Page 113 of Simon

I silently laughed to myself. It all fit. It would make sense.

Valpar, who grunted, groaned and made comments not meant for anyone’s ears but his own, was stunned into silence when we spoke of Poseidon. He scratched his chin and rubbed his softstomach several times in thought. Valpar appeared stumped and was no doubt wondering where the orc species all fell into this. Calliope already had a devious plan to talk to Starla, the witch who was in charge of all the orcs, to find out exactly why the orcs weren’t taken back with Poseidon and were left here.

My theory, which I expressed to them clearly, was because of the war that was here just over ten years ago. The gods knew that there would be a war against an evil darkness. I mean, they were gods. They had to have an idea of the future. The fate of Bergarian was in the orcs’ hands as they were immune to magic.

That settled Valpar, until he then realized all of Poseidon’s creations could be released into the Wood.

“Wonderful, now I will have to kill everyone to stay off my land,” he grumbled quietly.

Calliope slapped his chest in dismay.

“Monsters are friends, not enemies,” she repeated.

We didn't know if someone would send these creatures, monsters, or whatever we wanted to call them, here. Some could be released on Earth. There were plenty of places to hide there. The oceans, jungles, and deserts remained largely unexplored. Each world was a massive place.

Then, there was also the other realm, which I was not to speak of.

“I’m sure everything will work out…for the good.” I tried to add, but Valpar growled and stood on the other side of the fire.

Calliope let out a large yawn and raised her arms over her head, one arm lazily going around Valpar’s neck. “I think Valpar has had enough social interaction today. He’s gonna have a lot tomorrow with the party, so I best tuck him in bed, if you know what I mean.” She closed both her eyes at once several times.

“Is there something in her eye?” I whispered to Simon.

“No, that is how she winks.”

Oh.

“We have a guest room, you can follow us.” She waved for us to walk behind them, but Valpar let out a low warning growl.

Simon grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the Wood that was already parting for us to enter.

“Thank you for your kindness, Calliope, but we will take rest away from you and your male’s home.”

Calliope pouted. “Valpar, you are being rude. We built that bedroom for Simon, and now you won’t let him in. He’s a king of the forest, and you aren’t showing any hospitality. I’m not sucking your cock tonight.”

I choked on my spit as I tried not to laugh. Simon shook his head, his light hair swaying in the gentle breeze, and tugged at my arm, urging me towards the depths of the forest. As we approached, the woods came alive with a symphony of chirping crickets and rustling leaves, their sounds merging with the distant hooting of an owl.

The air was thick with the sweet scent of wildflowers, mingling with the earthy aroma of damp soil. A soft, cool breeze brushed against my skin, while the sight of the woods were illuminated by the twinkling glow of luminous flowers. I touched one to see it bloom beneath my fingertips.

I could hear Calliope arguing as we walked further and further away, until a loud crack echoed across the clearing. “Owie! That was not a fun spanking!”

Simon and I both bleated in laughter, his ears went straight up and my laughter continued.

I did not just do that.

“Simon, I can laugh like you now!” I laughed and bleated while he pulled me through the trees. The Wood continued to contort, and suddenly steps created by vines and branches appeared before us. I stopped laughing and became highly interested in what was happening.

Simon lifted an eyebrow, confused just as I was. The Wood was creating all this on its own, making what Simon and I needed. At this point, he didn’t have to make tools, the surrounding nature would provide for him.

Secretly, I think he liked it, but he still huffed when we climbed the steps, and he guided me to a mini home in the trees with a different bed in front of us. It was made of blankets and an actual mattress.

“I don’t think the Wood made that.” I kneeled down and touched it. “Where did—?”

Simon sniffed several times. “It has a faint scent of Calliope and their cabin; the Wood must have stolen the bed from their guest bedroom.”

Ahh, that was meant for Simon if he had stayed instead of wandering off when he first turned into a faun.

Daw, that was sweet of the forest.

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