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Description
Santera, Mornaal

Tilly, Elli and Claera arrived in the port city just as the morning light was rising over the eastern horizon. They had ridden in from the capitol city with a caravan of merchant elves looking to trade their inland wares for imported goods coming from Emizthar. The townsfolk were already bustling about, either preparing for the day or bringing in the early haul from the sea. Tilly yawned and stretched as she awoke, taking in the golden hue of Katir's light. Elli and Claera had already been awake for a few hours, preparing for their departure as the caravan slowed and began setting up the traveling market outside of the city.

"Did you sleep well, Little Bit?" Claera asked, patting Tilly's head.

Tilly smiled and nodded, "I dreamt that my mum made me some of her tasty roast after she complained about me cutting my hair."

"Sounds like something you'd dream about." Elli chuckled, "Always thinking with your stomach."

Tilly nodded, "I need to do my morning meditation. I'm feeling a bit sluggish." she continued to stretch, all the way down to her toes, before she hopped out of the wagon, "Can we eat after I'm done?"

"I heard that the morning catch is in from one of the townsfolk." Claera informed, "We can go down to the dockside eatery when you get back. There is a nice hill over there for you to do your meditations."

Tilly nodded and scampered off to the nearby hill, dotted with flowers and soft grasses. The elve took particularly goo care of their surrounding flora, keeping the grounds fertile and healthy in order to provide the necessary numen energy that many of their mages required. Tilly meditated quietly, taking in the sounds of the birds and small creatures that inhabited the area. Although the ambience was pleasant, a nagging feeling tugged at her mind that something wasn't quite right. She was able to get most of her energy stores back up and decided that perhaps this wasn't the best spot for her to be if she wanted total serenity. In the end, she chalked it up to her being hungry as her stomach rumbled loudly. She patted her toned gut and began heading back to her friends.

The three of them wandered down to the dockside market and smelled the aromas from the different merchant carts. Some had fresh coffee beans for sale or trade, along with pre-brewed cups to sample the different flavors. Elli quickly nabbed up as much as she cared to carry before they went into the eatery. Tilly shared her experience on the hill as being odd. Elli had told her it was probably just jitters from their upcoming trip, but Claera paid closer attention to Tilly's concern. Once they finished their breakfast, they emerged much more awake and energetic, hoping to catch sight of any passenger ship that would take them across the Titan Straits to Emizthar, where they were supposed to meet with Ferrin and Rathistahn. As they walked along the docks, Elli noticed a bit of commotion coming from one of the slips. A group of fishermen had gathered there, listening to one of their compatriots holler on about his traps being destroyed.

"Ripped apart!" he decried, "All the fish gone and to boot, whatever it was nearly ripped the hoist free. Could've capsized my ship."

"What do you think it was?" one of the others asked.

"If I were to venture a guess, I'd say a juvenile kraken." the first speculated, "They come close enough to the coast before they get big enough to hunt those leviathan whales and gargantuan crabs."

"So what are we going to do?" another fisherman asked, "We can't risk our ships out there with one of those things going after our traps."

Claera stepped up to them, "Perhaps we can help." the fishermen all stopped and looked over at her, incredulous at her claim.

"How so?" the first fisherman asked, "Are ye sailors? Part of the navy?"

Elli grabbed Claera by the elbow, "What the fuck are you doing? I've never taken down a damn kraken."

Claera removed Elli's grasp gently, "Relax, I happen to know of a way to get rid of it."

Tilly looked up at her from behind Elli, "Is this why I felt unsettled earlier?"

Claera nodded, "I think so." she turned back to the fisherman, "We aren't sailors, but we do have a bit of experience when dealing with monsters and my price is going to be much less than that of one of the guild mages."

The other fishermen began to chat amongst themselves as they considered her offer. Then the first spoke up again, "My name is Dramithir, I'm the captain of this vessel..." he sighed, "Name yer price."

"We need passage over to Emizthar, straight to Sarvale if possible. If you can provide us with that, I will rid your shores of this young kraken." Claera held out her hand in accord.

"What about its mother?" Dramithir asked, "Surely killing its offspring would enrage the bigger beast."

Claera huffed, "I've never known the monsters of the deep to be all that sentimental. According to most scholarly treaties, they give birth in the Titan Straits and then migrate back to deeper waters in the southern oceans."

