[IC] Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia laughed after Buddy gave his report of what happened in the room. She chuckled "Good to know..." She looked to Dinah and Syfr and noted the differences in appearance between the two familiars. Dinah was a celestial cat, and Syfr's appearance seemed to be the opposite of Dinah's with the black, grey, and red feathers. She commented "I bet Syfr was probably making sure that Dinah didn't pull any pranks on him. Though...am I right in guessing that Syfr is more of a fiendish familiar?" She remembered her time in that familiar plane and how Buddy had mentioned that he sensed celestial, fey, and fiend presences there.

She looked to Pylia when she started to move. She noticed that she had her empty bag, and she figured that Pylia probably planned to do some shopping. She answered Buddy's question, "Yeah, we should follow her. Don't worry about being stealthy though, I think she's just planning on doing some shopping. I'd rather have someone with her than have her go alone and get ambushed or something without us realizing it,"

[Lucius Cypher]

Buddy nods. "Syfr is of fiendish origins. Dinah is celestial. I'm sure you know that typically, fiends ere on the side of malice while celestial on the side of benevolence. However as familiars, their ultimate allegiance is with their masters, not their origins." Buddy explained. "Yes... I remember, vaguely, of my own powers. Though I've been using it, I did not fully understand the magic I wield. I... I am a holy warrior, a Paladin. Strange. But I do not know my oaths. Very strange." Buddy said with deep contemplation. You could even hear his thoughts even though he wasn't trying to tell you them. "A paladin, a religious warrior who has taken up an oath and with it divine magic powers to slay his enemies. But how am I channeling these powers, if I do not know what my oaths are? Do I follow a creed subconsciously? Or perhaps... So long as I am bound to Sylvia, my duties is to simply serve her, regardless of my oaths. But... If that is the case... Without this anchor, would I be compelled to follow these unknown codes?" Buddy looked down from his book as he contemplated these thoughts, then looked back up to you, not realizing you could hear his thoughts.

"Yes. I will follow Pylia and keep her safe. I wonder if she would talk to me if we are alone." Buddy opens the door and leaves. You could feel yourself getting pulled along if you had stayed behind in the room. He also made sure to lock the door and took a key with him, though with Shortfang and the familiars in the room it should be safe enough. Buddy would catch up to Pylia quickly since she didn't go very far and was rather surprised to see Buddy here. "Buddy? Why are you... Oh, I guess since the others are asleep, you wanted to come shopping with me?" Buddy nods. Pylia smiles and beckons him to follow. "Suit yourself. I was just going to buy a few more alchemy supplies, but it'll be nice to have some company to tag along."

Sure enough one of the first places Pylia goes is a medicine shop. It looked like one of those old asian pharmacies, with very dim lights, various herbs and roots pickled in bottles, and other strange but fairly mundane looking plants and such. An old woman ran the shop as she spoke to Pylia and they negotiated prices for medicine. Buddy stood by still as a statue. Behind the counter was a small child playing with a literal stick figure; it was little more than a stick with twigs for arms and legs tied with a bit of twin. He was apparently armed with a wooden sword and fighting another stick figure. Nearby were more stick figures, but these were broken.

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia gave an interested "Huh..." in response to Buddy's explanation about fiends and celestials. She then heard him speak more and as Buddy continued his contemplation, she came to realize that he wasn't explaining his thoughts to her, he was thinking them. She blinked rapidly, her face one of surprise, and she muttered "Ummm..." Well, this was awkward. Should she break the news to him that she could hear his thoughts? He didn't seem to realize that she was able to hear his thoughts, so she decided to just leave it be for now.

When he answered her regarding following Pylia, and he made his comment, Sylvia shrugged and answered "She probably will," She lingered in the room for a little bit just to take in the room, the familiars, Shortfang, and herself, before feeling herself pulled out of the room. She followed Buddy out and she was glad to see that Pylia was okay with Buddy accompanying her. She followed Pylia and Buddy to the medicine shop. While Pylia spoke with the shopkeeper, and Buddy stood nearby, Sylvia decided to look around out of curiosity. She saw the small child and couldn't help but smile a bit as she watched the kid play with his stick action figures.

After seeing the child, she would leave him be and just continue looking around the store's wares and plants here as though she were just another customer. She was a bit curious about the plants and items that were sold here.

