Leigh's peppiness continues to thrive
“Hopefully,” Tom sneers “This one won't bring you to
tears.”
The jab directed straight at me
As Leigh asks “What do you mean?”
“Nothing.” His tone dry
Passing me he whispers “Try not to cry.”
So, he did see it
Damn, this aught to be fun
“We need to find the council tree.” Leigh's tone level
“The sooner we're done, the sooner we travel.
I'm not looking forward to the next stop.
Let's hurry and get it out of the way
Before my temple starts to throb.”
A swampy forest with a collection of willow trees
I can just feel the beauty
Even though I can't really see
The mana so thick that I can taste it
As the marshy water soaks our feet
We are greeted by quite the treat
A puffy glowing cloud
Zooming to and from
It squeals and bleeps
In a panic and not calm
“What is this thing?” Tom asks
“I think it's a Whisp.” I say
“Is it trying to give us a task?”
“I think so.
It might be able to lead us to the council tree.
Let's follow it and see.”
“Time's short, we don't have the liberty to follow a
cloud.
Let's do our jobs.” Tom finishes proud
“Oh,” Leigh begins “You mean like you did back with
the Sirens?”
“I don't regret my decision.” Tom bites
“You two seem to think this is a democratic game.
But not doing as ordered is not why we're paid.
I suggest you both get with the program.
Your personal vendettas, on this totem pole, are the low
man.”
“And I suggest,” I growl “you come to grips
With the how and why we do things.
I don't care what experience or skills you bring,
This is our mission first and foremost.”
“Well, I'm senior.” He boasts
“That puts me in charge.”
“Two against one,” I say “You've already lost pretty
large.”
“I remember kicking your butt pretty good.”
“I just didn't want to embarrass you.” I say
“Maybe now I should.”
“Don't test me Seer. I could kill you where you stand.
I'd hate to become a wanted man.
Though that's something you'd know a lot about, huh?
Following that evil fae. Now being an O.D..
Bet you feel pretty dumb.”
My emotions flaring as I take a step
Ready to sock him and make him regret
But before I can, Leigh beats me to the punch
Literally, she nails him right in the gut
Crumbling, he falls into a hunch.
“We warned you.” Leigh's tone stern
“About bringing up taboo subjects.
You wanna go 0 for 3? Keep your mouth shut.
Keep it up Tommy – It's not gonna bode well for you.
We are a team. To us, you're the noob.”
He coughs and spits, trying to catch his breath
Glaring at us he holds his gut
“Lead the way little Whisp.” Leigh addresses the cloud
And so we follow as on the air it bounds
It leads on – To a flaming cage
Where a catlike creature with wings cowers
As blue flames rage
The fire beautiful, but dangerously strange
It's clear the Whisp wanted its friend to be saved
“Leigh,” I ask “Have you ever seen flames like these?”
Looking at her expression, her panic seethes
“Leigh?” I press
As with her hand she swipes
Not even ash is left - The flames completely wiped
Bending down I open the cage
“Come on out, you're safe.”
“None. Are. Safe.” The creature speaks
A slow dragging tone
It's clear he longs to sleep
“We're looking for the council tree.”
“I. Show. You.” The creature yawns
“We're from the Organization.” We explain as we follow
Tom trails behind, as his anger from earlier wallows
“What can you tell us about the theft?” I ask
“Man. Come.” The creature replies “Spread. Fire.
We. No. Fight. We. Too. Tired.”
“Well, there's a reason” Tom grunts. “they claim the Sin
of sloth.
Same thing goes for the Sin of lust and Sirens.”
“Yeah.” Leigh agrees “Because they prey on men who
are easily lost.”
Her burn runs deep
As Tom goes silent
At least now we know she can make him compliant
“So, you're the Whisps?” I continue addressing the
creature
He nods, slowly leading us to the tree for sure
It's a bit surprising, I always figured they were the little
floating clouds
Not lazy little cats who just want to lay down
Arriving at the tree – It's lush and huge
It's branches filled with mana infused
A small opening exists at the base
As into the water we dive
Nothing but moss to taste
Finally arriving we take a breath
As surrounding us, a dozen or so larger Whisps rest
The size of jungle cats, laying in hammocks
“The. Elders. Sleep.” Our guide says
“Do. Not. Wake.”
“Why?” I ask
As Thomas approaches them
“Come on you lazy felines.” He begins to shake them
As I call “Tom! Wait!”
However - Too late
“Bad. Idea.” The guide warns
As suddenly from above Whisps begin to swarm
Perched on branches they giggle and grin
Hissing, they bare their fangs
Stirring, the elders begin
“Not good.” I whisper as we all step back
“Run!” Leigh shouts
As she lets off a blast
Wounding the tree, The elders quickly wake
Letting off a growling roar
Making the swamp water quake
Instantly, we're swallowed by a giant wave
Struggling to breathe - No way to escape
I didn't want to do this
But now I have no choice
Struggling to the surface
Loud, rings my voice
The water powerful, trying to keep me down
As above swarm the Whisps trailed by smaller clouds
“Wind!” I call, swallowing the water
“Help us by request of the heir
Of mother nature's daughter!”
This choice is likely to compound my troubles
However, it can't get much worse
Though the wind is sure to burst my bubble