Elli and Tilly exchanged looks of confusion.

Dramithir thought about her offer and nodded, "If that be the case... fine. I'll accept your offer." the two clasped arms in agreement, "We'll set sail after what's left of my haul is brought ashore. I suggest you prepare yourselves with whatever you need."

Claera nodded and led Tilly and Elli back to the port market.

"I wasn't aware you were an expert on Krakens." Elli crossed her arms over her chest.

Tilly nodded, "That's new to me, as well."

Claera smiled, "I did plenty of research when I was trying to find Lumeris. Her lair is supposedly carved into the carapace of an elder kraken. Supposedly the largest in all of the seas."

"So what are we going to do about the little one?" Elli asked, "I'm not exactly a strong swimmer."

Claera looked at Tilly, "How about you?"

Tilly sighed, "If I can help these people, I will do whatever it takes."

Elli chuckled, "But are you a strong swimmer?"

Tilly nodded, "Oh, yeah. I did it all the time when I visited the Isle of Lost Tides."

Claera grimaced, "Don't remind me of that right now."

"Sorry." Tilly clammed up.

"So what do we need for this?" Elli asked.

"I have to go and visit the alchemist. I need to craft a couple of things before we go, it should take about an hour." Claera explained, "In the meantime, go to the mage's guild and buy an aqualung."

"What's that?" Tilly asked.

"It lets you breathe underwater." Claera replied, "Make sure it's something you can wear that won't come off." she handed Tilly a sack of coins, "This should be enough."

The group parted to retrieve the needed supplies. After some time had passed, the fishermen were getting anxious, thinking that the girls had suddenly lost their nerve. "Lot of good it did trusting outsiders." Dramithir griped, "Should've just gone to the mage's guild. At least they're punctual."

"Look sir!" his first mate pointed to Tilly and Elli as they came up. Tilly was dressed in different attire than when they had first seen her, as was Elli. Both appeared as though they were seagoing citizens rather than travelers or tourists (I'll show everyone Elli's outfit soon enough). Dramithir chuckled when he saw them, "Where's your kraken expert?"

"She's on her way." Tilly answered, "She had to pick up some materials and craft a bomb or something."

Dramithir's eyes widened, "A bomb?"

Tilly shrugged, "That's what she said when we checked on her."

Not long after, Claera arrived at the ship with a large orb in her hand, "Forgive me, captain. This took a bit longer than I expected. Are we ready to leave?"

Dramithir smirked, "Just waiting on you, outsider."

The girls boarded the ship and shortly after, it set sail for the fishing waters. The journey didn't take long before they were in the vicinity of the buoys that marked the trap positions. The ship slowed and dropped anchor nearby. Claera inspected Tilly's artifacts.

"Why do you have so many aqualungs?" she asked, "You only need one."

Tilly pointed at her shark tooth necklace, "Well, this one isn't an aqualung. The mage said it let's me talk to the fish. I guess it uses telepathy to do so." she pointed at the bracelets she wore on each hand, "I have both of these in case I lose a hand."

"Alright, that's pretty smart." Claera smiled.

Tilly nodded,"Mmhmm... and this one..." she pointed at the silver ring on her toe, "Is because I thought it looked pretty."

"I didn't take you as someone who cared about that sort of thing." Claera knit her brow.

Tilly shrugged, "Hey, I have tastes, too. I can be a lady if I want."

Claera laughed, "I suppose you can. Are you ready?"

Tilly stepped up to the gunnel and hopped up onto the railing. She maintained her balance, despite the rocking of the ship on the waves.

Dramithir handed her a harpoon, "Just in case."

Claera handed her the orb in a sling net, "It uses an internal striker." she pointed to a small lever, "You'll need to pull this upward, drop it into the kraken's beak, then get as far away as you can. You have to about the count of ten. Are you up for that?"

Tilly nodded, "I understand... I can do this." she looped the sling over her shoulder and with that, she disappeared over the side with a splash. Once below the waves, she continued to hold her breath reflexively. Her lung began to burn as the density of the bomb drug her deeper under the surface. Tilly started to panic and was doubting the magic artifacts around her wrists when the mage's instructions echoed in her mind.

Just breathe normally...

