A gentle breeze carried the cool, wet scents of the forest around her as she crept along its undergrowth. Careful not to disturb the spiky fronds of the plants around her, and even more careful not to errantly tread on a twig, she stalked towards her prey. There, hiding silently not a meter away her victim hid, peering away from her deeper into the woods, wary of the predator stalking it as it started sniffing the air unsure. Not wary enough!
She thought as she bounded up to it with a gleeful shout. The unusually large field mouse leapt up in fright, then began chattering and squeaking madly as Gytha started laughing like a madwoman, stifling a snort as she stumbled back. "Ye' should've seen yerself! Ye' almost flew!"
she squeezed out amid her laughter. The little creature scurried up to her left boot and hurriedly climbed up to her shoulders before settling down, clinging on tightly with another series of squeaks. "Oh ye', I'm sure ye would."
she giggled, giving the mouse a light scratch before setting off back towards the trails.

It had been so long since she'd had spare time for hiking in the woods with Fife, and though she wasn't particularly worried about losing him, there were always other predators lurking around that just might consider him a worthy meal. She set him down into the small worn out backpack she'd left by her bike, proffering a small chunk of carrot that Fife took eagerly. "Aye, guess I'd better get home soon. Mam's scunnered with me as it is, thinkin' I'm up-tae no good."
she mused, peering up at a slowly darkening sky. How long had she been wandering today? It didn't feel like all that long, but either way she'd make sure to get home before dark, there were too many spooky things in the woods at night. Gingerly hefting the pack and slinging it on as more munching sounded from within, Gytha hopped onto her bike and took off down the hill.


-


Gytha gently placed Jingle in his box-turned-bed as more shouting came from downstairs. "Dinnae make me say'et agen!"
Gytha rolled her eyes so hard her head followed along, "Yes mam."
she groaned back, tromping down the stairs to take out the trash. It's not like it was that big a deal, why couldn't she just have done it herself? Well, whatever. She'd have a bit of time to study tonight, and could spend some time reviewing her notes on botany, not that she'd be able to do either of those things as her mind would begin to wander rather quickly. Tromping back up the stairs she glided into her room playfully to find Fife sitting still on the windowsill, staring outward. Another chance.
She immediately lowered and began stalking the mouse, a sly smile breaking out across her face as she neared him. Though, just as she went to pounce, the mouse spun around suddenly and its eyes shone with a blinding green light.

As her vision cleared, Gytha saw she was once again in that grove from years ago, dappled sunlight peppering the flower speckled grass around her as she basked in the sudden warmth of this place. Not quite home but, nostalgic somehow. Laughter rang out around her, bright and silvery it seemed to flow to an unheard rhythm. "Gytha my dear welcome back. I see you and - Fife, was it? - are the best of friends now."
A mass of vines coalesced behind Gytha, quickly forming into a humanoid shape from which behind Florita stepped out. Gytha gasped, eyes wide; Not in shock, but awe. "How do you do that?! Oi! Get back 'ere you!"
she demanded, scurrying forward to snatch at the quickly retreating vines. "Gytha, I need to speak to you about . . . . something?"
The words trailed off as Gytha started heaving on a vine she had caught, struggling to keep it from retreating beneath the earth. "Enough, you will have a chance to play later. Listen to me now."
"Just a sec, I nearly got 'im! "
Vines shot up to sieze her now, flipping Gytha upside down with a loud yelp. She hung for a moment as a disapproving Florita looked on with a cocked eyebrow. "Err, listenin'."
"This is important. A book from The Citadel has appeared on Earth somewhere. I need you to find and retrieve it for me."
"A book? Musty, thick and boring, then?"
A soft chuckle came from Florita as she gently lowered Gytha a little. "I can't say what it looks like, only that you need to search for it. The others will almost certainly be looking for it. If nothing else, be sure that they do not get it Gytha. It can only be safe in my hands. You know the means by which you can return here."
"Aye-Aye Captain!"
Gytha called out, saluting as she still hung upside down. Florita simply raised an eyebrow again. Gythas world spun before depositing her back in her room, a concerned Fife watching over her. "Time to pack our bags, Fife. We've got an adventure to go on!"

A gentle breeze carried the cool, wet scents of the forest around her as she crept along its undergrowth. Careful not to disturb the spiky fronds of the plants around her, and even more careful not to errantly tread on a twig, she stalked towards her prey. There, hiding silently not a meter away her victim hid, peering away from her deeper into the woods, wary of the predator stalking it as it started sniffing the air unsure. Not wary enough!
She thought as she bounded up to it with a gleeful shout. The unusually large field mouse leapt up in fright, then began chattering and squeaking madly as Gytha started laughing like a madwoman, stifling a snort as she stumbled back. "Ye' should've seen yerself! Ye' almost flew!"
she squeezed out amid her laughter. The little creature scurried up to her left boot and hurriedly climbed up to her shoulders before settling down, clinging on tightly with another series of squeaks. "Oh ye', I'm sure ye would."
she giggled, giving the mouse a light scratch before setting off back towards the trails.

It had been so long since she'd had spare time for hiking in the woods with Fife, and though she wasn't particularly worried about losing him, there were always other predators lurking around that just might consider him a worthy meal. She set him down into the small worn out backpack she'd left by her bike, proffering a small chunk of carrot that Fife took eagerly. "Aye, guess I'd better get home soon. Mam's scunnered with me as it is, thinkin' I'm up-tae no good."
she mused, peering up at a slowly darkening sky. How long had she been wandering today? It didn't feel like all that long, but either way she'd make sure to get home before dark, there were too many spooky things in the woods at night. Gingerly hefting the pack and slinging it on as more munching sounded from within, Gytha hopped onto her bike and took off down the hill.


