[IC] Into the Land of Twilight

[Mas Bagus]

"Bah!Don't sell this party short. No monsters would stand a chance with people like us around. Hahaha!"

It was hard to discern whether Vesemir was missing the joke, or he had an equally terrible sense of humor.

He accepted the crystal and whispered a word of magic into it, and lo! another beacon activated, like the first light of the dawn that erased shadow with its ray.

Entering the room again, Vesemir placed the crystal on one of the three arms of what looked like a golden candelabrum, and let the room be illuminated by reflections of light from a familiar crystal lamp on the ceiling. At first glance, the room looked more like a small gallery than a workshop, it was less spacious than the library, but somehow roomier with minimal cluttering; only a few notable collections could be seen, and they were either displayed on glass cases or seated on pedestals.

But somehow, the archeologist was more attached to another sealed door near the entrance, where a ray of light manifested right in front of the doorway. It took the form of a humanoid entity, and its sudden presence alerted both Gray and Vesemir, who respectively drew their weapon and stumbled backward in surprise.

Gray initially thought it was one of those lingering phantoms, but after tracking the source of light that powers the curious display, it apparently isn't.

The 'it' was taking the form of a finely dressed man, wearing a fancy feathered hat and an elaborate robe. Initially, the holographic entity did not show any expression, but then, his empty eyes shifted to Vesemir and gave him a curious look.

"Mae Govanen!" said the translucent being. "I don't recognize you and it has been... 1554 years since Silva, my human apprentice last visited. So you must be a party of intellects and able-bodieds in a quest for treasure. There is no shame in that, whatever is in this room, the dead don't need them."
His well-shaped eyebrows scowled as though he was having a headache, and she spoke in a rather pitying voice. "But I must advise you to not go beyond this door. This is a personal chamber, you see. The place where I rest when the fatigue has been too unbearable, and I still rest there and wish no disturbance. I hope you can understand."

Then, like a snuffed-out flame, the holographic man disappeared. Vesemire looked to his left and right, and Gray did the same: checking every gap and trapdoor, lest there be traps and contraptions suddenly sprung open. They found none.

"Relax… it seems whoever or whatever assuming the form of Theriadore had no ill intent."

After saying that the monocled elf turned back, heeding the warning, and continued to browse the rest of the exhibits displayed.

There was a bow hung on the north wall. Made of silverish material, it had minimal markings, save for some unordinary-looking feathers attached to its string. Before it was an empty display case made of enchanted glass, but it was empty, despite being locked tight.

Right on the opposite wall was another transparent display containing an exquisite-looking partisan. Its head looked like it was made of polished blued steel with short protrusions on its sides. The metalwork continued to its pole, which looked like it was made of a combination of stainless metal and ivory. Some battle markings and stains could be observed both on its blade and pole, but they were insignificant.

On the west, flanked by a chair and a cupboard full of books was a stone pedestal, which atop it rested an iron chest that was half opened.

"Good Lord, look at that! It looks like what we are looking for."

Inside that box was a tubular container made of embellished wood. When the Archeologists walked forth to claim it, that holographic entity showed up again, this time sitting on the chair next to the pedestal.

"I assume you pick that up with a reason. Otherwise, it would be nothing but a deadweight for you." Despite its roundabout fashion of saying things, the expression of unreal Theridaore feigned a deep concern. "It was created for one and only purpose. And if its service is needed again, then my biggest fear has come into being. It's such a terrible fate that she has to endure a thousand years of restlessness. I hope your efforts will put an end to her misery".

And then the image was gone again.

Clutching the tubular container close to his chest, Vesemir maintained a dignified poise as he walked out of that chamber. In the Library the archeologist immediately found himself a large table, where the container would have its lid opened.

Taking a quick glance at Roxas, Vesemir smiled to himself as he watched her selflessly helping others. "With this, we will fight off the shadow... It will be a walk in a park afterwards"

It looked like ordinary parchment when he unrolled it, but the words written on it were unmistakenly powerful: they glowed in gold when Vesemir placed his index finger and muttered verses written on it, and then around him, particles of light started to form. They multiplied and fluttered around, like a lucid plume of light, and the glow they radiated rivaled the refraction of light from the crystal lamp above; it filled the entire library and the additional room where this powerful scroll was taken from.

