Diving Bell

The Plant Hwyaden Diving Bell(tm) is pretty literally bell-shaped, partly because of style, and partly because of a miscommunication with the metalworkers hired to help them assemble it. The exterior is a copper-colored metal shell, with a hatch at the top and an opening at the bottom. (The pressure differential will keep it from flooding, Att explained, some time ago. Apparently, he'd done a little research into this for an adventure he had planned for Elder Tale Offline, so it's what they've got to work with.) Inside the Bell is a pair of curved seats facing one another, big enough for two people normally and four if you got really cozy. There's little porthole windows, too, because it seemed necessary from an aesthetic point of view.

The Bell is winched up above a flow of obligatory gross sewer water, held in place with block and tackle pulleys, and with a ladder setup to faciliate loading and unloading. Apparently, Plant Hwyaden discovered that there's some sublevels down there, and this is their ideal position to breach it. They're just not sure what's down there, see...

"... so the idea is," Att is explaining, standing near the deployment platform in a lecturing sort of stance, "Seliana rides the Bell down until she finds the next level. Then, once she's reported over the chimlink what's in the immediate vicinity, we pull the Bell back up and follow her down, and do a sweep of the area one step further out from there. If we can secure the entrance, we can explore whatever else is down there at our leisure." Att looks at the small group they've assembled. "Any questions?"

    Baroness Wake is always on the look out for ways to contribute. Usually that's all about making connections, talking, sneaking about, searcing, but sometimes, she ends up like this, in the middle of something exciting that she has little expertise in. Still, she's not here to stand around and let everyone else do the hard work.
    And what do you know, she has a question, too. "If chimlink communications are lost, is the plan to pull her back up immediately?" Baroness Wake eyes the bell curiously. Sure, this isn't something she'd have done in the real world, but ETO doesn't have a proper submarine, either.
    "Oh, and I apologize. For those I've not yet met, I'm Baroness Wake of the Sleeping Knights." She glides into her trademark, graceful curtsey and rises with a relaxed smile.

After a great deal of preparation, the diving bell was completed, an testatment to the creative ingenuity of the Plant Hwyaden guild members and a little hired help. While Seliana did not participate in the creation, she was one to volunteer to be the first to explore the new depths. Her unusual sight has been known to identify hidden details and unseen entities, and as such they hope it will be a benefit in this exploratory excursion.

Now standing near the open diving bell Seliana is shockingly not wearing a frilly dress, something which has been a constant for those who know her. Rain or shine, social outing or battlefield, one fancy dress or another was always donned. Except today, she wears a kind of tight fitting full black body suit, something like a cross between a swimsuit and ninja outfit, although her head is fully exposed and her long white hair is braided up and loops around her head to be held close.

Her expression is as familiar as ever to those that know her, a slight front on her face and somber red eyes looking around those gathered here before giving a small nod to Baroness Wake. "I'm Seliana. It's a pleasure to meet you." Although in contrast to the kind words her voice is flat and monotone.

She looks up at Att Syne with a small nod and then steps down into the diving bell. <"Testing, 123."> she says over the chimlink. <"It's a valid concern. I will keep a dialogue going of what I am seeing, and if I cut off then pull me up.."> her voice still a constant drone.

With the initial preparations completed the team begins to seal the diving bell and begin to lower it.

The Diving Bell begins to descend amidst the water. They have to use billows to keep the air pressure up properly within the bell as it begins to descend - but the creation isn't perfect. The water does rise at least a little bit as the bell wobbles a bit beneath the water, creating back-pressure.

But, the descent continues. It isn't an incredibly long descent... but there is a sudden /pull/. The rope suddenly starts going down a lot faster. And Seliana, looking down, sees equal parts water and air as the entire Diving Bell suddenly starts to go down fast...

Until it splashes into a pool of water!

Notably, the Chimlink does cut out for a moment right in the midst of its fall, before it seems to re-engage again.

