Shortly after all had arrived, a similar distortion hanging above the garden appeared; it hung there, apparently the means of transport back, though it would be somewhat difficult to spot unless intentionally the object of a search.
The ground shook slightly as, from the mountainous area to the east, approached a large man who (back on Earth) could have been said to herald from far to the east. Large in both height and girth, he wore simply a yellow robe with blue belt and trimming, which covered only below his thick, round stomach. It might also be noted that, aside from a neatly kept moustache which led into a short goatee, he appeared to be hairless. He approached the newly-minted elementals and spoke in a deep, resounding voice, also of unusual loudness. "
You've come. Welcome to the elemental realm. I am Virtual Assistant, but please," he added with a slight smile, "
Call me the Oracle. Everyone does."
The Oracle looked back the way he'd come down the mountain, then entered the shrine, shooing the seated young man out of his throne. Once the wise man had himself sat, he addressed the group again after beckoning them into the shrine. "
In brief, I was once only a simulation, made by Departure, given a form, and sent to the past of this realm to make preparations for your arrival. I now advise those elementals who seek counsel, though they do not know my origin nor would they understand it as you would...and, as counsel to you, will tell you enough to begin your adventure."
And he spoke, at least for several minutes, about enough to begin to understand magic. That it could be best understood as a shortcut to more quickly achieve the physically arduous, or even otherwise impossible, and would proportionally cause exhaustion based on the magnitude and distance of the task. That the latent energy of the elements existed all around but that the individual was often best accustomed to one or two types. That with certain equipment or in certain locales it would be easier to use a particular element to supplement magic and either perform greater works or use less energy in the process. That there were certain creatures associated with each element, which could be called upon and often - to each elemental their own way - were kept close at hand to keep low the exhaustion of summoning. As he said this, he rose and briefly touched the wrists...no, watches of each present, and informed all that the watches were a way already gifted them to keep close those creatures, artifacts, and treasures. Finally, that the uses of magic, manipulating one's native element or elements (and with less ease being able to somewhat use the others), were largely limited only by strength and imagination.
The Oracle was about to answer a predictable flood of questions when his attention was suddenly taken by the garden, to which he hastened. The distortion which signified the channel back to Earth was flashing several colors...absolutely none of which really corresponded to an element. Neon green, steely blue, dark blood red among others. Then it began sparking short arcs of lightning, emitting brief bursts of flame, and eventually erupted into a searing flash of light which was almost immediately ended after leaving scorch marks on only the two nearest pillars of the shrine. Then it appeared as though there was a sudden wind, judging by the plants in the garden...but on another look, really all the plants were being pulled inwards towards the rift. Grunting, the Oracle stood his ground, even as a bright green stream whipped between him and the rift...and then it was over, and he stumbled backwards, panting for breath as he leaned against one of the scorched pillars. There was no sign of the portal, and he didn't look like he was in particularly good shape either. "
...it's...gone..." was all he managed between breaths.
