Complete+Backstory

//Click here to read Vayle's Backstory and how it ties in.//

The Shadow disappeared into the shadow realm with the two unconscious heroes, leaving Consil and Arden atop the melting castle.

Arden looked at Consil, clearly concerned. “I don’t think we can get out in time.”

“Time.” Consil stepped out of his mech suit. “I have an idea.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out an onyx and sapphire pocket watch. He pressed the fob, causing the watch to spring open. The world seemed to dissolve away and the forms of Consil and Arden disappeared, but did not reappear.

The world seemed to dissolve away and darkness enveloped them. This wasn’t any normal darkness when one extinguishes a light, this was an advanced darkness. The black filled every part of where they were, every nook and cranny, anywhere that light could exist. This was the type of dark that sent a shiver down your spine and froze you to the ground you stood in fear. Interestingly enough, one could still see at least a few feet in front of them.

“What have you done?!” Arden said bewildered.

“Simple,” Consil replied calmly. “We’re time-locked.”

“I thought you had a teleport of sorts. That is how you returned to Fyriah, correct?”

“Indeed, you are correct. However, it was a one way trip I fear.”

Arden paced angrily. He wasn’t mad at Consilium for this was all he could do to save them. Arden was helpless. He had only just been released from his prison and his magic was failing him.

The wizard sighed. “Time-locked?”

“We’re frozen in time and because of the castle melting, I had to remove us from space. We are currently in the place where the Forum previously resided. To be completely honest, I have no idea where that may be...”

“So how do we get out?”

Consil let out a laugh. “We don’t. At least, not now anyways.”

Arden glared at the chronokeeper and soon resumed pacing. The walls were made of concrete or what appeared to be concrete. They seemed solid enough. There was a floor and a ceiling, just like any normal room, but there wasn’t a door.

“We simply need to find an spot to reappear. The problem is I haven’t any experience with that. As far as I can tell, this is a safe room: a room that is the default area in the event of a crisis like this.” Consil ran his hands over the wall nearest him. “Now there should be-”

//Click.//

“Excellent!”

A window in the wall opened up revealing a vertical and seemingly endless chute with a thin chord dangling within reach.

Arden waltzed over, intrigued by the window. “Where do you suppose this leads?” “I’m not certain it leads anywhere.” Consil replied gravely. He reached out and grabbed the cord. It was cool to the touch and felt slippery, like it was greased.

All of a sudden, the wall directly behind revealed a door and a tall and thin, but muscular figure strode into the room.

“Who the hell are you and what are you doing here?!” the man demanded. He reached to his right hip and a large bow seemed to appear out of thin air. He notched an arrow and took aim at the two confused men.

“My friend, this can be easily enough explained.” Arden replied cooly. “You see-”

“Enough!” the stranger interrupted.

Consil firmly gripped the cord and took a step forward. “Listen, we do not want any trouble. We are here completely by accident. There was a problem with the time traveling and-” Consil stopped mid sentence when he heard the release of tension on the bowstring and the arrow whizzing into human flesh. He, a master of time, should have been able to get out of the way before it reached him. A shock of searing pain shot through his body. It was coupled by howls of anguish.

Through his stinging tears, he saw the two others in crumpled heaps upon the floor. Arden was limp and clearly drained physically while the other man was lying in a pool of blood, an arrow protruding from his stomach. Arden must have used what little power he had left to deflect the arrow back at their attacker. //His reaction time must have been improved by the time traveling.//

“Why did I feel the pain... if I’m not injured?” Consil whispered. Within seconds, he fell to the floor, joining the men in exhaustion and pain. His body became limp and his muscles relaxed. The cord slipped out of his hand and sprung up into the shaft. Soon after, a little chute fell from the wall and a hot, soothing liquid poured out. It began filling the room, starting with a large bowl in the center and overflowing onto the floor. The three men were soon overcome by the liquid and they began to drown.

