TumblingWater

Glittering Bluesilver Torc Trinkets A strong neck ring in polished blue-stained silver. Too small to fit around the neck of most dragons, but makes an excellent bracelet in some cases. 41 Stardust Sap Lamp Trinkets A specialized lamp that uses sap from birch trees in the Starwood Strand. It emits an eerie blue flame. 41

TumblingWater awoke late on night drenched in a cold sweat. She gasped and tried desperately to catch her breath. She had that dream again, the one where she was drowning. She always had troubling dreams as far back as she could remember, sometimes they were horrifying visions and that true. She had predicted many things: Floods, droughts, famine, death. The only thing that tied them all together was water. Why did she have these visions? She didn't know but she was compelled to leave her clan to find out. She left that night, leaving nothing behind but a wet puddle.

---

micer2012's Clan

The next newcomer to visit Skullyeswalker's clan was a more.. troubled one. She seemed to be here for a purpose, like she was looking for something. Skullyeswalker didn't know what she was looking for, but promised he and his clan would do their best to aid her! The mysterious pearlcatcher seemed to simply nod.
The most obvious first place for TumblingWater to search was the stream that flew through the mushroom lit log.. a sizable river where the dragons would do their fishing. The visions seemed to be linked to water, so maybe being around water would help give her answers.
The sky was already dark so most of the fishers had already gone back to their dens, except one skydancer who sat by the river, almost seeming to glisten in the moonlight. She seemed like she blended in with the stars herself, and she looked right at home admiring herself in the moonlit lake.
"Hello?" The skydancer said to TumblingWater, who hadn't said anything. "You know, it's rude to just stare at someone you don't know." The skydancer said. TumblingWater's face flushed a little red from embarresment. Had she been staring? She hadn't noticed.
"Oh, um I'm here to see if there was.. anything odd about the water.. You see, I've been getting these visions about water, and I think maybe it had something to do with-" "Stop." The skydancer interrupted. "I don't deal with visions. You should go to Tipin for that, they know more than me."
"Oh, uh, of course." TumblingWater responded. "And.. your name?" The pearlcatcher asked. "Gmalexy." The skydancer responded. TumblingWater nodded, before going off to the room Skullyeswalker had lent her.
She did not go to Tipin in the morning, nor back to the river with Gmalexy. Silently in the wee morning, she slipped away, out of the room. She was no closer to an answer to the visions, but she knew this clan couldn't help her. But she would keep trying. One clan must know what was going on.

---

Stargale

The wandering pearlcatcher found herself in the Shifting Expanse, wandering along hungry and alone. In the distance she could see dark clouds rolling over the horizon and storm catchers began to flock together, cawing at the arrival of a storm. With the electric fields in sight, she continued walking until she came upon a large metal gate that towered over her. As she gazed upwards to inspect the height of the tower, she saw a figure above her sitting on a spire quietly. She clutched his pearl tightly as the figure glided towards her, seeing that it was a skydancer with brown wings and lavender gembond.

The skydancer nodded a silent greeting and took opened a book before her. It was really a plain book, nothing too fancy, with the words "Guest Book" written on the top, as if it were for some wedding. TumblingWater only looked at it and then back at the skydancer before writing her name on the line underneath. The skydancer was silent the whole time and closed the book when she was done before flying up to the spire once more.

The gate opened, revealing a small clan, wandering around doing their own things. They didn't seem like mechanics as most Lightning dragons are, but more... adventurers. She walked through, not sure where to go, what to do next. She stumbled right into a small fae carrying a large box of equipment.

"I'm sorry!" the fae said as she set the box down. "I wasn't looking where I was going." She smiled at the stranger and looked her over. "Ah, are you visiting?"

TumbingWater nodded and thought for a second before asking a question. "Is there... someone I can talk to about dreams?" she asked quietly.

"Hm..." she said, putting a claw to her head as she thought. "Lyra would know the most," she said with a nod. "She's in the Tree of Chapters over there," she said as she pointed to a large metal tree. "Good luck!"

TumblingWater nodded and made her way down towards the large tree and walked inside and waited patiently. It was some time before another small fae noticed she was even there. It gave TumbingWater some time to look at the inside of this "tree". It was tall with shelves and shelves of books. The trunk was filled with them and lined the inside of the trunk. The "leaves" above were in fact books as well, and hammocks and roosts were along the branches.

