After several minutes of walking, passing ruined houses and crossing roads overgrown with vegetation, the two foxes finally arrived at the pier, where the birdfolk was impatiently waiting for them.

Ahh, you've finally arrive, I hope you've found something useful in your cave. We won't be able to stay here forever, given the amount of water we have left on the ship.

Said the man aloud as the two stopped a few steps in front of him.

I think we've found everything. There's nothing in the water, the lighthouse is broken so we're forgetting the plan to use to find the last Last Light. At least you've found a few coins, some precious stones and whale oil. As for us, we found a nice suit of armour with a very well-made music box. It should fetch as much or more than what we could have found with what was in the wreck.

The vixen replied, removing her arm from around the fox's neck. He leaned forward to rest his hands on his knees. Exhausted

Indeed, indeed... Oh by the way, speaking of whale oil. I opened the barrel and it's gone bad. It's been sitting in the dark of the storeroom for too long, so I threw it overboard, but yes your right. It's worth the detour.

Said the birdfolk, turning his attention to the fox, who still had his head down, his tail between his legs, leaning forward and now with his hands on his belly.

You may well have paid for your trip with this V... what's he got all of a sudden?

continued the birdfolk, confused by what he was seeing. At his comment, the vixen turned her head to take a closer look at what he was talking about. She looked at him from head to toe, unsure of what the fox was doing.

I don't know. He's been like this since he went into the basement.

She said, continuing to stare at the fox, still unsure, but her comment had the effect of making the birdfolk laugh. Clearly finding the situation quite funny

Looks like he is afraid of the dark! That's not common among foxes!

He said between two laughs, without receiving any reaction from anyone. The vixen was still staring at the fox, who was practically motionless, head down, tail between his legs and hands on his belly. The scene remained like that for a long second. Long enough for the birdfolk to stop laughing in a moment of discomfort that continued as the three remained in silence until the fox quickly bent over, vomiting a good quantity of a strange bluish liquid at his feet. Observing the scene, the two humanoids looked at him, confused as he almost instantaneously straightened up to wipe the edge of his lips. Without comment, he yawned and stretched, his eyes visibly heavy as if he had just been woken up from a short night.

But what's this!

said the birdfolk loudly, pointing at the liquid on the ground, while the vixen tilted her head to observe what had just come out of him. Intrigued by what they were looking at, he did the same.

Um... Oh. That's a bit inconvenient.

he said before yawning again. He didn't have time to raise his head before his eyes closed, forcing the vixen to snap her fingers in front of him, making him wake up again.

Indeed, can you explain where that came from?

Again, the fox yawned, his eyes closing before he had time to reply. Forcing the vixen to give him a little tap on the muzzle to wake him up a little more

Outch! Hm? Er, I don't know... Maybe... Surely...

His eyes shut again, as he seemed to fall back into a state of slumber, but this time the vixen decided to speak up. She realised that it wouldn't do any good to keep waking him up.

The stairs were old and broken, he must have fallen and swallowed some water at the bottom.

She said as she finally turned to answer the birdfolk

But it's blue!

He said, pointing with his two wing at the puddle on the ground, which was still illuminated by a faint bluish glow.

And?

Well, it's not supposed to be blue!

It's just vomit, no need to make a big deal of it.

But but but. It's blue! It's not normally blue!

Yeah, Teige! It's blue! What do you want me to say? Maybe he swallowed a blue frog or a fairy cast a spell on him before ending up as soup! I don't know! It was dark and the water was filthy, there's lots of things he could have swallowed that turned it blue! So, are we going to stay here all day trying to find out why it's blue or are we going to leave this forsaken place and discuss it on the way back over a cup of tea?

Said the vixen, who was beginning to lose patience.

Leave? With him? Never! That's not normal! Whatever he swallowed, it made him sick! He'll make us sick in return! No, I don't want him on my ship!

Don't be stupid, Teige! You don't just get sick in 30 minutes! He just swallowed something that didn't pass and that's all!

But it's blue! No, I can't take the chance! It won't get in my ship!

I know it's blue! Put it in the cargo hold and leave me alone with your stupid colour blue!

Shouts the vixen, having lost patience

He'll contaminate the rations! No, he stays here!

The vixen stared at him, her eyes crinkling gently as she seemed to judge him, remaining silent. Letting her eyes piercing the gaze of the birdfolk who was trying to keep his gaze on her interlocutor

Why do you help him? He is of no use

He said, in a low voice

Maybe so, but he will come with us nonetheless

That's what I thought, you really are an idiot

She raised her eyebrows, showing her fangs. Ear back. Growling, she replied

Why don't you say that again?

