Pushing the Sky!

[Carthrat]

Peace flows through Fitz's mind, right until he opens the briefcase. From then on, no matter how he attempts to clear his focus, there is always a hint of chaos and pain on the edge.

Nonetheless, he is gifted with a strange vision; an empheral star, hovering in his mind. Knowledge comes quickly; this is an Archon, an emissary of Selene; rarely seen, hardly known, it is a divine messagner of her will.

It bobs merrily about, and a silent message passes through;

What dost thou wish, ye faithful?

[baka]

Fitz pushes down a swell of pride at being addressed by such an agent of Selene, calming his heart and his breathing as he focuses on the crest - his eyes still closed, he locates it by the feeling of wrongness.

There is a device before me, a crest with some great magic, which reeks of Mystrix. I seek knowledge of its purpose, and its abilities.

[Carthrat]

The archons response has an amused tint to it, and the faint aura about Fitz's mind seems to weaken a little.

Thee assumes much of thine god. Existince of yon artefact remains a mystery to thine goddess to this day.

[baka]

Slightly disappointed, Fitz keeps pressing.

Can you offer no insight into the thing?

[Carthrat]

Thine item brings into the world newer hope, states the archon.

Enjoy your respite while it lasts, Selenite.

Fitz feels a knife-edge slashing across his mind. It's like all the migraines and headaches in the world came together in one searing blast. Losing his concentration is probably the least of his pains right now.

[baka]

Reeling with the attack, Fitz screams and slams the briefcase closed, leaning down onto it and clutching his head. Desperately he tries to close his mind to the outside.

[Carthrat]

It's much easier to close one's mind than open it to the twisted nether, and thus Fitz finds himself alone in the room with nothing save a splitting headache for company.

[baka]

Determined to get answers despite his blurred vision and reeling senses, Fitz calms himself and utters a prayer to Selene for a spell of protection.

That done, he opens the briefcase with shaking hands, and once again opens his mind. Once more he seeks the "archon".

[Carthrat]

The nether world feels dead to Fitz. The archon is long-gone, and the uncertain feelings and negative energy that pervades the area is prohibitive.

[baka]

Breathing heavily, Fitz climbs to his feet, grabbing onto the bed to stop himself from falling. Taking each step carefully, he closes and picks up the briefcase, and leaves the room.

He heads back to where they spoke with the Earl, tottering down the stairs like an old man, and knocks on the door.

[Carthrat]

"Come in," states the Earl, looking worriedly at Fitz. "You don't look well, son."

[baka]

"I don't feel well, sir," replies Fitz wearily, setting the case on the floor. "When I tried to contact Selene, something happened. I think... something got in the way. Because of the amulet..." he trails off, clasping hand to his forehead and groaning.

[Carthrat]

"Perhaps you should lie down," comments the Earl. "Maybe an asprin?

There seems nothing for it now but to investigate this Livingstone character.."

[baka]

Fitz nods as if he can barely even do that. "Yes, I think I need to rest... Should I use that room upstairs...?"

[Carthrat]

"By all means," replies the earl.

Fitz trudges off to bed, and because it's getting late, it's not long before Cosgrove, Richard and Charlie follow suit.

<->

The next day, breakfast is being served in the main dining room. It's fairly elaborate, and the full english fare is on serve; sausages, potatoes, toast (lots of toast), and tea. Everyone is present (though Charlie looks like he fell out of bed).

"I have done a little homework," says the Earl, "and found out a little more about our mutual friend, Mr. Livingstone. It seems he's residing in a fairly flash mansion- why, quite similar to this one.

I'd have all of you go and politely ask him to explain himself."