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Adventure Bound
Episode IV: The other End

Episode IV: The other End

Beatrice caught glimpses of Orvell's handsome face as she ventured deeper into the dungeon. Every time Orvell smiled at her or offered a hand when Beatrice stumbled, it made her heart race. And whenever Minerva teased, asking how Orvell might look without clothes, Beatrice blushed so intensely that her nose practically bled. But then everything changed—a pale face, a gaping hole in Orvell's chest. Beatrice couldn’t stop crying, blaming herself endlessly. Then, abruptly, she woke up in bed.

Turning to her left, Beatrice saw Minerva sleeping beside her. "Oh, you're awake. I'm glad you are, Beatrice. You've been asleep for several days," Minerva said softly. Confused and disoriented, Beatrice asked her what happened, and Minerva filled her in on the details. The news of Orvell's condition hit Beatrice like a ton of bricks—he lay in a deep sleep, attended to by priests and wizards trying desperately to heal him. An umbral wound threatened to consume him, and they fought to keep it at bay.

"Can I see him?" Beatrice pleaded, but Minerva gently refused, explaining that the healers required complete silence and focus. The noisy morning outside told Beatrice they were back home, not in Foghorn. When she asked why, Minerva admitted it was closer and she wasn’t sure what aid awaited them after the incident. Grateful for the update, Beatrice requested some time alone to gather herself.

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After dressing, she headed to Orvell's room. Empty yet filled with traces of him—armor on the bed, sword and shield resting beside a chair. Beatrice marveled at the weight of his armor, realizing just how formidable Orvell was. His weapons bore the marks of countless battles, each scuff and tear a testament to his strength and resolve.

Returning to her room, a knock interrupted her thoughts. "Come in," she called out. It was Minerva, surprised to find Beatrice in armor. "Going back out there?" she asked. Beatrice explained that she couldn’t sit idly by, feeling helpless. She invited Minerva along, but Minerva declined, intent on learning more about healing magic from the attending priests.

Determined, Beatrice made her way to the gathering hall, searching for a quest—a purpose. There it was: "Into the Woods." The details described women disappearing under the cover of night.