All Out of Time, All Into Space (Day 79)

"I've been traveling in this direction all along, but I don't have any meaningful reason for doing so. I suppose you're welcome to follow, but I can't guarantee that this is the. . .right way."

Aisen was quizzical. "The 'right' way? Is your intent to find a town in which to take shelter? Or is there somewhere else you're heading?"

"I do not think you understand," intoned Terakiel. "My destination is nowhere. I know almost as little as you do about where I am and where I'm going." 

"That is a strange case indeed! What you're running from must be quite fearsome if it inspired you to uproot yourself from your home with. . . no plans and no supplies either." He surveyed Terakiel's battered, bruised body and the strip of filthy cloth still dressing his lower back wound. "How long have you been out here? How far have you traveled?"

Terakiel pointedly ignored him. Despite the strange and unsettling experience the two had shared, he still felt no particular reason to trust the man. Logically, this journey would be easier if they worked together and he knew that, but he couldn't bring himself to believe that his sudden appearance was mere happenstance. Myths and legends about the Lakara Wood were numerous; some tales even touted the mystical abilities of the Lakarans--including, among other things, the ability to shapeshift. What reason a Lakaran would have to gain his trust was beyond him, but he felt paranoid regardless. He'd never believed they were real creatures, but. . .his beliefs were being systematically unraveled one by one as he grew older.

"Tell me of Sidea," Terakiel demanded suddenly. "Your home. Tell me about it."

Although momentarily taken aback, Aisen did not hesitate to reply. "I hail from Vel'Sidea, the nation's capital. It lies on the southern coast of Illatha. If you've never ventured beyond these woods then its likely you've not heard of it."

"You assume correctly." 

"Yes." Aisen swallowed. "The climate is balmy, though not uncomfortable. It's certainly a lot warmer than around these parts. Is it always so chilly here?"

"Not always."

"Ah, well, in Sidea, it is mostly warm all year. There are slight variances of course, but even in the coldest months it won't reach temperatures like these."

"I don't mind the cold."

"I suppose you do get used it. I'm not sure I'd go tromping about the woods half-clothed, myself."

"It wasn't by choice," replied Terakiel gruffly.

"Oh? Were you beset by terrible creatures?"

"No. Of course not." He paused a moment, unsure. "What creatures might endanger me in these vast, empty woods?"

"I'm sure you would know better than I. I am a stranger here." 

Terakiel exhaled slowly. "I've told you--I don't know these woods any better than you do." 

"But how long has it been?" the other man asked again. "From when you set out? How long have you been traveling?"

Once again they fell silent. Terakiel wasn't ready to give any substantive answers to Aisen's questions. Wherever their destination might lie, it was going to be a long journey. He couldn't even begin to predict what his future might hold. Only a few days earlier he was prepared to never see another human face again. Yet here he was, sharing terse conversation with a complete stranger in the depths of unfamiliar Lakara.

The planar stone, despite its title and approximate purpose being known, was still a mystery. Who constructed it? Was it man made, or constructed by some. . .alien race? Terakiel was still skeptical the Lakarans had ever existed. He'd seen no evidence for as long as he'd been alive--but was this planar stone the key? Was it an artifact left behind by this long forgotten race? He wanted to ask Aisen what he knew, but it would have to wait. It would have to wait until he was sure.