The Lost Empire of Auppenser
As you crest the trail-head and come within sight of the pocket valley below you feel weariness bleed off of you. For days, weeks, you have traveled, ignoring hunger, denying thirst, unable to rest. You were called by a silent voice screaming within your mind, urging you on. It started as a vague feeling, which shifted to mild prodding, and eventually to an all out assault on your senses, demanding that you follow it to the source.
And now, finally, that source stands at hand. The voice in your head has quieted to a dull roar, though you know that if you do not move forward, it will begin it'd head splitting shriek once more. Clinging tightly to the mountainside, about halfway down the valley is a large stone building with extensive grounds. The alpine snows that you have trudged through for so long do not appear to trouble the idyllic scene below and as you begin to move forward past the lip of the bowl you feel warmth brush across your face. The voice quiets to almost nothing and for the first time in what seems like forever you know peace within your own mind.
From various other places around the rim of the bowl you see several others, about a dozen in all, heading down into the valley as well. Each has the same hollow look to their eyes that you saw in yourself when last you saw yourself in a small, still pool. All appear to be heading towards the front gate of the building, just as you are.
Coincidence?
