Entry 6.
Elisen wishes to bond with a Zoak; not just any Zoak, but a Zoak of Unusual Capability. A ZOUC, as it were. They have done initial research and have identified one Ironbark Grove as a local natural wonder - a place where natural beasts are imbued with surprising elemental fortifications. They decide this is a good place to start.
I concur. Ironbark most interesting. Not a mystery of Namegivers, and one well explored, but still a mystery of the land. A wonder. I will go.
Also attending: Mazor the Beastmaster, LaShana the Thief, and Azurea the Shadow. Surprising number of Windlings. Promise of Zoaks (ZOUCs) impossible to resist.
For the most part, travel is comfortable. Stop by Skyreader Island. More Windlings, leaving peacefully with T'skrang. Our band writ large. Good.
As we enter grove, attacked by Iron-infused apes. Territorial and fierce. They throw dragonfruit with iron skin at us. (Sample attached.). Elisen, Mazor, LaShana, and I engage the main body of apes. A giant ape appears. Colleagues name it Titano. Massive steel primate.
Azurea murders it in seconds. I barely register its presence before it falls to the ground with a sound like an anvil falling from a great distance.
We collect items of interest, including Iron-infused teeth, nails, hair, etc. (Samples attached.)
Come to Irondelve, settlement established by those who have exited nearby Kaer. They have an exquisitely beautiful pool. Lagoon, really. Waters are clear and mineral rich. Full of health and comfort. I swim, as I have not in quite some time, and am refreshed. Recommend to settlers that perhaps they make this spring a feature of their settlement. A feature for others to visit. Travelers will come from far and wide to soak in the mineral pool of Irondelve.
Elisen and Mazor interact with Aethryllia, local Windling Beastmaster. She is highly interested in mating. Elisen seems uninterested. Mazor is perhaps willing but intimidated? Not clear. Hard to tell with mammalian Namegivers, let alone Windlings. She indicates that Zoaks nest beyond a clutter of spiders. Large spiders - Troll sized and infused with wood. We indicate that we will happily accompany Elisen; they are pleased.
Azurea takes a bath.
We travel to the grove the clutter occupies. In my fascination with the area, I do not see the nearly invisible webs these arachnids have woven. Invisible, but very strong. I am caught, as is LaShana. Aethryllia's obvious fear of these spiders is explained. Being trapped not pleasant. I am bitten. Venom courses through my veins. Interesting feeling, like burning. Muscles begin to spasm, starting at point of bite and expanding outwards. Finally, muscles everywhere locked.
I am paralyzed. This process takes approximately 12 to 15 seconds. Fortunately, long practice with meditation and posture leaves me standing so I am able to watch the pieces of battle that pass into my field of view.
Paralysis most relaxing, strangely. Cannot move. Am forced by magical spiders to center, be still, experience the moment without interacting with it. Grateful to spiders. (Venom samples, bark samples from spider chitin attached.
Friends do well defeating spiders without my assistance. Ironically, because of paralysis, spiders left me alone. I am very nearly unwounded. Much to contemplate regarding observation vs. action and the utility of inaction.
Further on, Zoaks have claimed a large tree as a communal nest. Cluster there like crows. Clearly intelligent, noisy, brash. Some are larger and more intelligent than others. Seem to be a cross of reptilian and avian. (Crude drawings.)
Elizen begins modified mating ritual with one large, curious Zoak. Offers food. Flutters wings in attractive fashion. Flies and spins through the air in demonstration of aerial ability and finesse. (Diagram of steps, spirals, swoops, dives.). Zoak appears impressed. They move away to deepen relationship.
Mazor and LaShana follow in similar fashion. Much puffing up of chests, attempts to look larger, demonstrate utility as provider, bravado as aerialist. Zoaks continue to be impressed. Friendships are forged.
Most interesting outing, with information of great use to naturalists, and also to those who examine the self and the self's role in the world. Very satisfying.Statistics:Posted by bronzemountain — Mon Jun 29, 2020 3:00 pm
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