As Tookami's realm-hopping magic deposited him onto the mountain cliff in the north-west of the Evermore realm, he found himself greeted by an awe-inspiring vista. The air was crisp and cold, and the winds carried with them the distinct chill of high altitudes. The snow-covered ground crunched beneath his boots, and his breath formed frosty plumes in the frigid air.
From this elevated vantage point, he gazed upon the sprawling city of Ironforge that stretched out below. It was a sight to behold, a bustling metropolis nestled in the heart of the realm. The city was a tapestry of life, its buildings and streets teeming with the activity of its inhabitants.
Tookami's eyes were drawn to the grand castle that stood on the western-most side of the city. It was a formidable structure, its towering spires reaching for the heavens. The castle was encircled by an incredible stone wall that enveloped the entire city, a testament to the city's fortitude and resilience.
The stone wall, weathered by the ages, had stood as a guardian of the realm for generations. It encased the heart of Ironforge, protecting it from the whims of time and the uncertainty of the outside world. From where Tookami stood, he could see the intricate stonework and imposing gates that marked the city's entrance.
As Tookami's descent down the mountain brought him closer to Ironforge, his gaze fixed upon the sprawling city that unfolded before him. The complexity of the city's architecture and the bustling life of its streets were indeed a sight to behold. The ornate spires of the castle reached for the sky, and the stone wall encircling the city exuded an air of ancient strength.
Tookami muttered to himself in a mix of awe and disgust, "Impressive, no doubt, but the hubris of these humans, thinking they could build such a realm of splendor." He shook his head, his brows furrowing as he continued his descent.
The discord of his emotions was palpable, for while he admired the city's beauty, he couldn't help but be reminded of the darker history hidden beneath its grandeur. He knew that Evermore had its share of human foibles, the injustices and prejudices that had shaped the realm's past.
As Tookami approached the main gate of Ironforge, two knights clad in gleaming armor stood guard. One of the knights, with a discerning gaze, addressed him, "Ayy, where might you be from, outsider?"
Tookami, keenly aware of the complex history between humans and elves in this realm, replied with a deceptive tone, "I've come from the elven borders to warn your king of pressing matters." He hoped to use this fabricated concern to divert their suspicion.
The other knight, his eyes narrowing, gave Tookami a once-over and remarked, "Well c'mon then, tell us exactly what the issue is, and we can report it to the king ourselves."
Tookami's annoyance was thinly veiled as he began to turn around. While muttering an incantation, he could sense their skepticism. The first guard's taunt, "Just what I thought, pathetic imbecile, off with you, RAT!" reached his ears, fueling his determination.
With a swift and practiced motion, Tookami unleashed his spell, known as Mind Drain, upon both guards. The effects were swift and dramatic, rendering the once-vigilant knights utterly powerless. Their minds became numb, and their bodies ceased to respond to their commands. It was as if they were trapped in a waking dream, unable to resist or react to the world around them.
Tookami, now unhindered, continued his journey into Ironforge. His path through the city was marked by his resolve, as he sought to unravel its secrets and discover the knowledge he needed to shape the future of Nexus.
Once inside Ironforge, Tookami's journey led him to a busy tavern known as The Milked Dragon. The air was filled with lively chatter, the clinking of glasses, and the sound of jovial music. It was a place where rumors flowed as freely as the ale, and Tookami was eager to listen and learn.
As he perused the mixed drink menu, one particular brew caught his attention: "The Melted Amulet." Made from a blend of whiskey and a golden, sparkling mixer, it piqued his curiosity. He signaled the bartender and ordered the intriguing concoction.
Seated at a lone table in the corner of the tavern, Tookami sipped his drink and observed the colorful tapestry of life that surrounded him. The room was alive with the energy of the city's inhabitants, each engaged in their own stories and conversations.
Amidst the music and laughter, Tookami sensed an unusual pressure of magical energy from the seat across from him. The sudden snap of fingers drew his attention, and before his eyes, a man materialized. With free-flowing, greased-up black hair and a full beard, the man had an air of middle-aged wisdom about him.
The man casually helped himself to a swig of Tookami's drink, displaying an air of familiarity. "That was quite the show you put on for those two guards," he remarked with a knowing smile. "The Melted Amulet, eh? One of my favorite brews. Mind if I?"
Tookami's eyes narrowed as he regarded the stranger. "And you might be?" he inquired, his tone demanding a name.
The man, undaunted, met Tookami's gaze. "Rowan Spellbinder, not at your service, yet, but I may be of use, demon lord," he replied, his words laden with an intriguing mix of respect and a hint of playful mystery.
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Tookami's surprise was evident as he reclaimed his drink, savoring the last drops and the faint hint of golden sparkles that clung to the glass mug. He fixed Rowan with an intrigued gaze and leaned closer, curiosity etched on his features. "You know what I am? Shocking to come from a mere human. Tell me, what do you mean by 'not at my service, yet'?"
Rowan's eyes, filled with an understanding that went beyond mere observation, met Tookami's. "Well, it is clear that you have intentions," he began, his tone measured. "Being the only non-human in Ironforge, I would say you haven't been here before. You possess a power that is unmatched by any being I have encountered here on Evermore. What is it exactly that you're looking for?"
