Book

[23:18] {NARRATION} After years of planning, years of preparation, so many years that Cordelia's focus had shifted away from Riftmancy to other, more benevolent magics, she and her alliles finally made headway on their expedition into the Spirit Realm to track down a Warden.

No more would this be a hunt, not unless they made it one... but instead a chance at perhaps speaking with an entiry far more righteous than any of those gathered.

The planning had been the easy part, even if it had taken so long. Malentine's instructions were simple and spoke of a specific locale within the Spirit World where a Warden could be found with ease. It was a place only known as the Keeper's Library, where at the very least they would meet the strange entity Cordelia's uncle once spoke of, the very creature who had gifted the vampire with knowledge of the magic that he used to tear open the sky.

With Marceline and Ethan's aid, getting into the Spirit Realm was easy, and following Malentine's directions was even easier. But traversing this place and actually finding what they were looking for is where it would all become far more difficult.

After utilizing their transportive spells, the group found themselves in what appeared to be a grove, one with a large, stone dome in the center that had only archways as entrypoints to the inner rooms. Cracks webbing down the exterior along with moss indicated it was likely not visited often, if ever, but inside the group could sense a great concentration of mana flow was awaiting them.
[23:25] An expedition foretold a long, long time ago. One that had a completely different goal when Cordelia first spoke of it; to harm the world. To get revenge on the ones that had taken down Neo. To become just like her uncle. Though... a mix of various delays ended up twisting things in a different way. The woman's shift in the way she viewed the world and he recent ascension as a Dhampir had left them finally undertaking this quest, though for a whole different reason.

With Malentine's instructions, Ethan's Wayfinding, and Marceline's less enjoyable Riftmancy the group finally arrived in the spot that had been described - or so it felt that way. A library is what it was supposed to be, though all Ethan could see surrounding him were stones, flora, and age. How long had this building been up, he wondered. The old man spoke first.

"Let's go in, yeah?" He said, before heading forth.
(Ethan Hawke)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[23:25] Cordelia's own interests in destroying the Lifestream to eventually living at peace with the world at large had shifted so heavily, and thusly it had only delayed her intended trip. But she still wanted to take it, to see the very place Malentine had spoken of. A sense of adventure... Was that what it was? Perhaps.

With both Marceline and Ethan coming along for the ride, the Dhampir ultimately figured it'd be easier to travel to the necessary location within the Spirit Realm with two beings who could teleport, not just one. As they appeared within that grove, her pink eyes wandered up towards the large stone dome, remaining silent for a while. The flow of mana was obvious, even to her. One could taste it on the air and briefly, Cordelia's eyes shut before they opened.

"We should pick a room, you two," She said suddenly, taking in the entrypoints that led to the interior. They just had to pick one... Or.... Did they all lead to the same place? She wasn't sure. If no one else picked, the Dhampir would pick for the group at large, clearly intent upon entering one of the entrypoints.
(Cordelia I. Avitus)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[23:26] This would be the first time that Marceline had entered the spirit realm itself. Yet, she would probably be relatively unaffected compared to the humans in attendance. Fairies were residents of the spirit world, and their forms likely wouldn't have much trouble remaining there and traversing the plane.

The problem for her would be sticking with the squad. Their pace was her pace, unfortunately. Riftmancy would be invoked alongside Ethan's own spatial arts, plowing through the lifestream and aggressively searching for the place outlined in Malentine's instructions. Flexibility that was offered to riftmancy, at the cost of bending the natural order.

He'd be here to repair her damage, so what was the harm? She wasn't as inexperienced as she was before, at least. The adventure presumably started after Marceline and Ethan had already used their transport spells, finding their destination and stepping to the other side.

The rift would be haphazardly stitched behind her, work that Ethan would probably smooth out more before they continued. Her eyes traveled the separate plane in awe. She had never been to this place before, but something about this felt so familiar.

"Flip a coin." she suggested to Cordelia.
(Marceline)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[23:34] {NARRATION} The coin flip was revealed not to matter, because all the little stone archways lead to the same inner chamber underneath the stony dome. Despite this being the Spirit Realm, as could be discerned by the air that was more still than the winds of the mortal world, by the greener trees, by the very sky being vibrant and beautiful, the group was met with...

another gate?

All along the floor, arcanium veins were lined in an organized web toward a center, black arch of some kind. The lines were thrumming with bright, blue mana, but nothing was happening near the central convergence point. The arch was empty, with only the other side of the domed room through it.

Off to the left, however, was what appeared to be a crater, a small bowl of stone and jagged crags that broke apart even the arcanium vein that had once probably laid here. It appeared that someone or something had shattered its connection to the arch itself, and though chunks of arcanium were littered around the side, it would take a skilled hand to mend the damage.
[23:38] Marceline floated through the staircase and looked around at the arcanium veins. She had handled the ore enough to know that it wasn't fake. This was indeed the real deal, the most coveted ore in Agartha. Yet, she was hesitant. Outstretching a hand towards Cordelia specifically, because she knew the blacksmith was just the kind of person to snatch it up.

".. This is obviously some kind of elaborate trap." she warned them. After all of her years of experience adventuring, prizes were never this easily obtained. When something was too good to be true, it usually was. The web that was thrumming with mana was especially a point of concern. Some kind of spell, maybe?
(Marceline)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[23:40] Ethan took some time to bask into the greatness that was this room. It definitely wasn't something you'd see everyday; from the insane view of the skies beneath thick, lively leaves, to the design of the room practically burning with mana and sheer power, to the veins of what seemed to be arcanium - the man had seen enough of it to recognize it - gathering up near the center.

It was all laid out in a way that made him feel like the room itself was meant to be empowered and fueled by this mana - arcanium conduits feeding into it. Marceline's doubt was on the complete opposite end to Ethan's excitement.

