Pan needed to find a cave. His bag was growing heavy, and as he followed the river, he began to search for one in earnest. As he walked, the treasures he’d collected jingled like a gypsy’s dancing chains, creating quite a clatter with every step he took. His breathing was labored a bit in the harsh heat of summer, but instead of complaining, Pan was singing an off key but jaunty tune.
In fact, as he grew nearer to the Dawn Court, his body seemed to take a path of all its own, as if it knew where it was going. Deeper and deeper, the boy worked his way toward the river, until he found himself almost without looking at the entrance to a small cave. Curiosity crept over Pan as he stepped toward it, gasping as he stepped into the mouth of the cave and a wave of surprised pleasure washed over him.
Along the walls were crude shelves stacked high with beautiful things. There were things he’d swear he’d seen before… even more, he got the distinct impression that these items were his. That maybe he’d actually been the one to put them there. His lips wandered over a knotted ball of rope, a curious silver thimble, and a vial of stardust flecked liquid on a delicate silver chain. Dropping his bag, the boy began to empty it and make space, replacing what he’d brought in, with the items from the shelves. Now, the vial was tucked around his neck, bouncing against his breast while the thimble jangled against his favorite shell – a token he’d unwittingly acquired from the god Oriens.
Suddenly, he heard a sound, and jumping back, he braced himself to defend the cave.
@Somnus
