Vessel knew a place, or at least, that’s what he said before he took your hand and led you into the forest behind the temple of Sleep. He was so eager to show this to you, too share with you a simple pleasure, and hopes as he pulls you deeper into the forest, you’ll share the excitement with him.

Trailing behind him, surrounded mostly quietude, aside from the occasion bird or rustle of the leaves overhead in their canopy, you had not a clue where it was Vessel was taking you. You only knew that he was walking with bated breath, his fingers tightly entwined with yours. If he is leading you to your demise, that sure would be unfortunate, because as far as you were aware, no one but he, and soon to be you, know of this place. Or at least that’s along the lines of what he said a couple minutes ago.

As you two reach a clearing, he drops your hand to push through some shrubbery, and presents to you, on the other side, what looks to be the garden of Eden, but at your fingertips, here on earth. A cascade, with flying mist, and spit all around, with a small lake connected at its base. It flows down a hill you hadn’t even known was there, and although not massive, to think something as beautiful as this exists within reach. Walking the trek seemed worth it now as you gaze upon the sight, which is definitely something to behold.

Vessel let out an excited breath, looking up at your amazed expression before he bent down to slip off his tabi’s, and undo the socks. He rolled up his pant legs to his knees, and steps into the water.

How long has this been here, and how come no one knew of it until now? Behind the temple no less. Could this be of Sleep’s doing?

“There’s a small cave under the waterfall. Come.”

He calls out, his voice somewhat muffled by the loud waterfall. Already in past his thighs, he holds his hand out to you, calling you in with an alluring smile.

Sure enough, behind the curtain of water, there is what looks to be a small cave, not deep, but a perfect place to enjoy each other’s company.