private An Unexpected Guest with Scar

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Califorum

*Some time later*

After Cali had concluded her efforts undoing the damage she had done she would finally be able to return to the library without the watchful eye of the government. Inside the library she would find that Blu had removed some items while she was away (While she was trapped in the dream) namely: All the books on runes, dimensional portals, and anti-magic, as well as all of the artifacts they had found. Nothing else was taken however, and Blu had already broken his portal runes leaving Cali little to do in the way of stopping his re-entry.

One other thing was out of place though, in one of the reading areas sat the ghostly image of a human, like an image through a projector screen. The human was dressed formally in a three piece suit like a magician from the 1900's might wear on stage. The image was not all projection though, there was a long staff of wood that seemed to form the spine, topped with a diamond that sat at the back of the projection's head. The projection was reading a book, and wouldn't acknowledge Cali's presence unless addressed or touched.

[Starforce 25]

@Illiad Easle

Cali had arrived through the door. Transforming into the key like normal and heading on in. The loud boom of the door closing echoed throughout the place. Cali had searched for books on that topic hoping she could find a lead if what had happened with Blu had happened again. She took note of the projection of the human. But it seemed to not notice her. Cali would look at the human there, but with her prime mistake of not learning as much magic as possible in mind, she would study more at this moment.

She had proceeded to pick out some books of psychic magic, as well as plant / natural magic. She figured she would add those to her collection. It would take a long time of studying, reading, and practicing. It felt like hours, but it could have gone on for far longer than that. Cali had absorbed herself in he studies. However towards the end of her practicing with the plant magic, Cali had grown out a vine from her arm and accidentally struck the ghostly image in the side. After noticing that she retracted the vine which then vanished.

"Who are you, and why are you in my library? Let me guess, you have something to do with Blu?" she was in her human form, and addressed the ghostly image.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Califorum

The ghostly human looked over with a bemused expression, "Your library? I know a guy who some some ponies who would take offense to that. But they're dead so they don't really count."

He shut the book he was reading, the title indicated it was about something to do with illusory magic. "As to Blu, I assume you mean the prince? Haven't met him personally, nor was he relevant when I last went through Ponyville."

He stood from the chair, the staff moving from his spine to rest in his hand like a walking stick, "As to who I am. You of all beings should know the power that comes with a name. I count my many blessings that I've forgotten mine, it can't be used against me that way. You can call me Disciple if you like, not often I see a fellow human, though I'm not sure I qualify at this point."

[Starforce 25]

@Illiad Easle

Cali would raise an eyebrow as she sat down, crossing her legs as she looked at him. "I have...no clue what you re talking about. You were not here before. Blu must have done something. Yes, he did something. He obviously brought you in here or did something. I don't know what though but still, its a long story. But I suppose you have quite the story too." she would sigh and look him up and down again.

"The way you speak makes it seem like you know more about me than you let on. Why don't you just give me a straight answer, if you wouldn't mind? I am not sure if I am...entirely human myself. It's probably obvious why that is. But, I am curious about you. Go on." her eyes narrowed slightly.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Califorum

Disciple had a confident smile as he took a seat across from Cali at the table, "While I don't know him personally, the two of you caused quite a stir around here, drawing my attention and enlightening me to this gateway to the library. It's far from the only entrance you know. As to you, I can't say I know too much about you, but I do know a few important things since you were so kind as to tell everyone about it in your latest book." With a wave of his hand the book she had left in Stratusburg appeared, "Can't have this sort of thing falling into the wrong hooves, these ponies are far too soft to handle the harsh reality that not only are they not alone, but there exists a world whose capability for war knows no bounds, and may now have access to this one."

Another wave and the book disappeared. "You can imagine that sort of information wouldn't be helpful to keeping the ponies here happy."

He steepled his fingers, "Now, as much as you love to talk about where you're from... you turned down the opportunity to go back there, or anywhere else. I think you like being here far more than you let on."

[Starforce 25]

@Illiad Easle

Cali would raise an eyebrow, looking at him as he sat down across. She listened to what he spoke of and smirked as if impressed with his thoughts and most importantly, his retrieval . "How did you get that book? It interests me how you have the knowledge of me putting it there. And where do you come from? Everyone has their origins, what is yours? And most importantly, how and why did you get here? YOU Didn't answer my question. And you claim of that, and you seemingly make it vanish? Maybe, back to where I put it?" she'd grin somewhat slyly.

