Insanity Quest Chapter 6: A little from Column A, a little from Column B
 

"Oi, you disbelieving mix breed," Tiral scoffed angrily, feathered wings fluffed out in exasperation. Muttering something about "mages are the worst when it comes to figuring out an inner problem," he fluttered right in front of the ready-to-fire Mercury. The air around him seemed to shimmer.

*POOF* and Tiral was gone, swirling into the essence of the dragon's dreams.

Ignoring all the surreal substances about him, Tiral squeals out in a surprisingly low, booming voice.
"OI YOU BUMBLING SALAMANDER! WAKE UP OR I'LL GIVE YOU A GOOD DREAM TO BE AFRAID ABOUT!"

Outside the dragon's mind, a feather floofed into existence and tickled Mercury's nose.

*POOF* Tiral appears again, looking very scorched and slightly crushed. Mercury stirs, aborting his breath weapon and looks around at his surroundings muzzily. One claw idly swipes Tiral out of the air and pins him to the ground uncomfortably. Mercury has a very strange look in his eyes, an expression of some obscure pain and sadness. There is an unsettled look about him that makes everyone feel suddenly cautious, like if you suddenly found a bear in your tent. Mercury's eyes are still unfocused and he doesn't really seem to be paying attention to his surroundings.

Aeryn sighed with exasperation, "Ye gods...we're traveling with a half-crazy dragon. I suggest we all stay as far away as possible, and let him recover his senses...otherwise, there's no telling what he will do."

"I think Aeryn has a point for once." Za'rel said, rising and stepping away from the dragon cautiously, "Perhaps Mercury would do better with a moment to cool off." The reaver mutters, thinking of possiblities and counterstrategies.

"'For once'?" he shot her a teasing grin, "You wound me, as usual..." he chuckled...he seemed less annoyed by her caustic (and constant) abuse, and more amused by it.

Eyes still unfocused and with that strange look in them, staring at something that only he can see, Mercury speaks as if talking to himself, "I am wounded and I will never heal..." His voice is soft, so soft it is almost inaudible but the words are clear. Everyone can't help but feel surprise - Mercury hadn't spoken since he had drunk from the fountain of strength, indeed it had seemed that he couldn't speak. But before anyone can say anything, the moment passes and Mercury seems to return to normal.

" 'bout time you returned to your feral senses," a muffled voice from under Mercury's claw announced with unnatural loudness. But before he could make any further wry comments, Mercury's claw becomes a crushing grip that kills the eyeball.

It was at this time that Myrra chose to wake up. It was sudden, her rigid body bolted into a sitting position, flaring, gold eyes wide open, and breath drawn in a gasp. She looked around, bewildered for a mere moment, before her clear, flashing eyes became clouded with confusion.

"... Where are we?!"

"In the Underdark...we went through that portal you opened, remember?" Aeryn shrugged, "Not like I expect much of your kind, but I didn't think your memories were so poor..."

"Careful, half-breed," Myrra's eyes glowed dangerously, "tread carefully when you say who my... "kind" are," she stood carefully, testing for any injuries with a slight tentativity. She looked about her.
*POOF*
Tiral reappears, very agitated and annoyed by his previous death. Myrra sighed with exasperation.
"Who killed him this time?" she looked around accusingly.

"Mercury." Aeryn shrugged, settling back down, "Now...can I get some sleep? I'm sure we all need it after fighting those foes."