I am one with this wood. I smell like the trees, I rub on their trunks, they smell like me. The hares know nothing, and I take no delight in watching their eyes widen in fear and then dim as death swiftly carries them away. I feel their hearts beating furiously as they hang in my jaws, I bless their sacrifice, I consume their warm flesh.
I do not remember how many moons have passed through the boughs of the forest since my last encounter, but I sense the painmaker hastening through the wood once more. I want to run, to outpace her, to stay hidden - but time the last she had urgency and my heart was torn. Perhaps I will listen once more to her tale of woe, give what aid I deem necessary, and keep to the wood. I have not done well in keeping myself hidden amongst the...
The scent is not the painmaker, but the sense is... something is not right. I know not what this creature is, but-
'Hold, Kaliadra...'
-It is the one from long ago. The winged one. His armor is missing. He is thin. He smells horrible... stale and burned.
'...I need your help. It's Sanria. I need to take her home.'
-I cannot fight the urge to run... I sense my mistake, I can feel the painmaker through a rush of magic... she is far away. Why is this one here...
'No. You will not run from me. You will help me, whether you wish it or not.'
-I am unable to move... magic... powerful... he's driving my own transformation... how is this possible... how...
"Now, Lady Kaliadra... you may use your tongue. Tell me, how did you get to my home. Leave no truths untold, for if I have to seek your mind, you will be punished."
"What... has happened... to you? So cruel..."
"Life. Gilean. Love. Now that you know, let's start at the beginning."
