Heritage Oaks. A placid, reassuring name. One that promised shelter beneath gently rustling boughs, guarding from any onslaught of rain or the punishing glare of the sun, and tall, strong trunks promised stability. Yet, most importantly, such qualities of shelter, safety, and stability were being lent not just by any ephemeral source, but was rather founded in the guiding arms of society and its traditions and history.
Yes, a very nice name. Very nice and safe. Quite appropriate for building, nay, an institution that wished to be nice, nice and also safe.
Though, unknown to most, Heritage Oaks was not bound to remain nice and safe for much longer. Within it's benignly modern brick and glass walls, a danger lurked. One that cared not for the gently rustling boughs, nor for the strength found within the masses of intertwined fibers that made up towering trunks, nor the security of any society's traditions and history. For what lurked inside the Mental Hospital was an affliction from beyond this realm. From beyond the Lie, and the Supernal. It was a manifestation that did not promise mere consumption. It promised complete undoing. It was a hunger that multiplied, a void which pulsed and writhed, amplified as it obliterated, swelling the more it eroded what was called reality.
All Realities.<br><br>For the moment, however, it was confined. Sequestered within the confines of three minds. Minds which may yet recover, were the Manifestation of the Abyss to be banished. Minds which, if nothing could be done, could at least serve as the final quarantine for a virus which no Mage could afford to see spread.
Thankfully, it did not appear that the Reality so threatened by this insidious bug was keen to hinder those that might help preserve it. The front desk of Heritage Oaks was quick to whisk the Temoins du Sud out of the waiting area and brought them straight to the doctor overseeing the Gutenberg Artists. A Doctor Alice Dahmer. No relation. Well dressed, tall, and clearly delighted to be speaking with "friends" of her patients. Though, for the moment, Dr. Dahmer and the mages were speaking in her office. A room that could not help but look institutional and lifeless next to the designer attire beneath the white coat signifying her position.