A/N: Heya! New chapter finally arrived and I am so sorry for this delay. I did not wish to make it a monthly release, but things have been difficult. Yeah, I hope to return to the weekly post soon but can't promise much. Thank you for sticking with me thus far.
On a other note, the story does have a feeling of bashing one character. I do not wish to bash and don't dislike anyone, but unfortunately things may look like it in the direction I want to go. There is much to explain and explanations are coming. So thanks for reading.
Kwolok rested as usual in his pool together with some people talking to him. When Mokk arrived, a few of Opher's tribe were discussing something with the Guardian of the Marsh. The topic was unclear to Mokk for being considerably distant and once approaching, Kwolok made sure to acknowledge Mokk's presence.
"Ah, welcome, Mokk!" Kwolok received him. "I was wondering when you'd show up. The festivity must be that good." He laughs and directs himself to the few Hui present. "My friends, if you excuse us."
The present Hui monkeys respectfully gave space to Mokk and would return later. They were similar to Opher, but not all particularly baboons, but they were all white-colored monkeys as a pattern and equally wielding long staffs for weapons. They are pretty much a safety force in the glades. It made Mokk reflect on why they were called. Nothing bad was happening here. The moki then delved into the curiosity that the Hui are silvery-white, while the Noy, a shadowy grey. But that wasn't the topic Mokk wanted to bring.
Standing before Kwolok had a certain difference with the recent conversations. Mokk glanced at the golden orb floating about above the great toad like always. Nothing looked out of the ordinary, which gave a bit of comfort to the moki.
"You achieved success on your journey, Mokk. I congratulate you on your efforts and welcome you home. It mustn't have been easy."
Mokk moved to answer, content to leave the uneasiness behind a little. "I am undeserving of that, Great One. I did little in comparison to Opher and Ori. As for our success, I can't say it went smoothly."
Kwolok paid attention with no intention of interrupting the moki.
"On our way to the Wellspring, Ori and I were attacked by the pesky and corrupted insects. Loads of Skeetos were quickly dealt with thanks to Ori, but something I have never seen came from below the earth as well. It was enormous. A horned bug, half beetle, and half centipede charged at us. Ori valiantly faced such a creature and then we learned it had built a network of tunnels below us and thousands of corrupted earthworms tried to eat us. It was difficult to chew all that."
"I see," Kwolok responded. "These creatures shouldn't stay free. Otherwise, it is fatidic that they dig under our homes and try to bury us all. I need to see one fit for the task."
"This is a serious threat indeed. But that is not all." Mokk continued. "We arrived at the Wellspring Mill, and it was as sinister as we expected. Opher appeared to lend us a hand and Ori was suited to deal with the problem there. However, that thing wasn't dully vanquished."
Kwolok seemed to know what Mokk was referring to. "The Foul Presence." Kwolok frowned at that name. Releasing a low, rumbling croak. "I am happy that you three made it back after making direct contact with it. Tell me, where has it run off to?"
"It climbed the river… It followed the waterway, probably towards the Luma Pools." Mokk replied truthfully but was unsure if he should have said that.
Mokk could see that he enraged Kwolok to an extent. He never had seen their guardian like that before.
"The waters that we receive all come from the Luma Pools. The Wellspring Mill was built to help all that water flow across Niwen. If that thing ran off there, it shall pollute the very fount of our resource. Since it no longer hides inside the mill, it can't evade me anymore."
"W-what do you mean, Kwolok?"
"I will move to the Luma Pools. I will personally vanquish it."
Mokk didn't like the sound of that. Just remembering how that creature was, he feared for the old toad's life. "Wait. You're too old to risk yourself. That thing is nefarious!"
"I may be old, little one. But I am the voice of the forest. I was bestowed by Her Grace's might. I promise to return to you and everyone here."
The conversation had evolved to something stressful. Mokk did not want to see Kwolok facing danger. What if something happens? He can't buy it! Kwolok should always be warned about such things, but Mokk didn't wish to propel the old toad to action.
"Then please stay here! We are happier with you here! We will miss you the moment you leave. Please stay with us." Mokk pleaded.
