NPF Avatars IV, Chapter III: The Sphinx on the Doorstep

Arhra · 07-30-2006, 09:39 AM

The sphinx, perched above the massive, vine thread, obdurate structure of the temple's gate, openly sighed at the various speaking going on. "They really don't pay me enough for this crap." she muttered to herself.

Straightening, she replied to Flare's query, "I was hired here to act as gatekeeper to the Earth Temple by the Concordant Sodality. Those who wish to enter the temple are asked my riddle. Any attempt to answer the riddle constitutes a verbal contract that you understand and accept the outcomes of failure, which were stated at that time. Should you refuse to comply, the Sevenfold Compact empowers me to enforce the contractual obligations imposed by said verbal agreement by any means I deem necessary." The slightly glazed look the sphinx had and smooth monotone definitely suggested it was a rote phrase that she had just rattled off.

Pausing to consider Phoenix's statement and subsequent threat, the sphinx seemed to stare into space, as if reading something off an invisible screen. "On closer inspection of the contract, you are correct. As the correct response to the riddle was given before you answered, your words were of no consequence. However, I am obliged to follow through with the enforcement of the riddle's failure clause on your companion. I'll keep to my previous offer of just a mauling though. Hand the green skinned one over," the sphinx indicated Newb just to be clear, "and you're all free to enter."

What was Arhra doing during this important decision making time you ask? Why, aside from trying to decide if 'feet' was a valid answer to the riddle as well as parallel speculation on whether 'teeth' really had been the right thing to say, given the sphinx's cryptic statement, she was doing nothing at all.

07-30-2006, 09:39 AM	#1
Arhra Ara ara! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Neo Venezia Posts: 5,013	NPF Avatars IV, Chapter III: The Sphinx on the Doorstep The sphinx, perched above the massive, vine thread, obdurate structure of the temple's gate, openly sighed at the various speaking going on. "They really don't pay me enough for this crap." she muttered to herself. Straightening, she replied to Flare's query, "I was hired here to act as gatekeeper to the Earth Temple by the Concordant Sodality. Those who wish to enter the temple are asked my riddle. Any attempt to answer the riddle constitutes a verbal contract that you understand and accept the outcomes of failure, which were stated at that time. Should you refuse to comply, the Sevenfold Compact empowers me to enforce the contractual obligations imposed by said verbal agreement by any means I deem necessary." The slightly glazed look the sphinx had and smooth monotone definitely suggested it was a rote phrase that she had just rattled off. Pausing to consider Phoenix's statement and subsequent threat, the sphinx seemed to stare into space, as if reading something off an invisible screen. "On closer inspection of the contract, you are correct. As the correct response to the riddle was given before you answered, your words were of no consequence. However, I am obliged to follow through with the enforcement of the riddle's failure clause on your companion. I'll keep to my previous offer of just a mauling though. Hand the green skinned one over," the sphinx indicated Newb just to be clear, "and you're all free to enter." What was Arhra doing during this important decision making time you ask? Why, aside from trying to decide if 'feet' was a valid answer to the riddle as well as parallel speculation on whether 'teeth' really had been the right thing to say, given the sphinx's cryptic statement, she was doing nothing at all. __________________ This post is a good source of Ara ara, ufufu.* *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This post is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.