“Stupid stupid stupid…” Sanora curses under her breath, searching for the next foothold in the rocky mountainside.
“Damn I’m such an idiot.” She curses, her face still burning hot after her slip-up. To think she has done something so weird in Amni’s bed, right in front of her.
‘I mean its not my fault she just smells so good! Well no, but still how could I know I wasn’t dreaming! ...would that even make it better? But she didn’t see it, so I guess I was lucky at least. But if she had seen... Ahhh I could never look her in the eyes again. And that’s the best part about her! You know how beautiful those eyes are, not to mention that fuzzy feeling I get whenever we lock eyes…”
With a sigh Sanora finally sets her foot on the forest floor again. With her mental debate unceasing she makes her way back to her clearing with a downcast gaze. For once, she doesn’t enjoy the calm of nature she loves so much. Her thoughts are still overwhelmed with what happened, and what it means. Why did she even do that?
She reaches the clearing before she can come to a conclusion, and with a sigh, puts the topic aside for now.
Most of the workers are already there, toiling away. Karan gives her a short nod, which she returns. He isn’t the most talkative of the villagers, but he is kind and compassionate still. He is the lead of the project and under him it is coming along rather smoothly.
“Good, you took my advice and slept in for once!”
Sanora looks up as she hears Bawarag coo, then up at the sun. She has slept until midday. Some dark clouds slowly creep over the mountains today.
“I hadn’t even noticed.” Sanora says, looking at the sky absent mindedly. Bawarag musters her and furrows his brows.
“Something on your mind lass?”
“Well yes, but let’s not talk about it please. Let’s just get to it, I need to clear my mind.” She takes the wooden sword off her belt. Bawarag just nods understanding and with a short glow in his hand procures his own training weapon.
It is a sight that has become part of everyday life. The people working at the house accompanied by the constant clanking of the wooden sparring weapons. Genny occasionally comes over with some lunch or something to drink and a quick chat with Sanora. Out of all the women in the village Sanora was the closest to her age and thus the one she is closest with by far. There might be women too, but all of them are at least thirty years and when it comes to conversation, Genny is always either disgusted or bored out of her mind. It’s not as if she has never tried when she met them at the spot where most wash clothes in the river, or during the rare occasions where they come around to drink. But she has neither problems with her husband in bed, nor did she care that Bertha eats too much. So, for Genny, Sanora is like a blessing. She is always good for a laugh and her stories, although she only has few, always get Genny sitting on the edge of her seat, no matter how often she has already heard them. But there is also some general fascination with the girl who just appeared out of nowhere one day. Just where did someone with a face like this come from? And did she really lose her memories or is it all just a ruse, a clever disguise to hide some dark past? Genny has her own suspicions, and her favorite theories include Sanora being either one of the envoys of old, a werewolf, a thousand-year-old warrior chosen by the God of flesh himself. That would at least explain her inhuman beauty. A face so pretty and perfect? Genny often thinks that it can only be the work of magic. Her stomach tickles a bit as she thinks about the other, her absolute favorite musing as to who Sanora really is. She is set on the flesh magic part, and that means if she isn’t a werewolf she has to be something better, something even more surrounded by myth and legend: a champion of flesh, the Manifestation of chaos.
Thick, dark clouds blotch the sky, blocking out the sun, and Genny figures there is only one thing to take out to Sanora on this gloomy day. So as per usual she sets out with a basket and a barely contained smile.
She is about to greet them as she walks onto the clearing, but Sanora and Bawarag are still in the middle of combat. Sanora always looks so focused in battle so Genny doesn't want to disrupt her. Ever since that thing has attacked the village, Genny can see something in Sanora’s eyes. They have gotten so much fiercer, and every time Sanora looks at her with those wild but caring eyes, Genny’s knees get a bit weak.
