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Entry tags:
{ nightmare city }

NIGHTMARE CITY
On a fine, dreary day while Reverein is still experiencing the chaotic aftermath of worlds bleeding into Songerein, a familiar top hat, long tailed coat wearing figure will appear in the center plaza. Dubbed "The Ringmaster," he calls out to everyone a friendly greeting, and while a bit wary, those who remember him and his crew who hosted the first Halloween carnival and subsequent iterations gather around to listen to what he has to say.
With a heartfelt plea, he asks assistance from the Dreamwalkers to help aid his brethren, "Nightmarians" who are suffering from nightmares of their own. Residing in a city dominated by nostilium, they are creatures and figures who thrive off it and are able to live without issue, but the recent influx has affected even them. In return for receiving aid, they will help absorb the excess nostilium and seal remaining world fragments.
Meanwhile, the tapirs have another mission for those who would prefer staying behind in the city, and that is to start repairing the tethers.
More details on everything can be found here. Because we are in endgame, all events are open to anyone outside the game! Feel free to tag in or start new threads as we march on towards the end!
I. REVEREIN
Those who decide to stay behind will find the tapirs appearing in and out around the town. There are still a few corrupted tapirs that need healing as well as some that need help recovering, however the more important task is finding the tethers and repairing them. Doing so will help stabilize the connections between Songerein and every other world and stop the world fragments from bleeding further in.
A. Moon Crystals. It was a bit of an accident, really. Those in the Observatory were doing their own research to try and determine the connection between Songerein and other worlds, and one topic of interest was the dream world's moons, a medium the Story Eater employed to traverse between worlds. While debating if the twin moons still maintained those connections, somehow the giant floating crystal activated and fired a giant beam of dreamotion right into the moons, which also just so happened to have aligned right on top of each other and right above Reverein. While no physical damage was detected, as in there are no visible giant holes, light falls from the moons and are revealed to be "moon crystals," crystal shards made from the moon and infused with pure dreamotion.

✨ Crystal Collection. While most of the shards are small, those viewing through the telescope notice there are quite large ones that could cause some damage. Quick, collect the ones that have fallen and try and break up the larger pieces before they put a hole through someone's roof!
🌙 New purifiers. The amount of dreamotion in these crystals is significant and could help with the remaining world fragments and nostilium that continues to bleed into the world. While they could just be scattered around like seeds, the Orkilins will be quick to fashion a device that could help amplify and focus the dreamotion into the area. Now they just need those areas to be cleared out of noctaere so they can be set into the ground and activated.
💊 Tapir Medicine. When crushed, these crystals can be used as potent medicine for tapirs who are still corrupted or recovering, either as a pill or even dissolved into a drink. However, the trick is administering said medicine and will require someone to hold down the medicine adverse dream eater. Perhaps offering it with a snack conjured by some nostilium will help.
B. Tethers. By now everyone knows about the tethers that connect the worlds to Songerein, however, no one really knew what they were. They seemed to be this intangible pathway that could not be seen or touched. However, the tapirs have discovered that due to the current circumstances, the tethers are taking physical form in this world. They're still not sure what's happening, so time to investigate!

🔮 World Object Fragments. Within world fragments, strange broken pieces of some kind of object can be found scattered around. They have a distinctive sparkle and shine to them, drawing anyone to them. Collect the pieces, and if successfully able to put it all together, it will take the form of a symbolic object of that world. Perhaps those from that world fragment will be able to recognize it and explain what it is.
📔 Dream storytelling. With these new objects, the tapirs will inform everyone that those from those world fragments should try and create a simple dreamscape based somewhere in their world, perhaps an important or popular place, and tell stories about their world in general. Although they can share personal stories, ones about the world in general will work better. Others not from the world can ask questions to try and learn about the world. These dreamscapes and stories will help strengthen the object.
🌙 Moon Crystals. If there isn't anyone nearby for a particular world fragment, using the moon crystals will work just as well. Crush it into dust and let the object absorb it while walking around the area while imagining what kind of world the place is trying to represent.
