Having made that realisation, Athan (although a little reluctant) gathered all his might and marched forward, gradually sinking his lower body into the cold water that came all the way from the far mountains. As the temperature began to shift, he started to tremble a little, having not being tested in such conditions.

Most prominently though, when the water’s height reached his knees, he grew warry of the pressure the current was applying on his body. Obviously, delving any deeper, where the current was stronger, he certainly would get dragged away. Therefore, he stood motionless and contemplated if that was the right course of action.  

  Was there really no other path?

  Thinking…

  Thinking…

  Thinking…

  Athan slowly raised his right leg and took a step back, wondering if he could find a better and much safer passage. There HAS to be another way… right? Though he was born yesterday, his mind was already getting filled with ideas regarding earthly logic and as such, he tried to conjure up a new plan to proceed ahead. 

A few moments passed and he STILL stood there, thinking of a solution.

Tough luck.

It all seemed hopeless, when all of a sudden, an unseen before creature made its appearance. Furry and large, standing in four legs, it turned its attention towards Athan, as it emerged from deep within the woods.

It was a Boro.

  Leisurly, it approached the lone traveler and gently began rubbing its head on him. It may have been a wild animal indeed, but its manners did not show any sign of hostility, it was (very much) friendly.

Athan was perplexed.

He had never seen another living creature before -lets not talk about whatever the shadow figure was- and this one looked quite unique. Steadily, he raised his hand and softly put it on top of its head. Its fur was exceptionally smooth and so, after confirming the creature’s sympathetic nature, he took both hands and merrily rubbed it graciously. Its warmth and playfulness made him grow closer to the cute (yet rather large) furball.

Once again, Athan felt it…that same feeling coming from his chest. Whenever he had found himself in the face of danger or harm, it would activate and fuel him with courage and life force. Strangely enough, when he looked down to see the light, it was nowhere to be found. The cross never activated in the first place. It was all the warmth of his newfound companion.