The queen, now finished with her first task, was well on her way to the second. Still only the beginning of a long arduous quest to undo her errors. But before she could continue, Eros pressed a few large golden coins into her palm. Alynia examined the currency with an expression of intrigue.

Next was a small jug of wine. A rustic clay pot held he drink, Alynia was surprised it was possible for the container to have stayed in tact for as long as Medusa has dwelled in the underworld.

While walking, the girl conjured up a brown satchel that paired well with her dress. She dropped the coins into the bag, but she kept hold of the wine with both hands, fearing that it should spill.

She half-heartedly listen to Eros as be was trying to give a remarkably in depth preview of their adventure. It wasn't really helping her, in fact it made her more confused and even scared. But knowing that Eros would have spent much too much time on a single answer, Alynia shook her head.

"'No questions." She confirmed out loud. "To the caves it was."

She was of sure how many caves there would be to choose from, but there was certainly more than she expected. It was clever of the gods, hiding in plain sight. There were many many tunnels that appeared to cut through the rock and form caves, but only one would lead Alynia to her destination.

Alynia appeared thoughtful, how was she to find which one it was? Of course she could check each cave, but there has to be a less time consuming method.

With no questions forth coming she, Orpheus and Eros had traveled to a valley that had numerous caves where it would have taken years to determine which one lead into the Underworld unless they got extremely lucky.

Eros or course was not omnipotent either but there were some secrets of the Gods he knew even if he did not know exactly which cave it was he knew of the spot though he could not help them further. Alynia had examined the caves too wondering as to which one that it might be before her attention had been gathered by Orpheus' strong voice.

“It's that one.” He point at one further up on a ledge that the pair had to climb to. He had remembered it from last time nearly falling though this time he had to use greater care. He was about half way there when he looked back and saw that Eros, while still present, was not going with them.

“He is not coming?” Orpheus assumed he wasn't though he had to think about this a little. Perhaps he was ensuring that this was the right passage first … but then why not come … the Underworld was probably full of despair, at least amongst those that were forbidden from the Elysium Fields who still remembered such as the tormented Titans. Plus since Zeus knew of the happenings of Kings and his brother was in a sense the King of the Underworld Zeus may have found it curious that Hades was interacting with Eros for surely Eros would gather Hades attention while here. This was a place where the Gods did not tend to visit.

But mortals would not gather a second thought from Hades as far as being instantly alerted to their presence unless they did something that interfered with his portfolio or tried to rescue one of the dead from the Underworld that had been under his command.

The cave was dark and narrow though the Queen could magically generate light to illuminate the way. Such was amongst the easier magics she knew and as the pair continued there was a fierce wind that blew though the caves. Eventually though the passage opened up to a huge chamber to the lies that their magical light did not illuminate the ceiling above them. They had traveled down that passage for some distance and now had t be well beneath the earth, maybe in anther Shadow.

She had heard f some Shadows being connected so close together that even the occupants there could move amongst them without knowing how to truly walk the Shadows though it was often at great peril that they did this.

Hades, the Elysian Fields, Olympus, they were all connected … there was the mortal plane of Olympus and Mount Olympus where the Gods resided. It was all strung together loosely as far as Alynia understood just as Asgard and Midgard were strung together in a loose sense. Normally to get to these connected places to you could not simply Shadow Walk into them but had t go to their “parent” Shadow before taking the additional journey. One could not go to Hades directly without going to Olympus first.

But soon they came to the edge or an underground river. “I think it was this way,” not that it was too hard t double back if he were wrong as it was a simple matter of following the river to the East or West though in the opposite direction they heard a faint sound. Was someone crying?

Alynia's eyes followed Orpheus's outstretched finger... A weary expression crossed her gaze. It seemed they would have to climb... She fingered the hem of her dress that was was far too short for such activity. But Orpheus seized a handhold, and then a foothold, and began to steadily ascend the rock. Alynia quickly decided to follow. She waved her hand over the pot of wine, casting a simple levitation spell, before grasping hold of the boulder herself.