"Can I help you?" the fae asked as she sat on a pile of books. This must be Lyra, who the other fae was speaking of.

"I have a question... about a dream I had," TumblingWater said quietly. Lyra leaned in, already interested in what she had to say. TumblingWater explained the horrifying sights, hoping that the small fae would help in some way. Lyra listened intently, thinking of what references she could use...

Once she was finished explaining, Lyra flew up a bit and beckoned for TumblingWater to follow. The two flew up to the branches where they could see it all from above. TumblingWater gaped at the sight when she sat on a branch. Lyra came back with a book and handed it to her.

"This discusses the significance of dreams, you are welcome to keep it," she said. "Dreams are messengers, so it says. They bring warnings of the future, but also reminders of the past. They tell us our wishes but also our fears, the unconscious turning in the back of our minds. It is up to you to interpret it, but how you go about it, the book might help. Keep it, as a gift from Stargale."

TumblingWater smiled gratefully and nodded. "Thank you very much," she said. This was very helpful, compared to the other clan she had visited.

"Now, I suggest leaving before the Thunder Rally starts," she says. "It gets quite loud." It wasn't a means to kick her out, it was just the truth.

TumblingWater nodded and bowed before flying off and out of the clan. She held the book and her pearl tightly, excited to look into it further. But something still bothered her... so she continued off in search of others who could help her.

Gifts Received: Book titled "Unconscious Messages" (about the interpretation and understanding of dreams)

---

Starhaven (Kiwicide's Clan)

TumblingWater had traveled far from the clan of Stargale, ending up in the secluded Stafall Isles. Perhaps it was the somewhat enchanted waters of the Arcane domain that drew her so far away from the east side of the world. Maybe there she would find some answers to her watery nightmares.

On the island were many peculiar things. Rocks floated high above and wisp like creatures bounced from one floating island to another. Several dragons seemed to have their heads buried in books that looked too old to be reading from. There were caverns dug out into the tall cliffs of the island, too many for the rocky structure to be stable. As she tried to count them, TumblingWater noticed a white, slender form emerge from one of the caverns. She watched carefully as the dragon descended from the cavern to land before her.

"Hello there." A white Imperial stood before her, smiling sweetly. Her opal covered body glimmered in the sunlight as she moved. "My name is Niami, welcome to the Starfall Isles. What might your name be?" Everything about this Imperial was friendly and inviting, so much so that TumblingWater smiled back at her.

"My name is TumblingWater." TumblingWater relaxed and any bit of unease by the strangeness around her faded into nothing. She felt at ease with Niami.

"It's lovely to meet you, TumblingWater." Niami rose one pristine wing and pointed towards the caverns. "Someone from my clan is expecting you. If you wouldn't mind following me, I can take you to her."

Again, TumblingWater found herself not at all suspecting Niami of any ill-will. She nodded and followed the Imperial up the cliffs. On the landing she was blown away by what she saw. From the ground you would never know that there was such a lively clan on the isles.

Dotted around the grassy cliff were stands full of bright colors and items for sale. There were banners of all sorts strung across the area, draping from signs and some haphazardly hung from trees. There were dragons chatting, some playing music and some dancing to the lively beats. Children ran about, and lots of them. TumblingWater had never seen so many young dragons running about before. Everyone seemed so happy and carefree. She was sure she'd be safe here.

"This way, please." Niami called and smiled once more. "We're quite the contrast, aren't we?" TumblingWater nodded slowly, still taking in the sights around her. Niami giggled and nodded. "We believe in enjoying life the the fullest and we encourage others to do the same. This is why Seraphine felt she needed to speak with you. She saw a glimpse of your nightmares and wishes to offer her assistance."

The Pearlcatcher's attention was yet again directed elsewhere. "Do you think she can help me?" TumblingWater felt a bit of hope light up in her at the possibility of finding some answers. Even if the information she received was minuscule, it still might help her figure things out in the end.

"Possibly," Niami's tone was neutral as to not illicit false hope in the Pearlcatcher. "Seraphine is exceptionally skilled in the mystic arts. I'm sure she can provide you with some aid."

Niami led TumblingWater up a wooden ramp that opened up to another cliff where a hut sat among flowers and a fire pit. A large tree loomed over the beautifully crafted home, shading it from the sunlight. It seemed so picturesque and peaceful.

