Protocols

Nero observed the situation around him without moving. The sun was nearly at its peak, casting small shadows. But even the midday sun was not hot. Instead it was warm and comforting. The soothing wind was perfectly pleasant, and carried the smell of flowers and some fragrant leaves. The air was fresh and crisp.

It was the stuff of nightmares, yet no nightmare struck. The grass did not try to kill him, and the pollen did not try to poison him or take root in his lungs. That was all Nero needed to know to determine this was a projection, but for what reason would the Eldrim show him such a tense projection?

Was this a test of faith? That would match the theme of a cathedral. Before he could ponder these questions longer, a stream of information flowed directly into his mind, as if some unseen entity was speaking and commenting on him.