Everyone in both rooms would notice that they were bathed in a soft glow, before finally the spell faded, and the particles of light started to disappear.

[Randomguy]

Carnatia de Luson

---

"Thank you," Carnatia said to Roxas as she finished healing her and moved on to heal the others. She slowly stood up, testing if her now healed leg could support her weight now.

Feeling no pain after she placed her weight on it, she then moved on satisfied, following the others to the next room.

As with the rest of the group, the appearance of the mysterious holographic man surprised her, prompting Carnatia to draw her rapier in reflex.

Then, like a snuffed-out flame, the holographic man disappeared. Vesemire looked to his left and right, and Gray did the same: checking every gap and trapdoor, lest there be traps and contraptions suddenly sprung open. They found none.

"Relax… it seems whoever or whatever assuming the form of Theriadore had no ill intent."
After saying that the monocled elf turned back, heeding the warning, and continued to browse the rest of the exhibits displayed.

While it was true that Carnatia's precognition was not triggered, while Carnatia sheathed her rapier, she did not drop her guard and instead kept her hand on its handle, ready to draw it at a moment's notice. After the previous injuries she suffered against the golem, she would rather not get another one just because she dropped her guard.

With that thought in mind, she browsed the rest of the exhibits. Who knows, perhaps with her Golden Prerogative she would find something valuable. It was a skill commonly found among the nobility. Some say it was proof of their Divine Right to rule granting them supernatural luck, others simply believed it to be a skill that had been naturally cultivated among the nobles to help them amass riches, which allowed them to negotiate prices better and be drawn to the most valuables items nearby when exploring. Whichever the case, it was a useful skill.

"Good Lord, look at that! It looks like what we are looking for."

Inside that box was a tubular container made of embellished wood. When the Archeologists walked forth to claim it, that holographic entity showed up again, this time sitting on the chair next to the pedestal.

"I assume you pick that up with a reason. Otherwise, it would be nothing but a deadweight for you." Despite its roundabout fashion of saying things, the expression of unreal Theridaore feigned a deep concern. "It was created for one and only purpose. And if its service is needed again, then my biggest fear has come into being. It's such a terrible fate that she has to endure a thousand years of restlessness. I hope your efforts will put an end to her misery".

Her search was interrupted once more by the appearance of the holographic man, seemingly reacting to something Vesemir found. The last part of what the man said appeared peculiar to Carnatia. The fact that he said that the item was created for one purpose only. And the implication that it is to put 'her' into rest.

Carnatia remembered what Vesemir said back in the camp. That their purpose here was to seek an item that could help them navigate through the Land of Twilight's negative energy, on the surface, it did not seem to match up with what the holographic man was saying. But what if, perhaps dealing with the Land of Twilight's negative energy is tangential to putting 'her' to rest? If that is the case, then the next question would be how much Vesemir knew. Was that the true purpose of his expedition?

As light that washed over them subsided, Carnatia turned to Vesemir,

"Sir Vesemir. What do you think of that mysterious man's statement? The one about how that parchment you held having only one purpose, to put 'her' to rest? What would that mean? And who do you think this 'her' is?"

[A5G]

The sixth sense for outlying wealth quite easily aligned to the two most prominent display on the mage's workshop, namely the pair of weapons placed on opposite side. One was the exquisite polearm that even at a glance was obvious to be the work of a master artisan, the scars of battle only adding to its appeal. The other was as if a direct opposite, a bow whose subdued simplicity seemed to shine in betrayal of its apparent quality despite the light layer of dust covering its surface. Both looked no worse for wear, as if they hadn't stood in the same place for almost two millenia. Elf-made items certainly had longevity.

On a closer sense a lesser tingle came from a workshop desk at one side, the chaotic clutter of personal items strewn on top. It was as if the mage simply up and left one day, leaving his work and items unattended in a manner of someone who expected to be gone for a few hours. A sturdy metal strongbox stood unlocked, some kind of precisely cut red gemstones arranged within. A bulging pouch sat against it, the few coins that spilled out dulled by layers of dust. Finally, roughly at the center of the desk and off to one side amidst a bunch of tools and lenses, sat the last prominent curio of the room.

