Geneva decided that the odd little face most resembled a fox. It was covered in very short bristly fur, most of which was golden in color, but a black stripe ran down the forehead to encircle the wide eyes and cover the entire slender snout. The large rounded ears were also black, and every time Geneva talked the ears swiveled to focus fully on her. The only thing that seemed out of place was the pair of large eyes, unnaturally bright and nearly pupiless, which looked more like they belonged on a bug. Even though they were creepy because they never seemed to blink, they provided her with comforting warmth every time they looked in her direction. The eyes gazed in her direction now as the tiny creature spoke
"How delightful to meet you, Geneva Maxwell," said the whispery voice, and for the first time she realized that the creature was female. Geneva was perplexed how yet another being beyond imagination knew her name.
I am dreaming. That's why they know my name. These creatures don't actually exist.
"My name is Filosofie," continued the whispery voice. The wide eyes lingered on her, still bright and unblinking.
"You may call her Sofie, as do I," added Steekbunk Lowbone in his melodic voice.
"I...uhm...it's nice to meet you too, Sofie," stammered Geneva.
Filosofie smiled and it caused her wide eyes to finally blink. Geneva couldn't get over how cute she was. Dressed in a billowing wrap that kept her arms free, the diminutive creature was a living stuffed animal doll. Sofie's smile was contagious, the sincerity in her expression infused Geneva with security and acceptance. For the first time in longer than she could remember, she felt her own mouth twist into what could almost be described as a smile.
Geneva had nothing more to say. She found herself just staring at the living stuffed animal doll, but the ensuing awkward silence forced words out of her mouth.
"So...you two are friends?"
"Yes," said Steekbunk matter of factly.
"Steekbunk is a very loyal friend," whispered Sofie, "and an astonishing oracle. " She paused to groom her slender tail as itwrapped in front of her. The light flickered off an ornate ring about midway upthe tail. "When the Great Winter Fire brought death and despair to my forebearers, Steekbunk warned us of the coming calamity. He saved countless lives, and he was there to help the Faerie rebuild. Our gratitude is eternal."
"If we do not help one another, how can we call ourselves friends?" Steekbunk queried.
"That's very nice of you," commented Geneva. "You sound like a great friend."
"We offered our servitude to him," continued Sofie in her hushed tone. "We offered our magic. But the only reward he will accept are the starlight crystals we find when tilling the soil of our fungal gardens." Sofie gestured by sweeping both of her arms in wide arcs to emphasize the multicolored gemstones that lined the walls of Steekbunk's home. As if Geneva hadn't noticed them.
"They are...beautiful," Geneva said with a smile to Steekbunk, placating him with exaggerated praise for his bizarre taste in décor. The glittering crystals really were striking as the firelight reflected through them to create a flickering rainbow, but her current mental state didn't have the capacity to admire trinkets. She was growing tired of this dream and was really starting to believe that she had lost her mind.
Wake up, Geneva! Please...just...wake...up!
Geneva felt her racing heart start to slow down as her edge-of-panic thoughts were interrupted by the calming whisper of Sofie.
"So you must listen closely when Steekbunk speaks of your destiny. You have much to learn. Your actions should heed his warnings."
"Yes," Geneva answered, and suddenly she wasn't afraid any more. Well, not as much anyway. She wasn't sure if it was because of the reassuring effect caused by Sofie's presence, or whether she had recklessly decided that since this was all a dream (and surely it was!) then she might as well be bold and confront the strangeness head on. Whatever the reason, Geneva wanted answers. Although she wasn't sure the answers would make any more sense than the events that had transpired since her plunge off the bridge back home.
Home. I just want to go back home. I want to see Mom again.
Geneva bit her lip, hoping the sharp pain would suppress such thoughts. If she let her mind be pulled in that direction she would surely have a breakdown. Instead she looked over at the short, hairy, egg-shaped being sitting beside her.
"So tell me, Steekbunk Lowbone," she began. "What is my destiny?"
Steekbunk stared back at her in silence. Geneva waited patiently. Was he ignoring her? Then, just when she was about to repeat her question, he spoke.
"It is not so simple."
Geneva waited for a more thorough explanation. Apparently none was forthcoming.
"Well you keep telling me everything that is not my destiny," she persisted, "why can't you tell me what is my destiny?" She felt her heart begin to race again, her temperature rise. Her fear was definitely gone now, replaced by a surging frustration borne from her fear, her complete confusion, and her frazzled emotional state. Her unstable mind kept wandering back to her mother and the crushing finality of a broken promise.
Again Steekbunk stared back at her silently.
"Why can't you tell me where in the world I am? Why can't you tell me where you came from and how...how a hairy egg-man and a talking stuffed animal doll can even exist? Why can't you tell me how I can get out of here and go home?"
Silence.
Geneva rose to her feet, flushed with anger. It had happened. She had snapped. All of the emotional turmoil concerning her mother combined with this terrifying dream state that couldn't possibly exist was just too much for her. She stood with her hands clenched into white-knuckled fists at her sides, screaming at Steekbunk.
"Don't you just ignore me! I don't want to do this any more! Nothing here makes sense! I feel like I'm going insane!
"Geneva..." began Sofie, but her whispery voice went unnoticed as the girl continued to vent.
"Tell me about my destiny, oh great oracle!" Spit flew from her lips as she shouted her questions. She didn't care. "What will I do? How do I get it over with? Are you a part of it?"
Silence.
Geneva's head arced back and she screamed at the ceiling. Then she slumped back into her seat and began to sob.
"Geneva Maxwell, some things cannot be explained. They can only be experienced." His cryptic statements were making her even angrier. She growled.
"You will embark on a quest to return home," he continued. "Only one thing can stop you, an obstacle that also threatens all who dwell in Daysheen. Your quest will lead you into a direct confrontation with this threat. To return home you must save our world."
Now Geneva was silent.
"Yes, I am part of your destiny. I will die because of you."
Geneva stared at Steekbunk. He was serious. And suddenly all her rage was gone.
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