To avoid talking to Antioch while they waited, Harahel walked over to a group of rouges who were gathered around a large table. They welcomed her and soon they were all drinking. 

As the night wore on, Harahel found herself feeling more and more relaxed in the company of the Rouges. They were a rowdy bunch, but they had a strong sense of loyalty and a fierce determination to survive in a world that was often harsh and unforgiving.

As they drank, they shared stories of their adventures and their struggles, and Harahel found herself feeling a deep sense of respect for them, despite their poor choice of a God.

As she drank, her thoughts turned to Taliesin, and she couldn't shake the feeling that she had failed him. She wasted her time chasing after Antioch and risked losing Taliesin forever.

The more she drank, the more these thoughts consumed her, and she began to feel a sense of hopelessness and despair. She had always prided herself on her strength and her determination, but now she felt like she was running in circles, unable to make any real progress. “Well, there is a pitiful sight” Harahel looked up and saw Antioch.

“So, be honest with me.” Harahel said already feeling her morning hangover “Were you ever truly my prisoner or could you have walked out of that cave at any time?” “Not at first. It was a complicated spell, but it was one my sister used on me when we were young. I can’t remember if we were playing a game or if she was trying to boil me in her stew or maybe that was the game.” Said Antioch

Harahel's head pulsed with a relentless ache, a painful reminder of the alcohol's toll. She cast a weary yet inquisitive gaze upon Antioch. "So, you could have left that cave at any time?"

Antioch nodded, his expression nonchalant as he took a seat. "Indeed, but where would be the fun in that? Besides, I had a feeling our encounter would be more... intriguing if we played it out a bit longer."

Harahel couldn't help but shake her head at the absurdity of the situation. She had been prepared for a confrontation, for a battle of wills with the cunning trickster, only to discover that he had never truly been her captive. It was a bitter realization.

As she nursed her throbbing head, she decided to divert her thoughts away from her own foolishness. "What is this place?" she asked, gesturing to their surroundings. "What did it used to be?"

Antioch's gaze swept over the chamber, his eyes lingering on the opulent tapestries and the intricate symbols etched into the walls. "This place," he began, His voice carried a trace of reminiscence, "once belonged to a wealthy man. He was a miner, and he had amassed great wealth from the depths of the earth. But, as with many things in life, his fortune did not last."

The god's words held a melancholic tone, as if he too had experienced the rise and fall of empires. "When his mines dried up, so did his wealth. He was left with nothing but these empty halls and the fading echoes of his past glory."

Harahel considered the story for a moment. The idea of a once-wealthy man brought low by the whims of fate resonated with her. It was a reminder that power and prosperity were fleeting, subject to the ever-changing currents of life."The new owner is expected to arrive in a few days," Antioch added, breaking the moment of reflection. "We'll be on the move once again."

“Why don’t you have a church like a normal God?” Harahel asked with a drunken slur “You mean an actual building? That would be so permanent.” As Antioch says this a shiver goes down his spine "There's a certain freedom in not being tied down by bricks and mortar," he mused, his gaze distant. "Buildings can be razed, temples can crumble, but faith, faith is a far more resilient construct."

Harahel couldn't help but scoff, her hangover-addled mind struggling to process Antioch's philosophical musings. "Resilient or not, you're still a trickster god with followers who drink themselves into a stupor in your name," she retorted, her tone biting.

Antioch chuckled, the sound rich and melodious. "Ah, but Harahel, isn't life just a grand game of tricks and deceptions? We all play our roles, whether it's as a rogue in a tavern or a god of chaos in a shadowy chamber."

Despite herself, Harahel found his words oddly compelling. Perhaps it was the lingering effects of the alcohol, or maybe it was the weariness that had settled deep within her. She had embarked on this quest with a clear sense of purpose, but now, in the company of a trickster god, she couldn't help but question the nature of her journey.

Eventually, a raven arrived with a message from Reynard. Gadriel skimmed it and then turned to Antioch with a smile. “Grab the drunken and follow me.” 

The rogues, who had been enjoying their revelry, immediately snapped to attention, some helping the still somewhat tipsy Harahel to her feet. A female rogue handed Harahel a sturdy backpack filled with supplies, including dried rations, a waterskin, and a medicine kit. "This should keep you going," she said with a reassuring smile. "And don't forget this." She handed Harahel a finely crafted dagger with an ornate hilt.

The rogues gathered around, a mix of grins and nods on their faces. One of them, a burly man with a scar across his cheek, offered a piece of advice, "Keep in mind, it's often wiser to strike from behind rather than from the front."

Harahel followed Gadriel and Antioch out of the makeshift church and into the night. They walked along the narrow streets of the city, past dimly lit taverns and shops until they reached the outskirts of town. There, standing beside a large tree was Reynard, but he appeared to be in the form of an actual fox, his fur sleek and his eyes bright with intelligence. His tiny, fox-like voice piped up in apology as they approached.

"I do apologize for this form," Reynard said with a hint of chagrin. "I had intended to change back before your arrival, but it seems I've become... temporarily stuck in this state. Nonetheless, I assure you, I do my best thinking like this."

Harahel exchanged a bemused glance with Antioch, clearly surprised by this unexpected turn of events. It was a strange sight to see an anthropomorphic fox speaking so clearly.

Gadriel couldn't help but chuckle at Reynard's situation. "Well, it seems we have our clever fox in a rather literal form today," she said with a mischievous grin. "But no matter. Reynard, what have you learned?"

