Apollo pushed open the rusty grate that was blocking the sewer entrance, and let everyone in. Emilia entered first without any hesitation, apparently familiar with this location, followed by Emilia and her wolf. Apollo entered last, closing the grate behind him.

Ambiance:

Kayné: "Great, the sewers again."

It took a few seconds to Kayné to adapt to the new lighting. Because, curiously, there was lighting.

A few scattered stones provided an appeasing, shimmering blue light around the sewer, revealing a small camp, ready for use.

The lights:

The Anansis had likely set up this camp, considering how they knew where to find it.

Apollo: "Home sweet home." -Apollo said, as he proceeded to take off his gauntlets and lay down in one of the two hand-crafted sleeping bags.

Emilia: "Please, make yourselves at home! We have spare furs for you and your wolf." -Emilia invited them.

This camp was neat and clean. Two fur sleeping bags lay around an extinguished fire. Above it, a cooking pot gave off a faint smell of vegetable soup. Against the wall, the siblings' bags were lined up, some more unpacked than others.

The sewers themselves bore a very similar architecture to the sewers in Dormnuill, which Kayné had ample opportunity to visit. Then again, are there many ways to build effective sewers? Only an expert would know. A notable difference was that the sewers were completely dried up, and nothing, except for the empty canals, could have indicated these tunnels' prior sanitary use.
The sewers seemed like any unused tunnel, with only a noticeable cold and smell of mold to differentiate these tunnels from any other.
In terms of sewers, these had probably not seen active service in a long time, and were all the more pleasant for it.

And considering how the Anansi siblings seemed at peace despite dozens of undead trying to stab them to death outside, this place was probably safe.

A perfect time to throw in an unexpected comment and throw her companions off-guard! Turning towards Emilia, Kayné said, with the brightest of smiles:

Kayné: "You are so pretty!"

Emilia: "Eh?"

Emilia's face suddently turned red. Apparently not expecting the comment, she nonetheless recovered quickly and responded with a confused "Thanks! You're pretty too!"

Apollo, who was apparently trying to light the fire again, gave a skeptical look at the two women's interraction.

Apollo's reaction

...But that discussion interaction did not last.

???: "Apollo? Emilia? Have you found our clansman?"

As Kayné and Emilia were about to sit down themselves, a voice emanated from Apollo's backpack. Apparently unfazed by what normal people would consider particularly alarming, Apollo calmly took off the backpack and let whatever was in there come out.

Slowly slipping out of the backpack came... A book. A particularly well crafted book.

The Grimoire:

If there were nobles amongst books, this one was it. The cover of the book was bound in layers of gold and leather. The masterpiece of a book was bit less than 10 centimeters thick and as long as Kayné's forearm. The whole thing must've weighted several kilograms.
After slipping out of Apollo's backpack, the book slowly rose from the ground and started levitating above the ground. It turned its rich cover to the Huntress.

Book: "Ah, I see you know, clanswoman." - The book had a mature, masculine, and solemn voice. "I, am Vrael Sinthe-Tark Sey Villemarde, Seraph of Karul, Epic of the Wanderers. It is an honor and a gift to meet you, my fellow clanswo...OOAOAAAHAHAHAH"

Ambiance:

Emilia: "VRAEL-ONII-CHAAAAAAN!!!"

Emilia had executed a magnificent leap across the fire Apollo was trying to light, to intercept Vrael-onii-chan the Epic, and latch onto it as it was in midair.

Vrael-onii-chan: "LET ME GO, EMILIA! I CAN'T STAY UP LIKE...!"

The grimoire was now floating with Emilia in a solid lock around it. The book seemed to have a hard time to levitate with the added weight of the Anansi sister clinging onto it. Desperately, the grimoire reached for greater height, trying to get the sister to let go.

Emilia: "WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!"

...But to no avail. In fact, the archer seemed to enjoy this game even more with more distance between her and the ground.

Onii-chan: "LET GO, STAR! I AM NOT A TOY! I AM THE EPIC OF WANDERERS, I AM...!"

Emilia: "VRAAAAAAEEEEEEEEEEEEL-ONIIIIIIIIIIIII...!"

Emilia continued to call the book by cutesy and ridiculous names, as it tried to get Emilia to let go by executing increasingly complex figures in mid air. Now Emilia and the book were doing loops in the air, abruptly changing directions every few seconds. From the ground, Emilia looked like she was doing some kind of hardcore air-rodeo.
Apollo had her attention on the airborne duo, eyes large like that of a child. He was clapping and seemed to be counting, for some reason.

Apollo: "Eight... Nine...!"

Book: "APOLLO HELP ME! THE LASS IS GOING TO TEAR MY COVER!"

Emilia: "Hiihihihihihihihi!"

Apollo: "Hahahahaha!"

Book: "BOTH OF YOU ARE UNDESERVING!"

Emilia and the book must've been at their twelfth loop now. It was getting hard to keep track! Apollo stopped his clapping, and instead put on his fire gloves and started producing sparks with them, which flew like fireworks around the flying duo.

What does Kayné, and more importantly, Sword-doggo do?

[From Faelir's Rest]


Kayné was, despite all previous indication to the contrary, rather glad to have reached the sewers. While she was not that much tired, physically, the same could not be said of her spirit. The day, although it had just started, had proved taxing. At least here it looked like they could rest a bit and she could gather her thoughts while getting some much-needed answers. Plus, the place didn’t smell that bad considering its previous use.

The huntress did not have to be told twice to make herself at home. Once pointed towards the direction of the furs at her disposal, she went straight and sat on one, patting the one at her side for Ka’el to come sit beside her. She then opened her back and removed several booma hides which she arranged above and beneath the furs in order to even out the level and make a makeshift pillow as well. These things had seen a lot of use since Kayné had parted them from their unlucky owners.

With that done, she got caught staring at Emilia during a dull moment, and jumped on the occasion to throw her a curveball. The effect was immediate and quite satisfying, Emilia flashed red, although she quickly recovered. Kayné answered the returned compliment with yet another smile and a small nod, without seeking to further the discussion. Apollo was perplexed and probably thinking “women”.

