Take Back the Crown

Bo blew raspberries as he briefly gathered his thoughts. "Ya know, I'm not really sure. But if we can take any hints from this one, I figure they're probably more ancient, powerful, and mythical creatures. I mean, I assume they would be, since they need to keep the stones safe. Although, I don't imagine all of them will be as agreeable as the Sphinx. She seems pretty chill, even with all of the riddles and the impending death if we get one wrong. So I guess I'm not sure. I guess I feel like things will only get harder from here on out, but that's only because that's better to do than underprepare yourself, ya know. What do you think we'll have to face next though? I imagine that even without the stone guardians and their 'trials,' that we'll face many other trials as well. Like the crawlers. And the demons. And the imps. All those guys."


@L1d1ja
 
"Most likely more demons or others who wish this quest to fail. I hope we don't have to battle carwlers again though. I still have goo in every scratch on my armor. " Garrett chuckled. 


@soundofmind
 
"Yuck. I don't even want to think about it." Garrett chuckled. "I hope we get out of this pyramid and desert soon. The sand is getting a bit boring." He mumbled more to himself than to anyone else.


@soundofmind
 
            Seeing as how there was not much else to do, Yaroslav returned to the wall he had been leaning against before to wait. Overhearing Bo and Garrett's conversation, he couldn't help but quietly chuckle at that last part, "You and me both." He stated, forgetting he wasn't actually part of the conversation, "But we will be going from hot scorching sand, to cold frigid snow. Soon we will be tired of that too." He glanced at them, "Not to mention the rotlands and marshes we'll have to trek through, even the ocean itself. We have quite the journey ahead of us."





            Ashlar returned the friendly caress with a chuckle and watched her leave. Though he decided to remain in his spot, not having any particular thing to say nor ask the Sphinx.


            The Sphinx on the other hand was patiently waiting for conversations, not having much company during her stay in the Trinid. Sensing Aggie approach before she even left the hallway, the beast turned her head to her with a smile, kindly awaiting a question, or some other topic to babble about, "And I have an answer." She said with a purr, "But it may or may not be an answer you'd like to hear." She added as a warning.


@Tater
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            Hjalmar gave the elf a bright smile as he gently clasped her hand with both of his. He didn't say it out loud, but he mouthed a 'thank you' to her, hoping his gratitude for her friendship could be conveyed through his eyes. He planned on talking with her later, perhaps when less was happening, back at the dwarven encampment. Despite the difficult answer the Sphinx gave him, at least now Hjalmar felt comforted that he could count on someone should he need help or... or if the mark had sinister plans for him, such as making him a pawn in the daemon's game. With a polite bow to the princess, Hjalmar apologized, "I'm sorry, milady. But I'd like some fresh- well, and hot air."


            He almost ran into Aggie on his way out, still looking at the princess as he finished his statement, but managed to evade without her noticing much. Her mind seemed to be honed on something. Turning the corner, Hjalmar grimaced at the sight of Ashlar sitting in the middle of it, conveniently placed in the way. The skilled thief tried to sneak around, the sand hardly being disturbed by his light footsteps, which didn't seem like it would be all that difficult as Ashlar seemed to be meditating; his legs crossed and his eyes closed, taking steady breaths, and almost appearing asleep. But just as the boy was about to make it outside without being noticed, he heard Ashlar's voice behind him, "Not gonna steal and run off or anything, are you?"


The boy turned his head and was met with a roguish smile, that seemed to be his trademark.


            "No." He bluntly stated with a frown, "And even if I did, where on earth would I 'run' off to?" He asked, but didn't really need an answer.


            He was about to turn to leave again, but the next statement stopped him right in his tracks, "So you wouldn't use that special rune of yours to magically teleport off somewhere, right? Can't magic do that?"


            The boy slowly turned to glare at him, his mouth partially open, but no words came out.


            "Ooh, looks like I hit a nerve." Ashlar said with a teasing tone, "Was I not supposed to know about that? I apologize, I'm just a perceptive fellow."


            "You're also a prying one." Hjalmar spat, "Keep your large dirty nose out of business that doesn't concern you. Or else you might just find yourself lacking one." He bluntly stated before stomping off towards his horse. At least horses didn't snoop.