Reynard opens the book in his hand “There is an incantation that will open a gateway in a particular cave” Reynard flips through the pages “Here it is.” Reynard ripped out the page and gave it to Harahel. 

"Thank you," Harahel expressed her gratitude before getting down to business. "But where is the cave?"

Reynard's demeanor shifted as he admitted, "I... don't know," his tail betraying a sense of shame.

Harahel's next question was just as crucial: "And how will we find Taliesin once we do get to Erebus?"

Reynard's response was equally disheartening. "I don't know that either," he admitted, his whiskers sagging.

Antioch interjected with a solution. "Guess we need to pay a visit to Hera's witches," he suggested, casting a meaningful look at Harahel.

"But that will take days!" Harahel exclaimed in frustration. "For you it would. Those witches have cast a wandering spell in their woods to keep intruders out. You were walking in circles when you thought you were walking straight."

Gadriel, ever pragmatic, announced, "While this is a stimulating discussion, it is getting cold, and I need my beauty rest. It's time for us to depart."

Harahel thanked Reynard once more. "Thank you again, Reynard."

Reynard smiled warmly. "You're welcome. Now go, and may the gods be with you."

Antioch couldn't resist a jest. "She's got the best one going with her," he quipped with a smirk.

"Be careful, my mischievous lord," Gadriel advised as she hugged Antioch.

"Of course," Antioch replied with a nod. "And you hold down the fort until I come back."

"As you command," Gadriel said with a slight bow. "Come, Darling," she beckoned to Reynard.

Reynard, still concerned about his current form, couldn't help but comment, "I do hope I change back soon?"

"I don't," Gadriel replied with a playful smile, her fingers toying with his tail.

"Gadriel!" Reynard exclaimed, looking slightly scandalized.

She met his gaze and couldn't help but tease him. "Work hours are over, dear."

"Let's go to the witches," Harahel urged.

Antioch, his tone laced with sarcasm, replied, "Hold on, brave warrior. It's late. We'll walk a bit, make camp, and reach there in the morning."

"No, we've wasted enough time!" Harahel exclaimed, her determination driving her forward. "We need to go to her tonight!"

Antioch, with a mischievous glint in his eye, couldn't resist teasing her. "Judging from the smell of your breath, I doubt you're going to be doing too much traveling tonight."

"I am perfectly fine to trav..." Harahel's sentence was cut short as she unexpectedly vomited.

"You put a spell on me," Harahel accused Antioch as he began to start a fire.

"Sorry, you did this to yourself," he retorted with a grin. "I'll be fine soon, and then we can go."

"We're not going anywhere," Antioch stated firmly.

"But Taliesin needs us," Harahel argued.

"Taliesin can take care of himself," Antioch responded. "We were created in a time much darker than this, and while our three older brothers get most of the glory, Taliesin, me, and even the pure and righteous Savior got our hands dirty. He knows how to survive; we all do."

Antioch's face turned serious as he gazed into the fire, and an awkward silence fell upon the campsite.

Harahel watched Antioch for a moment before speaking softly. "What happened in those times?"

Antioch looked up at her, his expression inscrutable. "War," he said simply. "A war between the gods and the dark forces. It was a time of chaos and destruction. We did what we had to do to survive."

"And Taliesin?" Harahel inquired.

Antioch chuckled. "Taliesin was always the pure one," he remarked. "He never wanted to fight, but he had to in order to protect himself and others. He was always the one who tried to bring light to the darkness."

Harahel nodded, understanding. "I see," she said. "But what about you? What was your role in all of it?"

Antioch's grin widened. "Oh, I was the troublemaker," he admitted. "I caused chaos and confusion wherever I went. I played tricks on both sides, gods and demons alike."

Harahel couldn't help but smile at that. "You're still causing chaos," she observed, gesturing to their current situation.

Antioch laughed. "What can I say? It's in my nature."

They sat in silence for a moment, watching the fire crackle and burn.

Antioch seemed lost in thought as he stared into the flames. After a few moments, he turned to Harahel and spoke. "You know, we gods may be powerful and immortal, but we are not invincible. We have faced countless challenges and trials throughout our existence."

Harahel sat up, intrigued. "What kind of challenges?" she asked.

Antioch sighed. "Where do I even begin? There have been wars, natural disasters, plagues, and more. And then there are the personal challenges that we face, such as dealing with loss, betrayal, and loneliness. We may be divine beings, but we are not immune to the struggles of life."

Harahel listened intently as Antioch spoke. She had always thought of gods as infallible, so it was eye-opening to hear that they faced the same hardships as mortals. "It sounds like being a god isn't always easy," she said softly.

Antioch chuckled. "You could say that. But it's not all doom and gloom, either. We have had some incredible moments of joy and wonder, too. And I wouldn't trade my powers for anything in the world."

Harahel smiled at that. She was starting to see Antioch in a different light. He was mischievous and unpredictable, but he was also wise and complex. This was a side of him she had never seen, even in their most intimate moment as lovers. In all those nights she laid with him, she never asked the questions she asked tonight; this made her feel a pang of guilt.

"You need to rest. We have a long journey ahead of us tomorrow." Said Antioch. Harahel nodded and lay down beside the fire, feeling exhaustion wash over her. As she drifted off to sleep, she couldn't help but wonder what else Antioch and the other gods had gone through in their long existence.