Niami opened her mouth to speak but before any words could be said, two dazzling white mirror hatchlings came bounding out of the hut. "Momma! Momma!" They called as they came running towards Niami. Behind them came a delicate looking Skydancer decorated in lace and flowers.

"I hope they weren't too much trouble." Niami nuzzled her two children who giggled happily at her feet.

"They were wonderful as always." Seraphine smiled and came up to the group. "You must be the Pearlcatcher I sensed. Thank you for bringing her up here, Niami." Seraphine looked over at TumblingWater. There was definitely something hanging over her, something dark and foreboding. "I'm Seraphine, please, come this way." Seraphine turned to head back to her hut.

"Come along, children." Niami said to the still giggling mirrors. "It was nice to meet you, dear." She gave TumblingWater one last smile before leaving with her children in tow.

TumblingWater watched them leave, thinking how adorable the children were before following after Seraphine. The inside of the hut was much larger than it looked but just as perfectly decorated as the outside. She could tell that Seraphine had an eye for detail.

"Please, sit. Make yourself at home." Seraphine nodded to the cushions around a table, one of which she sat at. "What's your name, sweetie?" Seraphine asked as she set a bowl of water on the table. It was crystal clear and at the bottom TumblingWater could see something like gems glistening.

"TumblingWater." She answer, taking a seat across from Seraphine. "Niami said you could help me. Is that true?"

Seraphine nodded. "I may be able to give you some insight, yes. I've seen a glimpse of your nightmares, the flooding and droughts. I could feel a darkness from them. Tell me, has anything strange happened to you prior to these dreams?"

TumblingWater tried to recall the days but nothing came to mind that was out of the ordinary, nothing except those visions. "I can't think of anything that has."

"I see." Seraphine looked down into the bowl on the table. "If you wouldn't mind, dear, would you please drip a claw into this bowl? The gems at the bottom are quite rare but they hold an unusual power. When placed in water they can determine whether or not something pure. I feel there is a darkness looming over you that is causing you to have this visions."

TumblingWater felt unease settle over her. What if something had cursed her? What was she supposed to do then? TumblingWater didn't know anything about curses or visions. Suddenly her worries became much more troubling.

"TumblingWater?" Seraphine called. The somewhat startled look on the Pearlcatcher's face made Seraphine frown. "I know this is all worrisome but the gems can help provide some clarity and lead you to an answer."

TumblingWater nodded. Seraphine was right. She had to at least know what was happening to her, if anything at all. She reached out to place a claw in the bowl of water. After a moment the water turned from clear to pitch black and TumblingWater snatcher her arm away. "Wh-what?!"

Seraphine's frown deepened. "I was afraid this would happen." She looked over at TumblingWater with a serious expression. "Something has indeed been cast over you."

"C-can you fix it?" TumblingWater stammered. She wracked her brain for any instances where something dark might have crossed her path but nothing turned up. TumblingWater's heart was racing with fear. What did this all mean?

The Skydancer sighed. "Unfortunately, I cannot. However, I can offer you something for protection. Please wait here a moment." Seraphine stood and headed farther into her home, leaving TumblingWater to sit at the table and stare in to the still inky water.

Moments later she returned with a bag and a ring that she set down on the table before TumblingWater. "This ring should help keep the visions at bay, making them less frequent. It should also keep whatever is hanging over you from harming you further." She pushed the ring closer to TumblingWater who took it carefully. TumblingWater inspected the piece of jewelry before slipping it on. "And I see you're carrying more than just your pearl. This is a spare bag of my mate's, please take it to carry your things safely."

"Th-thank you." TumblingWater would need time to process what she had learned but she was grateful that Seraphine could give her some insight. Now that she had a bit of a clearer idea as to what was happening, TumblingWater could better search for an answer.

"Feel free to stay the night and process your thoughts. As I said before, make yourself at home. If you need anything at all, please do let me know." Seraphine gave the Pearlcatcher a pat on the shoulder before leaving her.

That night, TumblingWater stayed with Seraphine, feeling safe with the Skydancer and her peculiar clan. She didn't have a single vision that night and was able to rest peacefully for the first time in a while. The next morning she said her goodbyes to Seraphine and Niami before setting off to find even more answers.

Items Acquired:
+ a sturdy bag
+ an enchanted ring

---

Nightkeeper Sanctum (Darkesty)


"Who are you and what do you want with my lair?" the fae asked as she fluttered closer. "I'm TumblingWater. Do you know anyone who could remove a curse?". The fae seemed to be thinking, though it was quite hard to tell with them. "Yes. I am Amuless, and I might be able to help you with it. Now tell me, what does the curse do?"