            Ashlar just watched him leave with raised eyebrows, "Very well." He muttered to himself as he re-positioned to meditate again, making a mental note not to talk about it again.

 
Nick hung back.  He didn't feel as though he were a part of the group... part of the quest... So he wasn't really sure how to behave or act.  Instead, he simply hung back and faded away from everyone's awareness (save the Sphinx's, of course).  Eventually, he found a patch of wall and, upon reading the runes and deciding it was probably safe, he leaned back against it to watch proceeding from afar.  I'll have plenty of time to study the stone and the crown later.


The dark elf lady approached the Sphinx, who, for the most part, focused her attentions on the woman.  Feeling himself relax somewhat, Nick turned and strolled toward where the stone had sat and attemoted to look through them to try to see what was going on.


"Blast.  There's so much magic flooding this place, these things are totally washed-out."  He muttered aloud as he attempted to adjust them - tightening the oculi to limit exposure, adjusting focus... All to no avail.


I wonder...  Nick approached Svetlana, who was so far the only person he seemed to have made a halfway-decent impression on so far.  "I'm trying to get a good look at this place, but the sheer power is absolutely overpowering my goggles."  He handed them to her and pointed behind the Sphinx, to the inner sanctum.  "Look over there - see?  It's just an absolute riot of bright color, right?"  He crossed his arms and sighed.  "Do you... Do you happen to know if anyone has any sort of magic dampening power?  A Null field, or a Grounding Talisman?  Anything like that?  I might be able to rig something so these things arent just completely washed out.  There's knowledge at work there that even you might not know..."


@Lo Alyssa
 
"Yes. Quite the journey. Although, I'm not really looking forward to the whole trek across the ocean." He grimaced, half pouting, but shrugged. "For obvious reasons, haha. Snow is good though! If I'd known we were travelling across so many different types of terrain though, I would've come more prepared. Like, actually bringing a jacket or something." He liked the cold, but not that much.


@L1d1ja @Lo Alyssa 
 
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"I guess I'll just have to mentally curse about one thing at a time." Garrett joked."But in my opinion, sand and heat are the worst. However the ocean might be quite a challenge too. I just hope that the repeat of the last time we were all on a boat does not happen."


@Lo Alyssa @soundofmind
 
Her eyes flicked along the face of the creature, awed for a moment before swallowing the lump in her throat," I am aware. " she replied, clasping her hands together and exhaling slowly,"I think it would bring some comfort to my head regardless."


She went quiet for a moment and thought briefly on how she should word her question,"I have a...spirit. He's been with me for many years and caused much torment mentally and physically. Am I...able to be free from him? Even for a moment? " 


Pippa raised his head and looked towards Aggie across the way / What are you doing? / he snapped in her head. 


She ignored him, looking up to the Sphinx with a mix of worry. 


@Lo Alyssa
 
            The Sphinx gazed deeply at Pippa, knowing full well what he was before he had even entered the pyramid. She raised an eyebrow, eyeing the corgi up and down. She then glanced at Aggie, "If there is a way in, then there is always a way out. But there is no telling how easy or difficult entering and exiting such a pact is. That is something you must discover for yourself, and if that is what you truly want, then you shall find a way." She said, "As for temporarily, there are ways for you to shut off communication for a time when you do not want to feel their presence. But it requires practice and patience to master. I would suggest you address a highly skilled mage for that sort of endeavor." She glanced at Svetlana as a hint. The woman had been living for hundreds of years and was skilled in all sorts of magics. She had no doubt the woman would know such arts.


@Tater
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            Svetlana turned to the man with a smile, almost flattered he was seeking her assistance, "I actually happen to know how to help you. Magic does not have limitations, so this could be accomplished through a simple enchantment." She said holding her chin in thought, "I could cast a rune on your goggles so that they might be clearer. Of course, you'd have to hand them over for me to do it." She said looking up at him, already having a rune in mind.



 
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            "I will not argue with you on that." Yaroslav scoffed, he completely detested the sand. "I grew up in the marshlands- Anthor. They were actually frigid rather than humid, so I'm more accustomed to the colder weather. The heat... does not agree with me." He added, looking back on the days he was a young whelp, playing in the snow all whilst being mindful of the bogs. It was a dangerous place to live, but it was where he grew up. And for that, he missed it.

