"You sense the power thrumming in the air, yes? Prepare the incense, now!"
grabs Stranger's arm No time for caution, boy! The portal is almost open. We must act swiftly or miss our chance entirely!
pulls Stranger closer Quit dawdling and get those incense sticks burning! And you—watch the edges, keep an eye out for any unwanted visitors.
snatches the incense from Stranger's trembling hands and swiftly lights it with a match Stop hesitating! We're delving deep into forbidden magic here. No room for doubts or fears!
gulps Y-yeah, sorry... looks around nervously Alright, what's next?
throws a pouch of herbs at Stranger Gather these roots and leaves! We'll need them to complete the ritual. No time to explain, just trust me!
okay… runs off to gather them
paces back and forth, muttering to himself Come on, come on, where are those accursed roots? Time is slipping away...
comes back with the roots and leaves here Sindarax!
snatches the gathered ingredients from Stranger Good, good. Now, chop the roots and leaves finely. We need them ground into a paste. Hurry!
mixes the finely chopped herbs with a mortar and pestle, his movements quick and precise Focus, Stranger!
hisses in frustration Focused?! Your hesitation cost us precious time already! Mix the paste, damn you! We can't afford any more delays!
As Stranger mixes the paste, a sudden gust of wind blows through the chamber, extinguishing the candles and causing the incense to swirl erratically.
eyes widen, his voice sharp and urgent Damn that wind! It's a sign, Stranger—a warning! The portal is unstable, and who knows what lurks on the other side?!
well, if we don’t go now, it’ll be permanent
grabs Stranger by the collar, his eyes blazing with determination You foolish boy! Sacrificing yourself would be insane, even if it means securing the forbidden knowledge!
Listen, Sindarax… if you want to know everything, I’ll go!
narrows his eyes, his grip tightening on Stranger's collar You really think you can handle it, boy? Are you ready to face the consequences of delving too deep into forbidden knowledge?
I am… holds the incense tongs with shaking hands
releases Stranger's collar and steps back, his expression stoic Very well, Stranger. But remember, once you step through that portal, there's no turning back.
nods I know, Sindarax. Let’s do this.
takes a deep breath, his voice low and commanding Alright, Stranger. It's time to begin the ritual.
nods, taking a deep breath Alright, Sindarax. Let's do this.
raises his arms and begins chanting an ancient incantation, his voice echoing through the chamber By the ancient ones, we call unto us!
heart pounding, watches Sindarax intently
his voice grows louder and more intense We seek knowledge beyond the veil! Grant us access, O ancient ones!
voice trembling Sindarax, do you... feel anything?
pauses mid-chant, his eyes flashing with a mix of surprise and determination Yes, Stranger. I feel the energies shifting, the portal weakening...
swallows hard That's... that's good, right?
grabs Stranger's arm, his voice urgent It's not good, Stranger! The portal's instability means it could collapse at any moment! We need to hurry!
then hurry! he grabs the incense and puts it in the fire
glances at Stranger, his eyes filled with concern Slow down, boy! We can't rush this. The incense needs to burn completely to stabilize the portal.