“In a manner of speaking," Kasrjin grunted. The experience had been draining, both mentally and physically, though there was no indication that they had moved anywhere or truly been transported to so alien a place. He pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head, attempting to clear some of the fogginess from his vision as he spoke. "It is not so unusual a goal; all civilisations seek to create an enduring legacy, but inevitably all civilisations find their end, more often than not through their own fault. The lives and societies of mortals are defined by cycles. I do not believe it to be so bold that a society seeks to place itself as the exception to that cycle.†Kasrjin too drank from his waterskin, sitting on a rock to rest.
"Whether or not they will succeed, and what methods they are willing to take to do so are completely different matters all together."
“But… they warned me.†Roen frowned. “They warned me before you were summoned that what you were seeking, while it may save your people, it would bring ruin to many more. That even the very memory of its existence would have a detrimental effect for the rest of the world.†The paladin’s expression was equal part confusion and apprehension. “And yet, they gave you no such portent. You asked, and they acquiesced. ...Why?â€
Kasrjin gave a small, weak smile. “There was much of our conversation that you did not see. Much as there was much of your conversation that I did not see. I did receive a similar warning, though I know not its true nature.†He exhaled. “Consider that someone--or something--built both this place and the temple of my people, and yet whatever peoples did so no longer exist. That in itself is warning enough. Perhaps in the future I will come to regret not heeding that warning, or perhaps such calamity takes place so far into the future that death has absolved me.â€
The Xaela stood to stretch. “Perhaps part of what makes us mortal is that we do not know. Our perception of time is limited.â€
The paladin watched, her expression turning pensive. “Mm,†she hummed quietly in reply, directing her attention to her armor and equipment. It was a routine learned by rote, checking to see if there had been any damage or loss. It filled the small pause of silence that fell between them, before she swallowed and spoke again.
“They also spoke of a betrayal,†she murmured softly. â€Both the dragon and these entities. And it was directed at you.†She peered back up at Khadai. “What do they speak of?â€
His face twitched as if he were suppressing a wince. “I prefer not to say. I am sure that place showed you things you do not wish to reveal either. It is enough to say that someone close to me is responsible for doing harm where I expected none.†Kasrjin absentmindedly patted the bag where the keystone slept, glancing at the stone wall. His emerald eyes glimmered in the darkness. “In any case, I expect we will not be permitted to return within our lifetimes. Perhaps that is for the better. One must wonder who was capable of such a fearsome construct, and what fate befell them and those who stumbled upon their works.â€
Roen blinked, and quickly blanked her expression. “Right. Apologies.†She cleared her throat, her voice turning analytical. “I did not mean to pry.â€
She turned back to her equipment with increased vigor, her movements quickening. Once she was certain all things were as they should be, she stood. “I guess we are done here then. Should we go?â€
"Whether or not they will succeed, and what methods they are willing to take to do so are completely different matters all together."
“But… they warned me.†Roen frowned. “They warned me before you were summoned that what you were seeking, while it may save your people, it would bring ruin to many more. That even the very memory of its existence would have a detrimental effect for the rest of the world.†The paladin’s expression was equal part confusion and apprehension. “And yet, they gave you no such portent. You asked, and they acquiesced. ...Why?â€
Kasrjin gave a small, weak smile. “There was much of our conversation that you did not see. Much as there was much of your conversation that I did not see. I did receive a similar warning, though I know not its true nature.†He exhaled. “Consider that someone--or something--built both this place and the temple of my people, and yet whatever peoples did so no longer exist. That in itself is warning enough. Perhaps in the future I will come to regret not heeding that warning, or perhaps such calamity takes place so far into the future that death has absolved me.â€
The Xaela stood to stretch. “Perhaps part of what makes us mortal is that we do not know. Our perception of time is limited.â€
The paladin watched, her expression turning pensive. “Mm,†she hummed quietly in reply, directing her attention to her armor and equipment. It was a routine learned by rote, checking to see if there had been any damage or loss. It filled the small pause of silence that fell between them, before she swallowed and spoke again.
“They also spoke of a betrayal,†she murmured softly. â€Both the dragon and these entities. And it was directed at you.†She peered back up at Khadai. “What do they speak of?â€
His face twitched as if he were suppressing a wince. “I prefer not to say. I am sure that place showed you things you do not wish to reveal either. It is enough to say that someone close to me is responsible for doing harm where I expected none.†Kasrjin absentmindedly patted the bag where the keystone slept, glancing at the stone wall. His emerald eyes glimmered in the darkness. “In any case, I expect we will not be permitted to return within our lifetimes. Perhaps that is for the better. One must wonder who was capable of such a fearsome construct, and what fate befell them and those who stumbled upon their works.â€
Roen blinked, and quickly blanked her expression. “Right. Apologies.†She cleared her throat, her voice turning analytical. “I did not mean to pry.â€
She turned back to her equipment with increased vigor, her movements quickening. Once she was certain all things were as they should be, she stood. “I guess we are done here then. Should we go?â€
