Nature Takes Its Course

[Raleigh]

Then, visualizing the item you've crafted as the artifact in mind to the point you can see it being what you are copying and with a small touch of energy. *He swings his copy unleashing a similar power to the original. A larger hole leading deeper through the vines appears.* It can take a few tries at first but this eventually becomes an easy thing to do. After a certain point, so long as you know enough about something, this becomes as easy as can be. Keep in mind it will require a bit of study on your part to be up on items you think would be useful to get the most out of this.

[AmbushCat]

Ellen: ...It's worth looking into, I suppose. Though bear in mind mythology isn't my strong suit.

*Ellen gives her sword a few test swings, then progresses further down into the tunnel. Acutus is already waiting at that end, tapping her foot impatiently, and she steps out of the way when the girl takes a swing of her own. A massive mess of vines, thorns, and branches crumbles and falls before them, connecting the tunnel to what looks like the interior of an indoor forest of sorts.*

You might want to make sure your skin's covered from here on out, kid. I can detect high concentrations of Blue particles scattered past this area... *looks befuddled* Though, it kind of feels like they're dying.

[Raleigh]

Well myths aren't the only thing you can use this to channel. They are just the easiest as their information is much more common to encounter. Shall I shield you, Ellen?

[AmbushCat]

Ellen: ...Probably wouldn't hurt.

[Raleigh]

*Snaps his fingers and a small charm appears attached to her clothes.* That should protect you as we go. So then, which direction?

[AmbushCat]

*Acutus takes a few moments to scan the area, muttering something in ancient Draconic that could be loosely translated as "give me sight beyond sight".*

*points* That path there just off-center. That one will take us deeper into this pretzel of a jungle. I count six other paths, but all of them twist and turn for a while before heading back outside.

[Raleigh]

Well then, I guess we know which way to go. *Starts to head toward the desired path.* So anything I should keep in mind for this confrontation?

[AmbushCat]

*follows along* I'm not even sure if Viridi sent anyone to safeguard this place, never mind why she decided to bomb this area. Granted I'd been away from the Continent for centuries before I was summoned, so things could've changed... but I was under the impression no one lived out here.

Ellen: *sticking close to Raleigh as they walk* ...You said that the Blue energy here was dying?

*Acutus summons several particles of Blue from the surrounding area to her hand. They seem to be flickering in and out repeatedly, sputtering, stopping and restarting. After about half a minute of this they stop shining altogether, becoming a dark shade of gray and quietly fading out of existence.*

Ellen: ...Curious and curiouser.

[Raleigh]

Any lingering energies affecting you Acutus? If it is killing the floating blue energy it might be affecting you.

[AmbushCat]

*shakes her head in wonderment* No, my internal stores are still at optimal levels. Haven't noticed any sort of decrease.

[Raleigh]

Well nature does have its own agenda. I'm sure we'll find out what she is up to soon enough.

[AmbushCat]

I'm not sure what to do once we get that point. I was angry when I left, so I hadn't planned that far ahead.

Ellen: ...If Viridi herself decides to appear, let me do the talking. She doesn't like humanoids in general, but my own appreciation for nature should give me enough leeway.

*shakes her head* We hate each other's guts, kid. Ten to one she'll attack us on sight. Guilt by association and that.

Ellen: ...You mean she'll attack you on sight. I'm not the one carrying enough Blue to render an entire species extinct within several generations.

[Raleigh]

Hostile to me? I think I recall us being relatively civil the last time I talked with her.

[AmbushCat]

Ellen: ...Yes.

*glares at nothing, pouting* ...Not ashamed to admit that I have no answer to that.

Ellen: *surveys the area as they walk before speaking* ...Just as a matter of curiosity. It's my understanding that you've got Ovalisks hanging out at your headquarters. How have you not exploded yet?

*scowls* Not talking about it.

[Raleigh]

We still haven't gotten rid of those things?