《Legends of Solaris》


 Chapter One

    In the murmurs of leaves parting and colliding with one another in gentle winds water crashed against the crags from falls above. A numb pain ran from her extremities as uncontrollable shivers shook her body awake trying to generate any amount of warmth. She tried to pull herself up from the lip of the shore, leather slacks, and wet linen clothing clung to her body like frigid hands trying to pull her back down to the water she lay in until she had crawled her way against the wet gravel shore, sunlight peeking through the forest canopy as it warmed her pale skin.


    As her hearing returned and her senses tuned themselves the faint crackle of wood burning could be heard some feet away from her sight as her gaze trained onto the fragmented wreak of a wagon. The carrier broke in two as its axles lay in splinters. The canvas cover smoldered in the corner as wooden crates lay out ransacked of any value. The figures of a man slumped over on his side, the hand of another lifelessly reaching towards the sky, a woman folded against a tree, its trunk caved and splinted the trauma. The mess of black hair on the girl¡¯s face messily covered the scene as her stomach knotted, heaving whatever water she had taken in from her time in the spring.


    The methodic footfall of boots trails at a brisk pace as a figure arrives at the scene, scrounging their way through the smoldering remnants of the wagon, tossing away broken tools and empty sacks until the glint of their long blonde hair disappears and their eyes meet. Fear strikes the shivering girl as her eyes meet with the emerald green of the other¡¯s. ¡°A survivor?¡± a feminine voice asks.


    The blonde-haired girl slowly approached the quivering girl, her arms fanned out as she crouches, making herself appear smaller. ¡°My name is Mary, h-here let me help.¡± She says and drapes her leather coat over the shivering girl, gripping it loosely as its warmth fills her.


    ¡°Here, lend me your arm, and let¡¯s get you away from here, it¡¯s not safe right now.¡± She looked back to the wagon before lifting the girl from the ground with her arm around her shoulders. ¡°You got a name, miss?¡± Mary asks as her emerald green eyes train on the girl, her legs buckling beneath her like a newborn fawn.


    The black-haired girl simply tilts her head, confused about the prospect as strength slowly returns to her legs. ¡°N-name? Ah, I... I don¡¯t know what a name is... But you said your name was Mary, right? So, a name is... Something to call someone by?¡±


    Mary raised her hand before biting on her thumb for a second, taken aback from the peculiar girl that walked besides her as her weight gradually slipped from Mary¡¯s shoulder. Watching as the girl managed to get her own two feet beneath her. Mary¡¯s eyes wandered in thought, ¡°Then how about... Ahh... Alexis? Alexis Clarke, do you... Do you like it?¡±


    Mary stared at the girl for a moment as their eyes met. An amethyst hue sparkled as the light of the forest shone into the clueless gaze of the girl and her expression lit up in glee. ¡°Alexis, Alexis! Hehe, it sounds really nice, what a pretty name! Is it okay for me to have it?¡± Alexis asked as her hands grasped onto Mary¡¯s, surprising the Elven girl as her ears rushed with warmth.


    ¡°Y-yes, it is yours and yours alone to keep, Alexis.¡±


    Mary stared on at Alexis as she repeated her name as if it was the first word she had ever learned. Her semi-high-pitched voice giggling at each syllable that hung onto her tongue in comparison to Mary¡¯s whose tone could lull you to sleep at just the right volume. Mary withdrew her hand after a moment as the sun began to shine through the forest, the tree cover becoming thinner till only grass was forwards of them. Mary turned her attention to Alexis, checking on her condition after having hiked a fair bit away from where she had found her Alexis simply tilted her head and hugged Mary¡¯s leather jacket. Much of the water had wicked away from her clothes and had collected at the very bottom of her slacks and shirt as Mary turned her attention to the mountains west of them and headed in their direction, Alexis following behind almost like an imprinted hatchling.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Mary¡¯s voice calls to Alexis. ¡°So... Where are you from?¡±


    ¡°Here? Well... I remember... I was with the people in the wagon, we were moving some goods from Altania up into Gleamwell helping them with moving their cargo but we got attacked by some monster. There were four wagons with people and...¡± Alexis pauses. Her gaze turning pale as the image of the outstretched hand reaching up makes her stomach churn.


