18+ Private Redchron Descent Into Depravity

[Vina Skysong]

Vina hummed to herself as she waited for Fina to arrive in the inn's common room, her eyes closed as she focused on the sounds both within and without the building. So far she couldn't hear anything out of the ordinary, and with how sharp her hearing was she was inclined to believe that if she didn't hear it there was nothing to hear.

This, of course, also meant that she could clearly hear Fina leaving her room and heading downstairs. Even as the feline warrioress entered the room Vina was already turning around to greet her friend, the vulpine druidess opening her eyes walking up to her companion.

Good evening Fina~

Fina quickly focused on the job at hand, Vina tilting her head as the arms master explained her perspective on how to proceed. Letting out a thoughtful hum Vina glanced towards one of the windows showing the village square.

Hmmmhmmm~ I think it's better if we go outside: they might decide to not go any deeper than the edge of the village. (One ear twitched.) Do you want to take your horse with us in case we need to chase them? I could also use my magic to hasten our steps, in case you'd rather keep her safe~

Aside from the threat of the cultists there was also the reality that horses weren't suited for rocky and overgrown terrain, which was exactly the kind of environment in which the cultists supposedly had hidden their base. Still, Fina's mount could be used to help get them to the edge, if Fina was willing to leave it behind at that point.

Regardless of whether Fina decided to bring her horse along or not, Vina would lead the way out of the inn and towards the edge of town, in the direction from which the cultists would supposedly arrive. A quick whistle kept the cold winds from assaulting the two adventurers, leaving them with a relatively comfortable evening to enjoy as they passed several buildings. As the sun's final rays disappeared, the villagers began to close the shutters of their windows, leaving the streets even darker than before as it was left to the moon and the stars to light the way, with only the occasional torch-lantern creating a pool of warmer light.

At the edge of the village they could see the area Hamza had indicated in the distance: a mass of rocks jutting out of the land, surrounded by trees and plants which from this distance just looked like a wall of green.

The village had been built in one of the more level parts of Redchron, so from the edge of the village one could see relatively far before Redchron's hilly terrain got in the way. Vina peered in every direction, her ears also perked up and turning before the songstress looked back towards Fina.

So~! A good spot to wait, don't you think?

From here it'd be nearly impossible for them to miss anybody travelling from the green area towards the village... even if it meant they were easier to spot as well.

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

Outside it was then. She wanted to say that Vina was sentencing them both to a cold evening, but the temperature has been getting a bit better as of late, which was quite nice. Frankly, Fina was rather tired of the cold weather and was more than ready to embrace the return of proper Spring.

"I can take Lucia with, but that will make us even less stealthy."

Not that the duo would be particularly conspicuous without the steed. They were simply too unique and thus stood out, so unless they'd make a conscious effort to remain hidden, anyone would be able to recognize them quickly in this place. So as they left the building, she untied the horse and held the lead in her hand as they walked toward the edge of the village. Although, as they got to their desired destination, Fina realized that maybe she had this all a bit wrong.

"So... I can't help but notice that we're assuming that these cultists who supposedly visit this place every night and make noises no one recognizes... would make the trek from their base to here every single day."

She let out a sigh and ruffled her own hair a bit as she looked around, her feline eyes almost glowing in the dark, reflecting what little light there was to be had.

"I guess I just figured we'd patrol all over because they'd presumably be camped somewhere closer? Or even be hiding inside of the village all along? I can't imagine walking that distance twice a day."

And that was still assuming that it was even cultists to begin with. Plenty of things could make a noise, and frankly, the fact that no one recognized what those sounds were made the girl convinced they were hunting horrors from beyond the boundary rather than regular cultist humans.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Fina did have a point that taking a horse with them would make it even harder for them to hide. Not that Vina had really been planning to hide, so the vixen nodded along even if she wasn't really bothered by the argument.

True, but it's a long journey to the hideout, isn't it~?

The other argument, however, held some more importance: the fact that there was no guarantee the cultists would come from the direction of the hideout, if they were even coming to the village at all that night. Vina blinked and tilted her head, her tail swishing behind her as she contemplated Fina's words.

...You might have a point there Fina. (She looked around.) I don't think they're hiding in the village: unless they can hide them they'd be recognised by the tattoos on their visage~ But they might still be closer by than we think, which would make it easier for them to return and raise a stink~

She fell silent for a moment as she watched Fina, appreciating the way that the feline's eyes almost glowed in the moonlight. Around them the world seemed tranquil and silent, night having claimed the land and the village retreating into itself to await the next day. Her gaze travelled from Fina to the village they were standing at the edge of, then towards the mostly barren plains that surrounded the settlement.