Through the porthole, and with some swimming, Seliana can swim up along this new body of water - as she has to abandon the Diving Bell - and finds herself within a lake...

With a single beautiful white tree at its midst, bearing glowing white branches and leafs.

The diving bell? This was quite interesting she had had to fight the urge to paint the model number of the Ball from Gundam on it, but had somehow behaved her self enough to not attempt this. 5R
"So she takes the bell down until she fins the next level and then we follow along once it';s done? Sounds like a decent plan to me." Gwen has no issue with this idea and she'll give Selina a thumbs up as she's getting ready. 5R
"Gwen Pendragon."

And then there's Proteus, who is less amazing with crafting objects of ingenuity (That's Att) and more the person who finds things out so they can get the stuff (i.e. kill things, take their stuff) that they use to do the crafting.

Thankfully, the dispatch of a large number of spiders and a group of thugs supplied the copper needed to get this action going. While Seliana is dressed in a tight suit, Proteus continues to insist on dressing as she always does. "Be careful." She says to Seliana. "I know you're not afraid of death, but there's no reason to rush in to embrace it."

At that, she lets Seliana get ready, and she looks to the Baroness. "It seems you're participating in one of our escapades for a change, Baroness." The Imp smirks. "I hope this proves edifying for you." She gestures to the area around them. "There's far more below Alne than one originally might have realized. We're trying to find that out ourselves."

"Att Syne. Welcome to the party." Att finds the Baroness vaguely familiar. He's pretty sure he remembers her from before the Apocalypse, at least to some degree. The name definitely rings a bell. "We'll give it a minute if she goes out of communication; there might be a zone boundary or something we're unaware of, and it's within the time limit for breath-holding."

<"Received,"> Att replies. He gestures at the bellows crew. It's people from the Guild who haven't yet achieved top billing. He folds his arms by the sewer river once she's down, and he waits, frowning faintly. His foot is tapping a little restlessly...

    The Baroness smiles more warmly at Proteus and says, "I'm delighted to have a chance to contribute to your success, even if it's just in some small way, Proteus. Honestly, though, this is the kind of thing I personally delight in: going where no one has gone before. You have all really pushed the envelope, and I'm grateful for your hard work."
    She is ready to help as she may, which at the moment means she's staying out of the way of those who are operating the Diving Bell.

As the bell begins to descend Seliana looks down through the bell at the murky water, and as she does so the red in her irises fades away until they are a white as pure as her dyed hair. As she sees some of the water slosh in while the bell tilts she notes it <"The bell does seem to be slightly off balance, although that might be me causing it. I do have a bit of water leaking in, nothing of real concern though.">

Then it is like some kind of barrier had been passed and suddenly Seliana along with the bell were in a near freefall. Jarred by the sudden drop she grabs onto her chair. "There is some kind of air pocket down here." Her voice is steady and calm, although her knuckles are white as she clings while falling. She doesn't realize the chimlink did not transmit in the excitement, and then she hits water.. again.

The bell twisting sharply to the side as it hits the water and the bells starts to flood. <"I've hit another pool, but the bell is starting to fill with water. Hold on a moment, I will swim out."> this time the chimlink actually working.

As she swims out and up to the surface she sees the large tree and starts to swim towards the island. <"There is some kind of glowing white tree here. It is like a giant air bubble with an island inside."> She then proceeds to paddle towards the tree, but before she climbs out she inspects is more closely seeing if she is able to identify anything about it or notice any danger on the island.

<"We'll fix it in the next iteration. Maybe we need to rebalance the ballast or something?"> Att scratches his chin with a couple fingers. He watches the ropes they've rigged up, measuring the descent by the time it takes for them to move through. Helpfully, he's painted bright red marks in rings around the rope at every meter, so they can get a general idea at least. He should really commission something more solid and professional, but it should keep for now...

A blink. <"Another pool? Is there a divider somewhere?"> A beat. An island with a tree...? <"Alright. Take a quick look. We'll start descending in the meantime."> He waves at the guys on the winch. They start to haul the Bell back up.

