Ebonheim emerged from the dimensional rift, shielding her eyes from the sun's glare. She blinked several times before lowering her hands.

  She stood on a sandy beach surrounded by a sea of cerulean waters. Scattered across the horizon were dozens of islands dotting the endless expanse. The sky above was clear save for a few wisps of cloud. Behind her, a dense forest stretched from the sandy shores to the mountains rising high into the distance.

  The fine grains of sand slid between her toes, tickling her skin as she planted her feet firmly. The gentle breeze carried the scent of saltwater and brine, and the cry of seabirds echoed in the air. It felt refreshing compared to the previous dimension.

  Ebonheim glanced around. "Where are we?"

  Nephri rose from the rift beside her and drifted past, her sinuous form slithering through the air. She circled the beach once before returning. "Unknown to me. Though tis pleasant to behold."

  Syntris stepped out from the rift and glanced at their surroundings. "Well, at least we're not in some hellish abyss or something. This place looks nice."

  "The trail of Quintessence seems to continue towards the distant islands," Ebonheim pointed out, following the strand with her Divine Sight. Sure enough, it appeared to head directly toward a larger cluster of islands in the distance. "Guess that's where we need to go."

  "Hrmm," Syntris mumbled thoughtfully, staring out across the water. "Looks rather far away. Alas, I haven't acquired any powers of flight or water-walking. I'd have to resort to trudging across the ocean floor, which sounds highly unappealing."

  He settled cross-legged onto the sand with a sigh. "As such, you two have fun searching. I'll wait for you here. If you find trouble, bring them here."

  Ebonheim frowned. "But—"

  Before she could object further, Nephri interrupted. "So be thy wish."

  Nephri slithered towards the ocean. Her liquid body morphed into a manta ray-like form as she swam effortlessly along its surface. "Thou are welcome to ride upon me as before, Ebonheim. If you so desire."

  "Couldn't you also give him a ride, too?" Ebonheim asked. "Your form looks big enough to handle us both."

  Nephri's voice rang in her mind. "I am not so close to this one as to suffer his touch. My generosity extends only so far."

  "But you let me ride with you, and we barely know each other..." Ebonheim pressed, trailing off.

  There was a long silence before Nephri responded. "My affinity is different for thee. Perhaps because of thy human form, but thine existence resonates strongly with those connected through my domain. Thus, I share an innate sympathy for thee. That same bond allows for easy companionship. However...tis not so for others."

  "Well...okay." Ebonheim shrugged and clambered onto Nephri's back. "I suppose he's tough enough to manage on his own. Let's go then."

  "Yes," Nephri said softly as her fins flapped. The water parted beneath her as they launched forward. "Hold on tight, little one."

  Ebonheim braced herself as they sped through the waves, cutting cleanly through the water. Salt spray coated her face and dress, but she ignored it, focusing instead on the trail of Quintessence. Its golden threads wound above them, flowing steadily onward.

  As they progressed, the closest island grew nearer. Soon enough, Nephri drew near its shores. She slowed, allowing Ebonheim to disembark before shifting back to a serpentine shape and emerging from the water.

  The island itself wasn't overly large. A small stretch of sandy coastline blended seamlessly into grassland leading inland. A grove of trees bordered its edge, framing a natural path between thick foliage. The path of Quintessence continued straight into the heart of the jungle.

  Ebonheim stood at the edge of the forest and squinted ahead. "Guess we follow this trail."

  "Then lead the way," Nephri responded as she hovered above the ground next to her. "We shall proceed slowly lest we encounter perils unknown."

  Together they entered the tropical greenery. Sunlight shone down through openings in the canopy overhead, dappling the undergrowth with patches of bright light. Moss-covered rocks lined the narrow footpath winding deeper into the jungle.

  After walking for several minutes along the trail, they came to a halt before a rocky hillside. An opening in the ground loomed ahead—a gaping mouth leading downward. The golden strands of Quintessence disappeared into its depths.

  Ebonheim and Nephri exchanged glances before peering into the tunnel.

  Darkness met them. No signs of movement could be discerned within its inky interior. Nothing stirred within. Ebonheim summoned a spark of light and sent it into the depths. As the tiny orb floated downward, a dim outline formed on its surface. Eventually, the sphere bumped gently against the floor below.

