Chapter 38: On The Right Path
As Karyan ventured into the wilderness with Sera, the sun had barely risen above the horizon, casting long shadows on their path.
The cool morning air was filled with the songs of birds, and the world seemed to hold its breath as they began their journey.
"Alright, Sera," Karyan murmured, the serpent's head resting near his ear. "We have a long road ahead. Keep your senses sharp."
Sera hissed softly, her forked tongue flicking out, tasting the air.
"Ss-ssafe as long as we're together," she replied, her voice a sibilant whisper only Karyan could understand.
'Senses are sharp now after getting half of my powers back…'
Karyan nodded, feeling a sense of comfort in Sera's presence. "We'll need to be cautious. Who knows what kind of strangers we'll meet on the way."
As they walked, Karyan noticed the varied travelers on the road. A merchant with a cart full of pottery offered a curt nod as he passed by.
A group of children, dirty-faced and giggling, scampered off the path as Karyan approached, whispering and pointing at the intimidating figure he cut, with Sera draped around his shoulders.
Further along, a hooded figure leaned on a staff, eyes hidden in the shadow of the hood.
The figure watched Karyan and Sera pass, then with a slight bow of the head, continued on their own journey without a word.
"Strange ones, aren't they, Sera?" Karyan commented, eyeing the hooded figure until it disappeared from view.
"Ss-strangers have their own stories," Sera hissed. "Best we focus on ourss."
Karyan nodded, knowing Sera's wisdom was as sharp as her fangs.
They continued along the path, the world around them slowly waking from its slumber.
The road wound through fields where farmers toiled and forests where the light danced between the leaves.
Karyan's mind was racing with thoughts of the dancer and the visions she could provide. Sera, ever perceptive, could feel the tension in his muscles.
"What troubles you, Karyan?" she asked, her tongue flickering gently against his ear.
He sighed, "I'm just thinking about what we'll find in Mirrormere. The dancer... the visions... I need answers, Sera, and I don't know what to expect."
Sera tightened her coil around him, a reassuring embrace. "Whatever we find, I will protect you as you have protected me."
Karyan reached up to stroke Sera's scales, they both had a mutual trust. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Day turned into night, and they made camp under the stars. Karyan lay with his back against the earth, Sera coiled beside him.
"Sleep, Karyan," Sera said, watching the dark sky. "I'll keep watch tonight."
He nodded, his eyes heavy with fatigue. "Thank you, my friend…"
As Karyan drifted to sleep, Sera's eyes remained alert, her body a silent sentinel in the quiet night.
They were alone, but together, a man and his serpent against the world.
With each passing day, they drew closer to their destination.
The journey through the Forest of Whispers was as eerie as the name suggested.
The trees seemed to lean in, their leaves rustling with secrets, as if they were discussing the travelers threading their way along the path.
Karyan and Sera moved cautiously, the serpent's head occasionally lifting to scan their surroundings.
"Keep close, Sera," Karyan instructed. "This forest lives up to its name."
Sera's tongue flicked out rapidly. "Ss-sounds are many, but danger is few," she responded.
They met a few travelers within the forest, but one afternoon, a woman with a basket of herbs crossed their path.
She eyed Sera warily but offered Karyan a smile.
"Good day, traveler," she greeted. "You and your... companion are far from the village roads."
Karyan returned the smile. "Good day. We seek the city of Mirrormere. Are we on the right path?"
The woman nodded, her eyes glancing at Sera. "You are. But be careful, the city is abuzz with talk of the dancer. People are drawn to her visions like moths to a flame."
"Have you seen her dance?" Karyan asked, curiosity gleamed in his eyes.
She shook her head. "No, but I've heard the whispers. They say she knows the truth of one's heart, that her dance can change the course of fate."
Thanking the woman, Karyan and Sera continued on their journey.
As they approached Mirrormere, the forest gave way to open land, and the distant mountains loomed ever closer.
Finally, after days of travel, the city came into view.
Mirrormere was bustling with life, its streets filled with vendors, travelers, and locals going about their day.
The murmur of countless conversations filled the air, it seemed like a symphony of life and commerce.
As Karyan and Sera made their way through the city, whispers followed them like an invisible trail.
Eyes darted toward them, taking in Sera's slithering form and Karyan's imposing stature.
"That must be the master of serpents," one passerby murmured to another, their words reaching Karyan's ears.
"Look at the size of that snake," another whispered, awe and fear mingling in their tone.
Karyan was no longer able to hide his true identity after absorbing his powers, the old looks came back to him like an unwanted child.
But this country had no threats towards him, as everyone knew who he was, they all feared Lanta at the same time.
Karyan ignored the whispers and focused on navigating through the city.
He stopped a man carrying a stack of linens and asked, "Where can I find the Twilight Pavilion?"
The man eyed Sera before replying, "Follow the main road to the center of the city. The pavilion is hard to miss, especially now with the dancer drawing such crowds."
Karyan thanked the man and continued on his way. As they neared the pavilion, the crowd grew thicker, and the sense of anticipation was palpable.
"Seems we're not the only ones drawn to the dancer's talents," Sera hissed.
Karyan nodded. "Let's just hope she has the answers we seek."
They arrived at the Twilight Pavilion, a grand structure with arching entrances and flickering torches that cast dancing shadows on the walls.
The crowd was filled with excitement and nervousness, everyone eager yet cautious about the performance the dancer might bring.
But then a man appeared, not able to speak but with a sign that said, "no show this week."
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone