Enter the Nest-House
Before you realize it, you have stepped into the nest-house, drawn in
by the goodness and the holiness that radiates from within. Faleese's
song trails off, and she turns slowly to face you, a small smile on
her face. You're not alarmed at all, as you should be for sneaking up
behind someone; somehow, you know she expected you, was maybe even
waiting for you.
"Hello, my Human Adventurer. In my meditations, I saw your small
form getting out of the nest. Having a hard time sleeping?" You
nod. "You're nervous. I should have expected that."
"Excuse me, are you an Angel?" you finally blurt out.
You'd been wanting to ask, but you hadn't made the conscious decision
to do so, which leaves you a little embarrassed.
Faleese lets out a little laugh, which vaguely reminds you of the
sound of wooden wind chimes. "Not in the sense you're thinking.
But I am a member of an older race of creatures. When Humankind was
still just a distant dream of evolution, we had already developed from
the interbreeding of monkey-like birds and bird-like monkeys. We were
the Atlanteans. We left impressions of ourselves everywhere. That is
why every culture and every religion conveys images of us. But no, we
are not the direct messengers of God. We do occassionally and vaguely
appear in times of Human stress, because you are a product of
evolution that reminds us so much of ourselves; we even kept some of
you as pets, in the early days. But now, we mainly leave you
alone."
"What were you doing just now?"
"We were in communion, myself and the other Atlanteans. We were
discussing you, and how best to help you. But, as with the fiasco
with trying to keep you creatures as pets, we realize that we cannot
make the decision for you. You have to tell us how we can help you.
I will give you your choices, with the benefits and drawbacks of each.
First, you can go back to the nest. I will give you a potion that
will guarantee a full night's sleep. This has its obvious benefits,
but you'll miss the benefits of the other choices.
Second, you can stay here with me and share in the meditations of the
Atlanteans. We will give you our psychic connections, and you will
learn the secrets of the ages. Unfortunately, you will become an
Atlantean, and will be forced, by your great love of us and your link
to us, to live your days out here; you can never return to the land of
Humans.
Third, I can tutor you in one night in the use of three spells and one
weapon. If you choose wisely, the knowledge of these things will
definitely help you vanquish the dragon. Keep in mind, however, we
cannot kill the dragon. He is as much a part of the Mists as the
bricks are a part of a wall. But you may be able to convince him to
allow you free passage in his domain, just as an Atlantean psychic
link would. You would be going into battle with him lacking rest,
though, and that will make it harder to remember your spells, or the
proper use of your weapon.
These are your choices, Human. Which do you prefer?"
Stealthily you approach the door and peer in. Luckily, Faleese is not
facing you. Her long white hair is spilling freely down her back, and
her wings are folded elegantly against her shoulders. Her arms are
lifted towards the thatched roof, and her mellow voice is alternating
between what seems to be a whispered prayer and a lilting song.