  It revealed the silhouette of another obelisk identical in form to the previous one—though quite a bit smaller. Its surface gleamed in the pale illumination emanating from Ebonheim's spell. Aside from the obelisk, the cave contained nothing else besides rock and dirt. There was no sign of life.

  Ebonheim climbed the steep slope and descended into the cavern. Nephri glided after her. Once inside, they approached the object cautiously.

  Once close enough, she ran a finger along its smooth surface. Again, symbols inscribed across the material danced across her vision. She gazed intently at them and concentrated. Her sight flickered with flashes of images. Static burst within her ears.

  "Argh!" She clutched her head with both hands.

  Nephri hovered beside her. "What hast happened?"

  "I saw...something...and..." She shook her head to clear the cobwebs from her thoughts. "Ugh...my head hurts...what was I looking at?"

  Ebonheim stared at the obelisk before her as memories returned. Images flashed through her mind as if recalling a half-forgotten dream. A scene replayed in her thoughts, and her body reacted accordingly. As if guided by an unseen force, she brought a palm against its side and focused her essence upon it. A portion of her divine energy surged forth, channeling directly into the artifact.

  Energy crackled beneath her fingers as the obelisk flared with life. Golden light burst forth from every surface as the obelisk activated. Then the glow vanished. The cave dimmed as darkness claimed its rightful place again. But this time, Ebonheim could sense a presence within.

  Ebonheim blinked, surprised at what she had accomplished. "Whoa...that's new."

  "Indeed..." Nephri murmured.

  "I don't think we need to destroy this one to disable it, but I can't be certain. Something feels different about this one compared to the last. Let's try something different this time around," Ebonheim suggested. "Destroying this obelisk could do something we don't want it to. Could cause a chain reaction of sorts..."

  Nephri floated closer toward the structure. "Proceed with caution regardless. I shall observe for anomalies."

  "Will do."

  Ebonheim examined the obelisk further. The runes etched along the sides no longer appeared random. They radiated a subtle radiance, reflecting the natural ambient light. As if responding to her inquisitive gaze, the markings changed shape and color. The sigils rearranged themselves, forming familiar words within her mind—words she could read. She deciphered its message aloud.

  "I await the moon's touch,

  Her silver light to lift my spirit so."

  "Huh," Ebonheim mused. "Moon's light...so...I guess that means we gotta wait until nightfall before we can figure this out."

  "Verily," Nephri agreed. "We should return to Syntris and apprise him of our findings."

  "Yep," Ebonheim said with a sigh. "Guess we wait then."

  Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

  Nephri floated closer. "Come then, little one."

  Nephri wrapped her tail around Ebonheim's waist and lifted her skyward. Together they rose through the mouth of the cavern and exited into the sunlight above.

  Ebonheim scanned the sky for the moon. It hung low on the horizon, its white crescent appearing faintly. Judging by the position of the sun, it was still early in the day. They had plenty of time left.

  They returned to find Syntris sprawled across the sand on his back. He lay unmoving as the waves crashed against the shore. When Ebonheim and Nephri approached, he sat upright. His metal form shimmered in the sunlight.

  "And? Any leads?" Syntris asked without preamble.

  Ebonheim shook her head. "Not quite. The trail ended in a cave with an obelisk. However, it seems we need to wait for nightfall to investigate further. The obelisk asked for 'moonlight' to activate or something. Not sure how exactly yet. But this does confirm this obelisk works differently than the one before."

  "Why didn't you just destroy it? Would have been simpler."

  Ebonheim scowled at him. "That might have bad side effects. I have a feeling the consequences could be dire. I'd like to avoid causing a catastrophe if possible."

  "Hmm." Syntris tilted his helmeted head slightly. "I suppose caution is warranted. Very well. As I don't like waiting around, I'll explore the surrounding area and kill time that way. Don't expect much though." He stood and walked towards the treeline.

  Nephri watched him disappear into the lush jungle. "His attitude leaves something to be desired."

  "Yeah, I noticed..." Ebonheim sighed. "Oh well. Best leave him to do whatever he wants. Rather not waste energy worrying about his opinion."