The descent is going to be about as wet for everyone else, too. At least they skipped the sewage part.

Proteus nods and waits (im)patiently as the bell is dropped... "If you stick with us you might find out all kinds of interesting things. Plant Duck is good at handling the world around us. Were before the Wave, will be again after. What attracted you to the Sleeping Knights, anyway?" She asks the Baroness, while waiting.

There is a signal, however, and Proteus perks, her fist clenching. "Yes... It's as I expected." She is quite probably lying through her pointy teeth, but one must keep up appearances. Once Att brings up the bell, Proteus is already leaping inside, doing her best to get in without causing a mess. "Let's go!" She says, anticipation in her voice.

Gwen looks to the comrade for a moment and she nods to Att hoping things do go well. There's a report back it sounds interesting soon she'll join the others as she will help haul the back up. Gwen seems ready to handle this and she'll grin at Proteus.

"lets get to it shall we?"

    Fortunately, the Right Clothes today are good for a swim. Form-fitting and without any extra embellishment. It's not like Baroness Wake can dive in her usual dress and boots.
    "Time to see what's down there," she says. It's hard for her to not grin like a child on Christmas. "This is going to be so fun!" Assuming the bell doesn't burst and they all spend the next 24 hours waiting to respawn.
    "Oh, why I became a Sleeping Knight? I had a taste for adventure, for danger, that was no longer indulged in the real world. So I set out to use stealth and brains to get where no one else could. Working as I did, almost always alone, they fit me well. When you sum up our purpose, the Sleeping Knights are really just about achieving the impossible. That being said, I'm not working alone anymore. What you are doing in your guild has great value, and I for one mean to do all I can to help. Besides, I'm at the point where I really want to see how many dreams I can help others achieve."

"That's a good goal to shoot for," Att asides. "Dream-building, I mean. Now get cozy; it's not super roomy in there. Dive out in reverse order: me, then Wake, then Gwen, then Proteus, quick as we can, alright?" Att isn't super concerned that they're going to risk drowning or anything, but he's also not taking any chances. Att piles in after them and waves for the guys at the winch again. They groan, but good-naturedly.

    ONE DIVING SEQUENCE LATER

Att pulls himself out of the water. He re-equips his armor once he's there, having previously and briefly ditched it to prevent encumberance values from possibly interacting with the dive. He's not sure it would, actually, but it's still a minor concern. His reaction to the bubble and the tree is thus:

"Woah."

As the others heave up the Diving Bell and descend into the waters below - getting the same rocky and rough treatment that Seliana went through, arriving at the south-east corner of the cave...

Seliana has arrived on the island the tree is on itself, amidst all of its pale roots. There's a subtle chime in the air amidst the leaves. A beautiful sound that seems to echo.

And becomes witness to a very particular event.

As a young woman appears in front of the tree, fixing a branch with some kind of green glowing sap. It is almost like she appeared from nothing, like a ghost. Purple hair, with a small circlet keeping her hair closed. Her clothing is fairly simple - if notable - with golden bangles on her arms that seem to stay in place even though they probably should be falling down. A simple brown band is keeping a double layered skirt up.

She watches Seliana's approach and then looks towards the tree again. "You should return from whence you came." She remarks to her peacefully. And though she's asked her to leave, she has not drawn the rather ornate bow and quiver that lay on her back.

Seliana watches as the rest of her team climb out of the water dripping wet. She gives them a small nod each as they begin to make their way over, and as they do she turns back to the tree, her white eyes searching.

Suddenly as if from the air a young woman appears and seems to warn them off. As Seliana inspects this new possible apparition she blinks in surprise a couple times. "Those icons.. I've never seen a D before."

Artemis

And the symbols by her name are an I, D, and Wings.

