Round 94 Transcript

The gaunt figure takes another step closer, its eyes fixed on Jeane with an unnerving intensity. "Two for the price of one," it hisses, its voice like a rusty gate scraping against stone. "Your faith and that of your... cleric companion make a most intriguing combination." The Keeper's gaze darts to Halie, who stands frozen, her silver cross clutched tightly in her hand. The air seems to vibrate with anticipation as the Keeper continues, "I can sense the power of your faith, Halie. It is... refreshing. A beacon of light in this dark place." The Keeper's words are laced with a sinister undertone, and Jeane's eyes narrow, her hand tightening around her staff. The Keeper takes another step closer, its bony fingers drumming against the stone wall behind it. "I will give you a choice, Halie. You may either answer a riddle, or... your cleric companion may make a sacrifice to prove their faith." The Keeper's gaze lingers on Jeane, its eyes burning with an otherworldly intensity.

I take a step forward, my mace raised but not yet striking. "Hey, whatever you are—" I keep my voice steady and calm, trying to project an air of authority even as my heart races in my chest. "We don't have time for games. Either tell us what you want or get out of our way."

I look at the gaunt figure, then back to my companions, my fingers tracing the edge of the silver cross. This is bad. I mutter, more to myself than anyone else. I don't like the way it's looking at us. Especially you, Jeane. I shift my grip on the holy symbol, the metal cool against my palm. If we're splitting hairs here, I'm technically the one with the divine connection, and—I swallow hard—I've got more experience dealing with... otherworldly entities.

I raise an eyebrow at Merrin's attempt to assert authority—cute, but this is clearly my domain. I step forward, placing myself between Halie and the Keeper, my wings spreading slightly in a show of dominance.