It's an eerie skull carved from a single piece of large crystal, occultic lines made out of gold symmetrically lining its surface. Upon closer inspection no scratch or other mark can be seen, beside a strangely jagged and uneven slot at the center of the forehead. A chain protrude from the top, as if the entire thing was meant to be worn as some sort of macabre necklace.

By its side was a simplistic hiltless dagger made out of pitch-black obsidian, the shape a perfect fit for the skull's slot. Reflections on its glassy surface seemed to move on their own when the observer's attention was focused elsewhere, but it's probably a trick of the eye.

If anyone's attentive at all, they'll notice that not a speck of dust accumulated on either objects.

[Mas Bagus]

The Gray Flame

---

"Sir Vesemir. What do you think of that mysterious man's statement? The one about how that parchment you held having only one purpose, to put 'her' to rest? What would that mean? And who do you think this 'her' is?"
There was a hint of restlessness in Vesemir's eyes when he rolled that scroll again and secured it back into its container. But as usual, he always appeared composed

"Just a plea, one that should not be taken as an obligatory any of us must fulfill."

Momentarily, his eyes darted back to the chamber again, and Vesemir fell silent for a bit before starting again with a wistful tone, as if knowing a mask of composure and joviality wouldn't do the trick this time.

"As for what that means, I do not know exactly what it entails. Over millennia, this scroll was considered a lost relic, yet the speculations and theories about what it can do have become as many as the long years since Theriadore created it."

"To weaken Luithiel. That was its purpose. Vengeful was the Servant of Serensiel during the five years of rebellion, and she weaponized her hatred to destroy her enemies, Men and Elves alike. You have witnessed how Sir Gray invoked divine blessing, this scroll works similarly; To ward off negative influence born from hatred and envy. I have no idea what was the meaning of his request to put her to rest. Luithiel died one and a half millennia ago, and elven soul does not linger. Unless..."

Squinting, Vesemir glanced at Gray who just joined them. "Tell me Mr Gray Flame. What exactly awaits us in Ostianor?"

"Oh, having a second thought now?" the masked elf shrugged, intentionally holding the answer as if wanting to set up suspense. "Could be nothing or the source of all evil we see. Honestly, we Rangers never go into that old tower, part of it is to respect Theriadore's wish and... well Some of my colleagues know better than to disturb the already restless spirit."

"And that Spirit. Is that "her"?"

A small laughter escaped him.

"Was what Theriadore recorded in that chamber frightens you? It's not like you are calling this expedition off even if I tell you every terrible legend and myth surrounding this land."

"Not me, but I think Miss Carnathia deserves to know so she could prepare in advance."

Gray's masked visage shifted at the tubular container, and he tilted his head. "We have prepared enough. But fine. One of the legends says Luithiel is still alive, and that legends spurred many speculations and twisted tales, that she was cursed; that she was awakened as... our primordial form, and the craziest of it, she denied the recall.

Gray, as usual, did not elaborate. He jumped to the worst-case scenario instead. "If we go there to fight her, I have nothing against it. We are strong enough. My question would be, why?"

"I would rather not fight anybody." Answered Vesemir. "Our goal in Ostianor is just to retrieve the key to Nuria. But it seems despite the vote of confidence you don't look thrilled with the idea as well, for the reason that is different from mine."

In his attempt to angle more information from him, Gray Flame sighed and looked at Carnathia. "What I feel is irrelevant, and it's not like I am holding any secret. I've never been into Ostianor's inner sanctum, and I do not know what kind of power that spirit possesses. The story about the Retainer is often mystical in nature, and the wise know when not to push their luck.

"And we are far from the wisest, that's what you are trying to say."

"My opinion is irrelevant. You are the boss. You point the place and I bring you there, anything that stands between us and your goal is a roadblock. You can either turn back or push through, and I'll support you either way."

[Visyn]

Roxas

---

Roxas looked around as she entered the opened chamber. She noted Vesemir wandering around and then simply taking an object and leaving the room. She looked to herself when there was a light, but didn't seem to bother by it. Her gaze landed on the bow.