[Lucius Cypher]

Many of the plants here almost looked like ones you'd find back in your world. The sort of strange exotic plants that had a strong scent to them. Most were in unlabeled baskets however, so their names would escape you. It was particularly strange for you right now as you could still smell the earthly scents, but if you tried to touch them you'd just phase right through. It wasn't long before Pylia brought some dark red herbs and a single long root, which she put into her bag. "Let's go Buddy. There's one more place I want to go." Buddy followed, and in turn took you along. Pylia took Buddy towards a different part of the market place, one that neither of you have been to before. The crowds slowly began to thin out until eventually it was just the two plus your astral form. Many of these shops were closed, with rarely anyone but an occasional peasant who looked like they were just minding their own business. Eventually Pylia stopped at a shop that didn't look any different from the ones before.

"I think... This should be the place. It's an old magic shop from my youth. I'm not sure if it's open anymore, but if it is I think there's something here that might be useful for us." Pylia knocked on the door. There wasn't a response, so when she tried to open the door she was somewhat surprised when she found it wasn't locked. She peeked inside, but it was totally dark. "Hello?" Summoning flames to her hand Pylia continued to look around. So far, nothing but dusty old shelves, empty of anything but spider webs. Pylia and Buddy went inside as the wooden floors creek. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised, it's been... Years now." But there was something that neither Pylia or Buddy would notice. Something that only you'd see. Floating in the corner of the room was a sort of blue ghostly being. A humanoid person with long hair covering their face, wearing a drag and tattered robe around their body. They just floated in the air, looking towards Pylia and Buddy.

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia was surprised that she could still smell in this form, despite that she couldn't touch anything. She turned her attention back to Pylia and Buddy, and she was curious when Pylia mentioned that there was one more place she wanted to go to. What could that place be? As they walked on, Sylvia kept an eye on their surroundings as the crowds quieted down. It wasn't until they reached another building that Pylia and Buddy reached the other building that Sylvia got the answer to her own question. So this was a magic shop from Pylia's youth?

When there wasn't a response and the door creaked open, Sylvia commented "Should we really be going in there...?" She figured Pylia wouldn't hear her, and she shrugged as she followed Pylia and Buddy into the shop. She looked around with the others, and as she did, she mentioned "I don't think there's anything left behin-Oh no...Ohhh nooo..."

While she had been speaking, she caught sight of the blue ghostly figure in the corner, floating there looking at Pylia and Buddy. The figure reminded her of The Ring's ghost, which was why Sylvia had said 'Oh no' twice...with a clear tone that showed fear. Keeping her eyes on the figure and tensing up, just in case the ghost tried anything, she told Buddy,

"Buddy. Bud. The three of us need to leave. Now,"

If the ghost attacked...would her martial arts even work on her? Her radiant blasts might, but she wasn't so sure about her martial arts form.

[Lucius Cypher]

Buddy glanced over at you sensing the fear in your voice. He did a quick scan of the room, his eyes glowing a faint white as he too looked towards the ghost with a notably tighten grip in his fist, as if ready to strike. "You are correct. I sense an undead presence. A ghost. I will bring Pylia away from here." Swiftly Buddy went to Pylia, grasping her shoulder and trying to pull her out from the room. This surprised Pylia. "Huh? What is it Buddy?" The ghost began to float towards Pylia which got Buddy to move into position ready to defend her. Seeing this, Pylia began to understand what was happening. "H-Hold on Buddy! I... Please let me handle this." Pylia put her hand on Buddy who was hesitant. "I do not think this is a good idea. Sylvia, please help me destroy this ghost before it harms Pylia." Buddy still had his fists up ready to fight, but Pylia didn't even reach for her holy symbol. "Kath, are you here? Can you hear me?" From your end, you could see the ghost react to the name Kath. She lifted her face to reveal a flash of a young girl, blond hair, innocent green eyes, before it transformed into a skeletal, emancipated face with a snarl plastered on her crooked lips. She seemed to be growling at Pylia.

