Harahel and Antioch followed the guidance of the amulet deeper into the woods, they soon began to hear the distant sound of music and laughter. The closer they got, the clearer the sound became, until they could see a small group of traveling bards gathered around a crackling campfire.

The burden on Harahel heart lighten when she saw her fellow disciples of Taliesin. Antioch, on the other hand, was less enthusiastic “Maybe if we are quiet we can sneak past them” based on the stern look Harahel gave him, Antioch knew this was not a popular suggestion “Come and behave yourself” Harahel warned.

“Brothers and Sister in Taliesin, I bid you a good evening” Harahel said as they approached the performers. The performers turned to greet Harahel and Antioch with warm smiles and friendly waves. “Welcome, welcome! Come and join us!” one of them called out. They made room for the two travelers around the fire and offered them food and drink.

As they ate and drank, the performers began to share their talents with Harahel and Antioch. A young woman with a beautiful voice sang a haunting melody, while a man with a lute strummed a lively tune. Others recited poetry or performed scenes from plays, their movements, and gestures accompanied by the flickering light of the fire.

Harahel was entranced by the performers, her eyes shining with delight. She joined in the singing and clapping, feeling a sense of kinship with these kindred spirits. Antioch, however, remained aloof, watching the performers with a wary eye.

As the night wore on, the performers shared their stories and songs, weaving tales of adventure and love, loss and triumph. Harahel felt her heart swell with each new verse and melody, and she joined in the singing and dancing with growing abandon. Antioch gave a small hint of a smile as he watched Harahel enjoy the revelry. 

One of the bards looked at Harahel and asked, " Would you sing a song for us?"

Harahel smiled and replied, "Of course, I would be honored." Clearing her throat, she began to sing an ode to her God.

(Verse 1)

In the dark of night, I hear the strings

Of a lute being played by unseen wings

And I know that my God is drawing near

With a melody sweet, and a voice so clear

(Chorus)

Oh Taliesin, my God, with your magic lyre

You set my soul ablaze with your holy fire

Through your music, I am lifted high

To the heavens, where your beauty lies

Her voice was soft at first, but it quickly grew in strength and confidence as she sang of Taliesin's divine influence on her life. 

(Verse 2)

As I walk these woods, with my lute by my side

I feel your presence, and I cannot hide

Your love surrounds me, like a cloak of light

And I know that I am safe, in your sight

The musicians were entranced by her voice, and they quickly joined in, adding their own harmonies and melodies to the song.

(Chorus)

Oh Taliesin, my God, with your magic lyre

You set my soul ablaze with your holy fire

Through your music, I am lifted high

To the heavens, where your beauty lies

As the song continued, a strange energy filled the clearing, and the amulet around Harahel's neck began to glow brightly. The musicians paused in their playing, awestruck by the sudden burst of magic.

(Bridge)

Let the notes of your song, carry me away

To a place of peace, where I can stay

In your loving arms, I find my rest

And I know that I am blessed

Harahel closed her eyes and continued to sing, her voice echoing through the woods.

(Chorus)

Oh Taliesin, my God, with your magic lyre

You set my soul ablaze with your holy fire

Through your music, I am lifted high

To the heavens, where your beauty lies

When the song was over, the energy faded, and the amulet returned to its normal state.

The musicians applauded, their appreciation evident in their expressions and gestures. One of them, a talented bard, stepped forward to express their admiration. "That was truly beautiful," he said, genuine praise in his voice. "You possess a remarkable gift."

Harahel's face lit up with pride at the compliment. "All the glory to Taliesin," she replied humbly, acknowledging the source of her talent and inspiration.

Then, with an expectant look, the bard turned to Antioch and playfully insisted, "Now it's your turn to share your voice with us. We want to hear your singing as well!" Antioch hesitated, attempting to decline the invitation. "I wouldn't want to insult Taliesin with my singing," he started to say, but the bard interrupted with a chuckle. 

"Humility doesn't quite suit you," the bard teased. "Come now, sing for your food!" His words were accompanied by laughter from those around them, all in good-natured jest.