Slowly, the two of them climbed, Orpheus a noticeable deal faster than the queen. About halfway up, the musician glanced down below him. He saw Alynia steadily climbing, with a scarlet blush upon her cheeks. The humiliating thought was crossing her mind that Eros, from below, was able to see right up her skirt. "I suppose he has more important matters to attend to..." Alynia muttered in response to Orpheus, trying to ignore her embarrassment.

It took them a bit to reach the top, but when they finally entered the cave they were met by a cool draft. Alynia slivered as she conjured up a bright flickering flame that danced on her outstretched palm. The further into the darkness they travelled, the dimmer her light seemed to be. The wind grew more ferocious as well. A few times, on instinct, the light disappeared as Alynia clutched down her fluttering dress.

But as they continued further and further down the sloped path, the wind stopped. In fact they had reached a chamber of epic proportions. It seemed within the inky black, life itself ceased to exist. The girl whistled softly, but the tune didn't echo in return. The sound disappeared into nothing almost as soon as it left her lips. The two of them walked closer together, sharing the light and the warmth. Alynia using both of her hands to cup the illuminating fire, and Orpheus given the wine to carry.

Eventually, they came upon a river. The water was just barely visible in the pitch black. Alynia could make out the reflection of the magical light source on the surface of the murky stagnant water. She was thinking to herself how foul it would have been to swim in such waters when she heard the sound.

It startled her, for there had been nothing but silence for so long. Quiet sobbing, sniffling tears. A woman. It was difficult to make out which direction it was coming from. It was eerie, but the soft hearted queen couldn't ignore it. "Hello?" Alynia called out softly wondering if she would be heard. "Who is there? Are you alright?" Slowly she attempted to follow the sound of crying, taking great care not to fall into the dreadful body of water she suspected was the River of Styx. Was this blackness the underworld? Was the the fate doomed to all men who faced death?

Had Eros stayed to watch the sites or went the embarrassed Queen did not know as she did not as she did not look down nor did Orpheus bring anything up either. Perhaps it was best that she did not know these things as it would certainly help with her embarrassment.

It was bad enough that Eros knew her mind at least when it came to his portfolio of love, even lust she suspected. Knowing of all those intimate details. Given that Hades portfolio included matters over the dead it was easy enough to draw these conclusions for herself.

The pair traveled down the passage way though Orpheus had never learned where that wind had generated from. Cracks in the walls of the passage where the most obvious but where the wind was coming from eluded him. Was it outside blowing in or was it generated between the vales of the Shadows?

Eventually though the large chamber had been before them and Orpheus, who was standing closer to her perked up at the sobbing. They were still in Olympus, the Underworld on the other side of the river so they were on the boarder.

“Careful, don't touch the water,” Orpheus' warning told her that this had to be the infamous River Styx that she had knowledge about from her own Shadow. It was fascinating in that there was a smattering of this and that knowledge compiled on her Shadow … religions, mythologies, histories, and though not all of it was the same nine times out of ten it was close or got it right.

She had wondered about this. Other Shadows did not have a huge record of Earth though she did see it listed with the other Shadows, third from the top … odd, she was under the impression that the magical Shadows were closer together and that was the case, though why it was always listed as third had been baffling as the Shadow of Earth did not border Llyndoria and all the other Shadows had been listed in order as far as she had learned.

Perhaps Earth served another purpose. A UN of sorts with a Hodge Podge of Shadows influencing over small areas at one time or another. Perhaps it was an experiment of some kind. Who could say for any certainty though if she asked she could probably find out easy enough. It was just that she had never really considered it before now.

As she called out the crying stopped and was followed by some sniffling. Though there was no answer Orpheus played a few bars from his flute instead of them navigating the darkness. A figure, scarred from the curse she imagined given the cowl over her head drew near.

She possessed olive hued skin and was about her age when she had first entered into Llyndoria. Drawn by the music Alynia could feel the power it possessed, the need to be close to Orpheus, to listen to the sweet melody. It was a compulsion she could not ignore and in a way it was frightening to realize that he commanded such incredible power.

