Chapter Two

"She hasn't been … herself … lately," said Orko to The Sorceress of Grayskull. He was standing before The Sorceress in Grayskull's cavernous Throne Room, The Sorceress herself sitting high atop her massive stone throne.

"How so?" The Sorceress inquired.

"She's been running herself ragged ever since she awoke from her coma … always on the go. Either she's on patrol or she's working late into the night. We never see her anymore."

"That's a change, to be sure … but hardly one I'd consider life-threatening."

"She hasn't been eating … hasn't hardly eaten in five days," said Orko. "Some raisins here, a piece of fruit there … that's IT."

"I see," said The Sorceress. Her expression turned grave. "That IS serious," she said.

"Man-At-Arms can't get through to her. Queen Marlena can't get through to her. Not only that, she ordered her to take a leave of absence … you know, to get some help."

"Is there no one at the Palace who can help her?"

"She won't talk to anyone there. She's afraid that if she sees a counselor, she'll be kicked out of the Guard," said Orko. "She told me it happens all the time."

"I see," said The Sorceress, cradling her chin with her thumb and index finger in thought.

"I suggested that she come see you, but she won't do it," said Orko. "She said she didn't want to bother you … said she didn't want you to see her like she is now."

That's Teela for you, The Sorceress thought. Ever the proud soldier. "This would seem to necessitate … an intervention," she said finally. "I'll see what I can do."

"Oh, thank you!" Orko interjected. "I really appreciate this."

"I can't promise anything. You know how she is," The Sorceress warned. "When she makes up her mind to do something, there's no stopping her."

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Two days later, Orko found Teela in her quarters, packing a knapsack.

"Where are you going?" Orko asked.

"Going to Lal," Teela replied.

"What's Lal?" Orko inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Not what … WHERE," Teela replied. "It's an old ruin … it's in the forest just north of here. Me and Adam used to play there when we were kids." Teela paused. "Funny … I haven't thought about the place in years."

The Sorceress's words suddenly echoed in Orko's mind: This would seem to necessitate … an intervention. "What's it like?" he asked.

"Beautiful place … quiet," Teela replied. "Kind of secluded … kind of off-the-beaten-path. Hardly anyone knows about it except me and Adam."

You, Adam … and The Sorceress of Grayskull? Orko thought. "Can I come?" Orko asked.

"This is something I need to do alone," Teela replied. She closed the knapsack and threw it over her shoulder.

"I see," said Orko. "Hope you have fun."

"I'm sure I will," said Teela as she turned and walked out the door. "I'll see you later."

"See you," said Orko. Hope you'll be OK, he thought.