Story for KWC - Mods, please lock once you read this. Into the Abyss The warm sea is but a distant feeling for Balian. Ever since he lost Thira to the Abyss two moons ago, his soul had been restless like a winter storm. Thira was a Sea Nymph.. Of grace and caring and laughter that had Balian fallen in love over. Balian never knew what Thira saw in him, a hard working pearl diver, a human with no mastery of the spells and magics of the sea. Perhaps it was his easy smile and easy approach to life, perhaps it was his ability to stay for long periods underneath the waves, or perhaps it was his sense of wonder to appreciate the glimpses of magics in the sea. Yet.. They were the happiest of the lovers.. And the world was their Oyster in every sense of the word.. But the Maelstorm of the Abyss came for her on a full moon night.. They were swimming in the warm waters by a cove under the moon.. The silver beam dappling in gentle waves as they embraced each other weightless among the myriad of coral banks.. "Kiss me Balian" Thira mouthed underwater, and the message came and struck Balian in gentle waves and vibrations in the water.. He leaned in and they kissed in an embrace of joy Balian had nightmares for what happened next.. As a translucent vortex appeared from the depth below and a violent undertow tugged Thira into it's dimly lit portal of sorts. Thira summoned a few spells and sent flashes of spells to disrupt the tow but the vortex got closer to her and the dark magics of the abyss was seeming to overpower her spells. Balian held on to Thira and swam with all his might to counter the frothing tow.. But a fluorescent bolt of energy spell shot out from the portal and knocked Balian's grip off her. With a ferocious suddenness, the vortex closed around Thira and in a flash, the Sea Nymph that was his life disappeared into the abyss.. The chaos kept Balian from remembering the details of the portal but the oblique glimpses that he saw pointed to a dimly lit chamber where there was a sliver of a cloak figure that in he heart, Balian knew, is the being of dark magics that had taken Thira.. Balian was not sure of a lot of features about this spectral figure save for the fact that the figure wore a mask.. Humanoid but contorted.. With a scar.. cutting over the left eye.. ------------------------------------------ Both Man and Nymphs searched for Thira in the following days but no trace was found.. And the whispers and heresy of the ancient histories and stories that the Nymphs held about the abyss did not comfort Balian at all.. They told of spectral dark magic beings that dwell in the abyss. They told of the dark beings wearing masks to enter into the world of man on the land and the world of Nymphs on the surface of the seas to do their bidding.. ...And they also told of ferocious leviathan beasts that can be summoned from the depths.. But Balian's heart could not find rest and he implored with the elder nymphs on any possible means in this end of the earth for him to find and bring Thira back.. "There are certain races on the surface of these seas that are from the dark magics" said one elder "They are the Sirens" she continued.. "They are of same beings as us sea nymphs but the dark magics had turned them into voracious predators who lured their victims with mesmerizing songs from their slither tongues... "May be they will tell me the way to the abyss and to the masked demons" Balian remarked, with faint hope in the face of great dangers "We can show you where the Sirens dwell, but if you fall under the spell, that would be the end of you" the elder spoke softly.. "Show me the way, for my heart is pure and I will not stray from the seductions".. Balian said with resolve ------------------------------------------ On another moonlit night soon after, Balian finds himself on a rocky shore with the pounding surf.. Around midnight, a faint sweet and melancholic song crescendoed faintly in the wind.. Balian turned and saw a Nymph of incredible beauty with softly glowing skin and bright cerulean eyes of mournful gaze staring at him in a close distance.. "Your song will not sway me" Balian calmly spoke And the figure slithered fast to close the distance between them.. Balian, as generations of perl divers had passed on down, had knowledge and experience to confront the predators of the sea, and his razor sharp instincts and body mechanics twisted his form to a rolling crouch forward. He pulled his curved short sword from his waist belt and brought it with great swiftness to where the encroaching waif's head might be.. The Siren stopped practically in his arms and his sword lodged at her neck as she came to rest. "Impressive.. Indeed.. I have heard of you perl divers.." the siren quipped...her razor sharp teeth gleaming "Your heart is clouded.. You are faithful but I sense a great storm there" the siren continued "Yes.. I have no quarrel with you or your dark magics.. But I am seeking to bring my true love back home with me" Balian replied "And where do you think this love of yours is?" "Her name is Thira, she is a Nymph, and a demon with a human mask took her from the Abyss".. The Siren let out a yelp of joy and intrigue.. "The Abyss huh.. The masks hmm.." She continued her half laugh "And what exactly do you plan to do if you are to reach the abyss?" "Thira is my perl.. She is my life and joy.. If I have to gut those masked demons like the oysters and leave their entrails on the ocean floor, I shall make it so.." Balian replied in calm and measured tones.. The sirens sweet but threatening laughter started to crescendo.. "Well you are in luck my hapless perl diver.. There is a gathering in the abyss in the fortnight.. And if you dare to wreak