He reached out to poke at the center with his staff - he knew it to be more sturdy than his hand. The Wayfinding circles etched upon its foci began glowing with an incredible rainbow of colors, allowing some divine energies to ooze out, somehow.

He was too curious to even tell Cordelia she should fix the broken vein.
(Ethan Hawke)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[23:43] Stepping into that inner chamber, Cordelia's eyes immediately widened.

Arcanium.

She loved Arcanium. You placed Arcanium ore in her hands, and she was liable to explode from excitement... But they were here for a reason, weren't they? She inhaled, forcing herself to still and be calm. They had to figure out a way forward, she knew that. Pink eyes surveyed everything, following the organized webbing of mana infused Arcanium veins.

The clack of steel toed boots echoed through that chamber, Cordelia taking everything slowly. With Marceline's warning, the Dhampir looked up before she just laughed.

"Then how else are we supposed to get to the other side?" She asked. She pointed at the Archway, which was dead, her finger circling all along the Arcanium vein until she stopped at the chunk that was broken, "Someone broke it. The Arcanium probably powers the Archyway as a method of travel. So all we have to do is just repair the connection which should be..."

She had reached that ruined section of the web now, the Dhampir hopping down into it as she lifted some of the pieces of Arcanium roughly into place. It wasn't perfect, no, but it was enough to support a stable connection. She thought on it for a spell before speaking up,

"Can you two come here and solidify this with some fire, so it doesn't tumble over and break the connection again?" She asked, eyes looking to Ethan and Marceline both.
(Cordelia I. Avitus)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[23:45] Ethan Hawke says, "Huh-"
[23:45] Ethan Hawke says, "Oh."
[23:47] Ethan moved his staff away moments before a disaster was bound to come from his meddling around. He nodded to the blacksmith - flexing a bit of spatial magic as he warped right by her side. A hand extended down, offering warmth through the use of fire magic. He was going to heat up the metal until it came together as one, whether he was alone or not. This wasn't that big of a task.
(Ethan Hawke)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[23:48] Marceline was naturally paranoid of the absolute worst coming to pass whenever she fixed this vein. Unfortunately, the majority was against her. At least she'd be able to tell them 'I told you so' whenever this turned out to be a huge trap. Fire magic was offered alongside Ethan, manipulating the red hot arcanium on the adjacent side to mend it.
(Marceline)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[23:49] {NARRATION} It becomes obvious pretty quick that all the arcanium that has been set loose from the veins will be needed to mend this damage. Trying to take any will render some bits missing.
[23:53] As the two fire mages worked to heat it up to keep it together, Cordelia worked to pack all of the Arcanium together neatly, to ensure that not a single piece was missing.
(Cordelia I. Avitus)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[23:57] {NARRATION} With some time and care, the vein is mended, and once it is, a click in place sends the magic current flowing through all the other conduits into this one as well.

Blue magic surges forward, all of it collecting at the arch in the center of the darkened dome. It erupts with energetic light and with a snap a strange glow fills the center space. No more is the other side visible, but instead there's a swirling mixture of mana filling the air within it.

Before anyone can move, however, an eye opens up, one that spans from one leg of the archway to the other. A voice speaks in the heads of the three explorers who had come here.

"Cordelia Avitus. Daughter to Nautia Avitus... and Neo Invida."

"Ethan Hawke... Wayfinder..."

"Marceline... Fairy of Mischief..."

"Very interesting visitors. Very kind of you to repair the gate. I have not had any come this way ever since its destruction... not that I minded the quiet. What is it you all seek?"
[00:03] She kept her wits about her, reaching for her back instinctively. Her fingers wrapped around Indignation, ready to pull the weapon at a moment's notice and begin fighting. Marceline wouldn't be caught off guard. A watchful eye was given to the blue magic. Prepared for things to go south.

And, her suspicions were found to be baseless. At least, initially. A seemingly friendly voice spoke inside of their minds whenever the three had finished assembling the broken pieces of the gate. Yet, there was one thing that kept her alert. Her hand didn't leave her staff because of one thing.

"How do you know who I am?" she asked, answering a question with another question.
(Marceline)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[00:03] The light was bright. The display was welcoming in its own way, though. As the gate was repaired and everything lit up the old man took the time to take in the sights, to admire them, to bask into their incredible, endless depths.

The eye that opened up was... scary, yet welcoming. Ethan wasn't sure if that thing had been trapped and was freed by them or if they merely did the right thing to go further - if this was the librarian or something.

The Wayfinder's own questions would wait for others to speak up first - his own needs being firmly rooted in thoughts, yet his desire to let Cordelia have what she desired came first.

Ethan's questions could wait.
.. right?
(Ethan Hawke)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[00:07] As the blue magic surged through the arcanium and collected into the archway, Cordelia watched. There was a look of satisfaction upon her face as it appeared to work. When the archway itself activated, and that giant eye appeared, the Dhampir froze upon her name being called.

How did it know? That was weird.

It knew all of them. She's quiet, for a long while, debating on what to say. The others didn't answer the question the eye posed... So Cordelia took it upon herself to do so.

"... Information on... Wayfinding - or..." She trailed off now, frowning. "Originally I was going to come here, to tap into powers of Riftmancy," She explained honestly, "But I've changed, and so have my goals. How do you know who we all are?"
(Cordelia I. Avitus)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[00:12] {NARRATION} "I know why you came, and why you were going to come here to begin with." The voice said.

"I only wanted to hear it come from your own mouth first." The eye didn't shift to look at any of them, in fact it didn't move at all. It appeared to be staring at the far wall, or maybe it was just a symbol that was resting within the arch itself. Who was to really say?