She snarled back at him, while the birdfolk took a step backwards in fright. Intimidated by the vixen and her aggressive behaviour.

Okay, okay, no need to show your fangs... We can leave him here for the night, and if he's still alive tomorrow, I'll let him get on the boat in a corner of the hold and we can leave. Does that suit you better?

The vixen stared at him for a moment, silent. Assessing the situation and what could be done. Seeing no alternative but to accept or force her way onto the ship, she decided to give the captain a chance.

Yea, all right. But I'm staying with him

She said as she started to move backwards, continuing to stare at the ship's captain.

As you wish. Pass me the armor and the music box. I'll be back tomorrow to pick you up.

She laughed as she turned her back to him.

Nice try. If you want them, come and get us.

She said just before stopping to turn her head towards her interlocutor, glancing back at him.

Oh, and if you're thinking of going off and leaving us here... Think again, it wouldn't be the first time I've found you after all and this time I won't be as understanding as last time

Before setting off again, she took the fox by the arm and pulled him to follow her. When he woke up, he lamented, feebly resisting the tug, but it made no difference. The vixen only pulled harder. Wioth no other chose, he continued, following her on their way towards the lighthouse until they reached a dilapidated old dwelling. This house was by far the best they'd seen on the road, despite the fact that a tree had collapsed into it, leaving a hole. The rest was in good condition considering the passage of time. Most of the walls were still there and, despite a few holes in the roof, most of it was still standing. There was even some furniture, like a table and chairs that had survived the passage of time. A good place to spend the night

Could you tighten it up harder next time? ... Outch.

said the fox ironically as she finally let go of his arm once they'd arrived.

Stupid Teige, One day I'll throw him overboard!

She says as she removes her bag, throwing it violently against the dusty stone that forms one of the walls of the house.

I never liked him

He answered he went to settle himself in a corner, opposite the fireplace. He puts down his bag to take out his blanket and mattress. Finishing by putting his bag at the top to be use a pillow. His makeshift bed now made, he wrapped himself up while the vixen, for her part, untied the armor from her bag and also took the music box out of it.

If he decides to leave. I'm going to... What are you doing there?

she said as she turned to take everything to the table. Seeing the fox comfortably under his blanket

I'm going to bed

Why? It's not even dark!

Too... tired

He said as he turned on his thin mattress. Putting his back to the vixen

Wouldn't you rather build a fire? See if the objects we found are magical or just eat? Anything other than sleeping?

No...

She sighs

Okay, take your nap, Grandpa, if it makes you happy. I'll go and get something to eat in the meantime. Our rations just taste of salt anyway

Leaving the fox alone in the crumbling house, she picks up her bag and heads for the beach. Leaving him in peace.
Alone and tired, it wasn't long before the fox fell asleep. But it was for ashort night. A few hours after falling asleep. He began to lament. Turning on his mattress, from left to right.

The box, that stupid box... It's your fault!

He said, struggling against invisible walls. Pushing, hitting. Kicking and punching against an entity that didn't exist and therefore couldn't be defeated. As his nightmare escalated, he started to scream and finally jumped up from the bed, letting out a long, frightened scream. With fear still in his racing heart, he looked around in search of the vixen.

Cynv? Are you there?

But there was no answer.

Cynv?

He said as he got up to look around the rest of the building, then went out to look around the house, but he couldn't find her anywhere. The fox was alone. So he went back into the house and lay down in his bed again, trying to get back to sleep. But this time, nothing came. No matter what he did, he couldn't fall asleep again. After what seemed like hours of tossing and turning in his bed, he finally gave up, getting up to take a look at the armor and music box that the vixen had left behind.
As this was the biggest item, he started by looking at the armor, but didn't pay it any more attention than necessary. It was clear to him that it was magical. After all, why hadn't it rusted? So he didn't take the time to confirm his hypothesis or analyses its magic and decided to turn to the object that intrigued him most. The box. Without hesitation, he picked it up and returned to his makeshift bed to open it and stare at his mirror.

Let's see what you're hiding...

Mumbling to himself, he set to work. Analyzing the strong magic that the box gave off, it didn't take him long to get caught up in his thoughts. Letting the time pass quickly as he turned the box, tapping it, scratching it. Mumbling his spell over and over to try and understand this strange object. He was so lost in his work that he didn't notice that the sun disappeared completely behind the fog. It was also at this moment that the vixen came back into the house, her bag heavy on her back, she passed under the broken tree to join the fox still sitting on his bed.