havoc among the cult of the abyss, I shall loan you my guest mask with glee" the siren said with a deathly mischievous grin.. "Oh I intend to.. And I do thank you for your gesture.. How do I get there?" Balian asked "Well you just have to put it on when the time comes" the siren smiled and handed him a mask made of the mother of perl.. ------------------------------------------ The fortnight couldn't come soon enough for Balian.. The Nymphs prepared him the best that they could to survive the deep.. And when the time came, he swam out in the cove, with his short sword by his side, and put on the mask to summon the vortex.. The faint glow flooded the initial chamber of the portal.. He was not in the water and were able to walk around, but this world is of oblique surfaces and mirages and the space seemed to be filled with substance that is in between air and water.. Translucent.. And somehow alive.. He walked towards a door, of shifting shape.. And seeing no handles or doorknobs, pushed it open and Balian entered into a grand ballroom of the Abyss.. The ballroom was a gigantic cavern with the transparent dome with vines of kelp and bones forming the buttresses.. The sea seem to surround the chamber and there was a faint glow from a distant light source that made the environs nearby visible.. There were plenty of other light sources swimming about as well.. Organic.. Pulsating.. And some, hypnotic with a deadly menace.. Balian scanned the chamber slowly.. His vision trying to adjust to the slight distortion of light and space.. A gathering of a ball was the best description Balian came up with.. There were hundreds of creatures of all shapes and forms that were milling about, most seem to be of humanoid form.. There seem to be a general sense of revelry and quiet conversations but he also observed that all beings here are of apex predatory types and masters of magics.. Most also carry weapons of various kinds and modes.. Some made of out teeth or beaks.. Some opening and closing like polyps.. And some are claw like with jagged pincers.. Balian felt like he was swimming among a school of sharks.. Silently gliding, deadly sharks... But these predator beings are of malevolence that most sharks would never embody.. On closer examination, he noticed that many were wearing masks and with his heart beating a bit faster, Balian slowly started moving through the crowd.. Seeking a particular mask.. As he was making his way through, seeking Thira or the man in the scar mask, a cold hand reached out and gripped his hand.. Balian turned and saw a human woman staring at him behind deepest eyes.. She struck him as a mystic with all the amulets covering her hair and neck.. She was old.. He grip on him was feeble.. But the pulse coursing through her veins were still strong.. "Let me see you" the mystic spoke.. Balian, feeling a comfort being with another human in this alien word teeming with dark magic, complied.. He took off his mask.. And gave her a faint smile.. "I am Balian.." "I used to know my name.." The mystic responded "I would very much like to remember it.. I have been here for so long and the dark magics have eroded my human memories. And we don't see any humans down here like you too often" she lamented "Perhaps I can help.. Do you still carry any keepsakes from your childhood or from the surface?" The mystic thought for a moment and reached among the amulets in her necklaces.. ....and brought forward a coin.. Both sides featured a goddess... One sets her in a spring of flowers and wheat fields.. And the other in a barren winterscape.. "Oh that is goddess Persephone!" Balian exclaimed.. "Per.. Se.. Phone!".. "Persephone!.. That's me!.. That's my name!" The mystic also exclaimed with great joy! The mystic hugged him and Thanked him.. "So what magic do you bring in this gathering?" Balian asked.. "Oh.. No.. No magic.." The mystic gave a small laugh.. "..Well.. May be a little magic sometimes.. Afterall, I wouldn't be here if I don't know a thing or two about some kind of magic".. Her eyes twinkled.. "But mostly, I bring truth, which, in the long run, is infinitely more powerful than magics" she smiled.. "Well I may be needing all powers I can get.." Balian paused for he didn't want to divulge more about the nature of his being here to a stranger amongst the sea of malevolent strangers "That's the beauty of truth.. You don't have to tell me your truth.. But I can show it to you" she continued "Would you like to see your truth?" "Sure, why not" Balian replied.. He eyes still scanning the crowd occasionally for any signs.. The mystic then proceeded to bring out a deck of cards and with her arms in a widening gesture, levitated them in front of her.. Balian slightly noticed that a small group of patrons had started to gather around them.. Most seem eager to witness and gleam any of the magics that may be on display.. Their contorted masks and their shape shifting weapons uneased Balian.. "Pick three" the mystic asked Balian examined the cards which are turning slowly in the suspended state.. "But they are all blank" he noted "Yes.. All possibilities are boundless like a blank slate.. until a choice has been made" Balian reached for three cards.. "Now look at them one at a time and tell me what you see".. Balian stacked them in his hand and turned over the first card.. And saw a Skelton hanging upside down "That is Death.. All beings die.. And tonight, death will be associated with you" Balian turned the next card.. And saw a leviathan of a beast full of tentacles, rippling with teeth and beaks.. "That is the Kraken.. Perhaps this beast shall bring the death" This is not looking too promising for me.. Balian thought as he turned the last