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1Akarus Yami  	Here it was. The place he had spoken of. The pair of he and Luna moved through a series of now entirely vague in the mind paths to arrive here. Just how had they arrived here? It wasn't clear. But they were here. "Here we are, Luna. Just as you saw in the crystal ball. Now the question becomes...Is our quarry present?" He looked about. There were some familiar faces. Others less so.
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3Luna Everflame  	Finally, here they were. It was lively here, rather flashy too, really it was almost a bit comedic how this would be the spot for the grand encounter she'd been after all these years. A resort that specializes in women with male genitalia, and this is where she was to meet a being of such importance? She couldn't get over how strange, and funny, that was. "Right. Let's make a quick rounds, see if she's still about. I imagine she'd be at one of the tables, based on the supplies we saw her with." With that, Luna would set off, taking a small tour around the place. It only took one small look around the room to see that normalcy was something to be tossed out the window here, all sorts of beings from bionic to demonic roamed the halls. At least they seemed friendly. Oh, there was even a giant hole in the ceiling, someone ought to fix that.
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5Paladin Ayda  	Ayda had just so happen to have been relaxing in one of the many booths that casino contained for just such activities, allowing her to keep a careful eye over the place and its rather strange inhabitants, when Akarus and his friend appeared in the resort. It was more than a tad surprising to see Akarus step through the doors in his very typical fashion, magically, but, just ambiguously enough to hide his presence from those who might otherwise spot him. Upon sighting him, Ayda stood with a smile, and rose her hand, attempting to get his attention. Thankfully, Ayda chose to wear her armor again today, a necessary precaution as times seemed to be getting more and more dangerous as of late, and as such her gauntleted hand would most likely be rather easy to spot, and even if it wasn't Ayda soon found her way through the crowd, weaving through them effortlessly to close the gap between the two. "Akarus!" came her boisterous voice, over the drone of the crowd, "It's been far too long, my friend. What brings you here?"
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7Akarus Yami  	Akarus rose a brow to a familiar voice. He looked over to the source, then smiled and rose a hand in return. "Ayda! Very good, come, come, much to discuss," he said, waving them over while leisurely walking towards them to meet them half way. When the group of two became three, he smiled between his female companions. "Ayda, meet Luna Everflame. Luna, meet Ayda Trisfina, holy warrior of Arshea of Golarion. It was actually I who had clued Ayda into the lore of the Spire, having been familiar with it myself for some time," he said, then smiled, eyes on Luna. "And Luna here happens to be quite the scholar of the very same, and has proved invaluable in breaking the oh...Decades-long debate of its stagnant existence in the most esoteric rings of the scholarly community? We'd ventured to my workshop in Aetheria just the other night to perform some scrying, only to trace our next clue to this very place." His eyes turned back to Ayda. "Who'd have guessed, eh? Cosmic coincidence of the grandest order ends up here of all places, as usual. Really, next time I'm on the lookout for some immensely important artifact or the like I should just double check the lost and found here to make sure."
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9Luna Everflame  	Luna seemed cautious at the armored woman's approach, but instantly eased up when she saw the friendly demeanor between the two on display. "A paladin and a shadowsworn." Luna shook her head, smiling. "Not the most likely pairing I expected, Akarus. I'm guessing this was the muscle you mentioned earlier then?" The robed scholar turned her gaze to the elvish woman, offering a brief nod in greetings. She rolled her eyes to her companion's words. "Oh please, I just showed you a card, you're the one who did most of the heavy lifting here." Luna chuckled, yes, it was the last place she expected to be searching for her quarry, and based on the sheer amount of strange entities wandering about, perhaps Akarus' joke wasn't too far from the truth.
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11Paladin Ayda  	As Ayda was introduced to Luna, she turned and gave a bow, politely. "A pleasure to meet you, miss Everflame." she said, before straightening and returning her attention to Akarus, although she gave a little chuckle at Luna's words. "A tad peculiar yes, but, Akarus and I have been friends for quite some time. You should ask him about the time that he and I faced down a hoard of demons, or the time that I fenced with Avira, of which I am almost certain Akarus has seen, due to his penchant for divination magic and sticking his nose where it does not belong." Ayda said with a little teasing tone. "Odd things have been happening, since you last came to this place, Akarus. I've seen it a few times, a strange magical affliction, that seems to be making people comatose... I know not what causes it, other than our mutual friend, perhaps. Regardless. Your timing couldn't be better." Ayda's voice had taken a bit more somber of a tone as she proceeded onward, although it brightened once more as Akarus explained why she and Akarus were here. "The spire? you've found hints of it? I thought I had myself, but it hasn't really panned out much. What of your lead?"
