Mas Bagus

Into the Land of Twilight

"Who says I am done?!" he chortled "I am going to claim the bow, and add it to my collect--"

Too late now, whatever Gray's true intention was, Fia had already taken the bow and slung it, causing the string to press snugly against her ample bosom.

"You know... for your size, you might need *ahem* a chest guard," he said awkwardly before averting his gaze on the notes and holding it close to his face "Well, let's see... Yea... I might be fluent in our ancient language, but it feels like I am doing a double translation to decipher Theriadore's scholarly writing. Basically the first section talks about an introduction. Where did the artifact come from, what effect did it display, the decision to destroy it, and the failure to do so. There are also some details about the dead raised by the dagger still having a certain degree of "muscle memory" left, and can still perform their expertise to a limited degree. 'It made for a dangerous army if left alone.' Theriadore said, and the skull's distortion field is a soul-based mechanism."

He flipped the pages and stopped at the section where pages were full of drawings of different kinds of magic seals and codes.

"Second section - containment field. Theriadore had a few spells and runes cataloged and experimented here. Perhaps to minimize the skull's terrorizing aura. In some way, it seems he met quite a satisfactory result. Remember that none of us realized the Skull's existence before Carnathia found it? I guess the best way to carry that thing is by bringing it with its metal box."

He paused and looked at the box, which box? Apparently, it was part of the desk itself. "Yeah, not gonna happen... moving on!"

Now he almost reached the last pages of that notebook. "This section talks about Theriadore's futile attempt to destroy that thing; so far he had tried smashing it with blunt force, drilling, and through magical means. Those attempts barely make a dent on that thing, and when they do, the skull somehow fixes itself afterward. Yikes! I think that's all, the notes stopped here."
@Randomness

Into the Land of Twilight

She shifted, watching him and offered a nod. "Yes, I was planning to take it and trade skills with Miss Fia. You never know when learning how to wield a bow could come in handy, especially when low on mana." She looked to him more before giving a soft sigh. "But if you would like to take it, then feel free. I will not fight over a bow."

@Visyn

"It's a sound plan, all things considered. As for who is more entitled to keep it, Well, I'd say finders keepers. You found it first, it's still yours if you change your mind." He quipped and shrugged playfully. "I've had my share of exquisite antiques, and this one. Eh, just keep in mind that the boss said we are likely to encounter the owner of this bow, or at least her apparition. It could lead to a hilarious exchange... or deadly encounter."

Placing the bow at a nearby table again, there was a feeling that Gray's words sounded like an ominous omen.

Into the Land of Twilight

"Say, Lady Carnatia, how do you know about its effect? Did someone approached it already?"
The question was directed to Carnathia, still, Gray answered it anyway.

"Theriadore left messages for every item in that chamber. Looks like the Man had a lot of things to share before his demise. I couldn't blame him for that. After Luithiel killed his Brother, he seemed to have a trust issue with the Varenheim Government. I think that's also one of the reasons why those powerful relics are buried here."

Silence suddenly, then Gray shifted to their boss.

"Vesemir. Now we've got what we're looking for, let's not stay here for too long, yeah?"

"Mhmm. I am waiting for you fellas to decide what to do with that infernal skull and dagger Miss Carnathia found. Once we reach a consensus, I am all ready to go."

Leaving Vesemir, who again busied himself with copying its verses into his notebook, Gray Flame followed Fia into the chamber. While The sorceress's attention was mostly to the Skull, Gray would pick the silver bow instead. He overheard Fia and Roxas discussing how to fully utilize the bow and learn from each other, he wondered how that plan would fare.

He picked the bow and pulled its string up to his chin, but no Theriadore Hologram this time. Shame, he was expecting at least one snarky commentary.

He then notched his own arrow and channeled his magic. The bow, true to Theriadore's word was capable of channeling magic, but since the bow's unique attribute and his arcane element were mismatched, he could not contain his magic or have it manifested on the arrowhead.

"So, are you two really going to take this bow?" Asked Gray when Fia was looking at some sort of diagram. Gray was still holding the aforementioned bow and testing it, and at some point had it aimed at the skull with no arrow notched.

"This is a good bow. The draw weight is on the medium side, so you might be able to learn how to fire it rather quickly." The masked elf carefully released the string and lowered the bow. "Couldn't say the same about its Frosty Feature though... It may require another kind of expertise."

"Certainly a lot harder to master than that dagger, that's for sure." He continued. "Buut I will take a finicky elven bow over a mysterious demonic dagger and its glorified holder. That thing gives me a shiver, and I have seen many creepy things in my life."

@A5G@Randomness

Into the Land of Twilight

"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.

Into the Land of Twilight

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."

Into the Land of Twilight

"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.

Into the Land of Twilight

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.

Into the Land of Twilight

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."

Into the Land of Twilight

"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.

Into the Land of Twilight

"All things considered, I suppose that went well."

To be frank, calling it went well was a bit of a stretch, the fire was still there and Vesemir was almost about to toss his cane and fancy vest to put out the fire when Via, rather than conjuring ice or water to extinguish, picked a fire spell to... worsen the fire again?

Apparently not, her own brand fire looked like a living blaze that suck out the heat and oxygen from the existing fire, snuffing it out almost immediately. In amazement the archeologist swept sweat from his forehead, realizing that no harsh words were necessary, and nobody deserved blame for this.

"Are we cataloguing this library, or shall we move to the next room? I recall daytime is allegedly quite dangerous here, we dont have that much time."

Hearing that question, suddenly excitement filled his heart again. "Why, Mr Engelbert, to the next room of course." He glanced at Tillius, who volunteered to rescue the unburned shelves from the damaged ones.

"Gentlemen, I think that is enough that the fire has been put out. But if you want to give these valuable relics the proper appreciation they deserve, then be my guest. Just keep in mind that this hall is a library, and we are not a bunch of thieves."

Winking his monocled eyes, he shifted to the red-haired swordswoman and Roxas, wordlessly urging the healer to pick the brooch. "And don't forget our Eastborn friend. Looks like some nasty cuts on his palms."

Then he moved to the door, inserted the card, and pushed it open. And it opened like an ordinary heavy door.

"See? No need to hammer it! I was expecting it to say a welcome or something, though. Don't you wonder why the messages are all in Common and not Elvish?"

The room was dark, so Vesemir had to tread carefully. "Sívë anan eis lyenn, Theriadore." He said as he looked at the dark room. His lantern was still at the pillar, the only source of light that kept the library lit. And he did not bring a spare.

"Master Tillius, would you be so kind as to borrow me the crystal we recovered from the house earlier?"