In another, quiet part of the forest, the regular sounds of nature were rhythmically interrupted by mechanical ticking and the sounds of brass soles hitting the ground. Vel slowly walked through the forest, intent on making it through the forest to continue his travels of the world. He was heading south, back from the north, where he had spent a few rather *exciting* weeks in Serendipity's northernmost point. The locals were friendly enough, but Vel had found the local bear population wasn't.
The mechanical mage walked on, wearing a heavy reed robe to keep himself protected from long-term exposure to the elements. He needed not eat or sleep, but he was still susceptible to rust, and his wood could still warp, despite his entire body being magically treated.
He marveled at this particular section of forest. Something was different about it, not like any other forest he had been to. It wasn't just quiet, it was serene. Even Vel, whose being was about the farthest anyone could get from natural, could feel some kind of innate connection with this place. There was a very special kind of magic in the air here, and his entire being vibrated with it.
And there was a harp, as well. He didn't hear it at first, but he picked it up after he relaxed a little bit, and let himself be taken by the natural beauty of it all. The harp brought the magical breath out of him, and he lifted one of his four hands to his ticking heart. It was, at this point, the most beautiful sound he had ever heard.
He forged onwards, intent on finding the source of this noise.
