Session #20: New memories

[istainion]

 22 February, 2021  [7:45 PM - 12:00 AM+ (GMT+1)]

 

After everyone was making themselves comfortable around the campfire once again, dinner was served to us. To my own surprise, I didn't smell anything of the soup they prepared. I could only rely on my sight. I saw some mixed meat there of an unknown origin but never did I truly pay a lot of attention to the food I eat, uness it looks dangerous if not poisoned. Nothing I need to be too concerned about in a camp of a clan who don't appear to present themselves as enemies of ours. Even if I wouldn't blindly trust anyone I would meet here, I guess these people mean no harm. Each of us was handed a bowl of soup, one I was close to rejecting but I've accepted it anyway. I felt nothing, neither up close ... No hunger. I looked over to the others in this moment who seemed happy to receive a bowl of food, especially the kid in the back, he was almost choking on the food from the eagerness to eat. Everyone seemed to be doing well, so I tried one spoon when the shock got to me. This taste ... It was indescribable ...

 

The taste of burned ash is the only one that reached my mind as he did my best to swallow it down. I felt how it upset my stomach a little and even while I did manage one spoon, my appetite was gone. I placed the bowl to the side and told Naedithas that I am not that hungry. I saw Shevat's curious gaze follow my voice when we briefly locked eyes. I wasn't quite sure what it meant, he's been acting a little distant or is that just me? Ireena who sat close to him caught my attention. She looked distracted, torn ... I couldn't tell what happened ... It may have happened in that moment where my memories slipped, it may be related to the windmill. I wasn't sure how to approach her about it, knowing that I'll likely make it worse. I kept my distance for the moment and hoped to approach her when the mood lifted a little.

 

When most of the people had finished their dinner, the faint music in the back became more and more present even in the howling storm that surrounded us all. Yshvara gave us a little wave before she went to the back to accompany Stanlan to help with the background ambience; the story begins . . .

 

The tale starts in a time period from before Barovia, before the place was conquered by the count, a place where the Vistani ancestors, named the Wrystanvia, were mere travelers. A time before they set camps like the one in which we find ourselves now, they lived in three different tribes that represent the three greater spirits of Water, the land and mountains. They worshipped these spirits and built shrines from nature to which they bound these valuable spirits. The spirits are mere entities but they are told to reveal themselves as Nymphs. Each of these tribes held a gem to keep the spirits pleased along with the shrines. The water tribe that worship the greater spirit of water held a blue gem, the tribe of the land held a green one and the mountain tribe, they held a black gem. These gems, given by the spirits, from before Strahd corruption were mere gems, until the land got cursed by the man we know today as the count, or the devil ... Demon or you know? Any nickname suits him. I'd rather call him the man who likes to play with people and keeps them as his private pet. Not the type I'd worship for sure. He better not read this ... Ahem ... The gems turned into ferocious beings, beasts that now travel Barovia.

 

Ulog added "Great things happen to those who believe . . ."

 

A bright light appeared among us and blinded us with its brightness, a beacon of hope, casted by no other than Yshvara. The people were impressed, they were happy to see the light in the dark surroundings of the storm. The children cheered out loud and the story came to an end.

 

After the tale was told, Ulog invited us to his private caravan to have a talk with us, for whoever has questions and you can already count how many I have. After some questioning done by the group, we obtained a little more of the backstory of it all and some details of the tale as much as Ulog remembers.

 

Once the land became corrupted with his presence, the gems transformed into beasts, ferocious beings. We might have caught a clue that one of these may as well be the danger in the woods, named "Gorepaw" ... He also spoke of Strahd, the way he was like in the past ... Strahd wasn't always this much of an egomaniac, as Madam Eva calls him, he was once considered a good man, a ruler. Neither was he on his own, Strahd had a brother, a man known as Sergei von Zarovich. 