“What seems to be the problem?”

“The Harpies ...”

Orpheus was confused for a moment. “Zeus' Harpies that Jason captured?” There was a nod.

“There here, at least one of them or a different one. It stole my coin and now I cannot cross ...” She sniffled again as she looked between them.

Orpheus’s music was unbelievably lovely. Alynia had before experienced the spell of a satyr’s pipes (more times than once), but the noises that spouted from the reed pipes did not compare to the flutist. Caught unprepared, Alynia suddenly forgot what she was here for… who she was. All she wanted to do was to sit down and listen to his tune.
Her eyes were star-struck by such beauty. It was no wonder Orpheus was named the most famed musician even among the gods. She blushed. Her hand reached out to grasp his arm, wanting to be closer to him. If she could have him, her heart decided, she would never want or need anything ever again. But suddenly the melody stopped.

Alynia blinked, suddenly shaken out of her hypnotism. Her heart pounded in her ears. What had just happened? It took the queen a moment to cover her bearings… the underworld… the curse… the crying… the memories came flooding back within her. She rubbed her temples. What a terrifying spell Orpheus possessed. Hopefully next time she would be much more prepared to face it.

She concentrated her attention on the poor girl before her. Her face was covered with a cowl. Alynia tilted her head. The girl seemed younger than her, but with a mentality of a woman beyond both of their years. She had gone through much pain. Alynia could hear it in her voice. Another misfortune had struck her.

Always one unable to stand the suffering of others, Alynia hand immediately wandered into the satchel she carried. Four coins were in there. One for both her and Orpheus to cross, and then another to get back. In her head, Alynia knew the consequences, but her kind heart would not allow her to ignore the girl before her.
Alynia grabbed the girl’s olive skinned hand and pressed a large gold coin in it before she could even finish her story. It seems that either Orpheus or her would need to find another way back to the land of the living.

“Take it.” The queen’s expression was definite but her kind hearted intentions were more than clear. The way her tone left her lips dared either Orpheus or the girl to question her decision. From the sound of her words, there would be no doubt that this woman was a queen.

It was frightening this power that Orpheus possessed. Satyrs could charm, they could do a pale imitation of such flawless beauty though at the same time Orpheus had not taken advantage of that particular Enchantment. It was clear that if he wanted to befuddle her mind further that he could for the legends stated that all living creatures, God or mortal, bowed to his mastery … no, that had not been entirely true …

Memories returned slowly to the Queen as that haze had been lifted from her mind. Perhaps it would have taken longer for her to recover if Orpheus had played longer. But once the girl came to them he had stopped playing and had just listened.

A Harpy in the Underworld? Had Zeus foresee the possibility of them coming here? Had the Harpy stolen the coin out of spite? Who was she going to see?

A gold coin was pressed into the palm of the thankful woman and though Orpheus said nothing he had waited for the woman to disappear back into the darkness for he could lure her back easily enough. He sighed a little.

“With but three coins only one of us can return from this trip. My music cannot influence the boatman … he is not alive … and it does you no good to cross unless you have a means to get passed Cerberus on the way out of the Underworld. He will not stop you from entering so a few options.

“We get another coin, seek out this Harpy to obtain it. Both go but one returns by swimming and losses all memory and probably drowns come to think of it as the Styx makes you forget how to swim or just one of us goes.

“We both aren't needed and I can deal with with Cerebus though even from this side of the river my music will still reach it and I can keep playing until you return. If you seal your ears with wax before entering the Underworld and before leaving it you should be alright. I cannot effect most things in the Underworld anyway, my music affects only living beings.

“Hades, his wife Persephone … any other unexpected guests … the Titans though all else would be exempt. The shade shave no memory unless drinking that blood too. Well, I am not much of a monster hunter but my music can more than make up for my lack of combat skills were a Harpy is but a nuisance to deal with. Of course, this is your show and I will follow your lead regardless of what it is.”

