<JETMODE> *Right. Our two intrepid anti-romantics have landed somewhere far beneath the arena -- though they don't know that yet. It's cool, and there's the occasional sound of water dripping from a great height to fall into .. more water.

<JETMODE> *Teal and Genoa are prone on what appears to be a sandy islet, both out cold. Notably, Genoa's hand is still clasped in one of Teal's. Which means they probably didn't fall from any great height.

<TIAMAT> *After a while, Teal stirs a bit, muttergroaning as he raises his head a bit -- he was lying on his stomach -- blinking in the dim light. He rubs his head and neck with his free hand as he gets up to his knees, then seems to remember -- or realize -- he's not alone.

<TIAMAT> *He blinks down at Genoa, makes sure she's not in any critical condition, then takes stock of their surroundings.

<JETMODE> *Genoa's thoroughly unconscious at the moment, but she's not hurt.

<JETMODE> *The sandy islet he woke up on appears to be smack dab in the middle of a huge lake. If it weren't so inconvenient, it would be beautiful -- crystal clear all the way to the bottom and here and there a sparkle of precious gems.

<JETMODE> *The inexplicable, blue-white glow that lights the room appears to emanate from beneath the lake's surface.

<JETMODE> *Teal's sword is embedded in the sand a few feet away.

<TIAMAT> *Teal studies the lake for a few moments, then looks around, spots his sword, and gets up slowly to yank it free. He tests it once or twice to make sure it -- or he -- isn't damaged, then looks up, trying to figure out where they came from.

<JETMODE> *No holes in the ceiling, no portals in the air. The room is pretty empty, except for the lake and the water dripping from far above.

<JETMODE> *Genoa stirs and mumbles something in her sleep, but she doesn't wake.

<TIAMAT> *Teal sighs and glances back over at Genoa, watches her for a moment, then goes over to the edge of the islet and peers over into the water.

<JETMODE> *The lake seems empty, and it's hard to judge the depth because the water is so clear -- it looks like you could reach right down and touch the bottom.

<TIAMAT> *Teal: Wonderful. *he goes back over to where Genoa is, sheething his sword (he's got a side scabbard) and sits down to wait, straining to see if he can see the edge of the lake.

<JETMODE> *There's an edge over there somewhere. It's not too far, but not close, either.

<JETMODE> *Genoa murmurs again, then sits up all at once, breathing heavily and wrapping her arms around herself. Her eyes are wild, and she's biting down on a scream.

<TIAMAT> *Teal glances over at her, watching her for a moment. "..Glad to see you didn't join the ranks of undead."

<JETMODE> *She jerks her head over to look at him, and her expression suddenly slams closed. "What are you talking about?"

<TIAMAT> *Teal shakes his head and sighs. "Nevermind. ... *long pause* I don't suppose you have any idea where we are."

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *looks around, taking in their surroundings* I would say we're on an island in an underground lake, wouldn't you?

<TIAMAT> *Teal gives her a hard look. "I'm afraid your wit and charm aren't going to do us much good down here, Genoa.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *returns the look darkly* Then I'll give you the monosyllabic answer: No.

<JETMODE> *She scoots over to the edge of the water and peers in, then scoops up a handful of sand and drops it in the water.

<TIAMAT> *Teal: Thank you. *he stands and goes over toward where he spotted land earlier, wading in slowly to test the depth.

<JETMODE> *Genoa watches him uninterestedly. He's probably not going to get too wet, really. Up to his hips at the worst.

<TIAMAT> *He wades out a bit further, studying the spot of land in the distance, then glances back over at Genoa, frowning. "Are you going to just sit there?"

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *dully* I can think of worse things. *but she stands up*

<JETMODE> *With a frown, she hitches her skirt and steps off into the water, muttering at the chill. When it becomes apparent that she's not going to be able to hitch her skirt high enough to keep it dry and remain decent, she drops it with an irritable sound.

<TIAMAT> *Teal: Perhaps. *he turns back toward the land and continues toward it slowly. "But I can think of better, as well. Like trying to find a way out of here."

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *drippingly* Oh yeees. You back to your nice room, and me back to my cozy prison cell. Feh.

<TIAMAT> *Teal, without turning around: If you'd rather stay on that island, feel free.

<JETMODE> *Genoa ignores him, but if he listens, he can hear her muttering -- more to herself than anyone else. "Oh no, couldn't be practical, could we? Couldn't possibly wear trousers. Had to make a point."

<TIAMAT> *Teal hears a bit of it but is more or less ignoring her, trying to pick the shallowest way across.

