[OOC Enjoy the class! ] Jyraielle paused. How could this being know her? Could this voice from the darkness somehow be connected to the tale Airthras had told? If it was, then did it somehow know her through the lake creatures? It didn't seem like a normal explanation for anything, but then these were not normal times. "I was in the lake," she said, cautiously, "I brought fish for the lake-beings, the long-necked ones. They let me take the key."
"Ahh... One of my brood..." The creatures mood seemed to lighten for the moment, at least toward the Striking Scorpion. "You state you come not to plunder, but to protect... How am I to know these are nothing but lies? Laying down your weapons... Nothing but a ruse? A trick?"
"We would gain nothing from tricking you. We tell you the truth" Anaen replied to creature, his voice as flat as usual. "We only seek the items protection from those who would use it for the wrong reasons"
Airthas was consumed by awe, overwhelmed by the mere presence of the creature that stood in front of them. It was just as astoundingly celestial like the guardian of legend. It matched every delicate detail that was illustrated in the artistic depictions that was left behind by the elders who visited it long ago. It spoke with an echoing, intellectual authority that was measured not by mortal comprehension. A voice that the current elders whispered about from the enlightening words of the creature's ancient visitors long ago. By Isha, the situation they were in matched even the prophecy foretold centuries ago! The proof, in the old Warlock's eyes, were immeasurable. This was the creature, the true guardian of the ruins. Caunkanion! In a hastened manner with as equal grace as it was rushed, Airthas humbly knelled before the mighty guardian in a gesture of great respect and honor. "Caunkanion, guardian of these ancient ruins. We are simple pilgrims, seeking the knowledge to fortify our races survival and thus save the lives of the innocent from the horrors of war and the dark reality of chaos itself. We seek not to use it as a weapon to destroy our enemies, but rather an instrument to defend ourselves in a hostile universe which only grows with every breath we take. Please, you have long be known to help my people in our time of need. My heart begs for you to do so again, if not for us then for those we wish to protect." His words were coated with complete humility and reverence, hoping to present himself as a humble guest asking for wisdom rather than an intruder demanding power and riches.
The creature turned to face Airthas and then took a few heavy steps forward, the ground itself shook and in some places seemed to crack and shift. Two large scaly feet with claws adorning each toe appeared. A head soon followed. The creature appeared to simply be a far larger version of the lizard Jyraielle had seen earlier. "You... Exodite..." The words were short and raspy. "We have watched you grow for years now... If what you say is true... Caerys... Erythea... The names are familiar to me..." It spoke in short bursts as if gathering its thoughts. Its tongue slipping out on occasion, and towards a different Strikeforce member each time.
"He is kin to those I saw in the lake," Jyraielle whispered to the Eldar beside her, out of respect not to interrupt rather than believing she wouldn't be heard. "If that is so then I do not believe he means us harm, if we are respectful."
Su'iris simply remained quiet, letting those the creature knew leave the talk, squeezing Teras' hand gentle.
"well this is interesting." zerelith whispered under her breath. "how long have you been here guardian?"
The Creature glanced over and snaked its tongue out towards Zerelith. "Time? I do not note the passage of time... I stand here to guard this vault. How long? It matters not." OOC: From appearance it's safe to assume its been there a LONG time.
