Quest [Spring SQ] Excursion (Right)

[Miro]

Miro wore the nastiest of scowls below his mask. His threats veiled by the arrogant diplomacy hadn't worked at all. However he did not regret the decision, even now in its failure. Instead he was angry, visibly so, just by the offensive language of his body. The unblinking eyes glared forth with absolute scorn. The words that were spoken, they were directed right at the Chained One. It was not something he could handle hearing, at least, not well. Such criticism, it hit the sorest of spots a wizard had.

The Reimancer could not bite his tongue. He had heard what Lady Grey had said, understood it well too. And as well he understood the way in which he was expected to conduct himself, but this was not a matter of discipline. A trampled pride was a bruise too painful to bear. He hissed words in a foul tone at the ghost. "The entire world has a tendency to ostracize that which is different and that which is unfamiliar, Ravok is no exception. And though foolish I may be, I am far from ignorant."

Ender had expected as much of this from his master, but was not in any position to make a move. It was obvious the approach would lead to this point, as it always did when brute force failed. However this situation was anything but predictable. There was not much that could be done, nor any obvious solution. It would not be easy to make up for Miro's past and ongoing behavior. It was a situation in which the Familiar was quite useless, as seemed to be the case for the others.

And though Ender wished to hush his master, he could feel it, he stood no chance of stopping Miro. The undead eased immediately after his first statement, and where anger once was pride had invaded. "People will act as they wish. They adopt and emulate only what they are willing to absorb from the world around them, that much I know to be a fact." The words thrown at him, they were perfectly unacceptable. It was everything that one should never say to him.

"Race, creed, name, wealth, appearance, behavior, people judge everything. It is a reaction, automatic, not something that can be controlled. However, to act on these judgements, that is a choice. You are talking to a man who has chosen to view all on an equal scale. I see these things in people, and I judge them, as anyone does. But what I look to see is their soul. It is the one thing we all have in common, and the only thing that matters."

The scowl on the Chained One's face broke and turned instead to a grin. Arrogance remedied any sense of shame that may have lingered. It was not something he'd allow himself to feel for long. "Even you as ghosts, I do not see you any differently than the person you possess. You ask what gives me the right to trespass, to have greater claim than other?" The wizard began to laugh to himself.

To answer that question was plain and simple, but it only furthered the truth of the ghost's final line. "I am an undead, a wizard, and I carry the authority of the Ebonstryfe. In Ravok, for my race, the typical reaction is fear and hatred. However for my devotion to Rhysol, I am tolerated. And for my magic, words can not describe how a wizard is treated. Something different from every person, none of it good."

Miro had calmed himself of most emotion. His tone had settled to be quite plain and sincere, but as well there was still a hint of superiority and authority left unchecked. "But there is one thing I know. I suffer from many delusions, that much I can be certain of. However there is one which I know is not. I put everyone on the same scale, and they all share one trait. It simple. When you weigh souls, none can match mine." The wizard scoffed after he finished his rant, his eyes toward the ground.

"However you are right, partially at least. I have already fallen, and indeed by these faults you mention. You intend to remain undisturbed, and though my authority tells me I must, I can see clearly I am in no position to enforce it. I will threaten no more, and I do sincerely apologize for behavior. I should know better than anyone to give a reason to trust me, especially when I have invaded your territory."

It was claimed that Nolan was no longer in danger, but there was some doubt on that end. The two ghosts, there was no way to know if one could speak for the other, that they could even believe such a thing. However Miro was starting to see things a bit differently. "For as long as we are without threat, we shall return the sentiment." If it was true, then there should be one request easily accommodated.

"I will do all I can to help, though I can not promise an immediate departure. But if you request anything of me, I shall assist within the limits of my authority and ability. However, if what you claim is true, if we are to stand on even ground, I have a single request. You must release Nolan from this possession. If he is not being hurt or threatened, then he is no hostage. He should not be held onto as one. For as long as you hold him, you hold leverage. Please, release him so we may conclude our business and leave this place forever, friend."

