The lake is beautiful. The water shimmers like nothing else, clear and inviting. You stand atop a hill, shaded by trees that have seen your lifespan again and again, observing the lake from afar. Some have settled here, their homes too large for their families, unwilling to share. You scowl, but your pilgrimage is far from over, and you must pass through.

Magic feels thinner here, despite the sounds of feral creatures ping-ponging from the trees. You breathe deeply, allowing the air to fill your lungs and take your anger away with it. You move with intent, eyes closed for a brief moment, allowing the sun to recharge you. You feel refreshed, and approach the lake.

You crouch by the lake and watch the water ripple on the surface for a moment. How chaotically predictable. How fluid. You bend to take a drink. The water is crystal-cool, sharp, beautiful. If you hadn't any self-restraint, you would drink it all-- but there are other beings who need it too.

Knowing what you're here for, you stand and dart off into the fields, keeping the lake in the corner of your eye. Old ruins, long since grown over, still stand everywhere. Somewhere in this field is the reason you came out here. Somewhere in this field lies a creature.

Behind the biggest house are the biggest ruins. You study this for a moment. Listening to every noise, looking for every detail. And there-- a small nest of moss and stone, clearly creature-made, between two ancient pillars that are still holding up a spire to the best of their knowledge. You tip-toe there, being sure to step lightly.

The sting of the twig cracking underfoot startles both you and the creature. You freeze, the creature doesn't. It flees its nest, eyes wide in panic. You call to soothe it, creeping over with an outstretched hand. Slowly, the creature relaxes, and presses its head to your hand.

By the nest is a journal. You pick it up.

"My son simply cannot continue to bring these infernal beasts home," it reads. "He and I are supposed to tour the seas once again tomorrow, but not only has he brought this creature someplace it does not belong, he has gone to make jewelry in the cellar of the monarch! I am simply appalled..."

You flip a few pages forward.

"...I have come to enjoy this strange beast. I feel... something new stirring within me. Could it be the magic he so deeply enjoys?"

The creature sits next to you and purrs.