-


Gytha gently placed Jingle in his box-turned-bed as more shouting came from downstairs. "Dinnae make me say'et agen!"
Gytha rolled her eyes so hard her head followed along, "Yes mam."
she groaned back, tromping down the stairs to take out the trash. It's not like it was that big a deal, why couldn't she just have done it herself? Well, whatever. She'd have a bit of time to study tonight, and could spend some time reviewing her notes on botany, not that she'd be able to do either of those things as her mind would begin to wander rather quickly. Tromping back up the stairs she glided into her room playfully to find Fife sitting still on the windowsill, staring outward. Another chance.
She immediately lowered and began stalking the mouse, a sly smile breaking out across her face as she neared him. Though, just as she went to pounce, the mouse spun around suddenly and its eyes shone with a blinding green light.

As her vision cleared, Gytha saw she was once again in that grove from years ago, dappled sunlight peppering the flower speckled grass around her as she basked in the sudden warmth of this place. Not quite home but, nostalgic somehow. Laughter rang out around her, bright and silvery it seemed to flow to an unheard rhythm. "Gytha my dear welcome back. I see you and - Fife, was it? - are the best of friends now."
A mass of vines coalesced behind Gytha, quickly forming into a humanoid shape from which behind Florita stepped out. Gytha gasped, eyes wide; Not in shock, but awe. "How do you do that?! Oi! Get back 'ere you!"
she demanded, scurrying forward to snatch at the quickly retreating vines. "Gytha, I need to speak to you about . . . . something?"
The words trailed off as Gytha started heaving on a vine she had caught, struggling to keep it from retreating beneath the earth. "Enough, you will have a chance to play later. Listen to me now."
"Just a sec, I nearly got 'im! "
Vines shot up to sieze her now, flipping Gytha upside down with a loud yelp. She hung for a moment as a disapproving Florita looked on with a cocked eyebrow. "Err, listenin'."
"This is important. A book from The Citadel has appeared on Earth somewhere. I need you to find and retrieve it for me."
"A book? Musty, thick and boring, then?"
A soft chuckle came from Florita as she gently lowered Gytha a little. "I can't say what it looks like, only that you need to search for it. The others will almost certainly be looking for it. If nothing else, be sure that they do not get it Gytha. It can only be safe in my hands. You know the means by which you can return here."
"Aye-Aye Captain!"
Gytha called out, saluting as she still hung upside down. Florita simply raised an eyebrow again. Gythas world spun before depositing her back in her room, a concerned Fife watching over her. "Time to pack our bags, Fife. We've got an adventure to go on!"

A gentle breeze carried the cool, wet scents of the forest around her as she crept along its undergrowth. Careful not to disturb the spiky fronds of the plants around her, and even more careful not to errantly tread on a twig, she stalked towards her prey. There, hiding silently not a meter away her victim hid, peering away from her deeper into the woods, wary of the predator stalking it as it started sniffing the air unsure. Not wary enough!
She thought as she bounded up to it with a gleeful shout. The unusually large field mouse leapt up in fright, then began chattering and squeaking madly as Gytha started laughing like a madwoman, stifling a snort as she stumbled back. "Ye' should've seen yerself! Ye' almost flew!"
she squeezed out amid her laughter. The little creature scurried up to her left boot and hurriedly climbed up to her shoulders before settling down, clinging on tightly with another series of squeaks. "Oh ye', I'm sure ye would."
she giggled, giving the mouse a light scratch before setting off back towards the trails.

It had been so long since she'd had spare time for hiking in the woods with Fife, and though she wasn't particularly worried about losing him, there were always other predators lurking around that just might consider him a worthy meal. She set him down into the small worn out backpack she'd left by her bike, proffering a small chunk of carrot that Fife took eagerly. "Aye, guess I'd better get home soon. Mam's scunnered with me as it is, thinkin' I'm up-tae no good."
she mused, peering up at a slowly darkening sky. How long had she been wandering today? It didn't feel like all that long, but either way she'd make sure to get home before dark, there were too many spooky things in the woods at night. Gingerly hefting the pack and slinging it on as more munching sounded from within, Gytha hopped onto her bike and took off down the hill.


-


Gytha gently placed Jingle in his box-turned-bed as more shouting came from downstairs. "Dinnae make me say'et agen!"
Gytha rolled her eyes so hard her head followed along, "Yes mam."
she groaned back, tromping down the stairs to take out the trash. It's not like it was that big a deal, why couldn't she just have done it herself? Well, whatever. She'd have a bit of time to study tonight, and could spend some time reviewing her notes on botany, not that she'd be able to do either of those things as her mind would begin to wander rather quickly. Tromping back up the stairs she glided into her room playfully to find Fife sitting still on the windowsill, staring outward. Another chance.
She immediately lowered and began stalking the mouse, a sly smile breaking out across her face as she neared him. Though, just as she went to pounce, the mouse spun around suddenly and its eyes shone with a blinding green light.