    ¡°I see... That¡¯s enough then, no need to be pulling from bad memories. Come, there¡¯s still a long journey ahead of us. If you¡¯d like you can come with me to Flambard where I¡¯ll be headed northward. I have people who could use my help.¡±


    Mary pats Alexis¡¯s shoulder as the two hike into the mountains. Following the lightly traveled trail as their footfall breaks the forest noise. A stream carves through the twisting bends of the valleys and the leafy canopy is replaced by the needles of tall pines that prod and poke at Alexis¡¯s sides. ¡°I take it you¡¯re unfamiliar with the terrain here?¡± Mary asks Alexis as she brushes away a branch for her to pass.


    ¡°These trees are sharp and uninviting and it feels like a pressure in my ears is building up as we climb. Is that normal?¡± Alexis asks as she closes the jacket around her.


    ¡°That¡¯s altitude for you. The air will grow thinner the higher we climb and with that, different terrain. But if it really helps just stand a little closer to me, it¡¯s easier to breathe.¡±


    Alexis does as Mary suggests, noticing the pressure change as her hearing normalizes and it becomes easier for her to breathe again as a gentle breeze passes between the two. ¡°That¡¯s amazing! How are you doing this?¡±


    It¡¯s simple really, it''s magic. I¡¯m gathering air around us and condensing it into an atmosphere like bubble.¡±


    ¡°Can anyone use magic?¡±


    ¡°It depends. Every living thing channels something called mana and that works like a kind of fuel that allows users to control and manipulate the world around them. Some people can channel it better but it really just takes practice. Depending on where you are some elements are stronger than others.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s pretty knowledgeable, how do you know all this?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s say I had a decent education in my time and I¡¯ve had to put some practice through necessity. Here eat this, keep your energy up.¡±


    Mary hands Alexis a set of crackers as the sky darkens into the twilight hours. The forest growing less and less inviting as Mary unslings her pack from her shoulder. ¡°There. We¡¯ll stop for the night here.¡± Mary points to an abandoned cabin. The silhouette was barely able to be made out by Alexis in the fading evening light.


    Mary tries the door, feeling it stuck in place she presses her body weight into it. Bracing for a moment before slamming into it. Budging the door enough for a crack to peer into the interior. ¡°Alexis dear, can you help me with the door?¡± Mary asks as she moves to the side and gestures for Alexis to come over.


    Alexis nods and braces herself against the door with Mary, nodding as she collects her breath. ¡°Okay on three we go together, one, two, three!¡± Mary coordinates as the pair line up and charges the door, budging more as a gap the size of a fist opens.


    ¡°One more time, one, two, three!¡±


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    As the two crash the door their weight pushes the rusted hinges and the pair move through the entrance. Mary catching her feet from under her as Alexis takes a small tumble onto the dirty wood floors. ¡°Hey good work girl, close up shop and we can call it a night here.¡± Mary gestures to the door as she makes her way to the firepit on the ground.


    Alexis nods and goes to the door, closing it with relative ease compared to when they were opening it as the hinges squeak closed. Alexis makes her way over to Mary she rummages through her pack, a sense of worry on her face as she takes out the contents in a semi-organized fashion before connecting the palm of her hand to her face and sighs. ¡°I misplaced my fire-starting kit... So, it might be a cold night unless I can figure a trick out...¡± Mary sighs and forms a small pile of pine needles and bark into a small pile within the firepit while Alexis busies herself and gathers a couple of logs from the modest woodpile.


    ¡°Why not try to make a flame from your hands through mana? We only need a small flame, maybe even just a couple of sparks.¡± Alexis suggests as she settles down, taking Mary¡¯s coat off her as she watches Mary in the dark.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m not familiar with fire magic at all but I suppose we don¡¯t have much of a choice.¡± Mary gives a sigh and took a deep breath.