C. Nightmarians. As promised, residents from Nightmare City, the Nightmarians, will enter Reverein to assist in absorbing excess nostilium and serve as conduits to seal off world fragments. However, their initial appearance may startle and confuse the natives as they are creatures that tend to have more "nightmarish" appearance. Try not to attack them! In addition, they will need someone to help them when the nostilium becomes too much by channeling dreamotion into them when needed.
D. Mysterious sightings. Reverein has been abuzz with eerie occurrences over the past two nights following the tail end of the eruption of nostilium and the appearance of world fragments. Witnesses have reported sightings of a strange, humanoid creature wandering the streets under the cover of darkness. Descriptions are vague but some claim to have found fiery red feathers in its wake, along with ominous claw marks etched into the alley walls. In addition to this enigmatic figure, there have also been sightings of a large wolf roaming the area. Despite the unsettling nature of these events, no attacks or injuries have been reported from either the creature or the wolf.
Those who have investigated a slew of recent interrelated occurrences may notice a few things about this creature’s description and the timing of its appearance. Even if not, thanks to their efforts, related professionals in Nightmare City will have a wealth of information to help with dealing with this matter, should it be brought to them (literally and figuratively). Those looking to investigate can also use this toplevel for additional information and responses.
II. NIGHTMARE CITY
For those willing to venture to Nightmare City, a special gateway is erected in the Central Plaza where anyone will be able to enter and leave freely, and will remain for as long as needed. Passing through the gateway may feel strange at first, a sharp chill that seems to overwhelm the senses before it is replaced by a rush of heat as they step into the center of a much larger city square. Tall buildings tower around them with neon lights blinking in and out from windows and signs. Music, chatter, and other sounds fill the air as all sorts of "nightmarish" creatures walk or fly past—demons, monsters, ghouls, masked figures, all from horror based worlds. But rather than dreary, it's lively with laughter mixing in with those ghastly screams. Those from modern cities may liken the city as one of the larger populated metropolises. However while it is busy, there is a tension, and as soon as the Dreamwalkers start to appear many will rush in not to attack, but to plead desperately for their help.

B. Dreamwalking. Right away requests for Dreamwalkers to enter nightmares is called upon, but somehow the nightmares are so terrifying to the Nightmarians they can't even properly explain what they see. Bracing for the worst, what the Dreamwalkers find will surprise them.

😺 Cuteness Overload. In some dreams, the dreamer is surrounded by a plethora of cute things: cute animals, cute aesthetics, cute colors—even the Dreamwalker and the dreamer are "cutified." Big eyes, sparkles, even the sun has a cute laughing face. This has left the dreamer hunched over in sheer terror while kittens and puppies paw and purr around them. Help the poor Nightmarian by somehow ridding the dream of all this cute.
☕ Domestic living. Some may find a dream where one is just chilling on the couch and enjoying a cup of coffee and watching TV relaxing. For a Nightmarian, it's pure hell. They feel trapped, unable to break through the cycle, and they feel their sense of self being drained away, Even the colors are starting to fade. Time to spice up their life, perhaps even shock or scare them back to their old self.
🔨 Dream wreckers. One way to try and break the Nightmarian out of their stupor is to destroy and "horrorfy" the dream as much as possible. Whatever could terrify the Dreamer may be a sweet dream to the Nightmarian, so this could be good practice for someone who may want to try and twist and use nostilium actively for a good purpose.
🚪 Open door. If the Dreamwalker is unable to handle the situation on their own, creating a rift into the dream so that an awaiting Nightmarian can assist is another option. To create a rift, they have to conjure a weapon and use enough nostilium to break through and create a tear in the space. The job isn't over even when the Nightmarian arrives. The Dreamwalker will need to still assist them so they aren't scared off by the contents or worse, fall into the "nightmare" themselves.