As her vision cleared, Gytha saw she was once again in that grove from years ago, dappled sunlight peppering the flower speckled grass around her as she basked in the sudden warmth of this place. Not quite home but, nostalgic somehow. Laughter rang out around her, bright and silvery it seemed to flow to an unheard rhythm. "Gytha my dear welcome back. I see you and - Fife, was it? - are the best of friends now."
A mass of vines coalesced behind Gytha, quickly forming into a humanoid shape from which behind Florita stepped out. Gytha gasped, eyes wide; Not in shock, but awe. "How do you do that?! Oi! Get back 'ere you!"
she demanded, scurrying forward to snatch at the quickly retreating vines. "Gytha, I need to speak to you about . . . . something?"
The words trailed off as Gytha started heaving on a vine she had caught, struggling to keep it from retreating beneath the earth. "Enough, you will have a chance to play later. Listen to me now."
"Just a sec, I nearly got 'im! "
Vines shot up to sieze her now, flipping Gytha upside down with a loud yelp. She hung for a moment as a disapproving Florita looked on with a cocked eyebrow. "Err, listenin'."
"This is important. A book from The Citadel has appeared on Earth somewhere. I need you to find and retrieve it for me."
"A book? Musty, thick and boring, then?"
A soft chuckle came from Florita as she gently lowered Gytha a little. "I can't say what it looks like, only that you need to search for it. The others will almost certainly be looking for it. If nothing else, be sure that they do not get it Gytha. It can only be safe in my hands. You know the means by which you can return here."
"Aye-Aye Captain!"
Gytha called out, saluting as she still hung upside down. Florita simply raised an eyebrow again. Gythas world spun before depositing her back in her room, a concerned Fife watching over her. "Time to pack our bags, Fife. We've got an adventure to go on!"

A gentle breeze carried the cool, wet scents of the forest around her as she crept along its undergrowth. Careful not to disturb the spiky fronds of the plants around her, and even more careful not to errantly tread on a twig, she stalked towards her prey. There, hiding silently not a meter away her victim hid, peering away from her deeper into the woods, wary of the predator stalking it as it started sniffing the air unsure. Not wary enough!
She thought as she bounded up to it with a gleeful shout. The unusually large field mouse leapt up in fright, then began chattering and squeaking madly as Gytha started laughing like a madwoman, stifling a snort as she stumbled back. "Ye' should've seen yerself! Ye' almost flew!"
she squeezed out amid her laughter. The little creature scurried up to her left boot and hurriedly climbed up to her shoulders before settling down, clinging on tightly with another series of squeaks. "Oh ye', I'm sure ye would."
she giggled, giving the mouse a light scratch before setting off back towards the trails.

It had been so long since she'd had spare time for hiking in the woods with Fife, and though she wasn't particularly worried about losing him, there were always other predators lurking around that just might consider him a worthy meal. She set him down into the small worn out backpack she'd left by her bike, proffering a small chunk of carrot that Fife took eagerly. "Aye, guess I'd better get home soon. Mam's scunnered with me as it is, thinkin' I'm up-tae no good."
she mused, peering up at a slowly darkening sky. How long had she been wandering today? It didn't feel like all that long, but either way she'd make sure to get home before dark, there were too many spooky things in the woods at night. Gingerly hefting the pack and slinging it on as more munching sounded from within, Gytha hopped onto her bike and took off down the hill.


-


Gytha gently placed Jingle in his box-turned-bed as more shouting came from downstairs. "Dinnae make me say'et agen!"
Gytha rolled her eyes so hard her head followed along, "Yes mam."
she groaned back, tromping down the stairs to take out the trash. It's not like it was that big a deal, why couldn't she just have done it herself? Well, whatever. She'd have a bit of time to study tonight, and could spend some time reviewing her notes on botany, not that she'd be able to do either of those things as her mind would begin to wander rather quickly. Tromping back up the stairs she glided into her room playfully to find Fife sitting still on the windowsill, staring outward. Another chance.
She immediately lowered and began stalking the mouse, a sly smile breaking out across her face as she neared him. Though, just as she went to pounce, the mouse spun around suddenly and its eyes shone with a blinding green light.

As her vision cleared, Gytha saw she was once again in that grove from years ago, dappled sunlight peppering the flower speckled grass around her as she basked in the sudden warmth of this place. Not quite home but, nostalgic somehow. Laughter rang out around her, bright and silvery it seemed to flow to an unheard rhythm. "Gytha my dear welcome back. I see you and - Fife, was it? - are the best of friends now."
A mass of vines coalesced behind Gytha, quickly forming into a humanoid shape from which behind Florita stepped out. Gytha gasped, eyes wide; Not in shock, but awe. "How do you do that?! Oi! Get back 'ere you!"
she demanded, scurrying forward to snatch at the quickly retreating vines. "Gytha, I need to speak to you about . . . . something?"
The words trailed off as Gytha started heaving on a vine she had caught, struggling to keep it from retreating beneath the earth. "Enough, you will have a chance to play later. Listen to me now."
"Just a sec, I nearly got 'im! "
Vines shot up to sieze her now, flipping Gytha upside down with a loud yelp. She hung for a moment as a disapproving Florita looked on with a cocked eyebrow. "Err, listenin'."
"This is important. A book from The Citadel has appeared on Earth somewhere. I need you to find and retrieve it for me."
"A book? Musty, thick and boring, then?"
A soft chuckle came from Florita as she gently lowered Gytha a little. "I can't say what it looks like, only that you need to search for it. The others will almost certainly be looking for it. If nothing else, be sure that they do not get it Gytha. It can only be safe in my hands. You know the means by which you can return here."
"Aye-Aye Captain!"
Gytha called out, saluting as she still hung upside down. Florita simply raised an eyebrow again. Gythas world spun before depositing her back in her room, a concerned Fife watching over her. "Time to pack our bags, Fife. We've got an adventure to go on!"

