From the travelogue of the esteemed Chronicler Firandil of the Mages Guild.
I did it! I accomplished what no other mage has been able to. I convinced the priest of the temple to allow our detachment to study the Jewel of the Sphinx.
Just think, when this endeavor began I was merely tasked with ensuring that we had enticing wares and enough rations to make the trip comfortably. While this is not the most exciting of roles a mage can undertake, it was critical for the success of this mission.
But, as I set up my stocks and stalls, I overheard one of the warlocks pleading with a priest to be able to study one of their famed relics. The priest, distrustful, declined every proposition Warlock Ulelfanya made. After several minutes, it seemed as though the discussion would turn into an argument—dashing all possibilities for this crucial element of our trip to be fulfilled. That was when I made my presence known.
Humbly, I spoke to Priest Sazarali about my successes in finding the secret at the Aylied ruin, my discovery at the guild hall in Solitude, my surprising tumble into treasure at the archmagister’s summer home. And, in a fit of diplomatic brilliance, I offered to look over the entirety of the temple, if she would allow my fellow mages to study Khenarthi’s prized jewel.
Priest Sazarali agreed! For as long as I search for ancient secrets in the temple Warlock Ulelfanya and the other mages will be able to study the jewel. Even without a single discovery this is a great coup in relations between the priests and the guild. And, of course, another feather in the cap for your esteemed chronicler!
I will set off in the morning to explore as much of the temple as I can. There may be more I need to add to my travelogues before the fortnight is out!
From the travelogue of the esteemed Chronicler Firandil of the Mages Guild.
We arrived at the outskirts of the Ayleid ruin just before dark. I wanted to delve inside and begin our work, but as a more junior member of the team, my recommendation was ignored. Thus, I found myself pitching tents and crafting makeshift stalls to transform our rag-tag caravan into a camp worthy of our mission.
It was a great honor to be chosen for this endeavor. Not many are asked to join the senior members of the guild in exploring the remnants of the famed Heartland Elves! I spent many nights pouring over texts and recounts of previous expeditions in preparation. Waiting until daylight seemed almost torturous. It should surprise no one that instead of getting a well-deserved rest, as Wizard Tloglai suggested, I snuck into the darkness on my own.
Armed with magelight, some notebooks, and a water skin I made my way deep into the recesses of the ruin. I don’t know how long I wandered. Time seemed inconsequential in those off-white halls. Before I knew it, dawn broke over the crests and arches of the Ayleid structures.
My absence at camp must have raised some sort of alarm, as I heard voices calling my name and searching through the site quite loudly. Wizard Tloglai was concerned, possibly even worried for my safety, but I knew I could not allow myself to be discovered without anything to show by way of explanation. So, I continued away from the sounds of my fellow mages. Which is when it happened.
Some oddity caught my eye. When I turned to look at what it was, I saw nothing but a wall. There was nothing to suggest that this collection of stones and mortar was any different than the others in the ruins.
That’s where they found me, staring at a wall with immense concentration. I’m not sure how Wizard Tloglai identified what caught my attention. Instead of giving me a rather large speech about safety and staying in the camp at night, she chose to press on one of the stones. It shifted beneath her hand and revealed a stairwell into the unplundered depths of the ruin.
I did not know it then, but this would not be the first time that such an odd occurrence would happen to me. It may have been the beginning of my incredible position as a chronicler. Through my ability to discover what others cannot, I carved out a path of success within the Mages Guild for myself.
