Quest for the Lyre of Orphaeo

[Philomel]

Coming back here was like reliving a dream.

Once upon a time - once upon twice, Philomel had strode through these red, red woods, her hooves leaving imprints on the cursed soil. Once had been to restore the earth spirits deserved name in the history books, the other had been to aid the quest to rid this place of the Forgotten One Podë. Now, they said, it had been completed, that her essence had gone from these parts, yet the faun-lady of many trades could not believe that. The trees were still hungry, the bark still as rust-hued as dried blood, the atmosphere still as uncertain.

It was reliving a dream - rather, a nightmare - you had never wished you had had, but being forced to face it finally. Though the rumours spoke of new life and peace, the reality was something other. What had persisted for centuries could not be undone in a single moment of slaying. Pode's curse lived on in the roots, the beasts and the leaves here, only fading with the ability of time.

"Holy mother, protect me," Philomel whispered as she led her beast of burden deeper into the wood. Behind her, finally having joined her after the beginning of all this quest, strode her ever-loyal companion of heart and mind, Veridian. He padded on silent white paws, brush tail whipping back and forth against the foliage.

Drys does protect us, the fox-formed spirit said in reply. She always will.

Philomel titled her head back to gaze at the golden eyes. "I wish you had started back with me in Corone, my darling," she murmured, "but at least you are here now, and that is some comfort."

Veridian looked back at her solidly for a moment, before looking down to skip over a speckled grey rock. I am here now, let that be your comfort.

Rolling her eyes a little, at least in that moment comforted by his familiar stormy attitude, Philomel looked back to concentrate ahead. Her tera'k tossed his head as, distracted, she almost walked him into a tree.

"Oh shit," she said loudly, "sorry dear."

Still the tera'k roared in angst and irritation, nudging her side with his buffalo-like horn. Philomel laughed softly, knowing full well her guilt, yet amused by the entire situation. It had brought her out of her unease completely, and now she found the energy and want to full on cuddle the beast, the one who had carried her so far.

We should find somewhere to camp, Veridian said suddenly. The announcement caused Philomel to look up. True enough, the stars were beginning to shine out, the dusky sky settling to nothing. The sun had already gone, and it was only the faun's external, supernatural senses that had thus far kept her going. These days, because of her affinity with the earth and the ability to see through it, she barely noticed the light difference.

"Ah yes, of course," she nodded. "We should go. I think I detect a clearing somewhere."

She threw her attention into the earth, and over in the distance a good hundred metres away. True enough there was a clearing, a space in the woods, and a strange feeling - as if ... well. As if there at least the Forgotten's Ones old power had actually begun to make a disappearance.

Philomel started to head there, a sense of familiarity and purpose coming over her. She could swear as she and Veridian and her dear beast of burden set that way to settle for the night, that she could hear words on the wind. And they were in the voice of her great goddess Drys.

"Trust the Breaker," they said, "trust the one whom you are about to meet."