Iprix shuffled through his papers.

Mamo, muma, zambo…

He muttered to himself.

Where are you, where did you go?...

Papers fell to the floor as Irprix shuffled around his office, searching for an item that had escaped him. His crow, watching sharply by, took to the air from a nearby desk. In its wake, papers floated gracefully down, winding this way and that before landing softly on the wooden boards.

Ah! Leo, thank you.

He leaned towards the revealed paper.

I knew you were here...Gotcha!

Standing up straight as if addressing an audience, Iprix held the paper in front of him and chanted the dancing script scrawled across the paper. Seconds later, his hands began to shake. The paper, freed from his frozen hand, drifted lazily to the ground as Iprix exploded in a puff of grey powder.

Leo cawed, shaking dust from his head and ebony wings.

Moments later, the form of Iprix began to flicker. As if being generated from the inside of a computer, his form flitted in and out of existence as if cast on a buggy screen. Eventually, a rather sick look on his pale face, Iprix stood once again in the haphazard office.

With one hand on his stomach, he addressed the crow.

Well, I guess that's the benefit of immortality....still never gonna get used to it though, to be quite honest..

A knock resounded on the heavy wooden door of the tower. With a start, Iprix snapped his head towards the sound. Leo shifted side to side, and Iprix glanced at the bird. Leo took off to land on his perch, gazing steadily towards the door.

Another knock.

Iprix set aside his long-sought sheaf and made his way towards the door. At the top, there were a series of latches, far too many than most would think useful, but nonetheless virtually covering the right side of the door with their clasps and locks.

Another knock, more insistent this time.

Iprix: All right, just hold on, these things take time you know...

At last the last latch releases at the bottom of the door. Iprix draws a breath and squeaks the door open a few centimeters.

Yes?

A sturdy figure, much taller than Iprix, gazed down at him.

Iprix: Well its bad manners you know, not to introduce yourself.

The figure grew impatient, but complied with his wishes.

I'm Agnor.

Iprix waited. Agnor said nothing further. Throwing open the door, Iprix gestured inwards.

Well Agnor, in you go then. Introductions have been made...

Agnor stepped inside, the burden of his weight creaking the floorboards of the old room. His head towered above Iprix, and his eyes darted around the ancient tower. Iprix, turning his back to him, shuffled back to behind his desk and gestured towards Agnor.

Would you care for tea? An elderberry juice? Leo can fetch you some stardew if you like... He gestured towards the window as the crow shifted on it's perch.

Agnor stood silently in the entrance, his figure quite out of place in the tiny oasis filled with books and papers, old manuscripts and dust settling quietly through small rays of sun and shadow.

You don't look like...

I belong here?

Well, I wouldn't put it that way, you're just a bit, uh, bigger than most people around here...or, most...

Iprix looked up at Agnor.

...people.

A split second passed and Iprix gestured towards a bench along the entryway, resuming some slight shuffling of papers.

Please, sit, sit.

Agnor didn't move.

Iprix continued his busywork as he attempted to take his guest's silence in stride.

...or stand, eh, if you prefer...

He smiled gingerly.

A flash of light bolted through the window and Agnor's hand shot to the huge broadsword at his side. Leo's eyes glowed red.

Iprix: Oh, ah! I wouldn't recommend that.

In the silence that followed, Agnor studied the tiny cleric. Iprix continued, pacing slightly in the space between his desks. He motioned with his hands.

It's not a good idea, you see...the place is outfitted with a magical ceiling...magnetic, really..so you see, it's uh, not a good idea because you take out that sword and woop!

He pointed up.

Up it goes! Heh, heh...

Agnor stared at Iprix.

I was sent here.

Iprix clasped his hands at his waist.

Oh, that is interesting. We don't get many visitors. It's true, some are sent, though not often do they arrive under such mysterious circumstances.

His eyes tured obsidian black and his figure stiffened, staring into Agnor as if channeling black magic.

What do you seek? Why have you come?

Agnor stepped back.

Iprix's eyes cleared and he leaned forward, giggling slightly to himself.

Just a joke, always wanted to say that.

He shuffled out from behind his desk.

Please, sit.