A gentle breeze carried the cool, wet scents of the forest around her as she crept along its undergrowth. Careful not to disturb the spiky fronds of the plants around her, and even more careful not to errantly tread on a twig, she stalked towards her prey. There, hiding silently not a meter away her victim hid, peering away from her deeper into the woods, wary of the predator stalking it as it started sniffing the air unsure. Not wary enough!
She thought as she bounded up to it with a gleeful shout. The unusually large field mouse leapt up in fright, then began chattering and squeaking madly as Gytha started laughing like a madwoman, stifling a snort as she stumbled back. "Ye' should've seen yerself! Ye' almost flew!"
she squeezed out amid her laughter. The little creature scurried up to her left boot and hurriedly climbed up to her shoulders before settling down, clinging on tightly with another series of squeaks. "Oh ye', I'm sure ye would."
she giggled, giving the mouse a light scratch before setting off back towards the trails.

It had been so long since she'd had spare time for hiking in the woods with Fife, and though she wasn't particularly worried about losing him, there were always other predators lurking around that just might consider him a worthy meal. She set him down into the small worn out backpack she'd left by her bike, proffering a small chunk of carrot that Fife took eagerly. "Aye, guess I'd better get home soon. Mam's scunnered with me as it is, thinkin' I'm up-tae no good."
she mused, peering up at a slowly darkening sky. How long had she been wandering today? It didn't feel like all that long, but either way she'd make sure to get home before dark, there were too many spooky things in the woods at night. Gingerly hefting the pack and slinging it on as more munching sounded from within, Gytha hopped onto her bike and took off down the hill.


-


Gytha gently placed Jingle in his box-turned-bed as more shouting came from downstairs. "Dinnae make me say'et agen!"
Gytha rolled her eyes so hard her head followed along, "Yes mam."
she groaned back, tromping down the stairs to take out the trash. It's not like it was that big a deal, why couldn't she just have done it herself? Well, whatever. She'd have a bit of time to study tonight, and could spend some time reviewing her notes on botany, not that she'd be able to do either of those things as her mind would begin to wander rather quickly. Tromping back up the stairs she glided into her room playfully to find Fife sitting still on the windowsill, staring outward. Another chance.
She immediately lowered and began stalking the mouse, a sly smile breaking out across her face as she neared him. Though, just as she went to pounce, the mouse spun around suddenly and its eyes shone with a blinding green light.

As her vision cleared, Gytha saw she was once again in that grove from years ago, dappled sunlight peppering the flower speckled grass around her as she basked in the sudden warmth of this place. Not quite home but, nostalgic somehow. Laughter rang out around her, bright and silvery it seemed to flow to an unheard rhythm. "Gytha my dear welcome back. I see you and - Fife, was it? - are the best of friends now."
A mass of vines coalesced behind Gytha, quickly forming into a humanoid shape from which behind Florita stepped out. Gytha gasped, eyes wide; Not in shock, but awe. "How do you do that?! Oi! Get back 'ere you!"
she demanded, scurrying forward to snatch at the quickly retreating vines. "Gytha, I need to speak to you about . . . . something?"
The words trailed off as Gytha started heaving on a vine she had caught, struggling to keep it from retreating beneath the earth. "Enough, you will have a chance to play later. Listen to me now."
"Just a sec, I nearly got 'im! "
Vines shot up to sieze her now, flipping Gytha upside down with a loud yelp. She hung for a moment as a disapproving Florita looked on with a cocked eyebrow. "Err, listenin'."
"This is important. A book from The Citadel has appeared on Earth somewhere. I need you to find and retrieve it for me."
"A book? Musty, thick and boring, then?"
A soft chuckle came from Florita as she gently lowered Gytha a little. "I can't say what it looks like, only that you need to search for it. The others will almost certainly be looking for it. If nothing else, be sure that they do not get it Gytha. It can only be safe in my hands. You know the means by which you can return here."
"Aye-Aye Captain!"
Gytha called out, saluting as she still hung upside down. Florita simply raised an eyebrow again. Gythas world spun before depositing her back in her room, a concerned Fife watching over her. "Time to pack our bags, Fife. We've got an adventure to go on!"

A gentle breeze carried the cool, wet scents of the forest around her as she crept along its undergrowth. Careful not to disturb the spiky fronds of the plants around her, and even more careful not to errantly tread on a twig, she stalked towards her prey. There, hiding silently not a meter away her victim hid, peering away from her deeper into the woods, wary of the predator stalking it as it started sniffing the air unsure. Not wary enough!
She thought as she bounded up to it with a gleeful shout. The unusually large field mouse leapt up in fright, then began chattering and squeaking madly as Gytha started laughing like a madwoman, stifling a snort as she stumbled back. "Ye' should've seen yerself! Ye' almost flew!"
she squeezed out amid her laughter. The little creature scurried up to her left boot and hurriedly climbed up to her shoulders before settling down, clinging on tightly with another series of squeaks. "Oh ye', I'm sure ye would."
she giggled, giving the mouse a light scratch before setting off back towards the trails.

