Dayesh's steps led him into the depths of the Lumerath Forest, where the light gradually faded beneath the towering trees. Even from afar, he could already feel the heaviness in the air, a presence that was not violent, but deeply unsettling.
Something moved at the edge of his vision. He turned, but saw nothing.
When he looked again, there was no body, only a shadow slipping between the trees.
He stopped and focused on the presence.
In an instant, it was before him.
A massive stag stood there, its shadow seemingly detached from its body, as if woven from darkness itself. Its eyes held no anger, only an immeasurable exhaustion.
It did not run. It did not attack. Its shadow moved first.
Slowly, the darkness crept toward Dayesh's feet until their shadows touched.
Then the world changed.
The forest became brighter, more alive, more abundant.
People had gathered in a wide clearing. At the center, a stag knelt with its head bowed, unaware of the fear surrounding it, unaware that something terrible was about to happen.
A monk dressed in simple robes led a chant of prayer. He promised that the offering of blood would drive away the creatures crawling from beneath the earth.
Torches flared. The stag cried out. Blood spilled.
But the goblins did not leave. Instead, they multiplied.
From the darkness of the forest, twisted forms emerged. The very people who made the offering were the first to be devoured.
As the stag weakened, the last thing it saw were the same hands that led it to its death, now being dragged down by the creatures they believed they could appease.
The stag's eyes closed.
But the darkness did not fade.
It clung and remained.
Silence returned to the present.
Dayesh still stood before the creature. Now he understood. It had not been born a shadow. It had been abandoned to darkness.
Tears fell from Dayesh's eyes as he witnessed its memory.
"Poor stag. If only I could embrace you, I would have done so."
The shadow remained before him, as if placing its trust in him.
"I know it is difficult for you to trust, after being deceived by humans when you were still alive."
The shadow seemed to listen.
"Thank you for understanding my feelings," a voice echoed in his mind, likely coming from the stag.
"May I move you to another place, if you wish?"
"But they will fear my form."
"I will not take you where people live. You may stay in a forest near my home."
The shadow seemed to brighten at his words.
"Are you ready to leave this place?"
"I cannot say I am fully ready, but if I am to forget the tragedy of my past, it is only right that I leave."
Dayesh took out the item box lent to him by the guild receptionist.
"Enter this, so I can bring you to your destination."
"Thank you."
The shadow entered the box and remained there temporarily.
Three days later, Dayesh returned home.
"My love, I missed you while I was away."
Jauna embraced him and told him to bathe before holding Lzith. Dayesh chuckled softly. His partner helped him wash, scrubbing the parts he could not reach, especially his back.
"There, you are clean now," Jauna said after he dressed. "You may hold Lzith."
Dayesh kissed Jauna. She could feel his longing in the way he kissed her.
They pulled away, both catching their breath.
"My love, may I…"
Jauna already understood. She briefly checked on Lzith, who was sleeping soundly in the next room. Once certain, they went to their room and continued what they had begun moments before.
The receptionist led Dayesh into a guest office after he reported that he had obtained the stag's shadow.
She found him mysterious, but did not show it in her voice. Their interaction remained professional.
"Do you know how much the reward is for completing this mission?"
Dayesh shook his head. He had not asked before leaving. Whether he knew or not did not matter to him. His only motivation was his family.
"Three thousand gold."
Dayesh was not surprised, but he wondered why the reward was so large.
"Rewards are often funded by people who want the mission completed. When mercenaries see a large reward, they are more likely to take it because of the money. But many fail when the quest is too difficult. The longer a quest remains unfinished, the higher the reward becomes."
"With three thousand gold, can I buy a house in the town, even a small one?"
"Of course. I know people who sell houses, whether new or previously owned. Just tell me, and I will arrange it."
"Thank you, but I plan to save more so I can buy a larger home for my family."
"Your partner is very fortunate, Dayesh. You are a responsible husband."
"By the way, you may take fifty gold from my earnings as your share."
"So you really meant it. Thank you very much."
"May I ask where you plan to relocate the shadow? I was thinking of bringing it to a forest near my home, where no one will be disturbed since no one lives there and it is not a common path."
"I will consult our highest official first. Please wait a moment."
After ten minutes, she returned and informed Dayesh that he was allowed to take the shadow and relocate it as he wished. What mattered most to them was removing it from the forest used by merchants and travelers.
Dayesh stayed home for two days before taking on another quest.
He often played with Lzith while Jauna busied herself with other tasks.
"Drink this, my love."
"It smells wonderful, like chocolate." He took a sip and tasted it carefully. "The sweetness is just right."
"Lzith, this one is for you," Jauna said, giving her a chilled version.
She then turned to Dayesh, asking him to watch Lzith while she prepared more medicine to be delivered to the town by Faram.
"There is a new epidemic spreading in the town. They say it came from someone from another village, and now many have been infected."
"Do not overwork yourself, my love."
After a while, Dayesh remembered to release the shadow near their home. He brought Lzith with him.
"You may stay here from now on," he said to the shadow through telepathy.
"Thank you, my friend," the shadow replied. It noticed the child in his arms. "Your child is very beautiful."
Lzith could also see the shadow. She waved at it.
"She is gentle as well. She is not afraid of me. As thanks, allow me to protect her."
"Thank you for your kindness, my friend."
"Do not wander too far. Let us speak again from time to time."
"Understood. Thank you again."
The shadow slowly faded into nothingness.