They could have a camp nearby, so patrolling the village edge could be a good idea. That said, they would still have to contact their hideout somehow, so maybe-!

Her melodious voice came to an abrupt halt as her ears perked up, the playful vixen's head turning towards a different direction. If Fina strained her hearing she might also pick up what had caught the druidess's attention: footsteps heading towards the village, but from a different direction.

Vina's azure eyes flitted over towards Fina, and after bringing her finger to her lips the vixen motioned for the feline to follow as she moved towards the source of the sounds, sticking close to the walls of the buildings at the edge of the village until she moved past the last home to block her view, revealing two cloaked figures approaching from across the plains.

Of course, as soon as she saw them the two of them saw the druidess's silver-white hair as well, and within moments they were running away.

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

Vina was pretty quick to understand the point being made, which was good. There was still some chance that perhaps they managed to convert one of the villagers, who was willingly hiding them away inside of their own home, but patrolling the outer perimeter of the village would certainly be better than just standing in one place as well. Not that they even got to that part, as the vixen's trained ears managed to pick something up.

Without a verbal reply, Fina nodded and let go of her steed's lead, leaving the horse standing where it was for now, and quietly following in her fellow's steps. Although she couldn't see much, she v ery quickly picked up on the noise of someone trying to escape, at which point any amount of stealth was completely and utterly pointless. Quickly whistling with her fingers, Lucia, the trusty steed, practically leapt into action, allowing Fina to jump onto its back all the while grabbing Vina's hand and forcibly chucking her into the air as well, allowing her to land right behind her.

"No way they can outrun a horse unless they start cheating with magic! Can you knock them over with a gust of wind or something once we're close enough?"

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina paused, a bit stunned by the sudden development. She hadn't expected them to catch the cultists that quickly, but she also hadn't expected the cloaked figures to immediately start running the moment they were detected. The vixen probably would've stood there for a bit longer, nonplussed, if it wasn't for Fina throwing her into the air to land behind her on Lucia's back.

Woah!

She quickly leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Fina's waist, holding on as the feline arms master began the chase. The cloaked figures noticed as well, running even faster than before as they seemed determined to get the hell out of dodge now that their plans had been foiled... whatever those plans exactly had been.

I can try, but from this distance I'd just push them forward~

Vina wasn't about to resort to lethal methods such as lightning, and with her bouncing up and down on Lucia's back she also couldn't say with utmost confidence that she could summon a gale strong and concentrated enough to knock the cloaked figures down rather than launching them forward.

The cloaked figures, for their part, quickly proved Fina's claim to be true: on foot they couldn't hope to outrun the mounted pair... until one of them turned around and yelled something incomprehensible, after which Fina's horse Lucia would be forced to slow down as the cultist's magic took hold: large roots burst from the ground, quickly turning what was smooth terrain but moments before into a treacherous path where a careless charge could soon result in broken legs.

Vina frowned as she felt the magic behind the delaying tactic, similar to her own. To summon such a patch of entangling roots so quickly while on the run was impressive, but...

The druidess hummed under her breath, her eyes closed for the moment as she concentrated on the path before them. The familiarity of the magic meant she quickly understood it, and after a couple of seconds the roots began to withdraw, opening up the path so the three of them could resume the chase.

Of course, in the meantime the cultists had made some ground, and it seemed like they were running faster than before as well... in fact, they appeared to be in a full-blown sprint, as if their lives depended on it.

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

Even if it was impossible for Vina to accurately use her magic from that distance, Fina figured it would not be a problem for too long. Her horse was fast, and it would have them racing right next to the cultists in no time at all, at which point she could easily knock them down and-

Just as she was afraid, these people were definitely not just some ordinary folk who were following a nonsensical cult. They had magic users among their ranks, and that would surely spell trouble. Naturally, as the terrain started changing, it spooked Lucia, who stalled and nearly threw the duo off, though a quick gesture from the feline managed to largely calm the animal down. Vina's response seemed equally as fast and precise, which was good.

But as the horse was recovering and getting back into a gallop, Fina leaned to the side and materialized something in her hand. A set of heavy orbs connected by a rope. Doing her best to aim for the legs of the cultists, she threw before focusing on directing Lucia again, hoping that it would at least slow them down a bit.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

With how hard the cultists were sprinting now it took an impressive throw from Fina for her bolas to reach them. Fortunately the arms master's control over her arcane arsenal allowed for such a throw to happen, and one of the cultists tripped and nearly fell when the thrown weapon struck their legs. They most likely would've fallen completely if the other hadn't pulled them back up, but even then they needed time to shake off the bolas before continuing their sprint.