She moved over to it, looking it over before she reached out to. That hologram had said they could take anything.. right? She wasn't actually planning on taking anything, she just wanted to test it. She had a bow; a bow she made. Once she got it off the display it was one, she turned a little. She tested it, puling the string lightly as she held it, giving a soft hum. It was beautiful for sure.

[Mas Bagus]

Roxas

---

She moved over to it, looking it over before she reached out to. That hologram had said they could take anything.. right? She wasn't actually planning on taking anything, she just wanted to test it. She had a bow; a bow she made. Once she got it off the display it was one, she turned a little. She tested it, puling the string lightly as she held it, giving a soft hum. It was beautiful for sure.

@Visyn

The holographic man suddenly showed up beside her.

"Do you like it? It was Luithiel's bow. She named that longbow Ringwëlasse, The Frostleaf in our language. If you have an affinity for frost magic, you can unleash its unique potential, well if not, then you may admire its elegance."

That holographic copy of Theriadore then placed his hand on top of the sealed transparent case below the silver bow and made a gesture as if presenting something that actually no longer there.

"Frostleaf came with its darker counterpart, Lúrëa. It was bequeathed by Serensiel to her only surviving general. If you do not see it in its vitrine, then it seems even my most sophisticated seal could not contain it, and it has returned to its master, whoever it is now."

Then that holographic elf was gone.

[Conscripts]

Tillius

---

Tillius followed Carnatia shortly after, catching the hologram in the midst of its explanation. The orc was eager to look around, but considering the last few fights or so, he only loosened the wrap on his helmet. It is still possible that this holographic elf could end up smacking the group in the face again if they deemed them a threat. But for now, he seemed content on letting the group take whatever they wanted.

Tillius was curious though. That hologram seemed sentient enough to recognize the group's presence, and even come up to respond to Roxas. This wasn't the golem, where that thing was pre-programmed. He wondered what kind of creature this is? A piece of technology, magic, or this is what elves are in this land, knowing how weird it could get.

While Roxas went for the bow, Tillius went for the polearm. He laid his shield to rest against the wall and picked up the weapon. Even just holding it he felt the superior craftsmanship of the elves. The slight chill as it made contact with his bare skins, the glint from its sharp blades, the scratches and dents from past combat. It was...a bit too beautiful.

"That hologram did say it's almost a millennia and a half since someone stepped in here..." He mumbled as he looked over the spears again.

[Mas Bagus]

"That hologram did say it's almost a millennia and a half since someone stepped in here..." He mumbled as he looked over the spears again.

@Conscripts

The spear felt light and balanced, with a blade that remained sharp after millennia and a half. It made a faint swish even with the smallest motion as if cutting the air with its absurd sharpness.

The holographic elf appeared again as if programmed to reveal itself whenever someone made contact with any of the exhibited items. This time he was standing still, hands behind his back, and he did not wear his feathered head.

"It was my brother's. Silnár he named it, the Silver Flame. It had seen many battles, and defeated many adversaries; Men, Sarkaz... and elves alike, anything that threatened our lands."

"Lukman never wielded anything other than this silver spear. Denorian the Royal Blacksmith made all of our weapons, and they were precious to us. But we elves both value and despise the legacy of those who have departed. It hurts us to remember, but the same act of remembrance also holds us from casting the keepsakes aside."

"So I left it to the chance, and here you are. The departed need not such a thing, nor can we prevent any hands from claiming our possessions. All I can do is hope that in the hands of their next owners, they will be used for the purpose of good."

Then that holographic elf was gone again.

[Randomguy]

Carnatia de Luson

---

Carnatia watched as Vesemir denied that he had a clear idea of what the hologram was talking about, and instead turned to Gray Flame. While Carnatia still had some doubts, she also realized that questioning Vesemir further would not yield any results, even if he were hiding something. So instead, Carnatia turned to Gray Flame instead, as he started to elaborate.

Gray's masked visage shifted at the tubular container, and he tilted his head. "We have prepared enough. But fine. One of the legends says Luithiel is still alive, and that legends spurred many speculations and twisted tales, that she was cursed; that she was awakened as... our primordial form, and the craziest of it, she denied the recall.