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13Akarus Yami  	Akarus paused at the notion of people falling comatose. "Troubling. But with any luck perhaps we can kill two birds with one stone. After all, the lore of the spire does say...Well, it says a lot of things I suppose, but one interpretation is that whomever reaches the top will be granted a wish. That'd certainly be the sort of magic that would make a lot of things better for you in short order; other interpretations go even further and say it grants powers that make even the gods envious." Then, back on the other topics, he shot a playful glare at Ayda. "And I'll have you know I have naught but the most scholarly interest in that which I divine," he said with a chuckle. "Though no, I hadn't known you'd faced off against Avira. But now that I know? I will certainly be seeing if I can peer into the past to see that. I'd wager you didn't land a single blow on her," he said with a smirk. "Not that I'd fare any better, in truth. She'd outrun even the blast wave of a fireball, so a blade has little chance to hit its mark. And as for our lead?" he smiled, then gestured to Luna. "Perhaps you'd like to explain?"
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15Luna Everflame  	While the other two were reminiscing, Luna was busy scouring the horizon, it was quite the crowd to sift through, but she imagined a woman like the one they were looking for would stand out like a sore thumb, if only because of their seemingly calm demeanor. It was probably not best to form judgement over an image she saw for only a few brief seconds, but she didn't have much else to go on here. "Hm?" The mage turned her head when mentioned. "Oh yes, right. Sorry, my focus lies elsewhere. We're looking for a woman, hair as black as night and eyes of scarlet. We don't have much else to go on, but... Oh, and she has wolfish ears, quite similar to my own, actually. Have you seen her? If so, could you point us in the right direction, I wish to have a word with her."
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17Paladin Ayda  	Ayda chuckled embaressedly at Akarus's claim, "To be fair, it was more of a show, a dance of blades, than an actual dual, but, yes you are quite correct, I did not manage to land my blade once. I am not afraid to admit when I am outclassed." Ayda said, rubbing the back of her head. Then, Luna spoke up once more, and, both of Ayda's brows shot up, in bewilderment and amazement. "Uh... Are you speaking of Freya? She's.. a bit peculiar, I'll admit, but, what do you want of her? So far as I can tell, she is simply one who is... very knowledgable about cards, and a certain deck in particular... but, I digress. I've not seen her today, no. But, I've spoken to her a few times, quite the enigmatic woman, she seems rather delightful if you can pique her interest, of course." Ayda spoke casually completely unaware of where this particular line of questioning might lead. "Is she a colleague of yours? A friend?"
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19Akarus Yami  	"Freya?" Akarus rose a brow. "So you've met them?" It was unsurprising; Ayda was here far more than he was. He looked at Luna, hopeful, then back to Ayda. "And knowledgeable about cards? Nothing about the spire? We know the two are somehow related...But perhaps even if she's not related to it she might have at some point been involved in the creation of something linked to it? That is still a far better lead than anything else we've had thus far." He looked at Luna again. "I hadn't considered the possibility that the person responsible for the card could have perhaps been...Like an outside hired hand of some measure. Curious...What say you, Luna?"
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21Luna Everflame  	So they had a name, Luna wasn't sure why that was so surprising to her. "Friend? No. As Akarus said moments ago, she's our lead." Luna clarified. "I doubt it's coincidence. The cards are related to the Spire in some capacity, we saw how the one I possess made it rearrange itself in that vision. Even if she's not the one in charge of the Spire, we know she's responsible for the cards, that's reason enough to pursue her. If she was hired as some sort of outside help, the only question is who hired her? The Spire itself?" Luna shook her head. Ridiculous. "In any case, if we can find her, I'm positive she can lead us to it. She has to."
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23Akarus Yami  	Akarus gave a few nods at the theories being thrown around. They were sound, and Ayda's admission of their mistake on the details meant that their word about this Freya girl being unrelated seem more questionable. "Right, well, let's have a look around and see if she's anywhere else around here. If she's here, we must be certain of it."