While the one cultist struggled to free their legs the other once again called out to summon more entangling roots, but this time Vina was prepared and reacted almost as quickly: countering the cultist's spell with her voice an eery silence filled the air for a moment as the roots failed to sprout, allowing Lucia to keep closing the distance.

Seeing that their magic had been negated the cultists started sprinting at full speed again, but without anything hindering the Starcalled they quickly closed the distance to the point that Vina felt safe using her magic more offensively. Letting loose a sharp whistle, she summoned a swift wind, then sent it towards the cultists to swoop around and hit them from the front.

Their long cloaks billowed as they were suddenly halted by the gale, trying to push forward but barely making any headway even as Vina's whistling grew more insistent, the headwind growing stronger and stronger until one of the cultists fell onto their back. The other crouched down to help them up, but Vina used that opportunity to make the winds press down on them from above, her expression much more focused than usual as she kept them locked down until Lucia was close enough that Fina could take over.

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

Surprisingly, or perhaps not so much, their teamwork was working. With a combination of slowing the cultists down and speeding up towards them on horseback, there was no way they'd not catch up. It all happened in only a few short seconds, but with the focus exerted by all parties involved, it felt much longer than that. However, as one cultist ended up back on the ground and the other one unwilling to abandon their friend, Lucia galloped and slowed down right next to them.

At that point, Fina swung her arm around as she materialized a weapon akin to a whip. Though its purpose was not to create painful lashes, but to wrap itself around the two suspicious individuals, binding them together and hopefully fully restraining them in place. Regardless of its success or the lack of, the feline quickly got down from the horse and readied herself for any further potential resistance. They were in melee range, which meant that she could actually fully engage if necessary.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

With the winds holding them in place there was little the cultists could do when Fina got close enough to summon a whip: even if the sound of the flexible weapon cutting through the air warned them, they could do little but struggle in futility as the rope wrapped around them and tied them together, robbing them of their mobility and leaving them flailing on the ground.

With both the cultists restrained Vina released her magic, the winds that had been bearing down on their opponents quickly dispersing and once again leaving the night silent around the four of them. Aside from Lucia's hoofsteps and the grunts from the two cultists on the ground the night was silent. For the moment, anyway.

Well! That was easy~!

Vina was as chipper as always as she slid off Lucia's back once the horse came to a halt, patting her on the flank before turning towards the two cultists who were still trying to escape their bindings. Given that one of them had been able to create that patch of entangling roots with but a shout Vina had been worried that they might be able to undo Vina's whip as well, but from the looks of it either they had nothing left or they didn't think it was worth trying.

I wonder why they were running so hard though...

It wasn't like the two adventurers were particularly scary, after everything was said and done. Stepping closer Vina put her hands on her knees to address the cultists before one of them shouted out first.

S-Stay back!

Vina blinked, her tail curling behind her as she tilted her head and stared at the cultists with curiosity clear in her azure eyes.

What's wrong?

The cultist didn't immediately answer, instead grunting as they again tried to forcibly free themselves. However, despite the both of them flexing their muscles underneath their cloaks Fina's arcane bindings didn't budge, until finally both of them gave up, breathing audibly even as one of them spoke again.

W-We haven't hurt anyone! We've done nothing wrong!

That's true! Let us go immediately!

Both of them sounded male, even if panic was making their voice go up. Vina blinked again at the surprisingly strong reaction to her approach, looking back at Fina with some confusion before trying again.

We can let you go in a bit, but we first want to ask some questions. (She smiled mischievously.) And it's not like you were running because you had nothing to hide, right~?

What? We're not telling you anything!

Wait, wait! What do you want to know?

What do you mean, "what do you want to know?" Are you betraying us?

N-No, but if that's all they want-

You little traitor! And I tried to save you!

Vina stared a bit more openly as the cultists appeared to be descending into an argument, one of them seemingly willing to talk while the other adamantly refused to do so. Despite being out of breath they still bickered with enough energy that Vina actually had a hard time getting in between, leaving her eventually looking at Fina with a mixture of amusement, confusion, and helplessness.

