Maxxine and Vania had left the main palace, walking through the village as the rings around the moon very slowly began to glow once again. He looked around at the various unattended market stands and how empty the paths were. The village looked so strange when no one was awake. It still was beautiful here with all the colorful plants that had managed to thrive here with the Oasis being in the center of this village.

"Oh, we’re almost there!” Vania spun on her heels as she marched onward. Maxxine stopped in his tracks and grabbed her arm to stop her.

“Wait, you don’t even know where we are going! What are you talking about?”

“Marigold! Come on, she's smart and has connections with travelers and merchants!” She cheerfully explained, getting ready to continue, only to notice that Maxxine hadn’t let go. Maxxine felt his face heat up with frustration at Vania’s overexcitement.

“This isn’t just some game; I was supposed to just go alone. I should have never told you!” He lashed out, but his eyes shone with concern. He didn’t wish to come off as rude, but he didn’t know how else to get his point across.

“And you think I’d let you do this alone? I’m helping; I know it’s going to be a big task. Marigold might be able to give you more information and speed up the process than if you went into this blindly." Vania reacted with a soft smile, not at all offended by Maxxine’s hostility. “Please, trust me on this."

Maxxine sighed and let go of her. “Yeah, okay, you’re right. But it’s still early, so you’re the one harassing her during sleeping hours."

“I’m always down to bug her!” Vania laughed before cheerfully skipping onward. Maxxine crossed his arms and strolled behind. They didn’t stop walking until they reached a rather tall, old building. The front door had a sign with the words "The Market" on it. Underneath was another sign that stated the place was closed. Of course it’d be closed; it’s so early. But Vania didn’t seem to take that as an answer.

“I know where the living quarters door and key are!” Maxxine shook his head and placed it firmly in his hands. He heard as someone came up from behind, clearing her throat loudly to make her presence known. Maxxine lowered his hands and turned to see Marigold.

“Mari! My beloved!” Vania exclaimed and hugged her tightly, loosening her grip to kiss her on the cheek.

"Why, hello babe!” Marigold blushed with a smile, reaching up to pat Vania on the head and wrapping an arm over her shoulder. “Not that I’m ever unhappy to see you guys, but why are you two here at this hour?” She questioned and looked back and forth between Maxxine and Vania.

Vania gestured to Maxxine. “Well, my old, ancient, elderly brother here-”

“I’m literally only 19, but please, continue.” He huffed, rolling his eyes. Vania was only 2 years younger than him, even if she acted like a toddler at times.

“Anyways, Maxxine has been having creepy visions about our world, and he needs to find something that may be able to fix it!” She exclaimed and looked at Maxxine with wide eyes of approval.

Marigold looked down with thought. “Okay, well 'something'  is very broad. Do you have any direction or know anything about this thing?”

“Maybe, I saw this temple in the vision once, when I learned that I needed to find something. I don’t know anything about it. Vania brought us here because she said you may know something or have connections with those who might.

“A temple? I don’t know much, but I have recently heard some talk about a temple from some of the merchants and travelers. In fact, one of those people is supposed to be here early." Marigold unwrapped her arm from Vania, waving for the group to follow as she went to the door. She pulled out a key from her pocket and unlocked it, pushing open the door with a small chime from the bells above and stepping aside for the group to walk in. “My father is busy traveling, so I have the shop to myself. Please, come on in!”

Maxxine waited for Vania to go in before following behind. The shop was illuminated with glowing crystals and some torches that Marigold began to go around and light individually. There were several tables and shelves filled with various adventuring supplies, such as weapons, clothing bundles, general tools, and much more. There were booths that lined the back wall, presumably for those passing through. Once Marigold finished lighting up the shop, she gestured to one of the booths in the corner. “Please, take a seat!”

“Oh, thank you, Marigold.” Maxxine headed over and sat across from Vania. Marigold quickly headed over and took a seat beside her.

“Call me Mari. We’ve known each other for quite some time. And a full name like mine is oddly formal and lengthy. Whatever, that’s not the important part. I want to hear more about these visions of yours. The temple is useful information, but do we know anything else or what to expect?"

