FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

After eleven agonizing months of travel across Atalay, Artemis has made it to Valentina City. The largest, and arguably most impressive city, in all of Azura. Careful to not be intoxicated by its sheer grandeur, she makes her way directly to her exact destination: the Tower of Ozyman, home of the Tower Mages.

The rabbit slowly makes her way through the throngs of mage-apprentices and academics in the reception hall, getting lost within the many shifting corridors before finally arriving in the Grand Archives at the heart of the massive structure.

Abandoning her haste for a moment, Artemis takes a look at her surroundings: capitated by the thousands, if not millions, of books lining the seemingly infinite spiral of shelves lining the spacious room. Surely the information she needed was stored here.

She walks up to the large desk at the center of the library, standing there is a mage clad in extravagant white robes. Feeling her presence, the mage puts the book he was reading down to address the visitor. "Welcome to the Grand Archives. Are you new here? I don't recognize you as a student."

The rabbit opens her mouth to speak, though nothing comes out. Surely she couldn't just barge in and demand information? She had to think about her phrasing carefully. "Correct, Sir. I am new here. I was wondering if you had any information regarding lost fae relics."

The fox opposite of her squints, taking a bit more time to study her after the question is asked. "And I suppose this is a vested interest of yours? Regardless of your intent, I will need you to be more specific. Do you know its name? Era of prominence? Is it of Seelie or Unseelie design?"

Artemis once again takes some time to consider how she answers. Unsure of how he'll respond, but needing the assistance despite any undesirable outcomes, she gives him an honest answer. "It's a weapon. A sword. It's called Lunatt."

"The Lazol sword? The blade of Mabb? And what would you do with this artifact if you were to acquire it? Ridiculous. I cannot comply with your request."

The rabbit stands there petrified. Somewhat annoyed by her line of inquiry, the white mage addresses her again. "Listen closely, little rabbit. That sort of information is protected by us for a reason. There are certain magical artifacts that are simply too dangerous to be sought after by any one person, no matter their intentions. You would need an archmage's permission, something that requires many years of work and trust---years you have yet to put in. You simply don't have the tenure required."

Remembering her promise to Mabb, Artemis tries to ask again with a little more urgency. "But you must! I-I... Mabb chose me to locate it, I can even prove it! Here let-"

The fox interrupts her. "Enough! I am Alberich the Alabaster. An archmage! I refuse to explain myself again. Since you're not even an apprentice, I will excuse your petulance just this once. You may leave. Enroll if you'd like, some study would do you some good. No matter what you choose to do, you will not ask about Lunatt again. If you try, I will have you barred from returning here indefinitely. Do you understand?"

Fighting back tears, she nods in agreement. Upon seeing this, he motions for her to leave and returns to his book.

Defeated, The leporine Attarus meanders out of the Grand Archives. She wasn't under any impression that her quest would be easy, but this seemed like a pretty large setback. He wouldn't even give her a simple hint.

The next two days were uneventful. She made no more progress towards her current goal, and the expenses of staying in this city were quickly draining what little coin she had to begin with. Utterly lost, she plops down on a bench and cries into her hands.

Nearly an entire hour passes before anyone seems to care or take notice. A caprine Attarus sits next to her, placing a gloved hand on her shoulder. "Are you lost madam?"

Artemis looks up, peering upon the young, well-dressed man that seems to have taken interest enough to speak with her. She finds a bit of solace in his soft features and delicate voice.

"N-no... Not really." She wipes the tears away from her cheeks before continuing. "I came a really long way, looking for something that's really important to someone I need to impress. And... And the mages, they wouldn't help. They're the only ones that know where it is, but they won't help me."

The sheep sighs. "Those mages sure are a stingy sort. I'm sorry to hear that they denied you. Hmm. You said you came a long way to see them, yes? Where are you from?"

The rabbit meets his gaze with hers, somewhat enamored by his amber eyes. "Novaria. I had to abandon everything to come all the way down here. Not to sound too grim, but I almost died a few times. Is there... Any way you could help me? Please, I need someone to help me. Anyone."

Of course he could. In fact, he knew all too well how to assist her. "Perhaps. There's a certain someone in this city that might be able to help you find what you're looking for."

The rabbit's ears perk up immediately. "Really? You really think so?"

"Yes, little bunny. She's known as the Xanthous Queen, the owner of quite a wondrous place called La tana di Chiara. It's impossible to miss, trust me."

She gives the sheep a hug, before excitedly bouncing up from her seat. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm really in your debt mister-"

"Bruno." The sheep says. "Bruno Valentine. And you shouldn't worry about being indebted to me, it'll be the Queen you will owe if you're to seek her out."

Her smile diminishes somewhat after hearing the ominous remark, though it seems she has little choice. She must see this Xanthous Queen. "Well, you still have my thanks Bruno. I'm grateful."

"You're welcome, little bunny. And if you see the Queen, I can promise that we'll certainly meet again."

Artemis gives the sheep an enthusiastic smile and a wave before running off to find La tana di Chiara, and this Xanthous Queen who presides over it.