She fluttered to sit on a nearby mushroom, the was growing on a tree, to be on eye level with her. "I have these.. visions. Sometimes they're simply dreams of drowning, other times they come true." She said, trying to think of anything else. "Are you certain you can't think of anyone that would wish harm upon you?" Amuless inquired. "No. No one comes to mind" TumblingWater answered her and looked at the ground. What if there was no way to remove the curse?

"The visions you have are not simply the work of the curse, but they have been affected by it. You see, no curse can grant someone the ability to see the future. However, a curse can change what you see. I believe you only see bad visions because whoever cursed you did not want you to be happy about it. The ability to see fragments of the future is quite rare, so it's not impossible that whoever cursed you was merely jealous of your unique ability." Amuless told her. TumblingWater was dumbfounded at this information.

"But who could it have been?" she asked carefully, as if she was scared of the answer. "While I can not say for certain, I believe it's someone who was around you either when you were a hatchling or before you were born. It seems as though you might have been cursed at a relatively young age, or maybe before you even hatched, as you have no memory of anyone who would have done so". She had to think for a moment. How could she find out who it was when she had no recollection of them?

Amuless flew into a small hole in a tree, before coming back with a purple rose. "Here, take this flower and wear it on your tail," Amuless said as she handed her the flower, "It will reduce the curse's grip on you as time goes by, but it cannot remove it. When the curse has grown weaker, you should find someone who can remove it. And if you ever come into contact with the person, who cursed you, it will emit a bright light to signal you".

TumblingWater took the rose and put it on her tail. The purple blossom grew long, thorny vines, which curled around her tail, but suprisingly it didn't hurt. She thanked Amuless and continued her journey.

Item received: Enchanted rose

---

cheilith's clan

Morning, the cold wind stings at its touch. She stands emotionless and frozen. Her eyes are searching for something, as she stares at the cemetery. The forgotten are laid to rest under a cross, there are no names on the graves. No way to remember who they were, who they would have become. Dragons and hatchlings alike buried without a memory. Their cries drowned along with their bodies.

Remember.

She lay on the stained soil, screaming to the deities. Her cries for help drowned in the waves, as if no one could hear her, or no one was listening. Rage blinded her sight as she vowed that she would find the Beastclan and smite those who kill for pleasure; not knowing that she herself was walking beyond reach.

Remember!

The sun is still nowhere to be seen through the polluted sky. The smell of sea water engulfs the air, along with the rotting corpses of sea creatures caught on the rock bay. She still stands there, not ever making a stir. Her pale features make her seem like a ghost, but she is just as alive as you and I. She wanders on an endless journey, to seek answers and revenge for her fallen clan. “It’s time,” she whispers, and then she turns and disappears into the shadows as if a ghost.

TumblingWater suddenly jolted awake in a cold sweat. How, she thought to herself, how could this be possible?

"Are you alright?" a calm but authoritative voice spoke, "you seemed to have quite a terrifying dream."

TumblingWater snapped out of her trance-like state and looked at the dragon who just spoke, "I'm fine," she answered, still shaky and a little fearful. TumblingWater examined the dragon once more, his robes covered his markings and kept his identity hidden. She knew not who this dragon was nor where she herself was, the odds for a successful escape were slim.

"C-could you please tell me where I am?," TumblingWater managed to stammer.

The stranger smiled. "Well for starters, you're in Light Territory. Skadi and Raza would definitely not like this, please prepare yourself as Skadi today is in no humour to give consequence to travellers passing through the clan grounds," the Pearlcatcher spoke in a humorous manner, "which reminds me, how did you manage to lose yourself in land like this? Everydragon knows that the redwoods are filled with Beastclan camps. You're lucky that Fael found you and sent help, a couple weeks ago a hatchling wandered off into these redwoods... The girl was in tatters when she first came into our lair..."

His line of speech just faded away at the mention of the girl. This piqued TumblingWater's curiosity and her mouth opened before common sense could take control, "what did she look like?" she inquired.

"Like a ghost."

TumblingWater was suddenly forced into another vision of the girl in her dream, but managed to claw her way back into reality. Just as she snapped back, the stranger winced in pain before collapsing.

