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The Crystal Exarch walked through a long dark hallway until he reached a large door, giant locks and mechanisms keeping it locked tight.
He placed the basket in his arms on the ground and started unlocking the door.
As it opened he picked up the basket and continued his way forward through the dark hallway until he was met with yet another door.
Same as before, placing the basket down, unlocking it and continued forward, locking each behind him.
The hallway now lighting up more than before as further ahead the shape of yet another door could be seen, a bright light shining through the line between door and doorframe.
As the Exarch reached the final door, he yet again placed down the basket and with a sigh, opened the heavy door.
He stepped into the large room, filled with light, and a soft monster like growl could be heard from the opposite end.
Setting the basket down at his feet, he used magick to move it to the other end of the room where large white claws reached out and grabbed it.
Slowly the Exarch moved forward "Morning my friend, time for your breakfast." Another soft growl came from the creature as it sat up and an emtpy basket was pushed towards him. "I added some new things i hope that is alright, i think they will be to your liking."
He now stood infront of the large creature, it looked down at him with blank eyes as it quickly finished it's meal.
The Exarch sighed, giving the best smile he could, looking at the creature.
It's size much larger than it's original form, skin pale white just like it's lidless eyes, neck slightly thicker and longer, small horns surrounded it's head almost like a crown, large claws for hands, an abnormally large tail appeared from behind it, a single wing sprouting from it's back that it had wrapped around itself like a blanket, covering satyr like legs, every exhale sounded like a growl and the chains holding it to the ground.
"Oh my friend.." The Exarch sighed "I am so sorry." He sat down infront of the creature.
It looked at him, releasing a growl and then a breath, and a large claw reached for him.
He looked up toward it and without fear grabbed hold of it with his much smaller hands.
"I should have told you when i had the chance." He started as tears started falling down his cheeks. "It was you i talked about back then. You who i wanted to share tales with, to go on adventures with." Another growl and breath fall from the creature as the Exarch took a moment to breathe. "It was you who i did not want to lose.. and now i have.."
He squeezed it's large hand "If only i had been faster, not taken so long in my channeling.. it could have worked in time.. if only Emet Selch had not... then.."
Another growl and breath was heard and the Exarch's eyes shot open as he finally heard it.
He stared up at it as yet again a growl "Grr.." and a breath "ha.." came from it's mouth.
"W-what?" He thought for sure he must be hearing things.
The creature moved it's fingers around his hands trying to hold them "G'ra... ha..."
The Exarch let out a sob "Oh.." and continued to cry as he spoke "But you're still there, aren't you? Ryne's power wasn't enough to stop you from turning but halted the transformation half way. Your body changed partially.. but your mind is still there.."
He stood to his feet as he saw a single tear roll down the creature's cheek, and placed his hand there to wipe it away.
"You've been doomed to an inbetween, a fate worse than the other outcome."
"G'ra... ha..."
"I am so sorry my friend.."
The creature closed it's eyes and laid back down, pulling the Exarch with it.
And he happily sat there, to be as much of a comfort as he could be.