[Past] Off the Beaten Path

[Hayze]

The shadow was shocked when Silkie returned with the drawing. He thought it was a stretch to ask for something so precious. He had an overwhelming desire to keep the drawing safe. And he realized a way to do it.

As Silkie approached, the shadow detached from Hayze and moved toward her. He lay in the shape of a man reaching out his hand to accept the gifts. When she put them down, the items slowly sank into the shadow. He was confident the drawing would be perfectly safe now.

Hayze had already begun walking toward the portal. The shadow wasn’t sure how Silkie was going to lead them out, until he noticed a faint ripple in the air. He then raced ahead of Hayze and joined Silkie as she moved away from the portal. He watched intently as she seemed to gain substance and finally become fully visible.

Hayze walked by without seeming to notice the now visible Sylph. But the shadow remained, on the ground, just in front of her in the shape of a man. He waited until Hayze was so far away that he began to feel an irresistible pull toward him. Just before he was forcible pulled in the direction Hayze was walking, he raised his hand and waved.