Traveling To Fable's Veil - Part 1

She couldn't move.  Although Levi wanted to start working on her offering to the Child, she just couldn't get her mind under control.  The anxiety twisted around her soul and pulled her down forcing her still. Just like the statue, she was hopefully about to journey too, her body was stiff, bound to one place.  Her head was pulsing with a headache as she tried to think of what this guardian would even want as an offering.  Maybe treasure shards, charms, or some other type of riches?  She only had 10 shards to her name.  Would that ever be enough to please Fable?

Even more so, Levi found herself questioning if there was even a point to the whole ceremony.  Maybe Fable and Fable's Shrine was just that, a fable.  Maybe this whole thing was just a waste of time and energy?  Her lips began to quiver and her body begin to tremble as she sunk even farther into her fears.  

She sunk down into her bed ready to cry when she felt soft fur rub up against her leg.  The Celebration Xorasi she had befriended a few months ago began to nuzzle itself into her.  She quickly scooped the critter up into her claws and started petting the tiny critter.  It looked back at her with eyes filled with content and happiness.  

Sometimes Levi wished she was just a simple companion critter.  The Groobis and Woolimoo always looked happy and never stressed about life.  Never scared of those around them.  Just happy to live.  What she would do to feel that way for only a day.

As Levi began to descend back into panicked thoughts, she didn't notice the Xorasi had jumped out of her arms.  Nor did she notice that it was running back up to her but now with a small green pouch.

“Baaarrrkkk!”

The sudden noise shot her out of her thoughts, causing her to clumsily look around until her eyes focused on what the Xorasi holding.  The pouch was tattered, dusty, and had what looked like the remains of a cob-web dangled from its side.  Inside was a silky lime green cloth with and an embroidery of Fable's Shrine on it.  An item she had found at Faolans Offering Exchange and purchased to help her get into the spirit for Faetide.  Gently hidden underneath the cloth was her 10 treasure shards. Neatly tucked away so no sneaky thief would notice the treasure she hid under her tattered clothes.  Or maybe the sneaky thief would notice it?  Who knows, she tries not to dwell on thoughts like that because she knows if she started considering it, she would never stop considering it.

“Baaarrrkkk” yelped the Xorasi

Levi slowly turned to face the critter once more.  “Do you think I should bring this as my offering to Fable's Shrine?”

“Baaarrrkkk” again yelped the Xorasi

“But what if it's not good enough?  Offering the child a measly 10 treasure shards, a cloth, and a tattered-up pouch.  What kind of offering is that?  It just simply won't do, there has to be a way I can do better…”

“Baaarrrkkk” again yelped the Xorasi, but this time a bit more determined.

Leviathan looked back at the critter, taking a deep breath before she spoke.  “Fine, I will go and I shall make this my offering.  I guess the worst-case scenario is this journey becomes a drawn-out hike.  But I like hikes, so that wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.”  Half expecting the Xorasi to bark at her again she asked “Would you like to accompany me on this journey?”

“Bark, bark, bark” yelped the Xorasi, but this time with an enthusiasm that caused the room to shake.

“Okay, okay then.  We leave tonight, I don't want to wait until the morning because by then I will convince myself out of it.”  The Xorasi excitedly waged its tail, while running in circles.  It looked so excited to go on an adventure.  While Levi on the other hand was trying to not start panicking over her decision.  Deep down, she knew this was a trip she wanted to make and would regret opting out of it.

So instead of sinking back into her thoughts, she stretched her body and finally stood up from the spot she had planted herself earlier.  “I’ll be back in 30 minutes,” she said to the Xorasi, “I’m going to take a quick swim, then we can pack and head out.  You go take a nap, we have a long trip ahead.”  

“Baaarrrkkk”, replied the Xorasi.