[Matriarch] Special Quest 3

With the nyxthorn calm enough and two large branches covered in berries, the pair of vayrons thought they were prepared enough to make the trek back to the Matriarch. Eva and Adaline looked around the dim cavern one last time, noting the usual plants around some of the flickering crystals. The pair had a feeling they were being watched, but besides the nyxthorn, they couldn’t see anyone else around them. 

“Ready?” Adaline asked, still keeping her voice quiet so she wouldn’t startle the nyxthorn again. 

Eva nodded and watched as Adaline used her magic to carry the branches. They started to walk towards the tunnels, only looking behind them once to make sure the nyxthorn were following them. However, before they entered the tunnels, Eva paused. 

“Maybe one of us should walk at the end of the line to make sure no one runs off,” Eva suggested. 

“Good idea,” Adaline said. 

“Go ahead with the berries. I’ll follow behind,” Eva smiled. 

Adaline nodded and started the journey back to the Matriarch. Eva waited patiently as the nyxthorn chased the berries branches floating around Adaline. The pink light from her magic also acted like a beacon in case the tunnels got too dark. The nyxthorn walked in pairs and trios, but finally, when the last pair passed Eva, she started walking, too. 

The journey back to the Matriarch was easier than the one the vayrons had trying to find the nyxthorn. When they walked in the opposite direction, there weren’t any forks in the tunnels, and the quills helped them find their way back in case they had any doubts. Eventually, the light from Adaline’s magic was swallowed by the much brighter light of the crystals. The further they walked, the more crystals lined the tunnel, and the light from the crystals made Adaline’s magic unnoticeable. 

However, the closer they got to the Matriarch, the louder her cries became. Adaline and Eva constantly kept their eyes on the nyxthorn in case they became too nervous again. The group was nearly back to the Matriarch’s cavern when a particularly loud cry shook the tunnel. Everyone paused. Eva and Adaline waited with bated breath to see how the nyxthorn would react. The nyxthorn paused as a tremor made its way through the prickle. Adaline immediately lowered the branches and tried to encourage them to eat. Eva muttered encouraging words. The pair continued their calming methods until the nyxthorn visibly calmed. 

Adaline sighed, “Let’s hurry while she’s quiet.”

Eva nodded, and the group was off. They walked at a slightly faster pace. Eventually, the group walked through the mouth of the tunnel and stepped into the crystalline cavern. The caregivers immediately spotted them and made their way over to the vayrons and nyxthorn. 

“You found them,” One caregiver cooed, trying to keep their voice quiet and calm, but their excitement was clear. 

“Thank Oris,” Another said with an equally quiet voice.  

“Quickly, bring them this way. Let’s get them closer to the Matriarch,” A third caregiver said as she ushered the vayrons and nyxthorn to follow her. 

Adaline and Eva spied several groups of reoseans working hard to break the crystals around the Matriarch. They watched one group strike hard, and they paused, cringing, waiting for the Matriarch’s cry. However, it never came. Adaline and Eva sighed deeply as they walked with the nyxthorn closer to the Matriarch. 

“She’ll be calmer with her pets nearby,” One of the caregivers whispered. 

Adaline and Eva nodded. They wouldn’t have believed it, except they could sense it. When they first entered the cavern, the atmosphere was heightened with distress, and the pair of vayrons thought it was because of the mining. However, the atmosphere now was calmer. Pain still vibrated through the air every once and awhile, but nothing like before when the nyxthorn were lost. 

The vayrons watched as the nyxthorn scampered up the rocks to get closer to the Matriarch. When one of the nyxthorn brushed by her, another wave of calm or peace went through the air. Adaline and Eva smiled, pleased they could help. 

“We must thank you,” Another caregiver said gently. 

“Yes, what would you like in return?” A second one asked, coming to their side. 

Adaline and Eva looked at each other. 

“Nothing?” Eva said, uncertain. 

Adaline nodded, “We’re just happy to help any way we could.”

The caregivers nodded and gave their thanks again before leaving the vayrons by themselves. 

Eva and Adaline wandered around the cavern, but their eyes always went back to the nyxthorn. They stayed alert, ready to help corral the nyxthorn in case they ran off again. However, the longer they watched they noticed the caregivers were being just as vigilant. The pair of vayrons said their goodbyes and then turned to find their way home. 

[800]