As the night enveloped them in its shroud of darkness, Suyin and Areum found solace in the abandoned home, their weary bodies seeking respite from the trials of the day. Nestled amidst the musty hay, they exchanged whispered conversations, the flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows upon the walls.
"Did you know why it was called the Forest of Lost Souls?" Suyin's voice, soft and contemplative, pierced the silence, her gaze fixed upon the cobwebs that adorned the ceiling like intricate lace.
"Hm... good question. I don't know either." Areum's response was tinged with uncertainty, her fingers idly toying with a strand of hay as she pondered the mysteries of the forest. "The servants back at home often called it that and they would shiver. The servant who looked for us back then didn't want to come, but was bribed with money."
Suyin's eyes sparkled with intrigue as she leaned in closer, her imagination ignited by the tales of old. "Oh, I heard rumors before."
With a mischievous glint in her eye, she regaled Areum with tales of eerie whispers and ghostly apparitions, her hands gesturing in a spectral dance as she spun her yarn of spectral lore.
"People said that they would hear footsteps in the forest or lights that appear out of nowhere."
Suyin's voice took on a haunting cadence, her words painting vivid images of ethereal phenomena that haunted the depths of the forest.
Areum listened intently, her expression a mixture of fascination and trepidation.
"And to be a part of the group..." Suyin's tone turned playful, a devilish grin tugging at her lips as she playfully pointed her finger at Areum. "I'm sacrificing you so that I can survive! Muhahaha!"
Her laughter echoed through the room, mingling with the flickering candlelight in a dance of shadows and mirth.
"Stop it!" Areum's protest was met with a playful pout from Suyin, her laughter subsiding into a warm chuckle as she relented.
"I'm just kidding. Let's stop talking and really head to bed before we really won't get any rest for tomorrow." Suyin's voice, now tinged with exhaustion, carried a note of finality as she stifled a yawn, the weariness of their journey weighing heavy upon her.
As they settled into their makeshift beds, the night descended upon them with a symphony of rustling leaves and howling winds.
The eerie sounds, amplified by Suyin's fictional tales, sent shivers down their spines, prompting Areum to seek solace in the comfort of Suyin's presence. With a silent agreement, she moved her haystack closer, seeking refuge in the warmth of companionship amidst the chill of the night. And as sleep claimed them both, they found solace in each other's company.