Tails of Alpherion

Tails of Alpherion: #004 Reunited At Last

FOUR

In the world of Faunia, there exists a fair amount of forces who persist in causing chaos and discord in Alpherion and Liora. Their intention is to disrupt their world's current age of peace and reestablish the laws and traditions of their ancestors. Even though most of society is far removed from the practices of magic and arcane idolism, there are a few societies that still hold on to their ancestral beliefs. Some of which have evolved into coalitions that relentlessly antagonize the population. One such group, called the Umbrian Covenant, consists of several family lineages, known as the Pillars of Evora Isles. Their belief is that Faunia rightfully belongs to those with the power to subject nature to their will. Also, that Arcane Arts, now referred to as Dark Arts, is the key asset for obtaining sovereignty and true enlightenment. However, most faunians know better to think that nature can be controlled without consequences.

Samantha and most denizens on the west coast grew up in a society where topics on the Umbrian Covenant were rarely discussed. Some who lived in Summerville didn't believe their influence was far reaching. Unfortunately, their ignorance would soon prove otherwise. When Samantha regains consciousness, she scratches her eyes and looks around to see that she is no longer outside in the streets. Instead, she is lying on the couch of her hotel room, and she locates Najera on the recliner across the room.

"How in the name of Saint Harmon...did I end up here?" Sam slowly sits up. As she does so, she feels a sting in her knee and flinches. She lightly presses against it with her finger, testing to see how bad it was injured. Thankfully it is just a bruise, nothing she cannot ignore. "This is our hotel room...but how did we...get back here?" she thinks to herself.

Samantha carefully stands up to look around before making her way to Najera. Everything seems intact, and she doesn't feel any different from before. Her ankles are a little sore as well, but she can vaguely remember getting tripped up by something while trying to flee. She then limps over to Najera to make sure she is okay. She reaches for Najera's snout, checking to see if Najera is breathing. Samantha releases a sigh of relief and notices the curtains blocking the sliding doors to the balcony. There is a small breeze blowing through them and her heart palpitates. Someone or something was out there. She can smell the scent lingering in the air, and she stands there like a statue as her mind races with possibilities.

"Oh God, someone is out there, I just know it! I hope it isn't that panther from before..." Samantha thinks.

Bolstering up the courage to exit onto the balcony, Samantha first clenches the coffee carafe off the counter into her hands. She tip-toes towards the curtains a bit more, trying to strain her ears to listen for anything other than the sound of distant waves. Samantha slowly reaches out for the curtains, her hand trembling with fear. She pulls the curtains back to peek outside, not knowing what to expect, but ready to swing at the slightest sign of danger. The first thing she notices is the creeping sunlight over the rooftops of the buildings across the street. She then timidly peeks around the corner, and spots a male wolf faunian on the balcony, leaning against the rail while looking at the street beyond the balcony. It doesn't take her long to realize that it isn't the same faunian that attacked her, but she still exercises caution and keeps her distance.

"What is he doing on our balcony? Should I...should I hit him now while his guard is down?" Samantha debates with herself.

The stranger's tail begins to wag and his ear twists toward her direction. Before Sam can react and run away, the stranger speaks out to her in a docile manner.

"I'm glad to see that you're finally awake. I was worried that you'd sleep all the way 'til noon." He turns towards her and smiles warmly, allowing her to get a good look at him.