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

The chase was ultimately a short one, as her attempt at restraining the two cultists ended up in surprising success. She honestly wasn't so sure of that specific move, especially after it failed last time she tried to use it... but this time, there was no boar to get in the way, at least. And from the demeanor and words spoken by the two individuals after they found themselves resting on the ground, it was clear that the feline didn't need to be on a particularly high alert, either.

". . . ."

If anything, she was more stunned by how these presumed cultists actually started acting. Though it was perhaps a piece of evidence toward the theory that, like most cults, this one, too, was formed from ordinary people who fell to the cult's propaganda rather than being comprised of actually competent and wholly dangerous individuals.

"Well, breaking into a spring before we even made out first move was definitely suspicious, so pardon us for thinking you were maybe thieves or something. All the more suspicious to immediately claim that you have done nothing wrong... specifically that you've not hurt anyone, huh?"

Fina didn't exactly have any extensive practice with interrogating people, or playing 'good cop, bad cop', but with one of them being so eager to spill, she figured that the implication of a way out of this would ease them both into just explaining themselves. Though her eyes wandered toward Vina in attempt to seek some sort of affirmation that she wasn't just spouting out nonsense at the two.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina did find it somewhat amusing to watch the two cultists get so heated at one another, especially given that they were tied up together. However, from the sounds of it their argument could last for quite a while, with one of the cultists trying to justify his willingness to talk and the other getting very indignant at the very idea of giving up information to save their lives... apparently having gotten the idea somehow that Fina and Vina were threatening them.

So when Fina stepped forward and pointed out that the cultists only had themselves to blame for their current predicament the druidess nodded in agreement. But the cultist who was willing to talk responded to the feline arms master before the vulpine songstress could, nodding even more eagerly than Fina's rather mischievous companion.

I'm telling you, we haven't hurt anyone!

Wouldn't you run if you saw strangers coming at you in the middle of the night?

It seemed that Fina had managed to temporarily stifle their argument in favour of uniting against her accusatory tone. Vina tilted her head quizzically, her tail swishing from side to side behind her as she raised an eyebrow.

Coming at you? I just rounded the corner. A little bit on edge, don't you think~?

The two cultists sputtered at that, insisting that Vina's appearance completely justified them running away from her at full speed. The druidess laughed softly before shaking her head.

Well, I don't doubt that you haven't hurt anybody, but people have been going missing and their friends and family are worried. Even if you haven't done anything to them, maybe you could help us find them~?

Y-You mean reveal our hideout-

Dude, shut up! Don't say that!

Vina's smile widened as the first cultist froze, then quickly began to spew out excuses.

I-I m-mean we don't know what you're talking about! We didn't hear about anybody going missing, we just came here to-!

That's none of their business! Why do you keep opening your mouth?

The druidess almost felt bad, watching these cultists fall over themselves trying to not give everything away. The second cultist seemed to have something of a grip, but the first was almost too easy.

If it makes you feel better, the villagers already told us about your group and where we can find your base, so you haven't given away too much~ That said, some better directions would help. How about if you help us we won't turn you in to the villagers~?

She wasn't entirely sure what the villagers would do if the two of them delivered the cultists to them, although given that people were missing it might get out of hand. Fortunately the cultists didn't know either, as both now froze at that possibility.

D-Don't turn us in! We can help you!

Urgh... You really have no spine, you know that? (He hesitated.) You... if you already know about us... what're you planning to do once you get there?

Oh, not much~ Just rescue all the captives and prevent more kidnappings.

We haven't-!

Seriously, stop talking. (He turned his cloaked head towards Fina and Vina.) We can... show you the way. That should be fine, I think.

Vina clapped her hands together in delight, then stepped forward to help the two cultists up while they were still tied up by Fina's whip. As she helped them up some vines slithered down her arms to wrap around them as well, for a more long-term restraint.

Wonderful! Don't worry, we won't hurt anybody as long as they don't attack us or refuse to release the captives. I'm sure we can figure this out together~

A diplomatic solution seemed a lot better to her than fighting their way through an entire cult, and these two cultists certainly gave her the impression that they didn't need to see this as some battle against a malicious foe. She was rather curious what other arguments these two would have for their actions, but first and foremost they needed to get to the missing people. Turning back towards Fina she tilted her head.

I don't think Lucia can carry all four of us... maybe you could use your magic to create a sled or something?

The cultists had agreed to lead the way, but if they went there on foot it could take hours before they got there. If possible the vixen wanted to have the missing people back in the village before sunrise, and she assumed that Fina would rather not spend all night walking either.