Kwolok giggled, flattered to see someone that worried. His authentic grandpa-like laughter felt like a bittersweet memory already. Mokk didn't understand what he was feeling, but his heart couldn't take the possibility.
"Rest easy. I understand your worry but remember that my soul zeals for a future for you all. I don't care if my body falters or is skewered, I want to give you all a fruitful future. Today and always."
"Wooooooo!" Opher barges in, giving Mokk a moment of reprieve that should take things in a better direction. "Kwolok! Nice seeing you!"
"Greetings, Opher. I see you're enjoying the well-earned recompense. How was the journey?"
"It was my utmost honor, Great One." Opher bowed. "I never thought I'd see a spirit with my own eyes. So I thank you for that!"
"I am glad that the opportunity helped you. Glad you're doing okay."
Opher greeted Mokk and the conversation became normal and pleasant like Mokk always remembered. Mokk brought himself to pay attention to the golden floating orb present and it hasn't changed in the slightest. He also didn't feel like there was someone there. It is just an insentient magical light.
The chit-chatter goes on for a little while until a crowd of youthful voices reaches them and a spirit arrives trying his hardest to remain out of their reach. Ori leaps on top of Kwolok's head and gets Mokk and Opher's jaws dropped by such audacity.
"Oh my! What do we have here?" The great toad wasn't bothered by the children or Ori's desperate attempt to escape them. Even Mokk and Opher would have a say in that, yet it wasn't necessary.
"I-I'm very sorry about this! It's just that I can't lose them!" The spirit explains himself.
"We want spirit!" The front-most child told Kwolok.
"You want what?' Mokk asked, crossing his arms and the fearless kids drooped their ears. They knew they would get grounded.
"We… we wanted to play…" The child said in fear of the scold, but was truthful, until that last second. "But spirit pulled our ears and called us crybabies!"
Ori lashed out at that accusation. "I did none of that!"
"Spirit naughty!" "Scold him too!" "Yeah!"
"Okay then, you get your band and wait outside. We will talk more later." Mokk told the children, which they groaned unsatisfied. They wanted the spirit but lacked just the right words to not scare him off. The young one makes a gesture of 'I got my eyes on you' to Ori and leaves with all the others.
Opher smiled at that fun interaction. "Damn. One time they're the sweetest fluffs and the other some of the scariest things to exist."
"Scary indeed!" Ori added.
"Yeah, they are a bit reckless when they want something — or someone. Hope you can forgive them." Mokk said. "I was kinda expecting it, but they went a bit too far in my opinion. Sorry about that."
Kwolok smiled at all that. Like a new day of their lives that he enjoyed together with his family. With Ori still on Kwolok's head, Mokk worried if the golden orb would change and react being so close to a spirit. That was no joke, they were too close to comfort. Up to a moment, the floating orb ends up bumping on the spirit.
Mokk gets duly scared and so did Ori, he had forgotten about its existence and accidentally interrupted its idle flying. Nothing seems to happen but the orb becomes still. Ori then pokes it back, pushing it away a little, and this time it shines a bit brightly. Mokk felt like pulling his own ears in such a sight.
"Little one, come down so I can see you." Kwolok requested the spirit, and while a bit embarrassed and reluctant to go to the forest level, he hopped down. Mokk was nervous thinking that the golden orb was some kind of a bomb. He sighs relieved Ori wasn't that close to it anymore.
"Spirit of Nibel, I thank you for your heartfelt effort to help us in these trying times. We scarcely could sustain everyone with water some days. I am aware of your recent arrival but I can't demonstrate enough gratitude for your lithe actions. Thank you. Niwen and this marsh are in your debt."
"Ah, no need to thank me. I am happy I could help, but I also had my reasons. Now the waterways are clean, and the safe passage to my sister is open."
Kwolok becomes more serious. The Silent Woods, the somber and lost landscape of Niwen. An entire zone was corrupted and swallowed in Decay. A place forbidden to all. The horrors that place begins from the treacherous terrain to the very stone graveward. This is difficult to Kwolok, to risk the life of a guardian spirit was unthinkable. Yet, the great toad would permit it, for a zeal of honor and respect. Ori had to search for a loved one. After a deep breath, Kwolok ought to speak.
