<div dir="ltr">Sorry for the delay, real life stuff happened. As a reminder, as far as the story goes it is still June.<div> </div><div>-Indy</div><div>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div><div>[Author: Indy] As Rorlyn glided the figure became clearer, though no less confusion. It stood at least nine feet tall and looked almost like an ogre except for its brilliantly red skin, wild white hair, and a pair of large, yellow horns on its head. It wore what looked like an elegantly embroidered blue loin cloth with pouches around the waist. There was another band of thick leather that looked like tiger hide, and that held a huge spiked club to its back. “Who or what are you?” Rorlyn circled around the strange figure, readying magic in case he needed it. The figure looked up. “I am Hikariarashi Kasaima. You might call me an ogre, though I’m really an oni. We’re related but not the same. Why don’t you come down and introduce yourself? I don’t like straining my neck.” “Thanks, but I’m on patrol right now. You can call me Rorlyn, Mr. Long Name.” It might not be a good idea to banter with an unknown person, but Rorlyn couldn’t resist the urge. “Rorlyn, eh? I’ll remember that. Not too many griffins where I’m from. It’s been a long journey and through a lot of hostile territory. If you’re not going to come down, I’ll be on my way to the Keep.” “Where are you from and what do you want at the Keep?” Rorlyn followed the strange being as he walked. If he was going to set an alarm he wanted all the information he could get. “It’s called different things, and you’ve almost certainly never heard of it. One name, by some, is the Broken Empire. Another is the Thirteen Kingdoms. What I’m looking for is information. Even as far away as I come from the library of Metamor Keep is a thing of legend. I’m not looking for trouble, but I can handle it if it comes.” He chuckled and tapped the handle of his spiked, iron club. Even from where he was Rorlyn could sense magic coming from the thing, though it was thankfully not a runic weapon. “Right. Information. I’ll just let them know so…” Rorlyn flew as fast as he could towards the keep, the strange red creature laughing behind him. When he got to the gates he informed the guards of the creature and its stated intent. “Oy. As if we don’t got enough trouble with lutins!” “Well, if he doesn’t cause trouble don’t give him any! But I’m going to find Misha and alert the Longs and anyone else I can think of!” Kasaima, when he arrived, was not surprised to see a rather large number of soldiers around the gate. At their head was a being that looked like a humanoid horse. He’d wonder if that was true or simply rumor. “I am Duke Thomas of Metamor Keep. I have been informed of who you say you are and why you state you are coming. We are fairly welcoming here, but we don’t want trouble.” Kasaima laughed. “If I wanted to give you trouble, that griffon wouldn’t have made it back. I’d advise you all to stand back so I can give a demonstration!” The guards, being no fools, stood back as Kasaima lifted his iron club into the air. “Hi to raito, okiru!” From the spikes on his club sparks of fire and flashes of light rose into the air in a vortex of power! Rorlyn, who was watching, could feel the power and heat! “Owari!” As suddenly as it begun, the display ended. Kasaima looked very pleased with himself. “As you can see, if I wanted to be destructive, you’d already know.” The display made people nervous, but they also couldn’t deny he would have been able to kill had he wanted. “Very well, as long as you stay in peace, you are welcome. You may do your research at the library, providing you can find it.” Kasaima frowned. “Do you intend to not give me directions to it?” “Directions wouldn’t help.” said Thomas. “The library can move on its own. If it does not wish to be found, no amount of walking will ever get you to it.” “Ah, I see. Still, I will try and I don’t think I’ll be denied.” Kasaima marched into the Keep unopposed but with more eyes watching him than he knew. The mages of the Keep were already working to figure out how to contain him if it became necessary. As he walked in, people stopped and stared, but no one challenged him or stood in his way. He was grimly amused by that, given the reception he’d gotten in other places. No one seemed eager to help him find his way around, so he found himself in an alleyway in part of the Keep. As he pondered where to go next, a small voice called out. “Excuse me, would you happen to be in need of rugs?” Looking to where the voice seemed to come from Kasaima saw a rat. “Did you just ask me if I needed rugs?” “Yes! I am in need of someone looking to buy rugs. Lots of rugs.” “I could maybe use some of your rugs as towels.” Kasaima chuckled. What else could he do? “They’re not *my* rugs. They belong to a merchant visiting the Keep and if he can’t find a buyer there’s going to be trouble. I’m trying to help.” “Well, I’m not actually in need of rugs, but I may be able to help if you can help me. I’m looking for the library.” “Oh! That’s tricky! I can lead you to the right general area, but if Kyia doesn’t want you to get there, uh, well, you won’t. Oh, I’m Trey by the way. Mind if I hop on to help?” “I am Hikariarashi Kasaima. My name to acquaintances is Kasaima-san. I come from far in the East where the library is legend.” He held up a hand and Trey jumped down on it and ran to his shoulder. “Thank you Kasaima-san! Uh, isn’t it odd to use your last name? And what’s the san part?” “I’ll explain on the way, Trey-san. Maybe you can tell me more about this place?” --[Next Part Below]-- </div></div>