The floor of the Research Department’s chamber mimicked that of the ballroom. The red runner stretched outward from the center in a cross formation that was equal on all sides. Its arms climbing outward like thick scarlet vines across the quartz floor that, much like the ballroom floor, was lined in angel fire, though the veins of light did little to illuminate the large room.
At the right wing of the room, a door led to a mysterious place where Lady Storm had exited from moments ago. The door was made of mahogany and was lined in gray and silver trim. A knob in the shape of a potion bottle sat diligently on the left flank of the wooden surface.
In the center of the far wall was the surveillance area with Renfred’s desk.
On the left wing of the spacious expanse, the red runner met with the quartz wall, where Askerian realized was the spot that the door to the treasury had disappeared before, most likely being protected by magic.
“Come this way.” Seraphina instructed as Askerian followed the others to the center of the room where the crosshairs of the scarlet runner met.
As soon as his feet entered the center of the strange rug, the floor lit up beneath his feet and an amethyst glass panel appeared, dropping him and his companions under the Research Department’s floor.
He widened his stance, bracing himself for whatever was coming, only to find himself standing in the middle of a room that seemed to be entirely carved from an amethyst cavern.
Different shades of violet, purple, lavender and plum danced with each other as thousands of tiny and large crystals shimmered from the walls of the room which were not symmetrical in any form and rounded upward to a cavernous ceiling, but instead of stalactites, large quartz and selenite crystals glowed, giving warmth to the space.
The ground beneath their feet, dark gray, like the stone floor of a cave, was spotted with white rugs and the occasional potted plant, mostly ferns.
At the far end of the crystal cove, a large polished, amethyst desk sat in wait, a golden chair decorated with various gemstones, peeking out from behind it, while a white rug lay beneath it.
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To the left of the desk, several shelves were carved into the bodice of the wall, where many colorful books rested peacefully. Hidden among them were various crystals that had been cut into various polished shapes and sizes as well as other artifacts and tiny vases with ivy and other flowers. A small shelf held an array of moss, miniature ivy and crystal mushrooms of various colors.
“Where are we?” Askerian asked, his voice hoarse from the shock of being transported into yet another strange area.
“This is my office.” Varier replied nonchalantly, stepping away from the group. Lady Seraphina, Storm and Renfred taking advantage to look around completely fascinated by their new surroundings, leaving Askerian to bawk at them.
Varier reached into a book shelf and removed an item. “Sorry.” He said examining the clear glass box in his hand “You’re going to need this.” He glanced over his shoulder at Askerian.
“Ready.” He said to the others after a few moments and then walked over to a door, a golden seal also lined in colorful gemstones, then reached for an amethyst knob and opened it. “Right, we have to exit through here.”
Askerian stepped out of the cavern and into a familiar corridor. “What in the actual—”
Askerian’s comment was cut off by laughter as Lady Storm doubled over behind him, still inside Varier’s office, anchoring herself with her hands on her knees. Seraphina wearing an apologetically expression on her pale face and Renfred seeming to be unfazed.
Ace’s laughter followed suit from the bottom of the stairwell at the end of the hall, apparently he had been waiting for this moment.
“It’s the only way and out.” Varier replied guiltily with a shrug from where he stood next to the door.
“Mmh… why-?”
“Magic.” Was all Varier could say.
Ace bellowed even harder before his body turned into shadow, blending into the surroundings.
Lady Storm’s laughter died away as she straightened herself. “Okay, now for the real mission.” She led the others back into the hall, side stepping the statue of the Seer, as Varier closed the wooden frame behind him.
Lady Storm led the entourage back into the enormous room at the end of the Hall of Arks that housed the Research Department. Askerian took notice that Lady Seraphina had let her take the lead, all the Arks seemed to work in tandem, not a single one holding authority over the other.