"Little one, you have full freedom to go. I wished you'd stay and rest, but that will be up to you."
"I can't do that. I can't remain calm while my sister is lost. I appreciate your worry, but if I don't begin searching, I won't be at peace. I am parting immediately."
"Very well. Let me help you while I can. The Silent Woods is forbidden territory. The entire region has been defiled and is now uninhabitable. It is where Shriek resides, and the memory of their graves haunts."
"I – I understand. But I can't leave Ku there. I will do whatever is required."
"A word of advice: There are problematic beings you must avoid at all costs. The first rule you must abide by is the acceptance of silence. Silence is your best weapon to aid in your task. Any noise you make has a grave risk of attracting your certain death. And about those beings, I spoke earlier are creatures of both shadow and decay. Although one of them probably is reachable and not completely lost."
Ori paid attention while Mokk and Opher kept respectful silence. The moki was also uncomfortable to know someone would really make entry in the forbidden Silent Woods. Whereas Opher showed to be nervous as he rarely does. It is considered folly to attempt such an incursion. Yet he couldn't even argue, for Ori has a reason to get there and probably more tools of survival than anyone.
Kwolok continued. "The one I speak of you already have met. The wolf, known as Howler by our folk. Named as Andronius, lives separated from us."
Memories of the wolf crashed back to Ori quickly. He remembered the wolf wasn't exactly corrupted, it just… attacked for some reason. It had spoken simple words that last night: Are you one of them? And tried to make the spirit his meal. Ori didn't back away so far but showed to understand quite well who Kwolok talked about.
"It goes without saying, but Andronius is as dangerous as any of the creatures that may lurk in that graveyard. He is not exactly malicious but please, do not approach at any costs, for we can't count how he may fare with you. If he spots you, flee. For you can't hide from his nose."
Things were definitely a bit tense for Mokk and Opher, the two friends that sat a bit to the side. They couldn't fathom how the pressure could be much worse to Ori.
"Are you shaking, Mokk?" Opher asked about the moki's scared behavior.
"Me? No. Of course not! You are shaking. I am never scared of anything. Nuh-uh!"
Kwolok sensed the restlessness of those present, except for the spirit that surprisingly held its ground. "Another foe that you must take extreme caution with is Shriek. This name inflicts panic upon anyone around these parts and it's not to be taken lightly. Shriek was once a dark owl but was distorted by Decay influence since its solemn birth. And hence the reason silence is mandatory. She attacks and kills anything she sees or hears. She will dive on anyone that is fool enough to make any sort of sounds in her silent domain. She is as deadly as you can imagine. If drawing her attention is inevitable, hide and remain quiet until she leaves."
"Shriek… was a dark owl? Like Kuro?" Ori couldn't help but ask. And the golden orb shifts after the pronouncement of the owl that attacked Nibel.
"No, Shriek is nothing like the owls. Albeit being from the same species. She is deformed from birth due to Decay influence. All I ask is to keep yourself hidden from her at all costs while you search."
"Understood. I… will be careful."
"Lastly, there have been reports of a third, unknown creature being spotted to be agitating the woods' borders. As we know little about it, I beseech you to take even more caution on that horrid place. Remember that silence is your greatest weapon. Only trust what your eyes see. And I wish you luck, little one. I lament that I cannot help you more as you helped us. But I shall pray for your success. We all shall. Follow to the far east. Find my old hollow and proceed through the water. From there, you will feel the presence of death that hangs over the graveyard. You will know you've reached the forsaken wilds. Go, little one, find your friend… before she does."
Now Ori felt nervousness begin to arise within him. That was a bit too much. His mind would wander about the little owl.
"Kwolok, allow me to offer my help!" Opher stepped in. "I know about the dangers, but I can maybe–"
"Opher, you are forbidden to tread there." Kwolok quickly dismissed the baboon's offer. "Your intention is noble, but I shall not take this risk. You will remain here with your kin. Promise me."
