In the Endless Forest:
"The gridits are especially loud tonight," Naia mentioned as her and Kylan looked for a place to camp for the night. The suns were setting fast and soon it would be too dark to take the right path to Ha'rar.
"Gridits actually don't croak any loader than normal, we are just in a quieter place that makes them seem louder," Kylan followed Naia.
"Are you always so full of such obscure knowledge?"
"Typically," he smiled to himself.
"Those Spriton girls are so lucky," Naia muttered sarcastically.
Kylan pretended he didn't hear the comment as the pair paused in a moss filled area of shallow rock.
"This should be good," Naia dropped her bag. "We should look for dry wood to start a fire before dark."
Kylan copied Naia and placed his bag on the ground, even with the area being so damp, they should be able to start a fire with the right materials. Kylan glanced over to Naia who was unpacking her supplies and thought back to when they had been traveling together on the search for Rian. They had a good relationship, they worked well together and seemed to balance one another. Naia was strong willed and severely determined with whatever she was working towards and Kylan was slightly more level headed with the ability to look at the bigger picture. Naia had originally wanted to march into the castle and demand the release of her brother from the Skeksis, it had been Kylan's idea to find Rian as a bargaining chip for her brother. Kylan admired Naia's strong head and bold personality, he knew she was in preparation for becoming the Maudra of the Drenchen clan after her mother. He couldn't imagine the stress it would take to train and work for the title of protecting your people and your land for your entire life.
Naia had been drawn to Kylan's company ever since she had met him. Most people saw a quiet well reserved Spriton song teller, but to her he was full of adventure. His reserved demeanor was a façade to Naia as she knew him for his witty remarks and cynical sarcasm. Even though he wasn't a fighter, he was fearless and Kylan had that mysterious quality about him, he had the ability to hide parts of himself. Naia had always appreciated Kylan's friendship and how loyal of a companion he was in the past with helping her with her brother.
"This should be enough," Kylan dropped the wood.
"Are you planning on making your famous broth?"
"I didn't realize you liked it so much," Kylan beamed at the compliment and Naia's heart fluttered.
"O-Of course I did, it was delicious."
"I'll see if there are any mushrooms nearby, that's the key ingredient," Kylan excitedly started to scavenge for components of his broth.
Naia hid her smile and shook her head slightly, Kylan might be so smart but he was also a big goofball that made Naia laugh. During their time searching for Rian, she had felt nothing more than friendship but something had shifted during their long travels. She knew the first moment she had new feelings towards him, it had been when they were leaving the Crystal Desert, before they had parted ways to try and persuade their clans to join the movement against the Skeksis. Gurjin had already fallen asleep and Naia had been drifting towards slumber herself when she heard the sweet melody of a firca, float into the air. She had turned and watched Kylan sitting by the fire and playing until she fell asleep, it had been so beautiful and he looked so blissful in the firelight. The next morning she had woke up and barely been able to look him in the eye, it had been something so simple but yet it had such a big effect in her.
Naia started the fire and Kylan began to make his broth, they both enjoyed the comfortable silence between one another. Naia was nearly finished with her meal when Kylan spoke.
"The Skeksis will try and destroy us," he said with a hollow voice.
Naia turned to him, he was staring blankly into his empty bowl with a distant look clouding his eyes. It was unusual of Kylan to think so negatively and to make such a blunt statement out of nowhere.
"Kylan, are you alright?"
"I'm just thinking," he shook his head slightly, his dark black bangs now casting a shadow onto his face.
"You believe the Skeksis will destroy us?," she asked him.
Kylan thought for a moment about his answer, the sound of the gridits croaked in the distance and the fire crackled gently beside them. The air was otherwise still and Naia felt concern when Kylan didn't answer right away.
"No, they will not destroy us," Kylan turned to Naia. "But they will try, but we can't let them."
"We won't," Naia quickly sided with Kylan. "We will heal the crystal and end their power over us."
Kylan's eyes lingered on Naia, her voice was so reassuring and her eyes shown like the most beautiful gems when she talked about zealous topics. He could watch her all night while the fire danced on her skin giving it the most glorious sage green hue.
"I'm glad to have you on my side," he smiled.
Naia's heart lurched at Kylan's radiant smile, his high cheekbones and narrow eyes made him look so mystical, but his smile could replace the three suns.
