By the Ocean

[the thespian]

~By the Ocean~

You find yourself on a sandy beach and smell the scent of saltwater in the air. Remembering what you are here to do, you look for the leprechaun.

“What are we doing on a beach?” You ask him.

“Have ya not been following along? We’re findin’ that missing centaur.”

You gesture to the scenery around you. “All I see is sand and water. Where is the centaur?”

The leprechaun threw his hands up in the air. “Do I hafta do all the work around here? Why don’t ya try looking around for him.”

You nod and begin your search. You notice many small shrubs lining the beach as you make your way across it. Your search moves slowly as your feet slightly sink into the sand with each step. But then you spot what look to be hoof marks in the sand before you. When you go to look at them closer your realize that there are more leading away from there. Calling toward the leprechaun to come with you, you keep on following the tracks until you finally reach the water. The tracks have stopped here, but instead of seeing a centaur, you see an odd figure in clothes that almost look like they are made of water, standing knee deep in the water. He is looking up and talking to a woman who is somehow sitting in the billowing clouds.

"Who, or what are those people?" You ask the Leprechaun.

"Natives of this land," the Leprechaun simply replies.

"Hmmm..." you say. You figure that you might as well ask them if they have seen the centaur around.

The man turns towards you and moves his arms inward as if pulling in the tide. You see the tracks of the centaur reappear.

"Th-thanks!" You say in awe.

As you follow the tracks down the shoreline, you see what looks to be a centaur in the distance. Quickly making your way over, you end up in front of a tall centaur with dark chestnut colouring. You catch your breath for a moment and then introduce yourself and ask if he is Ulixon’s friend. However, the centaur is busy fishing with what looks like a makeshift fishing rod and pays you no heed. In fact, no matter how much you try to get his attention, he just ignores you.

“What’s wrong with him?” You ask the leprechaun. “Did those people do something to him?”

“Possible, but I dun think so..." the leprechaun said. “I have heard though, that trips through the portal can be tough on some beings. Those who are too focused on what they want to do, can get so stuck on that one goal that they can lose themselves.”

“Hmmm… so is there anyway we can help him get back to his old self?”

“There ya go, asking me so many questions again! Things aren’t as fun when they’re handed to ya, are they? Why don’t ya try to figure this one out on yer own?”

You frown and wonder if the leprechaun is getting enjoyment out of all of this. Thinking back to the task at hand, you wonder if there is some way to jog the centaur’s memory. Perhaps he had something important that he lost when he got here?

[the thespian]

After retracing your steps, you bring the object to the centaur. His grip on the fishing rod loosens and he turns his head toward the object as if remembering something.

“Do you remember who you are, now?”

The centaur nods. “I am…Olivor.” Turning his gaze toward you he asks, “Who are you?”

You introduce yourself and say that you are looking for Ulixon’s friend.

“Ulixon sent you?” Olivor asked. “Is he alright? I remember the herd was in trouble so we went out for supplies. We met this little fae creature who told us that he could help us, but when I went into the portal…and then I…I…”

You turn to look for the leprechaun who was nowhere to be found. Turning back to Olivor, you pat his arm. “It’s alright, the herd has reached Edingtol already. You can return to them now.”

Olivor nodded, but seemed hesitant to move from his spot. “After all this time, I can’t go back empty handed. I’ve already caught a lot of fish here, would you be able to help me get a few more before we go back?”

You look at the fish he has already caught in the basket next to him. They look similar to the type of fish that you’ve caught before near Edingtol.

“Alright,” you say, “but let’s hurry. I’m sure everyone is worried about you.”

-Return to the portal-