At the moment, Emperor Aricius was looking over just some of the myriad writings his subjects could bring him regarding the history of the Rift. At the back of his mind, however, was the knowledge that his time was short, the clock ticking until his next meeting. As much as he wanted to know, there was an even more pressing subject matter - that of the Rift.
With a reluctant sigh, Aricius pulled himself from his current efforts poring over the various documents in the castle's vast library. He would have time for his studies later, he reminded himself. His attention was needed on the very subject his studies pertained to.
As Aricius entered the throne room, he was pleased to see his top advisors already awaiting him. They understood how precious his time was, and wouldn't waste it by making him wait unnecessarily. "Emperor!" one of them greeted. "It's an honor to-"
"God damn, skip the pleasantries, please," he demanded as he moved to his seat. Perhaps hunger made him testy; perhaps it was just impatience. Regardless, the silent nods and tightened posture of the others as they took their seats made it evident that he had set the tone for the meeting.
"How go the efforts by the research team?" he pressed, before he had even finished sitting down. "What have we discovered about the Rift, and are any of these discoveries useful to us?"

General Tiller cleared his throat to indicate that he would be the one answering. It was appropriate, he figured, as the research team was under military command. "We've made many discoveries, but they essentially sum up to a few key points. The first is that people can enter through the Rift, and return here through the portal at the other end."
Aricius nodded. "Has this been consistent?" he asked.
"It has," Tiller confidently assured the emperor. "They've been able to return even when the Rift on our end wasn't directed to their current location. That brings us to the next two points. Our mages have developed a means to direct the Rift to any one of multiple different locations. For now, they will control it on site, based on your orders. Our researchers are hoping to develop a means to streamline this process, to make it easier for you to control. Though there are those who say that the actual direction of the Rift wouldn't need a particularly specialized skillset, we've endeavored to make the process as reliable and consistent as possible."

Tiller leaned forward, his hands clasped as he prepared to continue. "That brings us to the most concerning point. We haven't yet found a way to seal the Rift," he revealed. Aricius gave a slightly dissatisfied shrug, but there was no indication that the development surprised him.
"So anyone who has access to a Rift on their end could come here, then?" he asked.
"As far as we know, that is correct," Tiller confirmed. "At least, anyone whom we can reach. We can, of course, continue to work on ways to tighten control, but it will... take time, at the very least."
Aricius closed his eyes in contemplation, his chin resting lightly on his fist. He remained still for a few seconds before returning his attention to the room. "Very well," he acknowledged. "Depending on what the other lands look like, our main advantage may be that there's nothing of value to be gained by attacking this place, relative to the cost. On that note, what do we see of other lands?"
Marcus cleared his throat this time. "Based on the data we have so far, I would say that there are positive prospects," he said. "We've been careful to avoid going too far, however, so as to leave the decision on our next move to you. The others can fill you in on what we've been seeing, along with our recommendations. From there, the choice is yours."
The other advisors became more alert at the prompt. Aricius looked around at the table.
"Very well. Let's hear it then," he ordered.

----

A piece of meat arced through the air before disappearing into the maw of a lunging wyvern. The meal would satisfy the creature, while its rider received his briefing.
With the base commander at his office stood the rider with the scout that would be accompanying him. The commander looked over the most important details of the briefing before continuing. "You two have been selected for this mission because of your training in telepathy, and because of the high degree of confidence the Empire can place in you," he stated.
The riders nodded. "It's an honor to be chosen for this, sir," one of them commented.
"As it should be," the commander responded. "Now, some information about your destination. What we have been able to pick up from scrying suggests that that there is significant civilization in the target realm. They appear to command floating ships of some kind, with fortified positions. You should hopefully get the chance to establish contact with them before they try to shoot you down. You are to carry no weapons on this trip. Should you find yourselves in danger, retreat immediately and report it."
"Yes, sir," the soldiers affirmed.
"Here are the two most important things you can remember for this mission," the commander continued. "The first: you represent Vivesper and its people. Do not do anything that would reflect unfavorably on us. The Emperor is looking for an opportunity to establish a diplomatic replationships, and potentially trade. You will be the first impression these people have of Vivesper. Do not give them a reason to immediately dismiss such an idea."
"Yes sir," the soldiers affirmed again.
"Good. The second: you must return to us," the commander asserted. "At least one of you, but ideally, both. We must have your report of what you encounter. Though I hope it doesn't happen, you also must not allow yourselves to be taken prisoner. Should you be interrogated, you may endanger Vivesper should these people prove hostile."
The soldiers maintained their bearing as they were presented with the grim scenario. "Yes sir," they affirmed again.
"Good. Now, the mages will direct the Rift. You are to get on your wyverns and fly through once they clear you," the commander instructed. "From there, you're on your own. Try to use telepathy to contact any other party from a safe distance, before approaching. Best of luck."
"Understood. We look forward to bringing you a successful report," one of the scouts said, as they took their leave. The mission was dangerous, but they wouldn't back down. Vivesper needed this of them, and they would do it.

The riders, now mounted atop their wyverns, waited anxiously as the mages stabilized the Rift. As they did, images of flying ships and thriving islands appeared - as well as a place that seemed even deader than many in Vivesper. Unlike the desolate areas in Vivesper, however, which were invariably uncivilized, that place seemed to be a ruin of what was once a thriving civilization.
Hopefully, it would only come up as a history lesson.
The mages gave the all clear for the scouts. With a command, the wyverns took off, into the portal... and into whatever awaited them on the other side.