    Her breathing steadies into a focused routine as Mary can feel her fingertips grow warmer. Sweat forming along her brow as the mana that collects in her hands begins to glow. A quiet blue flame forms in her right hand as her thumb and fingertip meet until the small head of a flame appears from her fingertips. Entranced by Mary¡¯s effort she collects the small tinder bundle and watches as the pine needles cry before catching aflame. The small embers spread to dried grass and dead leaves as soon as the bark also catches. ¡°Mary, you¡¯ve done it! We have a fire!¡± Alexis touches Mary¡¯s shoulder and snaps her from her focus.


    Mary took a moment to regain her composure, instinctively moving her hand away from the growing fire by her hand as the small flame between her thumb and forefinger snuffed out as her hands stopped channeling mana, collapsing to the side as she reached for her water pouch and drinks from it. A trail fell from the corner of her lip. Alexis tends to the fire, layering small pieces of tinder as it grows, feeding twigs and small sticks before splinters of wood are bed to the fire. The way the embers crackle in the empty cabin interior provided a semblance of comfort in the unknown. ¡°So Alexis,¡± Mary¡¯s voice broke through the silence, ¡°do you remember what happened when your people were attacked?¡±


    Alexis wracks her brain at the series of events that led to waking up in that spring. The shouts of men and screaming horses echoed inside her mind as writhing tendril and a gaping maw engulfed Alexis¡¯s view. Her stomach disagrees with the memory as it churns with the sensation of bile creeping up to the back of her throat. ¡°I... I joined as part of a caravan group from Altania, we were moving goods over to Gleamwell and into Flambard when something big attacked us...¡±


    ¡°Big? Like a bear or a mantid?¡± Mary lifts her eyebrow.


    ¡°No, its skin was like oil with tendrils like a jellyfish. But it¡¯s face was... Just a mouth with rows upon rows of teeth. There was blood everywhere... Then everything went dark.¡± Alexis recalls.


    The recollection of memory makes Alexis reel, her face turning pale as she shivers at having to remember the scene. The sudden touch of Mary¡¯s hand on her shoulder startling her as it pulls her attention back. ¡°S-sorry for making you remember but from what you¡¯ve told me it sounds like something from the east came crawling out into the forest.¡±


    ¡°East? What¡¯s in the east?¡± Alexis asks, pulling her knees up to her chest.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know? I guess it has been a few hundred years since anyone¡¯s talk about it with any real concern,¡± Mary remarked as she stroked the fire. ¡°There are many names for the lands out east. The Scattered Lands, Effluvia, The World¡¯s Graveyard. Most just call it The Corruption. A space where abominations inhabit and the land robs life of its free will. Efforts were made to cleanse the continent of its influence but the ritual to purify the ground hasn¡¯t worked for some time. It¡¯s rare for something to come out from the Corruption and out into the but not unheard of.¡± Mary explains.


    ¡°Then it¡¯s just simple bad luck then huh? Ha.. Ha ha ha...¡± Alexis chuckles, putting her hands over her eyes and shaking her head.


    ¡°I... I¡¯m sorry about the people you were traveling with, Alexis,¡± Mary comforts Alexis, ¡°you are alive today though. Continue to live for them.¡±


    Alexis uncovers her eyes, resting herself against Mary¡¯s side as the two sit beside the small fire. ¡°I guess we return to Altania then? I wanna go home.¡±


    Mary looks over at Alexis, biting her lip in discomfort before speaking, ¡°The path back to Altania is cut off by the Bloodsworn. Whatever your caravan was hauling through the forest was looted by them when you were attacked. If we try to go to Altania now we¡¯d just end up captured and sold as slaves.¡± Mary explains.


    ¡°T-then where do we go? Y-you''re not one of them are you?¡± Alexis scoots away from Mary.


