ACT 1: Apistefuan Sirenix

Echoes of the Groves

CHARACTERS IN THIS ONESHOT (EPISODE 2, 'Whispers in the Depths' PART 1):
Nereus Colton, Human Warlock (Haunted One)
Avangard-Miraille, Disembodied Fighter (Soldier)
Tiān Fēng, Human Ranger (Outlander)
Parvum Nebulonis, Half-Elf Rogue (Outlander)

CHAPTER: THALASSES DE MER
(1777 words)

(Note: This event takes place during part 1 of episode 2. It is not a direct continuation of episode 5.)


The wagon moves slowly, the wooden wheels creaking on the uneven path that cuts through Panemorfin Grove. The canopy above is thick, filtering the sunlight into soft rays that dance on the travelers. Sounds of the horses' hooves and the rhythmic sway of the wagon fills the air as they roll down on the dirt. Air may smell fresh here, but it carries a lingering chill along it's current, making the group draw their cloaks a little tighter around themselves.

Parvum, ever the restless one, shifts in his seat, his legs bouncing as he peers out at the forest. Beside him, Fēng leans back against the side of the wagon, eyes half-closed as he takes in the sounds of nature. Miraille's disembodied voice occasionally interrupts the peaceful silence; while Nereus sits quietly at the front, gazing forward, His expression seems unreadable.

Parvum was the first to break the silence with a wide grin plastered across his plump cheeks.

PARVUM: "This place is incredible.." Parvum says in awe. "I've never seen trees this tall before! Do you guys think there's dragons in these? Or maybe a super-secret elf city? I've read SOO much about places like this, y'know!" He began gesturing animatedly towards the trees, excitement bubbling over. "Groves like these are supposed to be ancient.. full of mystery!"

MIRAILLE: "Centuries old perhaps, ancient would be an exaggeration. Although for you, it may be twice your lifespan." Miraille steps in bluntly. "Elves prefer not to poke their noses where they do not belong. If this truly was a treasure trove, we'd find goblins and dwarves instead. Still, keep your guard up, little one."

PARVUM: "Well, you never know! I've heard stories about ancient ruins hidden in cool forests like these, left by people who used to live here centuries ago. As long as it's possible, right!"

Fēng smiles slightly at Parvum's optimism, his eyes still closed.

FĒNG: "You've got quite the imagination, Parvum. If there were elves or dragons, I think we'd know by now, especially with Avangard here with us. Plus, it's already been a few hours."

PARVUM: "Yeahh, but.. what if they're hiding! What if we're walking right past them and we don't even know it?"

MIRAILLE: "If they're hiding, and simply chose not to attack us, then they're not a problem. Focus on what's in front of us, not the fantasy in your head." Miraille responds.

Parvum is seen to be pouting slightly, but his cheerful spirit still remains.

PARVUM: "You know.. Miss Avangard, have you ever thought of the chance that just because you can't see something, doesn't mean it's not  there." Parvum crosses his arms playfully. "I mean, just look at you  for example! You're a voice with.. basically near to no body left! What's more mysterious than that?"

MIRAILLE: "It has always been a part of me to see what the eye cannot." Her eyes flit to the subtly shaking bush a few meters away before returning. "And for what remains of me, tiny thing, is everything you perceive as mysterious and mystical." Miraille pauses for a moment, almost as if she's measuring her next words. "And remember, the real dangers are never the ones you expect."

PARVUM: "See? That's EXACTLY what I'm talking about! Hidden dangers, hidden treasures! I mean, something has to be out there.." Parvum grins and dashes around the wagon despite Miraille's warning.

FĒNG: "You'll never stop dreaming, will you, Parvum?" Fēng says as he chuckled quietly, finally opening his eyes to give Parvum a glance. "Although, if there's actually anything dangerous lurking here, I'd rather we find it before it finds us."

Parvum's eyes went wide, leaning closer to Fēng.

PARVUM: "..Dangerous? Like.. monsters?"

Fēng nods.

FĒNG: "Could be. Places like this have a way of drawing out creatures that don't take kindly to travelers, but I know we'll be fine."

PARVUM: "Right, right.. I'll just stay close to you then!" Parvum says with a nervous laugh. "You know your way around these places anyway.."

NEREUS: "The wilds may seem peaceful, but there's always something watching. Waiting." Nereus speaks quietly without turning to face the group. The sudden presence of his voice felt as if he came from the shadows.

PARVUM: "You really think so, Nereus?" Parvum turns to him, his excitement still undeterred. "Do you feel something here? You always have that serious look.. like you can see the scary secrets from the rest of us.."

MIRAILLE: "A warlock carries the ugliest secrets, little one." Miraille comments.

Briefly, Nereus's eyes met Parvum before he looks away. It might've been because he wished to hide and shield himself from the others, but for that brief moment, Parvum notices a dark glint in his eyes. It looked sorrowful, vengeful, even.

NEREUS: "It's not all that I try  to see. Places like this carry memories, and those don't always rest easily."

MIRAILLE: "One of the only advices from Nereus  you shall use, tiny thing. The land remembers war, conflict, and death. No need for trouble when it finds us well enough." Miraille cuts in, her voice firm as ever.

PARVUM: "But an adventure without wonder is SOOO boring.." Parvum exclaims with a sheepish smile.