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia kept her attention on the ghost, but she also glanced at Pylia a bit when she mentioned wanting to handle this. She got into her Satyr Stance when she saw the ghost approach. She kept her eyes on the ghost as Pylia tried to reach out to her vocally. After the ghost's face changed to show a skeletal and emaciated snarl, she told Buddy, unsure if he is actually seeing the ghost like she is now, "She heard her, but she's angry...! She's gonna go after Pylia, get ready!" She then raised her own hand and gathered divine energy for a sun bolt. She would fire it if the ghost moved closer to Pylia. For now, she warned the ghost, "Kath. If you come any closer, I won't hesitate to fire. I won't let you hurt Pylia,"

[Lucius Cypher]

As Pylia approached, everyone would hear hoarse whispers. "... Alone, you left me alone! I cried and cried until I was bone DRY! YOU LEFT ME ALONE!" Kath's eyes turned black as her mouth widen, as if it was about to swallow Pylia whole. Buddy stepped forward with his fist charged with magic energies but Pylia stopped him with one hand, holding out a vial to Kath. "I'm here Kath. I brought the medicine for you. Sweeten with lime, just the way you like it. Please Kath... Drink your medicine." Kath roared, screaming at Pylia. "This is not working!" Buddy said with fear, but Kath did not attack. She just kept screaming at Pylia, who continued to step forward, uncorking the medicine and raising it to Kath's roaring mouth. She poured the medicine into the spirit's mouth, and instead of the liquid simply falling to the ground, it went inside of the ghost. Kath's screams started to fade as the ghost looked more and more tired. But as she did, her face also grew fuller. Her eyes returned to normal and her hair changed from stringy and thin back to blond. Soon the ghost turned back into a girl, and once she did she vanished.

Buddy looked around with his magic eyes, then lowered his fists. "The spirit is gone." Meanwhile, Pylia just looked at the floor. Where the ghost once stood, now there was a small handkerchief. On it was the name Katherine. Picking it up Pylia looked to Buddy. "Sorry for bringing you into this Buddy. But I'm glad you came. If I went in alone, I don't think... I don't think I'd have the nerve to stand up to Katherine. She was a friend of mines when I was younger. Her parents owned this shop when we were kids. Sold all sorts of magical knicknacks, and she'd share them with me and some of the other orphan girls. But one day she caught a plague that was spreading through the city. We'd visit and try and comfort her but... One day her parents said she was gone. We didn't even get to say goodbye. By the time the plague was gone, her family started growing sick too. Dying one-by-one... I always had a feeling Kath was still here. I could hear her cries every time I walked by." Sighing sadly, Pylia looked to Buddy, holding out her hand.

"Buddy, I need you to promise not to tell Sylvia about this. I'm sure she'll want to know where you went, but please, I don't want her involved in... In my past. It's just... A lot of... A lot of messes I've put off for too long. Dealing with Kath was easy, but I know there are others in my past who aren't going to be so forgiving. And if they knew how much I cared for Sylvia they'd... They'd go after her too. I want to keep her safe Buddy. I know you do too. So please... Promise me that you'll keep this a secret from her, okay?" Pylia continued to extend her hand towards Buddy. He didn't make a move. "I'm... Not sure what to do. She does not know that you are here. I do not wish to give Pylia a false promise."

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia was ready to fire her Sun Bolt at the same time Buddy would strike, but the paralyzing fear of the ghostly figure of Kath held her. Thankfully, it turned out okay as Pylia gave the ghost the medicine and it seemed to pacify the ghost, sending her to, presumably, an afterlife. After Buddy made his comment, she added with a nod, "That was too close..." She then turned her attention to Pylia as picked up the handkerchief with the name, Katherine on it. When Pylia started speaking, and mentioned that she was glad that Buddy was with her, Sylvia started to feel relieved that she asked Buddy to follow her.

She listened as Pylia continued to tell the tragic story of Katherine and her family and how they succumbed to a plague. What she was surprised to hear was that Pylia was asking Buddy to not tell her about this. Sylvia was stunned for a moment. But judging from the whole necromancer thing...this wasn't surprising either. She answered Buddy after remembering her and Pylia's discussion about telling Buddy and Shortfang about her origins for a moment, "...Then don't make a false promise. We should be honest with each other," She then looked to Buddy and she told him, "I think you should let her know about my presence here,"

[Lucius Cypher]

Buddy nods. He looks to Pylia as he takes out his notepad, writing a message for Pylia. As she withdrew her hand Buddy revealed his message to her. "She is here." Then he motioned in your direction, allowing Pylia to slowly realize what he meant. She was looking at you with a mixture of frighten confusion. "I... I see. I had thought... This ghost form of hers would only appear near her body, not near you..." Pylia looked back at Buddy and gulped. "Then... She heard everything I said, yes?" Buddy nods. Pylia sighs sadly. She rubbed her eyes as she turned away. "I guess I just can't keep any secrets away from you, Sylvia. I'm sorry. I..." Pylia started choking up. She tried to say something but couldn't muster the words. "I'm sorry... Keeping secrets from you again... I just wanted... I didn't want you to see me like this. I'm trying to clean the mess I made in my past so... And I know you've been through a lot today and...." Taking a deep breath and just breathing for a few more minutes, Pylia tried her best to collect herself.