    ¡°Heavens- heavens no. I have my own issues with that reprehensible lot,¡± Mary responds as she sets her things aside to bed down for the night, ¡°we leave for Flambard in the morning. After that you can decide whether or not you want to go back home or would prefer to stick by my side for a while longer.¡±


    Alexis weighs her options for a moment as she watches the flames lick away at the outer edges of the twiggy wood Mary feeds to the fire. A longing ache in her heart draws her to return home but if what Mary said was true then the path home would be more difficult on her own than to continue with Mary. Safety in numbers. Mary appeared to be rather capable as well judging from the appearance of her equipment. The way the bits of linen cloth frayed, how the leather worn into a supple, pliable texture without cracking or rotting into pieces. Alexis felt underprepared compared to her companion. Still clutching the coat that she had given her Alexis collected herself as she prepared her response to Mary. ¡°Flambard it is. It¡¯ll be nice to make it out of the wilderness for a change.


    Mary looks towards Alexis, her eyes falling on the purple-eyed girl for a second longer than normal before giving a slight smile. ¡°Good. Whoever wakes first in the morning will wake the other. It¡¯s getting late. It won¡¯t be anything amazing but I hope this meager supper will suffice.¡± Mary says as she gets up. Getting a derelict iron pot from the floor and wiping the interior of it with her shirt.


    Satisfied with the interior Mary pours from the waterskin across her torso into the pot. Lifting the skin high into the air till every drop empties into the pot while it dangles from the spit above the fire. Alexis watches as Mary produces a small ornate dagger hidden away on the side of her hip and roughly cuts apart pieces of dried meat she had been keeping from within her knapsack. Dropping them into the water once she¡¯s satisfied with the size of the bits. Settling a bag down as crumbs from within spill out. ¡°Alexis, if you could can you mash these and add them into the pot. I¡¯m going to refill this bag of mine and we can drink,¡± Mary explains as she approaches the door.


    Alexis gives a nod in understanding as Mary steps out. Taking a broken leg from a stool and mashing the hardtack into small granules and adding them to the pot. A strange brown slurry bubbles from within as it gradually thickens with darker bits rolling within the water as Mary steps inside once again. ¡°Ah perfect. Sorry that this poor meal is the first that you¡¯re having with me, Alexis. Maybe once we¡¯re in Flambard we can find ourselves a proper meal.¡±


    ¡°N-no issue at all. I haven¡¯t had a proper meal since setting off from Altania so I¡¯m grateful. What is the meat if I may ask?¡± Alexis asks as she sets two small metal pots beside the fire. Mary setting some water within to boil the water as the gruel nears its completion.


    ¡°Venison,¡± Mary replies plainly. ¡°It is plentiful on the eastern side of the mountain range that it is easier to come by than beef from your western side¡±


    ¡°Interesting. Thank you for sharing your rations with me Mary. I¡¯ll remember to pay you back for this when I get the chance,¡± she says as Mary ladles the thin slurry into some cracked wooden bowls strewn within the cabin.


    With a slight smile Mary nods and gives a small toast as she holds the pot with a cloth over the handle. Blowing over the surface. ¡°I look forward to it, let¡¯s eat then.¡±


    The mixture is about as basic as one can imagine as Alexis eats from her bowl. The taste of stale grain was only made palatable by the stringy rehydrated pieces of deer meat that lay hidden in the slurry. But a smile rests within the corners of Alexis¡¯ lips as the nagging tightness within her stomach recedes. The expression is not lost on Mary as she gives her own smile and eats from her bowl. ¡°From your appearance I take it it¡¯s to your liking?¡±


    Alexis wipes the corner of her cheek as she clears her throat, ¡°W-well anything is delicious if you haven¡¯t eaten in a long time.¡± Alexis hides her face in her bowl as it is quickly emptied. Only a thin lining of residue remaining along the interior.


    ¡°How true. Well, there is enough for another serving if you¡¯d like. Once you¡¯re done let¡¯s clean up a little bit and rest for the night,¡± Mary says after finishing her pot of water. Filling it once more so that she can replenish her waterskin.


    With a nod, Alexis eats once more. Letting the crinkles of embers fill the silence.