The liquid penetrated the men through their wounds, both physical and mental alike. The liquid seemed to have an aura about it, like some higher form of magic. Arden, being previously worn out from thousands of years without a form, used the last of his energy to protect Consil. The water found the weak spot in his defenses and overtook him. His body dissappated, leaving only his conciousness to swim about in the now blue liquid. The man who had attempted to kill them was next; his arrow had pierced his kidney, allowing the water to replace his lost blood. However, it didn't stop. The liquid, now having a mind of its own, drained the body of all remaining blood. The conciousness of this man was then torn from its physical form and began to float around with Arden's.

Consilium was still fully concious and aware of the situation. His brain was working one hundred times faster than it normally did, all with the goal of trying to process what was happening. //How can I breathe? What is this liquid? How did I feel pain if the arrow never stuck me? Why am I still alive?////Perhaps it was something to do with this faux concrete surrounding us, but how could that have such an effect?// The water stopped flowing into the room and was now as black as coal. Consil was left adrift in the spiraling current of the water, the unconcious minds of the other men encircling him. What felt like years passed, but there was no way of telling. The very essence of time itself was lost. Eventually, Consil's body began to deteriorate. His brain activity slowly halted and is mind faded away like the others. Slowly but surely, Consilium Ucciont was no more.

The liquid began to spiral around the room, faster and faster, gaining speed and pulling everything into the center. The water pressure crumpled the bodies together, cementing them into one and bringing the minds together. The water torn they apart, practically killed them, and now was slowly piecing them together for whatever reason. Muscles melted together, organs were replaced, features were removed and some were added. The coal-water began to swirl into a brilliant red, pumping the body with new blood, cells, enzymes and more.

The soon the red liquid began to drain through the bowl in the floor, leaving a brand new body in its stead. It awoke a few moments later and screamed out of anguish and terror. There were the three extra minds of Arden, Consil, and the stranger inside of the new body's head, and each of them were as confused as the next. After a few seconds, the screaming stopped and it stood up almost instantaneously. It took a step out of the bowl and stumbled to the wall. Almost naturally, it placed a hand on one of the wall panels and the door sprung open. The naked man fell to the floor and crawled towards the door. The body wasn't exactly weak, but the muscles were brand new and hadn't been used. The man took all of his strength and hoisted himself up again, using the walls as support. Finally outside the room, the came entered a long, dark hallway with a table on the right side of it. On the table was a small satchel, along with a full suit of a bizzare leather armour. Without hesitation, he made his way to the table and strapped the clothing on and grabbed the satchel. As he finished strapping on his boots, he noticed a light at the end of the hallway that wasn't there before. It seemed to beckon him and without resistance, he let in and waltzed towards it. The hallway seemed to strech on, getting longer and longer until the newlyborn finally collapsed to the floor. His strength was drained and he passed out. Just then, the entire pathway seemed to shift. The floor became the ceiling and the ceiling became the floor. Gravity was shifting and dragging the man towards the light. He slipped and fell down, down through the unending hallway.

When the man awoke, he found himself inside a cottage surrounded by a small copse of trees. The satchel was on a small side table and next to it was a plate of fresh ingredients. //Was it all simply a dream? It couldn't have been. It was too realistic...// He stood up and walked over to the sink to splash some water on his face.

//I can't remember anything.//

//Neither can I//.

"Who's there?" he asked worriedly.

//Technically, we're you.// He started to get more water, but he froze to the ground.

//That isn't going to help you. That was real, **this** is real. There are three of us inside here, excluding you. My name is Consilium, the others are called Arden and// //Vaylen.// The man stumbled to a nearby chair and sat down. "So who am I? What's my name?"

An older voice whispered calmly inside his head. //Perhaps that letter on the desk will give us answers.// He walked over to the table and picked up a small parcel with a letter bound to it. He removed the papyrus and opened it:

For you, Acasius Vayle Ucciont. . "Acasius... I suppose that would be me."

