Fantasy FtK: The Demon Chalice

[A Play On Words]

"Thank you." She smiled, sliding away her sword

 

[Jodyguru]

“Master Allen Goldleaf wants to see you before you head out. He is the headmaster’s grandson. He’s insisting that he come on the expedition, but if he goes then I stay. Someone has to manage the teacher and parent alliances.”
The images faded, and the candles in the room lit. It was a regular living room made of antique furniture. The Madam was gone, but her calling card sat on the table.

 

[A Play On Words]

She shivered before leaving the room. She sighed and looked at the last door and hesitantly opened it.

 

[Jodyguru]

Inside was a room filled with candles and an old man sat in the middle with a stick of wax melting on his scalp.

“Ah, yes. Come in, young lady. My name is Dax, the Candle Mage.”

He was emaciated and wore rags. His expertise was practically radiating off of him like a sage’s aura.

 

[A Play On Words]

"Hello sir." She said quickly as she awkwardly dodged candles

 

[Jodyguru]

“How’s it going so far? Aren’t these strange halls perplexing? I bet you don’t know what drifter means, do you?”

 

[A Play On Words]

"No- not really." She chuckled sheepishly

 

[Jodyguru]

“Well, that portal you came through was in the tower, and then the doors appeared due to magic. That magic door was a portal to an endless hallway and doors aplenty. There should be a blue stone in your room that will take you where you want to go.”

He took a candle into his hand. “Hold this, lass.”

 

[A Play On Words]

"T-That should be greatly appreciated." She chuckled quietly. "All these hallways are quite confusing."

 

[Jodyguru]

He chuckled. “A drifter doesn’t ask what door they enter. They accept reality and bend to its will. Think of the world like a wheel. Each turn brings about change. What is, was, and could be all exist together by the turn of the wheel.”

The candle burned brightly and a word formed in the candle smoke. The word was Capricious.

“Ah, you wouldn’t want an old goat like me for a partner. Find someone with vigor and passion.” The candle mage smiled at Althea.

 

[A Play On Words]

She smiled softly and nodded before hurrying out of the room. She closed the door and let out a quick sigh of relief. This place was getting weirder and weirder by the second.

 

[Jodyguru]

The candle was still in her hand, and it’s white hot flame was pointing right, into new territory.

 

[A Play On Words]

She sighed and followed the candle's flame

 

[Jodyguru]

The candle led her round a corner where a gold trim door stood as a dead end. The name plate read “rebirth”

Inside was Allen Goldleaf, sitting at his desk in a room with tall windows and long yellow drapes.

He had short white hair and a blonde beard, and cold blue eyes.

 

[A Play On Words]

"Hello- I was told you wanted to see me," Althea said quietly, trying not to disturb him

 

[Jodyguru]

He sucked his teeth and looked up. “Dang, that blood sucking witch gave me away... please have a seat Althea.” He welcomed her into his office.

“I want to lay my intentions bare. The demon chalice is my ticket into the history books and I refuse to be excluded, despite my grandfather saying I have enough feathers in my cap. I can assure you absolute success as your travel companion.”

 

[A Play On Words]

"Quite the confident one, aren't ya?" She asked with a chuckle

 

[Jodyguru]

He nodded. "Well, I have a sharp eye for dungeoneering. I'm the youngest wizard to pass the field expedition exam, and I was nominated prom king by unanimous vote." He chuckled. "But enough about me, tell me what motivates you."

 

[A Play On Words]

"I'm simply in it for the thrill of adventure. This is a new task and I'm very excited about it. I've never done something like this before." She grinned

 

[Jodyguru]

Allen smiled. "Thrill seeker, eh? Sounds like the right attitude for drifting. I drifted for awhile in my late teens. It gave me a lot of great experience. There are portals and hallways all over the world if you know where to find them. Getting back home is always harder than getting lost. Tell me, what are you seeking in a travel partner?"

 

[A Play On Words]

"Someone who can keep up with me and can handle themselves in a fight. As I don't know what exactly we'll be facing. It would also be nice to have someone I can talk to, just to make the journey a little more exciting." She answered, leaning back in her chair.

 

[Jodyguru]

Allen had a pleased smile on his face. "Well look no further. I'm well equipped for any situation. No ghast or skeleton can catch me unawares. Besides that, I make an excellent rabbit stew. I prefer baking but that's harder on the road." He shrugged and smiled at Althea.

 

[A Play On Words]

"Well out of the others I've talked to, you seem the most excited to do so! That and I'm not to keen on tripping over candles throughout the trip." She laughed quietly

 

[Jodyguru]

He turned his head trying to decipher her joke. “Ah, you met Dax. Yes, he’s a proper madman. I enjoy his company from time to time. Not too sure about his wheel theory. Well, I know you have much to think over. Have my calling card.” He tossed a piece of paper towards her that seemed to fly in the air into her hand. It said “Allen G. The Phoenix Mage”

“Are you hungry? I’d treat you to lunch if I thought you were staying here awhile.”

 

[A Play On Words]

"Don't worry about me. Unless you insist," She shrugged with a grin