Void Rift (rp) - Intermission

"Myself, the Hydra, and the village by the swamp."

 

Come evening, a tired, desert-worn and well armoured fire guardian enters the shifting sands cafe, smelling strongly of ash and fire. She puts a pair of retractable claws on the weapon rack before heading inside the cafe.

"Excuse me? Could I have a cup of tea? Hot, if possible." The fire guardian asks, looking as if she's been in the desert for quite a few days.

 

I put the book back and take out "Sleeping City" and read that one.

 

"The hell does the hydra want from us now?"

"Sure, what kind?" Ali calls from the back room.

A drow seems to force a telepathic link upon you.
"Ali sees a weary fire guardian in her cafe. We are watching for the potential for it to be Abigail."

It's similar, based on the same 'true story,' but instead has everybody except one person asleep amidst a dark haze that suddenly swept over the city.

Sounds like a Xlentia visit, if you think about it.

 

I put it back, looking at the desk again.

 

"Any kind, really. I'm not picky." The fire guardian says, sitting down at a table, exhausted.


"Alright, I'll put some of my men on standby near the cafe." I say.

 

The librarian's just getting back.

"Green tea it is, I guess." Ali calls.


"Don't scare her. That was the Anubis' one request." The drow reports.

 

"Hello!"
I say cheerily.

 

"Sounds good!" The fire guardian says happily.


"They'll be kept hidden, don't worry." I say.

 

"Back again, I see. What can I help you with this time?" They ask.

A minute later, Ali returns with the tea.
"Here you go, miss!" She says, avoiding eye contact out of nervousness.

 

"Ah, thank you," The fire guardian says, taking the tea and drinking it, "The desert's pretty harsh. I don't think I could've survived out there much longer."

 

"I just thought to get more information on the inhibitor, I didn't get much the last time I was here."

 

"Eh, it's not too bad this time of year unless you get caught up in the glass storms." Ali comments, washing a plate.

"Oh, we don't keep any books about that thing down here. The royal library has all the books that are important to keep our kingdom out of the monster's clutches. I can't let you in, but I'm sure the guards'll let you in after a few shows of allegiance to our city."

 

"Where can I find the royal library?"

 

"Ugh, those things are horrible," The fire guardian says, "What's it like living here?"

 

"If you can find the staircase, which we keep off maps, you're welcome up in the royal's facilities."

"It's usually pretty quiet. A bit crazy for me, but I'm an unfortunate exception. I liked it back when things were nice and quiet. Never had to worry about my place being burnt to glass or getting murdered out of the blue." Ali sighs. "I don't know how you made it through the glass storm, though. That armor must be pretty much beat at this point."

 

"Which means you're not going to tell me, huh."
I guess.

 

"Correct. I will tell you that it's out in the main clearing. Whether it's on the ground floor or the second is up for you to find." She says. "I know it's hard to believe, but I'm sorry. Royal orders say I can't give away the location. Unless I want to be executed."

 

"I flew above it until it subsided, though it's really draining to do so," The fire guardian says, "It'd be a real shame if you got murdered. You wouldn't be able to run this cafe anymore, that's for sure. Where'd I get my delicious tea then?"

The fire guardian laughs, looking back at the weapon rack to make sure her claws are still there.

 

"Doesn't seem very productive, but okay, thanks for all you could give me."
I say genuinely, leaving.