the prophecy → o, december nymph maze

[calliope]

♛ Ah, who could ignore the nymphs of Paradise Valley? The little creatures had been such a prominent part of the territory that it was near impossible to miss them. Now that a few members were situated with the territory, as overgrown as it may be, she figured it was time to introduce everyone to a new tradition. The maze, one of the truly well-kept lands in Paradise Valley stood tall and proud. The sight of it was quite intimidating, even in the dark. Only the soft glow of the lanterns would cut through the shadows, providing just enough light for everyone to see.

Nymphs and Paradise Valley members alike had gathered on opposite sides of the maze, waiting for the signal to start. Of course, with all of the new people, she was creating a bit of a delay. It was only natural to give a basic explanation to everyone before they moved on. She was sure there was at least someone out there who needed a refresher.

"Alright, everyone. I'd like to welcome y'all to the first ever nymph maze," she started, eyes sweeping across the small group that gathered. "You're gonna find your nymph companion here. All you have to do is walk through the maze until you meet your nypmh. You'll know them when you see them. 'Cause after all, the paths you take determine your future. The maze knows this," she continued explaining the event. "You're in good paws- er, well, branches" she attempted to make a joke, just to lighten her previously serious tone.

Her paws moved over to a bell that she had next to her, getting ready to ring it. "Once this bell rings, it begins. You got it? Good," and without waiting for any further responses, she rung the bell, watching and waiting for everyone to go on their merry way.

[toboggan]

”Kdor redko sejé, bo redko žel.”

What you reap is what you sow.

The nymph maze was upon Paradise Valley. Smalltalk amidst the nature-bound group’s feeble populace had veered from its expected fatuity, instead fencing around the buzz leading up to the occasion. For the Sepal, who did not participate in the aforementioned smalltalk, the supposed “thrill” did not thrill him at all. How long he had lived this life, Tomislav did not fully know, but the bear understood that it was a life of many philosophies. Recollections of whom he had met, the locales he had traversed, they mysteriously remained as clouded recognizances - though, mysteriously enough, the wisdoms which he had picked up along the way were as fresh in his mind as ever. A specific wisdom, ”Kdor redko sejé, bo redko žel”, could relate to the affair. If these nymphs were as important as Divinity and Crownedprince made them appear to be, then the little creatures would play an important part in tribe life; nothing to be light about. Thus, if Tomislav reaped with blindness, he’d get blindness in return, and blindness was not an affliction which he sought. Blindness would be a doozy for a man who wanted to see everything.

Tomislav’s presence lingered since the beginning of Divinity’s educational tirade. The Sepal heeded the Crown’s crucial information, looking at it with utmost earnest... until the female felt the need to inject a pun, after she had subsidized advice to those participating. The Slovene was not humourless. In fact, he enjoyed a well-constructed joke every now and then. The problem with Divinity’s witticism was how out-of-the-blue it was. There was no cleverness involved. It was what some would call “cheesy”. "Substandard," he’d coarsely remark in response.

Before he could comprehend it, the bell was rung, and his venture began.

Mazes were troublesome. One could get lost with ease, and end up in a poor situation. At least he was in “good branches”, as a wise woman had put it. The turns he had taken were carefully memorized, and the bear was so immersed in his own thoughts, that he had almost squashed the thing - a nymph.