He stood in front of the door… like a stranger. Marina watched him stand. He was still, almost motionless. She examined every detail of him. His large suede, forest green top hat casted a long shadow down his face. The rest of his clothing was the same color, except his large collar. His collar stood, a deep purple. The collar could've covered his face if it was was a mere inch taller. What stood out to Marina was his blonde curls. The brightest of his features. His eyes couldn't compare to the hair's color. It was so bright. She suddenly noticed, the keys. Around his neck were several necklaces, with keys of different sizes freely dangling from their chain. She saw his wrists, a chain with a few more keys, the same on the other wrist. As Marina approached, he turned his head slowly to her. She saw his eyes widen and it frightened her for a second. The fear quickly faded to curiosity. She's used to dilated pupils, but for some reason his gaze seemed overwhelming. That's what frightened her. Marina kept stepping forward, she looked at her feet. Looking where she was stepping. She always had to do that, for the land's light was so dim. Only the light of torches lit the streets and homes. She came about a yard from the man.
"I request passage."
"To whom I'm greeting?" His voice soft, but stern.
"I am Marina Alten. I request passage."
"To what is the reason."
"I must… That is my reason."
"May I ask… What do you think is behind this door?"
"The land of light and metal. I wish to see it, explore it."
"Behind this door is merely more doors Ms. Alten."
"What is your name? I have heard of you since I was young. Who are you?"
"I am Daerias Requil. I have lived in both lands. Both of this, and of the land of light and metal. I bear sad news for the travelers who come thus far."
"What sad news to bear?"
"Remember the Quakes of 89?"
"Yes… I do. The year of 3089's quakes were the worst this area has felt. Nearly killed us."
"It killed them."
"The land of light?"
"The people who lived upon the land of light. Your journey must end here. I apologize for your efforts."
"No…"
"I do not wish to fight. I am the Door Guardian, demanded by the king to stay here."
"And guard the door? A mere door? If there is no world any longer, then you can leave your post."
"You do not understand, and I will not make you. I just accept the word of the king."
"To hell with the words of the king."
"I dare thee to say that aloud in the courtyard of Mentere. You will only seek punishment from the Queen."
"I will go through. What must I do?"
"Say my words of how I feel about the Queen. Tell the king in the courtyard of Mentere about his wife. If you live, then come by here again and I shall grant you passage."
"I will."