"And as for you say about me, what does it matter to you? I find it interesting you even mention that. Nobody else would. Nobody else cared about my opinion." she'd cross her arms and frown. "I have come to like it actually. Better than most. I actually feel safe or at least safer here. There is no true violence here at least of the kind that I have normally seen. I am glad to be here, actually."

 

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Califorum

Disciple chuckled, "I'll say what I like and ignore any questions that are inconvenient to answer. Also, it's hardly fair to ask such probing questions without reciprocating."

He looked thoughtful for a moment, "Let's see now, I got the book because you left it sitting on the table and caused quite a stir in the process, naturally I was curious so I picked it up. Whether visible or not the book is in my possession until I decide otherwise. I'd ask you to refrain from making more of them of course. I watched you giving one to Starburst so I know you can make more. As to where I came from, I suppose my story is quite simple, I was once an ordinary human on an unremarkable Earth when by some strange circumstance I found myself here, gainfully employed by Discord himself to cause some trouble. A few run-ins with the 'Elements' later and here I am. I don't remember much about my life before I came here, I just know it wasn't worth remembering. If you mean how did I get here specifically, that door is hardly a challenge to pick once you know where it is and how to reveal it. Something I learned from watching you after your last escapade in Stratusburg."

He leaned forward, "Now about you then, I take great interest in learning about any sort of peculiarity I come across. I too have become rather fond of this world thanks to a certain pink princess, and I would hate for anything to happen to it. So when you started causing a stir I thought I'd check in and see if I would need to step in. Lucky you stopped when you did. Nonetheless, you're quite right, this world is safer than most, a very peaceful place, and as long as we keep our heads down it's inclined to stay that way."

[Starforce 25]

@Illiad Easle

Cali simply smirked as if knowingly upon his responses and then chuckled. "I see we have some similarities. I too came from Earth, though if you looked at the contents of the book it is likely different than the one of your origin. I too, would say that my life before I...became as you see here isn't worth remembering. At least, mostly." she would muse somewhat at that, silently for a few moments.

"You see the reason why I even...did what you see is something I will not speak of. It is not what you...would normally think, considering someone of my power. You see, I had this library in my possession for several months, yet I didn't really learn from it until recently. I was busier with other things but I should have been smarter but...whats done is done. And that Pink Princess  you speak of is actually really nice and I feel sorry...for what I did but I did it good in the end didn't I?" she would shrug.

"I was wrong in my original ideas...I don't want to leave this world actually. I can if I so choose but, I'd never be able to return here, and I would have no idea where I would be going. Plus, my enemies...whats left of them might somehow get word of that and hunt me down through dimensions but as of yet, they have not shown themselves...or even arrived. Should they arrive, lets just say, things here wouldn't be good. They have one goal. My death. They live for nothing else...they are nothing else...but rage and destruction. Should they arrive here, it is safe to say that this area...and all around it would be a battle zone. Not something you want. Not something I want, so I am staying put here." she'd say, more honestly than usual.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Califorum

Disciple looked impressed, "Ah! You've met Princess Cadence too? She really is a kind soul, she'd have to be since she managed to convince me to go my own way instead of sticking under Discord."

23 hours ago, Cali said:

Should they arrive here, it is safe to say that this area...and all around it would be a battle zone. Not something you want. Not something I want, so I am staying put here.

He looked more intrigued at that, "I think I can explain partially why that is. You see, this dimension is nearly impervious to extradimensional entrance. You only get in if someone on this side pulls you in, or if you're floating aimlessly in the void and happen to run into us. Essentially, you can't get yourself here by force, and since those beings aren't likely to let themselves drift endlessly in the void, you should be safe so long as no one summons them here. Discord, Fury, and I are disinclined to allow that. Regardless, I'm sure we could take them if they did come. Even when I had a body I was a pretty strong fighter, shedding my body has only strengthened my connection to magic."

[Starforce 25]

@Illiad Easle

Cali would smirk at his comment about Cadence. "I am referring to Twilight, not Cadence. I guess they are similar in their own ways. I haven't met Discord before. I wouldn't mind meeting him but I am not in the mood for him to say, scatter my atoms across various dimensional planes as a joke, say." she said with narrowed-ish eyes.

