Moments passed by without a single utterance from anywhere within these aging stone walls. Was there really another here with her now?  Marlona wished to believe her very own senses, yet what if those same natural instincts she relied upon so heavily ultimately veered her off course once more.  Unwilling to turn a blind eye away from those three doors of possible significance, she lingered for a sign. As to be expected, none of them dared open before her distant presence. Not until her interest shifted to the vacant pedestal in the center did she move along. 

If neither the doors, nor the statues could be swayed by spoken voices alone, there remained one other possible option; a proper summon of sorts to a potentially sacred being.  With three surrounding torches aflame in a triangular formation, there was little to decipher except for a greenish glow of the faintest kind, tracing its leafy shape along the surface of the pedestal – almost like a footprint from another, marking a past presence.  Accompanying a tilt of her horns, a rather peculiar assumption arrived to mind.  If this was simply a mark of the past, then there would have been no energy at all; the motioning light would have never existed. 

Desiring to test an adventurous theory, Marlona placed the tip of her wooden staff to the ground with a delicate tap and held it in front of her with two hands grasped tightly around. A gradual closing of her eyes followed a respectful bow of her head.  Offering up a silent prayer, she could do no more to beckon another of whom she knew nothing about.  Whether this being was among benevolent angels or malevolent demons, her desire to successfully summon surpassed that of any such fears and doubts. And so maybe it was by a Faun’s foolish nature that drove these motivations of hers forward.

What began as a fading footprint grew much more pronounced. No longer was the illuminating light contained within stone, but that of the inner expanses of the chamber.  Both Marlona and the fragile statues were basked in a brightening hue of green.  Not even a natural firelight could resist its charm, each and every one turning to an eager green.   For Marlona, an oddly comforting warmth surrounded her.  
     
“My dearest little Faun, what brings you here to such forsaken places?  Wouldn’t you rather seek out the gods and goddesses of the world who can provide the answers of which you seek?” Feminine words floated around the room.

“Why would I wish to summon another when it is not those I wish to seek? Is there a reason I should not be here?”  Marlona opened her eyes and looked around, seeing the entire room filled with an empowering glow. There was still no physical being of origin that held this ethereal voice.

“How I wonder what makes you feel such ways.  Even the Fauns serve that of higher gods than I.  What may a lowly earth spirit such as I possibly do that can even hope to match that of a god?  For I am just Nyishla… Nyishla, a Spirit of… Lost Direction.”  Reminiscent words fluttered to a whisper.  

“To be honest, I came here because of a vision. One that I wish to figure out.  Not until I passed up this temple have I ever seen one quite like this. Somehow, I think there may be a connection and I seek nothing more than another interpretation, no matter who that may be from. Even from a capable spirit such as yourself.”  Marlona let her eyes wander about as she continued to hold onto her staff. 

“Is that so…” Deliberating words drifted off unfinished. 

“Pardon me for asking, but is there something wrong?”  Marlona eased her weight off of her staff, unsure of what had just happened.  With the room still aglow, Nyishla’s scattered spirit surrounded her in silence.   There must have been something in her words that stuck in some way.  Left clueless, there lingered a strong desire to question again.  Unfortunately, doing so may prove far more detrimental to her cause. Hanging alongside patience would have to do. Until she was completely shut off, the door would remain open for further communication.