Ghosts of the future

"We do when they don't have vision or marks by fire. It's the only way to protect ourselves." Said Estraven, since he knew Ziessel wasn't likely to sate a guests' curiosity. But he could. After drawing the right runes on the door with the tips of his fingers and twisting a knob, it opened.

The unicorn centaur grasped Circe's hands firmly. But without any squeezes or unnecessary force. Her own hands were rough, calloused. They had been put to work through and through. She slid her hands upwards until she could grasp around Circe's wrists. Then, two thin rings of blue-white light manifested there. They were cold to the touch, and just.. there. Didn't move or hang. They were linked closely by a thread of the same design. They were simple, unbendable, unbreakable.

"Let's go in" Said Estraven, walking into the building. Inside there were some blanket nests, desks and drawers. It looked like a bedroom office, if that was even a thing.

"Now we must cover your eyes and ears as well. But it will only be a second. Do you consent, Hannya? You have my word of honor that the trip is safe." Said the cervitaur once the three of them were inside and the door closed.
 
  • Like
Reactions: N0X
“Fair enough,” she muttered dryly. As Ziessel worked on her magic, Circe focused on the unicorn woman’s calloused hands. Whether from hard work or from being a warrior, she could only guess at the answer. If she bothered asking, she probably wouldn’t get a response from the stoic unicorn.

For several moments, Circe focused on her eyes, simply observing without scrutiny. There was an unspoken familiarity about her cold demeanor. Circe tested the strength of the magical links with a firm tug. There was no breaking out of these. She sighed, silently following the cervitaur into the stone building.

“Hmm, cozy,” she commented after taking in the new surrounded, sounding somewhat surprised. It all appeared so incredibly normal. What had she been expecting?

“Sure,” she said, stiffly. So Long as this was not a part of some nefarious ritual, “how bad could it be?”
 
"Your collaboration is appreciated" Said Estraven with a soft smile on his face.

"It is." Agreed Ziessel, drawing a rune on Circe's helmet. Suddenly, she was surrounded by pitch black darkness. Or so she saw. In reality, all was fine. Her head was just stuck in a cloud.

The cervitaur nodded, and started humming, staying close to Circe while Ziessel opened the mechanisms to the tunnels. They opened with handwork and rune casting. Sometimes, to the meaner gates, you had to give a harsh glare. But otherwise it was easy to get through when you knew exactly what to do.

"I will take your hands to guide you." Said Estraven from Circe's side. He first put his hand in her shoulder as a warning. Then, he took her hand and started leading the way down a ramp. It smelled earthy and humid.
 
  • Like
Reactions: N0X
“Just out of curiosity,” Circe began, making small talk, as she let Estraven guide her through what smelled like a damn cave, “what would you have done if I hadn’t cooperated?”
 
Last edited:
"Depends. We may have had to send you away, unable to remember the past few hours. Humanity may, or may not have welcomed you." Said Ziessel. Her voice echoed a bit, and nearby the trickle of water and plic, plic of droplets could be heard.

Estraven snorted, and shook his head.

"That is extreme. We may have become rougher with you, out of necessity I assure you... But we wouldn't have just sent you to deal with... Humans... on your own. Don't give her a bad impression." Complained the cervitaur.

The trip continued with some chatter, through what seemed like an endless walk through underground tunnels.
 
  • Like
Reactions: N0X
“I think she meant every word,” Circe chuckled darkly. “So, where are you taking me, then?”
 
"To our home..." Said Ziessel, opening the final gate of the tunnels. There was the sound of grinding, and moving stone. A ramp rose from the ground and the ceiling opened. Light poured in, like it hadn't done since before they entered the forest.

"To see Ezrael. You called me Ezra when you appeared. So... You must be looking for him?. He can grant you a trial by fire. All refugees are usually looking for our..."

"Our friend" Finished Ziessel. And they ascended toward the outside. The ramp came up and closed behind them, leaving no trace of having ever existed. The unicorn snapped her fingers, and in an instant Circe's binds dissipated. Before her was... More forest? A clearing.
 
It sounded like stones grinding together, and there was no longer an echo as their voices reverberated in the cave. They must have come across an opening? She wound have felt the wind on her cheek had she not been wearing the exo-suit. A nervous chill went down Circe’s spine. “What sort of trial is this? I’ve never heard of such a thing.” While she seemed calm and collected, she fought the sudden urge to bolt.
 
"if you are who you claim to be, and have no bad intentions toward us, you have nothing to fear. It's blue fire, not this world's hellish interpretation of it." Said Ziessel. She walked first, and with her hands opened a gate. There was a transparent barrier that hid a village, lots of wood, stone and black rock houses. Of all shapes and sizes. Blue, shiny will'o'wisps flew about, and all kinds of horrors dwelled inside. Living their lives. Some looked right out of fantasy books, like Estraven and Ziessel. Some were bodyless abominations by human standards. Others weren't even describable or perceptible, but they were there none the less. Living their lives in a small, but condensed and busy forest town.

"Welcome to our home, Hannya." Said Estraven, now that she could see It properly. A young fawn ran to them and hugged him tightly, it was the one from before. Now without the human baby in sight.

"Woah, we're alright dear. Hannya isn't a bad woman." Said the older cervitaur. The young one nodded.

"Ezra's waiting in the warden hall" He whispered, and Ziessel nodded.
 
Circe was silent when they arrived. It was as if the different shapes sizes and colors of creatures from every fantasy imaginable had come together into one perfect place.

It was reminiscent of the Leaky Servo, it’s membership made up of denizens from the multiverse, Circe’s home away from home. Her shoulders relaxed as she felt more at ease.

“This place reminds me of home, actually,” Circe smirked

They walked through the grassy glade between trees and homes made from the earth. The clearing was covered in flowers swaying lazily in the wind. A pair of shining will-on-wisps and faeries drifted overhead.

“Oh, hello,” Circe purred and gave a wicked smile to a handsome male who smiled and winked her way. She didn’t let the newcomer stare bother her too much.

Some radiated beauty and grace. Other shadows and unknown fae mingled in doorways and narrow alleys, some which would have given eldritch aliens a run for their money.

A small, stenching horror of slime and gas crawled by. Circe pressed her lips together in a thin line as she held her breath, eyes narrowing in distaste.

Something else happened that hadn’t in two decades. Voices and emotions flowed freely into her, and she had to actively suppress it so as to not become overwhelmed. It came with a mixture of emotions; relief and irritation.

After the vortex incident that left her magically paralyzed, it took a great deal of concentration to be able to read anyone, and had grown accustomed to the peace and quiet it provided. Now, it was the exact opposite.

Circe scowled, but her expression softened once more when the young fawn went to Ezra; he was the spitting image of his father. Circe smiled, and nodded, but she wasn’t very good at speaking to children. It was rare to encounter any in her field of work.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top