"I… I promise you." Opher rightfully was denied. Kwolok lost too many that dared to venture to that place for multiple reasons. Be them to study the Decay or try to find a cure or find a lost family member, all sadly found their ends. As for the spirit, the reason was too familiar.
The conversation had reached its conclusion so Ori moved back to the glade's heart and held a brief moment of tranquility to prepare himself mentally. The people were still in revelry, despite the drink being water. So many people were having a blast. That happiness was enjoyable to watch. Ori was moved to have made such an impact. This was rewarding on its own. Even if not all would thank him directly.
"Oh, there you are!" A heavy voice sprang from behind, Grom presented himself. The muscular and four-armed gorlek appears content, holding a hammer and pickaxe like usual. "How are you doing, lad?"
"Hello, Grom. I am just using a moment to think." Ori answered him, trying to not demonstrate much worry to the jolly man.
"Listen, I hate to be the one to pester, but let me tell you: I made you a sturdy home with lots of comfort and space." He announces, taking Ori by surprise. "Care to join me? I promise It won't take long."
"What? A home… for me?"
"Come on, follow me for a moment!"
It definitely wouldn't hurt to see it, so Ori nodded and followed Grom to a humble space of the glades. At the foot of one of the few trees present, was a decent-sized hut similar to many of the other ones. Just that, that one was his. It even had his name carved in it. It was made with wood, rocks, minerals, and straw to give it a more warming appearance. Its insides were cozy and spacious and the round bed was very inviting. Also large for more than one. Everything was accounted for one's needs. There were water bottles, carpets, and pillows for a living room and a few chests for storage for the spirit's belongings. Cooking pots and bowls and cutlery, a small fireplace for a kitchen. The illumination was via yellow lanterns to bring the coziest mood. It had a lot of things. After Ori checked everything and took a short time to comprehend such a blessing, they went outside.
"Grom, I- I can't accept it."
"Oh? Why not?" Grom could already tell it to be a case of modesty.
"I don't have anything to repay you. The house is amazing, but I don't have a way of payment."
"You have not to worry, lad. Relax. This is my payment for your help to our marsh. It's all yours."
Ori was speechless, that was so nice of the gorlek. He had a home to stay in while in the glades. He grinned ear to ear, eyes sparkled, tail swishing about. Far too thankful to properly speak yet.
"But, man, there's more that could be added here, like some decoration. Tuley could later add some nice gardening touches." Grom said about the house. "I did it in a bit of a rush, but I guarantee you that this bad boy packs all the comfort you need and privacy from those nasty and noisy kids." He laughs a little. "Thank you for helping the waters to flow."
"It is perfect! Thank you. Thank you so much, Grom! This will serve me perfectly and to my sister once I bring her here. It's great to have a roof over one's head."
"Haha! Glad you liked it! Use it for as long as you like. Also, I didn't know you had a sister."
"I do, good sir. She's remarkably different from me, but I need to rescue her from the Silent Woods."
Grom now knew the gravity of the situation. "The Silent Woods? Oh... " He demonstrates worry, as expected.
"Yes, I am aware of that place. I wished Ku could fly out of there. But she is stuck on the ground. Despite being a bird." Ori takes Kuro's feather he had been keeping guarded with him. Looking at it pained at the possible stress the little owl could be living.
"She's a bird, huh? Something happened to her wing?"
"She was born incapable of growing feathers on one of her wings. This here can help her fly but in our last attempt, it detached from her and we separated."
Grom takes a look at the grand feather. "I can fix this. It's just to keep it firm on her, yes?"
Ori nodded with rising hope.
"Bah! I can make sure this won't ever fall off accidentally again. Go there, lad. Bring her here and I'll patch this one for you. Just please, be careful."
It had energized the spirit. Grom could fix the problem and Ku could fly again! "Thank you again, Grom! You don't know how much this means."
"My pleasure to help. Seil watch over you."
Grom was the first to demonstrate gratitude to the guardian spirit in their midst. A shame they were busy with the festivity and paid not much attention at the moment. Or were still working on their way to reward their hero.