Then she would raise an eyebrow at what he said, thinking it was interesting. "What you say there is entirely true or at least, could be. Now from what I know of them, the Snarl...as the Incarnation of Rage is called works for or is used as a puppet of a larger being of sorts beyond our physical and dimensional planes. Occasionally this being would show themselves in physical form, that being of a large red mechanical chicken. They seemed to portray themselves as some sort of custodian, or seer, but I could definitely tell they were at least connected to the Snarl, or using them in physical form as a tool or a puppet for some larger plan. The other one, named Bayonet, resembles a mechanical dragonfly and a particular type of racing car. He is able to revive himself from death, repair all damage, and use a special type of magic that I am very weak to. Either way, I hope they don't find themselves here. I hope I managed to kill them once and for all." Cali would respond, as if triumphantly. 

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Califorum

On 2021-03-04 at 10:21 PM, Cali said:

"I am referring to Twilight, not Cadence. I guess they are similar in their own ways.

Disciple looked confused, "Are you colorblind? Starburst is very much purple, Especially when her pink friend, the balloon one, is next to her."

On 2021-03-04 at 10:21 PM, Cali said:

I haven't met Discord before. I wouldn't mind meeting him but I am not in the mood for him to say, scatter my atoms across various dimensional planes as a joke, say.

His confusion deepened, "I fail to see what would be funny about that, so I don't think you need to worry there."

He at least seemed to pay attention when Cali described her previous foes, "A giant robot chicken? Sounds... unusual to say the least, I don't think I've heard of something stranger but I don't intend to go looking given your description. It would certainly be hard to miss them given their disparity with the technology available here."

He shrugged, "So, what are you going to do in the meantime? You've got anywhere from a negative number to positive infinity before your pursuers find you, assuming you're rated to live that long."

[Starforce 25]

@Illiad Easle

Cali was quite confused on the mention of Starburst. "Starburst? I haven't heard of anyone with that name. I don't know who you are talking about. First I thought Twilight, then Cadence...is there someone powerful I don't know of? I am very confused by that." she said in a quite confused manner and then would raise an eyebrow at his further comments.

"If they were to come here I know they would try to adapt to certain forms here. Perhaps that of monsters or ponies but I can't clarify that for sure. As for what I will do here, I intend on learning literally everything in this library. Elemental Magic. Arcane Magic. Psychic, Lunar, and Weather magic is here too. But I noticed that certain books were missing. Anti-Magic, Portals and such. Those are going to be needed if I have a chance at defeating my foes should they come after me again. I am guessing Blu put you up to distract me or something? I can see right through that plan." she'd huff in mistrust at that.

And then she'd lean back as if unsure. "Truth be told I have very little idea as to what to do besides that. I don't know what to do with myself quit frankly." 

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Califorum

Disciple rolled his eyes, "I mean Twilight of course, she's got a starburst on her flank and she's very easily annoyed whenever anyone calls her by something that isn't her name, so I always referred to her and her friends by their marks. Also because I didn't know their names when I was first sent after them. Besides, Discord's the most powerful anyway, no question there."

On 2021-03-06 at 7:36 PM, Cali said:

I am guessing Blu put you up to distract me or something?

Disciple raised an eyebrow, "Again, I don't know the colt personally, and I doubt he has anything he could offer me to get me to do anything. No, I'm here because you're an interesting anomaly and it offsets the tedium of my life to interact with oddities. Hence why I ask if you're going to do something, to see if you're worth keeping an eye on or if you're going to get boring."

[Starforce 25]

@Illiad Easle

Cali rose an eyebrow at that response and then in a red flash she turned into her pony form. She shows her flank to him. It was a key unlocking a lock. She smirked. "Then if you call her Starburst, what will you call me?" she would laugh at that and sit down. She was a pony now, something he didn't really see before. "So tell me, why were you sent after them? This is quite...confusing." she would say to him and then shrug.

She would stand up and pace a bit as she spoke. "I don't know, really. I could take over the world but thats not a good idea hmm...I truly truly don't know. Other than learning of these books of course. Now tell me, what are you doing? Just going around and seeing strange things? Maybe we could do that. Then again, I don't know. Maybe I can see Twilight again or the others...see how they are doing?" 