After a short pause she replies simply. "Why is that?" and then quickly after she follows with "What are you?" Those that know Seliana are aware of her obvious obsession with the esoteric. Is this a ghost? A spirit? She isn't a monster, that is clear from the symbols. But all spirits she knows of are considered monsters and have the corresponding symbol. What is this creature?

"Why is what?" The Lavender haired young woman asks Seliana, giving her a look with her brow raised. The young woman then looks back to the world. "I'm but a Traveler." She answers her in the simplest of terms.

The woman finishes treating one of the branches with the greatest respect to it, and then proceeds to move to another one of the leaves. She floats up without anything seeming to assist her, cupping her hands around one of the glowing leaves and then envelops it in green light.

"Who are you?" She then inquires, before looking further back. "And your friends?"

Someone -- or something -- appears. Att's reflex is to Inspect the unknown and then figure it out from there. The unknown symbol and the name make him double-take, though, and he moves up the slope from the shore to get closer to Seliana in case something happens. A touch more quietly, he murmurs, "Strange symbol... but with a name like that -- divine, maybe?"

Att bows before he even considers getting closer, though. Conversational distance is plenty. "Hail, huntress!" The bow kinda gives it away. "Apologies for, uh, bothering you. We're just exploring a place we didn't know existed until now." Seliana is getting asked the more specific questions; she can introduce them. Or not.

It does not take too long for Gwen to arrive with the rest of the teams as they come down. Shell bne very wet and she'll shake herself off. Using her wings to help a bit, before she recalls oh yeah the menu. So soon Gwen is all nice and dry. She'll look at the woman now for a moment inspect her and pause at the new Icon? What the heck is that. She will bow to the woman.

"Hello didn't expect anyone down here! DOesn't look like you want a fight from the looks of it and I'm not looking for one either. So your name is Artemis?"

"I suppose that explains why you were poking at so many of the places I were." Proteus replies. "Though my motivation is less adventure and danger and, well... Ah, it doesn't matter at the moment." She simply smiles at that. "Still, the Sleeping Knights seem to be living up to their name more often than not these days outside of the Absolute Blade herself." She shakes her head. "Don't mind me though. I'm glad to have your expert support. We're all in this together, after all. I have a dream of my own. Perhaps I'll have time to share it with you at some point."

The bell hopefully lands with more aplomb than last time since they now know to expect the sudden drop. Once they get to the landing point, Proteus waits for her turn and then dives out, arriving on the island with the others. She looks upon the tree, the woman confronting Seliana, and she squints, immediately Inspecting and getting the same information Seliana does.

Proteus goes quiet for several seconds. Proteus nods, and does not get any closer. "I am Proteus, a simple seeker of knowledge." She says. "Greetings, Artemis. We have been exploring the mysteries below Alne for some time. Would you be willing to speak for a while? We might have much to share."

    "Yes, I must admit, it's unfortunate how bereft of achievement some of my peers has become. We're simply going to need some new blood with the right ambition," Wake says to Proteus. "As for your dream, I would be honored to hear it."
    And then the diving part is over and it's time to get into the water. After a bit of, shall we say, somewhat effective swimming, Wake emerges on the land and sees the purple-haired stranger. Seeing the results of inspection, Wake murmurs, "Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt, the Wild, and chastity."
    Baroness Wake focuses her attention on the unusual woman, trying to remember, well, anything with that symbol. But for all her experience, she has to admit, "She's unique." Still, some matter of propriety is called for.
    Baroness Wake walks closer, so she can stand just a pace or two behind Seliana. There, she dips into another of her curtseys. Sure, it doesn't work as well as it does with a skirt or dress, yet she always makes it look graceful. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Traveler. I am Baroness Wake. Please pardon our intrusion."

Seliana continues to watch Artemis closely as she casually flies around, and in a quiet voice to her chimlink she whispers <"Black level danger.."> and then switches to answer the apparent Traveler. "I wonder why it is we should return to where we came from?"