Ori was prepared to leave and was curious since he heard the name of Kainar's wisp, Seil from the gorlek. Later he would ask about that, but Ku was the priority. A good home and solution were awaiting them. Ori could feel how Ku would be overjoyed to fly again. After finalizing the chat with Grom, Ori moved to his goal and stopped by the glade's open gates. He looks back a moment, a quantity of mokis looking back at him and waving, wishing the best of luck to the parting spirit. Mokk and Opher appeared just in time before Ori set off. They arrive discussing which had the best way to offer the spirit the better help.
The two friends helped Ori to stop overthinking and showered him with suggestions in their rivalry. The most requested was how Opher offered his trusty staff as Mokk his items to help the spirit. Ori politely denied for he was not used to using items or weapons that are not the armaments of spirits. With a quick goodbye, Ori began his journey
Ori was nervous but had to do it. This could be a difficult journey, and honestly, mortifying to do alone. But he had no time to overthink again. He had to do it. He had to search for Kuro's child. Lest she is lost forever.
He walked the paths of the Inkwater Marsh and past Kwolok's domain, following east and close to the waterways until was met with a barricade of unknown proportions. Another temple that Kwolok used to reside in. The temple had a monument of a frog shape still intact. Probably an old offering to Kwolok. However, it was ruined and wrecked by a great force. it stood in the way but gladly the river was not halted by it. This was supposed to be the time to swim. Ori dived into the water and followed downriver until getting through the temple's barricade and now officially in forbidden territory. The forest still had autumn hues around, but it wasn't related to the season. It was similar to how the travel to the Wellspring worked, the farthest from Kwolok, the stronger and evident corruption meant to be it appeared. The clearer is the change in the environment. Ori left the waters and quickly worked to dry himself, following the path and keeping high attention to his surroundings. His ears tilted, catching every trivial sound of nature, and gladly nothing to provoke the spirit to be on alert just yet.
The path kept having a shift of atmosphere. From a lively forest to a morbid one. The vegetation appeared worse at every step, no longer showing their yellowish look of autumn, but of the undeniable wither of rot. The scent changed accordingly. Things were a little ugly for his nose to cope with. Dead vegetation used to smell that bad? It still was abundant, but all withered and either in purplish or grey colors. Every tree looked hardened, yet fragile as a dried leaf, and the very earth below was simply dirt to miles around. Decay had taken all life from the aspects of nature it seemed. Save for the air that he breathed, which began to be disturbingly cold.
Soon enough, the vestiges of forest life were all left behind and a fog started to be draining all warmth from the spirit's body. Since when has this fog appeared? Ori asked himself but had no answer until being surrounded by it. This had a different feeling from what he could remember from the haze of the Misty Woods. This one felt literally cool to the touch and did not induce hallucinations for the bright side.
This reminded him he should be already in the Silent Woods. Night had arrived sooner than he expected. He gazed to the skies and only black and charged up clouds greeted him. The path was stonified under his hooved feet. His entire surroundings were undeniably covered in stone. And beyond that, the eerily stillness of the woods. Soundless by an iron law. That was the Silent Woods. A few steps in he was greeted by a grand sight of the landscape. A cliff that gave ample vision. The terrain was nefast as he remembered being told. Overlooking over the cliff he could not see much afar thanks to the fog but could witness enough. Horrible statues, ashen corpses were frozen in place and scattered almost everywhere. He gulped in dry, as the cold could drive him to shiver.
What is this place… Ku… are you really in here?
These thoughts arrived as a result of seeing such a place. It was worse than watching the flames that tried to overtake Nibel. This was a tragedy that couldn't be stopped. Whatever happened here, couldn't be reversed. That's what makes the woods so perverse. Those were dark owls he could see. Encased in stone. And even smaller creatures.
I should always be quiet. The best chance I have to search for Ku would be tracking her. With luck, perhaps she left obvious plumage behind… Clear signs that I can follow. It wasn't quite easy to track someone back in my training. I have to check… I just have to pay attention to clues.