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

So much for that. It seemed like at least one of them was not much more than some... village bumpkin that was in waaaay over his head. Which did beg a question that Fina decided to ask out loud after Vina was done with her 'interrogation', as little as she had to try to get the info out of the pair.

"Who are you two anyway? I don't mean to disrespect... or maybe I do, you are cult members after all... but it doesn't seem like you're really cut out for this. I mean, so jumpy that you ran the moment you spotted strangers, giving away secrets so easily..."

It wasn't exactly a question that was meant to get any real info out of them, merely one to satisfy a feline's curiosity. Maybe they were even some of the missing locals who were indoctrinated into the cult?

Whether any of that was true or not, they were still members of a cult, and currently, their prisoners. Nothing good would come out of trying to empathize with them until the core of the issue was resolved. As Vina said, their primary objective was to ensure that the disappearances here would stop... and ideally also make sure that the cult wouldn't just start kidnapping people elsewhere. Without activities that actively harmed others, even something like an eldritch god-worshipping club would become nothing more than a fancy book club, after all.

"Something as simple as a sled isn't gonna be a problem at all, but..."

"Well, They better start praying to whatever deity their cult worships that the road to their hideout isn't too bumpy."

It was gonna be a rough ride for them either way, but that seemed like an adequate punishment for the pair, provided that their crimes were no more severe than snooping around the village in search of possible individuals to target. If they had participated in the kidnappings directly, then that would warrant a harsher action later on.

For now, Fina did as was asked of her, practically snapping her fingers to materialize a toboggan, one much larger than what one would expect children and adults alike to use during the snowy seasons. And unlike the traditional construction, hers actually had a bit of a 'rail' on the sides and the back to ensure their passengers would not just fall off if they did actually hit a particularly nasty rock.

All that was needed now was to use either Vina's vines, or the whips still coiled around them to properly attach them to the arcane construct, get on Lucia, and head in whatever direction they would point to... assuming they didn't try anything funny, like attempting to lead them astray when they were explicitly told that the duo already knew the general direction to go in.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

With the two cultists resigned to their fate the bickering had at least stopped, even if the one who had been willing to reveal everything cringed a little everytime the other's hood turned towards him. Clearly this little incident wasn't going to go away anytime soon. In a way Fina's question actually served as a pleasant distraction, both of them turning to look at her even if their hoods hid their faces.

We're faithful servants of Urvara! That's all that matters!

That's all that matters, and yet you were about to sell Urvara out.

The second cultist spoke somewhat bitterly, but this time the first cultist actually fired back, his voice growing more vehement.

You think Urvara will be stopped by the likes of them? Whatever I tell them won't change the inevitable!

The second cultist seemed to be stunned by this outburst, after several seconds shaking his head to look at Fina and Vina instead.

If you're going to make us lead you to our hideout anyway you might as well get on with it.

It was a bit suspicious how compliant he now was, so willing to actually help them out, but Vina wasn't really paying attention to that part. Instead she just waited for Fina to create the sled, nodding along as the feline arms master pointed out that this ride might get a bit rough for their prisoners.

It'll be fine~! The land is mostly flat in these parts, isn't it?

There were plenty of rocks and boulders in the area, forming small plateaus or even just irregular pillars, but for the most part the area consisted of plains. Once Fina had finished creating the vehicle Vina helped the cultists onto the sled, vines keeping them in place and binding them, before she climbed back onto Lucia behind Fina and hugged her friend from behind.

Once they got going again it would quickly turnout that there wasn't much navigating to be done: aside from the occasional rock the horse had to run around (which didn't require much convincing: Lucia didn't want to risk her own neck either) they could mostly travel in a straight line from the village to the area where the cultists were supposedly hiding. That didn't mean there weren't some bumps in the road, but aside from some complaints the cultists got through the ordeal with a minimal amount of bruises.

Eventually the sparse grass that decorated the terrain would grow both thicker and greener, the tough yellow strands that survived in the harshest of climates replaced by the more common verdant carpet that one could find in places with water and warmth aplenty. While the night was dark the moon illuminated their path, and ahead of them the horizon would change shape as a large stone outcrop completely covered in the green of vegetation revealed itself. Shrubbery began to show itself as well, and after several hours they found themselves facing an actual grove, tall trees hiding the centre from view as the ground was covered in ferns.

I think we should go on foot from this point on~ Lucia would appreciate that.

Running across the open fields was one thing, but if Lucia were to carry them through this dense greenery it could actually lead to accidents. Once the horse had come to a halt Vina would slide onto the ground, walking over to the sled where the cultists looked... relatively hale and hearty.