A Guardian and Skydancer burst through the leafy forest ceiling and, within seconds, cut off all escape routes. "Zelus!" the Skydancer anxiously called and immediately went to aid the fallen dragon.

The Guardian snarled at TumblingWater and made a wall between her and Zelus, "state your reasons for trespassing on Light Territory, Arcane."

Lost in the commotion, TumblingWater did not reply. This seemed to only anger the Guardian even more. "Stop!" Zelus cried as he forced himself between TumblingWater and the Guardian, "she meant no harm, Skadi!" Skadi seemed to trust Zelus and backed down.

"Come with me," Zelus said as he urged TumblingWater to follow him. TumblingWater skeptically obliged.

After leaving the expanse of redwood forests, TumblingWater and Zelus made their way through the clan grounds and finally reached their destination; a small tent on the other side of a busy market area, "so how long have you been having these visions?" Zelus asked in a serious tone.

TumblingWater was quite shocked at the sudden change in atmosphere, the newly met stranger seemed to take on a completely different persona. "I don't know when they first started, all I know is that they're getting worse."

"I can see that."

TumblingWater flushed red from embarrassment at the blunt reply. "A lot of folks have helped me along my journey," she added, gesturing to her tail and and claws, "it stops the curse from getting worse."

Zelus smirked at her comment. "These visions of yours aren't a curse, they're a gift," he said and with that he pulled out an intricate lace tail ornament which looked to be an antique from the Ancient Era. "You remind me of myself when I was younger," Zelus said with the slightest smile lurking in the corner of his mouth, "take this. There aren't any enchantments on it, but think of it as a good luck charm."

TumblingWater, more confused than when she was lost in the redwood forests, took the delicate lace piece and gently placed it in her satchel. Zelus then pushed TumblingWater out of his tent and forced her into the busy market streets.

TumblingWater wanted to thank Zelus, but he was already gone. Like a ghost.

Item received: Antique Lace Tail Ornament Good Luck Charm

---

Peacewielder's Clan

TumblingWater woke up in a den. She didn't remember building one. A yellow Fae padded in and her green eyes gleamed. "You're awake. I'm Leafshine, your in the Frozen Clan. I am a healer and a prophet." Suddenly her voice became deeper and her voice came in rasps.

"When shadow shall fade, storms shall rage and dragons will drown in blood. Lightning will flash, thunder will strike, and clouds will release floods."

TumblingWater felt chilled to the bone. Leafshine took a necklace off her neck. She handed it to her. TumblingWater ran out and flew away.

Obtained: Ornate Pearl Necklace

---

Nightkeeper Sanctum (Darkesty)

TumblingWater found herself once more in the murky forest. Why were the visions only getting worse? She could only wonder, for she didn't believe anyone would have answers. The yellow fae's words returned to her mind. What was she talking about? Did it have something to do with the visions and her curse? Her thoughts were interrupted by glowing sprites. They beckoned her to follow them, leading her to an ancient and rusty gate. Thorny vines had grown on top of it, keeping it from ever being closed. She recognised the lair when she entered, soon seeking the Matriarch, that had once helped her.

The fae in question was tending to her rose garden, filled to the brim with roses, same as the one wrapped around her tail. "And so you return, has the rose helped?" the fae asked, without looking. "No! The visions are only growing worse!" She yelled out, worried of the changes in her. "Then I must apologize, for I did not consider one possibility. It could be that someone used a curse, not to harm you, but to lock away parts of your memories. Memories of traumatic events, that would have lead you to the path of evil. As such, it is possible that those memories are slowly creeping into your visions, mixing the past with the future" the small fae explained, finally turning to look at her. "Is there anything that can be done?" TumblingWater wondered. "Each time you see the visions, face them with courage. Accept the darkness which resides in you, and you shall prevail. Remember that the past can not be changed, but you can always shape the future".

TumblingWater frowned. How could she find answers when all she got was cryptic messages? What did she mean about the darkness? At least she now knew that all hope was not lost. Maybe she'd eventually find her answers if she kept looking?


Clan Improbable (seige)
Ancient Lair of the Tempest Spire


“Young Miss, I don’t wish to be rude, but are you aware that your pearl is contaminated?”

TumblingWater spun and looked around, “Who said that?”

“I’m up here. I’ll be right down.” A male pearlcatcher descended from a nearby boulder.

“Who are you and what do you know about my pearl?” demanded TumblingWater.