Silently as instructed, Ori sneaks through the place. Half expecting to have been discovered and half safe of his agile movement. He was a spirit, he glowed through the dark woods. Amid all that darkness, the fog, and the ashes, he, as a spirit, could easily attract attention.
He knew that, but there was nothing he could do. Definitely, Ori threw away options of covering himself in anything that stains his appearance. If anything, he needs to look exactly the way he is for Ku. Lest she doesn't recognize him and makes things more difficult. Or in the worst cases, corruption could find the spirit if he tried to take camouflage.
Eventually, Ori goes through several somber visions of those statues. Hundreds of avian couples, the dark owls were shielding their roosts or grieving for their lives before the tragedy happened. Their faces hold no anger, just despair. And some features were missing.
The air was lamentably cold. The gusts striking his skin could rival those of the stormy night of his arrival. "So cold…" He shivers in place but presses on, as silently as he could. Almost fruitlessly searching for the lost owlet.
"Child of light. You've arrived."
There was a sudden stop to his blood flow that made his body colder to that scare. Ori gazed around him, stopping all movement, and becoming rigid in consequence of the circumstance. He calmed himself and grasped the spirit edge without Sein's flames. Ori stood ready. Watching the shadows shift around. This was it, wasn't it? Already cornered and forced to fight. Hopefully, this wasn't one of the three dangerous foes Kwolok spoke of. It should not be too difficult to deal with. All he had was to deal with it as quickly and as quietly as possible. Shriek must not be roused to activity.
"Who is there!?" He asks valiantly but whispering.
The voice was raspy and old. Its carrier should be close. "You have arrived at last." It repeats as a little cloud of dark energy flies by Ori and reforms to take a shape. The little cloud becomes a living being, the first Ori had seen in the Silent Woods. A hunchback monkey supporting himself on a walking stick and wearing a stone mask. Their appearance was somewhat obnoxious to look at. Yet with a body like that, he shouldn't feel that much of a threat.
"Hello, child of light. My lord caught your scent and I came to show you the way."
Ori points the blade to the individual. He had only arrived, and the possibility of this creature raising an alarm was high. Anything he'd find would probably be suicidal monsters that would alert Shriek, just for the madness Decay brings, wouldn't it? Ori never treated anybody like that before, but within the circumstances, Ori had to toughen up. He wouldn't give any chances whatsoever to risks. Raising his sword and mid-pose to dash, the creature spoke again.
"Be calm. I am not your enemy." Kii calmly said, presenting himself as proof. "I am not taken by corruption."
Ori took a step back. He couldn't trust or understand what Kii wanted. The ability of speech was not a good reassurance of immunity over Decay. Not after what happened at the Wellspring Mill. That fallen spirit…
In retrospect, Ori stood careful watch of the old monkey and never opened up. Kii meanwhile, took every detail of a spirit guardian as true. "A being of light. Glowing in white. It is warming to gaze at you if you permit me to say. Too much time in darkness makes me miss the light."
Ori wasn't much open for a conversation. "Who are you? What do you want?"
"I am Kii, an acolyte of shadows. I come to guide you where you yearn. This place is not for the inexperienced. Allow me to help."
"I don't need your help. Leave or I'll cut you down."
Kii was not shaken. He could easily tell Ori was not quite good at appearing scary. "Blame your luminous and kind nature, child. You cannot strike fear into others."
Ori flinched another step back. What he heard was… true. Uncomfortably true. How did he know that?
"I believe I can trust you to be different. After all, young Ku has spoken quite a lot about you, good spirit."
Ori is immediately struck by what he heard. Intent to attack rushed back to the spirit, like a spontaneous movement. "Where is she? What have you done to her!?"
"Shhh… Remember where you are. The owlet is well and secure. I can help you locate her, but unfortunately, I cannot conceal you from sight. You shine brightly and disturb this place. But I can try to shroud you from Shriek."
That was it. This person could be the key. Yet… how much of it was true? How could Ori trust that creature to take him to Ku? On one hand, that would be the necessary aid to quickly cut the chase and on the other, this is all a trap. But one Ori had to look deep into.
