Void Rift (rp) - Intermission

Stephanie starts to sweat a bit, "Well, uhh, I guess you could consider it an alternate version of a love potion." Stephanie says nervously.

 

"They are still followers. It is not uncommon for believers to continue their tributes to a fallen god in hopes it will one day revive them."

"However, what the forest has heard that you war against is even more shocking to us. Artemis, as much as I would like to aid you, I have to concern myself with our home. So, all I can provide is my wisdom, as limited or as vast as it may prove."
Ygran offers Artemis a small crystal.
"In crushing this, you will obtain my knowledge surrounding the two relics. We wish you safety, young preserver."

 

"What do you mean 'What I war against?'" Artemis asks, disappointed yet curious. Artemis takes the crystal anyway, though keeping it intact until her question is answered.

 

"The Hive Master you and your friends spoke of... word gets around the forest quick."

 

"Oh."
Crystal intakes.

"So why are you nervous about a hate potion?"

 

"It's their way of clinging on to hope, or, in some cases, the only shred of what could be considered sanity they have left."

 

"With all due respect, Elder, surely you can see that the Hive Master is a cruel and evil being? He is removing the free will from beings to use them as his puppets in a freakish show of power." Artemis says, confident.

"It's, uh, not a hate potion. A hate potion is the opposite of a love potion, but, uh, this potion isn't an opposite." Stephanie says nervously.

 

The elder nods.
"I do not deny his cruelty, nor would I ever be willing to stand beside him. However, he, and you, are beyond our strength. Thus, I choose to put our homeworld before volunteering to become fodder."

 

"Then what is it?"

Crystal just intakes, and thinks.

 

Linoa just waits, sitting on her staff.

 

"I would not ask anyone who is unwilling to fight to join us. I, and the group, accept those who are determined to fight. I wouldn't ask you or your people to join our battle, Elder." Artemis says respectfully, hoping to gain some trust.

Stephanie's breathing increases a lot.

"Uhhhhhh, uhmmm, ah, uhm, it's s-sort of a l-love p-potion with s-stronger b-but different f-focused effects." Stephanie says nervously, the situation extremely awkward for her.

 

"Don't we need to go somewhere?"
Crystal asks suddenly.

________________________________

I get up, walking, then plop myself in front of her.
"Stephanie?"

 

The elder nods.
"In that case, I hope you are satisfied with mere knowledge."

________________________________

Linoa sighs.
"That hit you harder than you'd like to admit, didn't it?"

 

"...A little bit, yeah."

 

Stephanie just breathes quickly, looking around nervously. Her face is a bright red, from embarassment.

"Thank you, Elder. I shall use it well." Artemis says, bowing, before waiting to be dismissed.

 

I put my hand under her jaw, and then push it upwards lightly. It's light enough to not hurt, but hard enough to close her mouth.
"Stop breathing."
I say, serious.

 

"Well, we've got to explain ourselves to the queen, then we're good to go back with the others."

After a moment, he sighs.
"You don't need my permission to leave."

 

Stephanie shivers slighty as you touch her, before she stops breathing altogether. Stephanie holds her breath until she looks like she's about to pass out.

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"Thank you, Elder." Artemis says, leaving the way she came.

 

"Okay."
Crystal looks around at anything that might indicate a path.

I shift my hand quickly to her nose, lightly pinching the nose.
"Out through the mouth for 3."
I say, emphasizing the number of seconds she should do it.

 

The drow and wooden clone seem to be waiting outside.
"I'd like to personally warn you... one of the relics are held by madmen. If you succeed in retrieving it, you'll never see anything much worse again in your life."

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There... aren't any signs of a path, but there's a worn structure up ahead Linoa heads off towards.