Eluned's commune (1) walkthrough

	SPOILER ALERT!
	This article reveals in-game secrets, spoilers, walkthroughs, or other information not intended for general knowledge in-game.

Given by: Esuin, Cleric guildleader in Crossing upon advancement to 3rd circle
Quest location: Zoluren

Eluned's shrine can be found on this map.
Head North from Crossing up the Northern Trade Route, past Kaerna to the bridge north of Stone Clan here:

[Northern Trade Road, River's Bank]
A narrow river rushes past you on its way southwest, its turbulent grey waters creating a deafening roar. To the north the land changes dramatically from plains to the darker, more verdant green of meadows. To the south stretches a narrow strip of grassland. A sturdy wood and stone bridge spans the river, allowing safe passage. You also see a roadsign.
Obvious paths: east, south.

Do not cross the bridge. Go East, Southeast, Go Pool.

Once within the silvery pool:

• MEDITATE: You close your eyes and begin to meditate on the nature of Eluned, goddess of the seas and water, master of arcane and ancient wisdom, patron of learning and knowledge.

The omnipotent presence of a higher consciousness wells within you as you are consumed with the sensation of other-worldly approval and indulgence.

A blinding light flares dramatically, then winks out of existence, taking with it the last fleeting sparks of your XXXX consciousness, and leaving you disoriented, in the form of a simple fish.

Frail, sparkling bubbles rise into the water above you as you swim contentedly in the cool currents of this silvery pool.

A crevice in the rock draws your attention and compels you to explore its shadowy depths. You swim quickly through, only to emerge into another pool.

You sense that you are as pure of spirit as you can be, and you are ready for whatever rituals might face you.

You feel that your gods have smiled upon you for your attempts to please them.

[Crystal Cavern] This tiny cavern inside the stone outcropping is alive with the sparkle of a thousand tiny crystals embedded into every facet of rock. The deep, cool waters of the hidden pool surround you, brushing against your skin and lapping at the base of a polished limestone statue of a dolphin emerging from the water. The pleasant echo of dripping water rolls through the cave. You also see some deeper water. Obvious exits: none.

Your simple world explodes into a torrent of color, sound, memories and ideas. As you attempt to absorb so many sensations at once, you almost don't register your body once again changing and reforming into your XXXX form.

• DIVE DEEPER WATER:
  

[Crystal Cavern, Some Deeper Water]
The waters are cold and deep, lightless as the heart of the earth. It surrounds you and cradles you, sustaining your senses, if not your lungs.
Obvious exits: none.

• SWIM DOWN: You swim further into the water.

• SWIM DOWN: You swim further into the water.

Bubbles pass you as you swim through the thick waters. Chilly and dark, you feel a thrill of fear run through you when you realize you can no longer see the surface above you....

...and the waters are dragging you down.

You swim further and further down, pushed by the invisible tide and the strain in your lungs. Pressure builds in your ears, behind your eyes. Part of you longs to gasp for air, but the rational part says that to do this will only speed you into death....

...and still, the waters are dragging you down.

All around you the world begins to grow darker, and you can feel your consciousness slipping tenuously out of your grasp. You no longer feel cold, only numb. Your limbs feel heavy as you sink....

...and the waters drag you down to the bottom at last.

Beyond the darkness you see a glimmer of something -- light. Shining through the deep waters, it glances off kelp and flashing schools of fish, glittering sands and the glittering predatorial eyes of the hunters of the sea.

Slowly, the light moves over to you and coalesces into a graceful silver dolphin.

The dolphin gazes down at you, then speaks in a high-pitched voice. "Greetings, pilgrim. You rest now in Eluned's domain. Have no fear for your life -- Eluned protects those who seek knowledge, and you would not have come here if you were not hunting information."

The dolphin swims about, flipping its tail. "My mistress is named Eluned, goddess of the oceans and the knowledge of the lands. She has a bright aspect -- that of Lemicus -- and a darker one, that of the god Drogor. All are masters of the ocean, and possessors of knowledge beyond mortal ken. It is believed that Meraud and Eluned are sister and brother in the respect that both greatly prize knowledge." The dolphin makes an odd, clucking noise that you would swear is chuckling.

"The symbols of each aspect correlate to what they are. Eluned's is a dolphin, Lemicus -- she of the fresh waters -- is an albatross, and Drogor -- he of hurricanes and angry oceans -- is a shark." The dolphin flips its tail, as if agitated.

"Now," it continues when it has calmed down, "you have come here seeking knowledge. So shall I instruct you. Protection I have given you while you remained here, so protection can you give unto yourself. Simply wave holy incense at yourself and then commune. If pure you be, and in favor with the gods, then you shall receive my lady's protection. Else...." the dolphin swims about silently.

The dolphin swims closer and peers at you with its laughing eyes. "I hope you have learned well, young Thirum, for you cannot return here ever again. I see within you the fires of Tamsine; this is good. Now know the cool waters of Eluned, and all that they can quench and succor."

As the dolphin finishes, a giant air bubble enfolds you and begins to lift you upward. Cool shades of green and blue pass you as you continue up, and finally you see the promise of light, and the glancing, flashing glow of crystal....

The air bubble collapses with a *POP* and you find yourself dumped onto the ground at the feet of the dolphin statue. There is a rush as sweet air fills your lungs, and you gasp it in with relish.

• MEDITATE: to return to the silvery pool

Notes

You're a fish for a short time. Enjoy it by stretching your fins and showing off some dancing/swimming moves.