Taking a great deal of faith in the bracelets, Tilly exhaled the rest of her air and took in a huge gulp of sea water into her airway. The salty taste made her nearly gag, but she noticed that the pain in her lungs dissipated as the magic extracted the air from the water that now filled her lungs and expelled with her next exhalation. Tilly's heart rate slowed as she calmed down and acclimated to the sensation of water being rammed into her airway while she descended to the sea floor, several more feet below her. Her toes touched down into the silty bed of the ocean and soon she was flatfooted on the bottom, anchored in place by the heavy bomb. As she walked, her vision was slightly blurred by the water, though her keen eyes could make out distinct shapes in the dim light. Several fish moved about in schools and other, larger creatures moved about, seemingly chasing after the fish. She focused on the nearest, large shape as it darted through the school and projected her thoughts at it.

Hello there...

The large creature slowed itself at looked at her, then made its way over. She could see clearly by its shape that it was a shark and it circled her cautiously, noting her harpoon.

Did you want something? Its words entered her head as though it were speaking clearly in her ears. Tilly nearly lost her composure with excitement.

OH! Yes... I need help if you are willing.

The shark continued to circle her. Tilly kept herself facing the large predator as she watched it move.

Are you here to hunt?

Tilly nodded, Yes... but I'm not here to hurt you. I'm looking for the young kraken. It is causing trouble for the fishermen. Can you help me find it.

The shark slowed its movement, continuing its pattern, Why should I care?

Tilly had to think of a valid answer to a valid question, I suppose you don't. But they are helping me and my friends if we can kill it.

What if I just eat you instead?

Tilly held up her harpoon, I wouldn't advise that, but I can make you a deal.

The shark changed direction and circled the other way, Go on...

If you help me, you'll end up with all the kraken meat you can eat. Then we both get something we want. Tilly hoped she could appeal to its baser instincts.

The shark circled for several more times, make Tilly constantly move to stay facing it. Finally it swam closer, Take ahold of my fin. I can find it for you.

Yay! She thought to herself, This is way better than walking.

She took hold of the shark's dorsal fin and it quickly moved in a straight line once more. Tilly's feet were swept up as she was dragged along, holding tightly to the fin. The shark moved like a torpedo, adjusting its direction slightly every so often until it came to a deep crevice in the sea floor.

The creature is below, this is as close as I will get to it.

Tilly released the fin and settled onto the edge of the precipice. She looked into the inky darkness and began a slow decent with the bomb, catching any handholds she saw in order to keep from landing right on top of the kraken. As she reached the bottom, her eyes could no longer adjust to the lack of light. She remembered the mage had told her that the ring on her toe could be used at an artificial light with a certain spell trigger. She looked down at her naked feet and scrunched her toes to feel the edge of the ring.

"Illuminae." the word came out as a garbled sound, but the artifact responded none the less. A bright, white luminescence emitted from the tiny ring, giving her a few extra feet of visibility. She slowly walked along the silty bottom until she spotted a large shape ahead of her. It was a deep orange color, appearing still, like a rock formation, yet its silhouette was unnatural and several long tendrils jutted from it. She took the ring off of her toe and clasped it in her hand to douse the light. As she cautiously approached, the large rock shuddered. Tilly put the ring back on her toe and buried her foot in the silt. She poked one of the tentacles and it withdrew quickly. She brought her foot up to shine the light into a massive eye bearing down on her. The sudden eye made her shriek bubbles and she ducked its first attempt to grab her. She jabbed the harpoon at it and the kraken turned itself about so that all of its ten tentacles fanned out, surrounding Tilly. She saw the blur of its beak open wide as it used the rocks to pul itself closer to her. Tilly put the bomb up in front of her as the beak clamped down on the bottom. She felt for the lever and yanked it up and out before she pushed off the sea floor as hard as she could. As she rose, something tugged at her harpoon. As she looked down to see the tentacle, another wrapped around her ankle. Sharp barbs tore into her skin, making her cry out as her blood seeped into the water. She had only seconds to make a decision before the bomb exploded. She released the harpoon and turned toward the kraken as it pulled her down.

eight... seven... six...

Tilly threw her palms together and focused every last bit of energy she had in her reserves.

five... four... three... two...