<JETMODE> *When they're about halfway across, There's a rumble in the water to the left. Genoa is wrapped in a cloud of personal gloom and doesn't notice it.

<TIAMAT> *Teal stops and glances up, clasping his hand around his sword hilt.

<JETMODE> *Genoa's caught up to him enough to bump into him from behind.

<TIAMAT> *He stumbles forward a bit, tripping neatly over one of those precious stones you mentioned earlier.

<JETMODE> *She stumbles back, but before she can say anything, the water to the left erupts, and a huge .. something .. roars into the space between them, diving into the water to their right and spraying them both with several gallons of that lovely, pure lake water.

<JETMODE> *And suddenly, the lake is calm and still again.

<TIAMAT> *Teal has ... disappeared!

<JETMODE> *Genoa looks around in astonishment, realizing she's very much alone.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> .. *takes a couple steps forward* ... Teal?

<TIAMAT> *The water is clear and calm. No sign of him anywhere.

<JETMODE> *She takes another couple of steps, peering into the water. "This isn't a very funny joke."

<TIAMAT> *If she waits around another couple moments, the water in front of -- and around her -- will suddenly go a bit red, and a large chunk of some greypurple tentacle suddenly bobs up right next to Genoa's leg. Another moment and Teal suddenly breaks the surface directly in front of her, probably spraying her with water and gasping for breath.

<JETMODE> *Before she can stop herself, Genoa has given a sincerely feminine shriek of terror.

<TIAMAT> *Unfortunately, Teal probably doesn't notice that much, as he's currently working on not passing out from lack of oxygen while dragging himself back up into the shallows.

<JETMODE> *She clamps down on the scream almost immediately, but her voice is still shrill when she starts demanding to know just exactly what the hell Teal thought he was doing.

<TIAMAT> *Teal uses his sword, which he had in hand when he reappeared, to pull himself up, glaring slightly and still breathing a little hard. "Just simply trying not to drown, Genoa, in case you didn't notice." *he flips the piece of tentacle toward the pool with his swordpoint.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *still breathing heavily* Well, next time try not to -- *shuts her mouth before she can admit he scared her half to death*

<TIAMAT> *Teal snorts as he sheathes his sword and smoothes his hair back, wringing it out slightly. "Fall in the hole? I will try, trust me. Perhaps you could be a bit more careful yourself."

<JETMODE> <Genoa> I didn't fall in at all, if you don't mind!

<TIAMAT> *Teal: No, but you did run right into me. *he looks around, trying to get his bearings.

<JETMODE> *Genoa resists the impulse to bull right past him, instead folding her arms against the chill. "Let's go before something else decides it's feeding time."

<TIAMAT> *Teal spots the land they were making for and nods. "An excellent idea. *and he starts wading again, carefully.

<JETMODE> *Genoa stalks after him, this time paying slightly more attention to how far ahead he is.

<JETMODE> *Well, in due time, they make the opposite shore, both probably still sopping wet and by now fairly cold. Quite possibly hungry, too.

<TIAMAT> *Teal sighs a bit and looks around.

<JETMODE> *The shore is sandy, like the island, but it trails off to plain, gray stone eventually. The shore appears to extend all the way around the lake, but there's a darkness in the wall that looks like it could be an opening.

<TIAMAT> *Well, seeing as there really isn't anywhere else to go, Teal makes for the darkness silently. ^_^

<JETMODE> *Genoa gives him a faintly annoyed look and follows, muttering something fairly rude and possibly about his parentage.

<TIAMAT> *Teal: If you have a problem with something, Genoa, you could tell me instead of complaining about it.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> What, on the off-chance you might actually listen to me? Why take the risk?

<TIAMAT> *Teal pauses and glances over his shoulder. "I'm not completely unreasonable, you know.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> It must be thrilling for you. *she's watching the lake*

<TIAMAT> *Teal restrains an uncouth comment and instead follows her gaze out to the water.

<JETMODE> *The lake is clear, quiet, and glowing, as they must have gotten used to by now.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *moodily* I just wanted some rest.

<TIAMAT> *Teal looks mildly surprised. "...Of course. We can break here for a time."

<JETMODE> *Something almost like a breeze drifts through the air, and then, abruptly, the glow of the lake blinks out like a snuffed candle, plunging them into complete and total darkness.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> ... Never mind.

<TIAMAT> *Teal tenses, then reaches out to her, trying to grab her arm or wrist. "Give me your hand."

