[Matriarch] Search

The last thing the three vayrons wanted to do was look for more help. The reoseans already working hard had made significant strides, but more help couldn’t hurt. Wolf thought of going to the Druids for help simply because he thought the two vayrons in his company would like the territory. So this time, he led them deep into the crystal tunnels and away from the Matriarch. 

“Shouldn’t we stay close to the cavern?” Eva asked, uncertain about the whole thing. 

Eva and her sister, Sin, hadn’t been through the winding tunnels like Wolf had, so they were feeling nervous about travelling to new areas. Though, Eva was more so than Sin because, as Sin pointed out numerous times, her world was dark, no matter where they were. 

“It-t will… b-be fine,” Wolf stuttered out in an attempt to calm his companions. 

The trio wandered through the tunnels until finally, foliage started to wrap around the tunnels and crystals. There was a dramatic shift in the elements around them, and that alone further calmed Eva. The plants were otherworldly, but they felt more like home than the barren crystal cave that encased the Matriarch. Even Sin commented on how soft the leaves were once they reached a place where the rock path became covered in moss and leaves. 

“Wolf,” a voice called before Auris emerged from the forest. “Good to see you again.”

Wolf smiled, and used his head to gesture toward the heavily furred haedian.

Eva immediately understood what Wolf was trying to communicate, “I’m Eva, and this is Sin. We’re looking to recruit some help for the Matriarch.”

Auris smiled in return and introduced himself. He further explained that he would be happy to direct them to the places where his clansmen gathered so they could ask. Eva thanked him, and then the three vayrons followed Auris through the maze of large and unique trees. The walk was short before they were led into an open space where several other haedians mingled. 

“Your attention please,” Auris called. 

Wolf grabbed some papers that were strapped to Sin while Eva stepped forward. Her voice projected better than Wolf or Sin could have managed. She explained the situation, though in her head she had hoped some of them would have already known what was going on. However, another thought crossed her mind that she really didn’t know how well the clans were connected. Maybe they were clueless. Eva continued to explain while Wolf handed out the papers with Sin by his side, helping as best she could. 

When the three were finished, the haedians turned to Auris as if they hoped he would verify the claims the vayrons had made. Wolf understood their mistrust, but Eva and Sin didn’t. Though they kept it themselves. Auris backed Eva’s story and asked anyone who wanted to help to follow the directions on the paper. 

“Come,” Auris said when he finished, “There are more groups you can talk to.”

“Thank you,” Eva said. 

The four reoseans wandered through another section of trees. These trees were just as unusual as the first and some were even encrusted with crystals making them shimmer. Eva took in the sights and wished she had a way of sharing them with her sister. Sin wasn’t completely left out, though, her enhanced senses would feel how different the air was, how deeper the magic was than at home. She found it just as fascinating, even if she could see. Wolf was as enchanted as he had been the first time through this territory, but that didn’t distract him from their task. 

When they arrived at the second group of haedians there was a distinctly different vibe. These haedians had a more hostile look on their face when they viewed Eva or Sin, but with Wolf it was more neutral given his history with the clan. 

“Everyone, these vayrons would like your help,” Auris called for their attention. 

One haedian lifted their lip and sneered. 

Eva, not one to back down, held her head and explained the situation. Wolf and Sin moved with more caution as they handed out papers that further described what Eva was talking about. It gave more thorough details on how they could help the Matriarch and where they could go to help. Sin couldn’t see their expression, but the hostility in the air made her hair stand on end. 

When Eva had finished, the haedians started to shout their distaste of the idea. Auris sighed and calmed their outburst. Wolf and Sin moved closer to Eva and then the three moved even closer to Auris as the tension grew. 

“Settle down,” Auris insisted in a deep, calm tone. “You aren’t required to help, but the caregivers would appreciate it.”

The hostility didn’t leave, but the protests lowered to a mumble. Then, surprising the trio, several haedians stood, looked at the papers and agreed to help. They gathered their friends and began heading into the forest. 

“There are more,” Auris said. 

Eva shook her head, put off by the open hostility toward her and her sister, “No, I think that will be better than nothing.”

Wolf nodded and glanced at the holder attached to Sin. 

“Besides,” Sin added, “We’re out of papers.”

Auris conceded and then guided them back toward the tunnel they entered through. The large Druid leader gave them directions to a shortcut that would get them back to the Matriarch. The three vayrons thanked him for his help and then followed the twisted paths back to the crystalline cavern. 

[925]