She stands at the edge of the clearing, watching as they exchange swing for swing, a bang resounding every time the wooden blades meet. Bawarag has often said it, but Genny notices herself how strong Sanora has gotten in this short time. It is unnatural, but it causes a smile to spread on Genny’s lips as it only solidifies her own stories about the mysterious girl. Sanora’s battle cry draws her attention back to the fight. Her overhead swing seems to even surprise Bawarag a little, who quickly raises his blade to block. A crack resounds, wooden splinters fly about. Sanora’s wooden sword snaps in half where it meets Bawarag’s. Sanora quickly jumps back, her broken sword still in her hands. She has learned that in combat you must never waste a second being careless, even if something like your sword breaking happens. Bawarag has done a solid job hammering that into Sanora’s head with a lot of flying stones and pinecones.
“Sheathe lass, I think we can take a break.”
Sheathe, their codeword for ‘the sparring is over’ has been spoken. Sanora finally relaxes her stance and looks at the broken sword in her hands.
“It’s hard to believe we started only about three weeks ago.” Bawarag walks over. Sanora is rarely ever out of breath anymore these days, even after sparring.
“It really is.” She says with a light smile.
“But I’m all the happier about it. Also sorry about the sword.” She hands Bawarag the broken equipment.
“Don’t worry about it. But you know what that means right? Now we’ll move on to real swords.”
Sanora just laughs.
“Good one big man.”
But Sanora’s laughter slowly dies as Bawarag’s expression remains serious. She swallows.
“Hey guys!” Genny waves as she walks over with a basket in her hand.
“Oh, hey Genny.” Sanora’s nervous expression turns back into a smile.
“Watcha got for us today?” She asks with a grin already looking forward to the snacks genny regularly brings them.
“I have something special today since the weather is a bit gloomy.” Genny says, handing Sanora a metal flask. She takes the still warm bottle and uncorks it before sniffing the content.
“This is warm milk with honey?” Sanora looks at the blonde girl with eyes as wide as her smile. Genny just nods.
“Ohhh you’re the best.” Sanora hugs Genny tightly before taking a big swig.
“Ohh what do we have today?”
Sanora almost does a spit take when Amni’s face suddenly appears over her shoulder. She stumbles a few steps away, coughing.
“Amni- you can’t scare me like this!” Sanora says between coughs.
“You'll be the death of me some day woman." Sanora says with her compusure regained. "It's milk with honey, want some?”
Amni accepts the bottle from Sanora’s hand and takes a sip herself.
“Quite a treat.” Amni hands the bottle back with a smile.
“It sure is. Haven’t had anything sweet in a while.” Sanora says before taking another swig.
“I’m glad you like it.” Genny chimes in with a bright smile.
“Although I guess you won’t need it much longer with how well you training is going.” Her smile fades a bit.
“Oh please, you think I’d ever send you away if you come over with something to eat?” Sanora says with a grin like Bawarag’s. He has rubbed off on her quite a lot these past weeks, especially his goofiness.
“If you insist.” The blonde girl rolls her eyes with a giggle. Sanora laughs along, her eyes wander to the house. The walls stand, the roof is on. All that’s left are some small things. Karan said that tomorrow is the day they finish. The day on which her very own house will be standing. She even refrained from sleeping in there before it is finished to ‘test’ the house. All to make the first night more special. Even some simple furniture and a small stove are already finished and in there.
“Guess we’re really done with your training huh?” Bawarag says, following Sanora’s gaze.
“So that was a joke.” She breathes a sigh of relief.
“More or less. If the house hadn’t progressed this far, we would have actually moved on to iron. But I think you’re plenty strong for almost anything that might show up around these parts.”
“Good work lass.” He hits her on the back with a grin which then turns into an impish smirk.
“Do you know what this calls for?” He asks her, and Sanora knows exactly what this calls for.
“A drin-“
“A DRINK!” Bawarag exclaims, throwing his arms up into the air causing the group to sigh collectively at this Bawarag moment.
"We'll just have to wait for the workers to finish then." Sanora comment makes Bawarag deflate again.
The rest of the day passes by rather boringly. Just now Sanora notices that she has nothing to do if she isn’t working out or sparring. She will have to find some new hobbies lest her days will be rather monotone. Practicing magic springs to mind first. She still has the grimoire that she bought from Bok, and the fire spell she has learned when her journey started. She hasn’t done anything for her magic, so maybe the future will be a good opportunity to learn about it. She has to smirk a bit at the thought of becoming the village’s witch.
