Over the next few days, Azure's strength steadily returned as he rested within the tower's sheltering embrace. True to his word, Faen ensured all of his needs were met while granting Azure the solitude to ponder all that had befallen since awakening here. Beyond their initial encounter, the wizard remained a stoic and shadowy presence who seemed to come and go as mysteriously as the tower itself.
Once he felt strong enough, Azure began to explore the sanctuary in earnest. His wanderings revealed the ground floor to be one spacious circular chamber, its stone walls stretching up endlessly into shadow. He found no doors or stairs upon searching every surface meticulously but sensed through intuition there must be other levels lurking above, concealed by magic.
Seeking to unravel his host's secrets, Azure turned his focus instead to understanding the significance of the tower's ornaments. Carved throughout the walls in intricate patterns were runes which seemed to pulse and glow with an inner energy the longer he studied them. Their language was unfamiliar yet teased at memories struggling to surface from the depths of his mind, as if he had once known their meaning long ago.
While meditating upon a band of runes, Azure was startled from his musings by a flash of movement in his periphery. He spun, catching only the faintest glimmer of a silvery shape slipping behind an archway. Had he imagined it? Curiosity overriding caution, he soon followed the fleeting apparition's path, entering a long hallway he was certain had not existed previously.
The shadows here seemed deeper, clinging around Azure as if reluctant to relinquish their hold. An eerie chill crept over his skin which had nothing to do with the ample stone walls warding off the forest's chill. Still he pressed forward, glancing occasionally at runes that now seemed to ripple and dance at the edge of sight.
Rounding a bend, Azure halted in surprise. Before him loomed an arched doorway bearing the same runic symbols that drew him down the impossible corridor. Pulsing with energy, they now called to something within, beckoning him to throw open the carved wood paneling and step within.
What mysteries did this chamber shield from prying eyes? Caution warred with curiosity as Azure stood poised on the cusp of fate, hand hovering over the cool metal handle. With a steadying breath, he grasped firmly and pushed into the room, unsure what revelations or horrors might lurk within...