fourth ⚡ hidden city and golden keys

[ramuhs]

Type: Video
Sender ID: ramuhs (Cid)
To: Public
Subject: Golden Keys and other related matters
Warnings: None

Greetings and salutations. For those who may not know me, I'm Cid and I have a bit of an inquiry and suppose "announcement" regarding some recent ventures I had with Benedikta and Shadow not too long ago.

[Both are not in the camera frame, but they are lurking in their own ways—]

First—

[He holds up one of the golden keys that have been sought after lately.]

I would like to know if anyone else has managed to acquire one of these golden keys.

The reason for it is we have found where they are to be used. Going back there is a bit... Difficult at the moment, but we know the place exists.

I won't bore everyone with the story, but we fell into a hidden city underground that was preserved in such a way that it almost felt as if it was frozen in time. This city clearly had some important and reverence for the dragon Ancient, Sarht, and it included what we believe may be a temple. There was a large stone tablet that had holes that fit these keys perfectly, and once inserted, echoes of battle cries could be heard.

We believe using all these keys will open the doors of that temple.

As for the rest of the city, the only other thing of note was there was an area that looked to be decaying in some form, perhaps from some powerful poison. We brought back a sample and will be testing it, but should we find access to this city again, best be prepared. It's proven to be quite potent, perhaps fatal with no immediate known antidote.

[Another wave of the key.]

But that's all. I'll be happy to answer any further inquiries.

[Note: Cid will be mostly replying, but Benedikta will chime in more regarding the keys and temple findings. Shadow is just lurking.]

Comments

[icefangrush]

[It only needs to get strange depending on the public.]

Similar, but it still might not work. Well... hold onto it just in case.

[ramuhs]

[Hmmm. He continues to examine the key before leaning in a bit.]

The shape and feel if it does look the same as the others. The difference is the inscription.

[He points to the characters engraved on the key.]

It's the same as the other two we have—at first glance they look identical, but the inscriptions were different on closer inspection. Those inscriptions may also play a part in solving the puzzle, but no one has been able to translate it.

[icefangrush]

[Different inscriptions... he wonders what they all say, but he raises his eyebrow.]

It hasn't? Not even a small breakthrough?

[With some of the minds here... buuut he does look towards one of his bosses and back. Yeah, unless it interests him, he tends to not... do much.]

[ramuhs]

There might be a chance now. We were able to recover some books and writings that teach the language, so perhaps with some time the scholars will be able to decipher not only the words but what they mean.

[icefangrush]

That does sound like a start. Think they'll be up for giving some lessons once they understand enough?

[As much as Wriothesley likes helping research, he's definitely more on-field... that, and there's enough trouble about that he couldn't devote all his time to it.]

[ramuhs]

I'd reckon so. The scholars usually seem more willing to share than keep information a secret.

[icefangrush]

Good. Means we won't be left entirely in the dark; and the research doesn't have to be left only to them unless they're up for the pressure.

[ramuhs]

Of course there are always bad actors and the risk of someone trying to steal said research.

[Corsair life, gotta love it—]

But when it comes to research and sharing knowledge, there seems to be more of a universal want to do so among the scholars.

[icefangrush]

True, but I'm sure they can be... persuaded into cooperation.

[Corsair life alright... heh.]

Good to know. Should I happen to find out anything on my own, I'll see about sharing.

[ramuhs]

That would be greatly appreciated.

[He'll hold the key for a moment.]

Would you rather hold onto this?

[icefangrush]

[Not like he'll bully them... mostly.]

I can. You know where one is now when it's needed. Safer too if someone happens to be looking for them.

[ramuhs]

Aye, and I believe I can trust you with it.

[A wry grin before he holds it out to him.]

[icefangrush]

[A quirked brow, but Wriothesley doesn't ask why or how. Instead, he just takes the key back and... well, it's somewhere. Just not in his hand anymore.]

Anything else I can get you?

[ramuhs]

Hmm, after all that talk I am feeling a bit peckish. Have anything you can recommend that would go with this tea?

[That may be cold now, but it's fine he'll still drink it.]

[icefangrush]

Normally, it'd be the tulumba, but that pairs better with the coffee. Instead, I'd go with the baklava; and if you're not feeling anything sweet, the panipuri would be another option. Just enough to tie you over until the next meal.

[Good. Don't waste tea like that.]

[ramuhs]

[He is a man of culture. And has lived the life of meager means.]

What's the panipuri?

[icefangrush]

[The type of man Wriothesley is most familiar with.]

Bite-sized fried balls that are filled with a blend of spices, beans, and potatoes, and served with a dipping sauce made primarily of mint, cilantro, and lemon. It can be prepared mild or spicy if preferred.

[ramuhs]

[His eyes light up at the mention of spice and he smiles widely.]

Sounds like we have a winner. Perhaps I could have a mix—I like it hot, but curious to taste the difference.

[icefangrush]

Haha, sure. I'll pass the request onto the kitchen. Be right back.

[They probably have some prepared already, but he has to check and put in the order otherwise.]

[ramuhs]

[Cid will wait patiently while enjoying the tea. Although it's cold, he can actually warm it up a bit himself—a handy way to use his lightning at least. With it steaming it again, he smiles a bit smug to himself before taking those sips and glancing around to see how well the business is going while also thinking over everything Wriothesley has told him so far.]