about in the sudden wave after, Yet several of them now rose from the waters, seemingly on their own accord, before soaring towards Navlos as he dashed across the flooded beach. Feeling a little frustrated with the other's antics, Gjelu would call out after Navlos while remaining by his sister's side.
"You didn't answer our question."
"What question?"
"How do you know where we're going?"
"Oh that." After arriving at the upturned drum, Navlos wasted no time before setting into his work, using his sharp claws to quickly sheer the rough cords holding the hide on one side in place. "I haven't a clue." With one end of the drum opened, he quickly dashed to the other. After shoving it upon drier ground with his shoulder, he continued to bustle about as the metal claws floating near him began to contort into various shapes. "But I do know you want to follow that turtle, and I know a better way than swimming after it."
With those words he focused on flattening one of the curved pieces of metal, forging an edge into one side before sending it flying through the hollowed log. The metal passed through the fibers of the wood effortlessly, flicking upward at the end of its pass to flop one half beside the other. All throughout this, four other claws flattened themselves out into broad sheets, which now shot to the ends of the half logs, wrapping tightly about them before fusing into seamless cones. The last two claws he formed into bars before urging them to bind the two pontoons together by piercing the base of their cones, the edges of the holes welding themselves shut. After quickly surveying his work, Navlos would give a satisfied nod before looking at the sibling expectantly, blood running freely from his nostrils.
"Well what are you two waiting for?"

[Relairah]

At Gjelu's suggestion that they should simply move on, Aelariah nodded and stepped forward once more. She turned, growing more irritated with Navlos' sudden change in demeanor and his followed antics. She wished terribly to snap at him - in more ways than one. But he appeared to be up to something.

She couldn't help the scowl and roll of her eyes, even if it wouldn't be entirely obvious to the others. Yet before she could say anything, Navlos had constructed in essence a raft for them and she quirked a brow, glancing at Gjelu. Should they trust it? Though the crazed wolf did have a point - it was better than wearing out their energy swimming.

"Fine," she conceded. "Thank you." She said it before she'd have to hear him demanding gratitude from them. He looked awful. But they'd already wasted enough time. They needed to go. Now. Once they were all settled, she was more than comfortable using their abilities to propel the raft toward the fading turtle and make up for their lost time. If not for the swirling mists that naturally seemed to accompany the great beast, she wondered if they'd have even been able to catch up at all.

As they moved further and further out to sea, it wasn't long before all signs of land were entirely gone. There was nothing but water and sky. Should something happen... they'd be done for. The mists enshrowded them, and then nothing was visible save for the swirling white and hints of blue around them. Aelariah then realized that they'd have no way of getting back - or even knowing how to get back - unless guided. She hoped Gjelu recovered soon.

How much time had passed? The light was changing, and then she saw it. A glimmer of something different. Just like that, the mists were gone as though they'd passed through a barrier. Or perhaps this place was somehow connected to the cores of its inhabitants. She didn't know. Immediately, she wondered what her mother would think of it. Before them was a glorious island. The same mists could be seen all around it in a sort of globe. Glistening waterfalls tumbled from the mountainsides rising from the isle's center, and all manner of foliage and vegetation seemed to exist. Even ones she had never seen. Which said a lot considering the exotic things she had witnessed in the jungle of their home. There was an etherial glow about it. This place was definitely magical.

Aelariah was even more shocked as she looked around further and observed numerous tortoises floating in the water. No longer shrowded in mist, she now saw that each of them possessed smaller isles on their backs - mostly woodland and simple vegetation. Yet they were just as large as the one that had led them here. She realized she'd been holding her breath and she let it out slowly. It almost felt... sacred.
Forbidden even. An unsettling feeling rose in her stomach as she remembered the insane wolf that had accompanied them. She silently prayed nothing went wrong.

The tortoise they had followed moved out of the water onto the giant island in the center. Aelariah steered the raft after her and then waited for Navlos to use his magic to secure it, if he were going to. She tried to nudge Gjelu with her shoulder. "Gjelu... are you thinking what I'm thinking?" she murmured as softly as she could.