"I know most everything. It is my duty to do as much. I am the Keeper, guardian of a library of unfathomable and limitless knowledge. I once offered two vampires the opportunity to enter my realm so long as they only took one piece of information. One took a tome on Riftmancy. The other learned how to bind his Shadow and Spirits as one. Unfortunately... their escape was hindered by the warring entities that surround my library... but they made it out alive, even if they lost their limbs..."

The eye seemed to widen, but then it may have always been that wide?

"You are free to visit, of course, so long as you abide by my rule..."
[00:17] "You're telling me that I can pick up a tome on whatever I want?" Marceline asked. The prospect immediately grasped her attention. More knowledge was just what she desired, to overcome her own weaknesses. The benefits could potentially outweigh the risks.

She was already along for the ride, anyway. So, she might as well pick up something that would make this adventure worthwhile. Compensation for her efforts. The fairy looked up to the eye, crossing her arms confidently.

"And, that's the only rule? One piece of information each?"
(Marceline)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[00:18] One piece of information. It could be anything, couldn't it? If each of them were able to do that, then... his question could be left for himself. His project could be advanced. This was all towards the good of the world, after all. He could only hope that the offer extended to each of them, and not the whole group.

Although... The prospect of someone as strong as Malentine losing a limb made it incredibly scary. Was this what they'd face, too?
(Ethan Hawke)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[00:19] The fact it knew already caused her pause yet again. It was... Frightening, honestly. She was quiet, approaching the Archway curiously, as the blonde tilted her head to gaze at the eye which seemed to not move.

"... One piece of information - that is your rule?" She asked quietly. It was a fascinating idea. No wonder Malentine had instructed her to come here. It was everything she wanted. "... What information does your realm contain? Anything?" She asked.

Her thoughts raced. They brought Sera back - so why couldn't she...
(Cordelia I. Avitus)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[00:25] {NARRATION} "One piece each." It said with some authority.

"Though you will have to reach the library first... the Nethradin are certain to entice you with allowing them entry as well. Do not listen to their words." it warned.

"Ever since the guardian fell, its partner has done nothing but sulk and mourn, and in time it too has taken on a form resembling the enemies it once swore to fight against... it disgusts me." the voice said with severe distaste.

"Though my records are not entirely whole anymore... While she has wept, the Nethradin have stolen from me. What I can offer is one piece and one piece alone. Partial bits of a whole. Nothing that will be completely and entirely helpful... not without my guards acting so useless..."
[00:28] Ethan couldn't help but grin despite the sad story. Untold knowledge was waiting for them on the other side - things that they couldn't find anywhere else. This... was definitely going to be useful for his big project - even something that was nothing but partial information on the subject was going to be enough.

The Wayfinder's main goal was kept in his sights; he knew exactly what he'd go for. Nethradin would have to be handled, though, that much he was certain of— those pesky beasts weren't the type to listen to anyone, not even their masters.

A glance is offered to both the woman and the tiny, winged woman, then back at the gate.

He was all too ready to go through.
(Ethan Hawke)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[00:29] Now that things were clarified, this didn't seem as grand as she had imagined it to be. Her expression immediately seemed disappointed, the fairy raising an eyebrow. "Really?" she asked, sounding a bit peeved. After being promised a such vast catalogue of knowledge, this was definitely a step down.

"Fine." she decided, groaning. These better have been some damn good half-finished tomes, or she'd feel like a fool by the end of this. She floated up the gate, prepared to go through.
(Marceline)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[00:31] One piece each.

That was fine - t hat was more than fine, honestly. Cordelia looked to Ethan and then to Marceline, a slow grin spreading across her face as she nodded.

"... That's fine," She said, "How do we enter, Keeper?" The Dhampir now asked. She was excited; she wanted to enter, to pick out her singular piece of information.... And then leave. It was a start to something, and that's all she asked for.

Because she had been putting off any real progress for most of her life. It was time to become the best upon Agartha, in earnest.
(Cordelia I. Avitus)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[00:36] {NARRATION} "Walk on through. And make your way through the courtyards. Do not stop to speak. Do not stop to listen. I will be waiting within my library."

The eye disappeared, leaving only the shimmering blue mist between the archway.
[00:46] {NARRATION} Through the archway the trio went, and on the other side, the scene shifted.

No more were they in a simple grove filled with trees and a stony dome, but a vast and extravagant courtyard filled with statues and fountains. The sky overhead, however, was anything but beautiful. Dark clouds billowed over head, blacker than the night sky and rolling with crimson electricity.

Ahead, through rows and rows of stony walls and hedges, a large building awaited up ahead, one that appeared as a cathedral beyond the likes of which mortal hands would be capable of constructing.

Along the sides of the walkways, shadows clung to the fences and ends, shadows that were beckoning the trio toward them.
[00:48] As the scene shifted as they all stepped through the Archway, Cordelia's eyes wandered; the statues and fountains caught her attention, as well as the sky. But... She had remembered the Keeper's advice.

Do not stop to speak. Do not stop to listen.

The Dhampir was clearly on a mission, the childish nature of Cordelia, no doubt doubly inherited from spending so much time around Neo, had melted. She was serious, and she immediately began making her way towards that massive cathedral style building. The shadows along the sides were ignored. Those pink eyes of hers were kept facing forward. Always forward. She motioned for Ethan and Marceline, hoping they'd listen to that advice as well. She didn't want to repeat what Malentine had to go through.
(Cordelia I. Avitus)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[00:49] Marceline seemed unfazed by the ominous atmosphere above and around them. Eerily, she was unflinching at the billowing black clouds and crimson electricity that coursed through them. The shadows were ignored as well, as the fairy nonchalantly floated along the walkway.