Agnor moved for the first time since entering. Planting his great figure upon the old wooden bench, he seemed to defrost some for the first time, though he watched the cleric with renewed caution. Iprix advanced, placing a cup of tea next to his giant hand. It steamed cheerfully in its dainty porcelain cup, seated upon an equally dainty saucer. Agnor's hands could barely hold both, and he appeared more like a man playing dress up as he attempted to sip from the thin edge.

I was told you were an archmagus.

Through his resumed shuffling, Iprix humored his new friend's curiousity.

Oh yes, yes I am an archmagus. The old one passed away some time ago.

Agnor studied him.

What happened?

Oh, nothing really. I mean not nothing, but really it was silly. He taught me everything I know..

Agnor waited while Iprix's mind wandered off, seeming to look for something else again.

Oh! Uh, we were doing an immortality spell and it went a bit wrong. If you want to be immortal, you see, you have to drink from the goblet of immortality before you die...he was rather absentminded though, he forgot one of the steps, and...

He shrugged his shoulders, making a face and gesturing in the air with one finger.

That was the one!

Agnor watched the wizard, unsure if he was growing more dangerous or simply crazier by the minute.

Iprix: So I'm archmagus here now. Poor old chap. I'm sure we'll see him again though.

Iprix ceased his frenetic searching and looked up calmly at the warrior, his inquisitive eyes and dramatic mustache curving up in a friendly smile.

So! How can I help?

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The journey had already been long. Days had turned to weeks had turned to the counting of the moon cycle to keep track of time. The party was tired, and the onus of their journey remained beyond their grasp. Close enough to continue, but far enough to want to go home.

Iprix was unaccustomed to the traveling life. Never one to be a spoilsport, he soldiered on with the best, though his robes had long been sullied by the dirt and mud and there was a most unfortunate tear from a snag on a rosebush he had simply wanted to enjoy. Who knew they were vicious.

A band of four- Iprix, an artificer, a young boy they had picked up along the way and Gomorrah - known as an evil one. No one was certain of Gomorrah's motives, but so far he had proved useful to the quest, and a dangerous ally in a pinch.

POOF!

With a startled shout from Iprix, he vanished into dust. In the moments he reappeared, the boy looked up at him in wonder.

Boy: So you are immortal..!

Irpix stared down at him in horror.

My boy, did you...?

Boy:...I wanted to know.

Iprix looked from the boy to the group to the boy to his cup and then back to the boy.

I...I...

He grasped for words.

...I'm walking away now.

As Iprix stormed off to regain his composure, Gomorrah acted. Sweeping the boy from his feet by his neck, he dangled him off the side of the high plains, the cliff below dropping off into nothingness.

The boy screamed as Gomorrah held him fast.

Gormorrah: Shall we see if you're immortal??

The boy writhed and twisted, attempting to release himself from Gomorrah's grasp while simultaneously clutching on Gomorrah's wrists for dear life.

I didn't mean it! I...I, please! I'm sorry, I didn't, I, ahhhhh!!....Please!

His feet pawed the empty air below him, the cliffs sheer face offering little comfort to those without wings.

Gomorrah watched at tears streamed down the boy's face. In an instant, he lifted him back over the ledge and threw him down in a heap. A huff of steam escaped his flared nostrils as he snorted in disgust.

Gomorrah strode towards Iprix and the rest of the group on the other side of the clearing as the boy sobbed on the ground.

It wasn't the consequence he would've chosen, but it seemed Gomorrah had made his point. Chiyo watched the cleric's troubled face.

I admit I've never seen anyone kill for curiosity. Are you starting to regret not leaving him behind?

Iprix pushed himself forward, starting off on the long road.

A little.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Scorch the Pyromancer sees the group from the entrance to his pit. He doesn't have anything to do with the group or the journey, but as an observer he's often aware of goings-on.]

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A battle raged.

The group had neared its destination. As the danger grew more intense, the heaviness in the air had been steadily increasing. The last days had fanned into flame and chaos, little sleep and greater dread. Gomorrah had remained on the battlefield, his hearth and home being brimstone and fury. Iprix had remained on watch, magic encircling their camp, and the artificer was away on reconnaisance. The boy and his slingshot remained at the camp, afraid and with his magic not yet easily controlled, a mix of sparks and awkward incantations that occasionally hit their mark.

He had ventured out to forage. Magical food was only good for so long, it fed the spirit more than the body. Crawling over hill and stone, he hunted what game he could find. The battle had been spewing over the southward field, and he was cautious to remain beyond the fringes of the fighting. Being captured would only make matters worse.

