A Merge of Two Planes
On a particularly cold desert afternoon, the plant-life around the keep was noticeably more vibrant. It's as if they were resonating with the ley-lines of magic that ran through the earth.
In a moment's notice, at the tick of Noon, a certain pulse ran through the entire area, and the majority of plants began to wilt. As Nicolas looked around in panic watching the lush greens around the keep he had worked so hard to create wither into nothing, he realized that most of the yellow-hatted around the keep had disappeared.
He pondered, Do they know something I don't?
Nicolas' anxieties began to take hold. The more he moved around the keep, the more desolate it seemed.
'Is anyone there?' he shouted as he traversed the corridors.
No replies.
Nicolas headed towards his room within the keeps corridors, with full intent to grab only what was most coveted to him and run. He couldn't help but think of his father and the memories of his upbringing as he began to pick up speed to his room. With tears in his eyes, he opened the door and found Gus, also a little panicked but seemingly expecting of Nicolas' arrival. The cat jumped into Nicolas' arms and the embrace settled him for a moment.
He grabbed his Eternal Rose and as he was headed out of his room, everything went black..
...
Nicolas gasped for breathe. In what almost seemed like an aether of time and space itself he felt his core, almost as if it were the matter that made him, pulsate between expansion and collapse. He clutched Gus and the rose as they floated through the colors of the flux..
Suddenly, reality re-materialized around him. The skies, the wizards keep, his room, everything seemed to be built in front of him in hexagonal shapes. Layer by layer the world came back to reality, along with Nicolas.
Gus jumped from his arms and looked at him, concerned. Nicolas ran to the nearest window and peered at his reflection. To his dismay, his facial features and attire had changed. Very similar to before the event occurred, but a bit more rugged. He'd read about the different planes and realms of the Runiverse before, but never about the alteration of individuals who fall victim to it.
How did this happen?
Perhaps there was a shift in timelines?
A change in the fabric of physics and the world.
The door opened and a woman screamed, notably yellow-hatted, as she saw Nicolas. He peered at her terror-stricken face and then took a moment to look around the room. Seeing the change in decor of the room, and that none of his belongings (Except Gus and the Rose) were around, he came to the realization that it was not his place.
The frightened woman cast a stasis Spell on Nicolas.
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In session at the Keep
“…But I grew up here. The Yellow Wizards have always been my family!”
The judge shook his head gravely.
“There is not a single soul in this grand hall, nor among those we have questioned, who recalls your presence or your existence. Even our most adept Chronomancers have found no trace of you within the annals of time. As far as I am concerned, you are not a member of this keep,” he intoned with solemn finality. After a moment of contemplation, he continued, “Considering the extraordinary tale you have woven, and the rumors we’ve heard of similar individuals throughout Pangea, you should remain here to be studied. I grant you two choices: you can stay, and we will endeavor to understand your peculiar situation, or you may choose to leave the keep.”
A heavy silence descended as Nicolas weighed the offer.
“Thank you for the offer, your Honor, but I must decline your sanctuary. Though I know not where my path may lead, I cannot dwell within these walls, knowing that all my relationships, especially those I held dear as friends, now see me as a stranger.”
The judge nodded, a kind smile softening his features.
“I understand your decision. Perhaps if kinship is what you seek, you should look to the Order of the Eternal Rose. Their diverse fellowship may aid you in finding your place in this world. Should you ever reconsider, you are welcome to return. Your familiar and rose will be waiting for you on your departure.”
Nicolas was then escorted from the courtroom.
...
As he stepped beyond the keep’s gates, Nicolas noted that the world outside had not changed significantly. The magic still lingered in the desert sands and the waters of the oasis nearby. Yet, a somber air enveloped him; he could not shake the feeling of a heavier burden grounding him. As he walked away, he pondered his new reality. The sting of loneliness sent a shiver down his spine. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a Red Wizard standing atop a dune near the castle. Nicolas felt the wizard’s gaze upon him. He paused, meeting the red-hatted figure’s stare. They stood locked in silent regard for what seemed an eternity until a gust of wind stirred the sands, and the Red Wizard vanished from sight.
“A red hat?”
Nicolas mused. Having encountered Red Wizards only thrice in his life, he was taken aback. For a fleeting moment, he did not feel alone, but the notion of another in the Runiverse acknowledging his existence only rekindled the dread of losing the rest of his kin in his previous world.
Gus brushed against his leg and gazed up at Nicolas, in an attempt to quell his master's bewilderment. After a few deep breaths, Nicolas resolved to journey to his favorite spot by the Atlanta Pools—a shaded alcove opposite the keep where he could find solace.
He set off on his way...
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