Ahh, Granpa finished his little nap?

She said when she saw him, laughing at her own comment, but all she got was a nod in reply. She shrug and turn to look at the fireplace

Why didn't you light the fire?

hum? Oh, I didn't think of that... I was curious about the mirror and...

He began in a neutral tone without taking his eyes off the mirror, but he didn't finish his sentence. He was lost in the mirror again. The vixen waited a moment for him to finish his sentence, but her impatience outweighed the time he took to reply.

And???

Hm? Oh, and this is very, very interesting. I've never seen anything like it

She places her bag full of fruit on the table

As long as it's worth it

He nodded

I'll go and get some wood, but I'll take your bag. Mine's full of oranges and berries. No fish though, everything I caught was... weird...

He nodded as the vixen took the bag from the fox's mattress and went off to look for branches in what must have been the house's garden many, many years ago. Long before the vegetation took possession of the fences and other small abandoned structures.

All this had better be worth it

She said as a very faint voice. Light and gentle, almost carried by the wind as it passed between the leaves, came to answer her.

But what happened here? The house is a mess!

Surprised, the vixen's ears perked up, turning towards the source of the sound, but there was silence again. Uncertain in spite of everything, she raised her head to look at the ruined house, the place from which the sound had come.

Vix? What's do you want?

I don't know! I arrived and it was like that.

But she got no answer from him, only these faint words carried by the wind.

VIX!

she shouted at the top of her voice, wanting to be heard.

WHAT!

Resounded the voice of the fox further away, coming from the house

WHO ARE YOU TALKING TO!

TO YOU! WHO ELSE?!

She sighed and rolled her eyes. Getting back to work at the same time

It better not be another one of your stupid tricks...

She said in a low voice, her bag getting fuller and fuller with the branches and dead leaves she could find, but before she got the chance to finish, the strange voice rang out again

Has anything been taken? Are the children all right?

But this time the words were truer, closer, forming a breath that lay behind her. In a fit of surprise, she turned quickly to face what had crept up behind her, but like the other times, she saw nothing. Only trees as far as the eye could see and the damaged house.

Vix, if you try to scare me, I promise you'll regret it!

She said, baring her fangs slightly, looking for any sign of the fox's presence, but she saw no one, she was all alone. There was only the forest and the thick fog blocking much of her vision.

I think they've taken the music box, I can't find it, but at least the children are all right. They went to the pier this morning to try and catch something edible... But who could be so angry with us to so such a thing?

The words were coming closer again, now all around her, she was wrapped up in a conversation she wasn't a part of.

Show yourself! I know you're there!

She shouted as she spun round, looking for someone who wasn't there.

It doesn't matter, just pick up what you can and go and get the children. We've got to get out of here before it's too late!

Not really knowing what else to do. She drew her weapon, looking around defensively for a threat

And leave everyone behind?

Leave who behind? There's hardly anyone left, most of them have already tried their luck with the sea, starving to death or they... No, we don't have a choice. We have to leave. Go get the children and prepare anything that can float! I'm going to the lighthouse to get some food for the voyage. I'll meet you back at the dock.


With no threat, no attack, the vixen didn't know what else to do but wait for something to happen. Attentive and on the defensive, she was ready to defend herself with everything she had, but nothing happened. She was totally alone in the fog, an observer

Yes... OK, I'll go and get the children... Please hurry...

Don't worry, I'll be as quick as I can

With that, the words died down and the calm of the night returned. Despite everything, she remained on the defensive for a long moment, letting the minutes pass as she waited for something to attack her by surprise, but once again, nothing came to get her. She was alone in the forest. She quickly grabbed the bag that had been left on the ground and ran back to the fox, who was now busy cutting and peeling the many oranges she had picked earlier.

Hm? Have you been running?

he said as she came up short of breath.

Did you hear anything?

She said, catching her breath

Well, I heard you talking to me. What was it for?

She looked round the room, but saw nothing in particular, nothing seemed to have happened. The fox's bed was still there. The armor was still in its corner and the box was now open on the table, mirror in front of the fox who had emptied the contents of the bag to prepare the food.

Nothing, I thought I heard you talking to someone

He chuckles, plating his knife into the table to pick a few berries.

Who do you want me to talk to? There's no-one alive in this island... Besides, I think I understand the mirror a bit better... It's really... Really interesting... With the right phrase, you can see a weird projection of the sea, look.