[Inoadar]

Inoadar Inoadar was not sure what to make of the ghostly message as it flashed across his consciousness. 'Answered my own question?' he puzzled. He wondered if this was in reference to his comment about something preventing the spirits from moving on, or about them guarding something...something powerful? He wanted to ask again, but the sudden seizure of his voice almost brought him to the point of choking. 'Why would the ghost let me speak that much, then answer only in my own mind, yet then silence me completely after that? What are they hiding?' There seemed to be a suggestion of a combined effort between himself and the ghost, an effort to be kept just between the two of them. But he couldn't be sure if the voice did not confirm. 'Does it not even want the other spirit to know? What could it be?' he realized that the ghost had just spoken into his mind. In which case, he needed to speak to it directly. But it was getting hard to think clearly. He was so exhausted from this possession, he was not sure if he could even stay on his feet, once released. He could only hope that the ghost had been able to hear his thoughts clearly all this time. 'Knowledge "passed on"...how do you mean? Something you need, but are unable to retrieve without our help? Something you want to see carried on by those able to advance the work? Those with bodies to work the equipment involved? Are you asking me to stay behind? What is this about?' The voice in his head gave no response, but the responses of both Miro and the other ghost made it seem highly unlikely that this course of action was going to happen. The mage was demanding Inoadar's release, and the ghost was challenging their right to even be here. 'If you make us leave...' he said silently, 'Ravok will just recruit powerful spiritists to come and banish you. Your effort and hostility will only convince them that there is some power to be obtained here. It would be better if they were made to think there was nothing of value here. If you tell me what it is, I will think of some deception to sidetrack them.' He made a point of emphasizing "they" in his last thought. He was already convinced the ghosts were hiding or guarding something. But he believed the spirit possessing him wanted access to it, possibly without its ghostly partner intervening, or for that matter, even knowing. He deliberately added comments aimed at making the ghost think about the "knowledge" it had mentioned. He hoped that since his thoughts seemed to have been picked up by the ghost, if he could make the ghost think more specifically about what they were concealing he might pick up a detail or two to make things more clear.

[Nemesis]

The ghost was impassive and completely unmoved by the wizard’s response. “You seem to have missed the point, Mage. That xenophobia exists is not something I am debating.” He was not moved or impressed to hear of the undead’s own problems in the lake-city, thus no sympathy would aid their plight. “you have not explained why you believe you have the right to trespass upon land that is not yours.” He remained silent as Miro continued to speak in favour of what the expeditioners were trying to do.

And then, there it was, the arrogance again – arrogance that penetrated every part of the wizard’s speech. The ghost wondered who here was actually in charge… the woman had seemed to hold the power earlier, yet now this ‘Master Apprentice’ seemed to be the appalling spokesperson for the group. He wondered which incompetent had made that decision.

Yet, then, the tone changed. The ghost wondered if it was the result of the sharp look that the Acolyte had given the apprentice, or a tactic of rhetoric that he knew, but Miro immediately became more humble, more willing to accept his own faults. It was then, and only then, that the two opposing parties made terms for a verbal truce. Parnell, too, was trying to persuade the ghost possessing him that the best case for all was to left this excursion continue. It was something that the ghosts could not argue against, especially the threat that more, better trained, people would arrive at the ruins… and the first nodded to the second, a command to release the poison crafter.

Slowly, the possessing ghost released his iron-grip hold on the astral form of the poisoner, gently allowing him to regain control of his body. Before he departed completely, however, he left two fleeting thoughts in the poison crafter’s mind: the first was, “the library,” though from a stream of incoherent words that followed, Parnell would understand that what they might find would be for the benefit of others. The second, however, was for Parnell specifically, a gift from the ghost, “left” and he would catch flashes of images of the first room with the stairs they had originally come down. Through that left door, not much further beyond that, was a room…

A few breaths later and Nolan Parnell would be free from the clutches of the ghost, who rematerialised next to the other ghost. “You are not our prisoners, that is fair to agree upon. Yet we caution your journey. You might not be prepared for what it is that you might find.” Despite the words, one of the ghosts drifted to the side, as if no longer blocking the passage of the Ravokians, but the more stubborn of the two was hesitant, knowing more about what was at stake.