"I am listening." Ori dismissed his blade. Opening up a window for conversation.
"Do not worry. I do not lie. For you do not deserve it."
"What do you mean, I don't deserve it."
"You have gotten close to the people of Niwen in this short time, have you not? You foster an owlet of species lost; a being hated by the wisp. I cannot say I am not impressed."
"Why does it matter to you? I don't see anything irregular in my family."
"It matters. The way you express it… family. It changes everything. What I say may sound confusing to you now, but I shall clear your doubts. Come with me. There's a long path ahead." Kii said as he wrote a symbol on the air with a finger. "Shadow Word: Shroud." The symbol becomes a quick dart of shadow energy that goes directly to Ori and then envelops around him and vanishes.
Ori looks at himself, searching for some kind of damage or difference but finds none. "What did you do?' He asked Kii.
"Shadows merge with your light, making you harder to be detected. I honestly didn't know if that would work, but I am glad it did. Although only partially effective, it should make your life a little easier. Should you engage in combat, it will dissipate."
"Uh… Alright. Thanks. Kii, how much do you know about this place?"
"I know much. And am willing to answer your questions. But elsewhere. It is folly to remain in the open woods. Join me."
Kii began walking and Ori moved along, keeping a safe distance from him as some reluctance would tell the spirit to not fully believe the monkey-creature. The sight doesn't change as they walk at a steady pace. Evading dangerous abysses and holes. Ori always slowed down when passing by the statues, or correctly speaking, petrified corpses. A feeling of pity and uncertainty of what happened sank in.
"All this is Decay's doing?" Ori finally asked.
"Yes," Kii replied, "The absence of our light allowed Decay to manifest, and slowly it ravaged this place along with others. This is the result of years since we lost Seir."
…Seir. This forest's wisp. I should've learned something with Kwolok before rushing to this place. Well, Ku is a greater priority. I can always ask later, once we're back.
"And what exactly are they?" Ori asked regarding the many petrified bodies. He implored deep inside that it was just… normal, but ugly statues. Just that, and not what he expected when he heard the word graveyard to describe it.
"Your eyes don't deceive you. These are victims that protected their families until the end. From the cold inevitable."
And that of course was sad to hear. Kii also stood watching another figure of an owl with wings wide open and shielding their roost. "They chose their fates; chose to defy the odds. The result is tragic, yes. But don't weep for them. For they chose to fight till the end."
More questions were erupting inside the spirit's mind but probably was not the right moment to rain them upon Kii. Besides, it should be best to be quiet.
Until the silence was broken. The sound of a loud hiss surge nearby and Ori and Kii give due attention to where it came.
"This is not good." Kii said as the loud hissing brazenly disturbed the silence. "A lost leaper has seen us as prey."
"What? A leaper?" Ori remembered encountering many of them before. Corrupted reptiles, lost to madness and hunger. It hisses much more loudly as it approaches through the woods. "Will it…"
"It will. She is already coming. We must spread and hide. Stay as far as possible from that leaper."
The time to talk was long gone as Kii vanished in the shadows. Without many options, Ori does not stay to see what is coming and begins running. He quickly learns to go through the trees and evade much of the terrain. He jumps branch from branch and the pursuing creature is soon left behind. The silence returns as Ori doesn't hear the leaper anymore, but the tense atmosphere skyrockets soon after. An immense shadow swooped from the skies and slammed with force nearby. The very land trembled with shock and deafening silence followed. Ori breathed softly, his chest rising and falling in a quick rhythm. Part of him urges him to get out of there but the other told him to investigate what landed nearby. Ori descends from the tree he was and peeks over to see if could get a glance of Shriek. He sees nothing and the silence is kept. Amid that darkness, other sounds reached his ears. Snaps and thuds. Wood and stone breaking under a colossal weight. Then small tremors revealed its proximity and heavier and heavier they became. Ori stays quiet and in place, hiding behind the tree and suffering from intense fright as it approaches.
