He stood tall against the shifting sands, his eyes narrowed and focused on the horizon. The world around him was a whirlwind of tawny dust, the relentless sandstorm obscuring everything in a choking embrace. His clothes fluttered wildly, the fabric a stark contrast to the monotonous desert palette. The young Pan at his side, a creature of the wilderness, remained unfazed, its sleek clothing ruffling slightly in the fierce wind. He had been wandering these endless dunes for what felt like an eternity, driven by an insatiable thirst for power and answers that had led him far from the comforts of civilization.
Pan looked up at him, its horns curving elegantly from its forehead, a silent question in its piercing eyes. They had found the young Pan, injured and lost, on the brink of death. Against all odds, he had managed to nurse it back to health, but for his own reasons. In doing so, he discovered that they are fated with one another. The horns and the way it moved with a grace that defied its form, all pointed to something more. It was as if the very essence of the desert had coalesced into this peculiar being.
“This will make for a good camp for tonight.”
He pulled down his hood, his long white donkey ears springing up and flapping in the wind like sails on a ship. The sand stung his cheeks and eyes, but he didn't flinch. The young pan mimicked his action, revealing pointed ears that twitched in curiosity. Their bond had grown stronger with each passing day, a silent kinship that transcended the boundaries of species. His mule tail swished to and fro, the white tassel at the end catching the sun's fading rays and casting a small, ethereal glow against the darkening sky. It was a beacon of hope in this desolate wasteland, a reminder that even in the harshest of environments, beauty could thrive.
“Get some rest before we continue through the dunes.” Their time together was limited. The curse that had transformed him into this half-donkey form was temporary, a result of his reckless pursuit of ancient tomes and artifacts. He had stumbled into a forgotten temple, a sanctuary for those who sought to harness the power of a witch. In his haste, he had triggered a trap that had bestowed upon him the very aspect of the creature he was inside. He was on a time limit, and he needed to keep pushing ahead.
All this sand was stretching out to the horizon like a yellow sea swallowing everything in it's way. It was dazzling but dangerous. No people to be seen. Which he honestly didn't mind at all. But he did miss his forest and a sparkling brook. Not to mention all his friends. Curious fox cubs playing in the tall grass, wild hares that nibbled on weeds and dear bucks with beautiful horns. All of it was left behind in search for something. Like most things he forgot what he was in search for or perhaps he was distracted by something?
Out here he could sense deadly snakes hiding under the sand as well as scorpions. Very little grew under the scorching sun and water was hard to find. But he could smell a very faint scent of water deep below them. So that's where cactis got nourishment.
He looked at him. The white haired one with donkey ears. What was his name again? Maybe he had no name or it wasn't important. But he knew his own name. Pan. Someone long ago had given him this name. Who was it? Someone important. But she wasn't here.
Pan nodded at the decision. This was a perfect spot to rest. They had a source of water and there was a snake nest nearby. All they had to do was wait for the dark to settle. Then they could feast on grilled snake. He slowly removed the hood as well to reveal his ears and a pair of golden horns. White locks of hair fell freely onto his shoulders. A bright smile was visible as he met his gaze. The hood had been so restricting but he was told it was for his own safety. Especially when they walked among people. His golden gaze followed the donkey tail with interest before he looked up again. Rest? Pan opened his mouth to answer but stopped. It had been so long since he spoke.
Was there a reason to it or had he simply forgotten how?
Another thing he simply forgot.
A huffing noise escaped him as he plopped down on his knees and begun to dig for water. If only he could reach it it'll become a small pond of fresh water. At least he knew that to be possible.