“We will follow, and can even advise you as to what parts of this facility were used for… before it was deserted and forgotten during the great battle of the Gods,” But the threat was clear – the truce would end the instant either of the ghosts believed their visitors to be falling victim to their own conceited ignorance.
*
OOCDown one, it seems. Let’s see if you two can pick up these last few gems, shall we?

[Inoadar]

Inoadar

With the departure of the dominating spirit, Inoadar was crushed by exhaustion. His legs barely even wobbled before buckling beneath him. His hands slapped the floor, lucky to miss any of the numerous shards of glass and broken debris littering the floor. His chest and back heaved with deep breaths, most of which only brought on hacking fits as he tried to maintain enough dignity to resist falling utterly prone in the dust.

His head hung limp as he heard the voice of the ghost, declaring the impromptu truce. Inoadar trembled as the shock of the ghost's icy touch was free to affect him. He cringed on the floor, but growled his insistence that he needed no aid, that the malady would pass before long. He looked up to see the Acolyte looking at him. He swung his head back the other way, feigning a simple loosening of stiff muscles. But it was to be sure he marked that both ghosts were now by the far door.

He crawled a shuddering few feet toward the acolyte, to position himself so he could write in the dust where only the Acolyte could see. He scratched out "LIBRARY", then coughed as he muttered something about having had visions while possessed. When he saw that the Acolyte had seen the word he'd written in the dust, he feigned a clumsy lurch that brought his hand back down to restore his balance, while obliterating the word.

He acted as though he could not even get to his knees without dizziness and crumpled back on his butt. "There is...much danger...I will...only...be a...liability...Go on wi-...without me...I will...join you wh-...when I...catch my breath." he panted, applying every bit of acting skill he could muster. It's not that he was completely faking being exhausted. But he wanted the party to go on ahead for a few chimes to give him the chance to go back to the room they'd bypassed before - alone. The one in the second vision the ghost had left in his mind.

As a last gesture, he started to slowly crawl toward his dicsarded crossbow, hoping that the party would become impatient enough to leave him, thinking he'd be as relatively safe as any of them, armed with his crossbow. "I'll...be a-...along...right b-...behind you." He reached the weapon and rolled his head disorientedly, in search of bolts, stalling for time.

x

[Miro]

Miro was beyond relieved to see that he had gotten through to the ghosts. When the request to release Nolan was granted, it was like the atmosphere shifted entirely. The tensions faded and there was no more worry. Though there was still something there. The wizard looked down at his hand, his open palm, but did not move. For a moment his hand wavered, but he quelled it by clenching a fist. It was not an easy thing for him to accept.

Yes, perhaps the ghost had taught him some humility, but it could never manifest humanity in the undead. Instead, the Chained One only realized a fault, or at least what others perceived to be such. The sovereign, practically tyrannous attitude constantly held, it was not always the most effective. Pride was his greatest weakness, apart from arrogance. It caused not only a poor reaction from others, but from himself as well.

Perhaps it was a lesson in tact, in discipline. He could not eliminate his pride, nor could he quit viewing himself as greater than those around him, for clearly he was. But maybe there was something he could do. Perhaps it was possibly to manifest pride and arrogance in another way, a more tactful and cautious way. If it meant he could have his way more often, it was something he had to consider. Something he would have to work at, and work hard.