He said, making way for the curious vixen who approached the table to see what he was talking about, leaving the bag containing the braches at the foot of the fireplace.

The sea? That's strange

She said as she reached the table, also taking an orange as she went. She took the fox's place in front of the mirror. Inside the mirror, she saw the sea floor, moving and advancing. As if she were swimming in it. Rocks, fish, seaweed. Everything passed gently through the vision of the mirror.

It's beautiful to see... and frightening at the same time...

The image in the mirror passed over the wreck of a ship, which made the vixen take a step backwards, so the image fell silent. Showing a reflection of the fox and the vixen watching it

It doesn't last long though

He said as he close the lid of the music box.

It's a great find. Do you think we could make it work better if we find the missing parts?

She said as she went to the fireplace to prepare the fire, putting the branches in the designated space.

I don't know for sure, but I would think so. I've got the impression that with some other phrase, we could activate more things on the box. It really does have a lot of different enchantments on it.

We'll see in town if we can find something to fix it.

Striking the flint she had taken from the fox's bag, she lit the leaves in a shower of sparks.

Do you still have water in your flask to make some tea?

she said as she stood up, the fire slowly coming to life.

Yes, I must have some left. I told you not to drink your share in the first hour, that we might need it later...

Yes, yes, I know

She said, taking the cauldron that the fox had already taken out and put on the table...
----
The night was well advanced when the water for the tea finally began to boil. The two foxes had already eaten and returned to their occupations. The fox was sitting on his bed, blanket over him, still looking at the mirror, and the vixen, sitting on a chair, had closed her eyes to let herself relax to the distant sound of the sea. But their peaceful activity was disturbed by the repeated sound of powerful waves hitting the shore not far from them.

There's going to be a storm

I hope it won’t rain...

He replied just before the wind joined in, finally joined by a soft, calm femal voice

They finally came back. They looked exhausted so I told them to go to bed.

Surprised, the two foxes raised their eyes, looking at the only available entrace. The hole in the wall

Who goes there!

Said the vixen loudly

That's fine

Was the reply, delivered by a male voice. An answer that did not please the vixen, who drew her weapon to approach the wall, looking into the darkness for any movement that might betray the position of the intruders, but the only thing she saw was the branches moving in the wind.

They told me a rather strange story. On a small island, they found a whale beached, with only bones remaining. Inside, they found other bones and this music box.

A music box? Vix, did you hear that?

She said, turning her head slightly towards the fox, without taking her eyes off the forest stretching out before her.

Yes, they must be talking about this box... Wait... I have a idea

He leans a little to his left to point the mirror at the hole in the wall, moving the mirror very slowly as he analyses the reflection he saw in it

Is that why they've been missing for days? A music box in a whale? They could have come up with a better story. I hope we don't get a visit from the inquisitors, like with that story about the bottle of wine he found in ‘Lost’ and ‘Recovered’. That story almost cost me my job!

The fox's eyes widen as he stops moving.

The man in armor. There he is. He's standing right next to me

My love, you're worrying too much. It just a box

She turns her head to look, but sees no one but the fox.

The man in armor? What are you talking about! There's no one there vix!

Yeah... We'll see... But does this music box even work?

Look, look! He is in the mirror!

I don't know. I haven't tried it. Hang on...

The vixen was about to join the fox when a strange bluish glow appeared behind her, accompanied by a strange, incomplete melody. It was like notes where missing from it.

Perfectly even!

The vixen abandoned the idea of joining him, attracted by the light coming from the rock.

And it enchanted too, watch the statuette dance! It's so pretty... But this melody... It's just... Sad, don’t you think ?

Staring at the strange stone, she sighed

What the hell is going on here?

She said in a low voice just before sticking her sword between the rocks, using it as a lever to lift the stone from the floor, revealing a key in perfect condition, still enveloped in a bath of bluish light. The astonished vixen picked it up as the fox finally left the attention of his mirror and held out his hand.

Indeed, I don't know who could love this kind of music but well... At least it must be worth something. Do you know a vendor at the port who might buy it?

Without further thought, she hands him the key, which he looks at attentively

Hey... Are you listening to me? Are you OK?

Oh yes, sorry, sorry. I got carried away by the melody. It's intoxicating, don't you think?

No, not really. It's just... strange

He inserted the key into the appropriate hole and turned it a few times. After releasing it, the wind and the waves died down, leaving only a soft, pleasant music playing from the music box.

I think I've understood the box...

Then you'll have to explain it to me, because I don't understand at all what just happened...