Ahead lies the great light that...

[Nephrite]

Alyssa has become One. Moore sends simply to all of his node members as he proceeds forward!

He's curious if they'll just come out where this portal is, or what.

[Anastasia]

Nods all around as Kaja smiles, while Jetina nods along.

Cresiel withholds comment.

You come out to another room. A room with a single chair, a dead end otherwise. Here sits...an old, rather heavily bearded and unremarkable gnome, wearing simple, sturdy clothes of little interest - pants, a tunic and boots.

"Been a long time," he greets, "Sorry for all of that, divine ones, I didn't expect to hold this against anything greater than greedy mortals or misguided celestials, or perhaps an enterprising fiend."

[Nephrite]

"You have no reason to apologize to us." Moore says with a smile. "It was us who intruded on you and asked a favor, so I appreciate you humoring us."

[Anastasia]

"A gnome?" Cresiel murmurs, "How long have you been here?"

"I stopped counting a long time ago, divine one," The gnome rises and bows. "What can I do for you and how can I serve you?"

[Nephrite]

"You have no need to serve us, friend." Moore says with a smile as he flies over to offer his hand. "I said before my name was Moore, but I'd like to hear yours. As for what it is we want, it's to get to Labalyn's Memorial. It's my understanding that wherever the first portals to Buxenus are, there are names inscribed upon them, which I believe Labalyn is one. Anything you can tell us about that would be helpful."

[Anastasia]

"I am Rosenose, though most call me a Hermit if they get here." He answers, reaching up to rub a rather large, red nose. From his pocket he produces it, a simple talisman on a chain, of an image of an finger pointing forward, encrusted with gold. "Take this. You'll find your way to a portal - but as you are, I suspect with that you could just teleport to one of the portals, divine one."

"That would make it easier," Kaja says. "Then?"

"Then hold that and go through the portal," Is the answer, "You'll find your way to Labalyn's Memorial."

[Nephrite]

"We did try and go there, but found ourselves diverting." Moore says with a smile as he takes the talisman. "I sincerely thank you for your hospitality. I hope that at some point, you'll come visit us in Hope's Landing. I'd be happy to return your hospitality."

[Anastasia]

"I don't go out much. I hear something terrible happened with the gnomes..." The gnome murmurs, "But it didn't reach me here."

[Nephrite]

"I imagine you're protected here." Moore says. "Still, you're welcome to visit if you'd like. Or maybe I can come back here? I always like to make new friends."

[Anastasia]

"You're welcome to come back, but I should stay here," The gnome says, "It's safe here, I don't know about other places now.

[Nephrite]

"Then I will find out for you, so the next time I come I can tell you about it." Moore says with a smile.

[Anastasia]

"Thank you, divine one," He says, "Ah, half dragon, you're more than welcome to the scimitar you took. You won it fairly."

Kaja inclines his head to him, "Another for my collection."

[Nephrite]

"Please, just Moore is fine, Rosenose." Moore says. "It's been a pleasure to meet you."

With that out of the way, Moore will see if he can teleport them all to these portals now!

[Anastasia]

Done and done. There's no resistance now - it's easy. Far easier. In a quiet, secluded little meander away from the main roads sits a portal, made of stones and with carvings into them. It flickers every few seconds, silently.

[Nephrite]

Moore will read the carvings to ensure he has the right one!