The Gryphon, an esteemed creature native to the wilderness near Misery's Reach's mountainous terrain, has long been associated with the mountain tribes. These tribes, across generations, first tamed and ultimately domesticated these formidable beasts. Through the passage of commerce, their presence has extended throughout the mortal realms, often taking residence in the menageries and stables of affluent nobles, who possess the means to satiate their ravenous appetites. Though domesticated breeds are mere echoes of their untamed counterparts, they remain formidable, albeit temperamental, aerial steeds.
- Monsters of the Mortal Realms by K. D. Fidditch.
I woke up under the thick branches of the trees, rested and ready for a new day. Once again I had slept in full armor, which was beginning to become a habit. A part of me despaired at my slovenly behavior.
Back on Earth, sleeping in the clothes I had worn during the day had gone against my modern sensibilities. Every day there would be a change of underclothes and clean socks, all at the press of a button. However, that comfortable and civilized life was, to all intents and purposes, a galaxy away. This caused me to marvel at how well my mind had adapted to my strange circumstances. Compartmentalization was probably what had enabled me to retain my sanity. I would need to unpack all of these emotions and thoughts at a later date, when we returned to some form of civilization.
The familiar smell of meat cooking on the fire was in the cool morning air, causing my stomach to rumble in anticipation. The aroma was piquant. Elwin had probably used some of the sundry spices we had bought in Ansan.
Slowly rising to my feet, I removed my gloves and hooked them to my belt. Patting my hands around my waist, I panicked a little as I noticed the leather pouch with the Karilla hatchling I had captured the previous night was no longer on my person. For a few moments, I thought that my companions had started to cook the poor thing for breakfast.
Elwin cocked an eye at me at my predicament, a wry smile on his face as he cooked a few pieces of meat over our campfire. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Kidu diligently maintaining his equipment.
“You was tossing and turning a bit in your sleep. Mumbling about some real odd stuff. Kidu thought you were having a religious visitation. I noticed the pouch moving at your side. You would have crushed it, too, with all your flailing and moving about,” explained the Rogue, almost as if he was merely commenting about the weather.
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My night terrors and general flailing must have been caused by my dark dreams. Becoming so inured to their visitations, I barely noticed them anymore, and simply forgot their imparted messages upon waking. A part of me had accepted them as an annoyance to be suffered, like the buzzing and bites of a bloodsucking mosquito.
The Rogue's explanation drew a grunt from Kidu as he sharpened his spear, but the taciturn man, choosing to not join in the one-sided exchange, never even looked up.
Elwin, seeing that I was still at a loss, gestured to the tree I had slept against. “Behind you, mate. You’ll find your little pet still in the bag,” explained the Rogue, answering my unspoken inquiry and going back to his cooking.
“Thanks…” I murmured, half-groggily as I turned around, sleep still soaked into my bones.
Slowly gathering myself, I muttered as I began checking my things. Looking into my bag, I checked to see if the healing potions I had bought from the eccentric alchemist were still alright. As my hands tested their seals, I was reminded of the Broomshead mushrooms I had collected for their maker. Hopefully, the collected fungi would help in some way to perhaps earning me a permanent discount at his store.
Now that focus had finally won over the last dregs of sleep, I found myself standing fully upright and my thoughts grew steadily clearer. Looking to where the Rogue had indicated, I saw that my tied leather pouch was hanging from a low-lying tree branch. My experiment was still safe for the moment. Edging closer, I opened the bag and was greeted by a foul smell. The creature was alive, but it had defecated in the night. The smell of fecal matter and the pervading scent of animal fear overpowered the pleasant aroma of the meat cooking on the fire.
Grimacing, I prepared to do what I had to do. All in the name of science. Focusing on the contents of the bag, I cast an Identify on the small lizard before reaching inside.
Karilla Hatchling - [Great Lizard lvl.2]
Health 3/3
Stamina 3/4
Mana 1/1
Seeing the name of the creature, I had to restrain myself from crushing it there and then, unwilling to let such a creature grow into another dangerous monster. The adult Karilla had been a most-fearsome opponent. However, I needed to continue my experiment, so it would have a stay of execution, for now at least.