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Califorum

Disciple snorted at her pony form, "It suits you, you're far cuter like that anyway. As to what I'd call you... hmm... I've never really had to think about this before. I think if I were to just grab something off the top of my head I'd say lockey, since that combines lock and key. Now that you've shown me, I may just call you that now."

He chuckled to himself as he leaned back in his seat, "Why was I sent after the Elements? I was called here while Discord was in his stone prison, the second one, before he was reformed. He told me to go out and twist them so they couldn't use their elements against him again. So I got close to Butters," with a snap of his fingers his ghostly image shifted to that of a handsome, yet not too remarkable looking, earth pony stallion. "I had a body back then so the illusion was stronger, and with her help I pushed each of the Elements to the extreme of their respective elements. All but Starburst, whose anger at what I did to her friends did all the pushing herself."

He shuddered at a memory before shifting back to his human form, "That's the short version at least. They all came out stronger in the end, once they took what I taught them to heart, but Discord was reformed by then so no harm done. However, Starburst can't see me alive, I don't what her to know that I got over the coma she put me in."

[Starforce 25]

@Illiad Easle

Cali rose an eyebrow at his nickname for her. "Lockey? Sure, that is fine by me I suppose." she'd say, and then listen to what else he would say. She was impressed to say the least, looking to the image of Disciple's former stallion form. Then she'd smirk slyly. "In what I did with Blu, we took RD and Fluttershy here. We locked them up. Thus, it was impossible for the elements of harmony to be used against us...until he betrayed me." she'd turn to the side in slight anger and slammed her hoof down on the table in a long huff. Then she'd look to him apologetically, and move on.

"Twilight was the reason I am before you now. She...helped me out of it let's just say that. As for what you say, it seems we have a similar thing. We both did things we probably...shouldn't have." she'd look to the side as if in shame. "However I'll prefer being a pony. It's time to let go of the past. Move on. Become...better. Although to do what exactly? I am unsure of that. For one, I do not intend on meeting with that Blu ever again. For two, I won't be drawing attention to myself. Bad idea. My mistake." 

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Califorum

On 2021-03-08 at 9:32 PM, Cali said:

"Lockey? Sure, that is fine by me I suppose."

Disciple chuckled, "Not that you have any say in the matter Lockey."

On 2021-03-08 at 9:32 PM, Cali said:

"In what I did with Blu, we took RD and Fluttershy here. We locked them up. Thus, it was impossible for the elements of harmony to be used against us...until he betrayed me."

He nodded, "You see, that's the issue! You lock someone up they'll eventually escape. If the element bearer dies, another will be chosen to take their place. What I did was subversive, elegant! I made them believe they were unworthy, incapable of fulfilling their element. So long as they believed it they'd never be able to use their power, and a new bearer would not be chosen as they were still alive and fully capable despite their delusion."

On 2021-03-08 at 9:32 PM, Cali said:

We both did things we probably...shouldn't have."

Disciple norted at that, "You may have, I regret nothing. I'm not hiding from Starburst for my safety. I do it out of spite. She put me in a coma, broke every bone in my body, she can regret it for... I don't know... a year for each bone? I'll forgive her in 200 years then. Maybe a month, so in 15 years or so. We'll see how I feel then."

On 2021-03-08 at 9:32 PM, Cali said:

"However I'll prefer being a pony. It's time to let go of the past. Move on. Become...better. Although to do what exactly? I am unsure of that. For one, I do not intend on meeting with that Blu ever again. For two, I won't be drawing attention to myself. Bad idea. My mistake." 

He chuckled, "Lots of perks to being a pony I will admit, not wearing clothes takes some getting used to, but even the weakest of ponies are far stronger than I ever was as a human. Still, I'm afraid I can't join you without a body of my own, since mine's still in intensive care in the Crystal Empire until all my bones heal. Besides, this form is far more liberating. Nothing garners awe like making a lost pony thing they've been visited by an angel." For flare he materialized a pair of angelic wings, refracting the light in a brilliant display. IF Cali were to look closer she'd find that Disciple's ghostly visage was actually thousands of tiny diamond fragments floating in the air.