OoC: Hope it's okay I went ahead with it DX let me know if you think I should change anything lol n.n;;

[Mokobo]

When Aelariah begrudgingly displayed her gratitude, a broad grin broke across Navlos' face, revealing a set of fangs horrendously stained with blood, both his own and that of others. With a surprisingly graceful flourish, he would graciously bow before ushering the siblings onto the craft before hopping aboard himself and urging the metal to carry them into the sea. As soon as the cones of the pontoons pierced the waves, Navlos felt the tug of the younger wolf's own magic and simply let her take command of the craft. With a new captain in command of their vessel, he was free to lounge upon the modest deck, that is, he curled himself up in the embrace of his half of the hollowed log.
Their journey started off swimmingly, figuratively at least, with the exception of one incident near its onset. As soon as the distant shore became but a line on the horizon, a terrible pain exploded within Navlos' chest. It was like icy fire clawing at his very soul, at his very mind. The usual voices began to scream in their own agony within his head, and panic took a hold of the mad wolf. He began to convulse within the hull of the craft, his fit becoming violent enough to lift the other half of the log out of the water several times. It felt as if his broken mind was being shattered all over again, and it was then that Navlos remembered.
Idiot! UNWORTHY! How could I forget?! NEVER GOOD!
With great effort Navlos managed to gain enough control of his body to rise to all fours. With his eyes bulging and blood seeping profusely from his eyes, ears, and snout, the crazed creature focused his gaze on the rapidly disappearing land. Desperately he sought the one claw he left behind, barely feeling its presence before urging it to him with every ounce of his will. Yet it seemed he was doomed to fail as his vision began to fail and the screams of the voices grew impossibly louder. Just as that cold darkness began to close on the final light of the world, he saw his hide pack soaring toward him. The satchel slammed into Navlos' chest with enough force to lay him across the hull of their vessel where he clutched the pouch to his chest and slipped into unconsciousness.
With great anxiety Gjelu watched all of this unfold, doing his best to brace his sister and himself as Navlos thrashed about. Just as the young warrior thought to himself that they were truly in trouble this time, the lunatic canine managed to gain some control. The following display, however, only increased the ever growing sense of regret Gjelu had for the decision to accept the sick beast's help. Thankfully the fit seemed to end once Navlos collapsed and lost consciousness. For a moment Gjelu was surprised to find himself feeling concerned for the wretch, and quickly leaped to the other half of their craft to make check on him. 'A corpse this bloody will surely attract trouble,' is what Gjelu told himself as he examined the prone form of Navlos.
It seemed they weren't lucky enough to escape the lunatic's just yet. There was a pulse and the ghost of a breath within the beast. With an exasperated sigh, Gjelu returned to Aelariah's side before softly muttering the diagnosis," he's alive, unconscious, but alive." Which wasn't surprisingly in the least considering the amount of blood the craze wolf had lost, enough that Gjelu was genuinely surprised that the other was not in fact dead. Before Navlos' obsession with his possession had seemed no more than the fascination of a madman. Now, however, Gjelu wondered just what sort of ailment the older wolf suffered from, and what was hidden within that leather pack. As the thought occurred to him that now was just the time to answer at least one of those questions, Navlos presented one more surprise.
The dark-pelted wolf awoke in a shockingly quick recovery to what had obviously been serious strain. Navlos only offered simple, one word sentences to any inquiries, however, choosing to instead occupy himself with repairing the strap of his pack. No matter how insistent Gjelu was, the other male was uncharacteristically quiet in a composed, yet chillingly distant sort of way. After a while, the warrior wolf simply stopped asking, seating himself between his sister and the subdued beast just in case another sudden change were to come. It was only when they seemed to be approaching their destination that his stalwart guard dropped before the tremendous awe and wonder before them. After following their guide to shore and disembarking, Navlos dutifully went about dragging their craft to higher ground while Gjelu remained by Aelariah's side. His head swiveled about for several moments as he quickly surveyed their surroundings, mystified by what they were seeing.
"Mom's not going to believe this." Gjelu answered his sister in the same soft tone she had used. "No one is going to believe this." Here he paused for a moment, casting a skeptical glance toward Navlos before looking back to Aelariah. "Well, what now?" Gjelu hoped his sister would perceive the double meaning to his question, giving her a knowing look as an extra touch.

