The air was thick and heavy, hanging low with a damp cling to surfaces of the forest. A breeze was present but it took its time and seemingly blew at a leisurely pace, barely stirring foliage or registering as an occurrance. Regardless of the miniscule breeze, it did nought for the humidity. Singing insects broke what could have been overwhelming silence, their little chrips without harmony, but indicating just how hot it was with the octave and speed.
Vhanriel was perched on the ledge of a once proud temple, it's white columns and parthanons long-since reclaimed by the nature of Feralas and dulled to cold greys coated in verdant moss and climbing vines seeking to be closer to what little sunlight filtered through the thick canopy of leaves hundreds of feet above. As if sinking, shallow pools of stagnant, murky water splashed up against the fractured stonework.
" If you stare at it long enough, it may burst into flames from imposed embarassment for not gifting you it's knowledge immediately, Vhanriel. " a strongly masculine voice stated, the words laced with humour. Talranis was leaning on the side of the high ledge, peering up at Vhanriel, seeking to pry her gaze away from the enormous tome she was flipping through.
" Perhaps that was my goal? " She snapped back, but immediately regretting her choice of tone. Tired, she'd been trying to discover the meaning behind the lingering souls which were occasionally seen on one's peripheral vision, or disappearing into a shadow in fear of being spotted.
The lingering souls were ghosts in a forever limbo of being dead, but trapped in the world of the living with no escape- their bodies misty and translucent, as well as bent and warped into hideous silhouettes of distorted features to suggest a once humanoid form. Harmless during the day as they darted for hiding, but deadly in the night with their rage of unrest.
With a mutter, Talranis replied, " Asoular should envy your skill at becoming absorbed into literature. Books employ your attention until the final page is read. " Tapping the lip of her book with a smug expression to emphasize his point when she barely looked up. Talranis sighed, shrugging before turning to walk back in the direction of their make-shift research tent over the hill.
" Don't stay much longer, my love. The hour grows late and the forest is a different world in the night- moreso in this place. I can feel the restlessness in the air. I'll see you back at the Tower. "
As if Vhanriel had not heard him at all, hours passed quickly and evening turned to night before realization set in on her.
Sliding the silk marker in the spine of pages, Vhanriel closed the book and gazed around the different world; moths should have been swarming her lantern when she lit it, but they seemed uncomfortable nearing the ruins, even with the lull of light.
The marble columns and sinking foundations appeared meanacing and dark, bathed in shadows making them barely visable silhouettes even to the light of her eyes and lantern.
A subtle splash. Then a gurgle, followed by a terribly distorted chuckle in the dark startled Vhanriel into alertness. Turning quickly on her heels, she was knocked over with her haste by hitting a jagged outcropping on the ruined ledge, falling into the water with a shout.
To be continued...