As the bard playfully prodded Antioch to sing, Harahel's stomach twisted with apprehension. She couldn't help but wonder what kind of song Antioch might choose to perform. Would it be one of those childish tunes that fools sang to amuse a crowd ? Or perhaps a sultry melody that influencers sang at their alluring parties, tempting and enchanting politicians? Or would it be one of those raucous battle songs of thunder that Antioch and Igor used to sing while confronting devils and demons?

Antioch stood up and began to sing:

(Verse 1)

I was a man with a heart so true,

Until my love left me, feeling so blue.

The days grow long, the nights so cold,

The memories of her never growing old.

Harahel felt a twinge in her heart as she listened to Antioch's song. She knew he was singing about her, and it made her feel both sad and uneasy. She wondered why he would sing such a song. Was it genuine or another one of his stupid tricks? 

(Chorus)

She was the one, the love of my life,

My muse, my everything right.

But now she's gone, and I'm alone,

My heart broken, no place to call home.

As Antioch continued to sing, his voice began to change. It became deeper, more resonant, and filled with a power that Harahel had never heard before. The lyrics transformed, and the tune became something ancient and primal. The musicians and actors watched in awe as Antioch's song filled the clearing.

(Verse 2)

I was a man with a heart so free,

Until I met a woman who captured me.

Her power and beauty struck me down,

And I knew that I would forever be bound.

(Chorus)

But she was a force beyond my control,

A tempest that threatened to swallow me whole.

And though I loved her with all of my might,

I knew that she would never be mine.

The chorus echoed through the trees, Antioch's voice rising to a crescendo.

(Bridge)

Oh, my heart is heavy, my soul is torn,

And I know that I will forever mourn.

For the love that I lost, and the woman I adore,

Will haunt me forevermore.

(Chorus)

She was the one, the love of my life,

My muse, my everything right.

But now she's gone, and I'm alone,

My heart broken, no place to call home.

Harahel's conflicted heart swelled as she listened to Antioch's song. Was there more to him than she had imagined? Was he more than just a trickster, more than just a rogue? Was he a God with a heart, a soul, and a pain that ran deep?

(Outro)

Yes, I was a man with a heart so true,

But now I'm just a man, feeling so blue.

The memories of her, they linger and bind,

A love that's lost, forever in my mind.

As the song came to an end, the musicians and actors erupted into applause. Antioch bowed and grinned, his eyes shining with a mischievous light.

Harahel remained silent, lost in thought. She couldn't deny the power and emotion behind Antioch's song, but she still couldn't fully trust him. 

As the group settled in for the night, Harahel found herself unable to sleep. Her mind was consumed by thoughts of Antioch and his mysterious ways. She wondered if he truly felt the emotions he had conveyed in his song, or if it was just another one of his tricks.

She sat up in her bedroll and gazed out into the darkness, her eyes adjusting to the dim light of the moon. She saw a figure walking towards her, and she recognized it as Antioch. He sat down beside her, and for a moment, they sat in silence, gazing out into the night.

Antioch broke the silence, his voice a mere whisper in the midst of the music and revelry. "You're curious about me, aren't you?" he said, his words almost lost in the ambient sounds.

Harahel responded with a hint of sarcasm, "What else could I possibly be pondering?"

Antioch, with a playful glint in his eyes, countered, "Lying to a god is a sin, you know."

Rolling her eyes, Harahel relented, "Alright, I admit it. I can't help but wonder what mysteries lurk inside that head of yours."

Antioch chuckled softly, his tone enigmatic. "Oh, my dear Harahel, if only you knew. There's more to me than meets the eye."

"Says the shapeshifter," Harahel retorted with a smirk.

Antioch's laughter rippled through the night, but then he fell into a thoughtful silence, his gaze fixed on the starry expanse above.

"I understand your reservations," he admitted, breaking the silence. "And I can't fault you for them. I've certainly given you ample reasons to doubt me. But there's something you should know – I'm not all malevolent. There's a reason I've been bestowed with the power I possess. I might not always wield it for noble purposes, but I'm far from being irredeemable."

Harahel regarded him with a hint of skepticism. "And why should I believe that?"

