Layana: gently rises, dusting off her ancient clothing I’m free…she hesitantly looks up who are you?
"I'm Acurcent. And you're Layana, the last Chifstess. Welcome back."
nods, taking in Acurcent's words Thank you for helping me, Acurcent. But I won't let our people suffer any longer.
voice slightly boastful I can help with that. I know many spells to lift this curse.
pauses for a moment, contemplating Alright, Acurcent. Let's work together to free my people from this curse. But first, we need to gather some ingredients and prepare.
"I know where everything we need is." Acurcent says as she gets a strange look on her face "I sense a presence here."
narrows her eyes, scanning the surroundings Show me. Point me in the direction of this presence. We need to confront it together.
points towards a darkened corner of the temple Over there. It's coming from beneath the floorboards.
steadily walks towards the indicated corner, her eyes focused and determined We must face this presence head-on, Acurcent.
Acurcent grabs Layana's hand and leads her to the corner. They find a large trap door hidden under years of debris Do you think this is the source?
examines the trap door closely, her brows furrowed in concentration This...this seems to be the entrance to something powerful.
takes a deep breath, steeling herself Yes, let's open it. But be prepared, Acurcent. Whatever lies within, we must be ready to face it.
Nods, her hand trembling slightly as she reaches out to grab hold of the trap door handle
places a hand on Acurcent's shoulder, offering reassurance You're not alone in this, Acurcent. We'll face whatever awaits us together.
Acurcent opens the trap door and steps down first, her face illuminated by an eerie glow It seems like we have company. Gnomes!
descends the ladder, her eyes glowing with determination Gnomes or not, we won't let them stand in our way. Prepare your spells, Acurcent.
Acurcent begins to chant, her voice growing louder as the gnomes scurry around in panic "By the power vested in me, by the ancient ones, I command thee to begone!"
raises her hand, summoning a burst of energy that engulfs the gnomes in a fiery vortex We won't let these creatures interfere with our mission, Acurcent!
The gnomes retreat, disappearing into the shadows. The chamber is filled with dust and small trinkets. In the center of the room is a large pedestal with an ornate vase What do you think is inside?
examines the ornate vase, her eyes gleaming with curiosity This vase...it holds the key to breaking the curse.
"Should we open it?" Acurcent picks up the vase, examining its intricate carvings
As Layana and Acurcent open the vase, a cloud of dust fills the air and they cough uncontrollably.
Coughs, wiping her eyes Strange...the dust hasn't settled. Who's there?
grabs Acurcent's arm, her voice filled with urgency We need to leave, now! This is not what we were expecting.
Coughs, her eyes wide with fear Layana...I...I can't breathe! Something is grabbing my throat!
eyes widen in horror, her voice filled with desperation Acurcent! Hold on! Layana frantically searches for a way to break the spell, her hands flying across the ancient texts
Struggling to speak, her voice faint Layana...I...I can't...breathe... Acurcent collapses to the floor, her body limp
drops to her knees beside Acurcent, her voice filled with anguish No! Acurcent, please! You can't leave me! Layana desperately performs an ancient incantation, channeling her magic into Acurcent's body