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But the scene surrounding it was quite strange indeed. Instead of a simple forest, there was a tremendous formation of... something. Rock? Metal?

Both.

Almost like a massive, tangled web. It rose high into the air above, with dozens of metal spikes pointing downward at the Gate, looking almost like scorpion tails preparing to strike. But they were not moving. Nor did it seem like they ever would, Hector thought.

What was this? This giant structure didn’t exist in the modern day. What had happened to it?

He observed the scene for a while, unsure if anything was even going to happen at all. No one was around. The structure seemed perfectly still.

Then, at length, a person stepped into view. Hector couldn’t make out any details about them, as their face and body were a blur. They hovered around the base of the structure, perhaps examining things, until they eventually approached an apparent lever on the far western edge of the structure and pulled it with both hands.

The scene exploded with bright light, and it remained that way for so long that Hector began to think the memory had ended. When the light finally faded, however, Hector looked for some kind of change to the scene.

But he couldn’t see a difference.

“Does this qualify as success?” came a voice from his right, and Hector turned to see a second blurry person approaching.

“No,” said the first person, still by the lever, “but perhaps it will have to.”

“Truly? You are finally putting an end to this nonsense?”

“For this monument, yes. But only because there are still so many others left.”

“Bah. You gave me hope for a moment there. I ask again: what is the point in all this if no real results are achievable? Even if your theories are true, why bother with--”

“Cease your incessant whinging, woman. If you still do not understand, then I expect you never will.”

There was silence, until the second spoke again. “I did not expect to find you in such foul temper. You are normally so calm, even in failure.”

“Hmph. Perhaps that is why your insufferable attitude has gotten so out of hand. Because I have been too calm. Because I have allowed you to forget who I am.”

“You are my consort, and I am your Queen. You would do well to--”

“No, you ignorant wench. I am the Seer of the Distant Dawn. I am He Who Has Touched the Heavens. I am Rathmore of Andeyal.”