It had been so long since she'd had spare time for hiking in the woods with Fife, and though she wasn't particularly worried about losing him, there were always other predators lurking around that just might consider him a worthy meal. She set him down into the small worn out backpack she'd left by her bike, proffering a small chunk of carrot that Fife took eagerly. "Aye, guess I'd better get home soon. Mam's scunnered with me as it is, thinkin' I'm up-tae no good."
she mused, peering up at a slowly darkening sky. How long had she been wandering today? It didn't feel like all that long, but either way she'd make sure to get home before dark, there were too many spooky things in the woods at night. Gingerly hefting the pack and slinging it on as more munching sounded from within, Gytha hopped onto her bike and took off down the hill.


-


Gytha gently placed Jingle in his box-turned-bed as more shouting came from downstairs. "Dinnae make me say'et agen!"
Gytha rolled her eyes so hard her head followed along, "Yes mam."
she groaned back, tromping down the stairs to take out the trash. It's not like it was that big a deal, why couldn't she just have done it herself? Well, whatever. She'd have a bit of time to study tonight, and could spend some time reviewing her notes on botany, not that she'd be able to do either of those things as her mind would begin to wander rather quickly. Tromping back up the stairs she glided into her room playfully to find Fife sitting still on the windowsill, staring outward. Another chance.
She immediately lowered and began stalking the mouse, a sly smile breaking out across her face as she neared him. Though, just as she went to pounce, the mouse spun around suddenly and its eyes shone with a blinding green light.

As her vision cleared, Gytha saw she was once again in that grove from years ago, dappled sunlight peppering the flower speckled grass around her as she basked in the sudden warmth of this place. Not quite home but, nostalgic somehow. Laughter rang out around her, bright and silvery it seemed to flow to an unheard rhythm. "Gytha my dear welcome back. I see you and - Fife, was it? - are the best of friends now."
A mass of vines coalesced behind Gytha, quickly forming into a humanoid shape from which behind Florita stepped out. Gytha gasped, eyes wide; Not in shock, but awe. "How do you do that?! Oi! Get back 'ere you!"
she demanded, scurrying forward to snatch at the quickly retreating vines. "Gytha, I need to speak to you about . . . . something?"
The words trailed off as Gytha started heaving on a vine she had caught, struggling to keep it from retreating beneath the earth. "Enough, you will have a chance to play later. Listen to me now."
"Just a sec, I nearly got 'im! "
Vines shot up to sieze her now, flipping Gytha upside down with a loud yelp. She hung for a moment as a disapproving Florita looked on with a cocked eyebrow. "Err, listenin'."
"This is important. A book from The Citadel has appeared on Earth somewhere. I need you to find and retrieve it for me."
"A book? Musty, thick and boring, then?"
A soft chuckle came from Florita as she gently lowered Gytha a little. "I can't say what it looks like, only that you need to search for it. The others will almost certainly be looking for it. If nothing else, be sure that they do not get it Gytha. It can only be safe in my hands. You know the means by which you can return here."
"Aye-Aye Captain!"
Gytha called out, saluting as she still hung upside down. Florita simply raised an eyebrow again. Gythas world spun before depositing her back in her room, a concerned Fife watching over her. "Time to pack our bags, Fife. We've got an adventure to go on!"

A gentle breeze carried the cool, wet scents of the forest around her as she crept along its undergrowth. Careful not to disturb the spiky fronds of the plants around her, and even more careful not to errantly tread on a twig, she stalked towards her prey. There, hiding silently not a meter away her victim hid, peering away from her deeper into the woods, wary of the predator stalking it as it started sniffing the air unsure. Not wary enough!
She thought as she bounded up to it with a gleeful shout. The unusually large field mouse leapt up in fright, then began chattering and squeaking madly as Gytha started laughing like a madwoman, stifling a snort as she stumbled back. "Ye' should've seen yerself! Ye' almost flew!"
she squeezed out amid her laughter. The little creature scurried up to her left boot and hurriedly climbed up to her shoulders before settling down, clinging on tightly with another series of squeaks. "Oh ye', I'm sure ye would."
she giggled, giving the mouse a light scratch before setting off back towards the trails.

It had been so long since she'd had spare time for hiking in the woods with Fife, and though she wasn't particularly worried about losing him, there were always other predators lurking around that just might consider him a worthy meal. She set him down into the small worn out backpack she'd left by her bike, proffering a small chunk of carrot that Fife took eagerly. "Aye, guess I'd better get home soon. Mam's scunnered with me as it is, thinkin' I'm up-tae no good."
she mused, peering up at a slowly darkening sky. How long had she been wandering today? It didn't feel like all that long, but either way she'd make sure to get home before dark, there were too many spooky things in the woods at night. Gingerly hefting the pack and slinging it on as more munching sounded from within, Gytha hopped onto her bike and took off down the hill.


-


Gytha gently placed Jingle in his box-turned-bed as more shouting came from downstairs. "Dinnae make me say'et agen!"
Gytha rolled her eyes so hard her head followed along, "Yes mam."
she groaned back, tromping down the stairs to take out the trash. It's not like it was that big a deal, why couldn't she just have done it herself? Well, whatever. She'd have a bit of time to study tonight, and could spend some time reviewing her notes on botany, not that she'd be able to do either of those things as her mind would begin to wander rather quickly. Tromping back up the stairs she glided into her room playfully to find Fife sitting still on the windowsill, staring outward. Another chance.
She immediately lowered and began stalking the mouse, a sly smile breaking out across her face as she neared him. Though, just as she went to pounce, the mouse spun around suddenly and its eyes shone with a blinding green light.