 
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Oceana would pass by Nameen on her way to the wagons and something inside her told her to pause for a moment.


Although, as she stood there looking up at the human, she realized she hadn't thought of anything to say.


Clearing her throat awkwardly, the almighty huntress shifted from foot to foot before gruffly asking,


"How's the leg?"


@Rydellius
 
Listening closely to the sphinx's words, she nodded slowly in understanding. Her reply wasn't as riddled like she expected and with that she was grateful for. Looking over to the woman, her silver eyes flicked over her aged complexion, comfort falling over her shoulders. Looking back up to the beast, she smiled warmly and dipped her head lowly, holding her hands to her chest,"Thank you so much. This brings me such insight to my issue." straightening up into a standing position, she saw that Pippa was now in his larger form, hovering over her with a curled nose. /What are you doing./ he stated. 


Aggie stared up at him and put her hands down at her sides, returning the stare. / Elf things./ she replied simply. 



The two stared eachother down for a few moments before the big black smokey beast turned his head with a snort, glaring up at the sphinx then to Svetlana, ears flattening down against his skull. /She can't bring us apart. We are meant to stay together./ trotting off and past the rest of the group, Pippa made a run out of the pyramid, turning sharply off to the right and into the sands. Aggie exhaled and looked up to the Sphinx, offering another smile and dipping her head in dismissal before walking back to her original spot at the entrance of the pyramid. Passing by the rest, she got a good look at all of them, taking in their body habits and tics they would do while speaking. They all were her friends...at least she wanted to think that. Swallowing lightly, she pulled her hood up over her head and made her way back to Ashlar, touching his shoulders to announce her return and sat next to him. Exhaling she closed her eyes and took in the cooling desert breeze. 


@Lo Alyssa @all
 
Kacel'la was bored, which, in her way of life, meant it was time to do something ridiculous. She looked around for a possible idea. One was to try and go run down from the top of the pyramid as fast as possible, except she had already tried that on a bigger one, which left her with broken arm, leg and three ribs after a fall. So idea number two it was: go talk with the sphynx and probably annoy the powerful creature.


"HI! So I noticed you were answering some questions and I have a couple." She said as she walked up to the sphinx. "First one: what is the answer to the riddle 'how is a raven alike to a writing desk?'? The only good answer I know is 'that you shouldn't shove either one up your ass'."She tried not to grin when she remembered Dorian giving her the answer with the most tired, deadpan expression."And the more mature answer 'inky quills' only seems to depend on the use of the desk. Second question: doesn't it get lonely to constantly hang around the pyramid to guard the stone?"


@Lo Alyssa
 
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Obviously, Phaedra was ecstatic to see the first stone finally in the hands of the princess. Who wasn't excited to see the first leg of their journey finally paying off in a positive way after the already dangerous journey they've made? After the all too close encounters with death? After the slow realization that they were stuck travelling together for a common cause and yet knew next to nothing about each other and that their true selves could be uglier than she could imagine? The more she really thought about it, the more fearful and anxious Phaedra became, though she would despise to ever admit it. 
​


Shockingly hesitant to approach anyone for conversation - even though it had been days since the explosive argument with Oceana - her eyes settled back on the Sphinx. Kacel'la was currently speaking with the creature and she watched with some measure of curiosity. Still - it wasn't enough stimulation for her. Her eyes wandered from person to person, each absorbed in their own world as she stood on the outside. True, she had been with the group since the near beginning, but something had made her feel so isolated from the rest. This wasn't a unique feeling, however. This loneliness was something she had carried with her her entire life. There were others that could clearly relate, however - she still had to ask Kacel'la a question after all, after their talk - and maybe even Nick, who had been the newest subject of the group's aggression. Perhaps he could be the next subject of her curiosity, but she held herself back. He seemed to be speaking with Svetlana and she didn't care to interrupt.
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The internal conversation she was having with herself resulted in everyone else seeing Phaedra simply standing in place, wringing her hands as the air immediately around her whipped around in an erratic fashion as her eyes bounced from person to person.


