Chapter 14: The Rocky Isle

The party arrived on the shores of the Rocky Isle and began their ascent on foot. Hana remarked that things would proceed faster if Samantha was taught Fox Stride. Luanshi did the honors as Hana figured out navigation.
By dawn, the party reached the village beneath the mountain, where curious enchanted lights fluttered through the air. Hana remarked that a large majority of the village's inhabitants were female, prompting her to make preparations for their meeting with the Koi Spirit. While Luanshi applied his pilfered beauty supplies, Hana crafted her own perfumes for Samantha and herself.
All prepared, they climbed yet another mountain. A lady had been awaiting their arrival, likely having spotted them during their ascent. She probed the party on their reason for being here. While Samantha was able to persuade the lady of her urgency, violence still ensued.
The party would be entertained by the master's apprentices, who take these moments as practice for their aetherial manipulation. A fair number of familiar incantations came to light for Samantha, proving it to be a learning experience for herself as well, to expand her already large array of tools.
When the dust settled, the master appeared, applauding the spectacular performance, having already ascertained Samantha's status as Guardian from the arts she employed.
Jannelain was ready to talk everyone's ears off, before noting they were likely tired and hungry. It would have to wait.