  A slight laugh escaped Nephri, which sounded like bubbles popping inside a pool of water. "Truly. Now...let us enjoy our respite while we wait."

  Ebonheim stretched her limbs. "Agreed. What should we do? Got any ideas?"

  "Swimming."

  Ebonheim tightened her grip on Nephri's slippery skin as they dived underwater, plunging deep into the azure depths. Bubbles exploded around them and fish scattered in fright as their passage stirred the currents. The sunlight filtering through the surface faded rapidly as they continued deeper still.

  As her vision adjusted to the darkness surrounding them, she spotted a school of silver-scaled fish darting across the sandy floor. Several jellyfish drifted lazily along the gentle flow while eels hid amongst coral clusters lining the bedrock walls. Various plant life swayed softly in the currents.

  When they reached the bottom, Ebonheim released her hold. She swam freely and touched one of the plants curiously. A bright orange coral flower blossomed instantly before fading away just as fast. The motion attracted a nearby school of colorful seahorses. Each creature attached itself to a floating tendril sprouting from the bloom.

  She giggled in delight.

  After exploring a bit more, she swam back to the surface, where Nephri waited. As soon as she broke into fresh air, she giggled again.

  "Those tiny things...with their tails...they looked...too cute...but...but they...stuck onto each other..." she managed in between breaths. She gestured wildly as if trying to illustrate her point. "If I held out my hand, they'd probably attach to it..."

  Nephri's amusement rippled across their mental link. "They may indeed. Many marine creatures find such things beneficial to their survival."

  "Right...but...the other animals...and the flowers...and...oh man...this place..." Ebonheim floated on her back, gazing upward in wonderment. "The lakes in the Eldergrove are nice, but this...wow. Just wow..."

  "Tis pleasing to me as well. My domain contains such wonders aplenty, though few visitors appreciate its majesty." Nephri paused before continuing. "Perhaps one day...I shall show thee my domain...when our duties permit such indulgences."

  "I would like that! Definitely!"

  Ebonheim remained buoyant atop the waves, enjoying the sensation of being weightless amidst the serenity surrounding them.

  "Do you mind me asking what your domain is like?" she asked after a while.

  A few moments passed before Nephri answered. "My domain lies nestled among the coves along Osnua's northern shores, deep within the Northebber Sea. It borders the sea and forestlands to the west, and the steppes to the east. My people reside primarily in coastal towns built near the various inlets and fjords carved throughout the island. Khirie is the city where the majority dwell."

  "How many people live there? The humans and demi-humans in your domain, I mean."

  "Some four hundred thousand citizens call my realm home." A hint of pride filtered through Nephri's tone. "Most are fishermen and traders who traverse the oceans. Some have become renowned masters of their craft."

  "What about non-residents? Do any come to visit?" Ebonheim asked curiously. "Are travelers welcome? Tourists? Adventurers? Traders? Merchants? Anyone?"

  "I allow any to enter without interference as long as they enter unarmed. Those seeking exotic wares often stop by from foreign lands as well. So yes, there are plenty who pass through regularly." Nephri's voice softened. "Is there a specific purpose behind your curiosity?"

  "Oh, sorry!" Ebonheim splashed around sheepishly. "No real reason. Just curious. I haven't seen much of the realm outside the Eldergrove aside from Ariastra's city when she invited me over a few years ago. I'm still kind of new as a deity. You guys have far more experience than me, and I feel out of place in the Sanctum most times..."

  "Understandable. Thou art still a fledgling in divine affairs. Forgive my oversight. I did not intend offense."

  "Don't worry about it." Ebonheim waved away her concern. "You've done nothing wrong. I was the one prying." She took a deep breath to calm herself. "Anyways, what's life like for your people?"

  "Simple and quiet," Nephri replied immediately. "Their days follow a predictable routine. The people work hard during daylight hours. After sundown, they retire to our homes and rest. Occasionally there are celebrations, but mostly everyone follows their daily activities without interference."

  "Sounds...peaceful. No major issues ever arise?"

  "Tis a generally safe place. We have the occasional incidents caused by brigands, pirates, raiders, or wild aberrations. However, my sentinels deal with such nuisances quickly."