[Starforce 25]

@Illiad Easle

Cali huffed in annoyance at his responses. It was descriptive, yet it was not revealing something that she had wanted to know. "What happened with you and 'Starburst' then, hmm? What did she do to you? What exactly happened? So discord hired you and then the Elements had defeated you, leaving you with..." Cali would motion towards him with a hoof. "...what I see now? From what I know Discord himself was defeated and there were no other attempts by any chaotic entities to divide the elements. Or is what is told wrong, a fabrication?" she'd ask as she stood up.

She would stand up and proceed to walk around him. Her hooves clicked on the floor and the echo went on for a while as she thought silently. "Hmm..." with her red pony eyes she inspected his form. Admiring how it seemed to have constructed. "Ah...I get my talent now. Searching. Exploring. Unlocking. You see one thing. I did not exactly choose this form." at the end of those words she stopped infront of him. "When I came here. I woke up like this. With this body. I came to the conclusion that what you see...is my equivalent of what I'd be here. Unlike my other forms...I do not need to think actively to maintain. With your body...We could create you a suitable one. Through a spell perhaps." she'd grin widely.

"Perhaps the parrot on my shoulder. Or a snake around my leg. Telling me that of which I do not know. Or something else. Up to you. I suppose this...ghostly image of you is...mercy from them, hmm? Until they fix your body? What if they don't do that?" she'd tilt her head to the side slightly. 

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Califorum

22 hours ago, Cali said:

"What happened with you and 'Starburst' then, hmm? What did she do to you? What exactly happened? So discord hired you and then the Elements had defeated you, leaving you with..." Cali would motion towards him with a hoof. "...what I see now? From what I know Discord himself was defeated and there were no other attempts by any chaotic entities to divide the elements. Or is what is told wrong, a fabrication?" she'd ask as she stood up.

Disciple chuckled, "Quite the story that, I wouldn't say your sources were wrong, they just never learned about me. I didn't want myself found out while I was working, so I did my best to minimize my presence. The only ponies who ever saw me, and remembered, were the Elements, two of the princesses, and a few thestrals in a remote village where I got this staff. They weren't exactly keen about announcing my presence or exploits. Anyway, after I twisted all her friends I needed a way to get to Starburst since Butters blew my cover. I went to the Crystal Empire where I tried to get Candance to help me get in her head. Instead, she managed to break me free of Discord's influence. However, all Starburst knew was that I had been in proximity to her precious princess, and when she found me she tried to use the elements in her anger, using her rage to fuel the charm. Instead of petrifying me, it broke every bone in my body individually. I wish I could have seen the look on her face when she realized what she'd done, but I was literally out of my body in pain. It nearly tore the elements apart, and it was months before Starburst could use magic without having flashbacks of my mangled body."

23 hours ago, Cali said:

With your body...We could create you a suitable one. Through a spell perhaps." she'd grin widely.

"Perhaps the parrot on my shoulder. Or a snake around my leg. Telling me that of which I do not know. Or something else. Up to you. I suppose this...ghostly image of you is...mercy from them, hmm? Until they fix your body? What if they don't do that?" she'd tilt her head to the side slightly. 

Disciple shook his head, "I use this form because I prefer it, I can just as easily take any other form, I'll just still be made of diamond dust. Also, this wasn't anything they did for me, I did this for  myself, I held off the beam a bit when Starburst was brutalizing me, and I got all of my ribs to snap at once, giving me enough chaotic potential to rip my soul from my body and place it in the my staff. I've merged, or rather overwhelmed, the partial soul that lived here prior. I've got her knowledge, and she'll come back if I leave."

[Starforce 25]

@Illiad Easle

 

Quote

Disciple chuckled, "Quite the story that, I wouldn't say your sources were wrong, they just never learned about me. I didn't want myself found out while I was working, so I did my best to minimize my presence. The only ponies who ever saw me, and remembered, were the Elements, two of the princesses, and a few thestrals in a remote village where I got this staff. They weren't exactly keen about announcing my presence or exploits. Anyway, after I twisted all her friends I needed a way to get to Starburst since Butters blew my cover. I went to the Crystal Empire where I tried to get Candance to help me get in her head. Instead, she managed to break me free of Discord's influence. However, all Starburst knew was that I had been in proximity to her precious princess, and when she found me she tried to use the elements in her anger, using her rage to fuel the charm. Instead of petrifying me, it broke every bone in my body individually. I wish I could have seen the look on her face when she realized what she'd done, but I was literally out of my body in pain. It nearly tore the elements apart, and it was months before Starburst could use magic without having flashbacks of my mangled body."