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *a little shrilly* Are you mad? I can't even see. *she is, however, fumbling toward him in the dark*

<TIAMAT> *Teal: Yes, I'm quite aware of that, and we can't afford to get separated. *he inches toward where she had been standing slowly.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> I don't -- *at which point she stumbles in the dark, giving a muffled yelp when she collides with something warm and solid*

<TIAMAT> *Teal oufs a little and stumbles backwards a step or two, catching and holding her.

<JETMODE> *Genoa freezes, not entirely sure whether to move, shove, or say something.

<TIAMAT> *When he regains his footing, Teal clears his throat a little and steadies Genoa on her feet, keeping hold of one of her wrists. Or hands, even.

<JETMODE> *Genoa follows him carefully, very subdued, and mumbles an apology.

<TIAMAT> *Teal pauses. "No need to apologize. *he puts his free hand against the wall and starts leading them on, slowly and carefully.

<JETMODE> *The tunnel itself, once they reach it, is just as dark as the lake, but at least the floor is fairly even.

<TIAMAT> *Teal stumbles a little when he reaches the tunnel, but manages not to lose his footing or Genoa's hand. He pauses, finding the tunnel wall, and starts down it. After a few more minutes, he pauses and glances back at Genoa, even though he can't see her. "Do you...happen to know some kind of light spell?

<JETMODE> <Genoa> .. *frozen silence* ... Yes.

<TIAMAT> *Teal: ... Well then.

<JETMODE> *Genoa mutters the spell, and a warm glow of light appears in her free hand, illuminating a bit of the tunnel. And the hint of embarrassment on her features.

<TIAMAT> *Teal probably noticed the look, but he doesn't comment on it. He blinks in the light, squnting a little as his eyes adjust. "Well, that's a bit better. Thank you. *he turns back down the tunnel, studying it a little, but doesn't release Genoa's hand.

<JETMODE> *Genoa nods sharply, sending the light off to follow her automatically. She appears to have forgotten about the whole hand thing, too.

<TIAMAT> *He mostly just doesn't want to lose her somewhere. :) He starts down the tunnel, a little faster now than befre, but still carefully.

<JETMODE> *The tunnel is, as stated before, fairly level, with an occasional rocky outcropping. It also appears to widen further on, possibly leading to another open chamber.

<TIAMAT> *They continue on, and after a while, Teal decides to break the uneasy silence. "So. You can communicate with the dragon?"

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *tightly* Not exactly. ... It's more like he "communicates" with me. *she shudders slightly*

<JETMODE> *As they move down it, there's an occasional slithering sound, like something moving across the rocks -- but if either pauses to look, there's only shadow.

<TIAMAT> *Teal notes the slithering and pauses for a moment to study the area. "I don't suppose he happened to mention why he attacked the Arena."

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *flatly* He's a dragon of infinite power. Does he really need a reason?

<TIAMAT> *Teal: Of course. *he starts down the hall again, keeping an eye out for something that might be following them. "Is there any way to stop him?"

<JETMODE> <Genoa> He neglected to mention that while he was telling me all the wonderful things he was going to do to me for waking him up.

<TIAMAT> *Teal: Ah. So this is his method of revenge.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *sighs heavily* Not exactly.

<TIAMAT> *Teal doesn't respond, waiting for an explanation.

<JETMODE> *Genoa frowns at his back, wishing he'd bloody well change the subject. "He's pleased that someone woke him up. He merely enjoys causing pain. He attacked the arena because he found the idea amusing."

<TIAMAT> *Teal sighs a little. "Wonderful.. *he stumbles over a hole in the floor and quickly grabs toward the wall with his free hand, scraping his palm up good in the process of keeping himself from falling.

<JETMODE> *Genoa stumbles forward, nearly losing her grip on his hand, and the light spell flickers once. Her concentration isn't exactly up to snuff. She pauses, then asks the polite question. "Are you all right?"

<TIAMAT> *Teal steadies himself and replies a little more sharply than intended, "I'm fine. *he looks at his hand, which is bleeding a little, but not badly. "*calmer* Yes, I'm fine. Thank you.

<TIAMAT> *Teal clenches his fist a bit and starts down the corridor again.

<JETMODE> *When his first step lands, a thin shriek rips through the air, followed shortly by an eruption of darkness that winds itself up Teal's leg and proceeds to work its way up. Glyphs are fast movers.

<TIAMAT> *Teal yells out sharply and tries to stumble back, letting go of Genoa's hand as both his own go for the sword at his side.

<JETMODE> *Part of the shadow organism rears back away from him, displaying a mouth full of razor-sharp fangs. The beast notes his intentions and coils itself around him more tightly, pinning his arms down.

