The day had come. Metis stood by her window, staring out at the horizon as the morning sun painted the sky with golden hues. The dream from the previous night still weighed on her.
Thalia, noticed her mistress's distant expression. "You've been quiet all morning, my lady," she said softly. "What's troubling you?"
Metis forced a smile, shaking her head. "It's nothing, Thalia. I'm just eager to find answers in that cave. The prophecy... it's too important to ignore."
Thalia frowned but decided not to press further. "Alright, but if something is bothering you, I'm here to listen."
Metis nodded, touched by her concern. As they gathered their belongings, set off to meet Sophos at the village's outskirts.
*******************
He was waiting for them under the shade of an old oak tree, his expression calm but alert. "Are you both ready?" he asked as they approached.
Metis nodded. "As ready as we'll ever be."
"Good," Sophos said, his voice steady. "Stay close, and no matter what we encounter, keep moving. There are creatures out there that will try to distract us or lead us astray."
"Creatures?" Thalia asked, her eyes wide.
"Ancient ones," Sophos explained. "Some will speak to you, others might even try to charm you. Ignore them. They'll twist your mind and make you forget why we're here."
The warning ring in their mind as they ventured into the forest. The path was rugged and overgrown, but they kept walking.
It wasn't long before the first sign of trouble appeared. A faint sound echoed through the dense forest—soft, wheezy laughter. The trio stopped in their tracks, scanning the shadows.
An old woman emerged from behind a tree, hunched over and draped in tattered rags. Her eyes gleamed unnaturally bright in her weathered face. "Travelers," she croaked, her voice carrying a strange melody. "Where are you headed on such a fine day?"
Sophos stiffened, gripping the hilt of his dagger. "Don't speak to her," he murmured, his voice low.
Metis hesitated, the woman's frailty tugging at her heart. "She looks harmless—"
"Looks can be deceiving," Sophos interrupted sharply.
The old woman chuckled, leaning on a twisted staff. "Oh, I mean no harm," she said, her tone sweet. "I only wish to offer guidance. The forest is full of dangers, my dears. Take the wrong path, and you might never return."
Thalia stepped back, eyeing the woman warily. "How do you know where we're going?"
The woman's grin widened, revealing sharp, yellowed teeth. "I know many things. I know what you seek in that cave, priestess," she said, her gaze locking on Metis.
Metis froze. "How do you—"
Sophos stepped between them. "Enough! We don't need your help."
The woman's expression darkened, her voice dropping to a menacing growl. "Foolish boy. Turn away now, or face the consequences."
Before Metis could respond, Sophos grabbed her arm and pulled her forward. "We need to keep moving!" He said firmly.
As they walked away, the woman's creepy laughter echoed through the forest, which scared them.
The path they took, grew steeper. The second encounter came suddenly—a goblin, wiry and quick, darted out from the bushes. Its green skin gleamed in the dappled sunlight, and its sharp teeth gleamed as it grinned.
"Well, well, well," it hissed, circling them with a predatory air. "What have we here? Travelers on a quest? How exciting..."
Sophos drew his blade, but the goblin merely laughed. "No need for that, friend. I bring news. You're headed the wrong way."
Metis narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean, and how can we believe you, when we can't even understand your words?"
The goblin smirked, tapping its long claws together. "I'm not one of you, so, I don't expect you to understand how I speak. Perhaps, there's a shortcut. Through the gorge, just beyond the hill. Quicker, safer... but only if you're smart enough to follow my directions."
Sophos glared at the creature. "You think we're foolish enough to trust you?"
The goblin shrugged, its grin widening. "Suit yourself then. But the long path is treacherous. Wolves roam those parts. And worse."
Thalia glanced at Metis, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you think it's telling the truth?"
"No," Sophos said firmly. "It's trying to trick us."
The goblin's laughter was sharp and grating. "Ah, distrust. So predictable. But mark my words—you'll regret ignoring my advice."
The goblin vanished into the underbrush, leaving them worried.
The final encounter was the most unnerving. As they reached a small clearing, a fairy appeared, her wings shimmering like liquid gold in the sunlight. Her beauty was otherworldly, and her voice was a melody that seemed to resonate in their very bones.
"Greetings," she said, her eyes fixed on Metis.
"You have come far, priestess."
Metis hesisted, captivated by the fairy's presence. "You know who I am?"
"Of course," she said, her lips curling into a mysterious smile. "I know many things. "I know what you seek, and I know the man who walks beside you."
Sophos tensed. "Ignore her, Metis."
But the fairy continued, undeterred. "He keeps secrets from you, this man. He has made promises—promises that may cost you dearly."
Metis's heart sank. "What promises?"
The fairy's gaze softened, and she spoke in riddles. "A wife at the journey's end, a heart that wavers. Be wary, priestess, for not all who walk with you are what they seem."
Sophos stepped forward, his voice sharp. "Leave her alone."
The fairy tilted her head, studying him. "You fear the truth, don't you?" she said softly. "What will she think when she discovers it?"
Sophos's jaw tightened. "Go," he growled.
With a graceful bow, the fairy disappeared, her laughter echoing in the air like a haunting melody.
Metis turned to Sophos, her voice trembling. "Is there something you're not telling me?"
Sophos met her gaze, guilt flickering in his eyes. But instead of answering her question, he stepped closer and said, "Come on Metis, I am not hiding anything from you!"
"Seriously, I don't know why I should trust or believe you because you're just a stranger like them! And..."
Sophos did not allow her to finish her words, before cutting her short. "I love you, Metis! I love you. I can't stop thinking about you since the day I met you in that tarven."
Metis and Thalia was taken aback, as their eyes widened in shock. And Metis heart skip instantly, she looked into his eyes, and said, "Let's keep moving!" She turned and lead the way.