  "You must really care for them. Your subjects I mean," Ebonheim mused out loud. "Even with so many under your care, you still watch over them. Guide them. Make sure they're happy."

  Nephri dipped lower, coming face-to-face with Ebonheim. The mantra rays' large eyes seemed even more expressive than usual. "I care for my domain, certainly. But the relationship is more... transactional. The mortals offer their faith, their Quintessence, and in return, I grant them protection, prosperity, a place where they may live in peace, shielded from the ravages beyond my borders. As a god, this is my duty."

  "Do you have a good relationship with them though? They like you?" Ebonheim probed further. "Can you talk to them? Be friends with them? Maybe even fall in love and—"

  "Such emotions elude my nature, little one." Nephri sounded amused. "However, my interactions with mortal denizens have always been civil, if distant."

  Nephri's answer reminded Ebonheim of Ariastra and their conversation about the proper role a deity should fulfill. She frowned as she recalled the discussion. Her friend had expressed a similar mindset—one of detachment from the people she was supposed to protect.

  Why? Were they afraid of letting the mortals too close to them? Did they fear becoming too invested in those under their domain?

  "Why distance yourself?" she ventured to ask. "The humans don't seem to have issues with personal contact between god and worshipper. If anything, they seek closeness with their patrons. Not physical proximity necessarily. Emotional bonding sounds more accurate."

  Nephri drifted slowly through the water, her fins propelling her along the surface. "Tis not in our nature to engage so closely. I believe thou will learn this eventually as thy strength grows."

  "Maybe so," Ebonheim said, unconvinced. "Still seems...cold to me. Wouldn't it be nice to receive affection from the mortals rather than...just loyalty?"

  "I would not presume to tell thee otherwise. Thou art young yet, with much still to experience. Eventually, thou shall come to understand thy own place in the cosmos."

  "If you say so." Ebonheim sighed. "Doesn't make sense to me still..." She closed her eyes, listening to the sound of waves washing ashore. She swam for a while until she felt tired. With great effort, she paddled to a nearby sand bar and crawled onto the beach. Exhausted, she collapsed upon the warm sand to recuperate.

  A faint breeze blew over her drying skin as she relaxed in the sun. Her fatigue melted away quickly under the pleasant warmth. After resting for an hour, her stamina replenished, she glanced up at the sky.

  The moon hung high above, its silvery light shining brightly in the night sky. A cloudless expanse stretched overhead. Only stars twinkled against its backdrop.

  "Nephri, it's time," she called out.

  In response to her summons, Nephri glided into view, her form shifting into its manta ray appearance again. "I see. The appointed time hast arrived."

  "Yes." Ebonheim clambered onto her back, settling securely within the gap between her dorsal fins. "Let's head back."

  The two retraced their path through the forest until they arrived at the cave entrance.

  As the moon shone its light upon the obelisk, runes flared into existence, glowing in response. Its surface flickered and wavered, warping in places. The ground trembled beneath their feet as the obelisk activated fully.

  Slowly, its bulk lifted upward into the air. Dust cascaded around its base as it rose higher, settling high above them. Once stabilized, it rotated once before fixing its position in place.

  A series of clicks and whirs emanated from somewhere within its structure. Its upper half began splitting apart into three distinct sections. These pieces broke free from one another, exposing a central cylinder of shimmering gold encased within its heart. Within this tube, a crystal orb sat suspended midway. Its surface glowed faintly with a dim blue light.

  Five beams of light shot out from the orb simultaneously. Two went towards the ocean while the other three branched out to different islands visible across the waters. As the lines connected with each destination, more sigils formed in front of the obelisk that Ebonheim recognized—a timer, counting down.

  She counted in her head as she read the numbers changing. One hour. That's the time the obelisk showed.

  "What now?" she pondered out loud. "Nothing else happening here."

  Just then, a second set of markings emerged at the bottom of the obelisk. Ebonheim squinted as she concentrated on them. Once decoded, they read as follows:

  "Beneath the moonlight,

  My roots drink deeply

  Of the source

  Below."

  Ebonheim scratched her head. "Another riddle. Gonna have to give this one a minute." She sat cross-legged on the ground and mulled over the words carefully. "Roots...drinking...of a source...below? Uhh..."

  Ebonheim & Nephri at the beach!