As for the scenes that followed, well, they were definitely something.
Putting aside the mentioning of a clansman or clanswoman, a flying book had popped out of Apollo’s bag and had started chatting with the red-haired girl. Usually that could have been perceived as interesting or unusual, but to be honest, this was the girl who could hold a conversation with her clothe without actually being crazy so… Plus talking grimoires were not necessarily that rare in Haerii! Though if rumours were to be believed, they were usually pretty powerful stuff.

Book: "I, am Vrael Sinthe-Tark Sey Villemarde, Seraph of Karul, Epic of the Wanderers. It is an honor and a gift to meet you, my fellow clanswo...OOAOAAAHAHAHAH"

Epic of the Wanderers, the name mesmerized Kayné for a second. That sounded like a book she would read. But back to business. A second chance to introduce herself. What to do? Silly question!

Offering the, hopefully not blind, book one of her usual warm and truthful smiles, she introduced herself in the exact same way she had, once upon a time.

Kayné: " Kayné Zelpher! Nice to meecha! "

Then followed an impressive rodeo sequence where Emilia seemingly broke her record of time spent in the air. Kayné had to exercise great restraint in order not to jump and grab either the book or Emilia herself. That looked like fun after all! Reminded her of that time she had done something similar with a Rathalos. Though that was considerably more dangerous and perhaps not quite as fun considering the book took faster turns and went slightly faster in this instance. Of course, here you wouldn’t get the trill of fighting for your life but oh well. At any rate, it had been a while since they had spent a fun moment like that, the lot of them. Felt like forever actually, even if it had just been a few days ago. For her at least.

Putting aside her worries for a few moments, she joined Apollo’s clapping.

And when the shenanigans and fireworks died down, she asked what was the deal with the clanspeople mentioned by Vrael. She did so while applying whatever mediocre first aid she could to her wounds, placing makeshift bandages with one or the other material found within her bag (booma hide if necessary I guess).

Ah, sword doggo is excitedly following the dancing flying Emilia with his eyes and is half tempted to start jumping to catch her.

Ambiance:

Eventually, Emilia's immediate need for playtime faded, and she let go of the Epic of Wanderers. The grimoire complained of the lack of discipline of the Anansis, but quickly changed the subject when he realized neither were listening too seriously.

Mumbling a few comments to himself, the book then turned to Kayné. He did not seem to be holding a grudge despite being used as a rodeo bull.

Kayné asked Vrael a few questions, which seemed reasonable, considering the situation they were in.
Meanwhile, Emilia helped Kayné bind her wounds and applied healing magic to the few cuts and bruises she had. Some things don't change, apparently: Emilia was still the sweet, cheerful girl she'd always been.

Emilia: "Kayné, hm? Nice to meet you. We didn't really have time for presentations outside. I'm Emilia Anansi, and this idiot is my brother, Apollo. Vrael already presented himself. Say, what were you doing in the ruins anyways? Yelling in the middle of a Hollowed necropolis, too!" Thin fibers of light magic coursed from Emilia's fingertips to the cuts and bruises on Kayné's arm. Soon enough, the cuts regenerated, leaving Kayné's skin intact, if not for the itchy feeling the healing magic left.

Apollo: "Don't get us wrong, we're all really happy to see a living being around these parts. But to be honest, yeah, what the hell are you doing around here?" Apollo had not moved his butt from his sleeping bag, and finally managed to light the campfire, with the assistance of fire magic.

Vrael: "Maybe we ought to provide our own explanations first, it would be impolite to ignore the questions of our clanswoman." The siblings nodded, and Emilia whispered a small apology to Kayné. "I referred to you as a fellow clanswoman because you are marked, like the rest of us. You are a member of the Drakenguard. It is a gift, something that is a part of you, much like your race or gender, and it is not something you can disconnect from yourself.

Much like Apollo and Emilia here, you were chosen from birth to bear the insignia of the Drakenguard by its Patron God, Karul, God of Journeys and Adventures. He handpicked you, among a select few, to be a part of this family of travelers.

Now, before you ask, you are under no obligation to answer the call. Karul is a god who values freedom and your choice to embrace the Drakenguard or not will be respected. However, know that the Drakenguard is a Clan, a Group, a Family, which has taken different forms over the course of history. We watch our own, and we accomplish great deeds together. And the rest... Well, the rest we figure out as things go. After all, a great part of the beauty in a journey is discovering what lies beyond the horizon.

Now, how did I notice you were part of the Drakenguard, you may ask. All four of us are members of the Drakenguard, but I have a particular place in the Family: I am the Seraph of the Drakenguard, a holy agent sent by Karul to assist my clan in its travels. I serve the functions of mentor, advisor and bookkeeper for this family. And to assist with these functions, I can feel the presence of nearby Clan members, whether they realize their own status as Drakenguard members or not. When you suddenly appeared in the middle of the ruins, I quickly notified Apollo and Emilia of your presence."

Apollo: "And your call lead us right to you, along with the handful of Hollowed we fought."

Vrael: "Do you have any questions up until this point? We will try to clarify everything to the best of our abilities."

Once the rodeo session was over, then came the time for answers. Much needed ones.

Emilia: "Kayné, hm? Nice to meet you. We didn't really have time for presentations outside. I'm Emilia Anansi, and this idiot is my brother, Apollo. Vrael already presented himself. Say, what were you doing in the ruins anyways? Yelling in the middle of a Hollowed necropolis, too!"

Emilia, ever the kind one, helped put the huntress back into shape with a couple bandages and some healing magic. Neither were necessary to be honest given how light her wounds were, but on the other hand she was definitely grateful for it. Why not be in tip to shape if you have the option to?

Apollo: "Don't get us wrong, we're all really happy to see a living being around these parts. But to be honest, yeah, what the hell are you doing around here?"

Kayné: * That’s what I’d like to know champ! *

Then came Vrael’s explanation. Kayné listened to it with great attention.

Beside the whole revelation about the Drakenguard thing, and being a part of it, despite the fact that she was fairly certain at this point that she was from another world than theirs, one other thing captured the girl’s interest. The book served as a bookkeeper… How does that work exactly she wondered?

Ah. Magic. It was probably magic.  

Vrael: "Do you have any questions up until this point? We will try to clarify everything to the best of our abilities."

Kayné: " Several actually! But before we get to those, let me answer your previous questions about what I’m doing here. Might as well get this out of the way after all! "

She grinned.

