Learning more about Arille.

Taking a seat on the chairs carved out of stone by the lizard men, you take a much-needed breath. Although being surrounded by scaly creatures isn't great, not having to fear them attacking is good. enough

"Well, this is certainly a usual party, isn't it?" Nathraena muses, staring at everyone intently. Naturally, thanks to Arille and Djarrus' size, they simply stood, still holding each other's hands. It's admittedly weird but oddly cute. From your experience, you haven't seen beasts hold hands like a couple though you know that's far from the circumstances of why they are holding hands. As long as the minotaur doesn't emanate a killing intent towards everyone, you'd happily glue their hands together if needed.

"I'm just glad that we ended up not having a huge conflict on our hands," you sigh then stare at the siren-turned-lizard with a grateful smile, "...thank you, Arille. I won't say our previous actions were wrong, but we did what we only knew at the time."

Arille nods, closing her eyes for a moment. "I understand. It is equally my fault for trying to stop you without being able to properly provide a solution. I should have acted more swiftly."

"Really?" Nathraena questions sarcastically but you raise your hand to prevent any more harsh words. It's clear that the pacifist attitude of the siren pisses her off, but you recognize she's not someone to dismiss especially since she's able to temporarily cancel the binding words of Djarrus' mistress, in addition, preventing a large fight thanks to her followers.

"Right now, let's try to work together. Before that though, I want to learn more about you, Arille. You told me you've been sleeping for years and then suddenly appear within this mountain. What exactly...are you?"

With time to actually explain, Arille breathes an easy sigh and her claws wrap tighter around Djarrus' hand. The minotaur looks away, a bit embarrassed but not necessarily disliking the close contact. His reaction gives the drow sitting beside you enough food to smirk, amused.

"To begin, I am a Siren as I've claimed. I do not know the state of the world, but we were already few and far between. Millennia ago, we were created out of elements which gained sentience. We were creatures that many looked up to and even worshiped us thinking we had the ability to bring prosperity. That's not true but we could not change the minds of the people. We largely stay hidden though as we feared that people would resent us if they knew we did not have the power to change the course of the world as they had wished.

"Naturally, I am one of water. The last thing I remembered, I was within a forest pond. My body can remember the sensation of an earthquake in recent years, but I was asleep. It was confusing when I rose into my form only to find myself in a small reservoir on this mountain. The lizardmen had apparently made there home here long before I woke up, so they eventually found out I existed. The reason for them living near was due to the healing properties of the reservoir thanks to my presence, so in some ways, I became their savior long before they knew I had a tangible form. I'm afraid that is all I have to say."

Nathraena raises her eyebrows. "So...you were just some body of water for years? How do you live like that? Didn't you ever explore the outside before arriving in this mountain?"

Arille smiles. "It is not a big deal for us since we are creatures of elements. I will admit though, I have thought about exploring but it had been difficult to do so."

Nathraena crosses her arms and shakes her head. For someone like her who has traveled and sneaked, sitting still is something she could not fathom. For some reason, she really couldn't stand this sheltered girl.

"Anyways," you clear your throat, "...you said you wish to travel with us. Can you tell me of any of your abilities?"

Arille hums. "As I said, I can heal physical wounds and alleviate certain statuses such as the curse Djarrus' holds. As you see with my form, I can possess various creatures too though I much prefer not to as it can damage the owner. This body seems quite happy though to allow me to possess him."

"I bet," you chuckle, "...he is a loyal follower. It seems more than possession though, you've literally changed his form into a female!"

Arille blushes, "It is necessary to mold to better perform the possession, I'm afraid. When I leave this lizard though, he will revert back to his previous state, rest assured."

"So...possession and healing? Is that all?" you push, slightly interested as you've never seen these kinds of abilities before, especially with how the Siren performs it.

The Siren shakes her head. "As my body consists of water, I can resonate with other pools for searching or even in the use of attacking, if required."

"Ah...that's right. That's where I got my headache from," you note, remembering when she blasted you to a wall.

"I am deeply sorry."

You raise your hands. "No, it's alright! I think that's all the questions I have."

"Then, may I ask you all about your circumstances?"

You give a sad smile and being the one to lead the conversation so far, you start out with your story. Arille listens carefully, her eyes widening at certain moments. You also relay Nathraena's purpose seeing how she wasn't in the mood for explaining her own goal again. Of course, Djarrus should have died years ago, so his wish really is to be free of whichever mistress hold him.

"I see...so you claim you think your wife's soul has been stolen by this mountain?"

"More of someone, specifically," you clarify. The fact that there is a recognition in Arille's eyes makes you hope that she could have some valuable information. Nobody has ever heard of a sleeping warm body, at least as far as the people you've met during your travels.

Arille remains silent for a few seconds in contemplation. When she finally speaks, you hold your hand together, hopeful.

"There are other creatures that were born of elements aside from Sirens," Arille begins, "...and I've heard stories of creatures that can pull a person's soul during their sleep. Nothing is described though as you've said where the body is still warm. Still, you said your wife was sleeping before the last time she was alive, yes?"

Your hands are clenched tighter. Nathraena sees stress within your eyes as you listen intently. Knowing how much this is important to you, she could not help but place a hand on your shoulder.

"If you know something Arille, then say it. Even if it's a guess, I'll take anything!"

Arille hums. "One could say it's a..."