When Alynia handed her the large gold coin, the cowl covered girl almost seemed in shock. She reached out shakily with gnarled hands to accept such charity. To be treated with such kindness, she held the coin as if it was a delicate glass shard. "Thank you." She muttered graciously repeating those words again and again under her breath. The girl bowed and retreated back into the darkness. Alynia watched her go with a stolid expression. She had been confident before but now wondered if she had made the right choice. But what was done was done.

Alynia's responded to Orpheus's sigh with a glare of daggers. It seemed almost odd such a sweet girl embodied such a fierce expression. "I was not about to let her wander the after life in such despair." The girl declared. "Not when she seemed to have lived so much of her life in sorrow." Alynia added the last part with a mutter.

There was an eerie light in the distance drifting down the river, shrouded in fog, but barely visible. It had to be the ferryman. What ever she was going to decide she had to do it quickly.

"I will go alone." Alynia stated after a moment of thought, her eyes not leaving the light slowly bobbing closer and closer. "To track down a harpy would waste precious time. And we must both return to the land of the living." She stated in response to the musician's alternative plans. "I will let you know when I must cross Cerberus to return." Alynia ran things over through her head finding it ridiculous though noble of him to offer to play until he returned, after all she might never do so.

Alynia reached into her bag and pulled out another coin and handed it to Orpheus. "Just in case." She muttered, "but hopefully not." She gave him a small smile as she took the jug of wine from him.

"Find Medusa, and treat her for a drink." Alynia's quiet laugh sounded hollow. "It almost seems pleasant." The light was nearing and Alynia could see the outline of a tall man steering the boat. "It appears my ride is here."

Orpheus just nodded slightly. What was done was done and there was no sense arguing about the matter though something did strike him as odd about the matter though. He had not considered it at the time since he was just now considered his own needs for what was ahead and reflected that with the girl's and could draw comparisons.

Right now though there was little that he had to go on … it could have been a trap he considered but he had the power of his music so he would be alright but with a coin she could cross the river Styx by paying the boatman Charon to cross leaving him on this side but for that to happen Alynia having crossed first would have a considerable head start before Charon could come back. If the girl didn't retreat he would have been suspicious of her taking the same ferry. But this was probably nothing …

He too glanced to the light approaching on the river and seemed content with her decision. He did not argue with her or try to instill a marchioness that he should be the one going, that he had the experience in the matter. Simply put if this was a trap then he was probably better equipped to handle it and at best could seek to prevent Alynia from being followed.

A hint, though it was not meant to be one though this was an admission of his own limitations. “Alright, just generate a light source if you can so I'm not sitting in the dark.”

After taking the coin he found a place to sit and soon the ferryman arrived. He was a tall being, at least six and a half feet with flowing black robes.

Standing their with a long oar, a lamp casting off an eerie glow and his face and hands the only visible portions of him were bone. He received a coin from the Queen silently porting her to the other side. She could hear the howl of wind as a final breeze swept over her, the cries of the dead languished in her ears, a low shriek that only grew louder as she drew nearer.

Eventually she saw it, the gates to the Underworld gave ff a steady green glow that illuminated the entire area. These gates were left open though there was a massive three headed dog vigilantly watching in three separate directions. Looking over her shoulder she could not see the beacon of light that indicated where Orpheus was having traveled behind some rocks and other obstacles she did not have sight of it now though the musician could not have been far.

Just a dog. A mean looking one that stood attentive there as if it were ready to pounce on any that dared to get too close.

Alynia swirled her wrist, conjuring up a glowing orange orb that emitted both light and heat and handed the magical object over to Orpheus. Providing adequate light for her companion was clearly not an issue to her.

She also conjured up a long dark blue traveller's cloak, that covered her entire body down to her feet. She put up the large hood that framed her face over her head. Immediately, whether it was the cloak or the magic, she felt warmer. It was her hope that from afar she wouldn't stand out too much from the dead.

The eerie ferryman slowed to a stop before them, and Alynia gave Orpheus a confident nod before stepping onto the boat and handing the skeleton her coin. The ferryman observed her for a moment accepted it with his long spidery fingers without giving the girl another glance.