After drinking a bit of water and just standing against a wall in silence Pylia continued speaking. "I'll head back to the Silver Stag. I... There's still a lot of things I need to do around town. Personal... Personal demons I need to deal with. And... And I know there's still... That thing... We need to talk to the others about too. I guess... This would be easier to do if I could hear you." Buddy looked over to you, motioning in the general direction of the Silver Stag. "You may be able to awaken yourself and come here on your own. Or we can meet you at the Silver Stag as well. How shall we proceed?"

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia watched as Pylia came to realize that she had heard everything that Pylia said. Watching this realization made Sylvia feel as though she was a parent catching their child with their hand in the cookie jar. That feeling of slight disappointment turned into guilt as Pylia somewhat broke down, apologizing to her for keeping secrets. Sylvia wasn’t angry with her, but there are things she wanted to say to Pylia.

After everything was said and Buddy asked how to proceed, Sylvia answered, her guilt and sadness showing in her voice and on her face, “I think we should discuss this further at the Silver Stag. I am concerned that the Lightning Company, the cultists, or even the necromancers may be near and listening without our knowledge. I’ll meet you there,”

She looked to Buddy and she told him, “Please stay with each other on the way back. I want you guys to be safe,”

She then turned her attention to Pylia, and she tried to place a comforting hand on her shoulder for a moment, before telling Buddy, “Okay. I’m gonna try waking up now. I’ll see you at the Silver Stag,” She then closes her eyes in an attempt to wake herself up.

[Lucius Cypher]

You close your eyes for a few seconds. Initially when you open them, you simply see Buddy and Pylia leaving, but soon you felt a tickle on your nose. A few blinks later and you’ll notice Dinah licking your face with her bristly cat tongue. Her feelers were picking your ear and eyelids, a reminder of your cat’s stranger features. Regardless it seems like you’ve awoken. You could hear Shortfang snoring above your head, and the fire place was dimming. Only a single log was left giving a notable flame, and you’d guess in an hour or so it’ll go out.

It’ll take a few minutes before Buddy and Pylia would arrive, but they’ll otherwise have no trouble doing so. By the time they do, it was well into nighttime. Things were quietening down all around, even the inn’s bar and tavern were starting to send its patrons back home. Buddy stood by the door as he often did as Pylia settled her items on the table and gathered her thoughts. “I suppose... Firstly, we should tell Buddy about... About you, Sylvia. Or I can, if you wish.”

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia blinked rapidly as she felt a tickle on her nose. She soon woke up to see Dinah was licking her face and her shoulder tendrils were tickling her ears and eyelids. She let out a strange sound that seemed like a cross between a surprised snort and a chuckle, and she muttered "Dinah!" before gently petting the cat's head. After doing so, she got up and noted the fire in the fireplace. While she waited for Pylia and Buddy to return, she put another log into the fireplace.

Soon enough, the both of them returned, and she looked to Pylia as she spoke. She answered Pylia, "I'll tell him. Though, I was hoping to tell him and Shortfang at the same time tomorrow morning," As she had said to Buddy, they needed to be honest with each other, and after saying that, she felt it wouldn't be fair to hold this information from him any further, especially since he didn't need sleep like she, Pylia, and Shortfang did. Plus, she figured it was best to get this out of the way before talking to Pylia about her own thoughts on Pylia's secretive tendency earlier.