"El'lia'para'dun!" the words were garbled, but the message was clear. A white hot beam of light erupted from her hands and struck the kraken in its carapace, the tentacles released her and the force of her blast rocketed her upward. The next moment there was a flash of brilliant violet light as the ocean thundered and a shockwave slammed into Tilly's now vulnerable form, knocking her unconscious. She floated in the current, dazed and disoriented until she felt a bump into her ribs. She shook the fog from her mind and saw that the shark had returned, a hunk of tentacle hanging from its jaws.

You held up your end, land dweller. I am grateful for the free meal, as are my kin.

Tilly felt weak and struggled to right herself in the water, Can you take me to the surface?

The shark circled around her and offered its fin, Take hold, I will bring you there.

Tilly grabbed the dorsal fin and the shark brought her to the surface and as close to the ship as it felt comfortable. The lookout pointed to her and the ship tossed a line out as she swam closer. When they hauled her onto the deck, she began to vomit sea water as the aqualungs purged her body of the now unnecessary fluid. The process was not pleasant and she collapsed from exhaustion. Elli and Claera wrapped her in linen and brought her below to rest. When she finally awoke, there was a bowl of broth and a half loaf of elvish bread waiting for her. Claera and Elli had stayed by her side until she came to. Still feeling weak, Tilly tried to sit up, only asking for help when that seemed too much to handle.

"We saw the water column." Claera said, "I take it you were successful."

Tilly smiled and nodded, "It almost ate me though. I was kind of scared for a minute."

Elli clasped her hand, "We were a little worried, too. It took you a while to come back up."

Tilly chuckled, "I had some help with that."

"We saw. The captain wanted to go after that shark, but we told him not to." Elli assured.

Claera nodded, "Thanks to you, we now have passage to Emizthar. Good work, Little Bit."

Tilly let out a less than enthusiastic, "Woohoo... Hopefully there's no more krakens on the way."

They laughed together and prepared for the voyage to their next destination.

THE END

AUTHOR'S NOTE: That was a fun little adventure. Let me know in the comments if you guys liked that one or not. Your feedback is always appreciated. If you need references to the locations, be sure to check out the map of Chorosia in the Stories and excerpts gallery. Until next time, be excellent.

Description
Santera, Mornaal

Tilly, Elli and Claera arrived in the port city just as the morning light was rising over the eastern horizon. They had ridden in from the capitol city with a caravan of merchant elves looking to trade their inland wares for imported goods coming from Emizthar. The townsfolk were already bustling about, either preparing for the day or bringing in the early haul from the sea. Tilly yawned and stretched as she awoke, taking in the golden hue of Katir's light. Elli and Claera had already been awake for a few hours, preparing for their departure as the caravan slowed and began setting up the traveling market outside of the city.

"Did you sleep well, Little Bit?" Claera asked, patting Tilly's head.

Tilly smiled and nodded, "I dreamt that my mum made me some of her tasty roast after she complained about me cutting my hair."

"Sounds like something you'd dream about." Elli chuckled, "Always thinking with your stomach."

Tilly nodded, "I need to do my morning meditation. I'm feeling a bit sluggish." she continued to stretch, all the way down to her toes, before she hopped out of the wagon, "Can we eat after I'm done?"

"I heard that the morning catch is in from one of the townsfolk." Claera informed, "We can go down to the dockside eatery when you get back. There is a nice hill over there for you to do your meditations."

Tilly nodded and scampered off to the nearby hill, dotted with flowers and soft grasses. The elve took particularly goo care of their surrounding flora, keeping the grounds fertile and healthy in order to provide the necessary numen energy that many of their mages required. Tilly meditated quietly, taking in the sounds of the birds and small creatures that inhabited the area. Although the ambience was pleasant, a nagging feeling tugged at her mind that something wasn't quite right. She was able to get most of her energy stores back up and decided that perhaps this wasn't the best spot for her to be if she wanted total serenity. In the end, she chalked it up to her being hungry as her stomach rumbled loudly. She patted her toned gut and began heading back to her friends.