Kayné: " I do not have the slightest idea of what I’m doing here, why I am here, or where here is, for that matter. In fact, I’m pretty sure we are not from the same world at all! You see, I actually know both of you! "

She quickly pointed Emilia’s and Apollo’s way. Although she could not help a silly smile on her face during her explanation, she still tried to come across as serious and convincing as possible.

Kayné: " Rather, two very different versions of you! The names and the looks are the same for the most part, but the skills and a few other things are quite different. So, while I do not know the reason for which I was brought in your world, I assume that the reason for which I was brought in this place specifically, was probably because you guys were around! "

At least that’s what made sense to her at the time.

Kayné: " This is Ka’el, wolf companion extraordinaire! We recently met in a place called Terralumis forest. He’s been quite helpful since then, I’m glad to have him around! "

She petted the wolfie. Who’s a good sword doggo? You are!

Kayné: " But let’s get back on the Drakenguard thing for a bit if you don’t mind. I think I understand the gist of it. However, I’m afraid I will have to disappoint you guys. First of all, there is probably another Kayné roaming around in this world, and that’s probably the one you guys need. By the way, isn’t it a bit odd that I would have this mark despite not being from around here? Did Karul just spot me on my way over and branded me? Is this how it works? Anyway. The thing is, while few things would make me happier than traveling the world with you guys, I am afraid there are quite a few other things that I’m supposed to be doing. For instance, before suddenly coming to in the middle of those ruins I was escorting the prince of a fallen kingdom on his way to save his sister for their mother which had turned into a litch. The princess got kidnapped while we were on our way to a cavernous complex where we were supposed to obtain a blessing in order to seal the magic pouring out of a comrade’s gouged eye. This as a stop gap measure to prevent his death while we were looking for the guy who stole his eye, who was also a comrade but who turned traitor. This, as I am sure you can imagine, has turned out to be quite the task. The thing is, this is not even my main goal. In truth I am supposed to track down and kill a knight in order to avenge my family, which he killed a while ago. To top this off, I already serve a god and she’s already more than I can handle. "

She did not want to be mean, but her tone did become stricter, as she wanted to make it crystal clear that she had little time to fool around in other dimensions.

Kayné: " So, yeah. I don’t mind the idea of the Drakenguard at all, but I kinda have a lot on my plate right now. And I would very much like to return to where I’m from. Get it all sorted out and all… "

But it was not long before she returns to her usual cheery self.

Kayné: " Of course, if I can help you while trying to find a way back home, I’ll sure be glad to do so! Count me in! Ah, by the way, I don’t suppose any of you have any idea of how I could do that huh? Or any idea why I ended up here in the first place? I could work with hat. "

A fair amount of information had been exchanged, both sides had made some pretty ridiculous statements. It would be a lot to chew on no doubt, if those people weren’t the ones they were.  

Instead, Kayné just carried on.

Kayné: " So, what are we eating? This little exercise back there made me hungry! Fair warning though, I have no money whatsoever on me! If you’d accept payment in the form of fighting the hollowed that said, that I can definitely provide! What are they anyway? "

Ambiance:

With the fireplace now lit and delivering much-needed heat where the small group was holding up, the camp felt much more cozy than a minute ago. Everyone was now around the fire, enjoying comfort of a talk around a fire.

The Anansis and Vrael were listening carefully to Kayné's words, while Apollo prepared the cooking utensils for the next meal.

Vrael: "Do you have any questions up until this point? We will try to clarify everything to the best of our abilities."

Kayné: " Several actually! But before we get to those, let me answer your previous questions about what I’m doing here. Might as well get this out of the way after all! "

Kayné grinned.

Kayné: " I do not have the slightest idea of what I’m doing here, why I am here, or where here is, for that matter. In fact, I’m pretty sure we are not from the same world at all! You see, I actually know both of you! "

She quickly pointed Emilia’s and Apollo’s way. Although she could not help a silly smile on her face during her explanation, she still tried to come across as serious and convincing as possible.

Kayné: " Rather, two very different versions of you! The names and the looks are the same for the most part, but the skills and a few other things are quite different. So, while I do not know the reason for which I was brought in your world, I assume that the reason for which I was brought in this place specifically, was probably because you guys were around! "

There was a moment of silence. Each seemed to weight in Kayné's words. Apollo was the first to respond.

Apollo: "That makes sense actually. You're a Jumper. That explains why you didn't know about the Hollowed. Also why you just appeared at random in the middle of a Hollowed necropolis."

Emilia's face brightened at the revelation.

Emilia: "You have literally experienced what is probably the most complex and greatest form of travel in our reality, Pathway Travel. AWESOME! You come from another world! Or another iteration of this world! Or another time in this iteration of this world!...wait. Which, actually?"

Vrael: "If she knows different versions of both of you, it is more likely that she comes from a different world altogether. If you were to meet in the future of this world, she would know about the Hollowed, and if you were to meet in the past, the two of you would recognize her."

The siblings nodded. Mostly logical.

Vrael: "Also, I agree with you Kayné, whatever, or whoever brought you here probably brought you to the location of familiar faces. The siblings were quite literally within shouting range of you. That means someone is responsible and had a clear intent."

Apollo: "I'd bet on friendly intentions too, considering Kayné was brought to friendlies... Wait, we're friends in the other world, aren't we?" Apollo asked, clumsy and slightly alarmed. Well. This world's Apollo certainly seemed a bit more of a goof than the one Kayné knew.

Anyway, Kayné then introduced Ka'el, and seconds later, both Anansis were all over him petting the good sword doggo. Because that's what he deserves. Good doggo! Guhd doggo!

Kayné: " This is Ka’el, wolf companion extraordinaire! We recently met in a place called Terralumis forest. He’s been quite helpful since then, I’m glad to have him around! "

At the mention of Teralumis Forest, all three turned to Kayné straight.

Vrael: "There we have it, Kayné is from another world."

Apollo: "Huh! Teralumis is a wasteland in our Haerii. It's been a wasteland for centuries!"

Kayné: " But let’s get back on the Drakenguard thing for a bit if you don’t mind. I think I understand the gist of it. However, I’m afraid I will have to disappoint you guys. First of all, there is probably another Kayné roaming around in this world, and that’s probably the one you guys need. By the way, isn’t it a bit odd that I would have this mark despite not being from around here? Did Karul just spot me on my way over and branded me? Is this how it works?"

Vrael: "I may be able to answer some of these questions..." The book approached Kayné. After making several loops around her, in what seemed to be a weird scan of Kayné's body, Vrael expressed his conclusions. "You have the mark of the Tower. The mark of destruction, followed by rebuilding."

Emilia: "But... The Tower card is already taken! By Fedorah of the Steel?"

Apollo: "Ah... So you're saying... Kayné was branded in the OTHER world. In her own world, she's the Tower of the Drakenguard! And because she was transported here, we temporarily have two Towers in this iteration of Haerii!"

Vrael: "Exactly." One could swear the Grimoire was frowning, despite not having a face. "This situation is unheard of. At least, in this world. I'm not sure having two iterations of the same Card in one world is very healthy, despite my great interest in you, friend." the book said, addressing Kayné. "You see, it is difficult to picture the consequences of your arrival here in the grander scheme of things. You are like...a repeating line in a High-Niggurathic summoning incantation."

Emilia: "He's saying you could fuck things up and cause an explosion. With a side dish of eldritch tentacles."

Kayné: "Anyway. The thing is, while few things would make me happier than traveling the world with you guys, I am afraid there are quite a few other things that I’m supposed to be doing. For instance, before suddenly coming to in the middle of those ruins I was escorting the prince of a fallen kingdom on his way to save his sister for their mother which had turned into a litch. The princess got kidnapped while we were on our way to a cavernous complex where we were supposed to obtain a blessing in order to seal the magic pouring out of a comrade’s gouged eye. This as a stop gap measure to prevent his death while we were looking for the guy who stole his eye, who was also a comrade but who turned traitor. This, as I am sure you can imagine, has turned out to be quite the task. The thing is, this is not even my main goal. In truth I am supposed to track down and kill a knight in order to avenge my family, which he killed a while ago. To top this off, I already serve a god and she’s already more than I can handle. "

Emilia smiled.

Emilia: "Someone's doing her part of travelling for Karul i see!"

Kayné: " So, yeah. I don’t mind the idea of the Drakenguard at all, but I kinda have a lot on my plate right now. And I would very much like to return to where I’m from. Get it all sorted out and all… "

Kayné: " Of course, if I can help you while trying to find a way back home, I’ll sure be glad to do so! Count me in! Ah, by the way, I don’t suppose any of you have any idea of how I could do that huh? Or any idea why I ended up here in the first place? I could work with hat. "

Seeing how she seemed to have a lot on her plate at the moment, the siblings and the grimoire seemed to take a more soothing tone. They did not want to be too pushy towards their clanswoman.

Vrael: "Worry not, Kayné. We will help you get home by any means necessary. It is in my interest to let you continue your travels as one blessed by Karul, and in the interest of this world that you go home too, probably. Let us travel together for the time being, while we discover means to take you home. Unfortunately, apart from what we deduced earlier about a friendly person sending you here to us, we don't have much to go on. But these things tend to resolve themselves, i'm certain a path will reveal itself in time."

After that whole lot of discussion, much needed information processing needed to take place on all sides. So instead, the subject changed to the Great Equalizer: Food.

Kayné: " So, what are we eating? This little exercise back there made me hungry! Fair warning though, I have no money whatsoever on me! If you’d accept payment in the form of fighting the hollowed that said, that I can definitely provide! What are they anyway? "

Apollo: "Rabbit meat with today's root stew, hope you like it!"

The meal was nothing fancy, but was nonetheless fairly good, especially considering Kayné's hunger. Several things were surprising about this meal however.

The from the roots used and the stew itself emanated a faint, blue glow. Pale, blue veins coursed through the roots, which seemed to energize Kayné, physically but also spiritually. The meat also had a somewhat different texture from that of a normal rabbit Kayné would be used to. The meat seemed harder, and again, Kayné seemed particularly energized from eating every piece of meat.

By the end of the meal, Kayné's energy and mana reserves were topped off.

These things tend to solve themselves in time.

That may be, but how would book-san like that answer if he had been the one thrown into another universe?

The meat was different and the roots too, but that could really have been anything, for all her experience with forest Kayné was far from knowing all the ingredients in the world. But Terralumis being a desert? Yeah that was a long shot. And, of course, there was no ignoring the Apollo and Emilia before her. Vastly the same, yet radically, mind piercingly different. Different enough to deny all denial. Irrefutable proof of the unthinkable.

Travel through the Pathway… Perhaps for the second time!

Kayné would have been thrilled, had that not come with the mind shattering pressure of the potential of not making it back at all. Again.

But she would not give in just yet. It was too early to despair, plus she was in good company. Perhaps the best!

Adventuring with this lot… That was probably her ideal of happiness somewhere down the line.

But the Tower, they said. Destruction and rebirth. She would be lying to say she did not see the reason behind it, but then again a myriad others could apply too. Maybe this came from her tendency to switch ‘’settings”. Leave one era, one world behind, then start again in the next one. Maybe that was her fate, in the end. Maybe she was the Traveler. A Jumper as they said, or a Drifter as their counterparts would have called the same thing back home no doubt.

Even though Apollo was the one who was hopping for such an outcome. Even though she never asked for this.

So much information was going back and forth, important subjects were raised and brought low in mere minutes, punctuated by silliness and a much-needed meal.

For all its blatant nutritional value, the huntress did not seem to think much of it. Though she was grateful for it, her mind was clearly busy elsewhere and she would have much preferred a proper feast instead of quite literally root juice. But hey, beggars can’t be choosers.

Which was what applied perfectly to her current situation as well, she thought, starring down the remains of her meal, bowl in hand.

Fedorah of the Steel. The name struck her as odd. She seemed to remember, ah yes. Wasn’t Fedorah the goddess of luck back there? She seemed to remember it to be the case. Probably one of the few gods she had bothered to keep in memory. Most were of no consequence to her, but people often told her she had Fedorah’s own luck so the name ended up sticking in her mind. Was she not a goddess in this place? Was it merely someone using the name? Curious.

Yet she did not care enough to ask.

There were other, more pressing matters in the world. More questions to be asked.

It was a blessing that the group had believed and taken her in so easily, it saved them much time better spent addressing their current situation.

Before resuming, she returned her utensils with thanks, to the older sibling.  

Kayné: “You guys seem significantly stronger than your counterparts. I don’t know what state this world is in (hopefully it is not all covered in Hollows, actually please tell me it isn’t), what lives you must have led and what battles you had to fight, but I do think you would come out on top if you were pitted against each other. To be honest, the others… They were not quite as lucky.”

She bounced up, harnessing her renewed energy and ready to hit the road again. Any road. All of them. There is bound to be one home. And then some!

Kayné: “But enough with that! Bring me up to speed clansies! What are we doing here? What are the Hollowed really? I could tell that there are spirits in these armours but whether those were armour wearing ghosts or spirit possessed armours I could not tell. What’s the deal with them? I do not suppose you were just passing through here right?”

Truth be told, she also wanted to ask a lot about the world, but she dared not to, not yet.

Ambiance:

"These things tend to solve themselves in time…"

It is ironic that you would think it to be so, Huntress. Had it been someone else, they would've given up on returning. A normal individual would have come to terms with their old existence and tried to make the best of their new ones.

It is not a faulty thought process. By all means, it is the most practical solution to mourn one's past life in this situation.

Mourning. The word fits this situation better than I expected it to. Denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Just as one can mourn the loss of a loved one, one's own past life, one's own home can also be mourned. We mourn and we continue on. We continue until we break. That is the way of ordinary living beings.

But I expect, and I need, individuals who are better than this. Individuals who will contest an outcome, who will fight fate, until their goal is reached.

That is, in my opinion, the definition of a "Hero". And that is what you are, Kayné. One who, despite being thrown millennia into the future, still searches for her people, their legacy, and their vengeance. One who, despite the terror of being thrown into another world,  already is looking for a solution. A way back.

I disagree wholeheartedly. I know for a fact that things do not solve themselves in time. We solve our issues as we move in the direction of our goals. The future is built upon the added wills and actions, big and small, of countless individuals,and more importantly of a decisive few, just as you are doing right now, Huntress.

We are the Gears of our own Fates.

And so, I worry.

Maybe the point I am so desperately trying to get across won't come through. What if she misses the mark? What will happen then?...

But these were questions for me, and me alone. The Huntress slowly ingested food and information with a composed pokerface, as the Anansi and Vrael continued their explanation. Eventually, their meager meal came to an end, and Kayné politely handed his borrowed utensils to Apollo.

Kayné: “You guys seem significantly stronger than your counterparts. I don’t know what state this world is in (hopefully it is not all covered in Hollows, actually please tell me it isn’t), what lives you must have led and what battles you had to fight, but I do think you would come out on top if you were pitted against each other. To be honest, the others… They were not quite as lucky.”

Emilia: "They… weren't so lucky? Are they dead?"

Apollo: "OF course not! They are of the Anansi! Like us! I must say I have mixed feelings about the possibility of being stronger than my counterpart, though. I'm kind of proud…? But then, what is the other guy doing? Gotta step up your game, other me!"

Emilia: "Well, I don't know for your world Kayné, but people around here get many occasions to fight, so I guess that's a thing. I've been practicing Arcane Archery since I was a kid. Same thing with Apollo and his elemental fisticuffs."

Apollo: "Tell us about your world actually! And tell us about us! Other us! Oh, and have you met our parents on the other side? Are they good? Man, we'll have a lot to tell them when we get back!"

Vrael: "On the topic of the Hollowed, rest assured: They are are strictly found in what used to be the lands of the various nations of the Jagged Coast… Hm, does that ring a bell, actually? Now could be a good time to compare our geographical landmarks…"

Kayné: “But enough with that! Bring me up to speed clansies! What are we doing here? What are the Hollowed really? I could tell that there are spirits in these armours but whether those were armour wearing ghosts or spirit possessed armours I could not tell. What’s the deal with them? I do not suppose you were just passing through here right?”

Apollo and Emilia smiled at the mention of clansies. What sweethearts. But it was Vrael, as the loremaster of this Clan, who answered Kayné's questions.

Vrael: "So. The Hollowed are…were soldiers of what we call the Old Empire, a civilization of the previous era, back during the times where cities were common on the surface of Haerii. From what we know, around the time of the Spellplague, mages of the Old Empire performed a ritual which bound their soldiers to their duty, in life and in death. Since then, the Old Empire has fallen, but these Hollowed Guards remain vigilant, and protect the lands, cities and borders of what used to constitute the Old Empire."

Apollo: "Point is, when someone they don’t recognize as an Old Empire citizen shows up (pro tip: they don't recognize anyone as citizens anymore), they go stabbidy-stabbidy die-die on you."

Vrael: "You should know that it is not really practical to kill a Hollowed. They tend to reform, given enough time. Completely shattering a Hollowed requires a good deal of magic or blowing their armor into tiny, efficient pieces. They will even reform their armor and get other weapons when theirs are broken, but that takes a very long time.

To answer your question though, they're ghosts wearing armor. The most efficient ways to get rid of them is to either break the armor into pieces to temporarily force their essence out, or to burn the spirits lodged inside the armor via magical means.

Unfortunately, I'm afraid our target is among these ruins. We are looking for an old artifact here, the Timepiece of Star Augur Etraeus. It is, to put it bluntly, a calendar, or a clock, whose gears and measurements are moved by the stars themselves.

You see, Kayné, it is difficult, even to me, to record history without a fixed point in time. And over the course of the centuries, the flow of time and the records have become lost, so much so that one can no longer tell today's date using the traditional calendar, and how long ago some recorded historical events have happened. Such is the sorry state of History!

The Timepiece may be the solution to our problem. If it is intact, it will be capable of telling us, precisely,  what day we are today and what time it is, to the second. And from there, we will be, once again, capable of recording history on a correct and equal timescale."

The meal had been invigorating. Not necessarily as tasty as others she may have had in the past but the huntress could appreciate its revitalizing properties.  

As the discussions came and went, it became ever clearer that the girl had landed in a very different world indeed. With the initial shock out of the way, she managed to eventually revert back to her usual self.