The being seems to carefully attend the glowing white tree as the conversation continues. "We are Adventurers. Trapped here in this world now." She then looks to her companions and introduces those who have not already introduced themselves, notably Att Syne the Moonlight Scuplture, as it seems a good idea to be polite to someone the game system thinks is impossible for them to fight.

"I don't know what a Traveler is. Could you help enlighten us? When I inspect you I see a symbol I am unaware of. Are you able to share what the symbols mean?" She questions, unsure if this creature is also able to inspect and recognize symbols or already know what they represent.

Artemis looks amongst the drenched ones walking up. She raises her brow however, "Yes... my name is Artemis." Before tilting her head a little in confusion. "But I have not named myself. Do I know you?" She seems rather confused by this whole interaction. Notably, unlike most Landers, she had not introduced herself. Baroness Wake gets a similar notion of confusion. "Clearly... you know of my reputation. Strange. Those who live in the lands above have forgotten about us."

The woman then looks up at the way they came from, before turning back to Proteus. "I do not believe you will have much to share - which I do not know. But I am willing to entertain the Children of Ganesha, Ares, Hestia, Loki... and of course..." She smiles to Gwen. "My own." It certainly seems she is far more 'taken' with Gwen's presence than anyone else's.

She turns to Wake. "Your intrusion is... unwelcome, but pardoned. These Lost Grounds are not for beings such as yourself to linger long. You will end up a Lost One."

Artemis then turns to Seliana, but doesn't seem to particularly hear much of what she is saying. "A Traveler is a Traveler. Just as an Adventurer is an Adventurer." The woman simply answers, without really giving more to that statement.

"I will share it when I have the time. I feel you might actually be one of the few who would understand." Proteus replies, but then time is up.

To Wake, Proteus nods. "Very unique." She comments offhandedly. "But that's good." She also nods to Seliana when the advisement comes in. That certainly ensures that certain interactions aren't happening right now.

"Adventurers possess the ability to discern the basic nature of those they see." Proteus explains. "We call it 'Inspection'. It is how we saw your name without you introducing yourself. Additionally, a being with your name and demeanor is known in the old world we came from. A being considered a goddess and living on through legend and myth."

There is a pause, and Proteus gestures. "So what is a Lost Ground? Or a Lost One? Are they like those who live above in the abandoned and sealed places beneath Alne? Or something else? What manner of tree is this?" Additionally, she smiles. "There is a great deal to be considered about what an Adventurer is. Similarly, I feel that there would be the same of Travelers. But if you do not wish to answer, that is your right."

    There's something about that answer from Artemis that gives Wake a most unfamiliar feeling. It's odd to feel fear. There's something about 'Lost One' that is alarming to her. She has to know what that means, and she's rather pleased that Proteus has already asked. But there's so much that comes to mind in this encounter.
    "Sorry, children of.. those are all deities. How are we their children?" She has this guess that each is related to one of the races, but it is just a guess.

Att Syne, Moonlight Sculptor, inclines his head after the introduction. It's nice to have a sweet title.

"The Children of... gods? Or some people named after them." Att scratches his chin again. It's been scratchy since he shaved off the Mad Sculptor beard. He kind of misses it, a little. Proteus has the questioning down, so Att moves over to look at (and Inspect) the tree, suddenly curious about whether this is actually just a tree, or if it's something else in tree shape.

Also, he kind of wants to carve it. Not gonna lie.

Gwen takes a long moment to look Artemis over for a moment "The name Artemis is well known where we come from. To the point, some of our works bear your name." She notes for a moment she pauses for a moment. She thinks for a moment.

"Lost Ground and Lost Ones..."

She doesn't feel there is a threat from this being, it's more a warning to not linger long.

"So with capital T? Got it." That's something good to know.

"Yes What do you mean by Lost One or Lost Ground? Also, you bring up Norse, Greek and Hindu deities..." She wonders what The Traveler could mean by this.

"Does the term fourth world fraction mean anything to you?"

