Tsarine decided on a whim in Olelader's absence to visit the ruins once again feeling more equipped with his magic and Ayala's presence. Instead of exploring his usual room today, they'd go in deeper grabbing whatever things caught their eyes. Olelander loved it when they found these amazing things such as books, tapestries, shiny objects even. Stepping inward he felt settled like he was home again leaving Ayala on guard to seek out danger and warn him of impending doom. Strangely he left his beloved bucket back in Homewood equipping himself with satchels and other resources.
"You missed this place, didn't you" Ayala chuckled.
"Of course" he responded with a smile, "But, it wouldn't be the same without you not being here".
"Aww Tsarine you know I always got you back" she teased stretching outward trying not to scratch him with her claws.
Tsarine paused smiling down that familiar pathway he would travel carrying him to his sanctuary. Instead after a few moments of reconciling they turned down another street taking them into a building which seemed to house strange things made of trees flat with designs of green on white, Most were torn but, he found a few intact ones he placed in the satchel. There were also scattered shiny coins lying around the area he grabbed as well. Nosing through more rumble he found similar things which he passed by. Crawling through a hole in the wall Tsarine was standing out in a street looking upward. It seemed another storm was approaching so they would find it in their best interest to get within something before they were drenched. Tsarine was sure they had been walking for hours but he wasn't certain just how far in the ruins they traveled
"Oh yes a storm is approaching" she muttered groaning at the idea Tsarine was going yo get her soaked.
Tsarine pawed the ground heading down the street till he saw something that made him stop short. There seemed to be broken colors tattered and forgotten ahead of him.
Drip... Drip...
"Tsarine the rain is starting" his companion groaned as a droplet pinged off her head.
"I know Ayala. Would you look at this place?" he gasped wishing Olelander was here to see it.
Letting his hooves carrying him into a stable trot he headed in this odd place with buildings and metal structures with strange hollowed out metal.
"Ayala. What do you suppose this is? The "Others" built this I'm sure. It's so foreign yet I feel something here".
"Tsarine" she responded, "I'm sure the "Others" built this. I... I don't know what it is".
As the rain began to pour he ran to a building with other colorful images that peeled away from previous weather that had weathered it away. It seemed to be a huge mouth that made a strange entrance. While there still were holes letting the rain pound its way in they stayed relatively dry. As the young buck stepped carefully he found some flags attached to a string that Ayala wrapped around his neck. Some were still vibrant while others paled in previous sunlight possibly. He rather liked the new accessory feeling proud of the banner he was wearing as his hooves danced like back at the festival. This place decaying and serene still had some kind of life to it in those bright colors painted all around him.
Then the floor gave way and he was sliding down something slick, metallic while his companion dug into his back in terror. Down they both went till they landed in a stumble upon the hardened ground. For the most part past their nerves, Ayala and Tsarine were perfectly fine.
"Ayala?!" he called out fearing he lost his beloved companion.
"I'...I'm... fine...Tsarine" she muttered still gripping him for support.
"Where do you think we are? he queried feeling vertigo still taking over his body.
"In the ruins" she breathed easier getting her breath back, "past that I don't know nor do I like it!"
"Yeah me too" he muttered looking around in the darkness before heading to the left. Not noticing before he clearly saw a mist forming around his legs as the darkness swallowed the room in a canvas of black.
"Tsarine" Ayala gasped, "I can't see anything! Its pitch dark in here. Can you find a way back?"
Tsarine shuddered then closed his eyes concentrating. His body seemed to tingle than his horn flickered letting the soft glow light the room. Pitch dark. He groaned stamping a hoof, "Ayala this place it something of a maze. I need you to keep your eyes open for an exit".
Ayala wasn't in the best mood till the light of her companion warmed her positivity, "Of course. You know I'm here for you".
Tsarine pushed forward looking down occasionally noting the floor was ever-changing. This ordeal might take a while and yet he had Ayala there with him. This mist wasn't natural, nor was the darkness. Once again he knew the "Others" had created this place. Stepping forward he felt the floor move beneath him as his body spun around.
"Ayala...." he called out!
"We're fine Tsarine" she spoke regaining her bearings, "I think I see odd symbols on the floor but they are faint and fast. If I tell you not to step on one, don't. This room is made to confuse others, I think?"
Tsarine stepped out...
"No" her voice was a direct warning.
Tsarine stepped a few more times listening to his companion's voice letting her guide him. Stepping out again he paused but she'd didn't tell I'm not too proceed. Just when he was about to place a hoof on the ground he heard her.
"No. Step to the right" she cautioned.
Moving his hoof to the right he stepped, listened, stepped once more with no warning from Ayala. He continued this routine for what seemed like forever taking her words as his own. Pretty soon he felt a wall around him leading them somewhere. His footing was back on the ground much like the outside. A road of sorts that speckled with the promise of light even in the storm. Moving forward he saw more light still cautioning for Ayala's warnings. Before they knew it both were within another room where the sound of rain was more apparent.
"What was that place?" he asked his breath still panting.
"Honestly Tsarine I haven't a clue but, if I were to place a claw on something I'd say this was a place for amusement"
"Amusement?" he asked with a tilted head.
"Yes. A place to confuse others that sought to have entertainment".
"Not my idea of "Fun" he groaned, "But, I'm glad you were here Ayala. I... I couldn't have done that myself. Thank you".
Ayala chuckled even has a droplet of rain pinged on her head once more, " I made you a promise Big Boy. I'm here for you".
"Thank you" he smiled as they made their way back into the soaked ruins to return back home. Oleander was not going to believe this tale. But, looking downward Tsarine found some metal gears he decided to take with them.
This definitely wasn't a boring day that was for sure.
Ayala x Tsarine WC: 1,209