So! We know that your hideout is somewhere in here, but searching the entire grove would take all night. If we let you walk on your own will you behave~?

The two cultists stared at her before nodding, the druidess smiling happily. Helping them off the sled she bid the vines to undo their legs, allowing them to walk on their own two feet even if their arms were still bound.

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

As far as sudden changes in attitude went, Fina wasn't particularly surprised about this one. Fanatics were, well... fanatical. It was their whole thing - singing praises about their leader and whatever deity they were supposed to be worshipping. If it wasn't for such devotion, then they would hardly be able to go through with sacrifices and all the other nonsense that came with cults, right? And the fact that she had never heard of this name before wasn't surprising, either.

"Urvara, huh? Can't say I've heard that one before... a new faith, or one that arrived here from somewhere distant..?"

While she asked these questions in front of the cultists, she didn't particularly expect any further answers. As their questioning went on, the more talkative prisoner actually took the hint and spared fewer helpful details. So while it would be nice to know what this unknown god was all about, so they could prepare ahead of time... she didn't think they would be so lucky.

These questions inside of her head only grew louder as they actually approached their destination, entering the premises of the seemingly paradise-like glade. It hardly looked like something that would veil an eldritch god and its cult... or maybe that was the whole point.

"Looks more like where a circle of druids would gather. Either there have to be some seriously old creepy ruins somewhere here, or maybe their cult is different from what you'd expect..."

Not that it mattered, they still had to stop them regardless to ensure no more people would go missing. Hopping down the horse with noticeably more agility and grace than Vina, the feline, waited a moment for their prisoners to be off of the sled before she led her trusty steed to the nearest tree, securing Lucia to it with a strong-looking lead.

"You stay put so we can find you again. If danger comes... well, you're strong enough to snap the lead if it comes down to that~"

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

This time around neither of the cultists responded to Fina's inquiry, both of them sullenly sitting on the sled as they waited for the adventurers to resume their journey. While they had become compliant enough to help guide the two of them to the hideout they weren't exactly friendly either: even from underneath those hoods which conveniently hid their faces their stares were unmistakable.

Vina tilted her head as Fina noted that this location looked more druidic than eldritch in nature. The feline arms master wasn't wrong: there was a distinct absence of truly otherworldly or ominous signs. The verdant growth around them was impressive, especially given the location, but the druidess could tell that there was nothing strange about these plants.

You do have a point... there's more nature here than you'd expect, but these trees do grow in this area~

After having helped the cultists out of the sled she walked up to one of aforementioned trees, placing her hand flat against the trunk as she studied it more thoroughly. It was healthy and growing well, its roots reaching deep into the ground to collect water from an underground source. The silver-haired beauty frowned thoughtfully before shaking her head and pulling her hand back, turning around to smile at her companions.

If I were to start a cult I'd probably also do it in a place like this~ That said, this isn't the hideout itself, is it~?

This question was thrown at the cultists who were busy stretching their legs after being stuck on the sled for hours. They paused and looked at each other before looking at Vina, one of them slowly nodding.

It wouldn't be hidden if it was. Now that you've come this far we might as well show you the way...

You're not the first to come looking.

Waiting for both Fina and Vina to be ready to follow the cultists wandered deeper into the grove, moving a bit awkwardly as they couldn't use their arms to balance themselves. They also had to walk rather carefully so they didn't risk tripping or falling, which meant the four of them advanced only slowly.

Around them the forest grew darker still as the trees became bigger. The moon had lit their path with its silver glow before, but now only slivers of that pale light made its way through the canopy. Eventually it was almost like they were underground... and then the path ahead became more mountainous, with large boulders forcing the trees aside yet the amount of moonlight staying the same.

Eventually they reached what could only be the entrance to the hideout, proving that Fina's suspicions had been correct: a wall of stone rose up before them, blocking the way forward except for an entrance into the mass of rock marked by elaborate carvings, boulders carved into pillars with vines wrapped around them. The rough surface of those pillars spoke of the time that had passed since they were given their shape, moss leaking from the cracks like dried green blood.

The entrance itself was large, much larger than it would need to be if it was a simple hideout. It looked more like the doorway of a temple, even if time's march had left it looking worn and weathered.

I don't think you guys made this.

Vina was rather surprised by the appearance of such ancient works: she'd been expecting something much smaller and newer, a little piece of civilization built by the cultists themselves. But from the looks of it these cultists had stumbled upon something much grander... or maybe their deity had guided them to it?

