Egfor strode through a forest, it was pitch black and no moon or stars lit his path. He could not even see his hand in front of his face, yet he did not trip or run into things. He stepped true and knew where he was going. He heard a deep, thrumming drum beat that pulsed with his heartbeat and the earth below his feet.
He stepped into a glade, a white ethereal stag stood in the center, the only light source.
Egfor drew closer, comforted by this strange stag. He lifts a hand and lays it on the soft nose of the creature, murmuring, "Grandfather…"
The deer snorts and tosses its head, subsequently jerking away from Egfor. The man stood still as the deer walked slowly around him, staring at him as if he were reading a book or his aura.
The deer spoke, "My child, look at your life."
Egfor tensed and stood rigid, seeing flashes of visions and memories:
He saw Dem following him, standing below the windmill balcony, listening as Egfor pulled off his wedding ring and wept.
He saw Syllea wake up crying out, comforted from her nightmare by her guard, Lynn.
He saw his sisters gather up in a secret meeting, discussing their worries for Egfor.
He saw many more times of how he was affecting those around him.
The deer spoke, “You need to go through another death and rebirth, my child… Please. You will find your soothsaying work far more difficult and dangerous otherwise.” The deer paused, ears flickering, “And you may bring your husband too. It may be good for you, him, or both.”
Egfor swallows, nodding slowly, “I… alright, I will do so tomorrow…”
Egfor woke with a start, tense and scared at first, then he calmed down quickly, feeling Dem’s arms around him.