C. Nightmare Forms. For those who want practice or need help controlling their nostilium, there are a number of experts willing to teach the way of the nightmare, both in and out of dreams. This will require a lot of mental strength and fortunately if someone loses control, they are in a place that will help them. This also includes learning to take on a controlled nightmare form. What that form will be will vary, but as Dreamwalkers will be facing nightmares and their vices, it could incorporate the seven deadly sins.

👥 Strength in Sin. It may sound strange, but instead of trying to face one's fear, Nightmarians will ask Dreamwalkers to think of what their worst vice is. Do they have anger issues? Prideful? Lazy? Gluttonous? Envious? Lustful? Covetous? Because nostilium is also formed by negative emotions, it is easier to try and focus on a negative aspect of oneself than trying to grapple with something more emotional based on fear. By focusing on a negative trait instead, they can lean into that vice and turn it into a source of power and strength. Thus in this exercise, whatever powers they exhibit will reflect that particular trait.
😈 Nightmare Form. The next step will be trying to transform into a unique form born from nostilium. Those who have turned into noctaere before or have transformed in some way will naturally lean into that form. But they can also try and learn something different, one based off their vice. This form may actually be more stable and offer them more control. What look will they have in this form?
🎯 Target practice. Whether in a dreamscape or out in a designated practice zone, participants can go through various exercises and use targets and dummies to help focus, channel, and release nostilium into a controlled force no different than when utilizing dreamotion. Some may use spells and abilities similar to what they know, however with nostilium it will be changed in some way. Different element, different color, curse or hex-like effects, etc.—how it manifests will be unique to the individual. Weapons are treated similar.
🤺 Sparring practice.It's also possible to try and spar against someone, whether it's two nostilium users or one using nostilium and the other using dreamotion. There will be experts supervising and will intervene if someone loses control, so do not worry and push to the limits. These exercises will benefit both nostilium and dreamotion users as they navigate using and countering nostilium.
🪞 Worst Nightmare. After going through the different exercises, those who want to try go further and harness the powers and force born from their nightmares have the chance to take a partner and be launched into a nightmarescape based on their worst nightmares. They will remain lucid, but they will feel the effects of the nightmare more keenly than usual. But if they are able to "defeat" their nightmare and take control of the nostilium and emotions created by it, they will be able to strengthen their powers and their nightmare form.

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[He's no amateur at weaving stories. Whether narratives for pleasure, recordings of history, or necessary lies to assist in espionage, Joshua can't refute that he has a penchant towards words. Yet for whatever reason, he freezes when asked to tell this particular tale. But he has to. If for nothing else than to ensure the truth lives somewhere.]
[At least he knows to keep to the details with Eustace.]
After our battle, I needed to land where there nobody would come to harm from the impact. The Wildlands fit my must needs at that moment. Mayhap I should have waited longer to recover, but as soon as I was able to stand, I made my way back to Reverein.
At least, that was my intention. I barely managed a few steps past the clearing when someone attacked me––it was the physicker I'd mentioned before.
[Something in the back of his mind hisses and jumps, but Joshua is able to keep it at bay. For now.]
Drained of my magicks and disoriented, I provided embarrassingly little challenge. Whether through magic, poultice, or technology, I cannot say, but he rendered me into stupor. Upon awakening, I found myself bound to a table. Cold metal pressed against my back, and colder air filling my lungs.
[He twists the edge of the cloak.]
Night and day eluded my awareness. All I knew was that whenever that door opened, it meant I was to be doused with nostilium to the threshold of agony. I withstood as much and as long as possible, but eventually something broke. My body began to change.
[Slowly, he pulls back his hood, revealing his face. Sapphire eyes set in black sclera, red downy tufts of feathers sticking from his head, sharp fangs visible when he opens his mouth, and the beginnings of dark vein-like patterns winding up from his neck to his jaw and down from his bright red-lined eyes. Whatever bruises are left from his time as a captive are fading, but noticeable.]
