Marloff is drawn away from his studies in the library by a strange, persistent beeping. Following his ear, he makes his way to Rune's chamber door. Listening for a moment he assures himself the sound is emanating from within. After several attempt to call out to Rune, Marloff lays an ear to the door. No sooner than the rough wood grazes his skin the door swings wide open.
Rune had not returned to the tower. On the table stood a tall stack of tombs concerning government workings, golemancy and foraging. Another stack was made up entirely of studies on Ressik and Secronus. Strewn on the table's surface were differing plant specimens and many small mana fragments. A larger sharp-cornered fragment lay atop a copy of the Docents Charter. The tip of the fragment points to Marloff's name within the list of docents.
Curious as to its meaning he lightly traces the fragment with a finger. As his digit nears the fragment' center it suddenly spins on the parchment and slides and stops at several single letters on the page.
L - E - A - D - E - R
"You cannot mean this Rune..?..." Marloff mutters to a non-present construct.
The large fragment spins again and starts another journey around the page. This time the letters it hesitates at are...
I - N - T - E - R - I - M
After lingering a while to collect his thoughts, Marloff states confidently... "Very well."
*Esgir opened the door to his room where he had been sequestered largely since the incident with the one called 'Headhunter'. Without Rune's guidance in finding his way around the vast collection of the library, it was proving difficult to find much on 'Headhunter'; undoubtably the golem would have been most useful in researching them more if he were around...*
*Esgir almost walked into Althena as he wasn't exactly paying attention as he made his way towards the stairs. Surprised to see the door to Rune's chambers open.*
"Oh, excuse my Lady Althena, an' Marloff- is Rune in? Last Aye saw o' Rune there appeared t' be another one, named 'Headhunter' in control."
"Esgir ! Greetings"
Marloff paused, almost not noticing the question from the dwarf.
"No, I am afraid not. Rune has not returned. I think at this point that may be a blessing. He is not himself right now and needs our help. Having some time to figure out just what that help would entail is a good thing."
Marloff collects his thoughts and continues. "Rune has called out to me with magics and has asked that I fill the role of leadership until we can decide amongst ourselves who would best fit the position."
"I am a bit concerned how this news will be received by the docents."
"Ah..." *The dwarf's disappointment at the news of Rune's continued 'condition' was easy to read on his face.*
"Aye s'pose tha' explains how ye got Rune's door open. Aye dunnae s'pose he left annaethin' else tha' may be of use in aidin' that one?"
"As fer the Docents; if'n Rune has left ye in charge, then tha's good enough fer me. Aye'd nae expect many to oppose it. We need to try an' figure out more about this 'headhunter' an' try to remove it from Rune."
Althena nodded in agreement with the dwarven merchant. "We had passed through Nastal many years ago," she remarked, glancing back toward Rune's doorway. "but our passage was quickly made. I do recall rumors about the headhunter golems who wanted the wastes and I know Marloff has some information,." She frowns as she looks at Marloff, slipping one hand into his. "That someone from Jastrey has infected Rune with such...evil...." she shakes her head, turning back toward Esgir. "We do need to find some information regarding those things, and soon, if there is to be any hope of not only saving Rune, but preventing the deaths that will most likely occur at Headhunter's hands."
"I did see at least one tomb regarding golemancy in the tall stack on Rune's table. Perhaps there could be a clue or two in there. It also appears he was working with some herbs before his troubles began. At the moment I see no connection between the the plants, shattered mana and what has happened to him. Could he have had some prior knowledge of his rune stone being replaced? I need to go to the gardens and allows the heavens to direct me further."
Meditation in the rafters Peleus over hears the voices of his comrades and their conversation. He gathers himself and stands up. Taking a step off the rafters and free falling to the floor. As he reached the ground he rolls without making a sound [tumble]. He slowly raise up from the floor in front of his fellow docents. "So master rune has left us. I hate to say it but best we prepare for the worst and hope for the best."
"Please do read through the tomb, Esgir. Just, as you already know, be sure it does not leave the tower."