"I'm happy to be by your side," Naia heard the words escape her mouth before she could stop them. A deep rosy blush flooded her cheeks as she heard them escape her lips. She was desperately racking her brain for something else to day, to break the tension she had created but Kylan spoke before she could.
"You are amazing," he didn't falter in his intense gaze. "I am truly lucky to know you."
Naia felt star struck at the compliment and felt obligated to return it to him.
"Those Spriton girls are so lucky," she smiled, this time she had said the words sincerely.
"And those Drenchen boys must be chasing after you every day."
Naia scoffed," Drenchen's only see me as the next Maudra."
Kylan reached over and took Naia's hand in his," You are so much more than that, Naia."
Kylan had acted on impulse, hearing that no one saw her for who she truly was, he felt obligated to comfort her. Naia squeezed his hand in hers and took her chance, summoning all of her courage for a single moment. She leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on Kylan's lips. It was tender and short, she pulled away slowly wanting to gage his reaction to her spontaneous gesture.
Kylan was stunned by the kiss, never did he ever expect Naia to kiss him. He never believed she would see him in the same light as he saw her, but perhaps it has a friendlier meaning in Drenchen culture.
"You're beautiful," Kylan whispered to her, locking his eyes with hers.
Naia was pushed over the edge and leaned back into Kylan, kissing him again. She couldn't stop herself now that she had started and Kylan was not going to fight what he also craved. They started slowly, kissing softly until Naia plunged further by removing her clothes. Kylan swallowed the nervousness he felt, wondering if this all was a dreamfast with another, it didn't feel like it could be really happening to him. Naia's sultry eyes captivated him, he was a pawn to her every whim and wanted nothing more than her in her entirety.
The two Gelfling stayed awake late into the night, nothing more than the moon and the fire to see themselves. The warmth of their two bodes intertwined felt surreal and unimaginable, neither of them had experienced anything like it before.
Near the edge of the Crystal Desert:
Rek'yr was squatting over the sand, picking up by the fistful and letting it run through his fingers.
"We are close, little friend," he looked back to Hup.
Hup and Rek'yr had been forced to travel by foot through the desert, it was by no means an easy feat. If Rek'yr had not been a Sandmaster, the two would surely have been lost to wander the desert aimlessly. The Podling may have been small but he had worked hard to keep up with Rek'yr's relentless pace to get to the edge of the desert. How Rek'yr longed for Bennu, the trip would have taken a fraction of the time.
Rek'yr lead the way further, Hup wanted to request they stop but he didn't want to slow them down. He wanted to find Deet and help her find the sword they needed. He was sad to have to give her the news of Archer's death. Skekgra had tried to comfort Hup on the loss, he had assured Hup that the Archer did what he needed to do. Hup tried not to dwell on the loss of the Mystic and instead focused on finding Deet.
Hup and Ry'ker had talked along their adventure, Rek'yr was very curious about the Skeksis and mystic hiding in the Circle of the Suns. Hup gave Rek'yr a very boiled down version of his travels with Deet- how he was taken as a prisoner at Stone-in-the-wood, how they snuck into Ha'rar, and how the Skeksis had killed the All-Maudra. Rek'yr was enthralled by every detail of Hup's journey. He had his own suspicious about the Skeksis and there had been rumors of them doing devious deeds, but to learn they were killing Gelfling for their essence was astonishing.
"We should be well into the Endless Forest before nightfall," Rek'yr looked down at the Podling.
"How far to Grott?," Hup asked.
"I have only ever left the desert once before," Rek'yr admitted. " The Grotton caves lay just beyond the Black River, if my memory serves," Rek'yr looked ahead the small hills in the distance that signaled the end of the desert and just beyond them lay the Endless Forest.
"Hup knows way to Grott, not the desert."
Rek'yr chuckled," Well it looks like we make a good pair."
The made it fairly quickly to the hills and weaved through as the great sun began to disappear. As they entered the Endless Forest, Hup took charge of navigation, guiding them towards the Black River.
"So Hup, how did you find yourself traveling with Gelfling? How did you meet Deet?," Rek'yr topic had yet to be discussed between the duo and Rek'yr was curious if Podling and Grottons had a special friendship.
"Met Deet was accident then take Deet to Ha'rar. Hup go to Ha'rar to be paladin."
"A paladin, you say? You wish to protect the All-Maura?"
Hup nodded vigorously," Paladin is dream."