The three of them wandered down to the dockside market and smelled the aromas from the different merchant carts. Some had fresh coffee beans for sale or trade, along with pre-brewed cups to sample the different flavors. Elli quickly nabbed up as much as she cared to carry before they went into the eatery. Tilly shared her experience on the hill as being odd. Elli had told her it was probably just jitters from their upcoming trip, but Claera paid closer attention to Tilly's concern. Once they finished their breakfast, they emerged much more awake and energetic, hoping to catch sight of any passenger ship that would take them across the Titan Straits to Emizthar, where they were supposed to meet with Ferrin and Rathistahn. As they walked along the docks, Elli noticed a bit of commotion coming from one of the slips. A group of fishermen had gathered there, listening to one of their compatriots holler on about his traps being destroyed.

"Ripped apart!" he decried, "All the fish gone and to boot, whatever it was nearly ripped the hoist free. Could've capsized my ship."

"What do you think it was?" one of the others asked.

"If I were to venture a guess, I'd say a juvenile kraken." the first speculated, "They come close enough to the coast before they get big enough to hunt those leviathan whales and gargantuan crabs."

"So what are we going to do?" another fisherman asked, "We can't risk our ships out there with one of those things going after our traps."

Claera stepped up to them, "Perhaps we can help." the fishermen all stopped and looked over at her, incredulous at her claim.

"How so?" the first fisherman asked, "Are ye sailors? Part of the navy?"

Elli grabbed Claera by the elbow, "What the fuck are you doing? I've never taken down a damn kraken."

Claera removed Elli's grasp gently, "Relax, I happen to know of a way to get rid of it."

Tilly looked up at her from behind Elli, "Is this why I felt unsettled earlier?"

Claera nodded, "I think so." she turned back to the fisherman, "We aren't sailors, but we do have a bit of experience when dealing with monsters and my price is going to be much less than that of one of the guild mages."

The other fishermen began to chat amongst themselves as they considered her offer. Then the first spoke up again, "My name is Dramithir, I'm the captain of this vessel..." he sighed, "Name yer price."

"We need passage over to Emizthar, straight to Sarvale if possible. If you can provide us with that, I will rid your shores of this young kraken." Claera held out her hand in accord.

"What about its mother?" Dramithir asked, "Surely killing its offspring would enrage the bigger beast."

Claera huffed, "I've never known the monsters of the deep to be all that sentimental. According to most scholarly treaties, they give birth in the Titan Straits and then migrate back to deeper waters in the southern oceans."

Elli and Tilly exchanged looks of confusion.

Dramithir thought about her offer and nodded, "If that be the case... fine. I'll accept your offer." the two clasped arms in agreement, "We'll set sail after what's left of my haul is brought ashore. I suggest you prepare yourselves with whatever you need."

Claera nodded and led Tilly and Elli back to the port market.

"I wasn't aware you were an expert on Krakens." Elli crossed her arms over her chest.

Tilly nodded, "That's new to me, as well."

Claera smiled, "I did plenty of research when I was trying to find Lumeris. Her lair is supposedly carved into the carapace of an elder kraken. Supposedly the largest in all of the seas."

"So what are we going to do about the little one?" Elli asked, "I'm not exactly a strong swimmer."

Claera looked at Tilly, "How about you?"

Tilly sighed, "If I can help these people, I will do whatever it takes."

Elli chuckled, "But are you a strong swimmer?"

Tilly nodded, "Oh, yeah. I did it all the time when I visited the Isle of Lost Tides."

Claera grimaced, "Don't remind me of that right now."

"Sorry." Tilly clammed up.

"So what do we need for this?" Elli asked.

"I have to go and visit the alchemist. I need to craft a couple of things before we go, it should take about an hour." Claera explained, "In the meantime, go to the mage's guild and buy an aqualung."

"What's that?" Tilly asked.

"It lets you breathe underwater." Claera replied, "Make sure it's something you can wear that won't come off." she handed Tilly a sack of coins, "This should be enough."

The group parted to retrieve the needed supplies. After some time had passed, the fishermen were getting anxious, thinking that the girls had suddenly lost their nerve. "Lot of good it did trusting outsiders." Dramithir griped, "Should've just gone to the mage's guild. At least they're punctual."

"Look sir!" his first mate pointed to Tilly and Elli as they came up. Tilly was dressed in different attire than when they had first seen her, as was Elli. Both appeared as though they were seagoing citizens rather than travelers or tourists (I'll show everyone Elli's outfit soon enough). Dramithir chuckled when he saw them, "Where's your kraken expert?"

