Void Rift (rp) - Intermission

They follow, though seem scared to be out in the open, immediately darting next to a wall.
They seem to be covered in feathers and a thin layer of skin, pupils large compared to their eye.
"This place is huge... What rules this place?" They ask, peeking out into the hallway.

________________________________

"I-I guess I could... p-pardon most of t-this..."

 

"Something that will probably kill you if you don't stay in front of me at all times. Understand?"

 

"I think the sand guardian mentioned something about having to add a new room for the crops too." Shadow Stephanie says, thinking back.

 

"I understand that sentiment... there's no cover here, either. Whatever it is must be an apex..." They comment, moving away from the wall and, albeit hesitantly, towards you.

"A-a new room? B-but that would c-cost so m-much..."

 

"It is. And if we get to see her, I'll make sure to introduce the two of you to each other. Now, let's move, if you want to explore."
I prompt.

 

"May as well while I'm here." They say, keeping close.

 

"You're the one in front. I'll only tell you where you can't go."
I say, offering.

 

"Uhm... okay..."
They start walking down the hall, moving towards the bunk rooms.

 

"Oh, and, above else, don't steal anything here and don't kill anyone here."
I remind, following them.

 

"Don't worry about that. Like your medical bills, we paid for it," Shadow Stephanie says, "Actually, the kingdom's health service really paid for your medical bills, but we did pay for the extra room, as well as all the repairs and refurbishments."

 

"Check and check." They utter nervously, continuing on.

________________________________

Ali pauses.
"T-thanks... I-I guess I can forgive you..."

 

"You might see a few interesting folk where we're headed."
I inform.

 

"Similar to the shapeshifting dragon-thing that came while you were gone?"

 

"Thank you, Ali. Your forgiveness means a lot," Shadow Stephanie says, smiling, "I can take you back to your cafe if you wish."

 

"Did you see him or meet him?"
I ask before answering the question.

 

"P-please... I just w-want this to be over."

"See."

 

Shadow Stephanie gets up, opening a portal and nodding for Ali to step through.

 

Ali shakily steps through, looking around at the changes.

 

The entire cafe seems to have been spruced up. The entrance bears a pretty sign, and the old tables and chairs seem to have been swapped out for newer, sturdier and much more comfortable looking ones. A few vines carrying sandstone figures hang around the cafe, the sandstone figures intricately made with great detail, each vine carrying them showing an adventure of the little figures. Pretty, flowery lanterns light up the interior of the cafe, and the floor seems to have a strange illusionary effect of it being made of shifting sand, though it's completely solid.

 

"Yes, similar to him, but a few others as well."
I answer.