A corrupt place like this was where Marceline was in her element, and where she was at her calmest. Paranoia only set in for her when things seemed peaceful, funnily enough. Her gaze remained set on the path ahead, proceeding.
(Marceline)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[00:51] How many pieces of art could they see in one trip? Statue after statue depicting individuals Ethan never knew span far and wide. The sound of water dripping from the fountains echoed through the area as the man moved on forward, taking step after step towards the cathedral— castle? He wasn't too sure. It was immense, way, way bigger than anything he had ever seen on Agartha. It could be as tall as a mountain, for sure.

He had to move on forward. To keep on going without speaking or listening. The man's staff lit up as the shadows beckoning him were only making the connection to the lifestream harder to maintain. Perhaps a guiding light would help them - after all his first staff had been nicknamed in a certain way for a reason. He fondly remembered the day Pathfinder's Marvel lit up the way to Khazard's tomb. This was no different.

Ethan attempted to mend the damaged lifestream around himself with the use of his staff - making brief connections through Wayfinding to repair as much as he could from the Nethradin attacks, aiming to drive those shadows back at the same time.
(Ethan Hawke)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[00:59] Tattles whispers: Kill them. We can take what is His, but you must enter alone. Kill them. You will find everything you've ever wanted within, anything you've ever desired.
[00:59] Tattles whispers something.
[01:00] Tattles whispers something.
[01:00] {NARRATION} The shadows were, at first, nothing more than distant, moving shapes, things that were easy enough to avoid and ignore. But as the group neared the cathedral, the shadows picked up in size and nature. They seemed to enclose upon the pathway more, thinning it out, and all to quickly more whispers and voices invaded their minds.

Though some bits of the broken realm were mended and much of the weaker shadows dismissed, there were some mental powers at play that couldn't be so easily defeated.
[01:05] The shadows that whispered within his mind were of no bother. He knew better than to listen to shadowy figured and Nethradin, not to mention that their proposal was horrible. Who would want a stolen library full of half-finished books? It wasn't even worth it.

Ethan's progressive mending followed him as he moved on, leading the way towards the Cathedral bit by bit, frowning lightly at the words within his mind but otherwise keeping himself calm and composed. There was a lot of work to do.
(Ethan Hawke)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[01:05] The whispers became louder, speaking to Marceline specifically. Attempting to persuade her. But, she continued on the path. Floating forward, and managing the block out the noise. She was determined to pick up her prize from this library without much trouble, speaking a very curt and somewhat aggressive response.

"You don't know me." she affirmed to the shadows that she wasn't going to be easily swayed. She viewed these spirits as beneath her, and to follow their voice would be to bend. To become submissive and follow someone else's command was never Marceline's prerogative. She was here for herself.
(Marceline)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[01:08] The shadows... Always shadows. How many times had Cordelia utilized her own shadows to ward those off she didn't want around her? Too many times. The whispers, she heard them, clear as day.

Perhaps the old Cordelia, lost and misguided as she was, would have accepted. But this Cordelia...? She knew what she wanted. She refused. She didn't answer those whispers; but her shadow itself stirred in self defense, swirling up around her. Only beyond just a shadow, a light itself shown through; holy mana gathering up around her feet to ward the shadows off herself.
(Cordelia I. Avitus)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[01:15] {NARRATION} Through the gardens the three went, still ignoring those whispers in their ears. Finally they'd make it to the foot of the cathedral, a central courtyard where what might have once been a magnificent fountain stood. But what laid before them was ruin. A massive gargoyle loomed overhead, its eyes watching, threatening, but ultimately unbothered by their presence while another few craters littered the space and wrecked the stony paths.

The Library itself had broken windows, and one of the sides had a gaping hole in the side. All of these details, however, were second to the thing hunched over near the broken center. What appeared to be a woman with bleached blonde hair cradled a crown in two, shaking hands. Her skin, once healthy and lush was now nearly white, and the regal attire on her person was tattered and stained.

Cracked starlight emanated from her person, along with a billowing windstorm that picked up as soon as she became aware of the visitors.

Her head snapped to the side and her eyes narrowed at Cordelia. "You...." she said with a hiss. Slowly she got to her feet, this haunted and malformed valkyrie, and she pointed a terrible, accusatory finger at Cordelia. "Your kind did this to her. You took her!! Give her BACK!!"
[01:22] Why the change of heart?

Because it's lonely. Most of the continent hates me.

But even with her change, with being alive - with that holy magic exuding passively from her form... She was still hated. She was still viewed as nothing but a Vampire. It was a pain. But as they entered the central courtyard, Cordelia gazed. The library itself was dilapidated severely; broken windows, and a gaping hole in one of the sides of the building. It was too magnificent to have suffered such a fate. She could fix it - right?

But there was no time for that. The woman, cradling that crown, caught her attention and all at once that accusatory finger was pointed her way. Of course, it never changed.

Her kind... She remembered very well the Keeper's words and now she spoke up,

"I'm not a Vampire," She said with all the strange patience in the world. "I'm alive. I- … I can't give... Anyone back. I can't bring anyone back. I'm sorry..."

She wished she could. She desperately wished she could bring someone back.
(Cordelia I. Avitus)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[01:22] The further they went, the worse it got. The Wayfinder felt as if in his youth he would've tried and moved right past any obstacle, teleporting into the cathedral rather than taking the long walk, but... that wouldn't solve the problems that were there, would it?

As they came across this odd, deformed, and angry woman Ethan quickly saw that glimmer in her eyes. She... had nothing to lose. This looked like the kind of individual that had lost far, far too much in the past, waiting for their revenge.

The old man could only hope that Marceline wouldn't strike first.

"Wait..! She's not like he is anymore. Cordelia underwent purification; we came to learn more in order to help the world, not take from it, yeah?"