<JETMODE> *Genoa, after one moment of terror -- she was trying really hard not to scream that time -- lunges forward to snatch the sword before the glyph can pin it in its scabbard. About that same time, it sinks its multiple fangs into Teal's shoulder. If the squeezing didn't hurt, that sure as hell will.

<TIAMAT> *Teal yells again, quite loudly, partially in alarm and mostly in pain, struggling to free his arms as he stumbles backward, forgetting that one of his legs is stuck, and promptly tripping over backwards, landing hard on his back.

<JETMODE> *Thankfully, Genoa got the sword loose before that happened, and as the glyph rears up to strike again, she lunges forward, sinking the sword as deep into the shadow as she can.

<TIAMAT> *Teal is frantically trying to scramble loose of this thing, biting down another scream.

<JETMODE> *The glyph utters a pained and infuriated shriek, half-loosing its grip on Teal to attack Genoa, who rips the sword free and takes another chop at it.

<JETMODE> *This time, she shears clear through it, and the mouth falls away from the rest of the body with a final wail. Whatever's left of it goes liquid and unthreatening.

<TIAMAT> *Teal quickly scrambles up and backwards, backing against the wall and staring at the remains of the glyph in disgust.

<JETMODE> *His shoulder's bleeding freely. Multiple wounds from multiple teeth. Genoa, on the other hand, is still standing there with the sword and breathing heavily.

<TIAMAT> *Teal holds his shoulder with his good hand, wincing sharply.

<JETMODE> *Genoa seems to snap awake. "Can you move?"

<TIAMAT> *Teal looks up at her, blinking a bit. "Y-yes.. *takes a few steps, still holding his shoulder. He's mostly just shook up. He's never encountered anything like THAT before.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *hesitates, then extends her left hand, still holding the sword in her right* We'd better get away from here. I'm not sure if that killed it.

<JETMODE> *Amazingly, the globe of light stayed lit all this time.

<TIAMAT> *Teal looks down at her hand and blinks again, then nods and extends his good hand to take it, but pauses when he realizes it's smeared with blood.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *growls and takes his hand, blood and all* Hurry! *and she starts up the hall, probably at an uncomfortable pace*

<TIAMAT> *Teal winces again when he jerks forward with her, hurrying to catch up, shoulder hanging limply.

<JETMODE> *After a while, she slows, face tight with nerves. She glances back to see how Teal's faring, since she's not finding anywhere convenient to stop.

<TIAMAT> *He's keeping up okay, but his face is a little ashen and he's breathing heavily, partially from nervousness. He stumbles to a quick hault to prevent from colliding with her.

<JETMODE> *Genoa swears and stamps her foot, then gives up. She turns to Teal, setting the sword aside for a moment. "Sit." She indicates a nearby rock of reasonable size.

<TIAMAT> *He looks a little bewildered. "What--"

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *harshly* Sit!

<TIAMAT> *Teal stumbles back to the rock and sits, a little awkwardly, glancing between Genoa and the darkness from whence they came a little worriedly.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> Thank you. *leans over to take a look at his shoulder, swearing when all she can see is shredded fabric* ... *awkward pause, folds her arms* Take the shirt off.

<TIAMAT> *Teal stares at her for a moment, then sighs and gingerly peels his tunic off, studying the wound himself.

<JETMODE> *Genoa has turned away and is currently making a new hem for her skirt. The sounds of tearing fabric are all around. When she finally has a few scraps, she turns back to him brusquely.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *gently feeling around the wounds* .. they don't seem to be deep. I don't have any herbs or magic for this. *glances at him, then at her makeshift bandages* We'll just have to wrap it up and hope for the best.

<TIAMAT> *Teal catches his breath a bit, then nods. "That will do. *pause* ... Thank you.

<JETMODE> *Genoa doesn't answer him immediately, busy bandaging his wounds. When she finishes, she steps back, folding her arms. "I'm out of practice."

<TIAMAT> *Teal flexes his arm a bit, then slips his tunic back on. "It seemed you did quite all right anyway.

<JETMODE> *She glances at him, then looks away again. "... Can you still walk? We should probably get farther away."

<TIAMAT> *Teal: I think I can manage. *he glances at his sword, then back at her. "You'd better hang on to that for now; it'll be harder for me to use with this shoulder. You can have the sheath, if you want. *he starts unbuckling the scabbard from his belt.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> .. All right. *she picks up the sword again, looking a little distracted*

<TIAMAT> *He gives her a slightly curious look as he hands her the scabbard.

<JETMODE> *She takes the scabbard and settles the sword in place, glancing up the tunnel and then back again. An unreadable emotion flickers across her face, then clears. "Are you ready?"

<TIAMAT> *Teal nods. "Let's go."