Apollo: "OF course not! They are of the Anansi! Like us! I must say I have mixed feelings about the possibility of being stronger than my counterpart, though. I'm kind of proud…? But then, what is the other guy doing? Gotta step up your game, other me!"

Kayné: “She is.”

She revealed, pointing at Emilia with a sorrowful smile.

Kayné: “And not for lack of protection from your counterpart, I can guarantee you that much.”

Apollo: "Tell us about your world actually! And tell us about us! Other us! Oh, and have you met our parents on the other side? Are they good? Man, we'll have a lot to tell them when we get back!"

The mention of the sibling’s parents, that they were alive and well here, it wounded her deep down. Though she showed none of it. To think that not only Emilia was alive but their parents too. Such a wonderful world they were living in, and what cruel fates her own friends had been dealt.  

But no point to dwell on that, she would share what was needed or what the siblings wanted to know. No more.

Kayné: “Well I suspect that is the thing actually. You and your other versions, you must have had two very different starting points in life. In my world, your parents were killed by necromancers when Apollo was something like 5. He managed to escape with Emilia but although our world was far from hell, it is no place for a brat to run around unprotected. It did not take long for misfortune to find them. Ever since then, well, he’s been trying his best.”

Her face, oddly enough, lit up at the end of the explanation.

Kayné: “Oh but don’t you worry about a thing! Emilia turned into a ghost and now stalks her beloved brother 24/7. They still have lots of fun together daily. We are talking puts being dead into perspective kinds of fun.”

Vrael: "On the topic of the Hollowed, rest assured: They are are strictly found in what used to be the lands of the various nations of the Jagged Coast… Hm, does that ring a bell, actually? Now could be a good time to compare our geographical landmarks…"

Kayné: “Sure! I’m up for it. Though be warned that I am not the most knowledgeable person about these things to begin with!”

She spoke of Nanonephar, of Psarosoupa, of Dormnuill and Nabu, of Izashi. She spoke of the Abyss and of the distant continents of Asgard and Winsun. She even briefly went into politics, explaining the Council of mages and the Sage’s role in the world. How adventurers were a thing and helped here and there, will still abiding to some rudimentary rules to maintain order. While she was by no means a historian or a sociologist, or even for that matter not even from that Haerii to begin with, the girl had traveled the world a fair bit. She had seen countries, their people, their customs, how they lived, what drove them. Kayné may have been utterly useless at making an official study or so much as a report, but she had lived in that Haerii and she gladly shared with them the tales of people and places she had seen on the other side. But none of her home or people.

After some fact checking, both parties would be able to communicate slightly better. Kayné did pay attention to what they had to say as well, on the lookout for a clue, for what was different between their worlds and what was not.  

Ka’el on the other hand cared not for the humans rambling. He had lied next to her and was resting his head on his mistress’s lap, occasionally twitching an ear when she would softly pet him as she spoke.

Then came the explanation about the Hollowed. A sad tale, perhaps, but nothing mind-shattering. After all, Kayné had heard of similar tales spoken about countries in her original time line. Were all kings that foolish, she wondered. That no matter the time or place, they would always end up dooming their people. Were they truly all this way? Her father was their king. Saying he had done them wrong would be a lie. But then again, they all ended up dying all the same. All to protect a forbidden temple’s treasures. Was it the king’s fault? Was it fate? Should they all have just decided to drop it? Bury the damn thing into the mountain with rubble and move to some other place. Would they have lived in peace then? Or would a furious deity descend upon them to lay waste to their dreams?

She laughed inside. What does any of that matter anymore. No use in discussing what ifs and buts. You cannot go back. You cannot change the past. And in all likelihood, nor should you. But that was a matter for another time.

She focused back on the task at hand. And what a task it was! A quest to reclaim this world’s time. That was beyond fucking awesome!

She was in! She was hooked! 500% in! Let the undead come, they would claim the space watch even if she had to personally trample every doomed soldier of the Old Kingdom!

Ka’el, no doubt sensing his master’s rising excitement, woke up in a spur and went into alert mode.

Kayné bounced up herself, and after stretching her arms before her back, addressed her new-found company.

Kayné: “Well then! Shall we? Fate awaits!”

Ambiance:

Kayné's announcement on the fate of the Anansis hit harder than Sulfuras. For a few seconds, the siblings froze, digesting the news of their counterpart's fates. Apollo seemed the most disturbed.

Apollo: "Emilia, dead? I'm... I don't thing I could handle it. Damn. The other me must be some tough motherfucker."

Emilia: "I'd totally come back to haunt you though, that seems really likely, haha!"

Apollo grinned at the remark. "Dumb-ass."

Emilia have her brother one of her perfect smiles, and thew went on to discuss other topics.

The next subject on the differences between worlds was far more informing than any in the party expected. None had realized how different their worlds were. After all, if they had already become friends in the other world, how different could this one be?
Kayné was first to describe her world. She spoke of her world in great detail, as much as her understanding of it would allow. She spoke of countries, of the continent, of the organizations and of the rift, all to the amazement of her hosts.

The Anansi seemed to have a particularly hard time picturing the world she described. Vrael, the eldest being around the fire (Except maybe for Kayné), listened closely, and seemed to understand most of what she was saying. When Kayné ended her description of Haerii, the Grimoire finally raised his voice.

Vrael: "Dear, it would seem we live in very different worlds."

The Grimoire lifted up into the air.

Vrael: "The world you describe is very, very different from ours... I'm not sure where to start. Apollo, draw a map."

Apollo, with Kayné's revelations still weighting on his mind, drew a map of their world suing one of the glowing stones as chalk. The map Apollo drew was one of an archipelago.

Aghios Soto, Malphas' Crucible, Sool's Cairn... Of all the names marked on Apollo's map, Kayné recognized only one. None of the landmarks on the map were familiar to the huntress, except for the Jagged Coast, which was apparently a region on the northernmost and largest island on the hand-drawn map. A number of smaller islands peppered the sea south of this large island. But at the south of it al, Apollo marked the end of the map simply with one large oval and the inscription "The Eye".