 Chapter Two

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 Chapter Three

    ¡°So, team leader, what¡¯s the plan today?¡± Alexis looks at Mary from the corner of her eye as she wipes crumbs and specs of lard from the corner of her lip.


    ¡°First, don¡¯t call me team leader, it¡¯s just the two of us so we work as one. Second, I have some supplies for the two of us if we¡¯ll be down in the Complex,¡± Mary says as she stops to the side of the road. Taking an amulet and handing it to Alexis. ¡°Keep that on your hip, slide the aperture to the left and it¡¯ll shine light through a crystal. You good with a sword?¡±


    ¡°I can swing one. We¡¯ve run into Bloodsworn before I¡¯m familiar with using one,¡± Alexis says as she flourishes the blade on her hip.


    ¡°Right well, if what they say is true, we might be spending some time in the Complex. Are you familiar with what it is?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a network of tunnels that leads to the underground city, isn''t it? The most well-known entrance is located between Elvengard and Altania and serves as a foothold to the greater city below.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. If the report is correct, we might find a new entrance if something came out to the surface. I have these markers to guide us back to where we came from. They emit a specific kind of mana compared to the surrounding environment. Line them up in a trail and it should be fairly straightforward to find our way back,¡± Mary explains as she holds several wooden stakes with engravings on them.


    ¡°Have you been to the underground before, Mary?¡±


    ¡°A few times,¡± she recollected, ¡°Once when I was naive and desperate for money starting on my own, the other time things turned south and a lot of people on the expedition didn¡¯t make it.¡±


    ¡°O-oh...¡± Alexis¡¯ enthusiasm died down.


    The quiet breeze guided the two as they began their trek eastwards to the tip of the Trish Mountain Range. Away from the well-traveled path of Flambard, their footing relied on the scatter game trails cleared away by roaming ungulates grazing on the sprouting spring grasses and wildflowers. The pair only stopped for water before picking their pace once again. The breeze dropping Mary¡¯s hood to enjoy the crisp air that Solaris offers lifts Mary¡¯s hair as Alexis catches the peculiar shape of Mary¡¯s ear. A gradual rise towards the helix into a soft point before falling back down again. ¡°So, you¡¯re a half-elf,¡± Alexis remarks.


    Mary¡¯s posture stiffens. Looking over her shoulder at Alexis before looking back forward. ¡°Does that upset you?¡±


    ¡°No, not at all. I¡¯m just curious about your upbringing is all. Half elves are a bit of a rarity you could say.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing too interesting I would say. My parents just met by happenstance and life had a way of bringing them together. Rather simple really,¡± Mary explains as the pair reach the edge of the forest.


    ¡°There must be a story there. To find one another like that is so-¡±


    ¡°Shh,¡± hushed Mary, ¡°We¡¯re here.¡±


    Alexis paused for a moment as she looked all around her. Nothing seemed out of place at first glance. The leafy canopy of the forest still quivered under the evening breeze but... That was all that could be heard. No chittering of rodents hiding in the bushes. No chirping birds. Only stillness. Slinging her bow into her hands Mary notches an arrow from the quiver on her left hip while Alexis grips the hilt of her sword. Walking through the detritus of the forest floor. Careful to make light of their footfall in case something was still residing in the forest. Approaching the overhang of a rock face, beneath the rock could just be made out the shadowy rectangular opening of an entrance going down below. ¡°I take it that¡¯s a pathway down,¡± Alexis asks, her tone quiet and low.


    ¡°Mhm, light on Miss Alexis,¡± Mary says, sliding the aperture on her amulet, a bright green glow pouring from the slits as Mary buries a marker outside the entrance.


    A stone staircase snakes downward inside the wide birth of the cavern. Its weathered interior gives a musty odor as a layer of dust kicks up from the inclusion of two guests. Mary pauses every hundred feet before tapping a new stake into the wall of the cave. Every knock reverberates down the interior walls. Feeling a strand brush against Alexis¡¯ ear she shines her light ahead of Mary. Particles of dust are suspended in the still air with peculiar strings hanging in perpendicular lines that almost wrap around the interior of the cave walls. ¡°Do you see that, Mary? There¡¯s a pattern inside the walls,¡± Alexis says as she presses forward to shine more light ahead.