He definitely wasn't the best at diplomacy, though Ethan went for the longshot, hoping it would pay off.

"Tell us what was taken away. We'll try to help."

Shedding light through those dark clouds wouldn't come from merely ignoring every issue, now, would it?

... oh crap, was that a Nethradin?
(Ethan Hawke)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[01:22] A courtyard was reached, at least what once was one. Now, the place had been laid to ruin. They were just at the foot of what they had came here for, but there was one roadblock that wasn't going to let them pass so easily. A woman with ghastly pale skin, and regal attire. The crown in her hands, split in two.

Perhaps the remnant of a fallen civilization. Before Marceline could theorize just what had caused this royalty to fall from grace, the malformed woman pointed an accusatory finger towards Cordelia and gave her the answer. It was vampires that had taken everything from her.

"Oh, great." Marceline griped, reaching for her staff. Her fingers tightened around Indignation, sparks and embers idly dripping from her form as she prepared for battle. She didn't see this going any other way. "Don't bother reasoning with it! Spirits like these lose all sense of self, and they become their sorrow."

Marceline surprisingly had a more vast knowledge of this place than she let on. Riftmancers did need extensive information on the astral planes to perform their art well, after all. "So if it doesn't want us to pass, we're gonna have to force our way through." she affirmed, grinning at this.

Plasma shrouded her form, preparing herself as she was intent on taking it down.
(Marceline)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[01:28] {NARRATION} "LIAR!" she shrieked. The Banshee Wardeness had likely gone without news of the dhampirism on Agartha. All she saw before her was someone with red eyes, someone with pale skin, someone who still despite regaining her mortality would have underlying auras and undeniable traits of what she once was.

It was justification enough to lash out like this.

The beauty on the Wardeness' face could still be seen, even if it was distant now. Who she once was was easy to see, and it left a sad and depressing feeling within those who witnessed her to realize just how far she had fallen into the depths of despair and grief.

Even with Ethan's justification and with his plea to help, Marceline's advice seemed to prove true.

This Wardeness was intent on attacking before she'd even consider speaking to any of them.
[01:46] RP BATTLE} {INJURY} You roll a d6... You get 6!

{RP BATTLE} {CAPTURE} You roll a d6... You get 6!
(Ethan Hawke)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[01:51] {NARRATION} Cordelia - 4
Marceline - 2
Ethan - 3

(Go ahead and roll for injuries)
[01:52] {Item} You drop Black Hood.
[01:52] {Item} You picked up Newbie Shirt. Dropped by Preethi. .
[01:52] {Item} You picked up Black Hood. Dropped by Ethan Hawke. .
[01:52] {Item} You drop Newbie Shirt.
[01:55] The Dhampir didn't want to fight the woman; it wasn't her that had taken whoever it was from her, it wasn't even the same kind. But... That didn't matter, did it?

Sometimes, people are going to hate you regardless of who you are, and what you do.

It was a display of magnificent intermingling of magics; the mastery of both lightning and fire from the Fairy, and occultism and fire from Ethan. Cordelia's own mixture of Lightning and holy helped to try and keep the others afloat in terms of damage, whilst she raced across the battlefield as quick as her legs would propel her.

Electricity sparked between the blonde's fingers, normally pink eyes glowing a fierce crimson belaying just what she was. Now, she zipped across the courtyard, shaking her head,

"It... WASN'T ME!" Came a sudden shout from the usually quiet blonde, who mostly kept to herself after her change. It wasn't fair, but... Life wasn't fair sometimes. She had learned that time and time again. Lightning exploded from her, as she pressed it firmly against the Banshee's form and then right through her. The mingling of holy would hopefully help soothe the emotional pain she felt at losing someone so precious.

Cordelia knew how that felt.

"... I'm sorry."
(Cordelia I. Avitus)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[02:06] {NARRATION} The fight was violent, far more violent than a Wardeness would normally be capable of. Her screams of anger and hatred for Cordelia were only rivaled in volume by the wind magic she sent cascading into the dhampir and her friends. Gravity magic cracked the already broken courtyard further, and debris was slung this way and that to make it all the more difficult to traverse.

An illusory form of the Wardeness' partner who was lost appeared suddenly amidst the chaos and with a raise of her phantom hand brought a thunderclap of golden lightning down on Cordelia herself. Though once the electricity hit the vampire wouldn't feel the shock, but rather a shuddering hold on her mind take over, one that would leave her weighted with guilt for what she was, for what she had done in past, and for -who her family was-. (12 day temp)

Ethan was met with a similar fate, though it wasn't related to his bloodline. The phantom of the stolen guardian collided into him with cosmic magic alight at her heels, and while the impact would have normally caused bones to break and bodies to bruise, he instead was instantly overwhelmed with a sense of sorrow, a sense of emptiness for those in his life he had lost. It was the Wardeness' burden shared and forced onto him, one that would be difficult to rid himself of. (12 day temp)

And finally Marceline, caught in the billows of the tornadoes her opponent sent out would find one of her wings clipped by flying debris, an injury that would cause her difficulty in flying and movement until it healed back. (4 day temp)

It was in the end that Cordelia managed to light the Wardeness up with holy magic, shocking her to a point of shrieking in retreat. She clutched at her head and at her robes, trying to get a hold of herself while some golden color returned to her hair.

"You-- IT WAS YOU- you YOUR KIND. RED EYES, FANGS, SHE still cries, I hear her crying..." The Wardeness slouched over, holding herself and struggling to stay sane. Cordelia had indeed given her some sort of coherency back, but it only brought this painful reality back into her eyes, the very reality that had driven her to the point she was at.