Do you know who made this?

She tried to get some information out of the carvings, but they were weathered to the point that she could only make out rough shapes. Long and winding, like snakes slithering across the surface... but that could mean many different things.

The cultists didn't share the surprise of the adventurers, clearly used to the sight.

Those who came before us did.

We were told that our leader was shown this place in a dream. Urvara reached out to those who would understand.

That last part sounded like cultic fantasy, but clearly they believed that these ruins were tied to their deity. Vina looked from the cultists to Fina, tilting her head quizzically.

What do we do with them?

They'd taken the cultists along to help them find the hideout, but she didn't think it a good idea to bring the cultists inside with them. It seemed that they'd have to go underground next, and if the inside was as grand as the entrance it would be too easy for the cultists to slip away and call for help.

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

Sometimes, even something that was normally as beautiful as nature could become oddly terrifying. And Fina certainly felt that tinge of uneasiness as they slowly moved through the thicket, nervously looking around, eyes darting from one spot to another. Any hints of movement could spell trouble... after all, now that they were this close to this supposed hideout, there could be other cultists on the lookout for intruders, lying in wait and ready to ambush anyone who comes close enough. What the two cultists said made it all the more likely.

"Not the first, huh... well, for your own sake, I do hope that whoever came before us is still in one piece. Same for the kidnapped victims..."

But she supposed they would learn of their fates soon enough, assuming they were not led astray. But that worry quickly dissipated soon after, once they approached the equally ominous-looking entrance to what appeared to be ancient ruins.

"A dream, huh? In other words, this place probably belonged to people not related to any of this so long ago that not much of them is left, and a random passerby claimed the ruins..."

That sounded about right to her. This cult of Urvara sure didn't seem to be particularly old, after all. Heck, perhaps even the notion of this old god came from a misinterpretation of something inside of these very ruins.

"Hm... they could be potentially useful as a bargaining chip if we took them with us... on the other hand, they would slow us down and could try to lead us into an ambush, break our cover, all sorts of things."

Bringing them along did seem like a somewhat poor of an idea, but given the situation they were in, there were honestly no actually good choices. After all, if someone came up behind them, then these two could be freed either way.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

The two captured cultists bristled at Fina's insinuations, their indignation clearly apparent even with their faces still hidden underneath their hoods.

How dare you! We would not be here if it wasn't for Urvara's guidance!

Y-Yeah! Don't you go around calling us thieves! These ruins belong to Urvara and Urvara's servants, us!

Given that they were bound they could do little more than protest, although their stance made it clear they might've charged Fina if they thought it would do any good. The vixen tilted her head at the outburst, then patted her friend on the shoulder.

Given that we'd still want to deal with this peacefully if possible, maybe we should be a little more careful with what we say?

She was familiar with Fina's habit of making rather dry observations: her friend wasn't one to mince words. However, in the current situation that could prove to become a problem, as demonstrated by their two captives. As eager as they were to talk about their deity they were clearly becoming more hostile.

Either way, that still left them with the question of what to do with the two cultists. Vina agreed with Fina that taking them along wasn't a very good idea, but leaving them behind just like that didn't seem like a good idea either.

Hmmmhmmmhmmm...~ Let me try something.

Stepping away from the others she walked a bit further away from the ominous entrance into the underground, closing her eyes as she focused on her ears instead. The large fluffy ears twitched and turned, the vulpine songstress listening intensely to the world around her. Leafs rustling softly as a weak breeze managed to make its way through the foliage, skittering in the undergrowth as small critters made their way about in the night. And beyond that the groaning of the trees themselves, a song seldom heard by those who walked the earth rather than being rooted in it.

After a minute she opened her eyes and turned back towards Fina, the two cultists once more silent as they waited to see what the judgement of the two pretty adventurers would be.

There aren't any predators about, so if we leave them out here bound they should be safe~ (She smiled at the cultists.) Sorry you two, but we'll have to make sure you can't call for help either. Hopefully this won't take too long~

You won't be able to find your way without us, you know?

That's their problem, not ours. If Urvara wills it they'll find what they seek, and if not... (He shrugged.) Fine, bind us to a tree if you must. Our faithful kin will find us sooner or later.

Vina raised an eyebrow at how strangely compliant they were being, especially given their rather strong reaction to Fina's rather... atheistic remarks. However, she shrugged and smiled as she pointed towards a nearby strong tree, the cultists obediently walking over to it.

