The Caregivers Prompt 1

Reginald, Kernel, and Lianna followed the mysterious golden clad haedians who had rescued them from the tense situation back in the Order's domain. Their insane companion Wolgroth had somehow bested their leader in combat and had decided to stay behind with her fellow nutjobs much to the group's relief. Having someone that capable in combat would normally be reassuring but the black tyrians mental instability did nothing but inspire anxiety and fear. The golden robed haedians led the group quickly through the tunnels of the Beneath and before they knew it the ominous blood red glow of the Orders domain shifted to that of a cleansing pale green. After the deep unsettling darkness of the Order these caves were a very welcome sight. The crystal spires and growths that had been pretty widely present throughout the other domains couldn't compare to the sheer coverage of crystal growth here. Everywhere the trio looked  crystals of all sizes sprouted and clustered practically irradiating the cave with vibrant green glow.

While the group was significantly more relaxed here than they had been with the Order, the golden haedians they were following were off putting in their own way. The golden robes and veils of the haedians rippled and shimmered under the crystal light and the grace and elegance with which all three of them moved presented a truly ethereal display as the haedians silently led the trio deeper into the cave system. Since they had spoken to the Order haedians they hadn't spoken a word since and while the silence had been nice at first, a welcome improvement of the screams of blood thirsty cultists, at this point it was uncomfortable and disconcerting. Kernel seemed to be lost in a day dream as he silently toddled along after his companions. The usually chatty chaser's uncharacteristic silence had started as soon as he witnessed Wolgroth strike down his crush. Reginald glanced back at the pink chaser, his expression unreadable as he tried to figure out the chaser's motivations. He didn't know whether to feel pity, disdain, disgust, or empathy for the little idiot but seeing him mope around was starting to make him question his initial assessment of the chaser. Lianna was also slightly worried for the chaser but after the constant teasing and prying of the chaser had soured her towards him. The naturally quiet tyrian was more than happy to enjoy the peace and quiet and she could already tell she liked the golden haedians they were following. Those who know the value of silence are those she feels most comfortable with.

Eventually the dry echoing sound of paws shuffling and claws clicking on stone took on a different tone and the surface dwellers glanced down to see that the once solid gray stone they had been walking upon was suddenly extremely smooth crystal. Their mouths fell open in awe as they realized the crystals weren't just more abundant in this new clan's domain, it seemed like their entire domain was made of crystal! Everywhere they looked was crystal, the well worn and smooth walls of the cave almost made it look like the Haedians had carved a tunnel directly through the massive crystal but Lianna could tell by the wave like patterns on the walls and floors, this tunnel had been bored over countless millennia by a long since dried underground river. The sheer brilliance of their surroundings even seemed to pull Kernel out of his daze as the pink chaser wordlessly marveled at the reflective green cave they had found themselves traversing. Further and further the group silently walked, deeper and deeper into the depths of the Beneath until finally they could hear the sound of something echoing up ahead. They strained their ears trying to make sense of the sound as the echo almost felt distorted as the sounds from up ahead seemed to be reflecting off the crystalline walls in an unusual way. It almost sounded like someone was whispering and yet the sound was also far too natural to be someone's voice.

Just as the sound started to get clearer the group emerged from the tunnel and found themselves standing on the crystalline banks of a massive underground lake. The shores of the lake were surrounded by finely tumbled gemstones, well worn and polished by centuries of exposure to underground currents. The glittering gemstones shimmered and reflected the bright light of the crystalline walls of the cave, making the lake look like it was surrounded by a glittering galaxy of stardust. The silver lake itself was perfectly calm, not a single ripple or distortion was visible in its mirror-like surface. As the group approached they all realized that the odd whispering sound they had been hearing seemed to be emanating from the lake itself, as if some ancient being dwelled in its vast depths beckoning to the surface dwellers to enter its pristine waters. As the surface dwellers sat in awe at their gorgeous surroundings the golden haedians they had been following turned to them and the leader of the group finally spoke to them once more. "This is the sacred sanctuary of the Caregivers." her quiet voice matched the ethereal way she moved. It felt odd and unnatural, as if her words were caressing their minds instead of just entering their ears. Reginald found himself slowly easing the tension he had been holding in his shoulders after the uncomfortable silence they had been in. Why did he suddenly feel so calm? Surely he would normally still be on edge with these strangers, so then why? Ah, he realized it a bit too late, this haedian was no doubt using some sort of mentalist magic to placate them and ease them into listening to what she said.