In an almost sorrowful, apologetic tone, Miro gave his reply to the ghosts. "Thank you, kind souls, I will not forget this act of grace. And I will not forget the ache of being humbled so. You have my most sincere gratitude. You have upheld your end of the bargain, so too must I. If you need anything of me, I shall do my best to accommodate you." Though there was not all that much that could be done without the Acolytes consent.

Though Nolan seemed quite weak, and understandably so. His request for the group to move on without him, it was understandable. The wizard would have waited, unwilling to leave his defenseless friend, but such a thing was not his call. Instead it would be left to Lady Grey, as with most everything else. However There was still one thing that could be done. The Familiar, still quite unnoticed, could remain behind to ensure his safety.

The master telepathically issued an order to his partner. "Stay out of sight and remain behind to assist Nolan. As long as he is kept safe, you are free to do as you please. Just do not upset the ghosts." To which the Irylid acknowledged with a feeling of understanding. He drifted to the ground of a dark corner and shifted to his sealed form. He would wait until they were alone to shift back.

Miro was still troubled by something though. The ghosts, they would advise them, explain things, sure enough. These ruins, pre-Valterrian as they were, could reveal secrets long forgotten. Though the comment of them potentially being unprepared for what they would find. A secret did seem to be hidden here. But perhaps it was a little too convenient that they would agree now. The undead was sure, whatever they would find, it was going to be incredible.

[Nemesis]

It was a sight to behold, when not many had been exposed to ghosts, how a flesh body was affected by possession. The Acolyte had heard of it, but to watch it was something else entirely. But the only female member of the party did not step forward to assist the poison crafter as he struggled with regaining control of his clearly weakened body. Instead she watched impassively, and the remaining soldier followed suit. Both pairs of eyes widened as they heard the prone man rasp out a single word, "You wish for us to go there?" When the man would not in response, she would return the gesture for affirmation.

"Then that is where we will head," she motioned to the wizard and soldier to follow before meeting the gaze of what the ghost, who hesitated but also inclined his head, inferring that he would lead the party to the library. As the group began to leave the room,they were stopped again by the slowly moving poisoner. Evelyn Grey stared at the man, not trusting that their circumstances would leave the man safe were he to remain in the room alone. But the ghost who had possessed him spoke up, “I will ensure he rejoins the group... as soon as he has recuperated enough energy to do so.”

Again, it did not store much faith in the Acolyte, but Miro's confidence in the situation allowed her to relent. The three of flesh left the room, guided by a single ghost. Through a series of corridors they walked, passing many closed doors, none of which did any attempt to open. Through another room, one lined with cages, much as the Kelvic Research Institute was designed, though in each rested a pile of bones, rather than living Kelvics. Then did they enter a room, one lined with shelves, and many rows of the same structures in the room. It was the same room that the Familiar Ender had already searched through.

"Why did the poison crafter want us to come to this room?" The question was directed primarily at the ghost, who did not deign to answer. The Acolyte's eyes narrowed, "Disperse. Anything worthy of examination needs to be collected." Only when the two members of the Ebonstryfe left their side did the ghost speak, “What you search for is not ancient, nor is it a relic from the facility before the Valterrian. It was found here not long ago, and from where it came, we know not... it does not belong in this library, yet we had not the desire to move it.”

___
When the poisoner was ready, the ghost would lead him back through the series of rooms that they had originally meandered through, until they reached the entrance, where stairs led up to the bright spring light. Through the next archway the pair headed, Familiar in tow, until the ghost gestured to the room on the left. “I see the library has already been searched by a member of your party... it is lucky they are not searching for a tome.”

“This section of the facility was primarily used for research. Research of many things, but I think this room might prove most interesting to you in particular.” Inside, Parnell would be exposed to hole manner of implements, glass, ceramic and metal, which made up something similar to the two laboratories he had in Ravok proper. Most were broken or otherwise rendered useless, and the ghost gently warned the man that he should mind breaking his skin. The room was dark, and the corners darker, the work surfaces cluttered with useless items. But the ghost had brought him here for a reason, and stared pointedly at a shelf where, if Parnell squinted hard enough, or found a source of light, he would see a series of occupied vials.
*

[Inoadar]

Inoadar

Inoadar's dizziness had not abated by the time Acolyte Grey decided to push on without him. The ghost gave her some promise to have him catch up when he'd recovered, but he did not believe it. Fortunately, she did.