The younger disembodied voice claiming to be Consilium spoke again. //Ah, I do quite enjoy it. Especially the surname.// //It seems though your name is pieced from each of ours,// Vayle whispered.

//I remember that voice... you! You're the one who started this!// Consil exclaimed. //We acciedentally popped in and you tried to kill us!//

//Look, we're all a part of each other now,// Arden mediated.

Beads of sweat were dropping from Acasius' brow as he clenched his head trying to block out the voices.

//We're going to have to get along. For now, let's leave Acasius be.//

Acasius looked up and the voices were gone. He knew this was going to take time. //Time.// The concept seemed familiar with him. Trying not to strain his brain any more, he walked over to the package on his table and opened it. Inside was a tattered book with a letter on the top. He tore open the letter for any clue that may help him remember anything.

//Acasius,// //I understand you are troubled. Familiarize yourself with this book starting with Chapter Seven, I believe it will be most helpful. It has came in great use to me over the years.// //After you finish, send a letter to the librarian at the Great Library. It is at the top of the mountain overlooking your cottage. Ask them for assistance, they will aid you.// //Luck to you and your endeavors,// //A friend//

He set the letter down and grasped the book in his hand, pawing through the pages until he reached the suggested chapter. Then he took a seat on a nearby chair and began reading.

//"Chapter Seven: The Abyss"//

Acasius spent several hours engrossed in study, reading much about planes of existence, dimensions and demons. He thought it strange that he was not mentally exhausted in the slightest, but then waved it off and immediately began writing a letter to the Great Librarian.

//Dear Sir or Madam,//

//My apologies for the informal greeting. I am relatively new here and have no information regarding the nearby area, nor do I have any contacts. There is much I do not know. I do know, however, that the Great Library is a source of great and wondrous knowledge. If you would be so kind to impart any manner of aid, it would be much appreciated. Perhaps even a map of area? With some guidance, I could mark out the nearby area and become more acquainted with it.//

//With much appreciation,// //Acasius Ucciont//

He sealed the letter and opened the door to take his first steps in this new world. He saw lush green grass in front of him and an enormous mountain before him with buildings decorating the top of it. He glanced around to see a small village nearby. Without thinking, he walked towards the center of it only to find a strange man wearing a wooden backpack with a slot in it.

"Excuse me!" Acasius shouted. "Could you tell me where I could mail a letter?"

The man spun around and yelled back. "Of course! Just give it to me, we have the fastest messenger hawks of all Xandi-lat!" He took the letter and shoved it through the small slot on his wooden pack. "The first on is free," he said with a smile.

Acasius nodded and continued walking around the village. It was a simple town with quaint little shops that seemed to offer every service. Although, Acasius found no point to make his way to any of them considering he hadn't any money. Thus, he made his way back to the cottage only to see a hawk approaching him. He instinctively stuck out his arm and the hawk landed on it, dropping a thick envelope into his hand and then flying away. Acting with celerity, Acasius dashed inside and opened the letter to see that the librarian, a woman named Madame Cho, had already responded and invited him to stay up at the library in a nearby lamasery.

//My dear Acasius,//

//I would be a poor librarian indeed if I should not allow you to come to the library! I am sending you a library card with this letter and I hope that you will use it often. Knowledge, after all, is meant to be shared with all who seek it.//

//If you do not have a place to stay at the moment, you are always welcome to stay at the lamasery with the monks. Lama Dorje, the head of the order, is quite hospitable to all travelers who sojourn to the Great Library. The rooms at the lamasery are small but comfortable, the meals are piquant and well cooked and you will have ready access to all of the maps and books you could want. The monks will also provide you with paper and ink should you require them to make copies.//

//When you come, I hope that you will take a cup of tea with me. I have a special blend that I enjoy called lungjing: it is a bright jade green and it tastes of ripe summer. I would be interested to hear how a person has no real knowledge of our world. Unless I miss my guess, you have a tale to tell, and I, as you know, am a great collector of tales.//

//I look forward to your arrival at the Great Library,// //Blessings to you,// //Madame Cho// //Librarian//

Acasius began writing a response soon after.