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25Keeper of the Spire  	If the venue wasn't absurd enough for this meeting, the timing if Freya's arrival would certainly add to the pile. Casual as could be with her bag of supplies hanging off her shoulder and crossed over her torso, she walked up to join the group of Ayda, Akarus and Luna. She smiled at Ayda, then at their companions. She didn't say it, but the expression said plainly: 'what's everyone talking about?'
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27Luna Everflame  	Luna shook her head, she simply wasn't going to accept that this woman didn't know anything of the Spire, perhaps they were lying to the paladin? They had to be, the connection was so obviously there, and if they somehow weren't related? Well, she'd have nothing else to go on... "No. I'm not mistaken. I'm sure of it." Luna affirmed, nodding to Akarus before setting off to begin their search. With a resolved look in her eye, she faced around and-- Well, that was easy. The scholar's eyes widened, she stood silent for a few long moments. Finally, she spoke, "...Freya?" This was much more awkward than she imagined. Fate had a funny way of simply handing things to her as of late. "Ahem... Could we ask for a moment of your time, Miss? There's a few questions I need to ask you." It was hard to even keep things at that, the excited wriggle in Luna's ears betrayed her calm demeanor as she gestured over to a table where they might sit, a seat for the both of them. Oh, how she wanted to vomit questions at this poor girl right on the spot, but patience, Luna, patience, she couldn't afford to blow this meeting which had been so kindly delivered to her.
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29Paladin Ayda  	While poor Luna was obviously rather shellshocked by Freya's presence, Ayda was simply surprised, "Oh! Speak of the woman, I suppose." She said with a little chuckle, turning to Freya. It was rather cute, the way Luna's ears wiggled in excitement at Freya's presence. "Good to see you again, Freya, I'd like you to meet my friends, Akarus and miss Everflame. They were searching for you, they had a few questions, if you wouldn't mind indulging them? They really are rather pleasent people, and I wager you could probably needle Akarus with questions about magical artifacts and he'd be able to answer quite a bit. He is a very powerful wizard, as far as I can tell." she said with a little chuckle, starting to walk towards the table that Luna gestured to, hoping to learn a bit more about Freya herself
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31Akarus Yami  	Well. Next time he was hunting someone, he'd just stand around here, wouldn't he? They'd just waltz right up! He was without words for the moment. He just smiled at Freya, then turned to Ayda, hands on his hips. He was mentally shaking his head. Seriously. What was it with this place? He'd just follow Luna's lead on this one. They had thus far been better at forming questions than he had. Then at the praise, Akarus chuckled. "Ah, you flatter me. Wizardry is my vocation, artifice is my passion. But guilty as charged, I suppose." His words were few. Was there perhaps some sort of enchantment on this place? Were the fates playing games? No...That was crazy...But this really did defy reason on at least some level.
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33Keeper of the Spire  	Freya nodded to Luna. "Yes, that is me." She smiled, then happily joined them along to the table. She probably would have taken one up anyway. She seated herself, then as they congregated she began to lay out her card making tools. The brush, the inks of various colours, then-- Oh, drat. She'd forgotten water again. She pushed away from the chair and, without a word, wandered off again, leaving her tools on the table. She returned a minute later with two containers of tap water. She hoped whoever did the dishes around here wasn't bothered by the inky messes she'd been leaving. She set the cups down and seated herself again, producing a stack of blank cards that were lightly sun-tanned. The smell of freshly made parchment was a nice one, reminiscent of a library. "I hope you don't mind if I work while we talk. But please, yes, ask what you will. I'm happy to answer what I can."
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35Luna Everflame  	This was so easy it was almost unsettling. There had to be something amiss, right? Luna took her seat across from Freya, raising a brow as they dismissed themselves. They seemed to be heading to the kitchen, so in that moment she'd take a moment to learn forward, eyeing over their tools - surely there was something special to them. Someone of such importance couldn't be fumbling around with a simple water-coloring set, right...? They certainly looked normal from a distance, but would she find anything up close? Once her brief inspection done, she leaned back, nothing but smiles (and ear waggles) as her black-haired counterpart took their seat. "Of course, go right ahead, I'm interested to see that as well." So polite... Was this really the same figure of unimaginable power that appeared on the image prior? They seemed surprisingly normal. Luna, somewhat lost in thought, refocussed herself, and reached into her robe, pulling free a card. "First of all..." She presented it to Freya, The Tower. The bleak image of a Spire, complete with a murky green sky and lone campfire. "Is this your work?"
