Hearing how jokingly Tarquin responded to her statement, Tarquin's easygoing attitude reassures Lexi. "Maybe we should test it out?" she suggests. "See what kind of power we're dealing with here?"
Tarquin nods, "Ok, I will try to see if I can activate it and draw the knowledge of its use from the artifact itself."
Lexi nods as Tarquin focused his attention on the artifact. He holds it up, feeling the warmth emanating from its surface. "Okay, here goes nothing," he murmurs, and he activates the artifact. A pulsing field of energy surrounds them both, crackling with raw magic. "Whoa," Lexi breathes, her eyes wide with wonder.
"Do you think we can something with it?" she asked.
With the artifact humming and buzzing in his hand, Tarquin concentrated on the energy field surrounding them. He focuses his thoughts, willing the energy to take shape, to become something tangible. And then, suddenly, a gust of wind rushes through the clearing, causing leaves to rustle and birds to take flight. "Wha--?" Tarquin exclaims in surprise.
Lexi looks around. "Was that you?"
Lexi looks at Tarquin in confusion. "What did you do?" she asks, her brow furrowing in puzzlement. "I didn't mean to cause a stir like that."
Tarquin frowns, trying to make sense of the sudden gust of wind. He looks around, studying the trees and underbrush for any signs of disturbance. Finally, he turns back to Lexi and asks, "Did you feel that? It felt like...like a presence, maybe?"
Lexi nodded. "Yeah, I felt it," she said slowly. "Like something was watching us. Or maybe even... approaching us." Tarquin's brow creases in concern. He reaches for the artifact again, wondering if it might have something to do with the strange sensation.
Holding the artifact Tarquin focused his magic to try to understand it's powers. Concentrating, Tarquin draws on the power of the artifact, trying to probe its inner workings. F or several moments, he is silent, his face set in a grimace of intense concentration. Finally, he looks up, his expression thoughtful. "I think I figured it out," he announced. "This thing creates a temporary portal to another plane of existence. It appears we may have temporarily opened a portal."
Lexi looks and him with surprise, "Are you sure?"
Tarquin nods. "Exactly. It's a one-way window, though," he adds quickly. "Whatever--or whoever--is on the other side of the portal can't come through to our plane. But I believe can reach through and interact with whatever's there."
Lexi glances around nervously. "Should we close it up? Or should we communicate with whoever it is?"
Lexi's suggestion gives Tarquin pause. "You really think that's a good idea?" he asks after a moment's consideration. "We don't know who--or what--might be on the other side."
Lexi replied, "They may be able to explain how we can use this artifact properly. We need to be ready should Death return one day."
Lexi has a point, Tarquin concedes reluctantly. If there is someone--or something--on the other side of the portal, it might be best to try and establish communication first. Gathering his courage, Tarquin steps closer to the pulsing energy field and calls out, "Hello? Is anyone there?"
For several tense seconds, there is no response. Then, finally, a voice issues from the portal. "Who speaks?" it asks in a deep, rumbling tone. Tarquin startles but forces himself to remain calm. "Um, hello," he replies. "We found your artifact and were just wondering what it does?"
There is a long pause. "Interesting," the disembodied voice responds at last. "I had not expected anyone to stumble upon its powers so soon. I am Dranoth, keeper of the portal. What are your names and who are you?"
"Our names are Tarquin, I am a sorcerer and with me is Lexi, a rogue and swordsman." Tarquin replies.
Dranoth acknowledges their introductions with a gracious nod. His body appeared as a shimmering shape through the portal. "Well, Tarquin and Lexi," he continues, "you have uncovered one of my most closely guarded secrets. I am impressed--and somewhat surprised--by your tenacity and curiosity. Tell me, why are you interested in the properties of this particular artifact?"
They quickly explain about their encounter with Death and the need to be prepared should he decide to return in the future. And they add that perhaps they would use it for other things as well, once they understand the true nature of what it can do.
Dranoth considers this for a moment. "Very well," he answers at last. "Since you have gone to the trouble of locating the artifact, I see no reason to withhold its secrets from you. Step through the portal, and I will show you what you seek. You are freely able to enter, simply step into the portal and you will appear here beside me."
Tarquin looked at Dranoth directly, "If we step through the portal, are we able to return? Does it allow people or creatures to pass back and forth in both directions? May magic tells me that we would be unable to return."
Dranoth shakes his head. "Once you enter, you cannot return," he explains. "But fear not, I will guide you safely through the portal and provide you with all the knowledge you seek. Now, are you ready to take the next step on your journey?"
Lexi spoke up, "But we have no interest in remaining on your side of the portal. Without a way to return, it is of no value to us."
Dranoth's tone becomes more insistent. "Step through the portal, and I will reveal the secrets of this artifact," he urges. "Do not miss this opportunity to gain knowledge beyond your wildest dreams!"
"We cannot do that. Tarquin replies, "Tell us what we need to know now or not only will we close the portal, but we will also destroy your artifact as well.
At this, Dranoth's demeanor changes abruptly. His voice becomes dark, almost menacing. "Destroy my artifact, and you will suffer my wrath!" he thunders. "You have already uncovered far more than you should have about its true purpose. If you harm it, you will unleash a power beyond your comprehension!"