Magnanimity

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Magnanimity>

Now that I think about it, this is a lot like the way you'd get home from the nearby town I used to visit all the time! We had a family friend who lived there.

@Server

But you used to swim it, huh?

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Magnanimity>

Makes sense.
*Spiderlike appendages of bone burst from my back and trail across the open face of the water, much freer from the foliage obscuring the trail*

@Server

*Blinks a couple of gimes after a moment, but otherwise doesn’t react, and floats over the surface of the water behind you*

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Magnanimity>

*Taps my chin with my right index knuckle*
Now that you mention it, probably not. I haven't been home since I developed my species, so it never really occurred to me. The biggest risk is getting lost.

@Server

In the real world, I can definitely buy that. But if you just do what you think you should do, I think we’ll end up somewhere no matter what.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Magnanimity>

Okay!
*Wanders into the glut of the swamp, brushing past tangled roots and vines that seem precariously grown across the path*
I think there's a shortcut if we swim, but we'll get real muddy if we do.

@Server

*Glances down at my feet, which are still lifted just off the ground as I levitate around*
Is specifically swimming absolutely necessary?

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Magnanimity>

Oh, that makes total sense! Right now, it just feels like the wetlands near home. Maybe I should try to find the way there?

@Server

I say go for it. Your feelings will probably be the best guide we have.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Magnanimity>

*Nods in response, as the light reveals a rotted boardwalk leading into the swamp, missing slats every few yards*
What are we looking for, exactly?

@Server

Something that feels foreign to you, I would imagine. Something that feels like it doesn’t belong, in a place that’s literally entirely yourself should be a good indicator, yeah?

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Magnanimity>

I've come to find out that people get scared by haunted houses, but when you really think about it, wouldn't you also be upset if someone walked into your home uninvited?
*Once the path levels out, we stand in front of the forested entrance to a murky swamp, still colored chickenscratch-red by the lamp but fading quickly through its thick foliage*

@Server

Absolutely.
*Holds out my index finger and manifests a ball of bright white light that floats just beyond my fingertip*
Good thing you invited us.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Server>

Hey... i don't understand your kind of tastes, i'm a simple man. I like prairies, sunny beaches, luxurious estates, beautiful women... that last part my wife does not need to know... This to me is dingy and nightmare fuel. *I pout*

@The Odeoron

<Snipped quote by The Odeoron>

I have a cousin who goes to the beach. I like forests more though.

@Server

*Floats past the both of you, my feet drooping my the ankles and my toes just barely above the floor*
I have to admit, this does give haunted house vibes. And the kind you’d usually sign a waiver for. Mysterious and exciting!

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by The Odeoron>

Where does it take us when we go inside?

<Snipped quote by Magnanimity>

Woah—
*Rebalances myself*
Thank you so much!

@Server

*Nods once*
One step at a time.

<Snipped quote by Magnanimity>

I... don't think the ocean is our destination Orthrus... Whoah! *I reel back at seeing colossal bone monsters reeling their skulls against the pillar of stone on which the lighthouse is built* Yeah... that... that is a representation of Jade's hunger and decay...

@The Odeoron

There’s an awful lot going on down there, that’s for sure. But I agree, I’d rather check out- Well, not that.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Server>

If you mean the bones thing? No... for me it was that sun-like light trail as i hovered. For Orthrus... he just seemed to have hovered here without any trace of anything.

<Snipped quote by Magnanimity>

Nope! *I grin over the top* This is exploring Jade's being... from mind to emotion to soul to subconscious to spirit etcetera...

Until we find what exactly ails her... this is going to be an adventure! *Rubs my hands fully giddy with passion*

<Snipped quote by Magnanimity>

*Preps myself just in case* Hey! Don't jinx this! This might look like a lighthouse on the outside, but that is everything related to Jade in there... it could be a whole world for all we know...

@The Odeoron

An adventure in dilated time. At least it usually is.
*Clears my throat*
It almost definitely is a whole world.
*Glances down over the ledge toward the bottom*
Unless you think a swift drop might be better?