(Whoops. There is really nothing I feel like Phaedra can do right now. But this is good because it lets me slowly bring her back in again. x.x)
​
 
Bo was going to make a remark about how he couldn't imagine what Yaroslav thought that the sun didn't agree with (knowing that's not at all what he meant by 'the sun doesn't agree with me', but it would be a funny joke) when he spotted Phaedra standing - well, hovering - off by herself near the walls of the pyramid. Garrett and Yaro weren't bad company - they were actually quite enjoyable - but Bo very much desired the familiarity of a friend, and in this case, that was Phaedra. Giving a small wave of goodbye, he gave a small smile before backing out of the conversation and maybe a little too eagerly hustling over to Phaedra's side.


With a big grin, he looked down at Phaedra, who seemed to be caught up in her thoughts again. He hoped she wouldn't mind the interruption. "Hello, friend." He smiled.


@TeeKay @/L1d1ja @/Lo Alyssa
 
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She jumped slightly - a mildly amusing sight, considering she was floating in the air - at Bo's greeting, having not seen his approach. Phaedra relaxed slightly, offering a weak smile that still radiated with a small amount of warmth towards her friend. Bo always seemed to know the best times to approach her -  when she most needed the company to ease the thoughts that raced through her mind quick as lightning. Even with all the uncertainty she was facing, Phaedra felt confidence that maybe Bo was genuinely her friend here.
​


"Ah, hello, Bo." Her voice was a whisper, hesitant to bring much attention towards herself. It seemed to be her habit as of late - making herself as small and quiet as possible, shrinking to the back and not engaging with the others. Still - she couldn't hide the excitement in her tone. "Can you believe it? We finally found the first stone."

@soundofmind
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Bo smiled widely, amused at how easily she was surprised without him really trying. She must've been pretty deep in thought for her not to notice him coming up. 


"It's really exciting." He said, matching her tone, as her excitement fed into his. "And a little hard to believe - since I guess I never really thought we were going to have to go on this journey for the stones in the first place. I guess after finding out that they were all scattered, I kind of thought that maybe the quest was a bust. You know, despite hoping things would work out of course. So, it's encouraging to actually see the stone in its place. It makes the hope more real I guess."


@TeeKay
 
The pyramid stilled, the Sphinx settled back into her nook and the princess lowered the crown.  The brief moment if triumph had passed, and Nameen stepped backwards into the shadowed corner of the elaborate room.  She leaned against the wall, and observed the rest of her companions crowding Lucasta to get a look at the crown.  That was until several figures breaking away from the huddle caught her eye. 


 


Nameen watched inquisitively as Hjalmar went first, approaching the majestic Sphinx. They exchanged words breifly, before Hjalmar turned and strode away seeming agitated.  Aggie went next.  It was while watching Kac'ela stride up next that Nameen realized they were going to the all knowing creature with questions.  


She stared up at the Sphinx with a new interest, as well as nerves.  


Would she be able to answer mine? She thought hesitantly, feeling a glimmer of curiosity before remembering remembering the look on Hjalmar's face as he'd walked away. 


Nameen had been mentally debating when she saw Oceana approaching, momentarily glad to have a distraction from her conflicted thoughts. 


When the elven huntress asked about her leg, she stood awkwardly silent for a moment.  The distraction of the past day, and Svetlana's healing had caused her to nearly forget about her injury.  


"It's fine now, like nothing happened."  She then paused, and bit her lip before saying quietly:


"And also- thanks for aiming that arrow at him yesterday." Her eye flickered over to Nick with distaste before turning down to the floor.  


Having someone stick up for her had been a foreign experience, making everything about this it just feel odd.  Nameen shifted her weight uncomfortably, while waiting for Oceana's response. 