As usual, Gray Flame's vague way of speaking was vexing, but Carnatia had an inkling of what they were talking about. As a former daughter to a very prominent noble house, like her siblings, she received the best education possible in Westernant, and perhaps due to her sense of duty, Carnatia had always been an overachiever, delving into the more esoteric academic subjects such as theology and philosophy than what was mandated. It was not that she was particularly interested, it was merely that the fact she had received the chance, she felt it was only proper she learn all she could. 'If a job's worth doing, it worth doing well' so to speak.

And thus, she had learned at one point that one of the purported origins of the elves was angels. As such, this primordial form Gray Flame spoke of, must have been angel. Probably even more concerning, however, was the fact that the rumour would fit with what the holographic elf and Vesemir said. Vesemir had said that the purpose of the scroll was to weaken Luithiel, and the holographic elf said that he hoped we would put 'her' to rest. Something that Vesemir appeared to have also picked up.

Carnatia was not particularly enthused at the prospect of possibly facing this spirit Gray Flame spoke of, but...

"My opinion is irrelevant. You are the boss. You point the place and I bring you there, anything that stands between us and your goal is a roadblock. You can either turn back or push through, and I'll support you either way."

"Quite right. Our contract does not have any stipulations that we would not face spirits...or a 'primordial elf'. Therefore, if as our employer you would continue our expedition, it is only right for us to follow. We signed up for it, after all."

Yes, Carnatia was not particularly enthused. But a job was a job, and she had agreed to escort Vesemir in this expedition, so she would do it.

She then continued, "In any case, thank you for clearing that up, Sir Vesemir, Sir Gray. Now then, if you would excuse me, I think I will continue to look around a bit more."

There were some things that caught her attention earlier, two of them, the polearm and the bow were being inspected by Tillius and Roxas, which left a couple more items.

She walked over to the workshop desk, pocketing the red gemstones, before turning to the peculiar curio of the eerie skull and a dagger.

Carnatia unsheathed her rapier, as she reached out with her mana, like what she did to the Ent earlier, attempting to see if she could find out what magics exist within the skull and dagger, if any.

[A5G]

One moment there was nothing, but the moment she stepped through a certain distance it's as if a curtain in reality parted. A wavering distortion filled Carnatia's vision, the phenomenon much stronger near the center where the skull sat inconnuously. Its eyes seemed to aglow with spectral fire that irresistibly attract attention, accompanied by an odd feeling of the relic malevolently staring back despite the skull was placed facing away from her. All her fear and insecurities rose back to the surface, festering doubt gnawing at the mind, and with it the rising urge to turn her rapier around and just fall onto it...

...understandably, the spooked noblewoman hurriedly stepped back. And just as disorientingly instant as it appeared, the influence abruptly ceased once she went out of a certain range. It looked to be around two and a half meter. She'd notice that she had pocketed the gemstones at some point, the mana crystals presumably used to power the golem and the facility in general. It had lost much of its charges after lying out in the open for a while, but one can still extract a decent bit before the stuff crumbled.

Thinking back for the last few seconds, she recalled that her body was on autopilot to follow what she had intended to do while her mind took off to a different direction. She had taken the gems and poked the skull and dagger with her rapier once, the material itself feeling not much different than regular crystal and obsidian but the magic contained within was simplistically primal yet potent nonetheless.

"Ah, my apologies. Seems that the containment structure failed at some point." The translucent elf reappeared beside Carnatia, notably outside the skull's area of influence. "It is a side project of mine. My brother acquired this interesting piece off an overly ambitious Sarkaz general at one time. You can find my notes on that matter next to it, though unfortunately my effort to destroy it have come short. I was trying to see if I can crack what makes them work, you see. It took a score of mages to even leave a dent on the accursed thing, thankfully for something so unnaturally durable the effect is quite... limited. Regardless, it still kills the fire of determination of those who comes near it, breaking hope and lets sprout doubts. I cannot stop you from taking them, but please treat it with care. If possible find a proper wizard or enchanter and hand them my notes, perhaps someone can finish what I started." At this moment, not the slightest remain of the so-mentioned dents can be seen on either object. If the ancient mage truly meant it, destroying the artifacts would be a tall proposition... not like it couldn't be utilized in the meantime.

