Five shards hung in the sky, their silver light bathing the vine-covered ruins and outlining strange, twisting forms. Zerchriv let his fronds fall as he approached, trying desperately to keep his hands still; every so often his fingers would twitch, terror almost sending him back, but he forced himself to clip forward on his hardened toes.
The guards looked down at him with disinterest. He wasn't disturbed by their fanged jaws, or their fin-like wings, or their spiked tails; they were greatly blessed, yes, but all Vaucoi these days had some form of mutation. No, it was their expression, the way they seemed to see him as a potential meal, that made Zerchriv's fronds fall; their was little doubt they could consume his essence, and none would oppose them. If he was simply wasting their time, he was doomed.
If he ran, even more so.
Steeling himself, he rose to his full height--only half that of the guards, but still more impressive than most. "I bring news. Of the Munarin."
One of the guards leaned down, sniffing at him. "We have heard many such claims."
"False prophets are.... distasteful." The other guard leaned back. "You may have him."
"I do not lie! I saw with my own eyes a Munarin and... another being."
The first guard gave a snort. "All the Munarin on Zkrivort are dead."
"They weren't on Zkrivort!"
"So you've found a Gate." The other guard examined their fingers. "What was on the other side? Priceless gems? A plain of wide grass? A city of wonders, perhaps?"
"It... it was a small chamber, of rock. My height and half again. Aside from the Gate, there were... six metal posts, two of which housed a glass sphere atop them--"
Let him pass.
The guards frowned, but stepped aside. Zerchriv started as the doors ground open, scampering through quickly to escape their piercing glares. He didn't look at the broken statues, commemorating long forgotten heroes and leaders. He didn't look at the devices mounted on the wall, containing semi-lucid Vaucoi of various clades. He didn't look at the great moat of lightning and blood beneath the bridge he crossed. He only looked at the shimmering, fluctuating field of light that stood between him and the inner sanctum.
My, my. You certainly seem rushed. Not even a tithe to show for your effort.
Zerchriv paled, throwing himself to the ground. "Forgive me, o mighty Skrith, for my insolence was not intended!"
Oh, but of course. Mistakes happen after all, especially when one is filled with worry. Do tell me about this Gate...?
"Yes, yes! The Gate!" He nodded quickly. "My sister and I were scouting a lava tunnel, as the mandate of Orvi requested, when it opened. She remained behind to secure it, finding a Munarin and... some other creature, both in strange armor. I returned to our camp and gathered up more to claim it. When I returned, I... I saw the strange creature had taken off its helmet--it had mismatched eyes, and it watched me even as the Gate shimmered out of existence." Zerchriv gulped. "I, I am afraid that despite our efforts, we have yet to reopen it..."
Now that is interesting. Over the course of time, many came here claiming they had opened a Gate, or found one. Never before have any said that it closed.
"O great Skrith, I cannot beg enough pardon for my failure!"
Hmmm? Oh, yes. If I had demanded the Gates be kept open, it would be a failure, wouldn't it? Do relax. I only sought to know the Gate's location.
The tension left Zerchriv's spine, his breath coming easier after a moment or two. "There is no need to worry on that account, O great Skrith. The camp has marked the location and sentries were emplaced. I came here directly after ensuring to that."
Hence your failure to provide tribute.
"Y....yes my lord. A thousand apologies for my lack of foresight. I... was overeager, and will not let it happen again."
Oh, certainly. Certainly. In fact, your report answers some questions I had been meaning to ask.
Zerchriv let his eyes rise, hopefully. "I am overjoyed to hear that, my lord! I had hoped only for this information to be useful to you, oh great one, and--"
It is, quite so. Do let me tell you.
Zerchriv knelt. "Of course, O Skrith. My apologies for interrupting."
I feel the realm wakening from its long slumber, that which deprived both you and I. I feel the blood of reality beginning to flow once more. I feel this, and wonder why. And now you tell me that a Gate has opened... a Gate to a world which the Munarin claimed hosted but small creatures, where yet some of mine disappeared. It is fascinating, is it not? That not so long ago, the world returned to that which was lost and only now do our friends emerge?
"Truly, O Skrith, these matters are auspicious. I do not know how they should be investigated, but whatever you say should be is how I wish to proceed."
Why thank you. I know that I will need such loyalty. Your Gate may be the first that opened; it will not, I believe, be the last. And to send Vaucoi through, seeking answers? That, I believe, will happen no matter how I choose to act.
"As... you say, my lord."
I have an idea. Why don't I send you across? Your sister went through, surely you would wish to know what happened to her.
Zerchriv risked a look up. "I... would be honored, O Skrith, and deeply joyous if you granted such opportunity to me."
Excellent! Oh, but you are quite frail. Do let me bless your form.
The Vaucoi had barely a chance to react to that before his markings flared to life. He fought down a scream of pain as his limbs creaked and twisted, growing longer and more endowed; a gasp of agony escaped him as spikes burst from his back in explosions of orange blood. A pair of finned, writhing wings slithered out of his shoulders, a whiplike tail ripping from the end of his spine; his face contorted and warped as a fanged jaw gave a silent, tortured cry. Two minutes he endured the transformation, two minutes he endured the breaking and reforging of his sinew and bones, and at last he was released, panting, from the magical grip.
"Th... thank... thank you, O Skrith." His voice... was different. More vocalizations... "Your blessing... I am amazed."
Yes, yes. I know. I will call on you when the time is right. Do be ready.... won't you?