14. Midnight
General Summary
Over lunch, the party discusses their next direction. Mirage is reluctantly persuaded to confront her kidnapper in order to, if nothing else, confirm that she doesn't have to worry about second attempts. Cypher supports getting within stabbing range of the asshole, and realizes too late that his own logic has trapped him into a trip to Midnight - the closest Airship dock that can take them to Auria.
Realizing their path now runs to his long-absented hometown puts a damper on the warlock's mood for the rest of the day.
When they pick up camp the next morning, it only takes a few hours for the obsidian city to come into view. Mirage tries to keep the mood light, asking him about the Library, about what they'll find there, teasing him for being a nerd.
It's appreciated, but eventually they're standing at the city gates, stating names and intentions for the Lion's records.
The city looms around them. Buildings crammed so close together that they're like walls leaning over streets paved in the same dark stone as the city walls. They turn in tight corners that you can't see around until you're right on them.
Looking up, they see balconies, stairs, even short suspension bridges crossing the roadways from high above. People are everywhere, mostly coming in from the gates, but as the party gets further from the entrance, traffic becomes multi-way. Carts, couriers, runners, groups of friends, workers of all description, occaisionally interrupted by a group of two to four of those guards with the lion emblem
Ta'lok and Saeldor split off to find an inn that will, according to the warlock, "fleece them only minimally," while the casters head to the Library.
Mirage is keeping a lookout for something library-like. An old building, somewhat fancy looking, probably picture of a book somewhere on the sign. So she's probably surprised when she finds herself being led up to a gatehouse of solid stone, under a raised portcullis and through two huge and reinforced wood-and-iron doors.
“Wait THIS is your library?”
Cypher's been waching her out the corner of his eye as they walk up and he's got the biggest grin when she asks that.
"Yup."
“This is a fortress!”
It's not a huge structure, beyond the fortress door is an anteroom with another massive portcullis ahead, lowered. Four figures in full plate armour with the same book-and-spiral emblem on their breastplates stand at attention before it.
There's a few tables off to one side, with a simple rug under them. It's a relatively wide area and there's some people reading, but no bookshelves; it's unclear where their books came from. To the other side are more armoured people, plus a couple in mage robes and one in dark rogue leathers, all bearing the book insnignia.
As they step in, Cypher scans the crowd, but someone seems to spot him first.
"Well would you look what the cat dragged in."
A bronze dragonborn, six feet tall and resplendent in her plate mail, stands from where she was sitting and strides toward them. Her plate armour is trimmed in gold.
Cypher does something Mirage has never seen him do before. He bows. Low and proper with a straight back.
"Dame Kendral, it's good to see you."
She waves a hand dismissively. He straightens. "Please allow me to introduce miss Cri and miss Mirage Noor. Mirage, Cri, this is Dame Kendral, Gatekeeper of the Midnight Library."
Mirage gives a polite bow. “Dame Kendral, I’m pleased to meet you.”
"Not half as pleased as I am. I don't know that I've ever had the privilege of meeting my apprentice's friends before."
“Apprentice!” Mirage looks at Cypher. “A man of many talents.” Gives him a grin
He cocks his head, a little confused "You didn't do one?"
Mirage quickly shakes her head at him but plows on, “Well your apprentice has spoken very highly of this beautiful library. I can hardly wait to see it for myself! And I know my friend Cri here is anxious to peruse theyr star charts.”
"Yes, of course." She claps her hands and the guards at the gate stand to attention before starting to raise the portcullis. Before letting them in, they are read a warning that their safety within the library is their responsibility, that they are barred from using any manner of fire (Cypher has to hand over his lantern), magical or otherwise, and that any books taken beyond the gatehouse must be reported to a Librarian. They are advised to keep a map or at least notes on their route to avoid getting lost.
Beyond the portcullis are several descending steps. the Dame walks with the three of them over there. She asks Cypher if he's already been to his parent's home or if he came straight here, clearly joking
I don't think he has it in him to lie in this moment, so I think he just avoids the question and she definitely clocks it with a look of stern disapproval
"Enjoy your visit," she says as you reach the top of the stairs. "Do give your father my regards when you see him."
He winces, but it's momentary
"Daaaaamn"
Cri does a hooting equivalent
He's walking ahead of you, and puts up a hand in a "yeah yeah" wave. "I know, I know, there's no need to gang up on me. C'mon."
Full Scene
Report Date
22 Feb 2025
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