The warm smell of baking food began to seep through the cottage, adding an additional layer of homeliness to the cosy interior. Hammond leaned forward in his chair to throw another log on the fire. Geodhun quickly hopped over to Taylor's other knee, away from the increasing heat of the flames. Itaea rested her head on her outstretched front paws and stared at the leaping and sparking fire for several minutes. Taylor began to wonder if she had heard her question. Or if anyone had heard her.
"What do you know of the Obsidian Realm" Itaea asked suddenly, speaking into the silence. The white panther did not take her eyes away from the flames. "What have you discovered on your journey so far"
Taylor shrugged. "I don't know very much. I know that I saw Geodhun leap out of a painting on the wal