 

Sergei is a man who was loved by the people, a frontline commander known for his warm, charismatic character. Strahd, on the other hand, he was loved as a ruler and his ability to manage it all. He was the mind behind their management, the tactician. He wasn't loved as a person, unlike Sergei. His brother's story and existence is long lost in history ... But there is just a little more to it. Sergei was onced engaged to a woman of the land and their marriage was already planned. On this holy day, something happened, there was an obstacle, disturbance or other happening ... Something at this day, has caused what made Strahd the he is today. A sick and corrupted man.

 

Ulog confirms the Vistani pact with the count once more. It was a pact that lasted a long, long time. With the debt that Strahd had with the ancient Vistani, the Wrystanvia, he allowed the Vistani the little freedom that we learned about. To compensate what they once did for them, the Vistani is free to travel borders but they remain bound to the land of Barovia. The opinion of Strahd among the Vistani is very diverse, while there are people who'd rather avoid the man, some Vistani support him, aid him in his tasks. Ulog doesn't seem to approve of the concept but he admits that without these devoted people, their life situation would be far worse than it is now. What others can't do to provide them the luxuries, the others can and it will provide them shelter for their children and general safety.

 

Once in the past, there were the three tribes and they are still existing, just a little modern as of now. The eastern encampment represented what was once the water clan and they held onto the blue gem of the greater spirit. The tribe in the west, they represent the clan of the land, holding onto the green stone. As for the mountain clan ... They were lost in the past as the people of Barovia were suspicious of the Wrystanvia as much as the people are with the Vistani ... It didn't turn out to be pretty when a child was murdered by the hands of the Wrystanvia/Vistani and the people of Barovia rose their weapons to overwhelm the mountain tribe to seek vengeance for what happened to a single child. Their existence is long lost in the past. The gems are no different story, the people lost the gems who became corrupted. Ulog was able to tell us where he lost their gem, the greater spirit of water. As much as we assumed before this, they lost it near the Lake Zarovich, near Vallaki.

 

The shrine may be there as well, we'll need to investigate that place and make sure that Bluto doesn't get in the way, we better tie him somewhere so that he won't interfere with our mission. While we're at it, I asked Ulog about his thoughts on the mountain shrine, or where the gem may be ... Suggesting it could as well be Mount Baratok and he thinks that there may be a great chance there is. However, in mind, I was clearly elsewhere when I mentioned that mountain. I need to get to the dragon lair and get me those lacking materials, paying a visit there is going to be of great help. I might need to convince the others of that, rather than to find the other mountain before that. Whatever may await us in the future, I could use some extra boost in strength with that beautiful new bow. Then I'll show these bastards who's boss! Hehehe ... Never will they look down on me again! But there is a great chance that this shrine could be in the very south of Barovia, in Mount Ghakis. We could go there afterwards, but first, you know?! Get me some good stuff!

 

In Barovia, there are only three places to visit, once there were four but it was destroyed by the count. We're likely going to travel back and forth between Krezk, Vallaki and Barovia unless our path takes us elsewhere. We all remember what happened to the fourth ... We all remember that girl who rejected the count and how it upset him and simply destroyed the whole place after possibly charming his father with a spell to turn her in. Similarly to what happened to Ireena's father before he laid his teeth on her ... Once. Don't mess with him, he's pretty sensitive ...

 

Ulog tells us about the forests between Krezk and Vallaki, the Svalich Woods in which the werewolves live. I had no idea that werewolves were actually a thing until I got here, even Shevat appears to be familiar with them, similarly to Naedithas. It creeps me out that I could one day get in touch with these. Werewolves are not simple beasts, they can very intelligent and intelligent beasts kind of scare me when they know how to use their monstrous body for combat. I better hold onto those silver arrows tightly ... The werewolves are also known to have a pact with Strahd but as of now, there is a disturbance in their pact. The pact keeper or leader of the pact has died and it's currently unclear whether or not the pact still exists as the werewolves are in the middle of a succession war. There are two different people who wish to claim leadership over this pact and the fight seems undecided so far. Whatever becomes of the pact its benefits is also unclear. Whether or not the old pact will remain or be adjusted.

