In the vast, beautiful expanse of the forest, within the colossal tree, Amias walked alongside his majestic moose companion.
The first friendly creature he had encountered in this maze. It's so refreshing. Amias was grateful for this moose as together they moved deeper into the dense, vibrant woodland, alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant bird calls and anything the ecosystem had inhabited really. How peaceful. Eventually, the moose led him to a path, and in the distance, he saw it.
I-Is that a...
A portal. It stood tall, nearly two stories high, constructed from the familiar wood he had grown so very accustomed to. Intricate runic symbols, ones he had never seen before, were carved into its surface, glowing with an ethereal blue aura. He stared at it, both curious and skeptical. The moose turned to him and nodded towards the portal.
"T-That thing's safe? Because, ya know, it really doesn't look safe," he said uncertainly. This maze had been a death trap so far what if stepping into that thing evaporated him on the spot or something? He edged closer, hesitantly reaching out a hand. His fingers slipped through effortlessly. No pain. No sudden agony. It seemed... fine.
I could go in. Yes, I will. I sure will. Definitely. For sure.
"Yeah, I'm not going in there. Sorry, buddy," Amias decided honestly, glancing back at the utopia surrounding him. He wasn't ready to leave yet. He had no idea what lay beyond that portal, but for the first time in what felt like forever, he had found a place where he could rest. So, that's exactly what he would do.
For now, he'd explore the forest. Maybe even find something to wear. And he'd do it all with his new moose companion.
"So, Moosy, do you think you could show me around?" he asked. The moose obliged, leading him further into the depths of the forest. Amias trailed behind, marvelling at the serene beauty around him until his jaw dropped at the sight ahead.
A hot spring.
Within the heart of the enormous tree's forest, nestled between moss-covered rocks, steam rose gently from the crystal-clear water. It shouldn't have been possible, yet here it was. He exhaled in pure relief. A chance to finally bathe.
"Good work, Moosy," he said and turned to the moose, giving it an appreciative pat before descending towards the steaming and shining waters. Stripping off his tattered remnants of clothing, really just shorts, he stepped in, sighing in relief as the heat enveloped him. The water felt like a balm to his soul, soothing away aches he hadn't even realized he carried. Leaning back against the rocks, he exhaled, allowing himself this rare moment of peace. He glanced at his reflection in the water, his once-average physique now honed, muscles defined from constant struggle. The god's blood in him had changed him completely. He almost felt like Hercules. It was sick.
He had long awaited this feeling, this warmth; he had earned it and there was absolutely nothing that could ruin it.
For the first time in a long time, everything was perfect.
Then he heard a sound that made him freeze.
Is someone giggling?
His relaxation evaporated instantly. A chill ran down his spine. Paranoia crept in as he turned slightly, only for his blood, or whatever was left of it, to freeze once he heard that familiar voice that made him pale even further despite being a corpse.
Please be a monster.
"It's been a while, Mr. Walker."
Oh god, he thought, mortified, knowing who it was.
His head turned slowly and dramatically, and there she was.
Elentera.
She stood at the edge of the spring, her lithe frame adorned with modern clothes. She wore black jeans and sported a t-shirt for some metal band he had never heard of, topped with a leather jacket. Was that how she dressed last time they met? He wasn't sure; it was dark then but he was pretty sure she wasn't from earth so probably not but either way, it only made her more beautiful. Her long, white hair cascaded effortlessly behind her, and her scarlet eyes pierced into his grey ones.
She was transcendent. Ethereal. Breathtaking. Utterly perfect.
And he was naked.
I'm naked and the pretty girl I think about obsessively is here. How great. Fantastic, he thought dryly. At least he didn't blush anymore; being dead had its perks, right?
Except, apparently, it didn't. Because he felt the heat rising to his face regardless.
"Hi, Elentera," he greeted stiffly. "You, uh, seem to have caught me at a really bad time."
She laughed, the sound both amused and delighted. "I don't know. I'd say I caught you at a great time." she said honestly, admiring his physique.
Amias coughed, sinking deeper into the water until only his head remained visible.
"Oh my, ruining my view? How rude, Amias," she said playfully, emphasizing his name. His blush deepened, betraying him further. Why was he blushing? He was supposed to be dead! He was a corpse, damn it!
She smirked, noticing his blush. "Hey, maybe it would help if I joined you?" she offered politely, tilting her head and feigning innocence.
He coughed again. "H-Hey, have mercy; my heart might stop forever if you keep this up."
I guess it already has, though.
She chuckled. "Alright, alright. But really, way to go, Amias. You survived. I was rooting for you." She admitted as her gaze softened, studying him. "Though... you've changed quite a bit since the last time we met, haven't you?" she asked, curious about the drastic difference from the boy before to the man now.
"Yeah. Yeah, a lot happened. I'd love to tell you all about it...
once I'm dressed."
"Do you really need to though? We can just talk now?" she offered, polite and innocent.
This is not fair.
"Well, if you want to, then... sure, we could," he said casually.
She frowned slightly, fangs glinting. "You were so shy and cute last time. Now you're more laid-back and composed. So... does that mean you don't like me anymore?" she asked, a hint of annoyance lacing her words.
He flushed again. D-Did she... like that... about him? Was that something she actually wanted? Was that a good thing? A bad thing? It's not like he wasn't shy; it's just, well, a lot happened, right? His brain short-circuited.
"I-I'm not cool," he blurted out in disagreement, immediately freezing as the words left his mouth.
FUCK
"I-I mean, uh, well, you know what I meant," he stammered adorably, as a triumphant grin formed on her lips.
"Cute."
What kind of spell is this? Damn it. B-But i wroked... she called me cute. So I win. D-Definitely.