And off they went, to then darkness of the afterlife.

The river was wider than expected, and the closer she got to the other side the colder it became. She saw the gate emitting a cold green glow, one that cast no comfort nor warmth. Only a sense of foreboding. And of course the monstrous dog. Three snarling heads and drooling tongues. She drew in a breath, but just as she had been told, the Cerberus only stuck those who tried to leave.

The ferry docked, and the passengers on the boat slowly emptied. Alynia followed the flow of the crowd, both curious and scared where it was to lead. She clutched the cloak tighter around herself to keep her face hidden and to stay warm.

The crowd was immense, as she could barely see over the many heads. She tried to keep it out of her mind that the solemn people brushing shoulders with her, pushing past her were all dead. Alynia felt very alone.

To distract herself she drew from her knowledge of Greek mythology. After a soul reached the underworld, she recalled, they were to be judged in front of a panel of three judges. And from the verdict they would be sent to either the Elysian Fields or else where. No wonder there was such a crowd, it seemed to her one soul was judged at a time. The dead after all, had infinite days. Alynia did not have such luxury.

Cautiously, but surely she started to push her way towards the front while planning her next move. She was to find Medusa... And she thought it unlikely she would be in the Elysian Fields. Perhaps she could ask the judges to guide her toward the right direction... She wondered how the would react to see someone who was living in the world of the dead.

Orpheus was left with both a light and heat source though he had lost track of hers as she moved through the darkness. The river was immense and while the human eye could see even the light of a candle miles away it was clear that she had gone behind some solid obstruction at one stage.

The other passengers had ignored the cloaked figure, and even Cerberus was less awe inspiring seeing that they were already dead and could not die again. They soon to be Shades were preoccupied with their last thoughts for only the great hero retained a semblance of identity here and those that were Gods or God-like in nature such as the Titans.

It was colder on this side of the river especially as she passed by those guarded gates. Only a few names came upon her as to those that had traveled back from the Underworld … by arrangement there was Persephone, the wife of Hades who had been kept here just part of the year.

The thong of the dead moved on and so did she. To the three Erinyes, ugly women with bird-like wings and the lower bodies ending in serpents tails. They judged the crimes of the living denoting where they were sent …

Most would forget but those cast upon the Fields of Punishment for example would be tormented for all time without the memory f why they were being tormented. The lucky few would be directed to the Elysian Fields though Medusa was probably cast into the Fields of Punishment.

The Erinyes primarily concerned themselves with the crimes of children against their parents though she had no idea as to where to go as fa as guidance went though she had been her for but a few moments before she heard a voice behind he, feminine, and when she looked she could see a woman with an arm full of freshly plucked flowers.

“You do not belong here. What brings you to this place?” He skin as pale as snow, her long hair braided and flowing to her ankles. She wore the female equivalent of a gold toga with matching sandals, her eyes as black as her onyx hair.

She was flawless, perhaps she died before the curse took effect. No, she was either in line and she did not recall seeing her on the ferry. Yet, had it been possible that she remembered?

Alynia jumped at the voice. She hadn't realized how silent the souls around her were until a sound broke it. She spun around to see a lovely woman, that like her did not appear at all to be dead. In her arms, a bushel of fresh flowers. Where in this realm could such flowers be obtained?

She did not seen dangerous, in fact she seemed out of place in the dreary underworld. The two of them had stopped in the middle of the crowd, but the hordes of dead just flowed around them as if they were rocks in a stream.

Alynia could tell that the woman's voice conveyed suspicion at her intentions, after all Alynia had a bit of the upper hand. After all she had guessed the identity of the woman before her, while Alynia was still a complete stranger.

As a sign of good will, Alynia lowered her hood. "Queen Persephone." she addressed her with a polite bow of the head. It had to be her. The daughter of Demeter, goddess of harvest. Alynia hesitated, wondering how much of her mission she should reveal. After all, if what Eros had told her was true, it was her mother she had offended in her fields with Zeus. Alynia gulped at the memory still unbelieving that such events could have occurred.