"I wish you well on your quest, little friend. I hope the new All-Maudra can see your dedication to the cause," Rek'yr paused, he could hear the rustle of underbrush nearby. Before he had a chance to investigate the noise, a small Podling popped out from the nearby bushes.
"Oh la bombbomb," It cheered at the sight of the travelers.
Hup jumped forward," La bomba!," he cried out before embracing the tiny Podling.
The two began speaking to one another and Rek'yr had no clue what they were saying. The couple seemed happy to see each other, like they were acquainted, which would make sense.
"Rek'yr this Soji," he introduced the Podling. Rek'yr struggled to see if this Podling was male or female, it wore a small green hat on it's head and dirty clothes.
"Hello, little friend," Rek'yr smiled to Soji who seemed to cower behind the protection of Hup.
"Dejii tavayapaaya," Soji pulled on Hup's arm. "Come!," the high voice squeaked leading Rek'yr to believe it was a female.
"Hup home," Hup told him. "Come Rek'yr!," he beckoned Rek'yr to follow them.
Rek'yr had never seen a Podling village before. It was like the entire village lived in one big communal - or at least everyone seemed to gather to see Hup's return. The main section f the small Podling village was carved into the trunk and roots of a large tree, inside were makeshift tables and chairs. Rek'yr had to crouch once inside but he stayed by Hup's side as the villagers cheered and laughed, all speaking rapidly and loudly.
"Hup paladin?," Soji asked.
"No," he admitted with a low face. "Hup with Gelfing to defeat Shkekshe!"
The whole village gasped at his words, quiet murmurs began to lift from the crowd.
"Gelfling and Shkekshe fight!," Soji told him.
Hup had not heard this news, neither had Rek'yr.
"We've been in the desert," Rek'yr told them. "Do you mean to tell us that Skeksis and Gelfling have gone to war?"
"Oiya pompa al leiya. Shkekshe uio " an older looking Podling told Hup.
Hup turned to Rek'yr, "Big fight at Stonewood clan," he translated as the elder Podling told the story. " Skeksis die!"
Rek'yr was startled by the sudden development, Gelfling and Skeksis had fought and Skeksis had died? Much had happened since he had parted ways with Brea and her friends. Smaller Podlings began to act out the scene of the fight, mimicking sword play with wooden spoons.
"What of the Gelfling? Was anyone hurt?"
The entire room of Podlings shook their heads in unison.
"How did this happen? Is it because the Hunter kidnapped the Princess Brea?"
Rek'yr had known from the moment that Hup told him of Skekmal taking Brea that her life was in danger. Brea had been prisoner in the castle for at least a week now and he hated to think of the chances of her still being alive.
"Hup we must hurry. Perhaps your friends are still in the Grotton caves."
"Iasesa socap gimami," Soji whispered to Hup.
"Caves of Grott empty," he told Rek'yr.
"Grotton in Stonewood," Soji glanced to Rek'yr.
"Then that is where we must go," Rek'yr looked to Hup. "We need answers on what is happening."
Hup nodded," If Grott empty, Deet will be there."
"How much farther until the Stonewood clan?"
"Juiye essaba," Soji pulled on Hup's jacket.
"Very close. Be there soon," Hup replied to Rek'yr's question.
"Then we must leave now," Rek'yr thanked the Podlings for their help and Hup parted with his clan.
"Hup, I can reach Stonewood alone if you would prefer to stay here," Rek'yr offered, seeing how hard it was for him to part with his friend Soji.
"No," Hup shook his head. "Find Deet. Defeat Shkekshe!"
With those words the Podlings started clapping and cheering, all happy to think of world without the Skeksis tyrants reigning over them. Rek'yr gave Hup a curt nod of respect, not everyone has the courage to finish a mission once it's started. The Podling deserved his role as a paladin, he would serve the All-Maudra well. Rek'yr tried not to brood over the subject of what had happened between the Skeksis and the Gelfling. How was it possible for a Skeksis to die? Rek'yr himself was a well revered Sandmaster with a deep understanding of death and life and even he had never heard of such an occurence. The partners made quick work of the Endless Forest and just after the final sun had set and darkness had set in, they arrived on the outer edge of the Stonewood Clan. This where Rek'yr and Hup met a small cluster of Sifans, maybe 15 or so sitting arund and chatting with one another.