"She's on her way." Tilly answered, "She had to pick up some materials and craft a bomb or something."

Dramithir's eyes widened, "A bomb?"

Tilly shrugged, "That's what she said when we checked on her."

Not long after, Claera arrived at the ship with a large orb in her hand, "Forgive me, captain. This took a bit longer than I expected. Are we ready to leave?"

Dramithir smirked, "Just waiting on you, outsider."

The girls boarded the ship and shortly after, it set sail for the fishing waters. The journey didn't take long before they were in the vicinity of the buoys that marked the trap positions. The ship slowed and dropped anchor nearby. Claera inspected Tilly's artifacts.

"Why do you have so many aqualungs?" she asked, "You only need one."

Tilly pointed at her shark tooth necklace, "Well, this one isn't an aqualung. The mage said it let's me talk to the fish. I guess it uses telepathy to do so." she pointed at the bracelets she wore on each hand, "I have both of these in case I lose a hand."

"Alright, that's pretty smart." Claera smiled.

Tilly nodded,"Mmhmm... and this one..." she pointed at the silver ring on her toe, "Is because I thought it looked pretty."

"I didn't take you as someone who cared about that sort of thing." Claera knit her brow.

Tilly shrugged, "Hey, I have tastes, too. I can be a lady if I want."

Claera laughed, "I suppose you can. Are you ready?"

Tilly stepped up to the gunnel and hopped up onto the railing. She maintained her balance, despite the rocking of the ship on the waves.

Dramithir handed her a harpoon, "Just in case."

Claera handed her the orb in a sling net, "It uses an internal striker." she pointed to a small lever, "You'll need to pull this upward, drop it into the kraken's beak, then get as far away as you can. You have to about the count of ten. Are you up for that?"

Tilly nodded, "I understand... I can do this." she looped the sling over her shoulder and with that, she disappeared over the side with a splash. Once below the waves, she continued to hold her breath reflexively. Her lung began to burn as the density of the bomb drug her deeper under the surface. Tilly started to panic and was doubting the magic artifacts around her wrists when the mage's instructions echoed in her mind.

Just breathe normally...

Taking a great deal of faith in the bracelets, Tilly exhaled the rest of her air and took in a huge gulp of sea water into her airway. The salty taste made her nearly gag, but she noticed that the pain in her lungs dissipated as the magic extracted the air from the water that now filled her lungs and expelled with her next exhalation. Tilly's heart rate slowed as she calmed down and acclimated to the sensation of water being rammed into her airway while she descended to the sea floor, several more feet below her. Her toes touched down into the silty bed of the ocean and soon she was flatfooted on the bottom, anchored in place by the heavy bomb. As she walked, her vision was slightly blurred by the water, though her keen eyes could make out distinct shapes in the dim light. Several fish moved about in schools and other, larger creatures moved about, seemingly chasing after the fish. She focused on the nearest, large shape as it darted through the school and projected her thoughts at it.

Hello there...

The large creature slowed itself at looked at her, then made its way over. She could see clearly by its shape that it was a shark and it circled her cautiously, noting her harpoon.

Did you want something? Its words entered her head as though it were speaking clearly in her ears. Tilly nearly lost her composure with excitement.

OH! Yes... I need help if you are willing.

The shark continued to circle her. Tilly kept herself facing the large predator as she watched it move.

Are you here to hunt?

Tilly nodded, Yes... but I'm not here to hurt you. I'm looking for the young kraken. It is causing trouble for the fishermen. Can you help me find it.

The shark slowed its movement, continuing its pattern, Why should I care?

Tilly had to think of a valid answer to a valid question, I suppose you don't. But they are helping me and my friends if we can kill it.

What if I just eat you instead?

Tilly held up her harpoon, I wouldn't advise that, but I can make you a deal.

The shark changed direction and circled the other way, Go on...

If you help me, you'll end up with all the kraken meat you can eat. Then we both get something we want. Tilly hoped she could appeal to its baser instincts.

The shark circled for several more times, make Tilly constantly move to stay facing it. Finally it swam closer, Take ahold of my fin. I can find it for you.

Yay! She thought to herself, This is way better than walking.

She took hold of the shark's dorsal fin and it quickly moved in a straight line once more. Tilly's feet were swept up as she was dragged along, holding tightly to the fin. The shark moved like a torpedo, adjusting its direction slightly every so often until it came to a deep crevice in the sea floor.