"I am Alynia Storm." She began, trying to establish herself a sense of respect. "I am searching for a remedy to the dreadful curse that has plagued Olympus. You must be aware the scarred faces of women who die." Her tone was pleading, searching for help. "For this curse to be lifted I need to find a woman, by the name of Medusa."

The hood revealed the Queen for who she was. It was a name she had heard of before and the fact that there were no scars or signs of the horrible curse that effected the mortal women that came to Olympus meant that she had some protection from one or more of the Deities since no one could come here directly without first going through Olympus and passing through the gates that Cerebus guarded viciously, well against any escaping with a few exceptions.

She could leave for all but three months out of the year where she had to return here after taken part in her husband's hospitality. “My mother has mentioned you. She is not pleased but I know all too well of the tricks of the Gods too. Zeus and Hades are alike in some ways but come, we shall not speak here.” She sniffed the flowers and made a wave of her hand. It didn't matter if Alynia was going to follow or not for Persephone had transported the two instantaneously to a temple made of black onyx and lead the Queen inside.

“My husband is out and is not expected to return for some time but to answer your question there are so many people flowing through here I do not know them all. That is not to say that you should despair. My portfolio included agriculture as befitting my mother but since my force marriage to Hades I have assimilated some of his dominion over the dead.

“Unlike him I do not know every mortal that passes on Olympus, not without effort, though I am aware of the famous ones and who has not heard of Medusa? She is in the Fields of Despair like most beings, each day she is killed by an illusion, well she can't be killed again but you get the idea. She constantly replays the final day of her life though regardless of what she does she perishes in the end. In fact she thinks she's still alive and simply caught up in some sort of curse delivered upon her yet again.

“Though my mother is sore at you, she has not really stopped bitching about you and Zeus and her fields, she will not oppose you either. Hera's curse has wilted fruits and crops too and it is in her benefit to have the curse removed so that they will be vibrant and healthy once more.

“How may I assist you?” She replaces the flowers in a vase with the fresh ones tossing out the dead ones. Slowly the flowers would die and when they did her time here for the year would be up. She looked to the Queen offering refreshment. And explaining that as the child of a harvest deity she had a knack for making foods vibrant.

She cast her eyes to the jug of wine. “Medusa remembers. It is necessary for the punishment that she has a vague sense of identity though the wine cannot hurt. She might only recall what is prevalent.”

Alynia bit her bottom lip embarrassed that her scandal was so well known, even in the underworld. She wished she could at least remember it... Or perhaps it was better that she didn't. Persephone reminded her that it was not only her that had been chased by the gods. Alynia's situation seemed small in comparison to hers... Kidnapped and forced to live in the underworld.

Then the woman teleported the two of them to a temple made of cold black but luxurious stone. Alynia recalled that Hades was also the god of riches.

The inside was as grand as the outside, if not even more so. Everything shined and sparkled as if it were made of precious gems. Though everything was beautiful, Alynia couldn't imagine much comfort here. She was happy Hades was not home... After all she was trespassing.

"Is he a good husband to you?" She asked Persephone as she arranged the flowers in a vase. The pretty daffodils and tulips seemed out a place in such a home. "The stories say he is handsome." She offered kindly.

Alynia blushed again at the mention of Zeus. "If I could have prevented it... None of this mess would have happened." She told her. "Truth be told, I cant even remember it. All I know is that I meant no ill will toward your mother."

Alynia let out a puff of air. "The nerves of these gods. You'd think they have more of a sense of responsibility, but they really just do what ever they please. Over grown, and over powerful children." She exclaimed. "Some of them at least." She quickly amended thinking of Hermes and Eros who have only treated her kindly as of yet.

The queen quickly turned down any offer to eat or drink. She eyed Persephone suspiciously, after all in her own story the unsuspecting girl was forced to dwell in the underworld after eating a handful of pomegranate seeds.