"As for the obsidian dagger, it is much straightforward. Blood never seems to dry if it rest on the glassy surface, and after given some time resting inside the skull anyone slain with it will temporarily rises again under the limited command of the wielder. Uncouth and barbaric, but I shan't judge."

After that string of commentary, the illusory elf shrugged before disappearing again. And now, there's the dillema. Take the figurative double-edged sword, or leave it for the next person to reach this room in the future? It certainly can be useful if utilized properly...

[Visyn]

Roxas

---

The healer looked to the hologram as it appeared, telling her about the bow. She looked back to it, then to the case as it was very clearly empty. She frowned the slightest bit and gently set the bow back. It was no use to her. She already had a perfectly fine bow. She couldn't use frost magic, so it would just be a bow in her hands.

She moved away from the cases and looked around the room more before moving back out the bookshelves and scanning them for more on any medical knowledge she could get on, or healing knowledge in general. Maybe some of her hobbies, or even on archery. Her eyes scanned titles quickly, easily, and once she found something she liked.. She pulled the book and flipped through it quickly.

[Randomguy]

Carnatia de Luson

---

Feeling more at ease after receiving an explanation regarding the skull, Carnatia turned her attention back to the skull and dagger. The dagger was undoubtedly useful, morbid, but useful...And she was quite the pragmatic woman. Besides, if nothing else, she was quite sure she could sell it to some prominent mage for them to study in exchange for a decent bit of money. The problem was that it could only work with the skull, and the skull was...problematic to say the least, with the biggest issue being if she could even transport it without coming under its effect.

She was under no illusion that she was skilled enough in the arcane to fully understand what would be feasible or not, therefore, the correct course of action was to seek the expertise of another.

Within the group, Gray Flame appeared to be the most knowledgeable regarding matters in this land, but considering he hadn't been very forthcoming, Carnatia thought it wise to also have a second opinion.

She turned to the rest of the group, as she approached Gray Flame and Fia.

"Pardon me, Sir Gray, Lady Fia? I'd like your opinions on that skull over there if it's not too much trouble. Would it be feasible for us to transport it safely?

@Randomness@Mas Bagus

[Soldat Elf]

"It was unnecessary, but thanks." Nanashi said to the elven healer woman who did treat his cut on the hand, even though he might do it again to put his demonic energy to his any kind of tool as he goes on ultimate form.

The shinobi then proceed went to the elven archeologist with a crossed armed. Opening his ears for everyone and tries to detect anyone that aren't belong to their party on there area. His detecting is quite unique, he can detect anyone within his range but he cannot be senses by other with his detention as only the one who awakening their can able to detect his.

[Randomness]

Fia Blackfire

---

Fia followed the others into the next room. While it did have aspects that indicated it was equipped to be a workshop, the cases around, and the singular desk made it look more like it was a personal office. One in which guests would be welcomes with displays of ones treasures to sell ones accomplishments. Fia was fascinated by the image of Theriadore as it addressed the group. Fia could tell that the words were empty and very generalized. Whatever magic was at play was obviously programmed to respond generally to different stimulation within the room. Still, the lifelike image of the elf long dead was impressive.

Despite the room being over a millennia years old, the place was really clean. Though dust had settled on much of the flat surfaces, there wasn’t near enough given how much time had passed. It was a little odd compared to the scene outside of the building where ruins of a once bustling city still echoed the torments and atrocities that took place way back when. One thing for sure, this room had artifacts that the rest of the world had not scene in several life times, even those among elves.

Vesemir was out in the library admiring his new found treasure. It must have been the item he was after that had him request the change in direction in their expedition. He seemed quite eager to get it as well. He was first in and first out before many of the other’s had a chance to look into the room. Fia was only half listening as Carnatia, Gray Flame, and Vesemir discussed the history of the relic. But the words did not escape her. A scroll of sorts. One that has power that could remove the lingering shadows within the city. Maybe. Fia kept it in the back of her mind. If it could quell the repeating history within the phantoms outside, Fia would bring it up then.

Fia drifted near the door the illusory elf mentioned to keep out postmortem. She didn’t get any closer than where Vesemir or the others came, but the request to keep out did interest her. If this room contained such valuables, perhaps there was others the elf would have rather kept private. The sort of artifacts and knowledge that should not be exposed to the world. Or the man was really into some perverted materials and wanted to keep his dignity far longer after his time.