He dipped a foreleg and bowed his head, “My apologies for startling you and lack of introduction.” Raising up he said, “I am called Merion, Wind Healer of the Clan Improbable.”

“I’m TumblingWater, a traveler. What of my pearl? What’s wrong with it?” Her voice was edging near hysteria.

Merion’s tones became soothing, “Calm yourself. I only noticed because it has it’s own aura. Much murkier and darker than your own. The two should blend seamlessly. It’s not really a problem unless you have the Seeing Gift.” TumblingWater blanched and Merion made haste to move her toward a fallen rock to sit.

“Seeing Gift? Is that like prophetic visions, dreams, nightmares, that sort of thing?” The question was in a shaky whisper.

Merion winced, “Among other things, yes. Do you have the Seeing?”

“I suppose so, but it cannot be a gift. It’s horrible. They won’t stop and just keep getting worse. I feel like I’m going mad. Sometimes I want to go mad -- it would be a relief.” The words held a tinge of panic.

Merion rummaged in his satchel and pulled out a piece of deep pink shimmering cloth and tossed it over the girl’s pearl. “Close your eyes and take five deep breaths -- in through your nose and out through your mouth.”

He watched as she obeyed and the fine quiver in her wingtips decreased. “What’s this cloth?”

“A purely temporary measure. Do you feel better?”

Her eyes closed, “I don’t know. I feel different -- less afraid, maybe. Is it the cloth that does it? And how did you know about my pearl.”

Merion shrugged, “You see visions; I see auras. Other Seers can see sickness in a dragon’s body. Others can see evil in the soul. Some can See good hunting or foraging grounds. Will you come back to the clan with me? You need food and rest. I need to consult with someone. It’s not far and we can talk on the way.”

---

Circee poured out the grub tea, “Merion tells me you cannot remember when your visions have not been disturbing.”

TumblingWater sniffed the steaming liquid, “That’s right, ma’am.”

The Fae made a notation, “You have several options. Keeping your pearl covered will help, though the cloth will have to be re-enchanted from time to time. Pearls can be cleansed if the contamination isn’t too deep. The Light clans are best at it. I would not attempt it. Merion feels that the problem is very near the core, possibly within the core itself. Permanent Pearl Damage is a real risk if that is the case.”

TumblingWater shuddered. She had heard of PPD and none of it was good. Madness might be preferable.

“The best solution, from a practical standpoint, is breed change. I do understand that it might be the most difficult emotionally.” Circee’s frills fluttered in distress, “I’m afraid this is the best advice I can offer.”

“I’ll have to think about it,” TumblingWater rose to leave.

“Of course, it’s a big decision. Just keep your pearl covered, and it should ease some of the symptoms. Sleep and travel well.”

Shortly after sunrise on the following morning TumblingWater resumed her journey, heart heavy and mind reeling.

---

foxghosts' Clan

The Abiding Boneyard was a cruel and harsh wasteland to traverse, and travellers from anywhere outside the Plaguelands was a rare occurrence. Azazel spotted the pearlcatcher long before she arrived on Verivala's territory - her bright hide sticking out like a sore thumb against the red-toned wasteland. She arrived at the thicket walls surrounding Verivala, and Azazel stalked over to her.

"Traveller," Azazel said in way of greeting.
TumblingWater jerked around with a start, eyeing the skydancer warily.
"Hello," she returned, eyes drifting over the bone chimes that decorated Verivala's territory wall. Dragon bones, mostly. They clattered together in the wind, giving off a hollow, eerie thunk with each collision. She took a cautious step back and Azazel barked out a harsh laugh.
"Relax, traveller," he said with a wicked grin. "We don't punish those who don't wrong us. You're passing through?"
"Y-yes," TumblingWater murmured, clutching her pearl tighter to her chest. "I'm searching for some...answers."

Azazel paused, pondering this for a moment, before stretching his wings out and beckoning her to the clan entrance. "Answers? Interesting. We have a shaman here, she may be able to help you," he said as they walked, Azazel in the lead. "You're welcome to ask her, perhaps stay a while."
"That would be appreciated."
"Then you're welcome as a guest, my friend," Azazel said, coming to a pause at the entry. "I'm Azazel - I lead this clan, though we're all equal here. And you are?"
"TumblingWater. Thank you for the hospitality," she replied, offering a tentative smile.
Azazel nodded, and the pair stepped through the makeshift archway, decorated with bones and jars of glowing, viscous liquid, and into Veivala.

---