With some luck we can solve this all peacefully and we can free you once we're done inside. And at least the weather's nice~

Out in the plains it had been rather cold, but here in the middle of the grove, guarded by trees and rocks, the temperature was a lot more bearable. Once the cultists were in place Vina summoned more vines to tie them to the tree, the druidess taking her time to make sure they weren't uncomfortable before nodding and stepping away, turning back towards her feline friend.

Shall we go Fina~?

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

"Hope you're ready to lead the negotioations then. Guess I just find it difficult to emphatize with people who appear to be kidnapping innocents from nearby settlements."

It was still rather difficult to imagine this ending peacefully when that was the baseline that got them involved in the first place. Still, since Vina insisted so much on it all, Fina was willing to give it a try. But for now, she wordlessly watched as the druidess decided to restrain the two cultists on a nearby tree. Predators weren't exactly what the feline was worried about, but oh well.

Once that was done and the two girls were far enough from the two prisoners, Fina could not help but sigh at it all. If she didn't know that magic could easily defy the natural order, she'd be even worried about the seemingly flimsy vines that Vina used to restrain those two. But something else was eating away at her.

"With demeanor like that, it's either gonna be a damn labyrinth inside of there... Or they are fully convinced that this god of theirs is real and will ensure we do not reach our objective one way or another. While I don't particularly believe in the second option... The first one does have me worried a bit. I'd rather not have to crawl through a trap-filled dungeon."

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

They say they haven't hurt anybody, so many the situation isn't that bad~? (She nodded.) Well, I'm not saying we should ignore what they've done, but if we can get this all sorted out without anybody having to get hurt it would still be better, wouldn't it Fina~?

Sometimes Vina's determined optimism could also end up becoming an issue: Fina, of course, had a valid point that these cultists were causing trouble, and thus couldn't just be welcomed with open arms. The druidess, however, would still try to find a peaceful solution if possible, still clinging to the idea that maybe everything would work out if they just gave it their best shot and listened to what the other side had to say.

For now, however, she'd step up towards the entrance to the cult's lair, looking up at the ominous stone doorway with runes scrawled across it, barely recognisable as intentional carvings rather than yet more weathering from years of neglect. In the dark it was also clear that there was a faint green glow around the runes: too weak to contain any strong magic, a leftover from ages past.

If they're using it as their base it can't be that bad... they'd want to be able to get in and out without problems, right?

She placed her hand on the cold stone, but when it came to minerals and rocks her magic abilities were severely limited. There was certainly something old in there, but nothing she could make out or make much of.

Undeterred she smiled at her friend, motioning towards the entrance.

They didn't say anything about it being dangerous, so at worst we'll have to search for the way forward. That's part of adventuring, I'd say~ It'd be boring if you could always walk straight up to the end of the quest.

And with that she led the way into the underground, procuring her staff to make it produce an electric orb which cast blueish light across the interior. Her fluffy tail swished behind her as if to help invite Fina further in, the playful vixen looking over her shoulder to give the cautious feline an encouraging smile.

What's the worst that could happen~?

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

"If they haven't hurt anyone, then I'm mighty curious to see why they've been kidnapping people to begin with. And, mind you, there are more ways to hurt someone than just physically... I've noticed some people like to get ahead of responsibility like that just because they haven't literally carved another person into pieces..."

Saying words that mean one thing but they claiming they mean something else, or perhaps nitpicking only part of the meaning... as far as she was concerned, it was nothing more than semantics and silly mental games that some people liked to play, but the fact always remained that they only did so in hope of avoiding a punishment for whatever crime they commited. Whether it would be the same here, well... they'd probably see soon enough, right?

As for the ruins themselves, Fina made sure to observe them as well. But, unlike Vina, she didn't really hold much knowledge in such areas. When she first joined this game, she made a choice to go down the path of physical prowess. A decision guided by her condition in the physical world. And she had yet to stray from that path... which meant that her abilities when it came to magic were rather limited. Even as far as her Arcanamancy went, she was only really proeficient in creating weapons and rarely practiced other uses.

"I guess this place was hidden well enough... On the other hand, I can't imagine they would have no defenses her at all. Or at least some sort of alarm against intruders... they're a cult, surely they have to know that people will come around, trying to stop them..."

While the two cultists that led them here were a bit on the... silly side, to say things nicely, that didn't mean everyone in the cult was like that.

"Especially now that you've, in full seriousness, uttered those famous last words. We're practically doomed."

@Vina Skysong