//Dear Madame Cho,//

//I must admit, I did not expect such a warm welcome and I humbly accept; my previous attempts at finding shelter have not been pleasant, and I will most certainly have a cup of tea with you. It has been a long while since I have had the pleasure of enjoying one. I might also accept copying the maps. Though I wish not to admit it, I was foolish enough not to bring any with me. I believed I was prepared and took some blank papyrus at least, but alas, they are not currently on my person.//

//I must extend my apologies for leaving so many holes in my words. You are correct when you say that have a tale to tell, and quite the unique one at that. Although, I am having quite the difficult time coping with my incident and I can't remember exactly how the event occurred. What is known though is that this body that is writing these letters is a product of the Void. A product of two entities merging into one form. It is almost as if two different mixtures combined, and it is clearly visible that it is now one substance owning qualities of each mixture, but not yet fully blended. Though there is still some opposition between the two minds, the merged mind, my mind, is the governing will. Think of it as having two shoulder angels each telling you their own opinions on a matter.//

//As previously stated, I do not know all of the details on how this managed to happen. I only know that the event happened, then I woke up in a forest with no knowledge of this world. Even the name of the planet escapes my mind. It is quite the peculiar predicament. This is where I was hoping you could come in. I require aid delving in to this bizarre topic. If there is anything of the Void you can discover before my arrival, it would no doubt help.//

//Sincerely,// //Acasius Ucciont//

Days passed by and Acasius had begun to cultivate a fast growing relationship Madame Cho. She had thought him so interesting, she had given him the nickname "my Riddle."

With a medallion he had received from Cho that allowed access to food and shelter, Acasius began his trek to the mountaintop. His first stop was the Kong Yul Inn where he met the innkeeper, Rinzen and his wife. They graciously allowed to spend as long as he needed and gave him a piping hot bowl of stew with a rousing game of Castles and Kings. After a few hours, they each turned in and headed to bed. Acasius was greeted with a comfortable feather-top bed and downy blanket.

After a good night's sleep, Acasius woke to a note on the table beside him.

// One, yet broken. // // Three halves of a whole. // // Venerable gentlemen. // // Emerging from nothing. //

Unsure of what it meant, he ignored it and got dressed for the day. After a bowl of cinnamon oatmeal and many thanks, Acasius left the Rinzen and the Kong Yul Inn. As he retreated from the verdant valley and lower passes, he noticed that the vegetation gave way to scrubbier bushes and trees. The hills became higher and soon the landscape was a snow covered terrain, with massive mountains jutting up into the clouds. Even though he had left any large cities behind him days ago, he still found welcome at small inns, waystations and even private homes. The dragon medallion that Madame Cho sent him seemed to gain him access everywhere.

One night, while eating supper at an inn, he was approached by two monks, clad in white and blue robes. "We crave your pardon for disturbing you, sir," the taller one said. "I am Norbu and this is Tenzing." The shorter monk bowed. Both had golden skin, dark almond shaped eyes and black hair. "We are brother monks at Her Holiness Chomolungma's temple. You know her as Madame Cho, I would imagine. One of our duties is herding yaks. We are just now returning to the lamasery. The innkeeper has told us that you are a pilgrim to the Great Library. If this is true, we would welcome you to travel with us the rest of the way. The path is steep and treacherous and the snows are dangerous this time of year, but our yaks are sure footed and know the way. If you would like to accompany us, you would be most welcome."