 

Shevat asked Ulog about the gems, how we will be able to detect that they are the spirit stones. Ulog had his eyes fixated on him before he looked at all of us and asked him if he had a connection to spirits, to which the druid nodded. Ulog reassured us that he would be able to detect spirits with his strong connection. And somehow Yshvara carried a certain look during this moment. Shevat believes that there could be a possibility to locate the third gem if we would be able to find the first two. The western camp should know something about the location of the gem of the land, if we'll ever get to talk to these people without getting killed, no matter if we saved Luvash(?) his daughter, Arabel, or not. Even with the wine from Urwin ... Even after telling them that Ulog is a friend of ours, I wonder if we'll get as far. We better take caution.

 

We must also take caution to mention others about our quest, Ulog warned us, we shouldn't speak of finding these gems with just anybody because this may cause some trouble for us, not all people are to be trusted. Which is something we're not entirely unfamiliar with but we better keep it all hushed. I better not lose this journal while I'm at it now that I think of it ... Who knows who could read what shouldn't be ...

 

Muriel mentioned to us about a potential enemy of Strahd. A man who arrived in Barovia five years ago, he once fought the count but was defeated in battle. His magical abilities are far above those of the count but he couldn't defeat him in battle. This man is referred to as the "Mad Mage", who obtained his title once Strahd took his sanity from him, He never once spoke of his name before, not to anyone, so even Muriel can only refer to him as the "Mad Mage". A man who became paranoid and insane. Barovia can be happy with the Vistani's role in this all, they took the magicianfs staff away from him in battle and it cost the lives of many of its keepers, to keep it safe and away from danger. Whoever touches his staff, other than the mad man himself, is likely to be "zapped" away. Similarly if anyone were to startle the man at his current residence in a cave near Lake Zarovich, all who interfere with his peace are to be "zapped". According to my memory, being zapped is anything but a pleasant feeling and I feel no urge to relive this sensation once more. We learned from Ulog(?) that this man loves to collect shiny rocks, he's obsessed with it. We should keep our eyes open for any of these during our travel, may we find anything at specific places, this could be helpful to draw that man's attention. We could make a trade, or a mere talk. I feel that this man may know a lot more about Strahd his weaknesses and attacks than we will, ever, until we stand face to face.

 

The Mad Mage is of human race, is bald and wears a long, blue robe. He may have some facial hair on his chin or whatever is said to be left of that. If we know how, we must break the curse of which he is suffering from and we're already given a clue. There is a lonely traveling Vistana, much like Madam Eva once referred to, could be a helpful ally, she is looking for her mentor. We learned that this mentor is a so-called Vampire Hunter, which may mean that she is, too. This woman has the ability to help the mage from his curse. Our only clue is  that she once visited the camp here, to look for the carnival or Rictavio. We're not with empty hands but we're probably going to have troubles tracking any of these people down unless Muriel will help us. Once we have recovered these two, we'll probably need to get the Mad Magefs staff back. Urwin, the innkeeper of the blue water inn appears to have some connections to the staff's keeper and to get any progress or trust there, we'll need to do exactly what Urwin needs us to do. Honestly, this is going to be a long, long trip ... And all I can think of, besides Naedithas, is that beautiful bow ...

 

Another strange thing about this "Traveling Vistana'' is that Ulog doesn't know her, nor does it appear that any other person in the encampment needs to know it any better if even Ulog, who has sensitive knowledge about Strahd, doesn't. I have an odd feeling that if this Vistana woman is attracted to hallowed places, that she may be someone close to an immortal from their ancestors unless someone else proves me otherwise. Even Madam Eva, who seems to be way too old, can survive that long ... Then why can't she? Maybe Madam Eva knows just a little more about her. I wonder if we can find more general information about the Wrystanvia anywhere ... I doubt anyone would keep or even write a book about a group of wanderers so ... Hated by the people. I'm curious to know if even some still live ... What if they side with the wild druids? I'm sure that Strahd could arrange some extension in their life span anyway.