Vrael: "This is an accurate map of the world. Of what's left of the known world... Where do I even start? I'd like to give you a precise timescale and period, but until we find the timepiece, I can onlw say this: The events that led to our world looking like this occurred many years ago. Many generations ago.
Do I know of it? I think nobody does anymore. I was... asleep during the time of the Tear, but back then, this world looked much closer to the one you described, with a continent, countries, and a somewhat functioning society. In this timeline, during an event we call the Tear, the Rift expanded abruptly, marking the world we know forever. The land was torn, cities were submerged and nations went instinct. Kin never recovered from that catastrophe. Cities were never rebuilt, because thew made for too good a target for all the dark things that now roam this world. Most Kin now live on boats, travelling from island to island. Tribes have replaced nations. Fleets have replaced cities. Civilization as we knew it died back then..."

The Grimoire fell silent.

Emilia: "For what it's worth, most people aren't that sad about it. I mean, nobody remembers, so..."

Apollo: "Let's get back to the subject of time shall we? We'll be resting until night time, before heading back out. It'll be safer that way. From there, we can try to make some progress and get closer to our objective."

Emilia: "That should leave us with a good amount of sleep."

Apollo: "Let's all rest. You in particular Kayné, you look more dead than the Hollowed outside. We're safe here, so no need to worry. Just get comfortable, we'll wake you up when we need you."

She was now in a white place.

Still equipped with both armor and blades. Her heart confused and restless, unable to come to terms with her new reality. Her body felt heavy, her movements lethargic.

Curious, she looked around searching for her wolf. Whatever happened of that brave beast? He was right here a moment ago. Nowhere to be seen now.

She was alone here.

Though she was certain, nor her partner nor the siblings were very far, much less the cave they had camped in.

This was but a dream after all.


“Well! Haven’t you become quite the traveller!”

Kayné turned at once, to face the familiar and oh so nostalgic voice.

Kayné: “Hi dad!”

She greeted him with a sorrowful smile.

Kayné: “Haven’t seen you in a while!”

She added with a painful chuckle.

The man smiled warmly at her.

Fal’Rei: “Not since you got used to Haerii at least.”

She drew her eyes away, to gaze into the emptiness. “As if”, they seemed to say. Where was that Haerii now anyway? Which Haerii was that again? She couldn’t see it here.

“Are you tired, my little girl?”

She ran to him, to hold him, to hug him, to burry in his long-absent embrace.

But what reached the man, was no seasoned huntress in armor nor steel, it was but a little red shrimp. A pipsqueak at best, thin as a branch and barely taller than his knee. She opened her little arms wide and grabbed hold of his leg, hiding her face against it.

Like she some times did, millennia ago.  

Kayné: “Yeah.”

Her voice too, had regressed to an unrecognizable degree.

He stroke her hair gently.

“Are you worried?”

Kayné: “I am.”

He jokingly sighted.

“What am I to do with you?”

Kayné: “I need holidays.”

They stayed like that in silence for a bit.

Finally, she lift up her face to meet his gaze.

His eyes had not changed.

Fal’Rei: “What are you doing Kayné? What is your goal?”

She let him go and took a step back.

Kayné: “Revenge.”

It was no longer the voice of a kitten, nor was she a child anymore.

She looked now roughly like what she used to when she was sixteen.

Her face was covered with dirt and old traces of blood and sweat. Her hair was filthy and an intense glare had taken residency in her eyes. She wore a baggy leather cloak. The parts of her not concealed, covered with straps holding in place numerous knife sheaths and their blades.  

The man nodded in understanding.

Fal’Rei: “Even though no one asked for it?”

She did not find it in her to answer.

Fal’Rei: “Even though we would all be happier to see you live your life like you used to? Filling each day to the brim with smiles and enjoyment? Even though nobody cares? No one’s here to judge you, you know! Should you decide to drop the whole thing.”

She cast her gaze downwards, in silent, frustrated contemplation.

Fal’Rei: “It’s not like getting revenge will bring us back. It doesn’t matter. So why?”

She had enough, yet replied very calmly, starring right into the man’s soul.

Kayné: “You’re wrong. First of all, it’s part of our tradition. Why wouldn’t I seek to avenge your deaths? Restore honor to the tribe?”

Fal’Rei: “Avoiding pointless deaths is also part of our way.”

She carried on unphased.

Kayné: “Plus it’s not about what you guys want. I want to do this. It matters to me.”

Fal’Rei: “But is that all? Is that all there is to what you want to do? Say you slay your foe, what then? Are you going to lurk in the shadows of spite for your remaining days? Wishing him back to life, if only so that you can kill him again?”

Kayné: “No.”

Ah. There she was.

Kayné was Kayné again.

In all her glorious attire. Her current, adult form: the huntress, the exile. Her impeccable façade of composure. Friend to Apollo and anyone willing to have a good time, or eager to go on an adventure.

Kayné of the Fal’or.

Just look at her.

She took a deep breath, as her eyes softened and tears began to fall down her cheeks.

Kayné: “I want to go home!”

She stated in a progressively shattering voice.

Her legs gave in, she fell to her knees and started crying openly, right then and there. Whenever then and wherever there, may be.

Compared to her, even the little girl who hid behind her father seemed braver.  

Kayné: “I want to go back!”

She managed, before bawling her eyes out.

He looked on in silence, harbouring a large smile, oddly filled with pride.

Entire minutes must have passed, before the now grown woman managed to gather her strength and stand back up on her feet. She was ok now. That was refreshing. Painful, but refreshing.

Fal’Rei: “There’s nothing left there though. Even if you made your way to it, no one will be there waiting for you. Not even the ruins of our home. That is assuming you can make it there in the first place! It’s probably in a different dimension to begin with you know!”

The now reinvigorated Kayné gave him a blazing smile, as she wiped any leftover tears from her eyes.

Kayné: “It’s ok! I’ll make my way there! I’ll make it a habit of hoping dimensions if I have to!”

He looked at her, positively speechless.

Kayné: “It’s ok if there is nothing left. I just want to go back there. I just want to find home. Even if there’s nothing there but the long-scattered dust of your corpses, I want to reach that place. Give you guys a proper farewell.”

The man feigned shock.

“When did you become so dark?”

She laughed.

Kayné: “Plus, I figure that would be a good starting point for tracking that monster too. Hells, he might even still be there! That would save me some time haha!”