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37Paladin Ayda  	Ayda, having nothing to say, simply stayed quiet as she took her seat. She did, watch the conversation very carefully, and intently however. There was plenty to learn here, and if anyone was qualified to get the information she required, it was Akarus, and his friend with whom he placed a great deal of trust and respect in, as was plain to see.
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39Keeper of the Spire  	Freya smiled at the card. She gently took it in hand, giving it an affectionate stare. "Yes, this was something I made quite some time ago." She trailed her fingers over its surface. Her touch seemed to invigorate it. The worn edges and faded colours vanished steadily as she held it, returning it to a crisp state as though she had just painted it. She handed it back once she was satisfied with its pristine condition again. "Curious that you got your hands on it. Not very many of those exist outside their realm," she remarked, then pulled a blank card from her stack to begin her work. She grabbed one of her brushes and dipped it in black ink, swirling slightly before draining the excess, then touched it to the card. The black spread across the card of its own accord outside of her brush strokes, though her brush strokes were also quite adept and graceful. "Where did you come across that card, if I can ask?"
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41Luna Everflame  	Luna watched with bated breath as Freya took the card, breathing life into it once more. Color spread across it like it were painted anew, it was fascinating to watch, almost as fascinating as the confirmation that yes, it was crafted from Freya's own hand. So this was her, to be honest, she felt a little starstruck for a moment or two, having to remind herself to stay composed. Luna took a moment to observe their brushwork, it was obviously enchanted, the ink or the brush, but that wasn't enough to discount Freya's expert brushwork. Clearly the woman knew what she was doing. The scholar reached forth, taking the card back. "My father left me it. You might say he was a fan of yours." Luna smiled wistfully. "The structure depicted there: The Spire, do you know of it? Does it exist?"
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43Paladin Ayda  	once more, Ayda sat silent, however, her ears perked, this was the infromation she had sought before, but, never in such a direct manner... very bold move, miss Everflame.
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45Keeper of the Spire  	Freya looked up at the question, blinking just once. "The Spire? Yes of course it exists," she said with a smile, as though it was the most normal thing in the world to ask. "I am its keeper. I tend to it." Such nice folk. She resumed inking her card, carefully getting the balance of black right on the borders before moving to mark the image of a decorative strip of parchment across the bottom. "But I suppose I should be specific that it's often referred to as The Lost Spire. Ayda was talking to me about some other tower that sounded strikingly similar last we spoke, something that goes teleporting from realm to realm. I wouldn't want the two to get confused; this one stays quite strictly in place. I'm quite surprised you've heard of it. Not a lot of people speak of it if they see it; there's already not many who see it in the first place. Curious about it, I wager?" She smiled at Luna specifically. "I recognize your robes." Obviously. They were the same as her own. "They would have belonged to a past keeper. We'll never know their fate, but I can only imagine it was a peaceful passing, however long ago it was. If I didn't know better I'd think you the keeper instead of me, ehe.~"
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47Luna Everflame  	Yes, it exists. That was all she needed to hear, but it didn't stop there, Freya presented her with a wellspring of information, and did it in a manner that was all so unexpectedly amiable. This really wasn't the same woman from that image before, there was no way someone like this commanded such power. It was... weird, to think that someone like that might have proven friendlier than most everyone else she's met. "Yes, that's the one. I've researched it for quite some time, years, in fact... To say I'm curious would be an understatement." Luna smiled, briefly turning her attention to Freya's work once more, only pausing at the unexpected revelation. "My... robes?" The scholar paused, looking downward and glancing over herself. Come to think of it, the resemblance between hers and Freya's was rather uncanny, as was their appearance in general. Fate was truly toying with her. "These robes, my father also left them to me, I never imagined they were..." To think, she'd been wearing something so close to her pursuit for all this time, even when she was but a little girl and the long sleeves flapped in the wind, they'd always been beside her. "A keeper? Is that what you are? I'm curious, what all does that entail?"