Antioch's sigh carried a note of resignation. "I don't have a definitive answer for you. Maybe you won't ever fully trust me. Maybe I won't even trust myself."

Harahel scrutinized Antioch's countenance, searching for any trace of deceit. Yet, in that moment, all she perceived was an unmistakable sincerity.

Antioch glanced at the sky, taking note of the late hour. "It's getting late, and I've heard that you humans need your beauty sleep," Antioch quipped with a playful grin. "I think I'll take a little stroll as a coyote.

Harahel chuckled softly. "Or perhaps a raven, so you can spread your wings," she suggested playfully.

Antioch's eyes held a glint of mischief. "I hope your dreams are filled with beautiful songs tonight, Harahel the bard," he said.

 And with that, Antioch stood up and began to shift into a coyote. Harahel watched as he bounded off into the night, her thoughts still swirling with questions and uncertainty.

But as she lay back down in her bedroll and closed her eyes, she couldn't help but think of Antioch's song. She wondered if it held any truth to it if Antioch truly did love her. And if he did, what would that mean for their future together? As she drifted off to sleep, the melody of Antioch's song echoed in her mind, haunting and beautiful all at once.

In the midst of her dream, a sense of serenity washed over her, like a gentle breeze carrying the scent of wildflowers. Harahel found herself standing once again in the dream meadow where she had encountered Euterpe before. The ethereal beauty of the place seemed to embrace her, and she felt a comforting presence nearby.

A figure materialized before her, radiant and serene, and Harahel knew instantly who it was. "Euterpe," she whispered, her voice filled with both gratitude and uncertainty.

Euterpe smiled, her eyes holding a profound wisdom. "My dear Harahel," she greeted, her voice a soothing melody. "It is good to see you again."

Harahel knelt before Euterpe, her heart heavy with the emotions she had been carrying. "I have been grappling with my feelings," she confessed. "Especially regarding Antioch. His song touched me deeply, but I can't help but wonder if it's all a part of his tricks."

Euterpe extended her hand, and Harahel felt a gentle touch on her forehead, a connection that transcended the physical. "Emotions are a complex tapestry, my child," Euterpe said, her voice resonating within Harahel's very soul. "And love, in particular, is a melody that can be both beautiful and discordant. You must trust in your own heart to discern the truth."

Tears welled in Harahel's eyes as she looked up at Euterpe. "I want to believe that there is goodness in him, that his feelings are genuine. But I fear being deceived."

Euterpe's smile deepened, and her presence seemed to envelop Harahel, offering comfort and guidance. "Trust in the music of your heart, Harahel," she advised. "Let your feelings guide you, but also keep your eyes open. Love can be a powerful force, but it can also be a source of vulnerability. Remember that you are a strong and wise soul, and you will find your way."

As Euterpe's words faded, a soft breeze stirred around them, carrying with it a sense of serenity. When Harahel opened her eyes again, she found herself back in her bedroll, Euterpe's ethereal presence fading like mist in the morning sun. The lingering sense of peace and guidance remained, however, anchoring her heart with newfound resolve.

As the dawn broke, the bards bid Harahel and Antioch farewell, promising to meet again on the road someday. Harahel felt rejuvenated and reinvigorated by the experience. Together, they set off once again into the dark woods, guided by the mystical amulet. As they continued through the woods, the amulet began to glow brighter, and Harahel knew that they were drawing closer to their destination. Soon she saw a cave in the distance.

Walking to the cave, Harahel couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She knew that Erebus was a dangerous place, filled with dark magic and treacherous beings. But she also knew that she had to rescue Taliesin, no matter what. They arrived at the entrance to a cave and cautiously made their way inside, the sound of their footsteps echoing off the walls. As they walked deeper into the cave, they saw strange symbols and runes etched into the walls. 

Harahel recognized some of them as dark magic, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. Finally, they arrived at a large chamber, and Harahel could feel the magic pulsing around her. She took out the incantations and read it. Suddenly, a bright light filled the chamber, and a gateway appeared before them. Harahel could feel the energy of Erebus pouring through it, and she knew that they had to act fast. She turned to Antioch. "Are you ready?" she asked. He nodded, and without another word, they stepped through the portal and into Erebus.