[center][img]https://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjgwLmYwMTcwYS5WR2hsSUZCeVlXTjBhV05oYkEsLC4yAAAA/shlop.regular.png[/img][/center]
[center][sub]Time: 2:11 - The Forest[/sub][/center]

[hider=Max/Aaron/Eris/Varis]
On the backside of each coin, there was a little phrase.

[color=deepskyblue] “The night does end when the sun ascends to where your escape does start. But if you fancy another round, follow where the moon does descend.”[/color]

Varis’ eyes narrowed at Eris’ stilted response. It was quite out of the ordinary for him to consider an invitation. He would discuss that with him when they were in private and he turned to Eris fully to discuss plans. Varis needed time to deal with the boy a shower so he would call the blonde when he was ready for visitors but his vision went balck again. Every muscle in his body tensed, he could feel his joints lock, and he distantly registered the sound of ceramic cracking as he reflexively tightened his grip on the skull. He’d been so relieved to have his eyesight back he’d forgotten he’d lose it again. 

He swore internally as he took a moment to push down the rising panic. He could feel the wind on his skin, he knew he was in the forest, he wasn’t locked away. It was nighttime. The image of the fake boy appeared, sunlight spilling from his hand, and Varis shuddered. He would have to crush that possibility even if he had to break the boy’s mind. Hopefully, Varis’ personal touch to the training schedule he developed would keep that from happening but now. Now it was a possibility. He forced his muscles to relax, the tension slowly seeping out of his as he concentrated. 

Once he felt under control again, he felt around the skull for the eyes and pushed through the ceramic like it was soft clay. Shards of ceramic crumpled to the ground under the pressure and he pried out the onyx eyes. Unbeknownst to him, wisps of rainbow energy materialized as he dug into the skull and writhed harder with every tug on the onyx. He made a little grunt of frustration and then [i]yanked[/i]. The first eye popped out and the left side of the skull caved in with a sigh and a faint shimmer of light. Varis moved onto the right eye and the same thing happened, the entire skull turning to powder as Varis pocketed the two stones and held his hand out for Aaron’s arm.

[color=f7976a]“Unless anyone has any objections, I suggest we leave.”[/color] Varis’ suggestion was far more a demand, clearly quite done with this entire situation.[/hider] 

[hider=Lilie/Ben]
[color=deepskyblue]“Action calls for a response in kind. A vulnerability for a vulnerability.”[/color] The beast growled, massive chunks of earth flying behind it as it’s claws propelled it forward and slashed wildly at Ben, aiming for the vampire’s face and chest. [color=deepskyblue]“What is might, bloodsucker?”[/color]

Beneath Lilie, the edge of the water crept higher up the shoreline.[/hider]  


[hider=Salem/Victor]
The mist ended at the treeline line directly in front of the small deer trail cutting through the underbrush. It was barely wide enough for a mage, much less a Victor. They’d have to tromp through for a bit but the trail connected to a larger path free of debris and roots. It was still a little uneven but it was clearer than most paths they’d walked so far. The directions were written on the trees and rocks, a few on the ground, and some sneaky arrows on the backside of branches. 

The pair would manage to make it through the woods relatively easily. Unlit paper lanterns hung from a tree, swaying in the soft breeze. There were three different designs: one boasted a boar, another a curling wave, and the third a blade balancing a flower on it’s tip. Small rocks circled the tree with two lines stretching from it. Writing on the trunk glowed in Salem’s vision:

[color=deepskyblue] “To whom walks amidst Time’s tangled web, look close at that which walks removed. Three keys to enlightenment of our kind-Might, Majesty, and Mastery-and yet not all three command them. Pick the light that guides their way and keep it safe on your way to have your diligence paid in kind. Stay to the right as it shines.

Though if sand does drop far too fast, feel free to take the left path.[/color][/hider]

[hider=Maddie/Amaris]
[color=deepskyblue]“Indeed, this is false and the others true.[/color] The Serpent's voice boomed. The cracks in Maddie's barrier disappeared though the water remained. The cold seemed out of her and her shivering slowly came to a stop. She tapped against the barrier, hoping that she’d be let out now. She hadn’t considered the underwater death trap as a possible challenge. 

The Serpent swirled around the area lazily, slowly picking up speed. The water followed building up speed until it was tearing violently at Amaris and the barriers. The Serpent laughed. [color=deepskyblue]“Now let us see when it’s the other’s truths.”[/color] Suddenly, Maddie was outside where Amaris had been standing and Amaris in the barrier. The water level hadn’t receded but Amaris had a few inches on Maddie, the water not reaching her waist. A crack formed in the ceiling of the barrier, water spilling in. 

Meanwhile, Maddie’s mother appeared in one barrier, looking around for a few moments before focusing on Maddie. Confusion was apparent as she tried to speak but no sound came out. In the other, Ms. Merryweather appeared, crossing her arms and tapping her foot as she stared at Maddie expectantly and a familiar shiver went down Maddie’s spine. Just like before, the barriers became opaque and flickered into different positions. Each one read the following, from left to right:

[color=deepskyblue]What matters in life is not family or friends for happiness comes from perseverance.[/color]

[color=deepskyblue]Only a fool believes the vampires won’t abandon thee.[/color]

[color=deepskyblue]Keep still, keep silent, keep watch; through vigilance can you control her lot.[/color]

The Serpent repeated his instructions and disappeared into the depths, leaving Maddie staring at the statements. After seeing her, Maddie couldn’t help but read each one in her former teacher’s snide voice because they all sounded like something she’d say. In fact, the first one was something she said nearly verbatim. Maddie sighed. She thought she escaped that awful woman after suffering under her rule for five years but apparently even the Noila’s couldn’t keep her away. 

As much as she hated to admit it, Maddie knew it was true. Staying alive and healthy meant you could always find something that makes you happy in this world. These vampires tear family and friends apart with little to no concern for how it affects their mages. Family and friends couldn’t be counted on to keep you sane and safe. The second choice seemed true and false simultaneously; after all, the Marivaldis were renowned for their respect of their mages and what freedoms they could afford them but an eternal creature could easily lose interest in someone who aged so quickly in comparison and she would have to live under a rock not to hear the rumors of what some vampires did to mages who displeased them. 

So, all in all, Maddie was inclined to choose the last option as the lie but she didn’t really understand it. Who was her and what was this lot? She frowned at it. She didn't want to make a choice that would jeopardize everything she just went through. Maddie flipped it over a few times but just came back to the same question over and over.  

[color=FC8686] “Okay, I think I narrowed it down to two options Countess.”[/color] Maddie called out, knowing that Amaris would be able to hear her from inside but not sure how loud she needed to be. [color=FC8686] “I’m stuck between [i]Only a fool believes the vampires won’t abandon thee[/i] and [i]Keep still, keep silent, keep watch; through vigilance can you control her lot[/i]. I’m leaning towards the former but I don’t really understand the latter. Any suggestions?”[/color][/hider]