NEREUS: "Wonder.. can lead you into darkness." Nereus's voice was low, almost a murmur as he gazes ahead.

The group falls quiet for a moment. Parvum shifts uncomfortably, sensing the weight in Nereus's words but not entirely sure on how to respond. After a pause, Parvum begins to speak once more with his voice being softer, but still curious nonetheless.

PARVUM: "Darkness, huh? You mean like.. the things we don't get?"

NEREUS: "More like things we think we understand. Until we don't" Nereus states as his gaze became distant, his tone measured.

FĒNG: "He's got a point, bud. Sometimes, the greatest dangers are the ones that feel.. familiar. It's easy to get lost in your own mind, after all."

Parvum frowns as he tries to grasp the deeper meaning of his friends' words.

PARVUM: "So.. you're saying that it's not the dragons or hidden things we should worry about, but ourselves..?"

MIRAILLE: "To be wary, not worry. Let the fear warn you, but never to deter you."

FĒNG: "Y'know what? You two are going to scare Parvum before we even reach the village." Fēng jumps in with a scoff as he notices how pale Parvum had gone from their words.

PARVUM: "You guys are making this trip sound a LOT darker than I thought it'd be.." Parvum scratches the back of his head, looking between them all. "But that's why we've got each other, right? To look out for whatever's out there. And in here!" He taps his chest lightly.

Fēng shifts his body to face him.

FĒNG: "Don't worry, buddy. We'll keep our eyes open. Not every shadow hides a threat." Fēng manages to sneak a wink at the half-elf.

Parvum relaxes against him once more, smiling.

PARVUM: "Yeah.. I guess you're right! Plus, I feel pretty safe having all of you around me as well. Fēng with his airbending, Avangard with her scary sword, and Nereus with his spooky warlock powers! I'd say we make a prettyyy strong team! :D"

MIRAILLE: "My sword shall have its practice, it seems." Miraille muses, almost cocky from being more experienced. "But we're only a team because we have a mission. Not because of what you call 'spooky' powers."

Still, Parvum continues to infect our travelers with sickening positivity.

PARVUM: "Yeah, but still! You're all soo serious.." Parvum says before sharing glances at the others. "You have to admit, it's kinda cool. I mean, you're disembodied, Avangard! How does that even work??"

MIRAILLE: "An honourable soldier I was. Then, fate took its turn. Now, I'm the voice of experience. Do focus your eyes on the road, little thing. We have a long way to go—at least, for your kind."

Parvum mocks Miraille's words whilst pouting.

PARVUM: "You sound like my old mentor! All work, no fun.."

FĒNG: "We all approach things differently, I suppose. Parvum's curiosity keeps things interesting, at least! But Avangard's right in a way, little bud. We need to stay focused."

NEREUS: "Focus. That's one way to survive." Nereus murmurs, almost as if it was to himself.

Parvum tits his head curiously at the warlock, trying to draw him out.

PARVUM: "Hey, now that I think about it.. we haven't heard much from you since we've met! You don't really talk much so COME ONN! What's your  story?" Parvum asks expectedly.

NEREUS: "My story isn't one you'd enjoy, It's filled with things that are best left in the dark."

PARVUM: "But that's what makes it FUNN!! At least tell us what you carry!"

NEREUS: "More than I should. Less than I deserve."

PARVUM: "SEE?? That's SOO COOL!! We're all different, you see! But come on, Nereus. There has to be something that makes you.. you?"

After a long pause, Nereus answers with his voice low.

NEREUS: "That's the thing. I'm still figuring that bit out.."

FĒNG: "We all are in a way." Says Fēng softly as he sensed the shift in tones. "No need to rush it. We'll learn more about each other as we travel."

PARVUM: "You know, you don't have to carry it alone." Parvum adds. "I mean, we're all here, right? Maybe we can  help.. even if it's just a little.."

Nereus looks at Parvum, surprised by the sincerity in his words. He looks into his eyes, as if scanning for any sign of trickery.

NEREUS: "..Maybe." Nereus doesn't say any more than that, yet something in his gaze softens. Just for a moment, though.

FĒNG: "Parvum's right. We're in this together, for better or worse." Fēng smiles warmly, nodding towards Parvum.

MIRAILLE: "Better be ready for  the worse. All of you shall benefit from it." Miraille interrupts the group with her blunt comment. "May we learn of one another to strengthen our forces, and learn to hold ourselves when the time comes. Stories can wait until after the fight."

PARVUM: "Y'know, I can hold my own, Avangard! Maybe I'll even surprise you one day!"

MIRAILLE: "I'll believe it when I see it."

FĒNG: "Don't worry, Parvum." Fēng laughs lightly, his tone gentle. "We'll get there soon. For now, enjoy the quiet while it lasts and focus on reaching the village. Whatever's ahead, we'll face it when it comes. No need to rush into worry."

Parvum nods energetically, his smile softening as he looks out at the trees.

PARVUM: "Yeah.. it's kinda peaceful, ain't it? Actually, it's kinda nice that we're all just here. Together. I'm sure this'll be an adventure worthy to remember!"

NEREUS: "It already is."

The group shares a brief, quiet laugh. An unexpected moment of lightness in the midst of their heavy conversation. As the trees begin to thin, and the outline of the village appears on the horizon, they sit together in a comfortable silence. Knowing that whatever comes next, they won't face it alone.