...When a person is so overcome with aether they lose their sentience, we call such an abomination 'Akashic'. Dominants and Bearers are more resilient to the aetherfloods that would turn other hapless individuals. There is at least one case of an Akashic Dominant who has maintained his soul, although not his free will entirely. He answered to a fiend who would consider himself a god.
I believe this... this may be another such case. A Dominant made Akashic, meant to bend to the will of the one who turned him.
I hear whispers, Eustace. Commands. Not just from the creature that would take control of my body, but from the madman who made me. Someone who wishes to use my power to wreak destruction upon this realm.
And I have reason to believe if he is successful, then no other realm will be safe.
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Akashic...under someone's control...
It makes him connect with more things that's transpired over in the fall of last year, and he's silent for a moment as these thoughts continue to rapidly connect and settle in his mind.]
...So it really does lead back to him.
[A low mutter under his breath as the tension that has grown within the room remains and Eustace's gaze never leaves Joshua.]
I looked for you earlier this month. Found the place where you landed and the set of tracks that indicated you were taken somewhere. Unfortunately the trail went cold, but I had a hunch from what you told me before and went to Orkili to investigate the research and treatment on you.
[He remembers how Joshua had listed him as an emergency contact...]
Berot Sau was that doctor's name, wasn't it? He's the one who did this to you.
[Although his gaze and voice remains calm and steady as if he's doing a debriefing or an interrogation, there is a chill there as well, the air around them lowering just enough to be noticeable as something simmers beneath those icy blue eyes.]
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[But nothing comes out except a cough that doubles his body over. His words are blocked behind an icy wall that squeezes him from the inside, and he shivers violently from the cold that comes from both within and without. The fiend doesn't want him to speak of their master--it would take over entirely if not for the atmosphere, both the inherent purity of the tree home and the manifestation of Eustace's strength.]
[So he tries to communicate another way, eyes locking with Eustace's, holding that stern glare, willing his own pleading gaze to tell him he's right.]
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But he didn't even need to lock eyes—it's enough, with Eustace's own gaze hardening.]
As I thought.
[And Eustace will suddenly reach out and grab Joshua's shoulder, immediately trying to draw in that nostilium.]
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[Joshua startles at the sudden grasp. His entire body stiffens, bracing itself against what could possibly happen. For the most part, he trusts that Eustace wouldn’t hurt him. Not on purpose. It’s that trust that keeps him from defending himself, but he can’t stop the way his heart starts to race, pulse pounding in his ears.]
[There’s a tug that yanks at the darkest of the threads holding him together. The nostilium weaved throughout his body and his soul, and the almost fully realized noctaere it’s feeding, retaliate. First, the noctaere digs in its heels, pulling back at the nostilium, but that won’t work for long. Not when there are so many factors working against it. To put itself front and center, as much as it wants that opportunity to experience the world it’s destined to throw into chaos, would be to court an untimely demise.]
[Frankly, it and Berot have come too far and set too many plans in motion for it to fail now.]
[The noctaere-in-waiting takes the briefest of chances to send a message through the stream of dark energy steadily coursing from Joshua’s body into Eustace’s palm. The approximation of a sneer is evident in its hissing ‘voice’.]
Go ahead. Soak up as much as you want. Let’s see what happens first.
Will you turn again?
[Joshua feels the tension in his body twist, clenching against a sudden wave of pain. Hot and cold at once, setting every single one of his nerves aflame with icy fire. He grits his teeth, barely able to breathe as he clutches his friend’s arm, still possessing the wherewithal not to rip through any fabric with his talons.]
Eus… tace…
[A moment of silence settles on the equilibrium between three wills.]
Or will you kill him?
[Then the noctaere lets go completely and allows the nightmare energy to flow, no longer restrained, as if stabbing and ripping through a massive sieve already close to bursting. So intertwined is that energy now with Joshua’s very essence that as it pours out of him, it feels like it’s ripping out his insides in its powerful wake.]