The creature is below, this is as close as I will get to it.

Tilly released the fin and settled onto the edge of the precipice. She looked into the inky darkness and began a slow decent with the bomb, catching any handholds she saw in order to keep from landing right on top of the kraken. As she reached the bottom, her eyes could no longer adjust to the lack of light. She remembered the mage had told her that the ring on her toe could be used at an artificial light with a certain spell trigger. She looked down at her naked feet and scrunched her toes to feel the edge of the ring.

"Illuminae." the word came out as a garbled sound, but the artifact responded none the less. A bright, white luminescence emitted from the tiny ring, giving her a few extra feet of visibility. She slowly walked along the silty bottom until she spotted a large shape ahead of her. It was a deep orange color, appearing still, like a rock formation, yet its silhouette was unnatural and several long tendrils jutted from it. She took the ring off of her toe and clasped it in her hand to douse the light. As she cautiously approached, the large rock shuddered. Tilly put the ring back on her toe and buried her foot in the silt. She poked one of the tentacles and it withdrew quickly. She brought her foot up to shine the light into a massive eye bearing down on her. The sudden eye made her shriek bubbles and she ducked its first attempt to grab her. She jabbed the harpoon at it and the kraken turned itself about so that all of its ten tentacles fanned out, surrounding Tilly. She saw the blur of its beak open wide as it used the rocks to pul itself closer to her. Tilly put the bomb up in front of her as the beak clamped down on the bottom. She felt for the lever and yanked it up and out before she pushed off the sea floor as hard as she could. As she rose, something tugged at her harpoon. As she looked down to see the tentacle, another wrapped around her ankle. Sharp barbs tore into her skin, making her cry out as her blood seeped into the water. She had only seconds to make a decision before the bomb exploded. She released the harpoon and turned toward the kraken as it pulled her down.

eight... seven... six...

Tilly threw her palms together and focused every last bit of energy she had in her reserves.

five... four... three... two...

"El'lia'para'dun!" the words were garbled, but the message was clear. A white hot beam of light erupted from her hands and struck the kraken in its carapace, the tentacles released her and the force of her blast rocketed her upward. The next moment there was a flash of brilliant violet light as the ocean thundered and a shockwave slammed into Tilly's now vulnerable form, knocking her unconscious. She floated in the current, dazed and disoriented until she felt a bump into her ribs. She shook the fog from her mind and saw that the shark had returned, a hunk of tentacle hanging from its jaws.

You held up your end, land dweller. I am grateful for the free meal, as are my kin.

Tilly felt weak and struggled to right herself in the water, Can you take me to the surface?

The shark circled around her and offered its fin, Take hold, I will bring you there.

Tilly grabbed the dorsal fin and the shark brought her to the surface and as close to the ship as it felt comfortable. The lookout pointed to her and the ship tossed a line out as she swam closer. When they hauled her onto the deck, she began to vomit sea water as the aqualungs purged her body of the now unnecessary fluid. The process was not pleasant and she collapsed from exhaustion. Elli and Claera wrapped her in linen and brought her below to rest. When she finally awoke, there was a bowl of broth and a half loaf of elvish bread waiting for her. Claera and Elli had stayed by her side until she came to. Still feeling weak, Tilly tried to sit up, only asking for help when that seemed too much to handle.

"We saw the water column." Claera said, "I take it you were successful."

Tilly smiled and nodded, "It almost ate me though. I was kind of scared for a minute."

Elli clasped her hand, "We were a little worried, too. It took you a while to come back up."

Tilly chuckled, "I had some help with that."

"We saw. The captain wanted to go after that shark, but we told him not to." Elli assured.

Claera nodded, "Thanks to you, we now have passage to Emizthar. Good work, Little Bit."

Tilly let out a less than enthusiastic, "Woohoo... Hopefully there's no more krakens on the way."

They laughed together and prepared for the voyage to their next destination.

THE END

AUTHOR'S NOTE: That was a fun little adventure. Let me know in the comments if you guys liked that one or not. Your feedback is always appreciated. If you need references to the locations, be sure to check out the map of Chorosia in the Stories and excerpts gallery. Until next time, be excellent.