Gate of Memoirs/Playing the Game

When in the nadir, do as the Erlking tells you to.
And so it goes: another burden to keepfor a friend has fallen asleep.—Stained note
Portrait 	Dialogue
Music: "Overcome"	Music: "Overcome"
 	
*The cold glare of the full-bellied moon hanging in the endless expanse above mirrors your own.
 	
*Next to you, Giselle visibly tenses, and her voice drops to a mere whisper next to your ear.
*Giselle: I'll admit I wanted to believe this wouldn't come around and bite us...
*Giselle: But I won't say this was all that unexpected.
 	
*You dare not take your eyes off the Erlking, even for a single moment.
*This is his realm, after all; one errant step and you could lose your entire consciousness and then some.
*Your mind goes into overdrive, trying to recall if you had drained the amber liquid first proferred to you when you arrived.
 	
*For all the tension, Gwyll's smug smirk almost seems too relaxed—like a cat eyeing a pair of trapped mice.
*Gwyll: I'll not mince my words. I desire only an equal exchange for my generosity.
*Gwyll: Surely you will agree you have me to thank for your friend's freedom.
Portrait	Dialogue
 	
*You can't argue with that.
*Of his ulterior motives you had little doubt, but it was still what little recourse could be afforded for that mortal-turned-Sliver.
 	
*How many of them can claim to have found reprieve from stagnation?
*Still how many more will fall prey to the Queen?
*Giselle weighs her words carefully, before taking a jab at the silence.
 	
*Giselle: Care to tell us the terms of your "game"?
 	
*Gwyll: And now we return to the main topic. Thank you.
*Gwyll: It's quite simple, really. No one so interesting as has stayed for long.
 	
*Gwyll: It's for the best, I suppose. 'Twould be a shame to make such a splendid soul a teind to Hell...
 	
*Gwyll: But don't worry your pretty little heads over it; those considerations are mine alone.
*Gwyll: Now. Here's what you are going to do for me, my darling.
 	
*Gwyll throws a careless hand out, and a small, shining bird weaves itself out of the charged air, landing on his outstretched palm.
 	
*Gwyll: A lovely little goldenwing caught my eye some time ago.
*Gwyll: Pretty little thing, wending her way about the sands of time.
 	
*Gwyll: But full many a moon has risen and set since she disappeared from my gaze.
*Gwyll: I fear she has finally met with an unfortunate end—allured by some cosmic purpose grand.
 	
*Giselle: This is all very interesting, but necromancy isn't exactly on our list of talents.
 	
*Gwyll: Oh, no. She still yet lives, you know. In some form or another.
*Gwyll: Slivers. So very resilient.
*Gwyll: I simply want you to bring her to me. I think a snake might have eaten her.
*Gwyll: Perform your duty well and I might just consider your debt repaid...
 	
*Gwyll: Or, you can simply choose to remain here and dance with me. I would like that very much.
*Gwyll: Though, I do hope it's not true—what they say about Hounds having two left feet.
 	
*A pulse of pure, looming threat cuts through the thick tension in the air, 
*and some small, primal part of you fears Giselle's temper getting the better of her.
*This could easily turn very, very ugly, if what you've seen of her prowess is any indication.
*You quietly excuse the both of you, to which the Erlking merely gives another of his tinkling laughs.
*Out of sight and away from the Erlking's shadowed court, you place a calming hand on her shoulder.
 	
*Giselle: I'm...all right, . I won't fall for his taunts so easily.
*Giselle: I'm more concerned that he won't uphold his end of the bargain—you know what it's like.
 	
*Giselle: So I've got a proposition.
*Giselle: I'll remain here and keep an eye on our self-styled monarch.
*Giselle: It bothers me to have our hands tied like this, but... I suppose that's all we can do for now.
*Giselle: I promise, I'll see if we can't tweak this situation to our advantage.
 	
*Giselle: This *is* a space outside of space, after all.
*Giselle: Are you forgetting that I'm quite well-versed in this subject?
 	
*You hesitate for a few moments, but eventually concede. There is no better recourse for now.
*With a deep breath, you square your shoulders and head back to receive your "royal" orders.
Portrait	Dialogue
 	
*Small steps. Small, and careful, steps.