The Key of Astrea

Ruins

Jenny opened her eyes. She was no longer in her room. The ceiling was criss crossed with roughly hewn beams, and the walls were made of stacked logs. Is this a cabin? Jenny thought. A bit on the nose for a company named Cabin. There were no rooms, no toilet, not even a sink. One end of the ladder rested on the cabin's wooden floor, but the other end terminated inside another fully assembled VRGo puzzle that was attached, upside down, to the ceiling of the cabin. Is this how they invite all their visitors? Jenny thought. Seems a bit convoluted.

Outside, a brisk wind rattled the single door. I wonder if someone is going to meet me here or if I should have a look around. The smell of mildew permeated the room, and something else. Wet dog?

Aloud, she said, "I'm here, now what?"

Jenny climbed down and bent over to retrieve her duffel bag. As she did, her black hat fell off and passed through Sally's ethereal form. It landed near a pile of glowing rags. Glowing rags? The pile stirred, and a furry white ear peeked out. The pile rolled over, and Jenny saw that the ear was attached to a creature with a round Pomeranian face and enormous eyes. The glow was coming from the fur that covered his entire body.

"Oh!" Jenny jumped back.

"Heather leaving," the strange creature said as he stood up.

"What?" Jenny cocked her head. "Did you just say something?" No, that's silly. Dogs don't talk...and they don't walk on their hind legs.

"Yes, Heather leaving." He backed toward the door.

Is it a talking dog, or a human with a furry condition? She noticed that a chunk of one of his large fox-like ears was missing. "No, stop, please."

He stopped.

"Your name is Heather?"

"Yes." His long ears bobbed as he nodded. "Heather Bibtwit."

Jenny shook her head. "I'm sorry. I've never met anything like you before. What are you?"

"Heather is Alfur."

"What is an Alfur?"

"Alfur is Heather."

"Clear as mud," Jenny mumbled. "Well, Heather, it's nice to meet you. My name is Jenny Tripper."

"A pleasure." The little creature clapped his hands to his sides and gave a small bow of greeting. At his full height, he reached Jenny's belly button.

"Heather leaving." Heather turned and walked toward the door.

"Wait, where are you going?"

"Home," the little glowing man continued.

Maybe this is some sort of test from Cabin. "Wait, don't go." Jenny rushed forward and grabbed Heather's small, wiry arm. As she did so, her mother's amulet swung loose from her shirt.

Heather stood transfixed by the brass amulet. His long fox-like ears lay flat against his back. "Jenny have food?" He looked up at Jenny expectantly.

"Oh yeah. Sure." Jenny blinked at the abrupt change of subject, but she was willing to play along if this was part of her Cabin initiation. She opened her bag and presented the package of raspberry Lamingtons.

Heather grabbed for them.

Jenny jerked the box out of his reach. "First, I need you to answer some questions."

"Yes, yes." Heather licked his lips.

"Can you take me to Lin?"

"Yes, yes. Jenny lucky Heather here. Forest dangerous place. Give Heather food. Heather take Jenny to Lin."