[Relairah]

As they travelled, Aelariah did her best to ignore the antics of the crazed wolf accompanying them. She felt conflicted. On one paw, he was a wretched thing and he disgusted her. She didn't trust him and was wary of his presence. On the other paw, she felt pity for him. It was only natural. How had he ended up like this, she wondered? Yet the time in such thought was not needed at the moment so instead, she kept her focus on the tortoise and then their surroundings.

Once they reached the shore to the enormous island and Navlos went about taking care of their raft, Aelariah glanced at Gjelu. She nodded in agreement that no one would believe them. That such a place even existed... she was in utter awe. So many questions circled, yet she sensed they had little time.

"We should keep up with the tortoise," she murmured to Gjelu. "We can deal with him when the time comes." She nodded toward Navlos. "There's not much we can do anyway until you get your strength back." With that, she began making her way up the shore after the tortoise they had initially followed.

The giant creature continued making its way further inland, the glowing shell she had taken with her hovering above her. The pace was much slower than it had been in the ocean, and finally she stopped. The entire way, Aelariah had been utterly mezmerized by their surroundings. Surely, to the tortoise, it was as normal as their own packlands were to them. But to her, everything was incredible. The trees of what forest they traveled through were so spaced out, it was hard to think of them as woodland, and there were well-worn paths winding through them. They were enormous in size, reaching high into the heavens above. What must have been mere streams to the behemoth they followed were like large rivers to them. She imagined if she tried to move across, she would have to genuinely struggle against the current; she didn't try.

Finally, when they had stopped, she looked around. They had come to what appeared to be a clearing. The trees were even more spaced out than what they had been travelling through and seemed to form some sort of shape at least. The glowing shell moved forward until it rested on the earth before the giant tortoise and the glow faded. The creature raised its head, making low gutteral noises - a language Aelariah didn't recognize. Despite her lack of understanding, Aelariah could feel the overflowing sorrow in its voice.

Again, she felt a push against her mind. "Now, little wolf, come closer. Join me on the other side of my beloved so that we might lay him to rest."

"Come on, Gjelu," Aelariah murmured, moving as she had been instructed to the other side of the gargantuan remains. She looked up at the tortoise, uncertain of what exactly she was supposed to do to help.

As the next words came, the creature seemed to focus between both Aelariah and Gjelu. Was she speaking to both of them? "Close your eyes, children of water. Your magic is not at its greatest strength. Water is all around you, even within. You must be able to call on it as a being of its own. A spirit, an existence. But for now, daughter, whisper these words. 'Miqua liryo.' Son, these, 'Kesshallo'. Will them with your mind, not just your voices."

Aelariah would not disobey. She closed her eyes, listening to the words. What was this creature talking about? She hadn't mastered her magic? When she was instructed, she felt something stir in her soul as the words escaped her. Droplets of water glimmered as they gathered and collected together around the remains before them. If Gjelu also felt the words and obeyed, once the water gathered it would begin to freeze, crystalizing the remains until they glistened.

Finally, the creature spoke once more in gutteral tones and the earth beneath their paws would shift until the remains were buried. Once the ritual was complete, the tortoise would bow its head for a moment before turning its gaze to the two siblings once more. "I will not fail my end of the bargain. What is it that you seek?"