At once, the edifice behind him erupted. A shower of sharp stone and black earth rained down around him as shouts and screams filled his ears. Disoriented, with the shriek of steel on steel and the thunder of dark magic, he threw himself to the ground and crawled beneath the nearest crag. At once, Gomorrah's face was on the ground beside him. Thrown down by an adversary, a glowing orb clutched near his chest, Gomorrah's eyes lit with recognition. He threw the orb towards the boy as he was lifted from the ground.

The yelling and fighting abated. As the boy hugged the orb, face dry but rocking slightly back and forth, the air cleared. As quickly as it had vanished, the silence returned. After what seemed an age, he climbed out into the emptiness. No sign of Gomorrah. No sign of anyone. Just ash and smoke curling upward from dark scars that had been carved into the earth.

A ringing, faint at first and growing into a cacophanous noise that boxed his ears, enveloped his head as the creeping warmth of faint made everything slowly go dark.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Iprix's tower was a mess. A mess outside of the usual mess. The electromagnetic force that had swept through the otherworlds had reset many parameters and upset others. Iprix, like others, had been returned to their origins - Iprix to his tower, the boy to the village...others journeyed further forward, to their destinies. It wasn't the first time Iprix has seen a reboot spell, and it was a similarly unpleasant experience as being reboot himself.

There was a knock on the door. Iprix sighed. How was one ever to get through an eon of spells when one keeps getting interrupted?

A flash from his wand and the magiclock on the door disengaged. Sometimes the human ways were fun, sometimes the wizard ways were more convenient.

The boy stepped in.

Iprix studied him.

You've come a long way.

The boy seemed nervous, tired.

Please, sit.

A wave from his hand and Leo, awkwardly squawking, retrieved the teapot and delivered it unceremoniously in his talons.

Ah, Leo...I do appreciate the effort but I think we have to work on this.

Iprix glanced back at the boy.

He's an absolute marvel, more skilled than I by far...but tea is not his thing.

The boy studied Iprix's face.

Do you know what happened?

Iprix: Ah.

He put down his tea and put his hands on his lap.

I do.

He watched the emotions flicker across the boy's face.

Are you well?

Yes, yes.. or I think so. Yes, I'm fine. But I don't understand.

Iprix: Ah! Well, there are a great many things in this world to not understand! Luckily, I can explain. First, I'm glad you're well. I knew you made it to the village, and I wondered when you would come.

You knew I was in the village? How?

Well, the vantage point from up here is quite good...high tower and all...plus, you know -

He pointed towards himself and shrugged his narrow shoulders.

"Archmagus."

Anyway, we were pulled from the battle by what's known as a reboot spell. An incantation that resets the world to a past point in time, but with certain modifications. What those modifications are is unknown, but we've been sorting through trying to figure that out.

He gestured towards Leo.

It hasn't been easy, so I'm glad you're here. Three minds are certainly better than two!

He stood and shuffled back towards his desk.

I hope you've brought food in that bag - we're going to need it! Heh heh...

Iprix turned and saw the boy standing, holding a glowing blue orb. He dropped his tea cup.

Oh no....

Tears filled the boy's eyes.

He trusted me with it. I don't know what it is, I don't know what it does...but he trusted me with it.

Tears streamed down his face.

He gave it to me before the reset, or whatever it was.

Eyes squinting shut, he bowed his head down.

They took him...

Iprix walked cautiously towards the boy and the orb.

There, there...

Iprix covered the orb in the cloth it had been cloaked in.

Let's just put that away for now...we'll keep it safe here. We'll just, uh, set it aside for now...

He looked around at the haphazard room.

Uh, we'll leave it here, in this drawer...where it won't, heh, roll away..

Shutting the drawer, he returned to the boy.

Tell me what happened.

Boy: I don't know. Gomorrah, he gave it to me..I was hunting and somehow the battle found me. I don't know what happened, I didn't even know where he was, but suddenly he was next to me and threw me the orb...they must have thought he still had it because they took him away. I didn't see him anymore after that. I didn't see anything after that.

He bowed his head again.

I don't know why he trusted me.

Iprix studied him, watching the emotion flicker across the boy's face.

It would seem it was trust well deserved.