As her vision cleared, Gytha saw she was once again in that grove from years ago, dappled sunlight peppering the flower speckled grass around her as she basked in the sudden warmth of this place. Not quite home but, nostalgic somehow. Laughter rang out around her, bright and silvery it seemed to flow to an unheard rhythm. "Gytha my dear welcome back. I see you and - Fife, was it? - are the best of friends now."
A mass of vines coalesced behind Gytha, quickly forming into a humanoid shape from which behind Florita stepped out. Gytha gasped, eyes wide; Not in shock, but awe. "How do you do that?! Oi! Get back 'ere you!"
she demanded, scurrying forward to snatch at the quickly retreating vines. "Gytha, I need to speak to you about . . . . something?"
The words trailed off as Gytha started heaving on a vine she had caught, struggling to keep it from retreating beneath the earth. "Enough, you will have a chance to play later. Listen to me now."
"Just a sec, I nearly got 'im! "
Vines shot up to sieze her now, flipping Gytha upside down with a loud yelp. She hung for a moment as a disapproving Florita looked on with a cocked eyebrow. "Err, listenin'."
"This is important. A book from The Citadel has appeared on Earth somewhere. I need you to find and retrieve it for me."
"A book? Musty, thick and boring, then?"
A soft chuckle came from Florita as she gently lowered Gytha a little. "I can't say what it looks like, only that you need to search for it. The others will almost certainly be looking for it. If nothing else, be sure that they do not get it Gytha. It can only be safe in my hands. You know the means by which you can return here."
"Aye-Aye Captain!"
Gytha called out, saluting as she still hung upside down. Florita simply raised an eyebrow again. Gythas world spun before depositing her back in her room, a concerned Fife watching over her. "Time to pack our bags, Fife. We've got an adventure to go on!"

A gentle breeze carried the cool, wet scents of the forest around her as she crept along its undergrowth. Careful not to disturb the spiky fronds of the plants around her, and even more careful not to errantly tread on a twig, she stalked towards her prey. There, hiding silently not a meter away her victim hid, peering away from her deeper into the woods, wary of the predator stalking it as it started sniffing the air unsure. Not wary enough!
She thought as she bounded up to it with a gleeful shout. The unusually large field mouse leapt up in fright, then began chattering and squeaking madly as Gytha started laughing like a madwoman, stifling a snort as she stumbled back. "Ye' should've seen yerself! Ye' almost flew!"
she squeezed out amid her laughter. The little creature scurried up to her left boot and hurriedly climbed up to her shoulders before settling down, clinging on tightly with another series of squeaks. "Oh ye', I'm sure ye would."
she giggled, giving the mouse a light scratch before setting off back towards the trails.

It had been so long since she'd had spare time for hiking in the woods with Fife, and though she wasn't particularly worried about losing him, there were always other predators lurking around that just might consider him a worthy meal. She set him down into the small worn out backpack she'd left by her bike, proffering a small chunk of carrot that Fife took eagerly. "Aye, guess I'd better get home soon. Mam's scunnered with me as it is, thinkin' I'm up-tae no good."
she mused, peering up at a slowly darkening sky. How long had she been wandering today? It didn't feel like all that long, but either way she'd make sure to get home before dark, there were too many spooky things in the woods at night. Gingerly hefting the pack and slinging it on as more munching sounded from within, Gytha hopped onto her bike and took off down the hill.


-


Gytha gently placed Jingle in his box-turned-bed as more shouting came from downstairs. "Dinnae make me say'et agen!"
Gytha rolled her eyes so hard her head followed along, "Yes mam."
she groaned back, tromping down the stairs to take out the trash. It's not like it was that big a deal, why couldn't she just have done it herself? Well, whatever. She'd have a bit of time to study tonight, and could spend some time reviewing her notes on botany, not that she'd be able to do either of those things as her mind would begin to wander rather quickly. Tromping back up the stairs she glided into her room playfully to find Fife sitting still on the windowsill, staring outward. Another chance.
She immediately lowered and began stalking the mouse, a sly smile breaking out across her face as she neared him. Though, just as she went to pounce, the mouse spun around suddenly and its eyes shone with a blinding green light.

As her vision cleared, Gytha saw she was once again in that grove from years ago, dappled sunlight peppering the flower speckled grass around her as she basked in the sudden warmth of this place. Not quite home but, nostalgic somehow. Laughter rang out around her, bright and silvery it seemed to flow to an unheard rhythm. "Gytha my dear welcome back. I see you and - Fife, was it? - are the best of friends now."
A mass of vines coalesced behind Gytha, quickly forming into a humanoid shape from which behind Florita stepped out. Gytha gasped, eyes wide; Not in shock, but awe. "How do you do that?! Oi! Get back 'ere you!"
she demanded, scurrying forward to snatch at the quickly retreating vines. "Gytha, I need to speak to you about . . . . something?"
The words trailed off as Gytha started heaving on a vine she had caught, struggling to keep it from retreating beneath the earth. "Enough, you will have a chance to play later. Listen to me now."
"Just a sec, I nearly got 'im! "
Vines shot up to sieze her now, flipping Gytha upside down with a loud yelp. She hung for a moment as a disapproving Florita looked on with a cocked eyebrow. "Err, listenin'."
"This is important. A book from The Citadel has appeared on Earth somewhere. I need you to find and retrieve it for me."
"A book? Musty, thick and boring, then?"
A soft chuckle came from Florita as she gently lowered Gytha a little. "I can't say what it looks like, only that you need to search for it. The others will almost certainly be looking for it. If nothing else, be sure that they do not get it Gytha. It can only be safe in my hands. You know the means by which you can return here."
"Aye-Aye Captain!"
Gytha called out, saluting as she still hung upside down. Florita simply raised an eyebrow again. Gythas world spun before depositing her back in her room, a concerned Fife watching over her. "Time to pack our bags, Fife. We've got an adventure to go on!"