    Looking up Mary¡¯s eyes adjust as she sees fine silvery lines of thread glint off the light green light, stretching her hand out to pull Alexis back. ¡°Alexis, wait-¡± Mary¡¯s voice sounds as the sudden pattern within the caves becomes taught.


    Alexis¡¯ feet are tripped beneath her as her ankle becomes entangled in the invisible line wrapped around it. The thwip of Mary¡¯s bow darting an arrow at the near-invisible line drags Alexis to the ground as she¡¯s able to get her feet from under herself.


    A bark of air sails past Alexis¡¯ ears as a dark blue appendage embeds itself where Alexis¡¯ legs are. Another comes crashing down upon her as she instinctively unsheathes her sword, taking the blow against the middle of her blade as her amulet shines forward.


    In the green light dark appendages like spikes retract back against the thorax of a large imposing body. The figure of a woman atop the body of a large spider leans hunched over in the comparatively tight caverns. Thorny protrusions line the surface of her exoskeleton with pieces interlocking near the outer joints. ¡°Oh? This was unexpected... Two flies managed to evade my web~¡±.


    Mary reaches out to take Alexis¡¯ shoulder. Pulling her away from the deadlock with the Arachne''s leg as it takes cautious steps forward. ¡°I-it speaks? The creature speaks? What depth did you crawl from to manage that?¡± Mary says as her eyes trained on the languid movements of the woman. Her skin a pale white while yellow irises train from her face. Long dark blue hair flowing over her torso as her body prepares to leap again. Jumping towards Alexis and Mary the two backpedal up the steps.


    Alexis¡¯ breathing runs ragged as her light sways on her hip. Getting her hands underneath Alexis'' arms Mary pulls the panicked girl up the flight of stairs. ¡°Get yourself together or you¡¯ll kill us both!¡± She says as the sound of metal comes from Mary¡¯s side. Unsheathing a dagger she holds the leg above her threatening to crush them both. The blade digs into its carapace as she digs her feet into the stone steps. Pushing forward as the soft pitter of the Arachne¡¯s legs are pushed back slightly.


    Focusing her light Alexis sees the Arachne trying to find its footing readying its front leg to strike at Mary, Alexis raises her blade, moving in front of Mary as the strike bares down on her Alexis meets the strike with the edge of her blade. Digging into the hard carapace she locks the limb in place. Feeling the Arachne try to pull away from the two as Alexis fights to keep the leg locked. Taking the opportunity and dislodging from her lock before parrying a quick jab from the same limb, aiming at Alexis¡¯ struggle Mary aims for the joint of the arachne, cutting into the limb as Mary severs through the weak joint. The dismembered leg fell with a dull thump.


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    The arachne shudders backward, screeching in pain as it guards its wounded limb. Clear-colored hemolymph seeping from the wound.  ¡°W-why you.... You morsels are much more trouble than you¡¯re worth...¡± it says as it stumbles over its spindly limbs.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let it go, if it retreats we may never find it,¡± Mary shouts as she swipes her dagger in front of her.


    The cave shutters as the path behind the arachne closes. Looking behind itself it feels its abdomen hit against the wall of stone. Looking back towards the two girls it throws a netting of webbing towards the two. Alexis moves ahead to cut through the strands her blade is met with resistance as it becomes entangled. The dull metal sheen of her blade becomes opaque as Alexis tries to pull back. Watching as the arachne tries to pull her back towards herself. An orange glow comes from behind Alexis as Mary¡¯s dagger blazes with flame briefly, cutting through the spider silk entangled with her blade as the two recollect. The green glow of the cave returns as the flames die down. The pair¡¯s eyes locked on the six staring back at them. ¡°What is it that you creatures of light say? An animal fights hardest when cornered?¡± The arachne says with a pained grin.