[Mokobo]

As their small group continued to follow the gigantic turtle, Gjelu sported a small frown while he contemplated Aelariah's answer to the question he had posed. He was sure his magic would return, a supposition that was supported by his increasing awareness of the island's aura, but Gjelu wondered to himself if it would be enough. During the brief conflict with the fish people the young warrior had seen only a little of the mad wolf's martial prowess, but what he had seen had been enough. Beneath all the layers of craziness Navlos was an experienced warrior, that much was for certain, and Gjelu suspected the lunatic had fought more battles than he could dream of. In that small skirmish the dark-pelted canine's brutality had a certain deliberateness to it, revealing a cold, calculated facet to that broken mind. Navlos' one obvious weakness was that his magic, powerful as it was, seemed to do him harm. If things did end in conflict, the most likely way to best such a beast would lay in avoiding a contest of muscle, and instead overpowering his other abilities.
So as they strode after the large, and somehow graceful, figure of their guide, Gjelu attempted to clear the last of the elixir's influence from his mind. The young warrior began with an exercise he had not practiced since long before the Demon War. His bright blue eyes narrowed in concentration as the three wolves strode through the sparse trees, focusing on the air before him. Gjelu continually attempted to draw moisture from the air and form a single, floating drop of water, a trick their father had shown Gjelu when his own magic first manifested. In the island's tropical environment it should have been easy, but Gjelu struggled to grasp the familiar feeling of his power. While the wolf could sense his power now, it continued to slip through his grasp just as he felt as though he was about to gain some purchase upon it. After some time, a frustrated sigh would escape Gjelu before he turned his attention from his constant failure to the mystical lands they were passing through.
The forest they were traversing, if it could even be called such, was so serene and peaceful it was almost unsettling. After a moment Gjelu realized this was partly due to the complete lack of birdsong, even the harsh cries of gulls which seemed to permeate every coastal area he had visited. Only the steadily decreasing surf and the sounds of their own steps accompanied them through the trees, and Gjelu dared not to raise his voice. To do so, in the face of such sacred-feeling silence, would have somehow seemed blasphemous. It almost felt as though the island itself knew the three wolves did not belong there, and was staring them down, grim-faced and expectant, waiting to see what they were here to do. Gjelu knew this thought was entirely ridiculous, but he could not manage to shake it from his mind as he cast his gaze about the tranquil terrain they traversed.
When at last they came to a halt, Gjelu felt entirely subdued by the island's presence, silently looking about with eyes full of wonder and awe. The turtles somber sermon, incoherent to the wolves, only reaffirmed the sense they were intruding. When Aelariah beckoned him to approach with her, Gjelu did so with bowed head and flattened ears in an almost apologetic expression. Yet both quickly snapped to their full height in shock as he heard for the first time the turtle's voice, ancient sounding tones which echoed forcibly through his mind. Diligently he obeyed that commanding, and yet somehow gentle voice, taking his place beside the desecrated remains. When Gjelu's turn came, and the odd word passed his lips, the wolf felt a surge of power course through him. All at once he could sense his magic once more, and yet it seemed different, more powerful. It almost felt as if he was being bolstered by something, someone, and he wondered if it was the turtle or the island itself. Gjelu was left dumbstruck as his magic crystallized the shell before them, and with wide, shocked eyes he watched the sanctified remains slowly sink into the earth.
Bah, funerals! I hate funerals. Just throw me on a fire, I always say, so no hungry bastard can claim he got a piece of me.
All throughout their short journey inland Navlos had kept his silence as well, but for entirely different reasons. After securing their craft to a tree above the high-tide line, the heavily scarred wolf had stared at the sea for a moment, relishing the clean, salty breeze which fluttered in upon the waves. Deeply he inhaled that refreshing air, releasing a soft, satisfied sigh before turning to approach the others. He wasn't really one for pretty places such as this, but he had to admit this island seemed so peaceful, so calming. Navlos couldn't remember a time when his mind had last been so relaxed, so clear, but that wasn't the on;y subject his memory failed to recollect. He realized this lapse as he joined the other canines, who hastily finished a hushed conversation, and proceeded to spend most of their short hike pondering that matter.
Just what were they doing here? Where had they met such a gigantic reptile? Why was she with them? How much could he not remember? All very good questions which bothered him all the way to the clearing and through most of the burial. Navlos had taken a seat beneath a tree on the outskirts of the clearing, intending to solve these riddles as he patiently waited upon the others. Idly he began to pick dried blood from his claws as his mind swam about their first of such problems. Yet one of the clots of coppery stain seemed to come away with a small chunk of his metallic digits, leaving a small pit in its wake. Panic rose in Navlos' chest as he hastily lifted his paw to inspect the impossible damage. Was that actually rust spotted across every claw, not simply the dehydrated remains of his last foe? It was impossible, inconceivable! As his pulse raced he tried desperately to remember how that could have happened, but he just couldn't seem to concentrate enough. A dull ringing formed in his ears, forcing Navlos to softly shake his head  in an attempt to clear it.
At least I know who I am.
That thought came like a sudden safe-haven found in the midst of a storm, and so his mind clung to it. Yes, he knew who he was. He was a warrior, but not just any warrior. He was the second in command of the most respected group of fighters in the North. Proudly Navlos looked down to the golden mark upon his right foreleg, unaware that others would instead see a translucent patch of flesh which revealed the muscles and tendons below. He instead saw the symbol of their renown proudly gleaming in the sunlight that filtered through the leaves above. When he looked to the others he saw the same glistening gold upon his fearless leader. A lesser creature might have been upset about having command being given to such a paragon of morality over himself, but not Navlos. He was content where he was in the hierarchy, just as long as they continued to do something.
"Lovely service," Navlos called out as he rose to all fours and swaggered over to join them. "Reminds me of when me own mum passed, bless 'er soul." This, of course, was a shame-faced lie. None of them had known their parents, for long at least, as each of their number was an orphan. Navlos always felt he was one of the blessed ones, for he knew next to nothing of his lineage. Some might have found that unsettling, but not him, never him. "Best  we hurry our business along-" Here he paused to offer the turtle a gracious, respectful bow that still somehow seemed cheeky. "So we can leave this poor widow to her grief."

