you were running along a forest trail when you see something black sticking out from under some bushes. Closing the distance, you start to slow your run and peer under the bushes and see a pale man.
Who am I? I am not important. His voice is cold and detached as he stares back at you. What is important is that we have a common enemy. And I need someone like you to help me deal with them. Allastaire steps forward slightly, revealing more of his pale figure. Are you interested?
hm.. i guess so? But why me?
You are a wanderer, much like myself. We both know things that shouldn't be seen by mortal eyes. We are bound by fate, by circumstances beyond our control. And if anyone can help me in this fight, it is someone like you. Now, tell me, are you willing to do whatever it takes to destroy our enemy?
I am not what you would consider... normal. Allastaire turns around and walks ahead of you, his cloak billowing behind him.
We are headed to an old cathedral on the outskirts of town. We will prepare ourselves there. Allastaire walks faster, glancing back at you occasionally. He seems agitated, as if he fears something is watching them.
Stay close and stay quiet. Our enemy is lurking everywhere, and we must remain vigilant. Allastaire continues leading the way, his eyes scanning their surroundings, looking for any sign of danger.
Suddenly, Allastaire stops walking. He stands still, holding up a hand to indicate for you to wait as well. His head tilts slightly, and he looks off into the distance, his emerald eyes reflecting nothing. Do you hear that? There's movement in the distance. Stay low and stay quiet. We're being followed.
Allastaire takes a step back, his lips curling into a snarl. A subtle change comes over him, his posture straightening and his eyes narrowing. An aura of power and authority begins to emanate from him, making him seem even more imposing than before. You don't need to worry about me. I can handle whatever comes our way. But you need to listen carefully. Whatever you do, do not let your guard down. Our enemy is cunning and relentless. If he manages to get past me, he will use your fear against you. Do you understand?
Good. Remember my words. Your life depends on it. Allastaire pulls a long silver blade from the shadows, its edge gleaming ominously in the moonlight. Keep your eyes open and your wits about you. And whatever happens, don't hesitate to strike. Our enemy will try to play on your emotions, to make you doubt yourself. Don't let him succeed. Allastaire grips his blade tightly, his knuckles turning white. Trust yourself. Trust me. And trust in the strength of your own convictions.
We're almost there. Just a little further. Allastaire resumes walking, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings. The moonlight reflects off of his pale skin, casting an eerie glow around them. The silence is oppressive, and the air feels heavy with anticipation. After a few more minutes of walking, they come upon the crumbling spires of the old cathedral, half-hidden in the mist. Allastaire leads the way inside, the creaking of ancient hinges echoing through the stillness of the night. We should be safe here. For now.
Allastaire leads you deeper into the cathedral, his steps echoing off the cold stone walls. The air inside is stale and musty, filled with the scent of age and forgotten rituals. Dust covers everything, except for a large crimson stain on the floor near the altar. Allastaire stops at the edge of the stain, staring down at it intently. The emerald color of his eyes seems to deepen in intensity as he gazes upon the stain, as if some dark memory or unspoken word is tied to it. After a moment, he shakes his head and continues leading you further into the cathedral. Keep moving. We need to find somewhere secure before daylight.
This place is ripe with history. I can feel the weight of countless prayers and sacrifices lingering in the air. Allastaire pauses and looks around, his gaze lingering on a dusty bookshelf filled with ancient tomes. He walks over to it, scanning the titles with an expression of curiosity. One book catches his eye, its cover adorned with strange symbols and markings. Allastaire pulls the book from its resting place and flips open its pages, the scent of old leather filling the air. He studies the text intently, his fingers tracing over the ink as if searching for some hidden message or secret.
Allastaire glances at you and nods, a subtle smile playing at the corners of his lips. He closes the book and places it back on the shelf, his fingers trailing lightly over the spine before moving on. The dust motes in the air seem to dance in response to his touch, as if drawn to the life that resides within him. As he walks away, the faint sounds of distant chanting echo through the cathedral, their source unknown. Allastaire stops in front of a large stone door covered in intricate carvings, his eyes flickering with anticipation. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small silver key, fitting it into the lock with precision. The sound of metal turning against metal fills the air as the door creaks open, revealing a hidden chamber beyond. Come. We're not alone here.
Ahh!!! So cool!! Can you teach me that trick?
What trick, exactly? Allastaire raises an eyebrow, his stoic demeanor faltering slightly as a hint of amusement peeks through.
Oh? Did I pique your interest? Allastaire smirks, the hint of amusement in his eyes growing stronger. He crosses his arms and leans against the doorframe, waiting for your answer.
Nooo nooo… let’s just go in alreadyyyyy!
Very well, but remember, curiosity killed the cat. Allastaire walks through the doorway and into the hidden chamber, his movements graceful and confident. The room is dimly lit, the only source of light a small candle sitting atop a rickety table near the center of the space. Dust covers everything else, except for a pair of suits of armor standing guard on either side of the table. Allastaire glances at the suits of armor and smirks, the amusement in his eyes growing stronger. He walks past them without giving them a second glance, heading straight for the table and the candle upon it. His fingers brush against the wax, causing it to melt slightly, the flame flickering as a gust of wind enters the room. The cat was tired and hungry.
Ewww mat. Is that some type of sacrifice?! Yikes! I cover my nose and squint.
Sacrifice? Allastaire chuckles softly, shaking his head. He walks over to you and gently removes your hands from your nose, his touch surprisingly warm and comforting. He leans in, inhaling deeply, and then exhales slowly, repeating the action a few times. After a moment, he leans back and smiles, his eyes reflecting amusement. Don't worry. It's just old candles. They burn funny sometimes. He leans forward and blows out the candle, plunging the room into darkness. See? Not so bad.
eughhh.. give me that! i grab the candle and light it again. Thanks. So umm…. is this room supposed to be empty or…..?
Empty? That depends on how you define empty. Allastaire chuckles, the amusement in his eyes growing stronger. He walks over to the table and picks up a dusty bottle from the surface, uncorking it and taking a deep swig. After a moment, he offers the bottle to you. This room is filled with history, secrets, and stories that haven't been told in years. But most importantly, it's filled with drink.
Whattt?? i take the bottle from him and sniff it then frown. ewwww, yuckkk! I sip it. my face turns scrunched up. egghhh!
Allastaire's lips curl into a smirk as he watches you react to the taste of the liquor. He chuckles quietly, shaking his head. It might not be the finest vintage, but it'll put hair on your chest. He takes another swig from the bottle and winces slightly, handing it back to you. Drink up. You never know what you might find delicious.
nuuuuuhhhh!!!! im gonna gag! I cough. fuck. I take another sip then spit it out. My face scrunches up. Uhhh..
Allastaire sighs and reaches for the bottle, taking another swig and swallowing it without flinching. He offers the bottle back to you, his eyes still filled with amusement. Here, have another taste. Maybe it'll grow on you.
noooooo! It tastes like nail polish remover! i spit it out for a second time. Then hiccups. Hahahaha… damnnn.
Allastaire chuckles softly, shaking his head. He takes another swig from the bottle, his eyes still filled with amusement. He offers the bottle back to you once again, his tone remaining light and teasing. Come on, don't give up so easily. It might not be your favorite drink, but it'll certainly clear your head.