A gentle breeze carried the cool, wet scents of the forest around her as she crept along its undergrowth. Careful not to disturb the spiky fronds of the plants around her, and even more careful not to errantly tread on a twig, she stalked towards her prey. There, hiding silently not a meter away her victim hid, peering away from her deeper into the woods, wary of the predator stalking it as it started sniffing the air unsure. Not wary enough!
She thought as she bounded up to it with a gleeful shout. The unusually large field mouse leapt up in fright, then began chattering and squeaking madly as Gytha started laughing like a madwoman, stifling a snort as she stumbled back. "Ye' should've seen yerself! Ye' almost flew!"
she squeezed out amid her laughter. The little creature scurried up to her left boot and hurriedly climbed up to her shoulders before settling down, clinging on tightly with another series of squeaks. "Oh ye', I'm sure ye would."
she giggled, giving the mouse a light scratch before setting off back towards the trails.

It had been so long since she'd had spare time for hiking in the woods with Fife, and though she wasn't particularly worried about losing him, there were always other predators lurking around that just might consider him a worthy meal. She set him down into the small worn out backpack she'd left by her bike, proffering a small chunk of carrot that Fife took eagerly. "Aye, guess I'd better get home soon. Mam's scunnered with me as it is, thinkin' I'm up-tae no good."
she mused, peering up at a slowly darkening sky. How long had she been wandering today? It didn't feel like all that long, but either way she'd make sure to get home before dark, there were too many spooky things in the woods at night. Gingerly hefting the pack and slinging it on as more munching sounded from within, Gytha hopped onto her bike and took off down the hill.


-


Gytha gently placed Jingle in his box-turned-bed as more shouting came from downstairs. "Dinnae make me say'et agen!"
Gytha rolled her eyes so hard her head followed along, "Yes mam."
she groaned back, tromping down the stairs to take out the trash. It's not like it was that big a deal, why couldn't she just have done it herself? Well, whatever. She'd have a bit of time to study tonight, and could spend some time reviewing her notes on botany, not that she'd be able to do either of those things as her mind would begin to wander rather quickly. Tromping back up the stairs she glided into her room playfully to find Fife sitting still on the windowsill, staring outward. Another chance.
She immediately lowered and began stalking the mouse, a sly smile breaking out across her face as she neared him. Though, just as she went to pounce, the mouse spun around suddenly and its eyes shone with a blinding green light.

As her vision cleared, Gytha saw she was once again in that grove from years ago, dappled sunlight peppering the flower speckled grass around her as she basked in the sudden warmth of this place. Not quite home but, nostalgic somehow. Laughter rang out around her, bright and silvery it seemed to flow to an unheard rhythm. "Gytha my dear welcome back. I see you and - Fife, was it? - are the best of friends now."
A mass of vines coalesced behind Gytha, quickly forming into a humanoid shape from which behind Florita stepped out. Gytha gasped, eyes wide; Not in shock, but awe. "How do you do that?! Oi! Get back 'ere you!"
she demanded, scurrying forward to snatch at the quickly retreating vines. "Gytha, I need to speak to you about . . . . something?"
The words trailed off as Gytha started heaving on a vine she had caught, struggling to keep it from retreating beneath the earth. "Enough, you will have a chance to play later. Listen to me now."
"Just a sec, I nearly got 'im! "
Vines shot up to sieze her now, flipping Gytha upside down with a loud yelp. She hung for a moment as a disapproving Florita looked on with a cocked eyebrow. "Err, listenin'."
"This is important. A book from The Citadel has appeared on Earth somewhere. I need you to find and retrieve it for me."
"A book? Musty, thick and boring, then?"
A soft chuckle came from Florita as she gently lowered Gytha a little. "I can't say what it looks like, only that you need to search for it. The others will almost certainly be looking for it. If nothing else, be sure that they do not get it Gytha. It can only be safe in my hands. You know the means by which you can return here."
"Aye-Aye Captain!"
Gytha called out, saluting as she still hung upside down. Florita simply raised an eyebrow again. Gythas world spun before depositing her back in her room, a concerned Fife watching over her. "Time to pack our bags, Fife. We've got an adventure to go on!"

The air seemed thick in this dark and desolate place. Where was he? What did this all mean? In the distance he could see a great shining shield; a banner of awesome stature. He ran towards it with all his strength, no time to waste thinking about it and just the pattering of his feet against the hard ground. No matter how fast he ran it seemed to keep moving away. His energy faltered, he couldn’t keep up his speed and yet he would hobble on... encumbered by exhaustion. “Wait! Don’t leave me behind like this! Please!”
he pleaded with the great protector that was now far out of his reach, fading into the darkness that seeped out of every corner he could see. “Stop! Don’t go! Not again! Don’t go!”


“Awaken my vessel! Remember where you are!”




His eyes shot open, taking in that familiar scene yet again. The sheen of metallic items cascading from all around him attempting to soothe his heart; the ringing of an anvil sounding off just ahead of him. “Calm yourself young one, I have not abandoned thee. Wipe those tears from thine eyes.”
Nier lifted a hand to his face and touched his cheek, his fingers moistened from his own folly. How did I get here? I couldn’t come here out of instinct... could I?
he wiped the tears away with a swift motion and quickly kneeled before Nammay. “I apologize for the intrusion, I don’t know what happened.”
Nammay paused for a moment, the ringing from the anvil ceasing altogether. He stood and turned to face Nier, casting a heavy shadow over him. “Vessel, I know thine heart well. I have seen and heard thine suffering, fear not to bear thy weaknesses before me. Now, I beseech thee, take this hammer.”