[Relairah]

Aelariah glanced toward the crazed one that had accompanied them with another fit of growing ire. She had hardly noticed him during the burial, but now he had her full attention once more. Something was... off. She wished he would shut his mouth and disappear. But alas, she felt terrible simply leaving him here with this creature. For one, he might attempt to rip her apart. And for another, she felt somewhat guilty that he had come along in the first place - albeit the fact they had had little choice. She swallowed the growl in her throat and turned her focus once more on the tortoise as she questioned them.

The lavender colored wolfess flicked an ear in Gjelu's direction. They had so little to go on to even describe what Antarctica had told them of, let alone relay to the tortoise. Still, she supposed she had to try. "An artifact," she shifted on her paws, "One which legend says can be found on an island I could only say fits this very one and which can quiet unrest in the spirit. We seek its power to heal our land. We believe the land itself is greatly distressed due to an imbalance in the spirits birthed there. Can you help us?" She looked upward toward the creature with hope.

The tortoise dipped its head, gazing between Aelariah and Gjelu a moment and finally blinked its great eyes. "What you seek is on this isle, children. Yet I cannot merely give it to you. We of the isle knew this day would come and it was spoken long ago that those worthy would need its magic. But know this. Once you take this ancient gift, there will be a great sacrifice - an equal trade, if you will. I know not whether it will be made before you acquire it, or after you have used it. But only if this risk is worth it should you finish your quest." She paused a moment, raising her head. "Be wary of your companion, dear children of water. And most of all, do not forget what you have seen and learned. Your magic has so much to offer. And you have only scratched the surface."

Finally, the tortoise turned, making its way past the clearing. "I will take you to where the artifact lies. But once there, you will have to gain it on your own." With that, she continued forward once more. She treaded slowly and again they passed enormous trees and rivers. At last, she stopped once more before the largest cavern Aelariah had ever seen. She gently nudged Gjelu, dipping her head. Before them lay a tunnel, figures engraved into the walls the likes of which she had never seen. Light glowed from somewhere within and as they would draw closer, a gentle mist would envelop them. Before long, they would reach a dark body of water in the midst of which was a raised dais of stone. Atop the dais was the artifact they sought. Its shape was unclear at that moment for it was the source of the mist as well as the light which caused the water to cast ripples on the walls and ceiling. The engravings from the tunnel continued about the entirety of the stone, clear and evident in the shining light.

