[center][url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/5531101][img]https://i.imgur.com/X0wDZ0z.png[/img][/url][/center]
[center][h3]--Hathforth Castle - Apprentice's Quarters--[/h3][/center]

Now with the tour concluded, the Lilim assumed they'd return to the workshop so she and Master could take care of all the necessary preparations to integrate her participation in his research as soon as possible, it'd certainly be in the best interest of everyone involved, including Her Majesty. However, before she could even propose the idea, an inexplicable phenomenon occurred as a gale burst forth from behind them then immediately followed by the appearance of a wisp, heralded by an eruption of blinding light.

[color=b9b5fa][b]"...how curious."[/b][/color] Though magical phenomenons were to be expected in the aptly-named Arcane Wing, her instincts told her that this particular event was... unsanctioned by the Court Mage. Regardless, the Lilim observed with healthy caution as the spirit orb seemed intent to lead them somewhere, to a particular window. As a magus proficient in the art of manipulating space-time, Melisande could reliably recognize a portal when she saw it, and someone or something had cast one at this specific window.

[color=b9b5fa][b]"A portal, Master, and I presume whoever was responsible is the same entity currently puppeteering this wisp."[/b][/color] The apprentice informed matter-of-factly, [color=b9b5fa][b]"Whoever they are, they sure seem quite keen to have an audience with us."[/b][/color]

Then, even as the thought of entertaining the anonymous invitation was formulating in her mind, a certain other entity interjected.

[color=f68192][i]If you so unwisely wish to trust every summons sent to you, then at the very least exercise enough caution and allow me to go in your stead through Gemini.[/i][/color]

[color=b9b5fa][i]Why, Kronos, I didn't know you care, fufu~[/i][/color]

[color=f68192][i]Don't flatter yourself, Feyling, as we are now, our lives are tied, I shall not allow you to bring our collective demise through reckless wanderlust.[/i][/color]

[color=b9b5fa][i]Fair, though are you certain of your ability to convincingly emulate my mien, Kronos?[/i][/color]

[color=f68192][i]You insult me, Melisande, I've been [b]forced[/b] to remain with you since you were but a tiny Feyling, I know you more than even the abductor that you call mother.[/i][/color]

[color=b9b5fa][i]I see, very well then.[/i][/color]

The gemmed brooch attached at Melisande's left breast pocket briefly shone with arcane power as a perfectly-identical copy of the Lilim manifested nearby, currently inert and unmoving like a lifelike doll, [color=b9b5fa][b]"Master, for the sake of my safety, I shall send my simulacrum into the portal instead of myself,"[/b][/color] She elaborated, [color=b9b5fa][b]"Though I'm in no position to stop you from venturing forth, if you do, I must implore you to stay safe, Milord."[/b][/color]

With a nod toward Lord Blackthorne, the 'simulacrum' came to life as the clone - Kronos - stepped into the portal, with or without the Court Mage by its side. 

As the Dremora passed through the illusory window, it realized that it hosted the simplest form of a portal, one that merely provided access to the space right behind it. [color=f68192][i]Such pointless theatrics...[/i][/color] It scoffed as it descended down the magical stairs to the castle's gardens.

Eventually, the Shadeborne entity came mask-to-mask with the stranger. It curled a small smile, flawlessly mimicking Melisande's mannerisms as it approached the blade-wielding figure, [color=f68192][b]"I'd introduce myself, but I presume you're already aware of our identities,"[/b][/color] Kronos chuckled in the Lilim's voice, [color=f68192][b]"Under such circumstances, to whom do we owe this pleasure?"[/b][/color]

[@LunarParadox] [@Estylwen]