"...she's gone... she's gone..." she kept saying over and over.
[02:09] ** Tattles has inflicted an injury upon Ethan Hawke. ("Burden of Loss", "The Wardeness' burden of loss that she felt over the defeat and disappearance of her partner now weighs heavily on Ethan's mind. It reminds him of those he has lost in his life and will fill his waking and sleeping moments until the nightmares are dealt with. It is similar to depression in nature, though brought on by illusory magic.", "Temporary", "Duration: Long (12 days)") **
[02:15] The fight raged on, leaving Ethan wary of any stray beam or cosmic explosions, avoiding the attacks cleanly and shifting from one side of the battlefield to the other nigh instantly to survive. What he didn't expect, however, was for illusion magic to be forced down upon him so harshly. In the midst of his sending forth a fire wave he felt a sinking sensation in his heart. His eyes grew glassier as the effects of nullification that had been stressed failed to save him from this ridiculous fate.

He practically fell to the ground consumed by the all powerful cosmic illusion reminding him of his long, long life. Of Vanika who had forever left. Of Jesse who threw himself at death. Of Izabell who died during the war. Of Mital who left never to be seen again; so many people had left his life. Why would he keep on going? Even Shen—

.. Shen's death was all for one purpose, wasn't it? To save others and ensure that tear in space would be shut. If Ethan dropped there, then he couldn't finish up what the Qilin had begun.

It's with a heart full of dread and eyes that remained on the ground that the Wayfinder forced himself back up. He wasn't going to jump off a cliff, but if a stray beam were to rush towards him right now he wasn't sure he'd jump away.

Life was almost as bad as when he pushed his nullifying prowess to the maximum.
(Ethan Hawke)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[02:20] After a rather heated battle with the distraught spirit, Marceline wasn't left feeling particularly happy. Her movements were fueled by anger as the fight went on in fact, recklessness pushing her forward as the conflict progressed. As she accumulated damage, she was intent on paying it back.

The way she battled was always fueled by revenge. Her indignant spirit flared as her one of her wings were especially injured, leaving her flying to be more difficult. She wobbled in place, using gravity to keep herself afloat. Sweat and blood marked her features, her chest expanding and contracting with each bated breath.

She exuded rage by the time that the spirit was on her knees, losing all patience. Battered from this conflict, and for what reason? Because this Nethradin was having a mean streak? What did she have to do with any of this? What did she do to earn these wounds?

Nothing.

Still standing by the end of thebattle, it was Marceline who'd rush forward after Cordelia hesitated to end it decisively. The crying was an annoyance by this point, something that she wanted nothing more than to silence. Rifts brought her closer, phasing in and out of reality as she barreled towards it like a bullet.

"Shut up!" she shrieked, both in pain and in anger. "If you're going to keep whining about them being gone, maybe it's about time you JOIN HER!!" she shouted, swinging her staff down. A deafening clap of plasma thunder rained down from the skies, intermingled with the crimson of the billowing black clouds above. A blinding purple and deep red light.

She planned on destroying them right now.
(Marceline)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[02:21] Some of the golden color returned; but...

Cordelia's brows furrowed, feeling something hit her gut like a train. It felt horrid, and despite having stood tall at the end, the Dhampir stumbled a bit, catching herself. It was her kind; her family. That had taken whatever - whoever it was, away from her. Tears pricked at her eyes, and it took quite a lot of effort to fight them back. Eventually, shaking off that initial feeling of pure guilt, Cordelia stood back up.

Inhaling deeply, she shook her head,

"It wasn't me. I'm different," She defended, though gently. "I'm sorry they took her. I'm sorry they hurt you - but lashing out at me won't bring her back. It won't make you feel better. Please..." She paused, biting her lip briefly, "... I'm sorry."

That's really all she could truthfully sorry.
(Cordelia I. Avitus)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[02:33] {NARRATION} Ethan's despair was overtaking him while Cordelia tried to apologize and aid with the Wardeness' pain, Marceline was intent on killing the the spirit. The fae's plasma magic collected into a bubbling, shocking display that would very likely obliterate what was left of the Warden, but Cordelia was able to throw the fae's aim off with a shove.

It spiraled outward and smashed into the front of the Cathedral shocking brick and stone alike, leaving the Wardeness in surprise staring up at the dhampir.
[02:36] Even after the small push against the Fairy, given her size, Cordelia shook her head,

"Marceline, stop," She said. She hadn't hit the small Fairy that hard, just enough to throw that aim off. Now, she looked back to Wardeness, features softening, "My family did it," She said, "I know. I understand - I... I'm sorry. I wish I could do more for you, but that's why I'm here because I want to try and bring someone very important to me back somehow. I'll try and save your friend, too... If I can."

It was the least she could do. Right the wrongs the family had made.
(Cordelia I. Avitus)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[02:38] While the fight was going on to his side the man was busy reminiscing of every time that he messed up. His entire life had been wasted away; gifted with a rare magic before he reached adulthood and left behind by his desire to have a happy life. His daughter had been taken away and he couldn't save her. He couldn't even prevent her from being taken away. Why was he alive? Did he deserve to live? He felt like he shouldn't even think about living anymore - most of the people he knew and loved had long passed or left.

Maybe the world would be better off without him. He didn't want to stay awake, yet falling asleep would only bring him to the next day, to the next hell to live through.

If only he could drift off in his sleep peacefully.
(Ethan Hawke)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[02:41] Marceline had her attack diverted. She was held back from what she believed to be poetic revenge in her eyes. Instant karma. Truly, the fairy didn't seem to hold any respect for this warden of the deceased. Her lightning crashed into the cathedral, causing property damage but not killing any spirits today.

