un: a civil serpent | voice.

[inferus]

Be certain you are somewhere you cannot be overheard when you listen to this. ( The warning comes first - sharp with a hint of a command that can only come from the King of Hell. )

I found a fissure at the bottom of the sea spewing dark water - the same we found at the village, in the volcano. Emilia learned from the ghosts many were after an 'unthinkable power' lost at sea - the dark water may be related. Surrounding the fissures, there were bodies - preserved and cored out so only their outward appearances remain like suits to be worn. They were lured there.

( By what, it is unclear. Was it the call of the dark water itself or some creature? Wrath does not have all the answers but knows the information is vital to share. )

Jon Snow's experience in the mirror is a reflection of what occurred at the fissure. He confirmed a presence fought him from within, attempting to take his shape and form.

None of the crew has ever been trustworthy, but we must all be aware any could be wearing skin that is not their own, pretending to be something they are not. Allison confirmed Quicksilver has been to the Crossing previously where he lost his vessel and crew. Given that and his strange behavior, I am most suspicious of him, but with Kreil's threats and the doomed voyage we appear to be on, we should not sit idly by.

Comments

[inferus]

The dark magic spewing from the fissure felt of cold. Nothing lived around it - not even the creatures that might ordinarily inhabit the floor of the sea.

Did the hunger and cold specifically seek cored bodies, or did any dead body suffice?

[downswing]

They took advantage of the dying who willingly yielded their bodies to control.

To end agony.

[inferus]

( wrath frowns. that hardly seems a choice at all - suffering or yielding to cold, darkness to end it. )

I see.

Perhaps that is what they need - willing yielding or a skin suit entirely empty of what was once within it.

[downswing]

An undefended target or an invitation.

You speak of parasites.

[inferus]

That appears to be what is most susceptible to the dark magic below.

[downswing]

You returned safely?

[inferus]

As I said I would, and you returned safely as well. I believe the information was more than valuable enough to take the risk.

[downswing]

A risk uncalculated.

[inferus]

Simply because you disagree with a decision does not make the risk uncalculated.

[downswing]

How much of the descent was gamble?

[inferus]

Little. Is there a point to this discussion beyond an expression of your pride?

[downswing]

No pride. Concern.

[inferus]

The descent already occurred. Your concern is not necessary.

[downswing]

( And will recur, doubtlessly, again. )

Understood.

Of the bodies on board, we may see which host dead spirits.

[inferus]

That would be wise - my concern is greatest with Quicksilver if indeed he has been to the Crossing previously. However, any member of the crew is potentially suspect.

Are you able to sense the dead? ( Wrath can enlist Wei Wuxian's help as well as Emilia's with the amulet she had been given in their previous village, but it's also important to watch out for mirrors, for the same magic he felt below to manifest above. )

[downswing]

The dead may be consulted.

[inferus]

Then there is work to be done.

[downswing]

One matter.

We cross a sea of dead. Ignorant of what answers. What sleeps.

[inferus]

Your ability to sense the dead requires you to wake them?

[downswing]

We do not sense the dead.

We compel speech of them.

[inferus]

I would not want you to compel speech from the dead without knowing what you are compelling to speak.

It would be dangerous.

[downswing]

A calculated risk.

Your concern is not necessary.

[inferus]

I will give you the benefit of the doubt in assuming I do not need to explain to you why these two situations are different.

However, it is your choice and risk to take.