Margrett knocked on the door to Alec's house, commandingly. She held a backpack and a book in one hand.
Alec [M:118:6:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=412&page=1#1242]"I see," said the blind man to the deaf lady.[0:Wandering the stacks.][1:Present and accounted for.]
A slight whump of air, creaking floorboards, and the door opens slightly. Pulling a pair of small spectacles from the bridge of his nose, Alec pokes his head out and, seeing Marg, opens it further. "Miss Margrett. Nice to see you. How's Grayell?" he asks, some sincere concern in his voice.
Come in under the shadow of this red rock, and I will show you something different from either your shadow at morning, striding behind you, or your shadow at evening, rising to meet you. I shall show you fear in a handful of dust.
Better. She seemed distracted. After that one word she shoved the book in Alec's face. It was old, very old, and blue with gold lettering in a foreign language Alec could understand.
What do you know about the Aylied Empire?
Alec [M:118:6:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=412&page=1#1242]"I see," said the blind man to the deaf lady.[0:Wandering the stacks.][1:Present and accounted for.]
Snatching the book, Alec runs his hands over the cover, feeling the leather. "Greatest empire to ever walk the land. United most of the world - albeit in a morally ambiguous manner. Brought peace - albeit, morally ambiguously." He looks up to her. "What do you wanna know?"
Come in under the shadow of this red rock, and I will show you something different from either your shadow at morning, striding behind you, or your shadow at evening, rising to meet you. I shall show you fear in a handful of dust.
There's some ruins north here, belonged to them. A mage went in, bookworm like yourself, got himself killed. I want to go in and make sure it's safe.
She paused.
I also want to know how they did it.
Alec [M:118:6:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=412&page=1#1242]"I see," said the blind man to the deaf lady.[0:Wandering the stacks.][1:Present and accounted for.]
"Dubious morals, unrestrained acceptance of magic, and an uncompromising military doctrine." Still clutching the book, Alec opens it to the first page. "Ah, and here it is." Placing a finger on the page, he underlines the golden, calligraphic script in the center of the page. "In war, victory. In peace, expansion. In death, service."
Come in under the shadow of this red rock, and I will show you something different from either your shadow at morning, striding behind you, or your shadow at evening, rising to meet you. I shall show you fear in a handful of dust.
Hmm. Interesting. Call me powerhungry, but that sounds...interesting. She thought a moment, then turned back to Alec.
I might need help clearing out the ruins. You up for it? Adventure, knowledge, treasure, probably some more old books.
Alec [M:118:6:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=412&page=1#1242]"I see," said the blind man to the deaf lady.[0:Wandering the stacks.][1:Present and accounted for.]
"Had me at knowledge, Miss Margrett," Alec says, turning to set the book down, then cringing a bit. Holding it out to her, hesitantly. "Probably want this back, don't you?"
Come in under the shadow of this red rock, and I will show you something different from either your shadow at morning, striding behind you, or your shadow at evening, rising to meet you. I shall show you fear in a handful of dust.
I'm not a...book girl, Alec. You keep it. Just tell me what's in it eventually. She patted the pack hanging at her hip.
I'm ready. We shouldn't be gone long, so get whatever you need together.
Alec [M:118:6:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=412&page=1#1242]"I see," said the blind man to the deaf lady.[0:Wandering the stacks.][1:Present and accounted for.]
Smiling beatifically, Alec turns, sets the book on a near shelf, and then walks back to the door. Grabbing a belt off of a shelf next to the door, Alec buckles it around his midsection and looks at her. "The hell are we waiting for?"
Come in under the shadow of this red rock, and I will show you something different from either your shadow at morning, striding behind you, or your shadow at evening, rising to meet you. I shall show you fear in a handful of dust.
Alec [M:118:6:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=412&page=1#1242]"I see," said the blind man to the deaf lady.[0:Wandering the stacks.][1:Present and accounted for.]
"Ancient empire. Good loot. Power hungry guard," Alec says as they continue onto the ruins, filling Kerag in on the finer points as they go.
Come in under the shadow of this red rock, and I will show you something different from either your shadow at morning, striding behind you, or your shadow at evening, rising to meet you. I shall show you fear in a handful of dust.
In order: yes, hopefully, and that's too early to tell. But keep in my good graces, gentlemen, and I'll see you both get power. She sounded only half-joking as they passed the gates of Wistvale and headed into the countryside.