Acasius accepted eagerly and the next morning the three set out. The monks walked, but they told Acasius that he could ride a yak if he wanted to do so. As they traveled the monks pointed out various mountains and named them. In the distance loomed the largest mountain of all. It was massive, towering over its nearest neighbors. Norbu pointed to it. "That is Chomolungma! Yes," he laughed, "the mountain and Her Holiness have the same name. Her Holiness likes to joke that no one knows if the mountain took her name or if she took the mountain's name! The Great Library is inside the mountain. I promise you that you have never seen anything like it before."

The path wound up into the mountains and the placid yaks formed a single line. The monks trusted them to pick their way over the snow and ice. Large crevasses sometimes would be open on either side of the path. Acasius looked into one and it seemed to go down for miles. He wondered if it was bottomless. Large pillars of ice surrounded them and every so often there would be a thunderous crack and one would topple over. The yaks were good at avoiding that danger as well. Norbu and Tenzing had brought out a type of leather mask with vertical slits that they tied over their eyes. "To avoid snow-sickness," they explained. "You should wear your goggles. They will help. Also, as the air gets thinner it will be harder for you to breathe. We are used to this, but you are not. You must tell us if you develop a headache or a cough. That is very dangerous! It is very easy to get sick and Her Holiness would be very vexed with us if you died before we reached the Great Library!"

At another inn about halfway up the mountain, Acasius wrote to Madame Cho telling her of his progress, and about the letters he had been receiving. For the past two nights he had gathered more unnerving notes. However, he remained vigilant and pressed on, despite his ill feelings.

After several hair-raising and nerve-wracking miles, the treacherous terrain opened into a bowl shaped valley, still snow-covered, but blessedly even and smooth. Norbu pointed back to the area they had just crossed. "That is the Icefall. Very dangerous. We will make an offering here at this chorten as thanksgiving for our safety." He gestured to a large square pedestal which was topped with a dome. On top of the dome was a spire and hanging diagonally from the spire were thousands of rectangular pieces of fabric on strings. The fabric was multi-colored; blue, green, red, yellow and white. Some of the squares looked new and others were old, faded and tattered. Norbu pulled a string of the squares out of his pack and Tenzing scrambled up and secured one end to the spire.

"These are lung-ta, wind horses. You might call them prayer flags. We believe that the wind blows the blessings over the countryside." After Tenzing was done, they continued on. Norbu directed Acasius' attention to a series of low buildings that seemed to be carved into the mountainside. "The lamasery!" he exclaimed. "We are almost home. When we arrive, Lama Dorje will greet us. He will give you a kata, a white scarf. It is a symbol of his blessing on you."

The yaks plodded through the snow and the monks and Acasius followed behind. A few hours later, they arrived at the lamasery. Lama Dorje, a venerable old man with the same golden skin and almond shaped eyes as the younger monks, came out to greet them. He proffered a white silk scarf embroidered with silver dragons to Acasius and placed it around his neck, murmuring a blessing. Norbu and Tenzing took the yaks off in the direction of the stables and Dorje escorted Acasius inside. The walls and floor where made of white stone, but they were wonderfully warm. Acasius guessed that they must be using some sort of geo-thermal heating. He was shown to a small room, plain but comfortable, with a cot, a nightstand, and a chair. A lamp glowed next to the bed.

"Come," Dorje said, leading him out to the room. They walked down a corridor and Dorje opened a door on which was carved a river scene. Inside was a huge bathing chamber, with a steaming pool. "Here you may soak your muscles after your long trip. We will bring tea and a light meal to your room. You must drink all the tea. Her Holiness will meet with you in two days, but she would like to give you time to get used to the elevation of the mountain. There is a robe for you for after your bath," he said, gesturing to a rack on which hung a fluffy white robe and towels.

After a long soak, Acasius made his way back to his room, where he found the promised tea and meal. He ate it gratefully knowing he had a big day tomorrow and then, exhausted, fell onto the cot and was asleep before his head hit the pillow. His head was filled with bizarre images depicting a strange cloaked figure with a green aura surrounding him. They soon disappeared and Acasius blacked out into a deep slumber.