And so, for the rest of the day she idles around the house, helping out wherever she can until they call it a day at dusk.
“We made quite impressive time on this.” Karan says standing next to Sanora, both Admiring the house.
“Tomorrow we’ll finish. I take it I’ll see you at the weary traveler later?” he turns to her.
“Naturally. A bit later thought, still have some things to finish. You know, training and stuff.” Sanora smiles at Karan who just nods.
“Well then, see you later, don’t overdo it.” He walks off, ahead to the weary traveler.
As soon as he disappears in the forest, Sanora’s shoulders slump, and she sighs. Karan never asks questions, one thing she likes about him. He minds his own business and sometimes she just wants to be alone with her thoughts.
She looks at her basically finished house again, but with an expression of inner conflict rather than joy this time. All throughout the empty feeling in her chest never subsided, always nagging at the back of her mind. She would have talked with Amni again, but she didn’t quite dare to after what she did when she had slept at her place. That morning had gotten her thinking, had created yet another odd sensation in her stomach that she can’t place.
“As if I didn’t have enough of those already.” She sighs.
“Enough of what?”
Sanora jumps with a scream.
“I told you to stop that!” She shoots Amni, who has suddenly appeared behind her, a deathly glare.
“I know, that’s why it’s so funny.” Amni just smiles at her stupidly.
“What do you want?” Sanora clicks her tongue, but before the words leave her mouth she already feels bad for hissing at Amni like this.
“I want to know what’s been up with you. You thought I wouldn’t notice you avoiding me? Something’s been up ever since you slept at my place.” Amni crosses her arms. Sanora averts her gaze.
“Nothing’s up. I was just focused on training.”
“I know we haven’t known each other for long but it still hurts when you lie to me like that you know?” A sting hits Sanora’s heart when she hears how sad Amni sounds.
“I’m sorry I just… I don’t feel like talking about it yet. I’m not even sure what’s going on myself.” Sanora’s eyes are glued to the ground, her left hand clutching her right elbow tightly.
She looks up when she feels a hand on her shoulder, right into those kind, otherworldly eyes she knows so well.
“That’s alright. If you don’t want to talk yet that’s alright. But don’t lie about it. You don’t always have to do things others tell you to, even me or Bawarag. Speak your mind if you dislike something, but don’t lie about it.” Amni says with a gentle smile. Sanora’s heart makes a small jump when they lock eyes, her stomach tickling as Amni looks at her and it's then she finally realizes that she might see Amni as more than the 'big sister she never had'.
“I’m sorry Amni, I’ll keep it in mind. So uh, if you don’t mind could you go ahead? I’ll meet you at the weary traveler later.”
“Sure thing, I’ll save you a seat and something to drink.” Amni winks at her before heading off towards the village. Sanora just stands there, a hand clutching at her chest as her heart still hammers in there.
‘Why of all people her?’ She walks around in circles, roughing through her hair.
‘Stupid me, has to have a crush on someone who’s not even into women. Not even to think about how out of my league she is’ Sanora groans. She has been walking around her clearing like an idiot for so long the sun has already disappeared behind the mountains.
‘I should get to the others before they start worrying’ She sighs a final time, figuring that she might as well drown her worries in alcohol for the time being and search for a solution another day. She has nothing to do starting tomorrow anyways. So, she makes her way to the weary traveler with tired steps. A few minutes later she stands in front of the door, already hearing the commotion and cheers inside. She takes a deep breath and grabs the doorhandle.