"Hello," Rek'yr called to greet the Sifans as he and Hup emerged from the brush. "I am looking for Rian or Deet... or Brea," he added her name just in case.
"Rian should be at the hall by now," one of them pointed towards the village.
"Many thanks " Rek'yr nodded to them before venturing further into the village to discover it was quite crowded with many clans of Gelfling. Rek'yr saw Sifans, Drenchens, Vaprans, and smiled when he finally saw a Dousan.
"Iyera," he called to a woman he had known many years ago.
The Gelfling turned and smiled when she saw Rek'yr wave to to her.
"Rek'yr, I should have known a fighter such as yourself would have made the journey and you come fashionably late as always."
"I have a separate purpose to be here. I am looking for Rian or Deet, they would be a Stonewood member or a Grotton."
Iyera smirked at Rek'yr," We all know of the Grotton, Deet."
"Where Deet," Hup asked impatiently.
Iyera looked down at the bold Podling, seemingly annoyed by him before turning back to Rek'yr. "Has the entire Xeric come?"
"I wish to talk pleasantries later, Iyera. At the moment, I am looking for someone."
"Yet you have found me," Iyera winked.
"Perhaps you could help. I was told of a battle?"
"Yes, four days past, the Skeksis came here and lost."
"What happened?"
Iyera twirled her long braid around her finger," Why don't we go talk about this somewhere quieter."
"Rian!," Hup bolted away from the group towards the Gelfling he saw.
"I must go," Rek'yr excused himself before following Hup.
"Find me later," Iyera called after him.
"Hup?," Rian saw the small Podling running towards him.
"Rian!," Hup jumped up and hugged the Gelfling as if he hadn't seen him in years, it had felt like such a long time but in reality it had been perhaps a week.
"How did you get here?," Rian asked.
"I might have helped with that," Rek'yr smiled towards the Stonewood Gelfling.
"Rek'yr? I had wondered if you would hear the call and come."
"No, I heard no call. I do come to help," he smiled.
"Where Deet?!," Hup took no time with interrupting the pleasantries.
"We have traveled from the Circle of Suns to assure both Deet's safety and that of Princess Brea."
"Brea?," Rian has forgotten she was considered a princess.
"Last I heard she had been taken by Skekmal?"
"Brea was rescued from the Crystal Palace," Rian assured him. "She left to return to Ha'rar just the other day."
Rek'yr felt a heavy weight leave his shoulders, knowing that Brea was safe and no longer under the Skeksis control gave him great comfort.
"Where Deet?!," Hup asked, tapping his small foot impatiently.
Rian swallowed his uncertainty, but answered truthfully," She isn't here, Hup and I don't know where she went."
Hup face scrunched up tightly, "Why Deet go? Go where?"
"She left after the battle and hasn't returned. Her whole family is here and the Grotton caves are empty of Gelfling, I've no word from anyone about where she might have gone."
"It seems unlike Deet to just leave without a word to anyone," Rek'yr said, even having known Deet for a short time, she had seemed kind and sincere.
Hup's shoulder's slumped as he processed the news that after his long trip to help Deet, she was missing.
"Let me tell you of what happened," Rian prepared himself to relive the second battle of Stone-in-the-Wood.
Past the Spriton Plains:
It was agony for gentle Deet as she continued to march south, she had no memory of stopping for sleep or stopping to eat. All she knew was she needed to follow the Dying sun, it was her last coherent thought. She had no idea where she was, she had left the woods long ago and then walked through fields and now it was just dirt. All she could see was flat dirt with a few random shrubs. She had no recollection of where she was or why there was deep seeded need to keep going.
One chance... One chance...
It replayed in her mind over and over again. Her hands were now solidly purple up to her elbows, it was excruciating, like a fire was spreading. It was eating away at her just as it was eating away at Thra and she was running out of time and options.
One chance... One Chance...
Deet's body was not her own anymore, it was a tool for the Crystal and a victim of the Darkening. She didn't know what was pushing her to keep going but she had an odd sense that the journey was almost over. She stumbled over some loose rocks and fell, slowly she was able to get back up, her body was weak and she felt heavy.
One Chance... One Chance...
