Blackfeather Woods whispers through the trees

Malice stayed at the frays of the clearing, just as he had requested, which relaxed Cicero somewhat; he didn't need her following him and endangering herself. Cicero inhaled as he stood a small distance away from her, closing his eyes as he took in the familiar scent. Along with it came the clouds that engulfed his mind, made him feel small and insignificant in a good way; like it didn't really matter what he did, anyway. He felt calm, like Sheogorath was far away and he was safer than ever before. At the same time, he felt the beast's presence, felt it staring at him as though it would reach out and grab him, pull him under until every piece of Cicero was drowned and there was only Sheogorath left.

Just before Cicero felt that he would walk towards the tree and stay here a while he reminded himself that Malice was still there and he turned away from the tree, walking back towards Malice slowly on unsteady legs. He focussed on her presence and swallowed dryly as he reached her, feeling the pollen's presence leave yet his mind still somewhat clouded. "It is still in tact," he shared and then moved past Malice, motioning for her to follow him. He started a trek through the darkness of the Woods. He noticed that while most plants were gone, there were still mushrooms here and there — yet not the ones that he was looking for, so he left them be.