 

I'm not entirely sure how it got to the subject exactly, but I believe it was Ysvara who came up with the churches. It was about a holy relic that has gone missing from the church. Madam Eva also spoke of some helpful items that we could use against the fight, if we find this relic, I can't say for certain whether or not I am happy to return it to it's respectful owner or would just keep it to see if it's of any use to us. They can have it back afterwards! I'm sure they would know who could be behind the disappearance. I am sure that there were people who considered it interesting or behaved suspicious about it anyway ...

 

Vallaki's church is said to be blessed, which reminded me of the Vistana. She was in between the two, what if we could find out some more info from there? Maybe they know a location where we can reach the space in which she travels, unless she is just traveling the land ... But it could bring us just a little closer to that woman. If we ever plan to battle that creep in the Ravenloft castle, we might as well grab everything we can to prepare for this battle. I can't tell whether or not I will participate in a fight this important if that shadow lady has my blood in this weird tube and threatened me to deliver her reports about Naedithas his devotion to Strahd. I still haven't figured out when he gets in contact with that man and puts his tasks in action that I am supposed to keep track of. He's always been close to us, except when he visits the noble Vasili von Holt, that was about the only exception besides that one night where I followed him outside. I regret that day but at the same time, I don't. Even if it scares me to be involved with that creep, I feel that it's much easier to endure if I am not the only one who is. I must choose a moment to speak of this with Naedithas, I need to know why he is involved. He must be a victim of it all as well, I am certain. He must have a good reason, I trust him.

 

Ulog spoke about this so-called Abbot, his long, beautiful wavy blond hair and his toned skin, a guard who got blessed and became divine, a man once human is worshipped by the people at St. Markovia in Krezk ... But the way he described him, I can't help but to laugh it off and tease the guy if he's into men with beautiful blond hair and toned skin. His expression froze and I felt nothing but pure satisfaction by simply pointing it out to him. Handsome, hmm? He wasn't without an opinion and admitted that he, indeed, has nothing against them. His attention moved over to Yshvara, I saw his gaze locked on her hair and face and said "If you'd ask me if I find Yshvara attractive instead, I'd say yes." I looked over to her as well, who seemed flattered by the compliment. Ulog mentioned the possible age gap in between them to form a little bit of an obstacle, so I walked over to Yshvara and examined her to find out about her age. She claims that she is only 23 years old, again, of human race. I'm not entirely sure if I can believe anything she says anyway but she always appears extremely convincing and flawless with her lies, it's difficult to say what's on her mind anyway ... I touched her face because I thought she looked interesting, she felt real, solid and her skin was extremely smooth. She was a little nervous about it, I could tell but that didn't stop my curiosity - did anything ever? Then Tibirin in the back complained to me about touching everyone. I looked over to him and smiled. There are a number of people I haven't touched yet and I felt tempted to simply go with it, to accept the challenge to touch everyone. It's just that Tibirin is lucky to wake up from that moment I was bitten by the stupid rat, else he would have never found out!

 

I asked permission from Ireena but she was quick to threaten me and she looked pretty damn convincing. She's one dangerous woman if she's not smiling, I swear ... I would almost believe that she would cut off my fingers if I were to even try and for some reason, I felt my curiosity fade. Well, that didn't last long before I found my way to another member of our group whom I know is much less aggressive, he's quite the opposite. Ever so calm and collected, unless there is someone in danger ... I was facing Shevat and touched his face as well. Gently, of course, I wouldn't want to harm him with it. I've never felt so mighty for just doing whatever I felt like ... His skin, it was also very smooth, not as smooth as Yshvara's, no, but still smooth for a man. 32 years old ... I saw only a few folds around his eyes, Naedithas has it a little worse than him and I assumed that this is the difference of the two races. Mother and Father only spoke ill of half elves and would refuse to speak of them, seeing a real human up close has made me realize how different their age works, still. Between 90 and 32 years, there is not a lot of difference ... I wonder how old Donavich is, would he be close to Naedithas age as a human? Hmm ... One last person remained, Muriel~ Yes, our wereraven ... Similar to a werewolf but with a lot more self control, in both behavior and her form. I was most curious about her but she also threatened me to cut off my entire hand and I am even less uncertain about her telling the truth ...