Seliana listens while the others converse with Artemis. Tilting her head slightly to the side as she considers. She looks over at Gwen, gazing intently at the Sylph, then back up at Artemis. She then takes a moment longer to take in the tree in its entirety again as Artemis mentions it is Lost Ground. She nods slightly as Proteus asks what that is.

As Att asks how they are children of the gods Seliana also appends. "If we are children of theirs, and Gwen is a child of yours, then which am I a child of? Ganesha? Which are each of us a child of? And how are you able to tell?" questioning in her monotone drone.

As the conversation turns back again to the Lost Ground and Lost Ones, she again tries to inspect the tree closely. Others have already asked so she will wait to see what will already be spoken of this.

"So curious - so many questions. I'd think you were one of Hestia's monkeys if you did not look like that." Artemis remarks without a shred of ill will in her wording. "Inspection... hmm. A strange skill - but it must be handy to have." She remarks.

The lavender haired woman floats down to the trunk and takes out a tiny shovel, moving a little bit of dirt and finding a little weakened spot in the roots, and begins to heal it. "The Lost Ground were born when this world was first visited. Many remain beneath the ground, and echo with... another time. Lost Ones are those who get stuck in the Lost Grounds. Lost forever." As if that explained it all. "It's not something that can be explained. And I can not show it to you." She notes.

She then looks up to the tree. "Indieglut Lugh." To the ask about the manner of tree. "It exists in order to be part of this World. A remnant left behind to those who ones tried to save their own. Their World no longer exists."

Artemis runs his fingers through the dirt, and closes up around the healed root. "You are our children, as we Named you, many moons ago. We ensured that your names would be woven into this World's tapestry." She then smiles at Seliana and touches a finger to her lips. "I will let them answer that question, when and if you ever meet them."

Then, Gwen asks a peculiar question. "World Fraction? The fourth would be..." She tries to remember, looking up. "This recent one, yes? The one that captured the Adventurers. I am afraid that one, I am not too familiar with. The effects are slow to show this time."

"I am known to monkey around with things." Proteus says with no hint of umbrage at it. Her tail flits about, catlike, as she rubs her chin. Every moment that passes, she seems to get more confident and self-possessed in this situation. "That said, knowledge is power, isn't it? I have much to learn and I have to ask questions if I am going to achieve that learning."

Proteus tilts her head as she observes the way Artemis maintains the tree. "The tree is a seal, isn't it. It keeps those beneath from coming up." Proteus observes. "And you maintain it... Are you one who maintains the order of the World?" She asks. "They couldn't save their World..." Proteus frowns. "The Waves of Calamity." She suddenly narrows her eyes. "There are Heroes from another World attempting to kill the Heroes of this World. If they succeed, will our World perish like they claim?"

    Wake wonders how one knows when they are about to be 'lost'. Artemis' words are cryptic, but they are ominous. While so much of who Wake is demands she speak and act, there's a more important part of her that keeps all that in check. She recognizes expertise, and settles in to listen, knowing that she's now seeing just what adventure Plant Duck style is like.
    She makes a note to carefully inform her fellow adventurers here just how amazing they are in the face of the complete unknown. Just not now. They are busy.
    What Wake can do in silence, though, is carefully study her surroundings. Is there anything unusual about this cave? She checks all her menus. Can she logout here? Is anything missing or different than it would normally be?

Artemis shows a weak smile at Proteus remark on monkeying around with things. She then rises up, looking to the tree. "No. No seals. This is more like... a promise." Artemis notes. "And I would have be a rather bad maintainer. Though I will be better."

She taps her foot a bit as she says that last bit, frowning a bit. "Heroes from another World, attempting to kill Heroes of this World? They'd need to kill all of this world's Heroes in one go. And even then... I am not sure what happens if you break a Law like that. I've never seen that happen. But I know that the ones who brought this tree... their World did not survive an event that wiped out most of their people... so... perhaps."

