and I want to see life

how did this asylum become where i sleep

The Crimson Cataract shown orange in the light of the setting sun, the yellow rays from the sky intermingling with the red waters that floated above the ground. Alys and Sascha walked beneath, following a sort of path that had been worn into the woods. It would have been a calm, peaceful setting were the pair not on a mission to find the most elusive rose in existence, but as it was, they strode through the forest with a sense of purpose, eyes on the ground as they hunted for any sign of red or gold.

Even with Sohalia joining them, Alys was growing increasingly frustrated. She knew that the roses were rare. She did. But there had been a part of her that had hoped that they'd find one quickly. Every hour that passed with Tal as a Friend of the Family was an hour too many, where she was concerned. Even though those who had been cured had seemed fine so far (in a relative sense, anyway), Alys wasn't keen to leave her partner in their clutches any longer than she had to.

So she searched. And she searched. And even as the sun sank lower in the sky, rendering her search nearly futile, she searched some more.

Alys

Sohalia

Sohalia continued to accompany Alys through the Greatwood, growing more and more concerned as the seer grew less and less talkative. The Luminary knew from experience just how difficult it was to find a Vi's Rose - and it was one reason why she continued to search with Alys, even as the sun sank lower in the sky. Under the cover of the trees, the shadows were growing longer, casting everything into darkness. To see better, Soh shifted her eyes, calling upon her snowy owl shift to make sure that she, at least, could still search as well as she could during the day.

Somewhere above, Tarak leapt from tree to tree, soaring here and there when the limbs grew too far apart. He chirruped every once in a while, calling attention to a particular spot, but each time, there was nothing there. After a while, Soh placed a gentle hand on Alys's shoulder. "We should go back to the Village for the night," she suggested. "We can pick up in the morning."

if all of the days have no more light and all of our dreams are lost tonight

how did this asylum become where i sleep

When Sohalia spoke, the seer jumped. She'd been so focused on her hunt that she'd almost forgotten that the Luminary had accompanied her. At the younger woman's words, Alys bristled, not wanting to throw in the towel until she absolutely had to. Still, Soh was right. It was getting dark, and unlike the Attuned, Alys had no way to see in the dark.

Sascha rumbled a crooning, comforting sound, patting her bonded on the foot. At least the little ursur still believed that they could succeed in their quest. Alys herself was beginning to doubt it. "Alright," she agreed after a moment. "Let's head back."

Alys

Sohalia

Soh flinched when Alys jumped, not having meant to startle the seer. At first, she thought that Alys might refuse, might insist on continuing onward. But then the Fateweaver softened, and Soh squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. "Hey," she said, trying for a small, encouraging smile. "We'll find one. It just... it might take a little time."

For Soh, it had taken a quest from Vi himself, but that didn't seem like the thing to mention just now. Not when Alys and Sascha looked so heartbroken.

Tarak swooped down from above to land on his bonded's shoulder, crooning his own encouragement. At that, Soh reached up to scratch beneath his chin. "Come on," she said, releasing Alys. "I think the Village is this way."

if all of the days have no more light and all of our dreams are lost tonight

Orbs of light beckon and call from the darkened angles and shadows of trees. Were those whispers of your friends? Family? Fallen allies?

Was that a scream? Could they be in trouble?

Is it all in your head? Just your imagination?

Or something else altogether – because what if it’s true?

---

You’ve encountered a Will-O-Wisp. This counts as a common creature encounter for the purposes of levelling, but does not count as a Random Event for levelling or MP. There will be no further admin/re intervention. If you choose to follow this creature, you do so at your own risk, however, just having it in this thread is enough to satisfy your levelling requirements.

Will-O-Wisps (common): Glowing orbs of light that dance and weave between the branches, despite their usefulness, these creatures are not to be trusted. Mischievous and loyal to no one, they will lead travellers astray at a moment's notice.

how did this asylum become where i sleep

Whispers wove through the trees, and Alys looked around to find a will-o-wisp bobbing off into the woods - fortunately, in the opposite direction from where Sohalia had indicated. Shuddering at the sounds coming from the creature's glowing light, Alys turned her back on it and followed the Luminary. Perhaps they would have better luck tomorrow - and fewer run-ins with the wisps.

The Crimson Cataract disappeared behind them as they headed back towards the Village. Alys looked back only once, biting the inside of her cheek to ward off the tears that threatened. Tomorrow. She'd try again tomorrow.

fin

Alys