 

Women are dangerous . . . 

 

But it's pretty funny to think that I am older than most of those around me. Naedithas is the oldest of us all, at least ... If Yshvara isn't just lying to me about both her age and race of which I am not entirely sure. Well, not that it matters anyway. Naedithas said that I was around the age of 50 ... That sounds pretty old if I look at those around me ... Wait, I forgot to ask Tibirin about his age! You're not getting away just yet~ Oh, yeah, I remember the others being upset about asking for Yshavara's age ... What's the big deal? It can't hurt to ask, right?! Geez ... They didn't make a big deal of it when I asked Shevat?!

 

My attention went back to Ulog who asked if we still needed something from him and I knew exactly what I needed. I recalled the sleeping setup we had during our previous stay, confirmed by my helpful journal against severe memory loss, that we slept in two separate tents and I needed a private one for ... A private conversation between him and I. So I brought it up and requested a tent that would fit two people for the night. I whispered that I would appreciate a pink one because ... Why not? I need to compensate for what got lost with my hair this pale. For some reason, he didn't treat me any differently, even after looking me in the eye ... Did he forget how I look? Or did the others inform him? I assumed people to be a lot more cautious about my appearance but it seems like it's not that bad ... At least for those who could have been informed in advance ...

 

Ulog was able to hand me a tent for two ... And it was exactly the way I liked it ... Pink-purple ... Yes, the color alone made me extremely happy. No matter how somber this place may be, that little color could just make my day ... But then Ulog suddenly mentioned that we would be able to rest in a caravan instead and I wasn't sure why he handed me the tent anyway. Just when I wanted to return it, he told me to keep it. it's a gift from the Vistani to me ... I was speechless. It's not often that I receive gifts ... Wait, did I ever receive a gift? I don't remember ... But I am truly grateful for it! What better thing to sleep in when it's cold?! I'd rather sleep in this than out in the open! It just adds that little bit of comfort I've been missing ...

 

Ulog is willing to lend us two caravans for the group, they are big enough to hold a lot of people but it would get in my way for what I had planned. So I've managed to convince them to let Naedithas and me in a single one while the rest can use the other, I need privacy for once, alright?! Is that so strange?!

 

Our business was done and when nightfall came, all of us found ourselves in the caravans. I needed to double check whether or not anyone was near ours as our conversation is ... Extremely private ... With no one in our distance but the other caravan, I moved inside and shut the door. Naedithas already made himself comfortable inside and I used this moment to approach him about something I never thought I would confess to him.

 

I told him the truth, that I know what he does, I know his connection to Strahd and apologized for lying to him. It's the truth, I have never told anyone about this or even behaved any more suspicious than I already do at times. I am aware that my lies aren't as convincing to anyone but Naedithas possibly. He is a simple man but not without intelligence, he's just a lot more simple and I cannot deny to feel comfortable around him. I promised to him to keep it a secret. I've observed the man who tensed up in front of me, he looked very uncomfortable about it. The sweat formed on his forehead the longer it lasted. I told him that I trust him and refuse to think of him as an enemy but I need him to tell me one thing ... Why?

