Chapter 1: Year 1281, Summer

Marie-Louise smiles hugely at Vlur when he accidentally discovers the working of the runes on the wall. She stares into​ the bowl, wondering if this is enough to travel to the other side or if this is merely the "looking at it" the professor spoke of. As Stitch makes the small office at the Nightspire Keep appear she decides she will find out there. She takes a piece of ammunition for her sling out of her pocket, holds it above the bowl and drops it.

Stitch watches over Marie-Louises's shoulder very interested in her experiment

Marie-Louise frowns slightly at the lack of effect from the stone. She turns towards the professor, thinkspeaking to him while she fishes some parchment, a pen and ink from her bag.
Tell me more about the transportation circle and how to operate it. Please? I made a friend here and knowing how to travel back and forth means I didn't really have to say goodbye. Her face starts looking very serious, but as she says "please?" her face changes into a pleading little girls smile, eyes big and hopeful. If the professor answers her she listens, making notes if needed. She will also copy the runes on the floor and bowl, circling the pulsing runes.

Marie-Louise's eyes start to twinkle as the smells from the small office drift into their room. After finishing copying the runes she turns away from the professor, speaking to Stitch, Revelry and Vlur. Can we give the professor to Gwar'hull'ij? He tried to kill me. He brought us here when he tried to summon a creature, so he's clearly useless. So send him to our friend, bring Towlir here and then decide where we want to go?

Revelry, reasonably who's been distracted for some time, steps forward; the soft smile Marie-Louise has come to known adorns his face as he looks upon her with his imposing voids. "I will stand by your decision always, Marie-Louise, if it is something you truly want; I hope you've come to know that." He kneels down to meet her closer to eye level and places his hand gently on her shoulder, briefly looking at the floor before returning his gaze back to hers. His voice, somewhat hushed now, speaks soothingly towards her "I do not share your extraordinary gifts so forgive me for any vagueness. As long as I draw a breath and I have strength in my body and mind, I will always seek your protection; this has proven true since we've first met, if you recall. What you speak of wouldn't of progressed any further than it did, by one out come or another. I simply want you to pause and think on your choice. Don't sink down, float above; clear your mind and think on it. We don't know what lies beyond these "doors", if we can even call them that; for all we know, they might not even be doorways. How do we measure uselessness against foreign knowledge?"

Revelry removes his hand for Marie-Louise's should and stands. He looks at the ring, briefly, before looking back at Marie- Louise "Regardless of your decision, I will back you up...as long as you take pause, think, and are one hundred percent sure that is the path you wish to take."

Marie-Louise pouts slightly, listening to Revelry's words. She looks over her shoulder at the professor, rolling her eyes and sighing heavily. She turns back to Revelry, taking his ringed hand in hers, somehow feeling a bit like she should comfort him, but not knowing how.She turns to the professor, a thoughtful look in her eyes.

As his hand is grabbed, he looks down at the source and smiles; listening to the words in his mind, he nods along with them. "The latter; if that decision proves even a hint bit of danger to us, we can remedy it immediately. Whichever your choice, I will see to it you are protected."

With a final nod, he begins to turn away before holding up his finger in thought and turns back. Revelry kneels to her height again, using his other hand he removes his ring, turns her hand up and places it in her palm, using his hands to close hers around it. He gives a nod "Since we deal with the unknown, it is best to plan ahead. In the event we do not see each other, find the City of Kalef, that ring will finish our promised conversation or, in the event it goes as hoped, return the ring to me and we will finish it personally..." It seems a thought lingers, as his dark voids stare blankly at her, a somewhat pained expression masked by a gentle smile marks his face. He props himself up and gives a nod "I will retrieve him now." then turns to get Towlir.

"Yes...just about." Revelry holds up his hand, seeking ceased movement. His expression is stern, his black eyes stare eerily down at Towlir; yet there is a natural calm about him "If you can lend me your ear and spare me a bit of your time, there is something I wish to speak to you about."

Marie-Louise frowns a little bit at the constant talk about protecting her. She is about to say something about it when suddenly Revelry turns back and places the ring in her hand. She first stares at her folded hand a completely confused look on her face. What is he up to? What could be dangerous about going up to get Towlir?! She looks up at his face, staring deep into the dark voids, feeling that strange desire to comfort him again. As she starts raising her free hand to touch his face he gets up and turns away and she just stands there, staring at the ring in her hand, a million questions swirling in her head.

Revelry shakes his hand, a gentle smile briefly crossing his mouth, and takes a prolonged blink. "Relax; at least for this conversation. I do not like making enemies, unless justified or with in good reason. When first we met, I was possibly too harsh for the actions you did. I have watched you since then...with intent, to see if this conversation was needed. Obviously," another brief smile crosses his face before fading again "here we are. You've been a helpful asset, dispite the minor hiccups in the beginning. I was rude and it was unjust, and for that, I ask your forgiveness."

Revelry extends his right hand, now barren of a ring "If you accept I will consider you an ally, a friend even..." his neutral expression changes to a furrowed glare "but know this, my only concern is the safety of Marie-Louise; I do not care for anything but that. If for whatever reason you, or anyone, put her in danger, whether directly or not...I will not be coming to you with an open hand. As long as her safety is one of your concerns, we shant have a problem; I just want to be crystal before you make your choice on accepting my handshake." As he finishes, a warm smile replaces his harsh glare.