Within the reaches of the mountain pass there lies a hidden layer.
One that can only be stumbled upon never found.
A secret that rests within the reaches.
In a dungeon entrance, once passed the first few mobs, there is a lever that is disguised as another stone on the wall.
Once the stone is pressed, a notable sound is heard, a wall slides open, and a path appears.
From here you continue up a winding spiral ramp.
Mobs riddle this area.
They prey and wait.
They pounce and strike.
But once the top is reached, your reward is a hidden oasis within the stoney mountain pass.
A juxtaposed beauty set in stone.
Fireflies, ladybugs, and sparkling insects rest on the water's edge and float across the surface.
Grass like emerald shoot up towards the sky.
Stars like specs of sand in a blanket of everything rest above.
Craning your neck you will be given it all.
Here you were reminded of the beauty of the miniscule.
Of the small hidden coves that give our souls respite from the raging realm around us.
Once entering, I was met with her.
I knew she would be here.
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Every mob had been slain
Leaving a breadcrumb trail of dropped loot.
Resting against the side of the pond, she skipped rocks against its surface.
My presence was known.
But I was never one to break silence.
Letting it drag,
Letting it grow,
I waited.
You always make me talk first.
I hate that, you know?
She said as she threw another rock alongside the pond, watching it glide and sparkle against the night.
I know.
But I've never been one to start
I replied.
You're the leader now Locke.
It's not like before.
You aren't just running around delving dungeons, slaying mobs, and turning in quests.
You have responsibilities, not just to yourself…
To all those that have placed their trust in you.
Her words hit harder than her blows.
They rang true and stunned.
I'm trying…
I attempted to retort.
But, without giving me time to, she struck back.
There is no trying.
There is doing or not doing.
You have to believe in yourself for once.
I know…
Getting up, she revealed a pair of blue eyes that were freckled in red, tears gracing the corners, emotion dancing on the fridge of release.
Why is that I - the loser- is always consoling…
What about me?
When will I be able to feel better?
Once again, my tongue found the roof of my mouth.
All I could do was gaze.
Gaze at her
Dumbstruck at the way she rode her emotions.
I wish I could let go… I whispered.
Let go of what…
She whispered back.
She cared.
I could tell she cared.
I hated that she did.
It made everything that much harder.
I wish I could let go of the little things.
The things that hold us back.
It's always the little things that break us…
Then Ronald shot into my mind.
Also, the big things.
The ones that haunt me.
That makes me feel like I'm playing the captain's role, not filling it.
Walking up, she met my eyes.
Hers bursting with everything.
Mine, doing what I do best…
Hiding it all away.
You will only have me for as long as you can beat me…
She said as she made her way past with an air of revival.
As if her fire had reignited with an intensity to drive her forward.
We need you, Shelly…more than you need us.
I said as she continued to move on towards the exit.
Once again, as she reached the Oasis entrance, leading back into the dungeon, she said:
Only for as long as you can beat me…you'll have me.
Her words filled my mind, my heart, and my soul with a push.
She was my impetus.
And so, I channeled the person I knew I could be.
The one I needed to be.
The one who always won.
"You'll never defeat me.
Shelly, I promise you that."
Her eyes smiled alongside her mouth.
Like a beautiful dance.
Fireflies fluttered around her as she descended back into the dungeon.
She attracted beauty even in dismissal.
Leaving me with myself.
Looking up at the darkness that stretched our realm.
It all gave way
I roared under a sky much too beautiful, with a pain much too great.