"Wow, this thing is cool," Att whispers. He takes a step back from the trunk, looking up at it. "And with a gazillion HP? I wonder if..." He trails off, voice thoughtful. Att's left foot taps against the roots he's standing on.

Then, without further preamble, he starts trying to climb it.

What? You don't just put a giant tree-island somewhere secret like this and *not* hide a cool thing at the top. Come on.

Seliana inspects the tree closely, seeing that it does actually have a health bar. A massive health bar. No additional information however. She hums quietly in thought before returning her focus to the discussions going on. Her eyes, having returned to a dull red some time ago as the conversation went on.

As Artemis hushes Seliana she then remains quite for a time, putting that line of questions to rest. In the meantime she carefully listens to the other questions being asked. When current events with the Calamities is brought up she gives another small nod.

Still, as the conversation continues her gaze again turns to the tree. Her eyes turning white as she tries to divine something about the tree. Suddenly she starts to sway, reaching a hand to her head. Appearing dizzy as her eyes again become a ashen red she takes a step and lean on Att Syne to steady herself. That did not have the expected results.

As the dizziness fades she rights herself again with a nod of appreciation to Att, and presses a little more about the Lost. "Are all of those Lost Ones from that other world? Is there a possibility those in this world could become Lost Ones? Or is this where Landers, those here before us Adventurers, go when they die?"

Before Att Syne gets even a chance to climb the tree, a hand grabs him by the scruff and he gets thrown like a ragdoll, straight into the waters. "I recommend you start leaving." Artemis immediately demands.

Gwen thinks for a moment "We are the children of those gods? I'm not sure what you mean. If we are then who is whose child? Also, I see on the World Fraction. May I ask more about the previous ones if you are willing to share that? Also, would you like some food?"

She offers she's made some actual food for this.

"I ended up getting in tune with the world or so a friend said from her inspecting me while I was working on a Tapisty which was named on its own the Forth World Fraction."

"I'm honestly shocked something took notice of me. I never did anything of real note before I arrived here..."

If what Artemis says is true? Then this leans towards the idea this really isn't a game... or not entirely anymore.

Att supports Seliana, flashing her a quick smile when she goes all wobbly. He's got you! Don't worry! He's just going to take a quick look at the top of the -

*toss*

*sploosh*

Att surfaces a moment later, sputtering. "Party foul!" he cries. "You can't just have a tree that awe-inspiring and not expect it to get climbed! I wasn't gonna *do* anything to it."

He may have been considering trying to hack a piece off and add it to his inventory.

    "Before I leave, Artemis, I have two questions for you, if you will. I don't know much of what you are saying. But tell me, what is the Aincrad Tower? Will clearing it lead to freedom? Also, may we return here? Can we find you again?"
    Baroness Wake watches Att's "departure" with an arched eyebrow. Thankfully he seems okay. She has to admit, his climb seems like a more daring move than any of her "legendary" solo kills that the old fangirls used to harp on about. She will at least help him back out of the water.

    While she's waiting for answers. Which hopefully someone else will understand (Wake rather doubts she'll be able to!), the Baroness does want to call attention to something that seems minor to her. "The minimap isn't blank here," she says. "It's all grainy, instead. It doesn't mean anything to me, but perhaps it means something to one of you."

"I see. Well, maybe we will have an opportunity to discuss it in more detail another time." Still there is the matter of the invasions. "They would have to destroy them all at once..." Proteus says, musing. "But they're not doing anything that is even close to that scale. Or are they attempting to..." She hums. "But either way, you mention that it's against the Law. I wonder... Either way, do know there are people attempting to destroy this World. We have held them off... so far. And not without cost." Proteus grimaces, her hands clamping down around her hips for no reason whatsoever.

Still, she can already feel their time running out... And Att getting ejected doesn't help. Whoops. She demands they leave, and Proteus pulls back towards the Bell, waiting beside it for the others. She isn't pressing her luck.

