Hiking through the Wilds

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Lester returned within a few pater nosters. Yet, he had picked up two large bagpacks, one in each hand.

Tommy said, "That's the happiest shit-eating grin I've ever seen."

"Me too, actually." Fatty replied.

"Whatchu got, Leader?"

"Hah, we're in luck, dear Dagger! Loads of food. Hard bread, cheese, jerky. No more shall we eat like paupers."

He patted the bags, handing one to Tommy while he put one on his back. The other two stared at him, wide-eyed.

"With what money? We are so broke.. did you steal it? We gotta run!" Dagger said, her pitch rising into a sharp squeal by the end.

"No, no."

"Hold on... Lester, you sold the pelts for this?" Fatty asked, a mix of panic and resignation in his voice.

"Of course not. I'm not an idiot. This is the down payment. Kelsie was already setting up shop, so I handed her the pelts. In return, I got my pick of field rations, and she'll hand us the difference later."

"That's nice."

"So much food."

Tommy had opened the bag he got, at the behest of Fatty. It was tightly packed, with dried compacted fruits, condiments and spice, and filling meal sized kits.

"Yeah mate, first rule of adventuring - ensure food supply. Hunger is a silent killer, right after thirst and monsters. Hungry folks become stupid, makes you desperate, reckless. And this will save us a time."

"Hmm. Good to know. I've only ever traveled with a caravan. Feels a bit different. Anything else?"

"Let's get going. Walk and talk."

There wasn't much to do. Tommy had been empty handed so he got one of the bags. Lester carried another, and a sheathed sword at his waist. Dagger had a light drawstring pouch on, a waterskin hanging of her belt, and a bunch of knives in numerous sleeves all over her leather shirt and pants. She whistled, while stepping silently at the front.

"Is it ok to whistle?"

The forest had gotten dense quickly. They were already walking on a soft bed of moss and fallen leaves moist with morning dew.

"Not really. She's just happy we have food."

That really was the case. More than half the weight was food. They had eaten one rabbit, the other fried and stored in the bag hanging on Fatty's chest, who had his wok on his back in it's shield form. He also had the other cooking supplies still, the only other item being his wooden club that he smacked things with as they walked.

Bird calls filled the air, as it got brighter, specially the path ahead which opened up at a narrow stream.

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"It's beautiful."

"It is, isn't it? Our secret spot."

Before them lay a shallow stream flowing over a bed of white rocks. Bamboo grew out of the crevices, slim and tall, their stems in a hemisphere, like the stamen of a flower. The water glistened.

"We'll take a short break. Tommy can you fill the water skins? Fatty go check upstream, Dagger head down, meet back here. Bunny ears today."

The two took off. Lester went over the bags and moved a bunch of packets from Tommy's pack into his own. Seeing Tommy was back, he said.

"How much can you comfortably carry? We'll speed up from here."

"Sorry. I can walk faster."

"It's not like that. It's my job to plan and execute. You're new and you are our mage, just follow our lead and learn quickly. Any questions?"

"Actually, yes... is it really fine to drink this water? This place feels weird. Like it doesn't fit."

"Yes. The guild approved it", the leader said, nodding towards the water. "Glad you pointed it out. One day, the stream appeared here. Suddenly, right in the middle of the forest. These rocks, the trees, nothing like this in the whole region."

"Just like that?"

"Just like that. It usually takes a few days, or weeks, or months. Signs of change appear - small regions becomes larger, folks start losing directions, new beasts appear. That's what we are looking for as well."

They sat there, taking in the view. Tommy sat. Lester was standing in the water, slowly moving his sword through various forms.

"Hey Leader, dancing again."

"It's not a dance."

"It is."

"It's not. What did you find, dagger?"

"Nothing, no herbs there. Someone else harvested the patch."

"Hmm. Any signs?"

"Nope. All normal. No beasts. No new plants. No fog. Didn't get lost."

"Can I borrow your long knife, Dagger?"

"What for?"

She handed it to him anyway. He walked into the water, where a bunch of stems were jutting out, and cut down one he could grab comfortably.

"A walking stick for myself. And a spear. Sort of."

"Mm. That's cool."

"I wouldn't recommend that." Lester said, "You are our mage. Fix a knife to it if and when we need it. Much safer."

Having already shaved one side into a sort of polearm, he threw away, and snapped another stem.

"Ugh. Leader, you are so boring."

"Fine. Just wrap the sharp end in leather or something."