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49Paladin Ayda  	Ayda looked rather flustered by this news, slapping a hand to her face with a groan. "Ah. yea. That explains it allright. My apologies, Freya. I had limited information to work on, and, it's been a time since I really looked into the specifics of the spire. As I said before, I'd only heard rumors." She said, "But, yes. This spire, is the one I have been searching for." She said, before leaning back in her seat and rubbing her face, embaressed. She didn't comment on the personal information that was shared between Luna and Freya, and she kept rather silent, for a time, while she waited for the women to talk more. However, after a few minutes, she did speak once more, "Ah, Apolgoies, Freya, but, Is it possible that you could tell us, how to get to the spire? And... do you happen to know what is at the top of the spire? The rumors speak of a wish... but, if you know more of it, it would be very helpful, if you could tell us." Ayda didn't like to interject, espescially when it was clear that Luna was getting some closure about her father, but, this was very important information, after all.
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51Keeper of the Spire  	Freya smiled to Ayda first. "I'm sorry. I cannot tell you what is at the top of the Spire. I may show you the way to the Spire if you wish, and while I am forbidden from dissuading you from attempting to climb it, I must also tell you that the dangers that wait in the spire will be no small task to overcome. I can tell just by looking at you that you are a veteran of combat, and while that will be a boon for you, the challenges you face will be as varied as they are intense. You may attempt to climb the Spire as far as you like and retreat if you so choose. No doors will close behind you for the first half of the climb." Implying of course that some WILL afterwards, so that the further one rose up, the harder it was to back out safely. "But bear in mind that many challenges you face may be intrinsically forced to be repeated should you choose to retreat. Others, less so." She didn't seem phased by this talk of life and death, as though presenting a contract for someone to sign. Still, she continued to work on her card. The parchment had dried, so she moved onto the art proper, though this required she mix several different colours first. In doing so, she addressed the table again. "You should never seek the Spire unless you are your best self. You will make things only harder for yourself if you decide otherwise. And the Spire may, for its own reasons that will forever remain its own to know, decide that some who enter are not permitted to take its challenge. Be prepared to acknowledge that you may not be welcome." Then, she addressed Luna more specifically. "As for what I do? The Spire has many needs. The Keeper tends to them. Be it creating these cards which take part in the challenges posed by the Spire, or facilitating the human catalyst through which the magic of the Spire may flow to create new rooms, new floors, new mechanisms, or tend to the old, it is my duty to do so. As well, many other serve the Spire. They cannot speak. They are avowed to silence, so as to not influence those who climb the Spire. But at times, a voice may be required. I am that voice. But know that like all who serve the Spire, I cannot influence you. If you wish to see the Spire, I will take you. If you shy away, I will not hold you from leaving. As well, while you are free to take what you earn in the Spire, you may never leave with that which you did not earn. If you do, it will lose its power. The card, there," she said, nodding to The Tower. "You did not earn it, so its magics are slumbering. You will not be allowed to use it, here or anywhere else. I do hope you like the art, though. You're free to keep it for that, at least."
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53Luna Everflame  	Ayda's question was an important one, but for the moment Luna seemed interested in gathering as much information as she could about the place. It existed, she couldn't believe it was actually real. All these years spent, and she was so close. Again, her ears had begun to wriggle, a clear show of anticipation. The scholar listened closely, jotting down mental notes after every utterance from the Keeper. What lie at the top truly was the final mystery, one she was intent on cracking. "I've heard as much, a gauntlet of deadly challenges in the form of rooms. Rooms which could not possibly exist, but do. Unfortunately, there have been no first hand accounts of the interior, none that I could find, only tall tales spun by tavern-goers. They're... inconsistent, to say the least." Luna's voice trailed off, listening in to the duties of a Keeper, the more Freya spoke, the more and more it sounded like the Spire itself possessed some sentience to it. Curious... "If that's the case then I'm afraid I'm no keeper. I'll be keeping the robes though, if the Spire won't be wanting them back." Luna joked. "Same with the card. I don't think I'd use it even if I could, it holds far too much value to me." The scholar looked down, circling her thumb over the newly reflourished card. "And despite the dangers this place may hold, I'm intent on paying it a visit." Yes, there was no way she'd stop now because of a few challenges or some talk about being unworthy. Fate had placed all the cards in her hands leading up to this moment, how could she not be? "When might you guide me there?"