Marloff turns to Peleus.
"Rune did not so much as leave us as he was taken. His rune-stone was replaced with a re-worked rune-stone found during an adventure into Nastal. This has changed him from the Rune we knew into one of the hateful headhunters that roam the wastes. So now he is not only powerful but also dangerous and unpredictable."
Althena turned to face the newly arrived Docent, listening as Marloff explained to Peleus the circumstances surrounding Rune's disappearance. Nodding her agreement, she adds, "Headhunter, for that is what 'they' call themselves now, cornered Esgir and myself in the library. I believe the damnable thing means to begin collecting heads, using Rune's body to do so." She shakes her head sadly, "I can only imagine how Rune will think on that once he has recovered himself."
*Furrowing my brow.*
"From what 'headhunter' said when we encountered it, Rune is apparently still aware, an' tryin' t' fight back against it. Aye'll do all Aye can t' help Rune - even if I have t' reduce his body t' rubble and forge a new one f'r Rune's name. Aye'll nae allow this 'Headhunter' t' jest take Rune over."
"What you say is true, but it is only half of the truth. We do need to act before he does damage, but we need to first discover the whereabouts of his original rune-stone. Then we need to subdue him long enough to replace the foul stone he carries now."
.....
"I hope I did not hear you say anything about doing harm to Rune body. That construct is my friend. He is simply out of sorts at the moment."
*Looking to Marloff.*
"Rune is my friend as well Marloff; but tha'- THING- has taken Rune from us."
*Nodding as Althena speaks.*
"Lady Althena is right, Aye was at her side when it spoke t' us. Both names reside in that body, an Rune is fighting against 'Headhunter'. Know this; if a way exists to save Rune in name and form, Aye will do so- but if Aye have to destroy it's form t' save Rune's name, Aye will. We've restored Rune's form once, if necessary we'll do so ag'in. Aye would'nae propose it unless absolutely necessary Marloff - but 'Headhunter' apparently possesses Rune's memories, knowledge, an' power. As a friend, Rune was a great ally; as a foe... Aye dunnae think Aye have t' point out tha' he'd be a formidable opponent, 'headhunter' may try t' use our friendship with Rune ag'inst us, expecting we'd nae try t' restrain it."
"I hope, however, that the destruction of Rune would be the very last resort," she shrugs slightly. "To be honest, what I am most concerned with now is how many will loose their lives? With Rune's knowledge to draw upon...his abilities...it...they... could be anywhere. The knowledge of the borders beyond the Wastes..." she shakes her head now. "It would seem we need to pull the Docents together. And others as well. The Blood Bears come to mind. Try and find a way to pin-point where Rune...Headhunter...may had disappeared to," She looks up into Marloff's concerned face. "maybe try and learn of any murders that would fit in with the Headhunter Golems' means of destruction."
With a confidant nod Marloff continues. "I trust your abilities, Esgir. If you say Rune could be restored in form, I believe it."
"Perhaps the docents should form a hunting party, travel into the wastes of Nastal and find Rune there."
Marloff lets out a long soft sigh........
"Emotions cloud my thinking. I shall be off to seclude myself under the stars. I am in need of their guidance."
Althena watched as her love walked away, knowing that his focus was already set upon the heavens from which much of his inspiration and wisdom derived. Smiling slightly despite the tension in the air, she turns to the other two Docents. "I shall seek guidance from Avaren back at the Warren," she states, glancing once more to the still open door of Rune's room. "Esgir, I hope you can find some knowledge within," she gestures slightly toward the chambers. "Peleus," she gives the other a small nod as she, too, takes her leave of the residential floor of the Tower, to seek guidance and wisdom from the Immortal she serves.
Turning to close the door to her chambers, Althena turns and spies Marloff leaving Rune's room. Tilting her head slightly, the healer walks over to sorceror stopping just before him as he turns. "Marloff?" she asks, glancing around the tall man's shoulder, trying to spy into the golem's chambers. "What has happened?"