Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

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The familiar pull told me that I stepped into a portal. When the movement stopped, I looked around and I didn't see anything different.

I was in a dark cave-like place, and Mivian's figure was glowing several steps ahead of me.

Two other harpies were next to her. The triangle-patch cloth over private parts between their legs told me there is a strong possibility the new faces are guards, like Liatris.

"Move, child…", Mivian told me. "Lumiona is right behind you."

"Oh…", a sound escaped my lips as I stumbled forward quickly just in time to see the oracle coming out of the portal.

I observed that there were no runes visible, like on the portals I used so far. The only indication of the portal's existence was the surface that rippled like water when someone passes through it. Fascinating.

Lumiona shot me a side glance while walking next to me, and she went her way with her hands full of goodies that Aldus gave them.

I let out a long exhale. Harpies don't seem to be very friendly or talkative. Not that I mind, but at least I hoped that someone will introduce me to basics, so I don't need to figure out things on my own and probably offend someone.

"Treva!", Mivian called and one of the guard-girls straightened her back.

"This is Seraphina. You will be her guide. Show her the common areas while Zana arranges for her a place to sleep…"

After a brief exchange with Mivian, one of the guard girls nodded and headed down the tunnel, away from us. I assumed that was Zana.

Treva observed me with curiosity before speaking, "Follow me." And that was it.

Treva started walking down the tunnel and I went after her while doing my best not to get too close or too far, and not to stumble.

We didn't meet any other harpies on our way, and I assumed that Treva is taking me through a roundabout way so that I don't see things I shouldn't.

After numerous twists and turns, I guessed that even if someone finds the portal, knows how to activate it, and gets in, they would be lost in this maze.

While on the topic of being lost, I realized that I wouldn't know how to return to the portal. Talk about feeling useless. I gave up on trying to remember the path and I focused on the back of my guide.

Another thing I noticed was the increasing heat and I wondered if we were inside a volcano or just some tropical climate.

Treva's white hair was styled in two waist-long braids and she had some hair ornaments pinned at the top.

My eyes were attracted toward the faint light at the end of the tunnel which widened with every step we took. It seems that we reached our destination!

It was a massive cave with small flickering lights along the walls.

I figured out that Harpies don't have electricity, so those lights could be glowing rocks, similar to the ones Aldus has in his underground lab; or maybe bioluminescent plants or animals, or it could be magic for how much I know. I decided to investigate that closer when I get a chance.

My footsteps were padded by a soft layer of moss and there was a lake.

Several harpies sat on the rocks that were protruding from the lake, they hummed some songs and chatted in low voices.

What they had in common (other than their white appearance) was that all of them were scarcely clothed with their breasts exposed.

Out of the dozen of harpies I saw so far, only Mivian and Lumiona had some covering above the waist, and I could swear that at least two harpies sitting on the rocks in the lake were completely naked.

It was warm, so there was no need for clothes, but I still found it unusual that females are so freely exposed. It was like a beach in the South of France. I read about them in magazines, and I wondered, if I ever go on one of those beaches, would I be bold enough to remove my top?

The lake surface was calm, and it reflected the small lights from the walls and numerous stars from above.

I gaped at the open ceiling, wondering how much time passed that it's pitch dark outside. It shouldn't be that dark, but then… I passed through a portal and I might be in a different time zone or on a different planet.

"This is where we gather…", Treva told me, and then she pointed behind me. "The topmost entrance belongs to Archousa. The one on the far left is Manteio's. You are not to enter anyone's dwelling uninvited."

I observed numerous cave entrances that were neatly arranged in layers, like entrances to the apartments in a building, and I understood that those are their residences.

"Don't make noise to disturb my sisters…", Treva continued with instructions of what not to do. "Don't go out of this area without a guide because you will get lost. Other than a natural maze, there are arrays and traps to prevent outsiders from finding their way in…"

"Or getting out…", I mumbled to myself.

"I will provide you with more information after Archousa approves." Treva looked up. "Your dwelling is ready."

She walked away and I understood that I should follow her.

The stairs we took up were etched in the rock.

I got a cave on the lowest level which was approximately two stories high from the level where the mossy ground is and the lake.

My cave had an opening, and a simple wooden bed that had a thin futon-like mattress and a blanket. One wall had several strings of lights, just like the ones outside, and… that was it.

"I will come and get you when it's time for a meal.", Treva said, and she was about to step out when I stopped her.

"Wait. Is there a bathroom?"

She tilted her head. "We take bath in the lake, and if you need to defecate, go down, the second tunnel on the left. All the way down. You can't miss it."

Well, they definitely live simply. Not that I was expecting luxury, but this was a bit dark and… noneventful.

"Anything else?", Treva asked curtly.

Her behavior put me off. Treva is my guide and the only harpy I am certain I will interact with. I needed to win her over. Somehow. I remembered how their eyes lit up at the sight of chocolates and I got an idea.

"Yes, actually…", I said and dug in the side pocket of my backpack, fishing out a granola bar.

"This is for you. Thank you for showing me around."

Treva stared at the granola bar greedily like it's something precious and accepted it with shaky hands. I guessed that they don't go out much and that this scored me some points.

She nodded and left my room. Or should I call it a cave?

Treva's big smile gave me hope that she will be friendlier when we see each other next time.

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