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55Paladin Ayda  	Ayda nodded in agreement with luna's words about the spire. "Regardless of the danger, I must brave it. If the rumors are true and the spire contains enough power to right the wrongs that have been committed. Than I must go. I presume each member who climbs the tower must do so alone?" Ayda asked, mulling over Freya's words even while she considered if she was ready for the trial of the tower. There would be no shame in backing out, after all, she had a fiance and a child to take care of... but that was something that only reinforced her need to push onward. She had to be ready. Ayda hadn't ever been as strong as she was in this current time, in her entire life. Her trials with her fiance, rescuing Sophia, all of it had been heruclian efforts that only lead up to these next moments. "I will climb the tower, if the tower deems me worthy." Ayda said simply, after a few moments of silence. "I believe myself to be ready, and, my need for the power that the spire might possess is strong enough that I cannot ignore it if there's even a chance that the rumors are true."
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57Keeper of the Spire  	"The rooms that the Spire presents are always different. Some overlap may exist, but no two ventures up through the Spire will be the same. That would be why things are inconsistent. But there is reason to what some may call madness," she said, still smiling. She finally went about putting art to the card. It depicted a man with grand, pious robes holding his hands up and over a crowd of people who were kneeling in prayer; he had a glorious halo behind his head, and looking upon him spoke mercy to the heart of the observer. A card that would no doubt give much needed reprieve in the right situation. The name inscribed was 'The Hierophant'. Curious that a mundane card would evoke such feelings. "As for if people can do it together? The answer is yes, you may ascend together. But the Spire has a way of separating people who try to do so. There may come a time where there is no choice but to go it alone. You may also find that things are easier when alone, as backwards as that might sound. The Spire places greater dangers in the face of groups, because the intangible benefits one gains in numbers cannot be expressly defined, and the Spire tests the person, not the group. So...Perhaps it's better to say that the Spire won't explicitly deny it, but I don't feel it's overstepping to say you likely should not go in together. If you want to live, anyway." Yet again, spoken with perfect nonchalance. "As for when? I can take you whenever you wish, really. But remember that the Spire may decide it is not your time to face it, and you won't know how to get back if that so proves to be the case." She made no remark towards Ayda's confidence. She was not able to influence them either way.
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59Luna Everflame  	"I see..." There was an actual reason behind that inconsistency? So those tales, perhaps they were worth a second look... This was all another point to add to the 'I told you so' list she'd continually hold her tongue about. Luna glanced down towards her card once more. The art really was impressive, but not what she was concerned with. Still, her eyes found themselves dragged to Freya's newest creation, a pious piece; even Luna, who wasn't particularly devout felt comforted by its presence, even tempted to join the followers in prayer. She'd shake her head, breaking away to stare her quarry in the eyes once more. Luna had never pictured scouring the place as a group, she'd always assumed nobody would follow her to begin with; in all her wild daydreams of finally finding this place, she always had the foolish image of her traversing it alone, coming upon some great discovery. It was childish, perhaps, but it was a hope she still held onto to this day. "It makes sense." The scholar spoke up. "After all, I'm sure someone would have sent an army through this place otherwise... Well, that's assuming someone hasn't already tried. I shudder to think what they might have encountered." It sounded to her like the Spire itself crafted a gauntlet tailored to each individual visitor, but how could it know such things? Were there more keepers? Were they spying on her? Did the place simply possess some sort of all-knowing aura. The answers to such things perhaps weren't important. "If you'll allow me the night to make a few final preparations, perhaps we could depart come the following day? Once there, I don't plan on leaving any time soon." No, she couldn't risk letting it out of her grasp, forgetting the entrance to such a place would be a nightmare, and a chance she was not willing to take.
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61Paladin Ayda  	Ayda grimaced at the notion that to go with a group was a very poor idea, it meant that even if she climbed the tower, inevitably she would have to do so alone. "I see. But, there is no way to know if the tower will accept you, unless you try, yes?" Ayda asked, shifting in her seat. "Even if it means that the tower does not accept me yet as I am. I cannot in good concious, let this opportunity pass by. I too will be climbing the tower. Although, Separately from Luna, I believe, if at all possible. I dont want to put her in any undue danger that my presence would cause, so if it isn't possible for us both to climb simultaniously using different paths, than One of us will have to wait for the other to finish. As for forgetting the way? Well, better to know if one is ready, rather than put it off indefinitely." Ayda said witha little shrug. "There are many things that worry me about this tower. So I too shall take the night, talk with my fiance. But, I expect come tomorrow, I shall be ready to climb. Is this acceptable, Freya?"