Ender remained inconspicuously behind with the pair of them, and accompanied them back through the rooms and hallways until they came to the first landing at the base of the stairway back to the surface. The dust was still thick, and caught in Inoadar's throat as the stood at the threshold to the room on the left.

Inoadar had been prepared to search this room at the outset of the party's descent into the underground facility, but they had passed with the intent of searching it on the way out. He had seen a thick carpet of debris, crumpled remains of rotted papers, broken glass, metal frameworks, bent copper tubing, green with rust, crumbly rubber fittings and stoppers and other indicators of disuse.

The ghost's warning about taking care to avoid scratches and cuts was entirely unnecessary. Inoadar was all too familiar with the inadvertent introduction of toxins through such inattention. He could say, though, that he'd made a discovery or two that way. Once he'd recovered, that is.

He largely dismissed the ghost's comment about the library, figuring it to be irrelevant chatter. The rest of the party could deal with that. But the reference to research intrigued him immediately. To him, "research" meant active work, experiments, testing, blending compounds, observations of reactions, introductions of new elements and cross-referencing results. The library was an important peripheral asset to the work, a necessary addition to the overall needs of a research facility, but wasn't where the work was done.

This room looked to have the detritus of an actual lab. Even the door jamb had the reinforced look of a heavy door fitting. The kind designed to be a safeguard against casual intrusion and interruption. The gloom defeated any immediate grasp on what all had taken up the space against the far walls, and in the corners. Inoadar took several cautious steps further in and his eyes adjusted enough to make out ruined shelving units and collapsed cabinets.

There had clearly been plenty of research papers, the kind to be kept on hand for immediate checking during phases of lab work. But it looked to have been reduced to scrap long ago. Maybe when his eyes adjusted more, he'd see something salvageable.

Or...maybe some actual light would give a more immediate revelation...

He called for Ender, and cleared a spot on the floor with his foot. Then he scraped a small mound of debris into the center of it and asked Ender to light it up to illuminate the room for a moment. With great caution, the familiar complied, and light flared long enough to reveal one cabinet that looked to have remained completely intact.

The poisoner stood enrapt at the promise of a dozen or more vials behind grubby glass panes. It was difficult to determine the exact number due to the mirroring effect of the glass. But by the time the light burned out, Inoadar had taken several unconscious steps forward, and found himself caressing the scrolled molding on the cabinet as his heart raced with eagerness to investigate the unknown compounds awaiting him.

x

[Miro]

Miro felt a sense of null contentment by now. It seemed that much of the tense air had cleared, and now there was an atmospheric pause. There was no sense of immediate danger, but as well no sense of satisfaction. The group hadn't yet completed its task, but the wizard believed them to be close. That did not mean that he would drop his guard however. Trust was not something so easily given, but at least there was no mistrust to speak of.

The undead was caught between a heavy sigh and a fist slammed to the wall, which was quite alright by him. After all they had been put through, these conflicting feelings left him in balance. Though his mind was far from reaching any such equilibrium. No, instead he was mentally shaken. His arms were crossed before him, his good arm resting upon his slung arm. The ghost's words still echoed in his mind.

But for now there was naught that could be done. He had played his role, and perhaps he had played it well. Far from perfectly, but any success was a success still. All that could be done was to limp behind Acolyte Grey and be of service when needed. And until a time in which he was needed, he would remain silent. To speak out of term and ruin things now was the worst thing he could do.

