Part 1 Chapter 5: The Shadows in the Dark

After they had finished eating and laid down to rest, Hesperia just couldn't quiet her mind. She felt something calling to her, begging her to come find it. It just wouldn't stop. And while she had to admit, she was dying of curiosity, she was scared of what she'd find. But the damned thing just kept nagging at her. She shut her eyes and tried to think of something, anything else. She thought back to her creation, and the darkness that flooded her heart. She tried to think of who she was meant to be. There wasn't much she knew about the ritual that brought her into the world, except that it was forbidden. She felt that deep in her gut. Something like this should never have taken place.

Hesperia let out a soft sigh. This kind of thinking wasn't helping the tightness in her chest. What is the best course of action for a being who doesn't even know what she is? She sits up. Perhaps a walk will help ease the building tension. Hesperia looks towards the trees. But is it a good idea for her to go wondering in the night by herself? Does it really matter though? With what she's capable of, there weren't many situations she couldn't get out of.

Setting her resolve, Hesperia stands and starts deeper into the woods.

After walking for a while, she comes across a small pond in the middle of the forest. The moonlight reflecting off the surface, it creates a calming effect, a sense of ease washing over her. This is the most comfortable she's felt in her short life. Why is that, she wonders?

A small whisper penetrates her thoughts, different from the others. More soothing somehow. The voice gives her a suggestion, one she takes. Coming to the edge of the water, Hesperia sits and crosses her legs. Closing her eyes, she takes a deep breath, and listens to the voices. They've become quite the constant presence.

Her mind is suddenly filled with dozens of images, dozens of voices trying to tell her many different things. What is this? She tries to sort through the jumble of information, and finds that soothing voice again. Its trying to tell her something that seems important. Drowning out the rest of the noise, Hesperia sits there and listens to the tale the voice is telling for hours. What she hears, what she learns, shocks her to her very core.

Finally, when the sun starts to peak over the horizon, she opens her eyes. Taking a moment to collect herself, she stands up, and walks towards camp. What Hesperia isn't aware of, is that for a split second when she opens her eyes, they glow a pale white color, before returning to the shining blue.