 

I also informed him about my side of the story, neither am I innocent at this point and Naedithas seemed quick to understand how and why, pointing out that he would expect that the shadow woman would not just let him off the hook without paying for what he did. That's not how things work around here in the land of Barovia ... I fear for this, for telling this to him without confessing what she makes me do, that she will make me suffer for it, if not kill me ... But I need him to know the truth, I want to trust him and for that, I must have him trust me in return. Else I cannot live in peace.

 

But when I exposed my fear for the shadow woman who would kill me for what I've said, Naedithas pointed at the earpiece he gave me to remind me of our pact. If I die ... He will die with me ... But I refuse to accept that! Not for this cause, not for this foolish piece of information. I don't want to be responsible for his death over something trivial like this. Naedithas feels differently about that ... He told me that he has nothing left to lose if I would be gone, neither the one he swore to protect. The one for which he let himself be involved with our enemy, Strahd. What happened between Naedithas and Shevat? I feel like it's not wise to ask this of him ... He looked extremely hurt when I referred to him to be the reason for his cooperation with that creep. I hope he's fine with me touching Shevat?! But I hated it, how selfless this half elf is about himself, he's only making sacrifices for others ... What makes Shevat so special to put his life on the line? Why is he so eager to die?

 

I felt a little concern wash over me when Naedithas told me that he has nothing left and felt urged to ask about any family or friends ... But he shook his head. Nothing remained of those, it's only the two of us and ... Somehow, I didn't mind that thought. I've never felt so wanted by someone, or anyone at all. Those flashbacks, it reminded me of that man ... To him I feel like I'm just a tool. Naedithas seems to need me for who I am, rather than what I could be or what I could mean. He doesn't care about my past, doesn't care about my status, he cares about me and he's finally expressing it and open for it. I'm sure it's ... Not easy when we're both of the same gender but ... I can't help my attraction to him? And now he feels the same way. What else could I ever wish for? I don't care how anyone else feels about it. Never will. 

 

I wonder if anyone else knows ... I guess it's a little bit obvious by now . . .

 

I promised him that we'll make better, new memories as of now. I need us to forget what once was, what we once were through. I need us to focus on the truth and cherish the time we have fought for, I should have been dead but I am not and I will not let it go to waste! And neither should he, to look back at what once was, I won't let him. But I saw Naedithas look when I said to make new memories right now and ... Well, maybe I should have picked a better timing for that because it put me in an awkward place, unlike I've planned ... I didn't mean to be too direct about it, though ... I did my best to neutralize my intentions by mentioning my rebirth instead of just ... Now ... You know?

 

It was nice to hear from him that it is me who gave his life a new purpose, the moment I was reborn, he realized it, how much he truly feels about me. I gladly died to make him realize that? It's a little sad about the food though but ... Who needs food anyway? I have something much better right now and there is so much more to get from him . . . "Yes", I said. "Let's make some good memories, starting from now." 

 

I put my arms around him and pulled him closer in an embrace as the darkness surrounded us  . . . *

 

The next morning, we all came together to meet up with Muriel who greeted us. She even noticed my excitement that morning but not all of us were too excited. Ireena looked rather pale and exhausted after this night and was quick to add, confirmed by Tibirin that ... They have heard something during the night. "Some of us had a little midnight adventure.", Tibirin suddenly said out loud and I felt the heat get to me when I did my best to deny the truth. What did they hear?! Was Nae too loud? Apparently our caravan rocked a little and ... It kept Ireena up. Talk about embarrassing ... That reminded me ... I turned to Naedithas and asked if he was alright but it seemed like it wasn't good to ask him about when his face flushed and he yelled at me to ever talk about it. Before we got out of the caravan, he didn't seem to be too bothered when he requested if he could braid my hair ... That was pretty cute, by the way ...

