beyond the door.

[purgatio]

The great doors of the ballroom opened at a touch, and Albedo stared into the grey light, unimpressed. A fine mist diluted sight and form, and it was all too obvious that the ones who brought forth the unlocking were supposed to step forward for the sight of what laid behind the dust and thickened air--too obvious a setup, and too trite the design.

...But, just as well, there was no point in not continuing. After a glance at his brother, Albedo stepped through the doors. Nigredo moved with him, and not two feet in, there came the sound of a slam, of heavy doors shutting. The white-haired Variant gave a sigh--just as expected--and glanced backwards. Only to tilt his head, eyebrows raising lightly. Well, now. The doors had vanished entirely, leaving nothing, so that at least broke the pattern if but slightly.

His gaze angled towards his brother. "I take it we're continuing?"

Comments

[atrabilis]

Nigredo gazed out into the mist, looking past the murky grey in hopes of recognition, that spark of potential. Nothing registered (nothing impressive, at least), leaving the boy to wonder if their reward was as ill-conceived as the evenings spent obtaining the very same. And knowing their captor, the chances of that scenario were quite high.

Nevertheless, his opinion fell in with Albedo. Which slid into fact when their entrance became inaccessible and vanished into thin air. Wonderful. Once again, they were doomed to a death trap. If he was younger or highly stressed, he might have cried out of frustration.

The corners of his lips pulled downward as Nigredo assessed the matter, although that quickly proved meaningless. Finally, he nodded at his brother. "I really hate this place," he added lamely.