With one final check of things, Chrona stepped backwards.
Ishtar was carrying the White Etrina.
Asha'rah was carrying Blue
Zaofan was carrying Red
...and Green was sitting on Chrona shoulder.
"Ok...Everything looks good. Listen up......" Chrona took a look at all of them, and for the first time she seemed to drop whatever facade of indifference and humor she seemed to be holding. "So....Yeah. Whatever happens....was nice working with people for a good cause. Even if things go south....at least we have that, right....not that things well...I mean I.....Oh ****!"
Chrona ran up and switched the Etrina on Ishtars shoulder with the one on Zaofans.
"Phew....that was close. Bad end averted there.....*Ahem*........Well. I guess this is goodbye for awhile....I'll see you guys at the destination, and when things are all said and done."
"Magic link is confirmed." The Blue Etrina announced. "Relocation Magic prepped and ready."
"All set here, lets kick some ass!" The White Etrina shouted.
"Glad you liked it....I popped it 12 centuries ago." A amused smirk crossed Chronas lips just as the magic engaged. With an almost ethereal pop the three travellers vanished....and a moment later Chrona vanished as well.
~~~
Both Ishtar and Asha'rah seemed to arrive in roughly the same area. A vast underground cavern surrounded them....having a similar feel in size and scope to that of the geofront they had visited so long ago. The air was thick with magic, so much so it almost manifested into a physical presence...much like mist who transparent gas.
The section of the cave they were in seemed to be a study of some kind, with rows of tomes shelved in methodical order and stretching as far as the eyes could see. Though there was lights from multiple sources....the true illumination in the cavern as a while came from a sight of almost mythical proportions.
At the heart of the cavern stood a massive crystalline structure radiating intense energy. Platforms had been built into its sides that ran all the way to its top....where something akin to a chamber rested at its peak. Though the air was heavy with magic, through it they could distinguish something akin to a barrier around the entire mass.
".......Ishtar.....Asha'rah?" A voice suddenly called out to them from nearby. "Is that you? Thank kami....please....I need some help over here...."
It was Etrinas voice.
~~~~
Zaofan came back to his senses at the foot of the crystal structure....mere feet away from the protective barrier. Chrona was sitting nearby, flipping through a book. When the time aspect noticed him...she seemed almost surprised for a moment, before regaining her composure. "Oh hey....Ahhh....Zaofan right? Lo....I mean good to see you got here safe." She clambered over to him.
"Ok....looking good, you still have the magicite right? Well of course you do....if you lost it that quick you'd be hopeless. Anyways...here is your insert point." Chrona pointed her finger to the base of the spire, through the barrier. "No physical body from this point onwards....the entire thing is enchanted to hell and back with protective wards. You step one foot inside there and it would literally dissolve you....even me....hell, especially me. Shes a bit paranoid. But it won't notice a bodyless spirit strapped to some magicite.....see what I'm getting at? You pop your soul in there and I'll handle the delivery."