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63Keeper of the Spire  	"Assuming I don't cease to exist in the next few seconds, I'm sure the probability is in your favour that I'll return tomorrow." Waiting...Looked up and around for a bit...Five...Six...Seven...Nope, still exists. Probably good for the long haul. She smiled at the others in the group again. "As for going separately? You don't need to wait for the other to finish, no. Just give each person time to enter and ascend the first floor. The gates will close after precisely two-hundred seconds have passed, starting from the moment someone ascends the first flight of stairs starting in the ground-floor foyer. Then, the Spire will be prepared to accept another. You may encounter one another along the way, but your paths will be your own to take. In that regard, attempting separately, but with allies, may present opportunities to share common resources you have brought along." She'd not need to remind them about how this would not extend to exchanging things not earned, right? They were smart enough to put that together. "But then again, if you have not brought along what is needed to take your tests, then it would be your own fault for having been at this disadvantage. I will be happy to escort you to the Spire whenever you feel you are ready. You need only ask."
64Happened to spy a familiar face, and happily waved to Rinka from her place at the table, with cards as usual, and three lovely folk to keep her company this time.
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66Luna Everflame  	Luna rolled her eyes. Ayda, putting her in danger? She didn't need the paladin's pity, frankly, it was a bit insulting. She could take care of herself, she's gotten by on her own for nearly her entire life. Something else caught her attention though, she believed the paladin mentioned it earlier. "I'll be ready then, but what you said earlier, about ceasing to exist...? Would you care to explain? Provided you don't disappear in the next few seconds." Luna chuckled, but just once, she couldn't be sure if this was a laughing matter or not.
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68Paladin Ayda  	Ayda was not pitying Luna, nor did she mean to insult her, but it would be rather easy to take her words that way, she would suppose. Ayda offered Freya and Luna a smile, standing up slowly. " Tomorrow, then." she said as she stood. "I must be off. But, you two have a pleasant night, and I shall undoubtedly see both of you tomorrow." she said, starting to leave, but pausing and saying, "Oh, and Akarus? You know you dont have to make up an excuse to come visit, no? You're plenty welcome any time." she said with a chuckle, before turning and getting ready to leave the resort. Plenty of time for someone to stop her, but, she had no real reason to stay at the moment
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70Akarus Yami  	Akarus chuckled, giving a nod and a wink to Ayda. "Got the hint loud and clear, Ayda. Will come by some time for a friendly visit, instead of just business. It sounds like we've all some preparing to do, so let me walk you out. I've my own things to prepare," he said, standing with Ayda. "We'll keep in touch, Luna. Let me know if you need anything." A friendly parting message, one that acknowledged Luna's independence while assuring them they were among friends.
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72Keeper of the Spire  	Luna had asked a good question. Freya's one ear flicked, and she smiled. "Well. I'm not sure, really. I go to bed in one place, I wake up another sometimes. I'm not often in one place long. It's only natural to believe that one day when the Spire has no use of me, or the Spire is destroyed, I'll simply...Cease to exist." Well...She certainly wasn't going to show it now, but perhaps Luna was coming to understand why this girl might have been so sad in that first glance they had seen of her. But there's no way anyone could topple such a massive structure, right? Clearly just paranoia. "Tomorrow, then. I should be getting some rest, anyway." And so, she'd begin to pack her things to get that very sleep she sought.
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74Luna Everflame  	Luna turned her glance over towards both Ayda and Akarus, offering each of them an amiable wave goodbye as they cleared out. "Odd... You serve the Spire, and yet you find yourself displaced from it every day? At the very least I suppose you don't lack for seeing new sights." Luna tried to keep things positive, but it was hard with such a dreary train of thought. "I guess it's just blind luck that we managed to stumble upon you here then." Who's to say they would even see her here tomorrow? Again, Luna looked towards fate for that, as she so often had. "So that's it? You'll just... vanish?" Luna shook her head, silently scoffing the remark. She wouldn't believe it, she had to reason to, besides, her real concern here was the Spire, she'd been after it all these years, and now it was so close. It wouldn't do to get hung up on these sorts of things now. "Right, me too. I'll see you tomorrow then, keeper." She supposed even seemingly eternal keepers needed a rest every now and then. Truth be told, Freya seemed shockingly normal for a being such supposedly immense power. Luna would dismiss herself shortly, she needed rest, and time to prepare, but she also needed a few moments to think now.