Then the loudest snap of wood he heard just above him. The tree he hid behind is felled with a trashing impact. Ori almost jumped, he thought he was discovered, but it turned out that Shriek threw the previous leaper against the tree by chance. Ori could still hide behind the remaining stump, but the leaper laid dead just ahead of him terrorized him. The heavy stomps came from behind, getting ever closer. Ori doubted again if he hadn't been found. But took his chances and stood quiet and still. If he moved now, he wasn't sure that Kii's shroud would cover him.
The stomps come in sight. A stony and thick stilt slams far too close. Then comes the second and the deformed owl appears. An owl with a layer of stone covering her body. The stilts were not her legs but the actual folded wings. Severely deformed wing bones that she used to walk with. The stilts were so large that she hung between them, supporting herself while the talons dangled at her every step. She has two curved horns on her forehead and eyes of white flame. Ori watched terrified. How did a creature such as this come to be? He remembered the case of her problematic birth. That meant she was born in the Silent Woods and did not have the same fate as the other owls. How does she live day after day? Questions about her lifestyle momentarily flood his mind while he tries to understand. But her reason for life should be much simpler. Survival. She must be fighting just to survive, he believed.
Shriek walks over the guardian spirit and stump he hid behind, unnoticing his presence as she moves to catch the leaper again and trudges away. Ori's chest was tight, it felt like his heart could burst out at any moment. Thankfully Shriek had left and should be distracted with the snack she just got.
"Are you well, spirit?" Kii appeared, whispering.
"I'm… still alive." He replied in soft and quick breathing.
"We must not remain here. Let us move. Before she decides to come back."
Ori didn't think twice about dashing away, but better do it slowly to have no risks of making unwanted noises. He resumes the walk with Kii.
"Kii, what was that? Was that really the one called Shriek?" Ori came to ask with a low and scared voice.
"Yes, it was her. The terror of the Silent Woods. You did well in not moving there. Shriek can sense movement better than properly see. I can explain better at my lord's lair. Now come, and prepare yourself."
…
Kwolok rested in his pool in the Wellspring Glades. Night had arrived and visitors would remain at the warmth and coziness of their homes. Kwolok had the company of Seir, who wasn't content with how the toad measured their needs.
"Kwolok. how could you allow the spirit to depart?"
Kwolok took a moment and shook his head. Both in defiance and disappointment. "Have you not heard? He has an important mission. He has a family to rescue."
Seir takes a long moment. "Do you actually believe spirits can have such a thing? You should have ordered him to seek Mora and Baur. The eyes and strength of the forest for our home."
"Seir, I will respect his space and wishes. If he decides to help us, he shall. If he wants something else, so be it. Besides, he did a great job on the Mill already."
Lightning crackled around Seir, demonstrating anger. "He has no such liberty! As a guardian spirit, he follows orders! Now he runs a great risk that YOU foolishly allowed him to! The mill was a literal waste of time and resources. If I am restored this problem will naturally be solved."
"MY people come in first place, Your Grace. The spirit HAS the liberty to choose to help us. And nothing you say will change this. You await and behave properly and who knows your renewal comes sooner."
"You dare to disobey me Kwolok. I gave you power. I made you what you are."
"You blessed me, but who made me who I am was the people's necessity. We barely had water for them. You know that and offend me for thinking about our land."
"No. if you thought about Niwen, you would hurry up and force the spirit to restore me. Since you display such rebelliousness, I will do it myself, and won't aid you in the Luma Pools." Seir finishes and flies away.
"...So be it." Kwolok felt terrible. He was the last line of defense against the Decay. He donated his time and own life-force to nourish the marsh and combat the evil that assaulted Niwen. Willingly becoming rooted in place for years, creating roots and connecting to the earth itself. Kwolok sacrificed his freedom to give the innocent peace from the outside problems. Problems that Seir brought alone. He atoned for mistakes not his, but the love he received from those he protected made it worth it. He wouldn't force Ori to do anything. This was Niwen's problem and not of a newcomer. And now, abandoned by the light, with his heart wounded, Kwolok shifted in his pool.
"My friends. I'll be going soon." He said into the night. Where nobody heard.