“Back in Ustrin, we have dogs to help find prey.” Reynard said as they scanned the massive skyscraper-like trees of the contaminated zone. They were all on high alert, all aware that it was likely for them to deal with more than just the birds here.

The transition from a normal forest to one brimming with wild magic was gradual but apparent. Reynard and Mallory looked at the transitioning scenery in wonder as they saw the more unique-looking plants mutated by the mana.

Some plants glowed, others grew in unique shapes and patterns. Mesmerizing leaves and textures on the wood fascinated the two and the few flowers that still bloomed despite the snow took Mallory’s breath away as she admired their beauty.

“We do that here too, but apparently Bryson didn’t bring any.” Frans said shooting an accusatory look at Bryson as he did so.

“These are birds of prey. Dogs aren’t usually used for them.” Bryson growled, “Besides I brought Frost.”

“Isn’t that a bit rude?” Mallory asked. I understand she is your help, but calling a lady that is quite rude.”

“What?” Bryson looked over confused before understanding, “Oh I’m not calling her… well I guess sort of am. But I meant more so that she can track the thing down.”

“How so?” Reynard asked.

“Mister Phillip says that if I can hunt down a bird as difficult as a storming hawk I can hunt down any man with ease!” Lottie said puffing out her chest confidently.

“Are you training an assassin?” Frans asked with a confused frown looking at Lottie as she was climbing up a massive tree.

“The butler is actually, though I think she prefers the name spy.” Bryson corrected as Lottie began to wave down at them.

“I see the nest!” She said excitedly.

“That was quick, we only roamed for half an hour.” Reynard said surprised.

“We can always be lucky.” Bryson said, “Though if there’s eggs in there maybe not.”

“Aren’t the eggs valuable?” Mallory asked curiously.

“Have you dealt with angry parents before?” Frans asked before turning to Bryson, “Where did you find these two merchant kids anyway?" I didn’t think you could even make friends.”

Bryson tapped his walking stick on the ground in annoyance, “I should leave you to deal with these birds by yourself.”

“Wouldn’t be much of a difference whether you help me or not.”

“You two enjoy arguing.” Mallory mused.

“Hey! Are we going or not?” Lottie called down from them.

“Yes, be patient.” Bryson called back up.

“Can I scout ahead?”

“Just be careful.”

“Okay!” Lottie said as she leapt from branch to branch.

“Is it safe for her to go ahead by herself?” Clarissa who had been silent most of the journey asked.

“She knows when to be quiet believe it or not.” Bryson answered noting how she seemed to be legitimately concerned over Lottie’s safety. Does that mean that she’s easy to befriend or is Lottie just that good at making friends? He wondered.

“Won’t she scare of the birds?” Reynard asked.

“Predators tend not to run from things they consider prey.” Bryson answered as he began to follow Lottie who left marks along the trees as she landed on to indicate to Bryson where she was.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

It didn’t take long for them to find the nest of the storming hawk themselves. Even among the massive trees the nest could be easily seen made out of large now-dead branches and foliage that was the size of a house. Certain parts of the nest were covered with pelts of prey the owner of the nest successfully hunted in the past.

Don’t want to shout now. Bryson said as he pulled out his Communicator and waved at Lottie to get her attention. Pointing at his phone he texted her a message. Lottie nodded her head as she took a quick glance around the area before pulling out her Communicator.

(Anything in the nest?) Bryson texted.

(doesn’t look like it) Lottie texted back.

(It’s likely out hunting then.)

(do wee wait?)

(Yes, it’s likely to come back in an hour or so.)

(how you know that??)

(Sun’s almost at it’s peak, harder to hide, it will wait on sundown.)

(ooh we picnic)

“Yes get down.” Bryson said calling up to her.

“What’s happening?” Mallory asked as Lottie began to make her way back down.

“We’ll be waiting here for an hour so we can get something to eat.” Bryson said.

“What if it notices us?”

“As long as we keep a lookout it should be fine. Even better if we can bait it to attack.” Bryson said as Clarissa helped Frans remove their supplies.