Fia caught Roxas approaching the bow through her peripheral vision and turned to check it out with her. Fia ended up just behind the savior elf as the illusion finished speaking and Roxas was examining the bow. When Roxas put it down, Fia spoke up, “You don’t want it, dear? You looked wonderful drawing it. I’m sure someone like you could make good use of it.” Fia knew that given the last interaction involving another deceased’s property her comments would be rebuffed. Yet, Fia was honest in her comment. The way Roxas held the bow looked natural.

“I’m being honest, dear. I think a weapon like that would work wonderfully in your hands.” said Fia to Roxas as the elven healer walked away. Fia wasn’t going to push. Instead, she looked at the bow now replaced within its display. She shrugged and left the chamber as well to see what everyone else was up to. It was not long after that Carnatia also left the chamber. The spell sword approached both Fia and Gray Flame with another inquiry. One that wasn’t involving the expedition or the history of the archaeologist's scroll.

“Skull?” asked Fia as she turned to face Carnatia. Fia’s eyes looked past the spell sword back into the chamber to see what was being spoken about, “Oh. That. Is it not merely a decorative paper weight? What concerns you about it, darling? Aside from wanting to transport it.”

[Mas Bagus]

The Gray Flame

---

"Pardon me, Sir Gray, Lady Fia? I'd like your opinions on that skull over there if it's not too much trouble. Would it be feasible for us to transport it safely?

"You are pardoned, My Dear Carnathia." he said coyly, in his failed attempt to mimic Fia's playfulness. Still, he ended up explaining his intention to prevent the situation from becoming irreparably awkward for everyone. "I think we should drop the decorousness by a few notches already if you don't mind."

"Anyway, back to your question. I assume Theriadore's explained to you what are those and what they do. Could you briefly rehearse what he said?"

At Gray's request, Carnathia explained what the hologram of Theriadore said, about the origin of the item, about what it could do, about the warning. During the recount, he glanced toward the chamber, staring at the aforementioned sinisterly carved crystal, and looked as if he was making a mildly terrified expression under his white mask.

"An artifact collected from Sarkazian general, very befitting of that misbegotten race. However, I find it strange that Theriadore or Lukman would even pick it up and place it here for safekeeping. Now I think about it some more and then I think, maybe not... There was a reason why it wasn't donated to a museum or any of our research facilities. We elves abhor anything that works against the Creator's Law, and the only way I can imagine why it is here is because Varenheim was at war, and we were desperate."

Vesemir, who was still nearby, chimed in. "There are many actions in history that should not be judged by today's standards..."

"I am not judging," replied Gray. "I am just finding it strange. In any case, the question remains as to whether we should bring it along or not. It's definitely not just a paperweight, and according to Theriadore both the dagger and the skull are technically inseparable. I shall not act like a morality police here and implore you to not take them, but keep in mind that they belong to the Demons, and there is always blood spilled for every unholy artifact they make."

"I'd still take it if you ask me." Vesemir stated, "To me, there are no evil artifacts, only evil hands that wield them. All things created lack inherent will."

[A5G]

Engelbert lingered in the library for a bit, first to make sure that the slagged and now slowly cooling golem wasn't gonna get back up and another to scan through the various shelves. The latter he gave up quite quickly after seeing all the books in elvish, which he couldn't even begin to decipher. For all he knew it could be a collection of what the once proprietor of the building considered raunchy novellas. Not taking risk at that. He should be moving on, especially after sensing something particularly unpleasant in the next room.

And thus he checked out where most of the others had went, sparing one last glance to the golem. Still unmoving, good enough.

"-artifact collected from Sarkazan general, very befitting of that misbegotten race. However, I find it strange that Theriadore or Lukman would even pick it up and place it here for safekeeping. Now I think about it some more and then I think, maybe not... There was a reason why it wasn't donated to a museum or any of our research facilities. We elves abhor anything that works against the Creator's Law, and the only way I can imagine why it is here is because Varenheim was at war, and we were desperate."

