It was apparent that such a place was meticulously created for them, for a reason.

Crystal was also curious as to why no harm had come to them yet.

Letting down their guards would be suicidal and she wanted to make sure she and the other four got back home together. Most importantly however, she wanted them all to get back alive. When Atomik and BreGle added their own comments and observations, the woman in shining armor took another careful look around. It seemed peaceful and she knew that was surely part of the plan, whatever it was. "I'm not sure where we are or why we're here...maybe this was their plan, maybe the guy was a real Gvn official or maybe he wasn't." She shrugged. Dwelling on the details was only going to make them more unsettled and distracted. They needed to focus and keep moving with careful direction. "I don't know if they messed up because we have our weapons...maybe they want to play a game and it wouldn't be any fun if we were unarmed." She finally set her eyes back on their target.

"We shouldn't keep in one place though." Crystal told them and began to walk again, the gold under her hardened metal feet allowed a light sound to echo from under her weight as she moved. "Be careful, there's no guard or rail between here and that water and something tells me we shouldn't try going for a swim right now." She said as they neared the stairs leading into the building. The others could be further inward or even inside a building for all they knew. It may be possible to survey the area before moving to the large building, just in case the other two were in trouble. That was a risk, as was just going straight for the top of the building in front of them. As a leader, she had to weigh the options, their possible outcomes as well as their risks and rewards. 

In her mind, the vantage point would be a little more of a reward, giving their separation as a functioning team. If they could spot them somewhere down below, it would be easier to navigate the ground and its delicate streets. As BreGle pointed out, there could be monsters and she also believed there could be traps, just to liven things up a bit. "Once inside, you two will flank around the perimeter of the room. It looks large and we need to make sure we know where the possible entrances and exits are." She told them as they went up the stairs. There was a patch of greenery they walked over before they stood in front of the darkened circular room. They had no idea how it worked or how things may be activated. With any luck, there would be physical stairs rather than some moronic code or puzzle. "Atomik, take the left, BreGle, take the right and meet in the middle on the other side. I will take the center." Crystal directed as they stood outside, eyes savoring the bright light before having to enter into the unknown darkness.

Her heart wasn't racing as much anymore.

They had a new mission to take care of which was to find a way out for them. But in the back of her mind, she also knew they needed to find out who was pulling the strings and why. Finally stepping inside, the room lit up. Along the walls of the round room, hung candles and upon the entry of a heartbeat, they lit themselves and revealed two entryways in the back, as well as a golden spiral staircase in the middle leaded up, except the stairs went nowhere, straight into the ceiling. Looking to the other two, she motioned for them to check the room as planned while she approached the stairwell and ran her hand along the thin rounded railing. It felt cool but not dusty. How odd. In the back of the room, BreGle and Atomik would find a small wooden bookshelf, adorned with red drapes containing a single thick leather bound book. Their view would also be an endless sea of green trees and hints of golden huts mixed between the emerald bliss.

The book itself would be without a name or symbol. Inside, there would be a message for any visitors who needed sanctuary:

[i]Travelers of near and far,

You have almost reached Destiny but you're not there yet. Time is not to be raced against or cheated, it is a companion throughout everyone's lives, rich or poor. Time is the only constant that keeps people alive and protected. In this cherished book, you will find the clues in which effort, sacrifice, courage, affection, people and everyone can make anything possible. The world as one knows it, may not be the world of their neighbor. Answers and questions do not define Destiny, but instead lead you to it. Only the clever may advance upwards toward Destiny. 

Your first challenge is to solve the riddle and carve it in the first step.

I am protected
like a child.
I am spread
like a disease.
People spend lifetimes
chasing me.
I will set you free.[/i]

Crystal paced around the five steps leading up, coiling like a sinister snake. "Did you guys find anything? Or see anyone?" She looked over her shoulder toward them before bending down to tap on the ground under her, just in case something was hidden. There was nothing. "Damn." She stood up and let out a sigh as the candles continued to burn around them while the music continued to play though now it was softer. "We should try breaking the stone but I don't think it's a good idea." She said aloud and tapped the tip of her weapon against the floor above them which was at present, acting as an impenetrable ceiling.