“Clarissa can keep watch, it’s only for an hour so she won’t need to switch with anyone.” Frans said as he took out a sandwich he stored in his pack.

“Bryson, what do I with this?” Mallory asked as she took out a container containing cold soup slowly turning frozen.

“Oh right, you two aren’t mages.” Bryson said recalling, “Pass it over.”

After getting handed the container he gave it a few quick shakes and the soup suddenly became far more liquid and Mallory looked in amazement as it began to bubble.

“What?” Bryson asked as he opened the container to unveil a waft of aroma coming from the now hot soup.

“I don’t usually see magic like that.” She said.

“What? This isn’t anything complicated.” Bryson said as he looked down at his pack and extended his hand and a cup flew into his hands.

“The magic we get taught is all combat-based, chanting, magic circle-making and the common spell attacks.” Reynard explained.

“What about daily occurrences? The kingdom surely has plenty of spellcasters.” Bryson said before turning to Lottie who was currently stuffing her face with cold snacks, “Slow down and don’t overeat.”

“Don’t worry I won’t!” Lottie said her cheeks stuffed with food.

“Oh yeah, we have plenty of magical items that do similar to what you did, it’s just rare to see a wizard do it by themselves like that.” Reynard said, “It’s kind of cool actually.”

“Hmm.” Bryson grunted as Lottie held up an empty cup imploring Bryson to pour her some. With an annoyed sigh he poured her some before filling the cup in his own hand.

“Thanks.” Lottie said before enjoying her warm drink.

“Here.” Bryson said handing his cup over to Mallory not paying Lottie any mind.

“Thanks.” Mallory said as she enjoyed the warm cup in her hands. Taking a sip of it the soup spread warmth through her body and felt like the perfect accompaniment standing in the tranquil woods.

“Is it hard to learn something like that?” Reynard asked.

“You already know basic spell attacks?”

“Yeah.”

“You have the ability to, it just might take some time to grasp the more finicky aspects of it.” Bryson said with a shrug as he watched as a ball of soup arose from the container and floated away from him.

Tracking the path of it he watched as it floated into a mug that Frans was holding. Frans then handed the cup to Clarrisa who was currently on sentry duty. Could have just asked. Bryson thought.

“Heh.” A small chuckle came from Mallory.

“What?” Bryson said with a frown.

“Sorry, it’s just nice seeing friends together.”

“We’re not friends.” Bryson grumbled.

“Whatever you say.” Mallory said with a melancholic look on her face.

“What’s wrong?” Bryson asked.

“What do you mean?” She said blinking at him.

“You look like you’re reminiscing about something.” Bryson noted.

“Oh well.” Mallory quickly glanced over to her brother, seeing that he was distracted talking to Lottie and enjoying his meal she whispered quietly, “It’s nothing really.”

“That doesn’t sound like nothing to me.”

“It’s… it’s just that one of my closest friends has become distant to me.”

“Isn’t that normal?”

“But it feels different, my friend, Eve, feels so distant from me. She acts differently, talks differently, and she just feels like a different person entirely.” Mallory moped.

“Is she really that different now?”

Mallory simply nodded, “She wanted to come up here with me before she changed.”

“Up here in the cold?” Bryson said looking unconvinced.

“It’s romantic. It’s a nice place, even the more dangerous places.” Mallory said with a shrug, “And if you have the clothes, it’s not too bad.”

“Hmm.” Bryson grunted before asking, “After this we’ll be going to another village. It should be pretty peaceful hunting at that point so is there anything you really want to see? I should be able to show you around.”

“Oh my, quite the gentlemen aren’t you, Lord Bryson?” Mallory said with a small giggle.

“That’s only if you have the strength to keep up.” Bryson said with a cough.

“Don’t look down just because I’m royalty. The Alvidors are taught to be strong.” She said with a smile as she took a sip from her soup, “Now I expect you to guide me well after this.”

“Then you better hope that bird comes soon.” Bryson said rolling his eyes as he filled his own mug with some of the soup.