Clanking in, the knight caught a portion of an intriguing conversation. Sarkazan artifact, wasn't it? he had seen a fair share, but something that a high-profile mage like Theriadore considered dangerous should be very potent. Or at least, it would be back at the time the elf still lived. Not like he could tell if the changes over the last two millenia was positive or negative. Looking at the defenses, a single golem felt lacking but on the other hand the more magical measures probably had mostly withered away so he couldn't quite tell.

"Jolly ho, comrades! I see some happy faces around, I presume the findings are bountiful." The bow and polearm was noticeable, for one. As for the so-called Sarkazan artifact... likely that oddly clean skull in an otherwise very dusty room that people are notably standing some distance away form. "What did I missed?"

[Visyn]

Roxas

---

Looking up at the conversation, a thought occurred to her. She gave a hum and made her way back, putting the book she was reading back on the shelf hurriedly. She waited for a moment, before trying to get Fia's attention. "Miss Fia. If you are so inclined.. perhaps you would like the bow instead? I could teach you the basics of it, and you can cast your ice with it, as it seemed more attuned to your magic than mine."

She gave a soft smile, and a wave of a hand. "It was a passing thought, and you may very well say no. It might be a good back up if you loose something of your artifacts or means. I have no need for it as I can't cast anything other than healing or Light magic." She glanced to the bow. If she had the knowledge to cast it, she would take the bow, but she didn't.. so it was useless for her. She had her own bow, why would she need another one, when hers fit perfectly in her hand after years of use.

[Randomguy]

Carnatia de Luson

---

"I am not judging," replied Gray. "I am just finding it strange. In any case, the question remains as to whether we should bring it along or not. It's definitely not just a paperweight, and according to Theriadore both the dagger and the skull are technically inseparable. I shall not act like a morality police here and implore you to not take them, but keep in mind that they belong to the Demons, and there is always blood spilled for every unholy artifact they make."

"I'd still take it if you ask me." Vesemir stated, "To me, there are no evil artifacts, only evil hands that wield them. All things created lack inherent will."

"That's...not answering my question of whether they can be transported, Sir Gray. On another note, apologies if my manner of speaking comes across as too formal, it is simply how I've spoken for most of my life."

Carnatia did try to speak less formally to be more approachable by clients and fellow adventurers, but she gave up on that front as it simply made her speech awkward and stilted, causing her to appear less professional.

She continued, "I agree, Sir Vesemir. However the issue is, as that skull could demoralize people near it, the skull could jeopardize our expedition if we do not have a reliable way of transporting it safely."

Finally, she turned to Fia, "What do you think, Lady Fia? Is it possible for us to transport it reliably?"

If it was not possible, Carnatia would leave them be, as much as she wanted to bring them along. She might be fond of valuables, but recklessly stupid she was not. Furthermore, it would be unbecoming of her to endanger the expedition and the rest of the party.

[Mas Bagus]

"What did I missed?"

"We are discussing the feasibility of bringing with us some dodgy artifacts." Answered Gray Flame, not moving from the table he was leaning on. Meanwhile, the talk about the damned Crystal skull continued, with Carnathia shifting to Vesemir for another opinion.

"I agree, Sir Vesemir. However the issue is, as that skull could demoralize people near it, the skull could jeopardize our expedition if we do not have a reliable way of transporting it safely."

Vesemir placed his hat on the table and sat there, sighing before answering with a more decisive resolution.

"Now you mention it, I honestly don't know if we have any means to do that safely. I have yet to measure it properly, but if you as the finder are concerned that such an item might pose a risk for us and we have no reliable way to contain its influence, then I will be with Mr Gray Flame on this and vote not to bring it."

There was a long pause, and Carnathia finally turned to Fia.

[A5G]

"Indeed? And I presume it is not healthy to approach for some reason." Engelbert nodded in understanding, getting a clearer picture of the issue. For that though, the solution felt rather simple. "If we only need to transport it, could we enclose it in a box? Or failing that, tie it to a long pole and carry it that way. In the camp we can mark or fence the area we use to store the thing so that no one carelessly approach it."

According to Carnatia, the skull demoralizes people. It's a bit of a vague term, how badly would it went? Could've easily range from a moment of adrenaline rush to someone outright breaking down in a catatonic state. "Say, Lady Carnatia, how do you know about its effect? Did someone approached it already?"