"I need Medusa to tell me the whereabouts of her sisters." Alynia explained working hard to remember Eros' words. It would've been nice to spend more time with Hades wife. She seemed like a nice girl trapped in unfortunate circumstances. "It would be so much help if you could take me to her, or at least tell me the way."

“Oh, Hades does treat me well though he did trick me in a way. It was only through serious compromise that I am here part of the year. During which, I am told, winter exists on Hades as my mother laments for the temporary loss but she rejoices when I return and laments with the end of Winter and the onset of Spring,” she explains.

Her rape was well known amongst the Gods, Demeter was shunned and knew because it happened in her fields and Hera's rage made Zeus' infidelity fairly well know, most where. Though she had no designs the Queen impressed upon the Goddess that she was cautious and listening to her on a remote level even given her own tale that she had freely reviled.

She had nothing nefarious planned though did not grow irate either that her hospitality was being decline. She listened to the question and gave a little nod.

“The Field of Ruin is a dangerous place, especially to you since you could easily be killed. There is one that Medusa uses in a feeble attempt to prolong her life though it never works as it is her curse though she at least thinks she has a fighting chance.

“Another of Zeus' sons is here and the two have teamed up. I find it ironic that Hera uses an abomination that she despises as a guard for Medusa but I had no idea that she was this important …

“You are versed in the Minotaur of Crete? She is in a labyrinth that he does not even know entirely. It is his punishment to always wander it though entering the labyrinth one cannot leave it save at the center of it. Since Medusa's killers are in effect an illusion they simply appear there and do their thing. Here she cannot petrify the dead but she may be capable of petrifying the living, I do not know if her powers are being blocked though I suspect that they are. Here take this,” she takes one of the flowers.


“Just inhale it and you will be Teleported to or near me at my whim though the flower functions but once in the labyrinth. My powers are not as strong as my husbands through the flower will at least allow me to focus on you and draw you forth but I can spare but the one. The others must remain in that vase.”

She gestures towards the lowers then looks back at the Queen. “I can bring you straight to the labyrinth when you are ready.”

Alynia blinked in surprise. The labyrinth? What a dangerous tale. Countless men had died in such a maze, but of course they didn't have means to teleport home. She played with the stem of the flower briefly, her mind wandering to the fearful task before her. "Thank you." She stated as she placed the flower delicately in her bag.

"I would like to go immediately, I don't have any time to waste." Alynia requested.

And so moments later the queen was once again alone, this time facing a daunting mission. The entrance of the labyrinth was dark and damp, as she suspected the rest of the maze would be as well. Without a source of light, it would've been hard for her to see her hand even if it was centimeters away from her face.

Thankfully, practiced in magic, the palm of Alynia's hand held a small flickering flame that cast enough light for her to see where she was going. There was a small cool draft which was a mystery as to where I came from. After all, the labyrinth gave the sensation that it was underground.

The walls were immensely tall, and made from crumbling stones, seemingly old but sturdy. Vines grew ad entangled themselves within the crevices of the maze. They danced like snakes under to glow of the fire.

The only way to go was forward, so Alynia clutched the cloak around her a bit tighter, and went onward. Occasionally she met a point where the path diverged, and she was forced to pick one on random. Twice she met a dead end... And she couldn't have been in there for more than fifteen minutes.

It was eerily silent save for the ominous drip of water in the distance. A broken pipe perhaps, or a leak. For all she knew, the entire thing could have been under the ocean. The quiet was getting to her head, so she began to whistle. The soft melody bounced off of the walls and echoed back to her.

Alynia stopped to rest for a few minutes as she gathered her bearings. She thought hard until she realized that there was no way to know whether or not she was going the right way. She was as lost as could be, and very alone.

She stood up with an idea. Waving her hand, concentrating hard on the wall, a searing heat came from her fingertips, and across a portion of the wall left a burn mark. As she went along, Alynia made sure to mark her path, to make sure she was not backtracking on herself, and to establish a sense of direction.

But of course, she was still lost and still alone. And every time she turned the corner she feared running into that dreadful beast.