Gate of Memoirs/North Hall: Foyer

Seeking artifacts, Renatus enters the tomb. What awaits him?
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*[ North Hall "Prudence" ]
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Music: "Crimson Hill"	Music: "Crimson Hill"
 	
*"How much would you risk for the ultimate treasure?"
*I grew up being taught that love is the greatest treasure of all.
*They speak of higher powers lavishing us mortals with this intangible gift, that it trumps everything on this earth...
*But, however you look at it, it's really just back to money, isn't it?
*Ideals...They're nothing without coin to back them up. Worthless.
*This world runs on coin, not prayers—however they try to tell you otherwise in the temples.
*Take control of wealth, and you control your destiny.
*But they're missing something crucial there. Something they've never tried to look for in themselves.
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*Anyway, enough about that. As for why I'm here in this grand old place...
*Let's just say I came across an interesting little relic in my youth, and now the whole country's got artifact fever.
*I'm one of those "artifact seekers", but I'm not really that interested in the "artifact" part.
*My pontiff uncle caught wind of a holy tome that's remained elusive for years, and naturally he sent for me.
*Tales of people straight up disappearing into the tomb didn't faze me one bit. 
*Anyone with half a brain could probably figure out an impromptu escape. It's more likely they were careless.
*Besides, with a reputation like that...There's got to be something worth my time in there, right?
Music: "Snow Poem"	Music: "Snow Poem"
 	
*As the lock falls away with a sharp clack, Renatus clears away the dust surrounding the chest and peeks in.
*There, sitting imperiously upon a faded red cushion, was a ponderous tome with a skull set upon its cover.
*In place of its eye sockets are red jewels dimly glinting in what little light came from Renatus' torch.
 	
*Renatus: Hey, there it is. That was easier than I thought.
 	
*Renatus: ...Wait. That looks anything BUT holy. Skulls? Really?
*Renatus: Huh. It's locked up tight, too. Can't get it to open.
*Renatus: Not that it's any of my business... I probably can't understand what's inside, anyway.
*Renatus glances furtively around him, then looks back at the tome.
*Renatus: Now's the hard part...
*Renatus: I'll bet something is just going to trip the moment I take it off its cushion, but that's what my custom-fitted plated vest is for...
*Renatus: Here goes...
 	
*Renatus braces himself for some kind of explosion, poison dart, arcane blast—anything at all.
*Slowly, he cracks an eye open, and finding himself intact, heaves a sigh of relief.
 	
*Renatus: Okay, so no exploding on impact. That's...a good sign.
 	
*?: You have some strange standards for what's considered good.
 	
*Renatus: Wargh!
*The seeker whips around in shock and almost stumbles over his own bootlaces.
 	
*?: Oh, look at your face! Did I frighten you so?
*The winged female figure suspends herself in midair, fingers perched under her delicate chin as she regards Renatus with a coy look.
 	
*Renatus: Uhh...No. I didn't hear footsteps, but I guess you don't need to walk—
*Renatus: Wait—Who are you?
 	
*Nimrah: Where are my manners? I am Nimrah. A pleasure.
*Nimrah: And your name is...Renatus. Yes?
 	
*Renatus: How did you know? Were you expecting me?
 	
*Nimrah: Mmm...Perhaps.
 	
*Nimrah: I am a spirit, after all. Your thoughts aren't exactly private around me.
 	
*Nimrah laughs, light and airy, when Renatus tries to pull his hood over his head in some vain attempt to shield his own mind.
 	
*Nimrah: I jest, seeker. It has been so long since I had company.
*Nimrah: Many people have come before you in search of my Master's tome...
 	
*Nimrah: ...and none have left.
*Nimrah: Will you be the lucky one, I wonder?
 	
*Renatus: That depends. Are you going to help me?
 	
*Nimrah: I'll help you as long as you promise to free me as well.
 	
*Renatus: Free you, huh? Are you bound to this place?
 	
*Nimrah: In a manner of speaking. Master vanished shortly after completing his tome and left me all alone.
 	
*Renatus: Well, guess we're in the same bind. Sure.
 	
*Nimrah: ...You're rather naive, you know that?
*Nimrah: You're not afraid I'm just making this all up and am planning to kill you like I did the rest?
 	
*Renatus: Well, then that will just be on me, right?
 	
*Renatus: I always trust my gut. It's kept me alive so far.
 	
*Nimrah: ...I see.
 	
*Renatus: So, I came in through the...uh, unconventional way, but where does the outside hall lead?
 	
*Nimrah: Nowhere, really, unless you count delightful garishness the destination.
*Nimrah: Whatever you desire, seeker, you may find here.
*Nimrah: Priceless works of art lost to time. Impeccable jewelry for long-dead brides. Enough coins to fill an ocean with.
 	
*Nimrah: All of it valuable beyond compare...
*Nimrah: Tempted?
 	
*Renatus: A little, I guess.
*Renatus: Well, I've got some time to spare, so why not? Lead the way.
 	
*Nimrah: With pleasure...
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*Nimrah: It seems I will be enjoying your company quite a bit, Renatus...