Ender however, he did not suffer from the same affliction of the mind that his master did. Instead he found a brilliant sense of clarity through the excitement he felt. There was a time of distress and uncertainty, but with his partner's tension relieved, he was back to a sense of bliss. Though he was a bit confused as to the motive of the main party. What could that room hold that Ender hadn't already found?

Perhaps, it seemed, that Nolan had a similar thought. The guileful man had made a grand display of his weariness and inability to continue on, but only in front of witnesses. He knew not of the Irylid still remaining, watching with intent curiosity. Though, in luck, this would not be a fault on his part. The Familiar yet again shifted form. His silvery form began to sprout limbs and shift to a darkly dressed humanoid figure, his replicant form.

It was at this time that the poisoner took note of the second presence. Thankfully there was no reaction of alarm or mistrust. Instead an immediate response asking assistance was issued. One that the Irylid would gladly comply to. A simple request, just a bit of light to see by. As simple a spell as any, the Reimancer produced a stream of Res that was immediately ignited into a flame that danced upon his palm.

Though Nolan's intent and actions only added to the confusion that the Familiar felt, he still greatly enjoyed the company. It seemed he was not the only one to wish to explore things away from the critical eyes of the Acolyte. "I don't understand why they would have any interest in the library. There surely could not be anything of value within it that my keen eye would miss."

The words seemed to fall upon deaf ears at first, the man seemingly entranced by whatever had stolen his attention. But Ender did not mind in the least. He continued to ramble a bit. "My interest fritters in that which I have already observed. Instead I am curious of what lies ahead. The things I have yet to witness." A stray glance was sent in the direction of the door not yet passed through. "What about you, Nolan? What has your interest?"

[Nemesis]

The ghost who accompanied the main body of the party to the library was rather unimpressed with the searching - after all the debates that the two aggressors had had, the treats to the existence of all, dead and alive alike... and even the one death that had occurred, now he witnessed possibly the most lacklustre movements he had seen in a long while. True, the ghost had little inkling of where the item might be... many seasons, or perhaps even years - he lost track, with little sense if light or companionship - had passed, and lost papers could easily be hiding it...

But he knew that, in the years since it had been here, no soul, living or dead, had arrived new to these ruins, so it could not have been moved unchecked by it's keen-sensed guards. It was there, and all the three had to do was search. The remaining soldier, at the silent request of Acolyte Grey, quickly dropped down to search on the right side of the library, leaving the left side for the Mage to search along. Under the papers, upon a high shelf, inside a folded book, the treasure could be anywhere, but the Ghost knew that the Black Sun would appreciate having such a gift returned to them.

It was the Familiar who did the most productive searching, and the accompanying ghost wondered whether or not it was because he had the use of more powerful eyes. It occurred to him that the creature of Fyrden would be better suited for the search in the library, having clearly already once entered it and searched it. Yet he changed his mind quickly, unimpressed with the Irylid's attitude and arrogance as the creature spoke, presumably towards the poison crafter.

“There are many delights in the library, little... man...” the ghost spoke to Ender in a slow, almost patronising tone, “books a plenty, yes, though many are now worthless after time has had its way with it. But some things are not so old. Perhaps more valuable too.” The ghost continued to watch as the others two searched out the small laboratory, and curiosity piqued, he drifted over to watch.

The poison crafter and familiar, had they been looking carefully enough, might notice that, whilst many of the vials had been broken, thus their contents had long since been dried up or blown away, some still managed to retain a little of their original cargo. In the dim light, Parnell would not be able to distinguish colour. Or transparency. Were he to pull one out, bThe might realise the dark shade and the thick consistency. “Of the implements that have survived this long, you might find them rudimentary to use... but perhaps you could discover the nature of the liquid?”