Tookami, unburdened by secrecy, leaned in closer. "Tookami, my name is Tookami, son of Asmodeus and the divine ruler of Nexus. I visited an uncharted realm that is now known to you as Nexus and discovered an abandoned castle. One elven skeleton was found in its confines with a note, speaking of this city called Ironforge." He handed the letter to Rowan, whose reaction shifted from curiosity to shock as he read the contents.
"With all due respect," Rowan whispered, his voice tinged with urgency, "we need to get out of here now. Come with me to my abode, and we can speak safely there."
The unexpected encounter in the tavern had taken a momentous turn, as Rowan's knowledge of Nexus and his insistence on a hasty departure hinted at an even deeper layer of mysteries and revelations yet to be unveiled. Tookami knew that this realm held many secrets, and with a new ally by his side, he was prepared to delve deeper into the enigma of Ironforge and Evermore.
Leaving The Milked Dragon behind, Tookami and Rowan stepped out into the busy streets of Ironforge. Rowan discreetly left a coin on the table by the empty glass mug as a gesture of courtesy. They moved through the city, Tookami shadowing Rowan as instructed.
The pair navigated a series of quiet, winding alleys, moving further away from the bustling streets. Eventually, they arrived at a two-story house situated along the edge of the city wall. Rowan led Tookami inside, and the sight that met the demon lord's eyes was nothing short of mesmerizing.
The interior of the house was adorned with a wealth of intricate magical items displayed along the walls. Books were meticulously scattered throughout the room, forming an organized chaos of knowledge and mystic lore. Candles cast a warm, flickering light, illuminating the space with an aura of secrecy.
As they entered, Rowan closed the blinds to the windows, shrouding the room in semi-darkness and maintaining their privacy. In this haven of knowledge and mysticism, Tookami felt a renewed sense of purpose. The revelations and discussions that awaited within the safety of Rowan's abode were the next steps in his journey.
Rowan guided Tookami to a comfortable couch situated near a fireplace, which sprang to life with warm, crackling flames as if responding to Rowan's magical presence. The two of them settled in, surrounded by an ambiance of ancient knowledge and arcane secrets.
As they began their conversation, Rowan's tone shifted, becoming more serious and intent. He leaned in, emphasizing the significance of their discussion. "This note, that castle that you discovered, if you are not lying to me, changed the course of Evermore's future with our racial war that we fight."
With a sense of urgency, Rowan continued, "The Savannah Castle was that structure's given name, and it sat between Ravenhold and Serpent's Cross in this region here." He unfolded a map, revealing the original location of the castle, marked clearly on the parchment.
Tookami's gaze followed Rowan's finger as it traced the path on the map. The castle's placement between two settlements spoke volumes about the strategic importance it once held. In this moment, the demon lord recognized that the revelations he sought could reshape the course of history for both Nexus and Evermore. The past and present were colliding, and the secrets of the Savannah Castle held the keys to unlocking a new chapter in their intertwined fates.
Rowan scrutinized the letter written by Turius once more, his eyes scanning its contents. "Realm Swapping? What exactly would that be, Tookami?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued.
Tookami met Rowan's gaze, his own eyes gleaming with the depth of arcane knowledge. "It is a cosmic magic that allows one to transport themselves and objects to a different plane of existence but I call it Realm Hopping," he explained. "It is a magic that is very intricate in design. Only the strongest of arcane wielders can command it with their very words. Otherwise, you just end up somewhere that you don't expect. I would tell you its secrets, though I slightly trust you, I don't think we're that far just yet."
Rowan absorbed this information, his admiration for Tookami's magical prowess evident. "Magnificent. Elves are not known to possess magical prowess like this. Turius must have utilized every drop of his arcane energy to pull a move like this. Tookami, if I may," Rowan continued, a gleam of determination in his eyes, "I have two others in a sort of guild, if you would, that would love to learn of this. If persuaded, they may be able and willing to help you with any venture that you want to partake in. Truthfully, I view you as a deity that I should follow. Evermore holds no cost to me anymore, I am just living day by day. So, if you will, I would like to join you."
Tookami gazed into the fireplace, the dancing flames reflecting in his thoughtful eyes. After a moment of contemplation, he turned to Rowan and asked, "When do we begin?" It was a declaration of intent.
Rowan's enthusiasm was palpable as he eagerly accepted Tookami's proposal for a partnership, sharing his own desire to bring Seraphina and Percival into the fold. "One slight issue, my two companions, Seraphina and Percival, are in Ravenhold as we speak," he disclosed.
Tookami, considering the logistics, asked, "How long will it take to journey there?"
Rowan, ever resourceful, replied, "Three days walking, one day if I teleport us as far as I can, for I haven't been to Ravenhold before. It's a dainty town that truly holds nothing worthwhile from my knowledge, so I've only gone around it."
Tookami nodded, agreeing with the quicker option. "Fine, but we go tomorrow," he decided, "I need to rest, for I have used a massive amount of energy the past few days."
Rowan offered a room for Tookami to rest in. The room was comfortably appointed, with a finely crafted bed and a window that provided a view of the street below. A book titled 'History of Ironforge' sat on a nightstand beside a softly glowing lantern. It was time for a much-needed and restful night for Tookami, the master of Nexus, as he prepared to embark on a new journey in the realm of Evermore.