[First, the agony robs him of his voice with a gasp. Overwhelmed, Joshua can only keep his eyes locked with Eustace’s, his own wide with shock and his jaw set open as he struggles for air.]
[Another beat of his hammering heart passes before he finds his breath—and with it, the strength to scream, raw and unfettered.]
[Torgal wakes up from his doze. His claws scrabble against the floor as he rushes to his youngest master’s side, skidding to a halt. He doesn’t sense any malicious intent from the man who understands him, but there’s no doubt that something is terribly wrong.]
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Weak.
His grip tightens even as his arm slowly changes, black frost and ice growing like scales over it. Even his eyes seem to darken as he stares down Joshua, yet his gaze, though just as cold, is more of one studying. Watching. And pushing back the force that tries to invade his own. He can feel it clawing at him, trying to grasp it, but Eustace has had too many experiences with this and is frankly tire of losing that battle. Perhaps having Joshua also suffering now helps to keep him rooted as he just listens to that voice.
Even that is laughable, and there's an actual quirk of his lips, a low smirk.
Voices...he's heard many, and even has his own "voice" that sometimes speaks to him. Whether it's a creation of his own mind or a separate entity he never really knew, but it didn't matter.]
I could.
[His voice is calm as he speaks this as Joshua screams. He doesn't even flinch at the sound. Someone else would hesitate—but not him. Of course, that is because he already has his own thoughts and convictions.]
But he's not the threat.
[Darker and thicker the air grows, all the fairies and inhabitants rushing out of the tree as the nostilium crawls up the insides of the tree like tendrils, the flowers and leaves withering. It's as if there is a clash, a battle—and this time, Eustace has full control over his. There will be a sudden pulse, a surge of something that is both a mix of dreamotion and nostilium that will suddenly push into Joshua. He knows he can't purify the man on his own like this, but he could at least try to stem it back.
And give it a hint that Eustace is not an easy foe to deal with.]
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[But Eustace's unyielding presence is like a force of nature, pushing back with relentless strength.]
[Still howling, the prince can't help the way his scrambling talons rasp and catch against the scales now rippling along Eustace's arm. Each frantic movement reminds the noctaere of just how likely it is to lose this battle, but it can't. Not yet. Not so close.]
[It does what it knows best. Hide. Hide now to conquer later. It relinquishes some of its hold on Joshua's soul, exposing it to the pulse instead.]
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Perhaps were he in a better condition he could actually do so. Or if he had Tifa here to give him the support he usually needs.
However, he's reaching his limit and his goal had been to get a better idea of what he was up against and purify Joshua as much as he can. Enough to help deal or at least push that entity back if at least for another day. So gritting his teeth, Eustace looks at Joshua for a moment before he reaches up to his own neck with his free hand and rips off the chain that hangs from it. Quickly he pulls out from under his shirt a crystal star pendant that is filled to the brim with vibrant, translucent liquid, and with all the force he can muster he slams it against Joshua's chest. The pendant shatters and the fluid sprays and spreads all over. Made of the purest dreamotion, it should at least purify and heal the worst of the nostilium effects, and Eustace will also send as much dreamotion as he can while controlling whatever nostilium is still trying to seep into him.
It's a difficult task, but if he can just have Joshua to calm down enough...]
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[As the dark energy is pushed back, Joshua's screams begin to wane, replaced by gasping breaths. The pain, though still present, starts to ebb, leaving him trembling and exhausted. His hands lose their grasp on Eustace's arm, his body goes limp, and he collapses in his seat, unable to support his own weight any longer.]
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He can feel the presence and the nostilium with Joshua receding, though he wished he could do more. Fortunately, the fairies, although terrified about what transpired, were quick to gather as many flowers and their own special vials kept to use on creatures who are afflicted with nostilium. Of course, their remedies are more for minor, easy to purify cases, but with Eustace having pushed back the worst of it, perhaps some could help Joshua further. So they fly down, bringing an incense burner to light up on the table so that a sweet, relaxing scent fills the area.
