Outside the Mage Tower a raven lands and sets a piece of parchment down. It is addressed to Poppy and reads:
"Poppy,
After some consideration I have decided that it is not in my best interest to take further efforts to cure this 'madness.' I assume that you have heard at least some about recent events regarding things that should not be seen. I am going to try to further contact these creatures. Your presence would likely be beneficial. Any who wish to accompany you may. I have spoken with my family and those wishing to be there will.
Head south out of Jastrey for a ways. I will guide you from there. Beat not to take risks too close to home.
Goose Igaly"
"Terrific" she said giving Dayne a light nod before turning to Weylyn.
"No he has gave up that route it seems." She said handing foxes the letter she received. "I believe he is taking a more direct uh stabby route. You may of be of some help still since you have actually seen these creatures ."
*Esgir was a bit started from his work by Poppy's outcry; it wasn't common for anyone's voice to boom throughout the tower aside from Rune's, and especially not the Fae's. Taking the time he'd been reading, along with a parchment, and locking them in a chest at the side of the worktable before heading downstairs.*
"'Ere then, what's got ye in such an outspoken state Poppy? Aye heard ye from upstairs, but couldn'ae make out what ye were sayin'."
Poppy nods lightly to Esgir before speaking. " Sorry, I do not need to yell, but this affair was a little time sensitive. I believe." She said clearing her throat before speaking again. "Goose asked if I would assist him in dealimg with the beyond creatures that have plagued him. I was seening if any of the other fellow docents would like to assist in the cause before I head out." She said firmly
Weylyn raised an eyebrow and took the letter taking a minute to read it "Stabby option? It sounds like he wants to try talking to them..." He furrows his brow before finally answer. "I will go Poppy-san. But only as backup if a fight starts. If Goose plans to try to talk to those things I'm standing well away. Immortals know how he plans to actually get one to show up though." He said handing the note back to poppy
*Esgir's normally rather cheerful demeanor and expression turns stern and hard. The dwarf had been largely silent about the happenings of that evrning, having busied himself with his work, sequestered away upstairs except when he went to the bazaar.*
"Aye... Aye was present at Talaud; an' Aye hesitated. Aye told Goose Aye'd nae hesitate again. Aye will be there."
Poppy nods to Athena. "The support alone may help if you are willing to go can't promise how safe it will be."
"Mhmm well yeah he does plan to talk to them but I dont see that lasting very long." She said shaking her head at the fox.
Looking over the group that had gathered. "Alright if you all are ready to go I will lead the way." The fae said fluttering out of the tower to the location described to her by Goose.
*Having grabbed several things to bring along just in case.*
"Aye dunnae know how well they may work, but we kin hope at least. When we were in Talaud, Malkonius couldn'ae contact Thareon; but Aye think that had more t' do with where we were than the creatures themselves... That bein' said, Aye dunnae have nae intentions o' being drug through a portal t' the unknown as Weylyn and Rune were. Aye've brought along a bit o' lode stone; if nothin' else we might at least see if it kin hamper whatever magicks they employ."
"You are all fools."
From somewhere behind the group inside the tower, a broken voice emits, "You cannot even begin to fathom the depths of which you are about to plunge. Nor what lurks at the bottom"
From the tower steps a broken golem in tattered red robes. It's chest is pried open, exposing two Names. One a faded blue crystal, the other a blazing red stone. "Thier claws already pull you, like puppets, into thier great maw. This one can even feel them swimming around in its body and host's Name. "
The golem's head raises, reavealing Rune's head, but with a shattered faceplate. Where Rune was blue, this golem glows a crimson red. "All is fair, however. The Exiles will have thier pound of flesh, an this one will take the heads of the rest."
Althena pauses, glancing back and watching as Weylyn and Poppy leave the tower. Taking a deep breath, she turns to face the ruined golem that had once been her friend. "You are not Rune," she says, her voice wavering slightly, eyes fixing upon the faded blue crystal.
*Looking to the shattered golem, then to Althena, then back to the golem once known as Rune.*
"Aye'd have t' agree with tha' - we jest repaired Rune, an' there wasn'ae annae red stone in tha' one."
*Hefting his warhammer, the Runesmith pointed it at the golem.*
"Who are ye, an' what have ye done t' Rune? So help me, I'll pry ye out m'self if ye've done annaethin' ta harm tha' one."
"Spot on ixifar. This one is not Rune. We are called Headhunter. We were un-aware of lands beyond our own, but it would seem there are many. Rune seems to have cataloged a vast sum on knowledge on the denziens of this and many other shards." emits from the damaged construct.
"No harm will come to Rune, least, as long as it remains useful. Its current behavior is....stubborn. It is constantly trying to regain control of this body, but we have it in check. We will leave now, and shall see you soon." A portal opens under the golem, and it drops in.
Poppy greets the feathered creature with a light tap upon its head before shooing him off. Poppy scans over it quickly before entering the tower. Poppy taking a deep breath lets out a loud cry into the tower. "Docents! Goose has asked for assistance with-- his uh new unwanted friends, head residents I suppose you could call them?. If any would like to come along I would suggest following now." The fae said pausing to catch her breath, seeing if a certain fox would appear.