1 Chapter 1

[Inside a dark room, stands a figure, motionless. It is unclear whether the figure is conscious or not.

The room they are standing in appears to be a padded room, much like that for a dangerous individual, either to others, or themselves. However, instead of cushioned material as would be expected, the room is instead constructed of a glossy metal. The metal gleams dark red as a deep burgundy light surrounds the standing figure illuminating their features, though for such a brief period of time that hardly a glance would be possible to observe them, swiftly vanishing from the spot they had previously stood in.]

Strange. I should have not woken up for at least several hours at this point.

Did something occur back in the central nexus that prompted my awakening? Though if it did, then there is not any notification that has appeared as of yet.

In further note, I appear to no longer be stationed in my chambers. Interesting. However, this room does appear to be relatively similar.

[The figure, now revealed to be a pale-fleshed humanoid, is standing now in a stony chamber, only lit by a slowly dimming runic inscription in the floor of the room, seemingly carved in, and glowing in the same burgundy light that brought the figure here. The figure, now clearly able to be seen, has an androgynous, though leaning feminine appearance, with no clear sexual anatomy and dull crimson hair, cut in a practical style and leading an inch past their shoulder.]

I should wait until further notice. This seems to be some sort of error, or strange happenstance, and I cannot be compromised.

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[After several minutes without changes in the environment, noises begin cascading into the atmosphere of the stone chamber, coming from a previously benign seeming wall. The noise comes from indistinct voices, and clattering objects, likely made of metal, the harsh clattering revealing their origins.]

[The voices grow closer, and after a moment, a grinding noise assaults the room as the revealed secret door sinks into ground.]

I see, there appears to be some unknown personnel that have gotten a hold of me in some manner. While their methods are unknown, it is likely related to this strange contraption under me, and the faint light it emanates. I should be cautious for now and ascertain their intentions with my being before interacting.

[Three silhouettes are illuminated in the shadows of the soft torchlight peering into the stone chambers:

An individual in a pale-gray robe with no adornments, who appears to be male, with a thin, almost sickly constitution,

And two individuals in matching metallic armor, styled similarly to medieval plate armor covering their entire forms, though with some distinctions. One appears to be female, though unclear regarding their appearance, due to their armor, and they are wielding a polearm that ends in an ax blade on one end, and a hammer on the other. The other plated figure appears to be male, also wielding a polearm with a pointed end sharpened for piercing, a spear.]

Strange. Whoever or whatever has brought me here has forces that utilize typically primitive weaponry. That strange, robed figure, however, appears to be in a leadership position, and requires further attention, since their form of weaponry is not visible.

(Gray-Robed Figure) "Greetings, exalted hero, I am most pleasured to make your acquaintance. Now I am sure you must be quite confused about your new situation but worry not. Follow me and you will understand what you have been brought here for.

(Male Armored Figure) "But Sir Arch-Theurgist, what about getting her dressed? Surely, she can't meet the king in such a foul state?"

[As the armored figure spoke, addressing the androgynous figure directly, he seemed confused regarding how to address them.]

(Gray-Robed Figure) "Linia, fetch some fitting attire for the hero. We can not simply be delayed by such a trifle, so bring them directly to the waiting room."

(Female Armored Figure) "Understood, Arch-Theurgist."

[The female individual in armor jogged off, while the two remaining figures turned back to the still standing androgynous figure.]

I am meeting a king then, it would appear, though in what regard? Judging from their attire, and strange manner of speaking it would seem that whatever organization that has gained a hold of me must truly be backwards in their manner of organization. With such deluded individuals, it is best to act in a cooperative manner, so as not to stoke any potential threats from provoking them. Once I have properly ascertained their objectives, then I may counter as necessary.

(Gray-Robed Figure) "Come along then, we must not be waiting for too long, and you do need to be dressed post haste."

[The naked androgynous form follows the two individuals as they walk up a spiraling stone staircase, with the central pillar at the right side of their advance.]

[The figures walk at a steady pace for several minutes, seemingly ascending a notable height with no sounds accompanying their ascent besides the soft drag of leather soles and clattering metal, coming from the robed and armored figures respectively. The androgynous figure makes no noticeable noise following their gait.]

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[After some time, the spiraling staircase ends at a landing, adorned with faintly glossy wooden walls arrayed with hanging banners and various paintings settled at a regular interval. The banners depict an Impaled man, with several swords jutting out of his back, though seemingly still alive. The paintings depict similar scenes, though centrally focused on scenes of warfare and conflict, with tender any time for a softer or peaceful display.]

[Eventually, the androgynous figure is led to a door, noticeably less decorated than previously seen doors, and in a section of the building that they were being led through that is less atmospheric than the prior sections. At the door is the female armored individual, with a sack in hand, and their polearm stowed to the side.]

[She hands the inhumanly androgynous figure the sack as their form enters the under furnished room.]