In the steps of Eternity

Awakening: Part 2

    “It's bright...” I could only mutter as I am faced with the blinding light of the sun as I climb free of the underground structure.

Taking one good breath while I pause to let my senses orient themselves I start to look at the world around me, only to find that I am about three quarters of the way up the side of a mountain.

“Looks like the whole place was buried beneath a mountain chain...” I gasp in a bit of surprise, that was a lot of structures left under the ground and left untouched.

Thinking further on what I should do, I decide I should make use of what I learned and get to a higher point so I can look for some kind of signs of civilization.

Attempting to fly to the mountain top proved to be a bit fruitless. Strong winds had shown me how unprepared and how little control I had over my ability to fly. Or. Float really.

Climbing the mountain without flight, wasn't anywhere near as hard as I thought it would be in the end.

Picturing myself being as strong as a gorilla easily let me grip the sides of the cliffs and ledges. Even if it did take a bit longer than if I had flown.

“Beautiful...” I exclaimed while looking at the world below.

Entranced with the view of the clouds and land below I found a spot to just sit and absorb the scenery, forgetting for a while what I had originally had climbed for.

“I wonder how many have ever gotten to get such a wonderful look at the world...” I couldn't help but think to myself, before realizing. PEOPLE! That was why I had climbed to begin with. To help get bearings to find PEOPLE.

To my Dismay, I wasn't able to see any hints of settlements anywhere near by. Not at the base of the mountain. In between nor off in the distance.

“Troublesome...” I couldn't help but mumble.

Suddenly a strong gust of wind spiraled from behind accompanied by the sound of feathers. After the dream I had before waking. A chill had crawled along the very depths of my spine.

Turning cautiously to see what may be behind me, I am greeted by a large Half bird looking creature as it just flaps its wings and stares at me.

As it sits there flapping, I cannot help but admire the way it looks. Wings pristine, but with a pattern that would make it look mottled. A shimmering ebon beak with pearl like eyes. The other half looks like a lion who has bathed in the depths of the ocean. So dark it is black, but the light shows the shimmer of its blue tides.

Tilting its head, it lands on the mountain top beside me before pressing its head against mine. Giving way to greater shock.

“Creature. Why for are you in my domain?” I heard ring in my head as if someone was whispering in my ear.

With a stammer I could barely even think of a reply, let alone give a proper one verbally. Almost losing my footing I try to gather my footing and balance myself.

The Half Bird Half lion creature seemed to have sighed? It definitely sighed.

“I... I don't know where I am. I woke up. And I was... Here...” I replied after taking a breath and giving a thought as to the creatures question.

“I am Elvithal the Ebon. I am a High Griffon. Not a 'Bird Lion' for starters. And though you don't know where you are, will you at least tell me WHO you are? You have. A very unique and calming Aura to you.” I heard once more in my mind.

With a shake of my head I could only think to myself “I don't even know who I am, how could I even dream of telling you what I don't know?”

Watching the Griffon's face, I realized it could even hear my thoughts. With a gasp I turn my head and look at the ground hoping that he wouldn't anger.

“Peculiar...” Is all I heard before I snuck a peek at Elvithal's Face. “Why the peak of the mountain, at least you know this don't you?” He spoke again, with a mix of amusement and mockery in his voice.

“I... Wanted to find a direction to go. To find people. They might be able to tell me where I am, and who I am.” I thought to myself, thinking he would hear my thoughts.

Making a low growling noise, almost as if laughing Elvithal looks me up and down before speaking “There won't be any 'People' for many leagues. For we are currently in the Forgotten Expanse. My Domain. But. If you truly wish to find others, I can help with SOME guidance. But first, I would ask you to stay for a while. There are things about you that I wish to learn. I promise I will not hurt you.”

With a nod he gives very little to no room for refusal before picking me up by the scraps of my clothes before dragging me off to his home.

“Fret not Little one. There won't be any trouble between here and my home. None would dare to challenge me in my own turf.” He said noticing my weariness, thinking that was the cause.

“That isn't what is concerning me!” I all but scream in my head as I reach to grip his claws, that I might avoid falling once the last scraps of my clothes tear.

For the rest of the duration of travel. Elvithal continued to make fun of and joke with me. The jerk.