Fal’Rei: “What makes you think he is still alive at all? Maybe someone else did him in in. Maybe time got the better of him!”

Kayné: “Oh he’s out there all right! I can feel it in my bones!”

The old man raised an eyebrow, he was as sceptical as amused.

Fal’Rei: “Still, I do not know how much you remember, but this didn’t exactly go well last time!”

Kayné: “I’ll do better!”

She snapped cheerfully.

He shook his head laughing.

“You’re not even half of what you used to be! What part of you is going to do better? Are you planning on knocking him out with your breasts? Cause that’s the only part I see you’ve developed, compared to the stupid daughter I remember!”

She protested in fake, bashful outrage.

Kayné: “You senile idiot! Pass on already!”

Fal’Rei: “It’s true however. Your magic, your body, they’re both in far worse shape than what they used to be. You probably can’t even use most of your weapons right now, much less any of your other powers.”

She exhaled in despair. God, parents are tiring.

Kayné: “Yeah I know! I’m still working on rehab. Cut me some slack will you?”

He laughed anew. If only they could stay like this.

Fal’Rei: “Well I say that, but in the end, this is not so bad for you either. Our blood, our magic, our treasures, your passion, our support and all the love we gave you, turned you into one of the most powerful brats in the world! How does it feel to be mortal again?”

Kayné: “It’s been humbling. It hurts some times. I am not always able to protect the people I want. Some times my best isn’t even close to enough.”

Her face briefly flashed a deep sadness, but she was ever quick to recover in her usual style.

Kayné: “But the best is all I can manage. It will have to do. At least until I get stronger!”

Fal’Rei: “It will be a long way before you can get stronger than that. Are you sure you have it in you?”

Kayné: “You know…”

Her face darkened.

Anger came to be in her eyes, raging hatred.

Kayné: “Remembering that night, seeing all the wrongs in Haerii… Living in this world without you…”

As she spoke, black tendrils appeared along the surface of her skin. They grew from beneath her clothes and reached to cover up to the lower left side of her face. While not runic in nature, they were not entirely unlike writing. Unknown shapes, like scribbles and dark marks of a magic she barely controlled. She did not seem to mind them that said, she seemed empowered, if anything. Though a nasty glint overtook her eyes, now vivid with dangerous intent.  

Kayné: “It makes my soul howl for destruction! Nothing will get in my way!”

And just as she seemed about to lose it, ready to lunge at the man before her, she clapped her hands and kept them together.

The marks along her body, quickly shrank and faded away entirely in a matter of seconds.

Kayné: “I just need to learn to control my temper!”

She joked winking at him.

Her father burst in a hearty laugh.

“Now we’re talking! This may very well do the trick one day! Ha! All fear the power of the mighty Kayné, the girl who finally stopped monkeying around for five minutes to focus on a task for the first time in her life! Come on say the truth! You actually waited on purpose until I croaked before getting your shit together!”

She couldn’t help but smile at that.

Kayné: “Damn straight! What’s the point in having two killjoys around at the same time?”  

It was about time.

Kayné had to wake soon.

To go save whichever Haerii’s time.

To be glorious, in the marvellous fashion only she could be!

Her father approached her, and still taller than her, he rested his hand on top her head one last time.

“Look at you go! Stupid daughter of mine. How you’ve grown!”

Kayné turned red for a bit, as she smiled with enormous satisfaction at her dad’s comment.

“Go! Be well. Try to not be an utter pain for everyone around you!”

She put her own hand on his cheek. A pure white light, gentle and warm, grew from her fingertips to slowly cover his whole body.

Kayné: “Go to sleep old man.”

---

Such was Kayné’s dream, as she slept on top of and covered by, her ever dutiful booma hides, resting her head against a similarly peacefully napping, fluffy sword wolfo.

Apollo: "Are you alright?"

Kayné's first sight when she opened her eyes was her friend Apollo, kneeling besides her bedding. Although it might be considered wrong to count this iteration of Apollo as her friend. They were, most likely, completely different beings.
He wore a worried face as he looked at Kayné in the eyes. Politely, he handed over a piece of clean cloth to Kayné. Apparently she had been crying in her sleep, at least a little.

Apollo: "This situation must be stressful to you. I understand. We'll figure out a way to get you home, I promise. If there's anything else I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask. I'm sure Emilia and Vrael feel the same way."

The warrior rose back up.

Apollo: "Nightfall has come. We'll move out soon."

Emilia was already helping with the packing of their belongings. And so was Vrael, to Kayné's surprise. The book was flying between the levitating utensils, sleeping bags and other items belonging to the group. Using what seemed to be telekinesis, Vrael was methodically arranging items to fit a bag the size of a buckler. A magic bag.

Emilia was collecting the shining stones was served as lighting in the tunnel, and setting them in what looked like a form of net.

Soon enough, the camp was no longer, and the tunnel was left dark, empty and deserted. Except for the pile of ash that had been their campfire, there was no sign that anyone had been here recently.

Apollo was the first to climb up the ladder that led to the outside.

Apollo: "Are you alright?"

Ah.

The familiar voice of an unfamiliar person.

Enough with the white world.

It is time to resume the great adventurer.

Kayné slowly rose from slumber, to meet a disturbingly worried Apollo.

It was still difficult to wrap one’s head around, that no matter in which world, this dude would always be on the nice side.

The huntress took the piece of cloth extended to her and wiped out her remaining tears without commenting on it.

She was not ashamed in any way, but she was not eager to talk about it either. Strangely enough, her sleep had provided her with a fair amount of rest and with a feeling of peace she had not had in months. It was enough.

She did think she’d have to stop the waterworks one day though!

Not that it would happen!

Unsure how she could help and if her help would be welcome rather than a nuisance, Kayné did not assist with lifting the camp, instead, she made sure to properly pack her own belongings and to take a moment to perform any needed maintenance on her equipment. She almost did a roll call of her blades. Almost.

Her preparations done, she blissfully sat on a rock and observed her new traveling companions.

Emilia was still very much alive, Apollo was F-I-T and Vrael… Well, the magical, flying, talking book could use magic, in this particular moment telekinesis. Shocker.

Still, they seemed to be as merry a bunch as ever and Kayné was happy to set out with them into the ruins, closing the march.

[To: Faelir's Rest]