card up.. And saw himself and Thira, embraced in a warm blue sea.. He could feel her laughter and joy.. "That is Love.. You will find her again tonight" "Keep them Balian the Brave.. You helped me remember my name.. They are my gifts to you.." The mystic clasped her hands on his. "I have infused them with my magic" she whispered.. "Thank you" As Balian turned to move, he found himself surrounded by masked figures in cloaks.. "So you want her back... Human?" A voice echoed from the crowd.. And the figures parted to let in their leader.. The nightmare came rushing back to Balian.. Coming towards him, was the figure that had haunted him for the last many moons.. But his heart lifted with great joy as he spotted Thira behind the masked leader.. She was still as radiant as ever but seemed to be under a spell of sorts.. Her eyes briefly lit up with tremendous hope and joy but she did not speak. The spectre with the scarred mask glided as he spoke.. "The sea is the dominion of mine.. And she is of the sea.." "You have no dominion over anyone of free will and spirit" Balian replied.. "Release her.. Lift the spell.. And you can all go back to your merry Gathering.. " "Why would I do that! You are in the Abyss.. This is our world.. We are the cult that hold dominion here.. You're a weakling that has no magic.." The mask bellowed.. "Put him out of his misery".. The masked leader waved his order and the group of masked demons descended on Balian.. Balian drew his short sword and rolled on the floor, and struck in wide upward arcs of the sword to strike the demons.. While their tooth and fang weapons buzzed inches from him.. The energy strikes were flashed but due to the close combat, they struck the other demons as Balian went from crouching to using demons as a shield while stabbing the with his sword.. Many demons were struck down before an energy charge from a demon struck the sword loose from Balian's hand.. He rose up slowly, to examine his fighting options.. When he saw the mystic in the crowd, giving him a faint smile.. In that moment, with shape shifting weapons and energy charges flashing around him, he felt a calm.. Within him.. He drew strength from the brief but strong kinship and faith to the friendship based on kindness and reciprocity.. He then remembered his gifts.. Reached into his belt.. And withdrew the card of the beast.. "I summon you leviathan.. Come of free will.. And help me eradicate this oppressive evil" The attacking horde paused.. Each aware of the magics of the tarot cards.. Seconds passed.. And Balian gripped the card tightly.. And started thinking about how many demons he can slay with his hands and feet..and the demons started inching closer to him.. A faint rumble was felt in the chamber.. And an enormous shape glided with tremendous swiftness over the dome in the sea above.. Blocking the faint lights of the outside world.. On the floor of the chamber, shadows appeared as the gigantic mass writhes in the seas above.. Shadows of tentacles danced over the crowd and the masked demons looked up in unison.. The masked leader gave a cry of surprise but glee and twirled his weapon and shot a bolt of energy streak towards the leviathan and it passed the dome barrier and struck the beast.. And the tentacles descended from the ceiling.. A ferocious fight ensued.. The razor sharp barbs of the tentacles swooped and ripped the masked demons while the energy bolts and shards of magic weapons shot toward the beast from the masked cult's weapons.. Balian was in hand to hand combat in the Melee.. He rolled, slid and glided across the floor, grabbing and striking the demons with his knee, foot and hands.. Occasionally grabbing a scythe weapon from one of the demons to sweep cut the cloak figures.. The masked leader retreated with Thira in tow but tentacles blocked his path and as he turned around, Balian faced him.. The demon darted an energy flash which Balian quickly dodged.. "Your beast will not touch me human.. He knows the quarrel is between us" the demon gleefully growled.. "Suites me just fine.. I will say it again.. Lift the spell, release her.. And you will live" Balian replied.. The masked spectre let out a long laughter.. He looked at the unfolding carnage.. A whirlwind of talons, teeth and writing flesh, clashing with the wraiths.. "No human.. Death is with you.. YOU will die.. And so will she".. Balian's heart slowed as the masked demon swung his saw toothed scythe down towards Thira.. "No!!!" Balian screamed as he drew the death card from his belt and flung it with all its might towards the masked demon of the deep.. The card glowed with a dragonfire midflight.. And struck the demon through the mask, just as the scythe struck Thira.. The demon fell with a wailing shriek and the dragonfire consumed the spectre body.. The masked demons of the cult stopped the fighting and the leviathan above withdrew its tentacles.. Balian ran and knelt beside Thira.. She was fading as she lay on the floor.. But the spell seemed to have been lifted.. "You came for me Balian" she whispered.. "I love you Thira.. You mean the world to me... Don't fade away".. Balian replied in exasperation.. "I love you too Balian.." Thira's voice tailed off as she closed her eyes.. The last card that Balian had began to glow with a warm cerulean color.. He withdrew it and with all the love his heart had for Thira, held it against the wound that entered her.. The cerulean glow permeated across Thira's body.. And she opened her eyes again.. "Are we at the cove?" she inquired softly.. Tears of joy came streaming from Balian's eyes.. He put on his mask that the Siren had given to him.. Embraced and held Thira tightly... And whispered "We will be..."