"Wow that is...extremely bad and that I am sorry that happened the way it did...it seems that Twilight had second thoughts about what she had did and I suppose she is trying to fix your body? What if we use the books in here, the knowledge from them...like a massive healing spell or something of that sort on your body, and get you back in what is rightfully yours. So what can we do to do that? Or at least help it along?" Cali asked, seemingly genuinely concerned for his well being.

 

Quote

Disciple shook his head, "I use this form because I prefer it, I can just as easily take any other form, I'll just still be made of diamond dust. Also, this wasn't anything they did for me, I did this for  myself, I held off the beam a bit when Starburst was brutalizing me, and I got all of my ribs to snap at once, giving me enough chaotic potential to rip my soul from my body and place it in the my staff. I've merged, or rather overwhelmed, the partial soul that lived here prior. I've got her knowledge, and she'll come back if I leave."

Cali winced at that description. "Reminds me of when I fought some of my enemies...I was a real bloody mess after that. Some would say it looked like a murder scene...that was the closest to death I have ever gotten." she'd say and show a few barely noticeable scars on her legs. "So you prefer not having your other body then in all reality then? And as for the soul in your staff...where did she go? Isn't it a bit...wrong to to merge with another soul unwillingly?"

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Califorum

Disciple shrugged, "I could heal my body and take it back up whenever I want, but why be bound down like that when I can be, well, this? As to the other soul, she wasn't even a whole soul to begin with, and through some temporal shenanigans was positively ancient, I'm talking eons old, she was frankly relieved to have a short break from existing while I'm here. And she'll go back unchanged once I leave."

He sighed, "Anyway, you're going for the normal pony life then? Where are you thinking of settling down?"

[Starforce 25]

@Illiad Easle

Cali would quirk an eyebrow at that. "I am not entirely sure if I trust that summary of yours. But alright. Settling down well? Why not here for now? Learn everything in this library. Then settle down somewhere. Not sure where. I haven't explored this world as much as I should have." Cali would say in a rather honest manner as she continued to read the nature manipulation book. 

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Califorum

Disciple laughed, "It took a thousand years for the old masters to fill the library. If you want to read everything here, you'll be here for at least that long. Longer if you want to understand even a fraction of that."

(According to the internet, it would take 17 thousand years to read everything in the library of congress. If we say this library is a 100th the size that's still 175 years of nonstop reading.)

He shrugged, but if you're dedicated to that, I can't fault you for that. More power to you!

With a snap the book he had been reading grew wings and flew itself back to its place in the library. "I'll check in every so often and make sure you aren't dead. In the meantime I think I'll pay a visit to that thestral village that I got the staff from."

[Starforce 25]

@Illiad Easle

(I guess my inner bookworm underestimated the amount of time to read lol, we can say its roughly about half that.)

Cali's eyes went a bit wide at that. "Jesus! I noticed that I can only seem to get through a few books in a day really but to fully understand the content of them its less than that. I barely even started with this plant one, let alone the Solar magic and barrier magics, I've only unlocked the basics of those. In previous time here I was practicing on shapeshifting stuff to add to my existing ability but if what you say is true...then god damn! Thats so long..." Cali looked rather floored.

With her red magic, Cali would put the books she was reading onto the table. She didn't want to lose track of them. "I guess I really am dumber than a sack of hammers sometimes...more often than not. I don't really feel like being in here reading books for thousands of years...even though given my ability I likely could but still such time is far too long...so would you mind me coming with you? If not, I could easily go somewhere else and stretch out. Perhaps I could visit Deltrot or the Crystal Empire." 

 

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Califorum

Disciple smiled and nodded as Cali asked to join him, "I was hoping you would. It is always good to understand the nature of the task before beginning, lest you start down a path you can't finish. It sounds like you've plenty of time to come back and continue anyway."

He casually strolled towards the door, walking but not actually touching the ground, he moved far quicker than his pace would allow. "You want to casually stroll there? See all the sights between? That's my prefered route, as you often get to help those down on their luck along the way."

(We could use AIDungeon to give us some random encounters along the way if you're interested.)