“Well, I saw this strange eye-looking symbol carved on all the trees. There were some interesting scenes with Singing Woods. I saw someone bowing to someone else on the throne, but they just looked like silhouettes. I couldn’t really tell any of their features.” Maxxine glanced at Vania, then back to Mari. “And I saw someone wearing a mask. But after that, I saw the temple and found out that I needed to ‘Find It’. The floor gave away underneath, and the world was destroyed. That’s when I woke up.” He didn’t reveal that he recognized the person, especially since that person was right there. Maybe it would be better to say every detail, but he didn’t want to risk upsetting anyone. Vania wouldn’t go home anyway, even if she knew. But since he at least knew about it, he could protect her. Maxxine noticed as Mari seemed to break her eye contact and glance away for a moment. She seemed more nervous.

“Well, the first place to begin is asking those travelers. And then we can discuss going to the temple. It’s best to steer away from Singing Woods if something is happening there.” Marigold recommended, smiling at the group. The bell at the door chimed once again as it opened. Maxxine turned his attention to the two individuals who walked on in.

“Ah, greetings Neo! Let me get you your supplies, but after, may you stick around for a moment to discuss something with us?” 

“Hello Mari! And not a problem!” Neo greeted her in a friendly tone. The other person with him looked to be an Oasis guardian. He was a shorter figure in comparison to the tall traveler, with dark hair that faded out to pale lavender at the edges of his dreads. Maxxine couldn’t help but analyze him for a moment.

“So! You’re the prince of the Oasis, and that pink-haired girl is the princess?” Xenos approached the booth and stood in front of it, placing a hand on the table and shifting his weight to lean on the table. “The name’s Xenos; it’s a pleasure to officially meet you!"

Maxxine jumped in his seat slightly and shook his head. “You don’t need to address me like that. Just call me Maxxine. And that’s my sister, Vania.” He corrected Xenos, but he couldn’t hide the smile that crossed his face. “It’s nice to meet you too, Xenos.”

"WOAH, MAXXINE SMILED?! He isn’t being grumpy for ONCE?!” Vania hopped back into her seat, barely bumping against Xenos’ shoulder but landed successfully. Mari snickered and joined Vania. Xenos stepped to the side as Neo stood in front of the booth.

“Mari filled me in on the basics. Y’all are looking for a temple and want more information? Well, sit down, everyone!” Neo pushed Xenos to one of the seats as Xenos sat down. Maxxine scooted over to make room, keeping his arms close to his sides as he felt his face heat up, but brushed it off and looked up at Neo. 

“You have the stage.” Xenos gave the okay for Neo to begin.

“Why thank you!” Neo cleared his throat, then lowered his tone to be one of a storyteller. “Rumor plagues these lands about this ancient temple. Home to the gods of this world, supposedly. Either way, it was relocated recently and rests on one of the central islands of this world. I traveled there a year or so ago. It seems to hold several secrets, but beware of the dangers that lie within. I myself barely made it out after being chased out by nightmare creatures.” He looked around at the small group before reaching into his bag and grabbing a map, setting it on the table. “Be wary; Singing Woods has apparently been making journeys there often, for unknown reasons. The queen and one of her council members are of high suspicion to even the people of her own colony. But this map will lead you to this temple.”

Maxxine thought about the information, feeling like his distrust was proven to be reasonable. He wished to know more about this, but had to take things one step at a time. The best outcome with what he knew at this time was to never have to worry about Singing Woods and never come in contact with them. “Thank you, this will be helpful.” Maxxine took the map from the table, unrolling it and seeing the large map of Drifted Keys. Several islands were shown on the map that no longer existed. The large void around the planet seemed so minor on this map in comparison to how it is now. “Older map, I presume?”

“Yes, I’m not sure when this was made, but travelers have kept it in great shape!” Neo stated proudly. “Well, I must continue with my own business, but I wish you all the best of luck!”

“Thank you! Enjoy your travels!” Vania waved enthusiastically as Neo left the shop. She turned her attention to the group with a beaming smile. “We should get moving then! Mari, are you able to tag along?”

“Technically, I should stay at the shop. But I can’t just let you two go on your own.” Mari smiled back at Vania.

“And I’ll join you; I have some skill in combat as a guardian, plus it would be fun to explore places outside the colony!” Xenos claimed, grinning at Maxxine.

He felt more confident about this journey now, nodding to the group. Maxxine stood up as he scanned the group. “I know there’s a portal hub not too far from the Oasis. And this map shows that if we take the portal to the wilderness, we should be able to reach another portal that’s to the Temple.”

Vania raised a hand in the air with a cheer. “Let’s get moving then, travelers!”