Nier looked up towards his lord with wide eyes. This was a new experience, something he could have never expected. Nammay himself seemed made almost entirely out of shimmering metal, a robe of pure flowing gold caressing his person. Before him lay an anvil and resting upon it a large hammer. Nammay could easily hold it in one hand, but he would have to use two just to get it to move. “Take it in thine hands with conviction. Thou are mine vessel after all, it should be rather easy.”
With those words he clasped the hilt of the hammer tightly with both hands and lifted it above his head with relative ease. It felt as if the entire world could change at a single swing, in a single moment. “Now, strike the anvil and show me thine heart”
, Nammay ordered. Nier swung the hammer down with all his strength; the collision chimed out with a loud ring, knocking him back onto the ground. He quickly lifted himself up to see Nammay holding what looked to be a silver orb. “I have had thee do this once before, although you were too young to remember. It came out the exact same way”
, he said as he struck the orb and a ring echoed out from it. “Hollow... doth thou still see thine self this way? Hmmm... begone from this place. Rest, my child. Don’t forget the task at hand. I have much to do.”


With that Nier awoke in a rather lucid state. He sat comfortably in a chair on what he knew to be a private plane he had procured for these ‘special’ trips. He let out a soft sigh and reached for his phone, quickly gazing through the internet for any information about newly discovered books when-“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me”
, he said as he spotted an article about a large glowing woman who appeared in the middle of the day, distorting the very time around her in Rome! “Echowix... what could she possibly be planning?”


He rushed to the cockpit of the plane and quickly got the pilots attention without sending them flying into a mountain. “Change of plans! We’ll be heading to Italy! Has it alway been so fucking loud up here?!”
“Roger that boss, and yes always! You know... you never told me why you were leaving Dubai! Was it business again?!” Nier gave a casual smirk and patted the man on the shoulder. “Oh you know, just felt like my soulmate was out here waiting for me.”
The pilot laughed and waved him off as Nier made his way back to the seat he had left behind, closing the door to the cockpit behind him. Now all he had to do was wait a little while longer and he’d be there. He was already on the way to Denmark, that being his first choice, but now he’d get to stop short! Maybe I’ll get to go home early after all.



•_•



It didn’t take long for him to reach Italy, as expected. Once there he made his way out of the airport and quickly rented the first motorcycle he could find, so now looking for a motel of any sort was his first order of business. Preferably he’d find one that was close to Rome where Echowix herself had appeared, but for now he’d have to focus on his surroundings. He cruised around steadily; observing everything within his vision around him as he traveled. There was no telling when another claimant would pop up and if he would have to fight them knowing the surrounding areas would be essential to his survival. The scenery was quite beautiful and there were many alleyways to slip into, so an escape would be pretty easy for anyone here. The only problem now is that there was basically only one motel he could find around Rome.

He groaned and pulled the motorcycle into a parking spot before getting off and claiming a room; at least that was easy enough, but now there was another matter at hand. His stomach had been begging him for food since he arrived and started surveying the city. Guess I’ll just have to find a place to eat.
he made his way on foot to the nearest restaurant with outdoor seating and requested a table, relaxing himself a bit once seated. A woman approached him and smiled before asking, “What may I get you sir?” Nier lifted his eyes to meet hers, a hand quickly grabbing hers. “For me? Well, if I’m lucky you could give me your hand in marriage. No meal could ever compare to the treat I’ve received by simply setting my gaze upon you.”
The woman was clearly unamused and Nier laughed at her reaction, flipping through the menu before staying. “I’ll just take some gelato please. Thank you.”


As he waited Nier looked through his phone for more information on the matter of the book. Apparently there still wasn’t too much to go off of, but at least now he had a location. Rather, now everyone had a location! What would drive Echowix to make such a display? I’m sure she doesn’t want any random people getting hold of the book, but this ancients have never been known for making the best decisions.
his thoughts paused when something new popped up whilst he searched. You’ve got be kidding me...
His eyes locked onto the articles explaining how some random nobodies found one of the swords that could very well destroy everything he currently stood for. Now I’ll have to deal with this? I swear, I’ll kill whoever is making me go through all this work.
“Here you are, sir.” the waitresses voice broke him out of his thoughts as she placed his order onto the table. “Is there anything I can get for you.”

Nier stood up quickly, a hand swiftly gliding around her waist and pulling her close to him; locking his eyes with hers once again. He put forth an exponential amount of charm that seemed to almost make him glow with radiance. “My dear, there is something you can give me... my heart has been aching for so long, as if the most important piece has been missing for an eternity. In your eyes I see the entire world waiting to be discovered, and I can show you that world; if you’re willing to take my hand, that is.”
the woman’s eyes lit up. Nier by no means was an unattractive man, and as he weaved his words with the skill of twisting copper wire it drew her in like electricity across the current. However she simply replied, “I apologize, sir, but I’m already happily married.” Nier laughed with great confidence, no care in the world for the spectacle he had just caused. “Well it was worth a try! Thank you for entertaining my advances ma’am, if only for a moment. I don’t need anything else. Thank you again”
, he replied before sitting himself back down and enjoying his treat.