Deet continued further than she ever knew was possible until her feet were too heavy to lift. She again fell but this time she tripped and fell down a rocky slope. She hit her head and her arms were useless to help her try and find a grip to stop herself, so she continued to tumble until she hit the ground with a hard thump. The world was spinning so she didn't move, she didn't dare open her eyes but it didn't help as she became sick and emptied what little she had in her stomach. Some time passed before Deet lifted her weary head and saw the large gray boulders that now surrounded her. She lay her cheek onto the dirt, turned away from her vomit and stared blankly at the gray stone in front of her. Deet reached out a hand to feel the smooth surface, a notion she had no control of, her body did it by itself. Even with the loss of feeling in her hands, she knew the stone was cold, but there was also something else. Not that she had the mental capacity to explain it but her mind was very drawn to this rock.
This is the once chance...
Deet flattened her palm against the giant boulder and felt a rush up her arm.
Now Deet!, her mind screamed as if awaken after hibernation.
"AHHHH!," Deet screamed in distress and her mind and body awoke together and she was forced to feel the true pain of the Darkening. It was a violent and savage pain that ripped through her causing her entire body to shake uncontrollably.
Deet minds stopped showing her the world around her and she saw the Sancturary Tree, it was in full bloom and very much alive. She felt a rush of happiness to see what she now considered to be a kind friend.
"Little Deet," its familiar voice greeted her.
"Sanctuary Tree," she ran up to the twisted roots and hugged tightly. "How can this be?"
"I may be gone, but a part of me now lives in you. Deet, now is the time to be strong, there is much that is coming."
"No," Deet shook her head remembering what had happened when the Sanctuary Tree had passed its powers onto her, the terrible things she had seen and wished to forget.
"You are strong," the tree reminded her.
"No, I can't," she tried to argue.
"You must tell all Gelfling of what you have seen."
"I don't even really know what I saw," Deet admitted.
The Sanctuary Tree shook it's branches, the beautiful pink blossoms began to rain down on where Deet stood.
"All things must change, embrace this change."
"How do I tell the Gelfling what I saw?"
"You must expel the Darkening from your mind and body, think of your vision, the answer will come."
"How do I expel the Darkening? You said energy can only be transferred."
"Yes," the tree acknowledged it's own past words. "You must transfer it back to the source."
The Sanctuary Tree began to wither and gray just as it had done before.
"Wait! No!," Deet cried out for it to stop but there was nothing she could do. "What's the source," Deet asked frantically but the image of the majestic tree was now gone.
Deet opened her eyes, she was laying in the dirt and the there was only a glimmer of sunshine left in the sky. She had control of her arms and body, the Sanctuary Tree must have gifted her with this brief moment. Deet stood and staggered before she felt confident in her minor strength. A faint purple glow caught her eyes, it was the imprint of her hand on the boulder beside her, it had been carved into the rock.
With her transient lucidness, Deet knew it wouldn't be long before the Darkening inside her closed the gap and blocked her again from the conscious world.
Once chance... echoed in her head like a warning.
I must expel the darkening back to the source. The answer is in my vision? The fleeting images of what she had seen had been locked away, she felt wild as searched for them in her memories.
The purple glow of her handprint was getting brighter, like a beacon calling out in her time of need. Deet kneeled before the rock and placed her hand on the glimmering mold and closed her eyes. She saw flashes of her memories and felt the blurriness in her mind fading. She pushed harder, focusing on what the Sanctuary Tree had said, letting herself think of her previous vision. Deet felt a red-hot power inside her start to burn and she opened her eyes to see the purple that tainted her skin was beginning to travel down her arm and escape through her hand.
The violet light was blinding and danced through the rock, creating lines and drawings on the surface. It was mesmerizing to watch and Deet felt like herself again, the Darkening was leaving her body and somehow she was transferring it away. It was only a moment later that the glowing dimmed until it was gone completely, Deet withdrew her hand and took a slow deep breath.
What just happened, she wondered before looking up at the giant stone. She had somehow used the power of the Darkening to etch words and pictures into the rock, it was unfortunate the Deet could not interpret what it said, she never learned to read. Deet took to examine each section individually to see if there was any clues as to what this could all mean. Then she saw it, at the bottom of the art were clear depictions of the Skeksis, there was nothing else it could have been and across from the Skeksis she saw the etchings of the Mystics and some species she had never seen.
"The crystal," Deet gasped at the accurate stamp of the crystal of truth, which was surrounded by the mysterious species. "What is this?," she pondered out loud taking in the entire picture as one.