He stood up.

But you don't worry about Gomorrah! The old goat has business. Destiny in fire... Wherever they took him, you can be sure its where he wants to be.

He paused. How people change was perhaps the one thing in the runiverse that still seemed to surprise him, yet it was also the one thing that made things worth hoping for.

Meanwhile you - you have a destiny as well. Do you know what that is?

The boy looked up through drying tears.

Iprix smiled cheekily.

You have a destiny, and except for the time you murdered me I think you'll do great things.

The boy smiled, a half-laugh escaping his lips.

How do I find it?

Iprix patted the boy's shoulder.

You look.

What about the orb? What is it? What does it do?

Oh, you don't worry about that. This looks like, ah, a run-of-the-mill orb...just a regular time, uh..thing - nothing to worry about. Would you like more tea?

No, thanks, I should be getting home.

Irprix tried to hide his relief. He wasn't good at hiding his emotions and the orb's presence weighed heavy in the air.

Another time then. You're most welcome. And I'm glad to see you're well. Maybe our, uh, tea service will improve next time you return. Tell your mother hello!

The heavy door groaned shut.

Approaching the drawer in which he had secreted away the orb, Iprix opened it as its blue light emanated from the sides of the cloth. Leo spread his wings, shifting from side to side and cawing ominously.

Iprix stared at the glowing orb, agreeing with his agitated familiar.

Yes, we have a problem.

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It was a spring day when Ekmira entered the tower. A fan of sun and wind, light and plants, she didn't prefer to spend much time in the dingy dusty corners of the runiverse's old buildings, but necessity brought her today. Her white robes caught at the corners of the wood staircase and swept away cobwebs as she ascended the tower.

The door at the top was open. Upon hearing no response to her inquiry, she pushed the door open.

As the door squeaked open on its tired hinges, Iprix - humming along happily thrumming through his old stacks of paperwork - turned to see a witch standing in the doorway.

Her hair swept down over nimble shoulders, her large hat only partially covering a friendly face that seemed to illuminate from within.

Iprix dropped his papers.

Oh! I, oh.

He scrambled to catch the sheafs as they fell to the floor.

Oh! Ah, haha...

Catching them up in an unceremonious heap, Iprix hugged the papers with both arms as he stood to address her.

I, uh, hello! Uh, how can I, um, assist you? Please..

He gestured with one hand, half of the papers flopping once again to the floor.

Uh, please sit.

He glanced at Leo.

Can I offer you tea?

No, thank you.

Coffee? Mandrake - I mean, mango juice? Koolaid?

Iprix clumsily caught the corner of his desk as he rushed to put his scrolls away.

Ekmira hid a slight smile.

Leo can run,..or, rather, ha, fly out for whatever you like...

Iprix paused to regain his composure, one hand on his desk and the other on his hip.

Anyway, why were you here again? I mean...

Ekmira smiled.

I don't need anything, thank you. But it seems we have business.

Really?

It would appear...

She paused.

There was a magus who passed through who went unaccounted for several days later. Disappeared and no one knows where. Since you know the area, and everyone in it, I thought you might know something.

Iprix stuttered, his breath which he didn't even realize he'd been holding all coming out at once.

..I'mmm sorry I what? I know everyone?

She studied him.

Yes, you're the archmagus. Of..the tower?

Ohhh, right - I mean, yes. I, yes I am. Indeed. So you needed what again?

Information on a missing person.

Yes! That's it. I can help....just let me get organized...

Iprix shuffles through his usual stacks, knocking over a large stack of books as he attempts to clear desk space. Ekmira watches, amused.

I'll come back another time. Perhaps we'll set a meeting. I've caught you off guard, I'm sorry.

No! No..no problem at all..just, just a bit taddy here, that's all, not normally like this...but just, you know, very busy lately....

Of course.

Iprix stops sorting and looks up.

Ekmira: I'll come back.

Great.

As the door closes behind Ekmira, Iprix stares at the closed door and then lets out a breath, leaning on the table. Leo hops up and down gleefully, flapping his wings in amusement. He flies to Iprix's shoulder, training his beady eye to study Iprix's face as he turns to face his familiar.

What?

Leo flaps away, hopping up and down the desk as Iprix falls into his chair.

Entered by: 0x9DAd…79F8 and preserved on chain (see transaction)