Black. Darkness encompasses her, a heavy, cold feeling pushing down on her from all sides. Her head aches and throbs. Her heart starts to race, the only memory from last night she has is grabbing the doorhandle and after that, everything is just a blank. But right now she has bigger worries. She feels things poking her body all over, she can’t see a thing and her head is spinning. Slowly she starts to move and tries to get up, hoping that she isn’t dead every second of the way. She feels the things weighing down on her shift and move. She pushes on with all her might, fighting against the thousands of tiny things grabbing and pulling at her. With a final effort she finally emerges from…
“Pile o’ brushwood?” She looks around herself and the dry branches she just emerged from. The sun has just come out behind the horizon in full, it’s still late morning. For a moment she considers just laying back down into the wood, but reconsiders after seeing all the scratches she has. She stumbles out of it with unsteady steps. Her vision still blurry and spinning a bit. She is a lot right now, but sober isn’t on the list. She slowly makes her way to the river which she can already her, her mouth as dry as she branches she just crawled out of. After a few grueling minutes she finally makes it and falls to her knees. She cups some of the clear, cold water in her hands and drinks it. She manages to catch a glimpse of her reflection in the water too and figures it’s a good idea to wash her face. She is scooping up some water with her hand but pulls it out with a scream when dozens of stings shoot through her hand. A large fish is hanging on her hand, its teeth still burrowed deep in her hand, it's angry eyes locking with Sanora’s. But the fish has underestimated the anger of the still drunk girl who promptly bites back. Her teeth sink into the tender flesh of the fish, and with barely any trouble right through its spine. It dies on the spot, its maw opens again, and it falls back into the river, a bite of its back missing. Sanora spits out minced fish.
“Thas what you get for bitin me.” She grumbles and gets up again.
“Where’s me damn village…” She walks along the river without and real clue as to where she is, taking a drunk guess on where to go. It does not take long until she sees the walls up ahead, a guard sitting on top already waving she approaches.
“Heeey I found her!” He shouts back into the village while Sanora walks up to the gate with lazy steps.
“You just disappeared yesterday. We all though you’re dead.” The man says as Sanora walks through the large doors. She just gives him a half-assed wave.
Amni already stands on the other side, her foot tapping on the ground, her arms crossed. Worry written all over her face.
“Good gods you’re not alright! What happened!?” She rushes over, taking Sanora at the shoulders and looking her up and down.
“Whas supposed to have happened?” Sanora raises an eyebrow at her.
“You are full of blood!” Amni shouts at her face. Sanora runs a finger over her cheek and looks at it.
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“Ah don worry ‘tis just the fish that bit me.” Sanora starts grinning.
“But dooont worry, I bit his ass back.” She giggles and Amni just shakes her head with a sigh.
“There she is.” Bawarag arrives as well, not looking nearly as worried as Amni.
“Bawarag, if you would.” Amni steps aside.
Bawarag cracks his fingers with a grin.
“Leave it to me.” He taps Sanora’s forehead.
The spell hits her like a carriage, almost throwing her off her feet as she immediately sobers up again and the holes in her hand stich themselves together.
“Woah.” She says, still catching her balance.
“Feeling better?” Amni asks her, her eyes still full of worry.
“Yeah… I- I bit a fish. Why did I bite a fish?” Sanora holds her head with a pained expression.
“Ah damn, what happened last night- no wait, I don’t think I want to know.”
“We’ve been worried sick. Where have you been?” Amni asks, her foot tapping impatiently.
“I woke up in a pile of brushwood, went to wash my face at the river when a fish bit my hand. Then I came back. All the rest I don’t know myself either.”
“She’s coming after me.” Bawarag pumps his fist with a grin, causing Amni to shoot him a glare.
“Let’s get you changed. It’s almost time.” Amni takes her hand.
“Time for what?”
“You’ll see, but let me tell you, you can’t show up like this.” She just says, pulling Sanora along.
They stop by the weary traveler to get a fresh set of clothes for Sanora and head on to the river.
“Alright you have to tell me what happened with that fish now.” Amni asks as they walk to their usual washing spot.
“Ah that. It’s pretty simple. I was drinking at the river because I was thirsty. When I was washing my face, a fish bit my hand so hard it was hanging on there and so I bit it back. Right through the spine.”
“And that’s why you are full of fish blood?” Amni snickers.
“Yep.” Sanora just sighs.
“Well, I’m not surprised after how much you drank last night. What was that all about anyways? I mean we usually party hard, but still not that hard.” Amni looks into Sanora’s eyes a bit worried.
“Good question. To be honest I don’t even know that anymore.” Sanora says, holding her chin.