    ¡°It seems we¡¯re at an impasse, but we can¡¯t leave you to pick the forests above clean,¡± Mary says as she notches an arrow.


    The arachne raises itself, her posture becoming relaxed despite the lack of her front appendage. ¡°You believe I choose to hunt the lands above by choice. Perhaps you two can help a plight of mine. I only require two things,¡± the arachne suggests as it sits up, taking a defensive posture as the three eye each other down.


    ¡°Bargaining? A monster like you knows how to beg for its life?¡± Mary says.


    ¡°It is natural for anything that lives to fight for its life. I may be ravenous but one thing I am not is dishonest, for there is nothing to hide from when you live in the dark, beings of light,¡± the arachne says, her steps firm as they pitter on the stone floor with muffled thumps.


    ¡°What do you need?¡± Alexis chimes, Mary, looking back at her.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be serious.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s being reasonable.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s looking to betray us.¡±


    ¡°We kill her and we go home.¡±


    ¡°Or,¡± the arachne interjects, ¡°kill me and you let something worse grow down below.¡±


    Alexis and Mary quit their bickering as their attention returns back to the arachne. ¡°Finally have your attention, do I?¡± the arachne says as it is seen resting itself below the two girls.


    ¡°There is an earth wyrm residing further below this tunnel where the majority of my territory is. You aid me in killing it, and I will cause no further troubles above.¡±


    ¡°And your other request?¡± Alexis asks.


    The arachne pauses, eyes focusing on Alexis with careful consideration of her words before responding a moment later. ¡°I require a name.¡±


    ¡°Nuh uh, no, that is simply unallowable,¡± Mary remarks as she steps out in front of Alexis.


    Taking her shoulder Alexis tries to push herself in front of Mary. ¡°It is simply a name, why was it okay for you to give me one, why can¡¯t she have one too?¡± Alexis argues.


    ¡°Mmm~ yes why indeed,¡± the arachne gives a soft chuckle as she watches the two girls, ¡°did you not tell your companion here why names are so important? You gave your companion a name too, I¡¯m jealous.¡±


    ¡°I...¡± Mary pauses as she looks at Alexis, a look of confusion within her amethyst eyes. ¡°Names aren¡¯t just... names to be called by. It¡¯s a principle of Solaris since the first thinking beings.¡±


    ¡°So?¡± Alexis craned her neck. ¡°I-I¡¯m sure my parents gave me a name too. I just... can¡¯t remember it.... before you gave me my name.¡±


    The arachne takes a few steps closer, her voice soft as she lowers herself to rest her legs, ¡°They give higher thought to those lacking a name as well as bolstering their strength physically and magically. This is an innate desire for every ¡°monster¡± that gains higher thought.¡±


    Alexis nods, taking a seat on a stone step as she faces the arachne, ¡°So that¡¯s why I¡¯ve been able to keep up with you for the most part.¡±


    ¡°But there is a cost to such a deal,¡± the arachne interjects, looking at Mary to finish her explanation.


    There is apprehension in Mary¡¯s expression as her eyes can hardly look at Alexis. ¡°I-it¡¯s like a type of contract, an agreement. If the one receiving a name isn¡¯t of equal or similar power then the receiver has to follow what the giver asks of them.¡±


    ¡°I-I see, b-but since I¡¯ve kept my independence then means that Mary and I are on equal footing, correct?¡±


    ¡°Y-yes. It would seem so all things considered...¡± Mary nods.


    The arachne chuckles, her hand on her chin as a coy smile graces her lips. ¡°How peculiar indeed, which is why I request that either of you give me a name.¡±


    Mary clutches Alexis¡¯ shoulder, leaning in to speak into it as she maintains line of sight on the arachne, ¡°I don¡¯t like it, she¡¯s nearly evenly matched between the two of us. If something like that were to grow stronger and smarter it may spell trouble for everyone down the line and we¡¯ll be the ones responsible for it.¡±


    ¡°What if she¡¯s right? She could¡¯ve attacked us at any time while we¡¯ve been talking but she¡¯s been waiting patiently. We could wait until we finish killing the wrym if she¡¯s telling the truth,¡± Alexis suggests.


