"Old Horse left with the departed souls, and the souls' departure caused the Boatman to change course, carrying you toward the safe shore. When the Sun rose at dawn on the third day, you, having gone sleepless all night, understood that your departed companion could no longer return. You disembarked at a small pier, and before you stretched an endless, scorching desert."
"Sorry, I have a question!"
Shade's voice rang out during the deliberate pause made by the god. Those listening attentively to the story looked at him, then saw the man covered in golden cracks sitting on a soft cushion, holding a cat. The silver cat had already vanished, while Little Mia, orange and white in Shade's arms, wriggled her head with narrowed eyes, looking quite comfortable.
"I know that I'll change back when dawn comes on the third day, just like how I suddenly returned to my current form earlier. But why am I wearing clothes? Oh, I'm not a pervert. What I mean is, that potion doesn't have the effect of dressing people."
"Traveler, have you confused the story with reality? In this deep night, that sort of confusion is very dangerous."
The weathered Traveler smiled as he asked him:
"We are merely telling a story, and this is a perfectly wholesome travel story. With ladies present, how could we possibly have you truly appear naked?"
What he said made far too much sense, and Shade could not even think of a reason to refute it. The witch smiled faintly, while the Maid remained as stern as ever. The Bard, saddened though he was, recorded what was happening here with his pen. He probably did not know that once he left, there would no longer be any records or memories.
"Sorry, please continue."
"The third day of