The ghost had an inkling of what might be in there, and he knew that the excursion party had not managed to travel far enough to see the cages and bones. He wondered if he might mention the experiments, or if he should leave the man do discover the contents on his own. Deciding, he remained silent and drifted a ways back, allowing the professional room to work with what equipment could be found.
*

[Inoadar]

Inoadar

Inoadar's eyes scanned the cabinet, finding no obvious door. 'Alright...something tricky, then.' he thought in determination. He'd encountered odd locks before. The trick was finding something that seemed inconsequential, yet indicated some degree of effort to have been placed there. He knew he didn't have much time before the party, or at least Acolyte Grey, came back looking for him. He was set on NOT letting the party know about his find. After his ordeal with the possession, he felt he'd earned a little something just for himself.

Then he found it. The top portion of the cabinet was smoothly fitted into a base that also served as the top of the cupboards beneath. These compartments held nothing but dust and scraps. But the underside of the base board had two odd spaces, both of equidistant measure from the edge forming one side of two corners. They had the appearance of being nothing more than poorly measured braces. But not only was it an odd contradiction that there would be poorly measured anything in a cabinet that was otherwise crafted with such exacting precision as to still hold an airtight seal after gods knew how long, there was also an odd hole in the side of this empty space. Furthermore, the spaces were not square. Even though they looked to be spaces left as an oversight, they had odd routing on the ends so only a piece of a certain off-balance-diamond shape would fit.

It did not take long for Inoadar to find two magnets, stuck to the underside of a metal shelf for no true reason. Like the spaces in the base board piece of the cabinet, they were positioned as if having a brace-like purpose. All the more reason to believe there was a connection. Inoadar snatched them out from under the shelf and tried to slip them into the spaces in the cabinet.

On the third try, the fit was noticeably accurate, and they slid in solidly. There was immediately a slight scraping sound and a metallic thunk. Earlier, Inoadar had noticed a couple of circles in the wooden face of the cabinet. They had the look of simple decorative scroll work, but now they popped out an inch with a hiss. Dust stared to swirl inside the cabinet and Inoadar quickly pressed the circles.

They turned out to be the end of dowels that could now be pushed into the face of the wood. They had been solidly immovable before. Once pushed in, some other slide was loosened and a panel wobbled free on hidden hinges. Inoadar flipped it open to find a lock.

He snarled in frustration thinking he should have just broken the glass in one of the windows of the cabinet, but knowing that somehow that would have ruined whatever sample was inside. He growled in resignation and dug out his thieves' tool kit, rifling through it to find all the finest pins, wedges and slats for the small, cabinet-sized lock.

At least he felt pretty sure this would have none of the new rotary cam pin fittings that newer locks featured. It was just a matter of feeling out the catches and finding the pins of proper width and thickness to force them into release position while still leaving room for the follow-up pins to have room to deal with the next pin, and the next.

Soon enough, he caught the last pin and turned it down, inserting the "el" piece to catch and turn the "trigger", then dragging it back, to slip the inner lock bar. The cabinet opened with a creak and a wisp of dust. There was also a sweet smell, which was a good sign, especially since it was one Inoadar did not recognize.

He quickly opened his pack and pulled out some articles of clothing, using them as wraps for the few vials that still had liquid in them, and not just stains. There were a couple with powder which he grabbed also, thinking it may just be the remains of liquid gone dry. But the biggest prize was a flower bud, and a packet of leaves, mostly blue with a few yellow.

His wildest dreams, and a few actual memories of drawings from textbooks at the IHL, gave him the hope that these were lotus samples. He was almost afraid to touch them, fearing they would disintegrate at the slightest disturbance, but there was nothing for it. He needed to go.

Then again...he realized it had been a good fifteen chimes now that he'd been sidetracked in this room, and no one had come looking for him, even though he'd said he'd be along when he caught his breath. He wondered what had caused the party to be so distracted as to forget his absence? Part of him wanted to rush forward and see what had befallen them, part of him wanted to simply get the Hai out of the place.

In the end it was Ender that decided it for him, the familiar urging him to come with him to find its master. He had a strange affection for the thing. He followed carefully behind, back the way the party had gone.

x