With Att Syne's throw, it seems Artemis is suddenly a lot more irrate with those present. "I will answer your last questions, and you will leave." She reminds Seliana and her friends. "Any and all Landers could become a Lost One, even Adventurers given enough time. The same goes for Beasts and Monsters." The answer suggesting this isn't some kind of afterlife.

At Gwen's questions, she simply raises her hand to stop her from asking more. "If you wish to know more of the other Fractions, go talk to King Gilgamesh. He'll be more likely to put up with you."

Then, to Baroness Wake; "If you manage to find the Twilight Key at the top of that tower, I am certain you could cause another World Fraction and leave this world. But I ask you do not return here. I can tell that some of your friends mean harm to Indieglut Lugh, and I will not permit it."

Att accepts the help out of the water with a muttered 'thanks.' He doesn't approach the tree trunk again, though. Next time, maybe.

He sighs. "Okay. I will one hundred percent admit to thinking about trying to take a piece of the tree with me. But it's because I thought it'd make a good base for a sculpture, not because I was going to, I dunno, hurt it. I did that one of the Burning Goddess, and if I'm going to match it, I need *something* as awesome as Elemental Machine parts." He shrugs, letting his hands rise and fall. "Sorry."

The news that there might be a way out actually at the top of the Tower rocks Att's entire worldview. He does not let it show. He's gotten really good at that lately, given his occasional and very private freak-outs about being trapped in here. "We'll... get out of your hair."

Seliana gives a small bow to Artemis who replied to her question, and although she has additional questions she resigns herself to leave out of respect for now. "Thank you for sharing information." And with that she proceeds to make her way over to the edge of the roots and carefully make her way into the water once more before starting to swim over to the bell.

It will take a few trips before everyone can make it back up, as the diving bell can only hold so many. With some chimlink communication Seliana finally makes it back out to where the rest of the team who didn't accompany them down are stationed - those pulling up the bell.

As she exists the diving bell she opens her menu and with a few presses she is dry, and then a moment later her wetsuit fuzzes and is replaced by a bright red and black frilly dress, much more her normal attire. She then patiently waits as the others also return before departing.

    Baroness Wake hates it when negotiations end poorly. And she struggles to think of how to amend it. There's an inner struggle, as she really meant to use this for something else, but, she's really not done anything else of use.
    "Please forgive us our offense. We meant no harm. Our admiration is expressed in ways that are sometimes strange." The Baroness pauses to consider her next action, but really, there's nothing to do. She draws out a rose of unsurpassed beauty. "It is not much to you, perhaps, but this is my most treasured of possessions in this world. For your honesty, and I hope for your forgiveness, you will accept it. I would like the opportunity to come here in peace again. And I swear, none shall touch this tree in my presence without your blessing." She offers the Witherless Rose to Artemis with both hands.

Gwen nods to Artemis for a moment as she gets her answer. "Thank you foir that and here..."

She'll leave a boxed lunch for Artemis, and will sar to tun away to leave.

"So Leave... this world."

It doesn't sound like it's get home. She won't say a thing to many if anyone about this. It could drive the Scale into a frenzy that would destroy the world in the process. She frons about this as she start walking away, she's clearly intending to leave and gets the idea it would be a bad idea to come back.

As Baroness steps forward, it's clear that Artemis is still rather irate. Even reaching back towards her weaponry for a moment. But then the Baroness reaches out - a Rose being removed from her Inventory and being offered out. Artemis' hand halts, and she takes the item of unsurpassed beauty. She takes a moment to consider the flower, before politely putting the Witherless Rose back into Baroness Wake's hand. "I appreciate the offer. But I do not take these kinds of gifts." Still, her anger seems to be somewhat abated. "This kind of gift should go towards someone you have feelings for. Not to assuage the anger of a Traveler." Artemis tells her. "Now be on your way. And do not swear upon promises you can not possibly keep."

As the rest begin to retreat, the figure of Artemis disappears - no longer visible. But the occassional green glow along the body of the tree suggests she is still very much present.