    The pair look at the arachne nursing the stub of her front leg, having stopped the bleeding as her yellow eyes focus on the two girls. Mary looks between Alexis and the arachne before sighing. Gesturing to Alexis to stand as she directs her attention to the arachne. ¡°Fine, but we¡¯ll do it only after we take care of your earth drake issue.¡±


    The arachne pauses for a moment, standing to the side as she nods, gesturing to the sealed path. ¡°Very well... if you could.¡±


    Mary squints, returning her arrow to her quiver and taking her dagger, taking it in a reverse grip and sweeping it across her front as the stone wall moves. Grating stone gives way to dust and darkness as the arachne turns. ¡°Follow,¡± she commands as she cranes her neck.


    Mary steps forward, Alexis following closely behind at they listen to the subtle footsteps echoing down the tunnel. The pitter-pat of the arachne¡¯s steps eerily muffled for something her size as Mary made sure to leave behind markers to get their way back. The green glow of their amulets extends every shadow that¡¯s cast upon the walls as the steps wind into flat tunnels. Opening up in width as specks of dim light trickle in like stars. The walls hollow out into small windows as pale purple light shimmers down. Vague pillars of stalagmites grow from the ground while stalactites drape their fingers down to meet their counterparts. Echoing squeaks from bats can be heard far off as the trio continue their way down. The ceiling disappears above as the pale light falls upon the group while the tunnel sides give way to buildings carved into the stalagmites. Their bulbous structures are connected by circular struts connected to stone. ¡°Is this the underground complex?¡± Alexis questions as she shields herself behind Mary.


    ¡°It¡¯s different to the entrance on the west,¡± replied Mary. ¡°This one is a lot less... I dunno, lived in would be what comes to mind.¡±


    The arachne gives a soft chortle before speaking, ¡°In my time here, there hasn¡¯t been anyone that quite looked like you, beings of light.¡±


    Mary looks forward, glaring as she shuts her amulet¡¯s aperture. ¡°What about you? Have you killed other ¡°beings of light¡±? Have you eaten them?¡±


    ¡°Hmm some time ago, before I gained this form, I¡¯ve had the pleasure of encountering you light dwellers,¡± the arachne points to a desiccated corpse. A red cloak draped over their figure as Alexis grits her teeth at the sight.


    ¡°Before you gained that form?¡± Questioned Mary.


    ¡°We have arrived.¡± The arachne halts as she points to a bulbous structure of stone and calcite, the exterior draped in charred silk as it dangles aimlessly in the draft of the underground. ¡°As you can see the wyrm has made a mess of my nesting site and I¡¯m partial to eating it. Help me with my problem and in return, you solve your own.¡±


    Mary stares at the scale of the structure. Stretching 90 feet in diameter as she looks back at the arachne. ¡°If you could give us a few minutes to prepare ourselves... I need to consult my partner about our plan.¡±


    ¡°Take all the time you need,¡± the arachne says, stepping to the side and peering into the chamber entrance.


    Alexis watches Mary as she examines the exterior of the chamber. Peering into a crack in the wall Mary tests the integrity of the silk unburnt by what resides in the room. Seeing that it won¡¯t pose any trouble to the two while they¡¯re inside. Coming over to Alexis as she looks back. ¡°It¡¯s in there alright. Whatever happens, you keep yourself safe. You seem to know your way around a sword so I trust you know how to keep yourself mobile too. Keep an eye out for our spider friend too...¡± Mary glances over to the arachne. ¡°You ready?¡±


    Alexis purses her lips, her nervousness is palpable as she holds her arms close before taking her sword into her hand and nodding. ¡°A simple slay quest. If I can get through its hide we can kill it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit, let¡¯s go then.¡± Mary pats Alexis¡¯ arm as they approach the arachne. ¡°We¡¯re ready.¡±


    ¡°Good. Let us hunt.¡±