 


@OlKaJa77
 
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"Likewise." Phaedra admitted somewhat sheepishly. She did feel silly for not truly believing they'd make it this far, but everyone seemed to be doing what they needed to do... or simply doing what they felt they couldn't not do. Again, she couldn't help but fall back on the conversation she had had with Bo what felt like months ago, but it was really only days - maybe it was fate that strung them together. Did Phaedra believe in fate? Did she feel a pull she couldn't explain? She wasn't entirely sure. "It is encouraging. Just to see that we've gotten one... it is starting to feel far more attainable of a goal."
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She made a subtle gesture towards the Sphinx, mostly using her eyes to direct Bo's attention towards her.
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"Did you ever think you'd meet a fantastic creature in person growing up? I'm personally still in awe. I haven't found the confidence to approach her yet."
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A small violet flush made its way across her cheeks, mildly embarrassed by her sudden shyness. Normally, she'd be more than willing to bounce right up and ask a thousand - no, a hundred thousand! A million! - questions, but Phaedra couldn't. While other women may swoon over a local town bard with his songs of adventure, bravery, and even love, here Phaedra was twiddling her fingers and kicking sand because she was meeting a real Sphinx.

@soundofmind
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"I can go with you if you want, after K'acela is done asking questions! I can't really think of anything really important that I want to ask, but I dunno. I'm sure she'd love to answer your questions. I imagine she doesn't get a lot of conversation staying alone in a pyramid."


@TeeKay 
 

Phaedra stared at Bo for a brief moment, then gave an enthusiastic nod - probably the most energy she had since their battle with the crawlers.
​


"I'd really like that! If you could, I mean. Would you mind?" She grinned.

@soundofmind
​
 
Nick weighed his options mentally - he had never applied actual magic to his goggles - every time another magical practitioner had tried, the other components in the goggles would detect the Magic and suffer interference.  Then again, he had never had access to anyone as learned, experienced, or talented as Svetlana.  "Well, let's see what happens.  Maybe just start with a temporary partial nullification, so I can check on how it all interacts?"  He handed the goggles over to Svetlana and opened up the protective casing (loosening screws and clasps with a small three-sided rod bent into an L), showing her the basics on how they operate - pointing out a variety of minuscule parts and lenses their functions, as many were contained or coated and were not readily apparent.  "Of course, I'm open to ideas, if you've got something else in mind."


@Lo Alyssa
 
Foxrun hadn't exactly meant to eavesdrop on what some of the others were talking about, it just seemed to happen. He caught the mention of reading all the magic around them and quickly turned to its source. Their newest addition, Nick was it? was holding out his goggles to Svetlana. Seeing as he had tried to get a read on some of the magic when they were waiting outside, he was very interested in what they could discover. "Do you really think a rune will help?" He suddenly spoke up curiously from beside the two of them "sorry, I caught the end of the conversation. Do you mind if I listen in? Well I already was but..." he trailed off, stopping himself from the start of a ramble session. "There are lots of other runes in here. And I am definitely not an expert like yourself," he chuckled "but I've heard some combinations of runes could cancel each other out or cause unexpected reactions? Though knowing you, this is likely a rune that belongs in its own category." He was trying to hold back some of his questions, not wanting to be too overbearing with them.


@Lo Alyssa@GlytchMeister
 
Oceana blinked.


And then nodded sagely.


"Donnae mention it." The elf maiden shook her head, and held up a hand to one tattooed cheek.


She poked at it in a slightly embarrassed manner.


"I'm sure my father would have called me rude for that display."


Then she huffed a laugh.


"But never mind that."


The elf looked down at the human's leg before looking back up into her eye thoughtfully.


"I'm glad it's already healed. I once had a similar leg injury from a human wolf trap. It took days for it to heal, even with magic."


Oceana looked down at her hands, voice barely a murmur.


"Maybe that's just because I'm a freak....Perhaps the only elf without magic in all of history."


Without missing a beat, the elf suddenly looked up again, glacial eyes piercing.


"You're other eye is much the same isnae it?"


Nodding to herself the huntress took a silent step back before shooting Nameen a brief but warm smile.


"It's alright. Unlike me, your powers are special. Those who fear are just ignorant and jealous."


The elf thought of all the times humans had shot down the great beasts of the forest. How the human's fear poured off of their bodies when the forest creatures fought to keep their lives. How the fear died along with the magnificent animals her clan held dear and sacred.


Oceana shook her head, clasped her hands behind her back.


"Donnae worry. You are simply Nameen to me."


The huntress smirked.


"The warrior with the blade of mystery metal."


@Rydellius
 
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