The dungeon had changed styles again. Nova liked to imagine the Maiden Clare as a noble lady, with hair up in beautiful, bejeweled pins and a luxurious dress. Perhaps even a risqué dress, based on how she was positioned with her doomed lover. That thought made her blush a little, but it was perfectly valid!
Anyways, if the maiden was a noble lady, the dungeon was her manor. And today, it looked like one. Wall hangings in subdued colors spelled out strange stories in simple patterns. A man with no face, only bone, rode fire and metal in one panel. In another, a little green man blew sparkling dust on sleeping people. More still depicted royalty, or things from the deep, or bloody battles. But the pictures were all so sophisticated and subtle in nature, the blood just red circles and the flame just sparkling gold in waves, that none of it frightened her.
It felt like history, or fantasy, encapsulated. Like whispered words at twilight.
In other words, Nova was very much enjoying their delve. There were so many puzzles—often including the décor—and although she loathed the random spikes and jets of water (her clothes were ruined, and she had several nicks and cuts), it had to be admitted that they lent an excitement to it all.
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Astrid and Felix led the way, closely followed by Septimus and Hugo. She was surprised to see Hugo so enthused; the older boy usually had an almost disdainful expression. But he was a whiz at the puzzles.
Of course, Septimus was almost as good as Hugo. If they’d been the same age, Nova was sure he would have beaten Hugo soundly. And besides, Septimus was good at fighting, too.
Myles and herself were at the back of the pack. Mostly because she loved the artistry, and because he was the responsible type who wouldn’t let anyone sneak up on them.
It took them two and a half hours to reach the core room. Which, of course, they weren’t allowed to enter.
But even the outer wall was worth viewing. It was tall, triple Celio’s height, and had seven columns within it, like a fence or a bulwark. Completely covered in cloth, it depicted a story in a much richer style than the rest of the dungeon.
“Oh. This the story of Lady Clare and Lord Kepler.” Felix said casually.
Nova widened her eyes.
The tapestry was filled to the brim with details. Details Felix had left out.
***
-Kepler POV-
- Your Myth has evolved.
He ignored the System.
Clare was in his arms. Nothing else mattered.
How should their Myth evolve?