She then looked to Buddy, and she spoke, "OK. Buddy, this is probably going to sound insane, but there is something you should know. It's something I told Pylia when I first met her, but haven't told you and Shortfang until now," She then took in a deep breath, and finished, "I'm not from this world, Keratia. I'm from another world...called 'Earth',"

[Lucius Cypher]

Buddy just looked at you. His unchanging expression made it impossible to know if he was confused or not. Pylia elaborated a bit more. "She doesn't mean she's from the other planes, like the Lower or Upper planes, Buddy. The world she came from it's... It's not at all connected to ours. Where she comes from doesn't have things like magic or the things we take for granted, like the existence of dragons or gods." Buddy remained unchanged, but soon took his notebook and and wrote a question. "Why does it matter?" The question felt harsh despite being written instead of spoken. Buddy didn't show or convey any emotions, and his writing was normal as it usually was, yet the words he choose felt blunt. "The reason it matters is because... One day, Sylvia will return to her world. She won't stay here with us anymore. And... I'm trying to do my best to return Sylvia to her world. That's why we're here. This business with the dragon and his cult, even my own issues... Those are just secondary to getting Sylvia back home." Pylia says with a bit of sadness.

She sat there rubbing her hands together, taking out her pipe to smoke from it. "That's the main reason I was also keeping my activities a secret, Sylvia. I promised you that I will get you home as soon as possible. I didn't want you to think I was just saying what you wanted to hear as I go about dealing with my own issues instead. I... I tend to cause a lot of people trouble, and it's only now that I think I have even a chance of making it right. Whether they're old friends from my past or... Or new ones I've known only for a few days." Letting out a puff of smoke Pylia looked over to you, her demeanor calm yet at the same time serious. Whatever she was smoking really helps her nerves. "Fact of the matter is, even if I did drop everything to help you, I know my past will come to haunt me. Either those necromancers will come after me, or some old grudge comes back to attack me when I least expect it. If I didn't know that you'd risk your life to help me, I'd already be gone to deal with them on my own. But my problems are your problems now, unfortunately." Taking a long huff from her pipe, Pylia formed a few smoke rings as Buddy wrote down his thoughts.

"All I care about is helping Sylvia. When she doesn't need my help anymore, I will help others. That is all that matters."

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia blinked at the question Buddy posed to her. After a moment, she did recall that he didn't have memories of his past. Could that be a part of his reaction? Regardless of her thoughts, Pylia already answered his question, and after hearing it, Sylvia felt a wave of sadness once more. It even sounded selfish on her own part...

She then turned her attention back to Pylia as she spoke once more, shedding light on why she wanted to keep her actions secret. After she spoke, Sylvia ran a hand through her own short hair and she told Pylia, "And I don't mind that. Quite frankly, Pylia, if you had gone off on your own, I'd be worried sick. If those necromancers or one of the ghosts from your past killed you when I could have done something to prevent it..." She stopped talking as she started to feel as though bile was rising in her own throat. She continued once the feeling passed, "...Just...Please don't hesitate to ask me, Buddy, and Shortfang for help if you're going to deal with a ghost or the necromancers,"

After Buddy wrote his note, she answered him, "Thanks Buddy. I'll help you remember your past as well before I head home,"

[Lucius Cypher]

"Yeah... I know. Old habits die hard I suppose." Pylia laughed weakly. "I know you'll help if I ask. Really, I should. I just... Ah, here I am making up excuses again. I think we both know you're more than able to take care of yourself when it comes to these sort of things. Kind of makes me jealous honestly." Pylia smiled a little as she said this. She turned around and stoke the flames, causing it to raise a bit. "I've spent years a hermit, honing my magics and lore in preparation of what I must do. Even then, it's taken my so long to just build up the nerve. And here you are just... Throwing yourself at it. I don't know if that speaks highly of your courage or my cowardice." As Pylia continued to talk down about herself, Buddy wrote another note about his thoughts. "As a Paladin, I am more than able to handle any manner of undead or demon. Rely on us." Seeing this note, Pylia smiled more genuinely. "... Thanks Buddy."

Pylia climbed to her bed and laid down, feeling rather exhausted. "Truth be told, I had planned on doing this earlier in the day, but we got caught up in Ferric's request. I really hope the guilds take notice of our good deeds and rewards us and Ferric for it. I'd be very annoyed if they demand more from us after all we've done...." Buddy returned to standing menacingly next to the door, his arms down at his side. Shortfang hadn't shifted at all in his sleep, still bunkered down in his blankets mumbling something about bubbles. Dinah was sitting on your pillow still awake and just looking at you, as if expecting you to do something. Perhaps play with her or some such. "... In any case, there's two more people I need to see to settle some past matters. Though I only know about the status of one, a gravedigger on the outskirts of town. I hope he's doing well." Yawning loudly Pylia covered herself with her sheets as she looked over to you. "I think I'm going to turn in for the night Sylvia. And... Goodnight."

