Between the Veil and Crown

Kylin 14

The next day brought back as many answers as a dog had wings. Neither Harn nor Ivelios had returned, so any information they had was not made known to the three that had been stuck in the library.

Furthermore, the journals provided no more help. There was still plenty more to go through, but after an entire day searching their contents for anything that was of use, it became all the clearer that what they were dealing with was a unique situation.

Deciding to take a break from the dim light of the library, Kylin told the other two that he was going to head back out to the trees to see if anything more could be found. Favel took the opportunity to join him, and they left Marta behind with Mount Flora Journals to accompany her.

Though she was so into her work that Kylin wasn't entirely sure she noticed their departure.

Kylin took Candel with them, with the hope that perhaps a new scent dropped that would lead them somewhere. It might not lead them to what they were looking for, but it would lead them somewhere.

When they arrived, Kylin found themselves doing much of what they were doing before: Searching around for clues while Candel wandered around with his nose to the ground.

A little past midday, Kylin whistled the dog back and turned to Favel. "I think we should head over to the nymph clan and see if they noted anything unusual before it happened," he said. He couldn't help but have a note of defeat in his voice. Something in him told him going there would end up being a dead end, but he was not entirely sure what else to do. He wasn't keen on the idea of just saying nothing could be found, and that they would have to wait until something even more catastrophic happened.

Favel nodded his agreement. The two Rangers mounted their horses and headed in the direction of the nymph clan.

Walking into the presence of a nymph clan was almost always a joyous experience. The clans arranged themselves in a circle, allowing for a lot of ground meant for their celebrations and parties, as it was never a celebration without a large group dancing. When it wasn't used for that purpose, it was used as a social gathering place. Nymphs from other clans, Rangers, or Elves could be found within the mix, catching up with their friends of the forest. Even if the visitors were new, the nymphs greeted them as though they had not seen each other in a long time, smiling the whole time. Rarely was a gloomy atmosphere, as the nymphs preferred to keep things upbeat and lighthearted. Their lives were too long, they often said, for them to focus themselves on the more negative aspects of life. It would lead to a terrible life, they claimed.

This day was no different, despite the unusual occurrences happening in the forest. When Favel and Kylin entered, their names were called out cheerily by nymphs who recognized them. The ones who didn't would not be outdone and gave an equally enthusiastic greeting. Attention was quickly taken away when Candel was noticed. In mere seconds, the very delighted bloodhound was swarmed by nymphs, most of them on the younger side, all petting and cooing over him. After the Rangers dismounted, the horses were given similar treatment, receiving whatever treats the nymphs thought fitting for a horse.

Kylin and Favel left the animals to these nymphs, knowing it would pointless to get serious answers with such cute and endearing distractions nearby. They instead approached a couple of nymphs who had refrained from greeting the animals. One of them was leisurely lounging against a tree while the other stood, watching the crowd around Candel.

Kylin was not familiar with the one sitting, but he knew the one standing was a nymph by the name of Symmetria.

"Greetings!" Symmetria waved both hands at them, as though one hand was not efficient enough in showing her enthusiasm.