Once more, Aelariah found herself completely blown away in awe and wonder. She could feel within her veins something sacred about the ground on which they stood. She almost felt guilt. Were they truly worthy to take such an ancient magic? And something else struck her. What if this was the very source of the isle on which they stood? If they took it... what would happen to everything here? Would it vanish? Plunge into chaos? She shifted once more. The fact they were both water elements meant that reaching the dais would not be trouble for either of them. It was fortunate also, because she didn't want that lunatic of a wolf getting close to it and ruining anything. She waited for Gjelu before she would make any further actions. As she thought of their mother and the state of their home, she felt it. What choice did they have?

[Mokobo]

The earlier sensation that they were intruding upon sacred grounds was strengthened as Navlos swaggered forth to make his rather rude interruption. Like his sibling, Gjelu had been mostly unaware of the crazed wolf during the burial ceremony. The lunatic's unpredictable antics had paled in comparison to the mystical events unfolding before them. However, Navlos once more found a way to interpose himself among the matter at hand, much like a spoiled pup demanding attention from others. While he shared his sister's annoyance, Gjelu was more concerned about what sort of repercussions those mockingly formal words would bring about. With a somber face and a sharp intake of breath, the warrior wolf braced himself in anticipation of the turtle's reaction.
Yet the monolithic reptile seemed unperturbed by the uncouth actions of Navlos, simply choosing to question them about that which they sought. A soft sigh of relief escaped Gjelu as Aelariah attempted to describe their goal, of which they knew next to nothing. For a moment the white wolf kept his gaze trained upon the darker-pelted male, whose eyes seemed to glaze over in boredom, before the turtle's words captivated his full attention. The grim frown which had grown upon Gjelu's lips deepened as that powerful, feminine voice echoed across his mind, speaking of a prophecy full of dire warnings. Gjelu had always found the idea of preordained events to be unsettling, despairing at times even, and preferred to believe instead that each creature was master of their own fate. It seemed, however, that they had traversed into those muddied waters from which so many have never returned.
The turtles warning of their crazed companion caused Gjelu to break from his dire reflection and once more cast a quick glance to the former. Navlos, however, seemed unaware of their guide's speech and was once more picking at the rust upon his claws with that same distant, bored expression plastered across his face. As their group took their leave of the clearing, the lunatic followed in a disturbingly trance-like, yet pleasantly subdued state. As they passed among the immense trunks of the island's trees Gjelu kept a wary eye on Navlos while also pondering the foreboding prediction their guide had told them of. Just what sort of 'great sacrifice' would be required to heal their home and their mother? Their's was a mission of healing and peace, things that usually came at a price. Perhaps the events foretold were instead a reminder of that truth? Gjelu repeated this idea, trying to convince himself of its legitimacy, failing in the endeavor as they came upon the entrance to the massive cavern.
The first impression Gjelu had was that they were not before a cavern, but rather the yawning mouth of some ancient gargantuan. Those spires of stone peering out into the sun were its fangs, and the increasing gloom beyond its gullet. Yet it was those odd carvings which increased Gjelu's unease. They seemed oddly familiar in an annoying sort of way, almost as if he should be able to remember them, but simply could not. The wolf's brow furrowed as he contemplated this, but before he could draw any conclusion he found himself being nudged forward. With a distracted sort of obedience, much akin to Navlos', Gjelu entered the cave. Continuously his head swiveled about as they passed beneath a seemingly endless mural of glyphs and runes, symbols which brought forth a faint memory of swirling light and water. The feeling of 'déjà vu' was heightened as they emerged into the mist-filled chamber beyond the tunnel. A soft light emanated from the center of a small lake, dancing across the surface to illuminate more carvings above in a spectral sort of way. Slowly Gjelu approached the edge of the shore before tentatively dipping a paw into those inky black waters. Almost immediately the wolf withdrew with a small gasp of shock before turning his wide eyes upon Aelariah.
"It's warm, really warm!"

OoC - Sorry if this is a bit fluffed up and lacking >.> I was multi-tasking while typing this out =3