 

Muriel got us back to business when she told us her plans to visit Vallaki and asked for us if she needed to do something for us there, too. Too distracted by everything else, there was nothing that crossed my mind. Yshvara shared her concern about Blinksy and his toy shop which also reminded me of that doll I've commissioned  the man. Hopefully, he was able to make it with all the chaos going on ... And Izek didn't turn his shop to ash. Yeah, well, Muriel wasn't very motivated about that because she is already going to do a lot ... But she will, she will check on him for us! She's really amazing ... I wish I could also turn into an animal to sneak inside whatever place of my liking without anyone finding out about it ... Must feel so free to be able to do that ...

 

Off, she went, to fulfill her duty ... 

 

We discussed our plans on how to reach Vallaki in time to bring Harry to safety, the child which we saved. Yshvara and Shevat are so eager to bring him back as soon as possible but I wonder if the boy will truly be safe with the father who once gave him away just like that. Though, they said that with the death of two of three hags, the curse should have weakened, even Yshvara seemed to be doing pretty well for her standards. Happy not to be traumatized again by that sight ... Well, even if it makes sense, I think we all remember the way that this man moved around and spoke to his assumed wife. He is likely in a much worse state than Yshvara is, if it would be enough or not is correct to be questioned in my opinion but what she said to me was also true. The child is in much better hands with them than he is with us. I feel that this kid will put us at a heavy disadvantage, similarly to what he already did. I have died for this child ... Apparently. That's so unlike me ... Is it not? I remember seeing that little girl of that vague memory ... But I'm not entirely sure if I would want to do it again. Would anyone else save me? I have my doubts. I do what I can but I refuse to risk Naedithas' life for giving mine. I'll protect him!

 

There is one place that we must visit before we head to Vallaki. It may extend our time of travel but I refuse to let it slip. I reminded the others about the stones/rocks/boulders in a circle near the windmill. Even if my memories have weakened from that day, I remember them! And how badly I wanted to check it out but they wouldn't let me. Harry will be with us and if they are so very concerned about him, they are happy to stay behind but I must take a closer look at this place. I won't let us overlook our discoveries, especially when there could be a way out of here. To be able to travel around freely with Naedithas by my side ... Is nothing but a dream. And who knows? Maybe one day ... I can eat again ... I don't care much for the resting, I'll find a way to keep myself occupied during the night. 

 

Oh, and I better keep my mouth shut about those pies. I hurt Yshvara's and Naedithas feelings when Muriel brought it up before she left. Naedithas pulled me away from the others rather roughly and told me about the nasty truth. Harry ... He would be used to make the pies that I've bought for way too much money, just like the children that were used for the other pies I've bought. And all of that, even my own death, is in a way, my own fault. I guess it's fair to say that I deserve it, especially when I heard that eating these pies for too long can kill people. I put their lives in danger and paid for it with my own. Yshvara whispered in my mind that it's alright because I didn't know but I felt nothing but guilt in that moment. I need to make it up to both of them ... But I don't have a lot of funds on me any more to properly do so and now that I think of it ... I still have a pie ... I better make that witch eat it, herself.

 

So with our plans set, we needed to find a quick way to travel. Shevat asked around for something until he returned with a plan. He'll try to locate a bear that will act as a mount to bring us faster to our location. He took a moment to prepare his spell and warned us that when he gives a sign, that we must all make haste to the direction he will guide us. Ireena asked us permission to stay in the camp while we'll go bear hunting and none of us minded it. She and Harry stayed behind while the rest of us followed Shevat, who was quick to pick up the pace to the south of the Tzer Pool Encampment, to a forest. It was away from the path of which we were warned to stay on. We took the risk and let Shevat look for tracks. Even as a human, he makes a great dog if you ask me?

 

I kept my eyes on the surroundings as we went. It all looked the same until I laid my eyes on some odd bushes. It almost felt like our surroundings seemed to move in an endless cycle, but the only thing that remained were these colorful bushes. I could swear that I saw them move and was quick to warn the others to step back for we are in danger. To test my suspicions, I aimed an arrow at the bush and a loud yelp followed and a large vine type monster rose from the ground. Three of them in total to be exact. Let's take them down quickly! ...