In the meantime, Eustace will wait for Joshua to catch his breath...and if he'll even remain conscious.]
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Nngh... Cl...i...
[Joshua says intelligently.]
[But as the soothing scent of incense fills the air and the fairies' gentle antics take over the once oppressive darkness, clarity begins to seep back into his mind. His voice rises barely a whisper, filled with a mix of relief and the final lingering wisps of pain.]
Thank you.
[That was meant for the fairies.]
[Joshua then glances up at Eustace.]
I'm sorry for the trouble.
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Of course...those days are long gone, lost and buried under thick snow now.
That doesn't mean he can't sympathize with Joshua a bit, remembering the letters he had read. ...Which he should maybe mention at some point, but perhaps not now.
Instead he just continues to watch Joshua carefully, letting him lean into him for whatever support he needs until he finally seems to come to.]
It's no trouble. You helped me, and it's only right I help you in return.
That said, I would have done so even without it.
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[Finally, he pushes himself to as upright a position as he can, pressing a hand to his chest.]
What did you do, exactly?
I've never seen such power. The very atmosphere bent to your will.
And that vial...?
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[A small pause.]
I have been practicing in controlling my nostilium...and you could say I've been challenged numerous times in trying to bend it to my will—the last few weeks notwithstanding. Without that crystal I was able to focus with more clarity and will, so at first I was trying to draw in your nostilium to try and ease your pain, but then...
[He looks at him for a moment.]
I heard a voice.
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[Joshua listens, captivated by the explanation if for no other reason than it’s new and interesting information to absorb. Even in crisis, his mind can’t help but want to examine and learn.]
[Then the topic of the voice comes up, and it’s like he’s been plunged into ice.]
…That is the dark being trapped in me. One I’ve been feeding through my hubris, and one now fortified by the dealings of the madman who held me captive.
If I were to hazard a guess, the nostilium he flooded me with served two purposes: readying my body and mind for arrogation, and empowering the one who would do so from the inside.
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[Joshua falls quiet as realization hits. Hard.]
It is not a matter of if I will turn, but when, and I fear it may take more than dreamotion to set things right.
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Even if you die, that doesn't guarantee it will be the end. For one, "death" is not permanent for us. Because our bodies are made of dreamotion, should we "die" we just turn into wisps and then return to our normal forms.
Will that entity stay with you in that process?
[His eyes narrow.]
Or will it just escape and take a form of its own?
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I don’t know.
[And clearly that’s the part that kills him. What little he does know is offset by what he doesn’t, and the potential ramifications thereof.]
While I’ll return to my normal form, this could very well be what is normal now: living and battling with this monster until one prevails over the other, only to begin the cycle anew. Not to mention the potential destruction I could leave in my wake.
As much as I am not one to surrender, I am also not naïve. I choose to hope for a happy solution. I am also ready for a solution that serves the greater good. No matter what it is or entails.
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But it is not always the best, not when it's someone like Joshua who has their whole life ahead of them.]
What about sealing it? We managed to seal an entity like the Story Eater. There could be a way to do so for it, too.
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[He brings a hand up to his chin, considering the potential of Eustace's suggestion.]
[...Count on a puzzle to stop this nerd from mental doomscrolling.]
I'm familiar with how to use magic to perform such a task, but only temporarily. You would have more knowledge on the matter.
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Zelda also had some capabilities in that are of magic as well, I believe.
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Including the thought of "Maybe I should have told someone about my problems sooner so we could have fixed this ages ago".]I assume we have no access to such a book now.
Which means... would Lady Zelda be able to share her expertise?
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But you would need to ask her. If not, there could be others who are capable, or even the dragons of this world may know with their wisdom.
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[Unless there's a way to buy that time. More of it.]
Your actions have made it so that the noctaere isn't wont to take over immediately.
If we are to ask the aid of either Zelda or the dragons, we must do so anon. In the event that isn't possible, I will need a way to stave it off for longer.
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