"What the hell, Cordelia?" she immediately snapped at the dhampire, still full of adrenaline. She had acted emotionally when she moved to destroy the Warden, and she still had emotion to spare. "I was finishing this! You- ugh." she griped. Her mana reserves were dwindling, unable to prepare another attack like that again for now.

You know, because of plasma aura.
(Marceline)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[02:45] {NARRATION} The Wardeness' eyes narrowed, and despite her hair regaining some holy glow, she was still very much a depressed and distraught spirit. But actions had spoken more than words, and Cordelia stepping in to save her life made her at least pause to listen for now.

She shifted back to the sitting position they had found her in, her hair now dangling in front of her face.

"...it is my fault the Library has fallen into this state." She said with a forlorn tone. "I couldn't protect it without her... I couldn't do anything without her..."

The doors to the building opened and the shadows behind them all seemed to hold their breath in anticipation. The Wardeness stood and waved the trio forward. "Just... come. Enter... and be on your way."
[02:49] Marceline deftly moved her hand in a downward motion, invoking chaos magic. A tiny rift was torn open, accessing her very own pocket dimension. A tiny vial of lax essence was spit out of the rift. Well, tiny for humans. Regular sized for Marceline. She'd drink the potion, before stitching the rift shut and proceeding.

"It's about time. You're lucky that Cordelia was here to save you, because I wouldn't have hesitated." she spoke vitriol towards the warden, before floating on her way to the library.
(Marceline)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[02:50] As the Wardeness shifted into a seated position once more, the Dhampir looked to the tiny Fae. She didn't know what else to tell her before she nodded,

"You can do plenty of things without her, for the time being. Protect the library. Do your best... That's what any of us can truly do," She said. A small piece of advice, before she strode forward as the doors to the Library proper opened.
(Cordelia I. Avitus)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[02:52] Ethan stood there for a few moments as the others went ahead. He really, really wasn't feeling well. The very core of his depression laid beyond mere illusion magic; the latter only made it more visible, more present. It'd take until the Wayfinder realized he was alone with the Wardeness to finally trudge on.
(Ethan Hawke)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[02:52] Cordelia I. Avitus says, ".... Ethan...? Come on."
[02:52] Cordelia I. Avitus exclaims, "The doors are open!"
[02:55] {NARRATION} The Wardeness said nothing else, aside from an empty stare at Maceline for the threat. She lead the group into the doors and then closed them once they had all entered.

Inside what had once seemed so beautiful from a distance was revealed to be in even worse shape than one might have expected. What could only be an endless string of rows upon rows of books was a mess, disorganized and filled with toppled furniture and wood.

A blue spirit, tall in stature with simple beard and a bald head glided toward the trio and greeted them with the same, long stare the original eye had.

"So you made it." said the familiar voice, though this time with a mouth to fit it. "And you've given my guard a spark." Was that a pun? He didn't say it like a pun, nor did he seem like the type for them. "As I said before... one piece of information, though you can see now why it will be... unwhole." Ane emotionless gesture was given to the ransacked library.

"It takes a great amount of power to keep the Nethradin out, and yet they have still managed to do great damage to my collection. See what it is you would like to see, but I would suggest leaving this place through your own means rather than my original gate."
[03:01] Marceline floated into the library, assessing the damage. It was worse than she thought. Everything was in a disarray, and it made her already low hopes plummet. Could she really find something useful in all of this rubble? She hoped so, because she didn't want these wounds to be for nothing. The fairy looked up to the holder of that familiar voice.

"So, I can pick whatever I want from this trash heap and go on my way. Sounds just fine to me." she replied. There was an underlying tone of malice, the dull pain from the prior fight leaving her irritable. Without further ado, she'd fly towards the bookshelves and attempt to find what she was looking for.

'C'. 'CH'. 'CI'- no, that was too far. 'CHA-'.. Yeah, you could probably discern the sort of reading material she was looking for by now. Having excommunicated herself from Dawn for the most part, she was looking for a tome that could further initiate her into the chaotic arts.
(Marceline)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[03:03] It was hard to keep track with reality. To ensure that he would be able to follow through and ask what he had earned. His thoughts were all cluttered, leaving him almost asking for a tome on rather darker arts - perhaps to inflict the pain he felt he deserved after all of his failures. He really wasn't doing well, that much was obvious by now.

The memory of Shen alone would be what dragged him back; the Qilin's sacrifice couldn't be forgotten and... Right. That's what he wanted to learn about. Green flashes and a motionless body traveled quickly across the library, searching for something in specific - a tome, or part of a tome that had to deal with a subject that went right against what the last one who came here for sought out.

Somehow, their fates were intertwined.

"Mending the lifestream... there has to be something in here about it." He muttered to himself, looking for covers with more eye-catching things like Wayfinding commands or a phoenix - something he could actually put into use.
(Ethan Hawke)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[03:04] As they entered, the Dhampir took in the library quickly. It was... So messy. As the blue spirit floated over, and spoke, Cordelia immediately recognized the voice and nodded.

She had given the Wardeness a spark, hadn't she? Eyes trained upon the Keeper as she nodded,

"Each of us gets one piece, correct?" She asked. She wanted to make sure of the rules before they went any further. She didn't want a misunderstanding... She didn't want a repeat of what happened to Malentine to happen to any of them. Already she noted Marceline having flown off in her own excitement.... Cordelia wandered, after she'd receive her answer.

She had initially come to learn about Riftmancy. But that was in a past life - literally.

Did she want to learn about Wayfinding? Or did she want more? Questions sunk deep in her mind as she pondered, wandering aimlessly, pink eyes taking in what was upon the shelves in their disorganized mess. Here and there, when she could, she'd attempt to tidy just a bit. Furniture was righted and papers put back on tables.

Hadn't Thera mentioned that Shai's spirit was sealed within her? Could that happen...?

