Penelope couldn’t help but notice the subtle shadow that crossed Erythreus’s face as he spoke of Siobhan and Dominic. It was evident that the weight of past regrets lingered heavily on him, mirroring her own struggles with memories that refused to fade. “It’s never too late to show up for them,” she offered gently, her gaze soft yet piercing, revealing a depth of understanding that words often failed to convey. In a world teetering on the brink of chaos, the archives felt like a sanctuary, a place where hope could flicker amidst the darkness.

As his laughter echoed through the dimly lit space, Penelope felt warmth radiating from him, drawing her in. “Eloping from the world? That’s an interesting way to put it,” she remarked, her tone brightening with a playful lightness. “But I prefer to think of this place as a guardian of knowledge. It serves as a refuge for those in search of solace in tales and enchantments.” She gestured around the room, her fingers dancing over the spines of ancient tomes, each one a vessel of secrets and untold stories waiting to be rediscovered.

Ery’s jest about slipping away sent a ripple of amusement through her. “Oh, but you see, that’s where the true magic of the archives comes into play. If you were to vanish, I would be the first to realize it!” she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I keep a vigilant watch over my collection and all who roam these halls. Besides, who else would make sure the late fees are collected if you decided to disappear too often?”

The atmosphere shifted as Ery delved into the topic of the ring, his expression turning serious and contemplative. Penelope could feel the gravity of his story, the loss of something significant casting a veil of melancholy around him. “Perhaps we could join forces to scry for it,” she suggested, a determined glint igniting in her eyes. “While I may not possess the means to trace the untraceable, I do have my methods.” She leaned closer, her voice imbued with sincerity. “And regarding the form—consider it merely a formality! The archives have their own way of being generous. If it’s your ring we’re after, I’d be more than happy to waive any fees,” she added with a playful wink, hoping to lighten the mood.

“Now, if you could describe the ring to me in detail, I can conjure an image to work with,” she continued, her tone steady and encouraging. “Together, we’ll unlock the past and bring it back into the light, reclaiming what is rightfully yours.” Penelope straightened, a newfound determination coursing through her veins. This mission wasn’t just about retrieving a lost object; it was about helping him rediscover a piece of his heart and perhaps, in turn, heal a bit of her own.

As Penelope observed the sadness etched into Erythreus’s posture, she felt a deep pang of empathy for him. The weight of his grief radiated from his very soul, and she wished there were words that could truly alleviate his pain. Yet, she knew she couldn’t fully understand the breadth of his experiences; after all, he was a Aspect, a being crucial to the balance of the world, while she was merely a diviner tasked with safeguarding dangerous magical artifacts. In her own mind, she felt vastly replaceable—someone who could slip away without consequence, while he bore a responsibility that could not be so easily dismissed..

“Just know that I’m always just a short flight away if you need someone outside the manor to talk to or whatever you need,” she offered, hoping to provide him some comfort amidst the turmoil swirling within him..

A gentle smile graced her lips as she continued, “There are countless ways to escape the heaviness of our minds and the pressure from those around us.” She shrugged lightly, her tone growing a bit more playful. “One of my favorite pastimes is building worlds in Sims.” A soft chuckle escaped her as she added, “The game can get dark if you know how to play it that way, or it can be a whimsical dream, depending on your mood.”.

Noticing the wave of self-doubt that washed over Ery, she reached out, placing a reassuring hand on his forearm. Sometimes, words were inadequate; sometimes, all one needed was a simple touch to convey understanding and support..

She considered his description of the ring he was searching for. “Well, that sounds like quite a tricky ring to track down,” she mused, giving a gentle sigh. “I hope you’re prepared for a long night.” Her weak chuckle was laced with camaraderie. “A good place to start would be the Ring Vault. I think I managed to wrangle most of the rings into it that were scattered around here.” Penelope couldn’t help but marvel at how her father had ever found anything in the chaos before his passing..

With a wave of her hand, her eyes began to glow a vibrant red, and the Archives responded to her magic. The hall before them shifted, morphing like a Rubik's Cube until it finally landed on the Ring Vault, a grand door crafted from obsidian and engraved with the likeness of a ring..

Penelope closed the distance between herself and the door, summoning a dagger that appeared in the air before her. Without hesitation, she pricked her finger, drawing blood with precision. Using her blood, she inscribed a series of symbols in a circular pattern upon the door. After stepping back, she watched as her blood began to glow, causing the vault door to crack apart and vanish, revealing a deep chamber brimming with rings, each displayed in its own box. Some bore tags detailing their magical properties..

“Come along,” she beckoned, her voice light as she entered the vault with graceful, buoyant steps. “The safer ones are on the golden shelves at the front. The further back you go, the deadlier they become.” She glanced over her shoulder at Ery, her enthusiasm bubbling to the surface. .

As she began examining the first group of rings, she asked, “Is there a phrase or something associated with allowing the ring to morph or cast an illusion for the bearer?” She resisted the urge to shout abracadabra, fully aware that it would likely trigger several of the joke rings in the room. Instead, she focused on the task at hand, eager to help Ery find the answers he sought.