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia gave a smile and answered Pylia, "I think the fact that you're here now speaks of your own courage. You know what dangers are in Keratia, and despite what fear that knowledge may bring, you're not hiding now. That's pretty great. Me? I'm just a foolish traveler who doesn't know anything about this world," She was happy to see Pylia smile genuinely after Buddy reassured her that he can handle any manner of undead or demon.

After Pylia mentioned Ferric and the deeds they've done, Sylvia commented reassuringly, "I'm sure they'll notice that the vandals won't be a problem anymore at the very least. Hopefully that'll help things," Sylvia silently took note of the fact that there were two other people Pylia wanted to see in order to settle some past matters. A gravedigger was one of them...

After Pylia covered herself with the blankets, Sylvia answered her, "Good night, Pylia,"

While Pylia slept and Buddy stood by the door, Sylvia noticed Dinah nearby. She decided to play with the kitten for a bit, maybe with a piece of string or something for Dinah to chase a bit. As she did so, she thought about her adventure thus far, and her friends. It was going to be hard to say good-bye to them. Trying not to think about that, she thought back to her questions regarding her presence here.

Then she realized two things.

The first being that she hadn't asked the Oracle doll a question today! She could still ask a question. She could ask a question about her situation now...

But what would she ask...?

She thought back to when Pylia told her that her god, the Defiance, brought her here as an answer to Pylia's prayers. But...was that really the case? Or had Pylia's own negative feelings and thoughts twisted her views on the situation? Plus, the fact that Sylvia didn't really know or remember much about how she got here bothered her a bit either.

So...Sylvia decided that it was best to get a truthful answer about Square One from the Oracle.

She moved to her pack and fished out the doll. She muttered to herself as she looked at the doll, "I can't believe I didn't think to ask this earlier..."

She then whispered to the doll, "How did I get to Keratia?"

[Lucius Cypher]

"By choice."

The oracle's answer was short and painfully vague. It barely even glowed as it answered your question and once more you were left sitting in silence. If you'd try to ask any more questions, you'd simply be left with no response. It'll give you a lot to think about for tonight.

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

After hearing those two words from the doll, Sylvia's eyes went wide and her arm holding the doll went limp. She remained still as she sat there for a few silent minutes.

...By choice?

Did that mean...she chose to come to Keratia?

Did she really choose to leave her world of her own free will...?

Or was this by someone else's choice?

...Was Pylia blaming herself for Sylvia's choice?!

......What the hell happened that night and why couldn't she remember?!

Her mind was awhirl with these questions and many more. But she couldn't bring herself to vocalize any of them. She looked at the doll once more, before put it back in the pack with shaky hands, and she headed for bed on unstable legs. She was still in shock over the revelation she heard. Her mind kept on mulling over the two words, repeating them over and over like a mantra in an attempt to infer more information from them...

By choice. By choice. By choice. By choice. By choice...

On and on it went. But the attempt proved to be futile. Just mulling over the two words made it difficult for Sylvia to fall asleep right away. Eventually, she decided to just close her eyes and breathe, like she was meditating once more. She was hoping that this time, this meditation, would lead her into sleep. She needed to rest, and it wouldn't do her or her friends any good if she kept obsessing over the doll's words.

...Even though the two words bothered her mind to no end.

[Lucius Cypher]

Your night, oddly enough, goes without much disturbances. Even as you slip off into sleep, you do not enter your astral form as you typically did. When you'd finally awaken you'd only vaguely remember a dream, so obscure and enigmatic that even as you try to remember it details begin to slip away. You remember a darken room, perhaps the same place where you had learned the Satyr Stance from. You remember a fierce battle, but not against whom. By you hear the words choice echo in a deep baritone. Once more the context of the words were lost on you, but it was simply a memory.

As you'd finally rise and shine, the first thing you'd notice would be Shortfang eating at the table. Compared to his last meals this one was relatively tame, mainly being some sort of stew and bread. Pylia was still asleep and Buddy stood by the door as he often did. Dinah was eating from a small bowl on the floor that Shortfang had set out for her while Syfr was eating a dead rat he must've hunted down. Upon seeing you awaken Shortfang waves at you. "Hiya boss! Hungry?"