"... Can I seal a spirit in myself..." She murmured out lout. She knew nothing about spirits.
(Cordelia I. Avitus)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[03:12] {NARRATION} Marceline went looking for something on Chaos while Ethan and Cordelia spoke out their wishes. The fae would easily find a half burnt book on the Arcane itself, one that detailed the concepts of both Order and Chaos, but most importantly a handful of pages that detailed practicing the magic itself and how either side was capable of tapping into reality's will itself.

The Keeper raised one hand and a stack of pages that were bound by torn string was lifted toward Ethan. It was without a cover, and thus without a title, but it explained some processes of sealing rifts and strengthening aspects of the Lifestream via direct, spiritual reinforcement.

His other hand raised and a brown, leather cover atop what appeared to be another half of a book was lifted toward Cordelia. The title read, 'Guardians from Beyond', and described processes to communicate with greater spirits and how to ally and work with them.

The Keeper let them all take their one tome and then put his arms behind his back.

"There you are. Are you satisfied?"
[03:13] Ethan took the tome as it came to him. Perhaps letting the Keeper take care of it himself was better than messing about his library. He looked at the book without a title, flipping through a few pages before his thoughts were confirmed; this was the right thing.

Of course that didn't make him less unhappy. Depression was hitting him head-on.
(Ethan Hawke)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[03:18] Marceline salvaged some notes on the Arcane. She didn't want the others to know what she had picked up, believing it might jeopardize her current standing in Levengard. So, she tore open a tiny rift once more and shoved the notes inside. It was closed, storing her prize in her pocket dimension.

She floated back up to the entrance of the library. "Alright, I got what I wanted. Kind of." she admitted. Yes, there was more to be desired with the notes she received. But, it was a start, at least. "Let's get out of here already."
(Marceline)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[03:18] She hadn't honestly expected the Keeper to answer her own question for her. As the book was lifted to her, she took it from midair, staring at the cover quietly. The Dhampir was silent, a small smile on her face.

Her questions regarding the particular spirit she wanted to bring back would probably be best left to a Spiritmancer - and she knew two pretty well. The half book was clutched to his chest tightly as soon enough, the Dhampir returned to the front of the library. At least the sections she went through looked...

Cleaner. More inviting, even.

"Yes," She said, "Thank you - a lot."
(Cordelia I. Avitus)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[03:18] {Item} You picked up Spiritual Healing..
[03:23] {NARRATION} "Gratitude is unecessary. This knowledge was collected, and now dispersed to your hands." His eyes turned back to the mess and he stared at the wreckage. "In time it will mend and heal... the Nethradin will never be able to claim this place in full, not while I am still within it."

He turned back to the trio. "You all should go. It would be too dangerous to go the way you came. I would suggest the Wayfinder's route rather than what the fae might have in mind."

Though he said nothing of what Marceline had found, he gave her a look that would tell the fairy he definitely knew what it was.
[03:25] Ethan felt a calling. He knew he had to answer - even if his heart wasn't into it. He slowly trudged towards the pair, inviting them to gather up with a simple gesture as a multitude of magical circles appeared around him - preparing for transport. The same circles etched upon the foci of his staff began glowing with an amazing rainbow, in complete contrast to Ethan's current gloom.
(Ethan Hawke)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[03:27] The Dhampir could only nod, briefly glancing to Marceline with a small smile.

"I'm sorry for swatting at you earlier," She said. Marceline was certainly the type of Fairy she didn't want to be mad at her. Gods. As Ethan trudged up, she took his hand - though pink eyes studied him closely. Something was wrong. She knew. They could handle it later. She paused briefly then looked at the Keeper again, "Maybe we can come back and help clean up - later."

An attempt to atone, for the wrongs her own family had committed.
(Cordelia I. Avitus)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[03:28] "Just one more thing." Marceline looked up to the Warden, before following Ethan along on his path. Her notes felt incomplete, in tatters. If she wanted a more vast understanding of the material, she'd need to seek out the other half. Perhaps she could strike a deal that could benefit the both of them?

"You said you know everything, right? So, could you write me instructions on how to get to those Nethradin that stole all of your material?" she asked, crossing her arms. "I know about your rule or whatever, but giving me this information will help recover your library once I destroy those Nethradin."

"You want that, don't you?"
(Marceline)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[03:33] {NARRATION} The Keeper stared at Marceline and Cordelia, only nodding to Cordelia in response. To Marceline he said, "The gargoyle outside leads them, though his true form resides elsewehre. A place east of here with red mountains."

He held his hand out in said direction. "I cannot give you anything else written, but that is where you might find what has been taken from me."
[03:38] "That mountain over there, huh?" Marceline asked, reaching for her staff. Her fingers wrapped around Indignation, invoking chaos magic as she pointed her weapon towards the ground. "Well, I'm going to have to know how to get back here, aren't I? You'll see me soon." she told the Warden.

The ground beneath them cracked, a rune crudely imprinted into the floor in what resembled the shape of a butterfly, carved in the center of a circle. From within the marking, a crimson glow lingered. The mark pulsated with a faint sense of corruption, marking this position for when Marceline would decide to teleport here next.

"When I show up, I'll bring a squad of people to that mountain. I'll recover all of your material, but I'm going to expect something in return." she told the Keeper, before looking to Ethan. "Let's go."
(Marceline)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[04:08] It was thanks to Ethan they returned safely from the Keeper's library. The half book that she had received was clutched tightly against her chest and only now, that they were back in Levengard, did she flip through it quietly. There was an excitement brewing in her that she just... Couldn't contain properly. She moved South...

It seemed Ethan was asleep. She'd bother him over what was wrong later.
(Cordelia I. Avitus)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------