"It's still waters mirror not just your physical form, but the very essence of your being—a portal of introspection." The golden robed haedian continued as her companions stepped back on either side, creating a clear path for the surface dwellers to approach the lake. The speaking haedian remained standing in their way, indicating that she wasn't done yet as she continued. "The Caregivers seek true empathy and self-awareness from those who enter the pool. Only when you accept your essence and show genuine kindness to your reflection shall you be granted an audience with the revered Matriarch." The Caregivers? So that is who these haedians were, the final clan that Reginalds group had been instructed to contact. Deep inside Reginald felt a little relieved that he didn't have to search for them but at the same time he felt more and more alarmed as it felt like the golden robed haedians magic forcibly pushed down his doubts and questions. There were many things he wanted to ask before complying with their test but the haedian was not giving him any room to speak. Lianna and Kernel were in the same state as the dark runner but they were much less alarmed by their sudden lack of autonomy. Lianna wholeheartedly agreed with the Caregivers test and was more than willing to comply with their test, under the influence of magic or not. In fact she was eyeing the pristine waters of the lake with a bit of excitement, the glittering silver waters looked incredibly inviting and she longed to wade into them and just enjoy the feeling.

Kernel on the other hand, had still been in a daze from the events of the Order and had rapidly succumbed to the golden robed haedians magic. He didn't resist at all as the golden robed haedian probed his mind testing his resistance. The haedian glanced at the pink chaser, the movement and her expression perfectly concealed under her glittering veil. From what she had seen, the pink one was supposed to be the most pigheaded and obtrusive of the surface trio and yet for some reason when she tested his mind he felt... hollow... Interesting... The golden haedian continued, giving no indication on how she truly felt as she gave the group their instructions. "You will wade into the still waters, where you will float, baring your soul to its depths. Witness your past actions and choices, understanding the impact they've had on others. Embrace your strengths and acknowledge your imperfections with compassion." When she finished speaking she stepped back and out of the way, opening a direct path to the lake for the trio. Lianna immediately stepped forward to the lake, not resisting at all and even picking up a little speed from the urging of the golden robed haedians magic. Kernel limped forward numbly, his expression empty as his blue eyes reflected the silver waters. Reginald hesitated before stepping forward, he wanted to resist the magic that was compelling him forward but it was too strong. Each step he took shook as his body trembled and strained against the control being exerted on him but it was a losing battle. All three of the surface dwellers entered the silver waters and waded out from shore until their paws could no longer touch the rounded gems of the beach.

When the trio entered the waters they were all inwardly shocked when the water didn't react to their touch. Normally ripples would be made when you disturb the water's surface and yet when the surface dwellers moved through the water it barely reacted, even when they pulled their paws up and out to step forward it didn't even splash. It still felt like normal water and yet the sleek silver surface remained unchanged as they moved further out. As they waded out into the water all three of them could feel the influence of the golden haedians magic leave them but even without her hold over them, none of them were able to resist the pull of the lake. The feeling of crisp cool water enveloping their bodies and soaking through their coats as the trio waded out. Where once influence had been, another took its place. As Reginald felt his body fully relax he gazed out at the silver surface in front of him. His mind was hazy and he could barely think as he found himself floating on the surface of the lake. Lianna reveled in the feeling of the lake, the perfectly still waters had been even more enjoyable than she had expected and she openly relaxed and embraced the gentle caress of the water's influence. Kernel found himself feeling heavy as he floated aimlessly in the water. It felt... nice and comforting. He liked the way it felt to float in this water. In fact it felt so good he wanted to close his eyes and sleep there, at least for a little while.