“Guess that’s not a surprise either. I’m sure it’s gonna come back with time.” Amni just shrugs it off as they arrive at their usual spot.
“Right, let’s get you presentable.” Amni cracks her fingers and looks over Sanora expectantly.
Sanora knows what comes next, but she hesitates. She has never felt nervous bathing around Amni, they usually go together, but her heart is almost beating out of her chest now. Slowly she takes off her top.
“Your hair is going to be a good stretch of work too. Better hurry this along.” Amni ushers her over to the water. The cold nibbles at her face as usual while Amni is trying to get the twigs out of Sanora’s hair.
“Hey Amni, I need to ask you something.”
“Shoot.”
“Have you ever been in love?”
The fiddling in her hair stops for a moment.
“To be honest, I haven’t. You see it’s a thing with gargoyles: We have one partner throughout our life and that’s it. Some guy who studies magic told me once why that is exactly, but I hardly listened, and I remember even less.”
“Wait, you can only fall in love once? And then that’s it?” Sanora turns back to look at Amni, who nods.
“It doesn’t mean I can’t have fun; I’ve had plenty of that in my life. It means however that there is only one really special person for me somewhere in this world. And once I meet her, we’re either destined to be together for life, or I’m out of luck.” Amni chuckles wryly.
“But that’s kind of sad, isn’t it?” Sanora gives her a doleful look.
“It may be, but that also makes it all the more romantic don’t you think?”
“I… guess so.” Sanora turns back to look at the river again.
“To think you are already asking about stuff like this. I know they say children grow up too fast, but now I finally get what they mean.” Amni sighs.
Sanora furrows her eyebrows. ‘Child?’
“Right, you aren’t getting any prettier than this. Let’s head back, shall we?” Amni gets up and holds her hand out.
“So, what’s this all about anyways?”
Amni just smiles at Sanora as she takes her hand.
Everyone is gathered at Sanora’s house, dressed in their cleanest dirty clothes even. Sanora is in front of it next to Karan, the rest of the workers as well as Amni and Bawarag are standing around in a half circle.
“It’s been two fortnights already since we had the pleasure of welcoming you in our humble little village.” Karan starts.
“And with joy I can say that today we can properly welcome you, Sanora.” He hands her a hammer and a single nail with a smile on his face. She takes them a bit confused.
“Here in river’s rest, we have a small tradition. The one who will live in a house is always the one to finish it. And so today you will sink the last nail in your house and make it a home.” Karan steps aside and gestures at a blank spot on the doorframe. Sanora looks at it, then at Karan and the rest of the villagefolk, all watching with kind smiles.
“I don’t even know what to say.” She feels her eyes getting wet.
“You all have been nothing but kind and welcoming to me, a stranger. I can’t thank you enough for all that you have done for me since I came here. Without you people I would have been lost long ago.” She sniffles a bit, looking at the hammer and the nail again.
“We have to thank you, haven’t sold this much ale in years.” Laughter resounds from the round as Borg throws in a joke.
Sanora chuckles too and with a deep breath turns to the house again. It is a small log cabin with three rooms and a cellar. It’s not big or luxurious, but as cozy as it gets. And thanks to the wood coming mostly from Sanora’s new land she has paid only 20 gold, a fifth of what a normal house in a city would cost.
She sets the nail and with a few swings sinks it into the wood, finishing her home under cheers from everyone around. They all come around to congratulate her and once again welcome her to the village. Genny and Borg gift her a basket with some herbs and salt, Precious salt, saying its good luck in a new house.
Bawarag gives her a hard pat on the back.
“Congrats lass, you’re officially a grown, independent woman now. And to officially mark the end of your training I want you to have this.” A faint light shines in his hand and a second later a necklace pops into existence. It’s a black star with a white crystal in its center. Sanora takes it carefully, looking at the beautiful jewelry.
“This is for me? I don’t know what to say, it’s so beautiful. Thank you.” She beams at Bawarag.
“She would have wanted you to have it, I’m sure.”
“Who would?” She raises an eyebrow at Bawarag, but he just waves her off.
“A story for another day. C’mon, put it on.” He says. Sanora lets the topic rest for now. She slides the necklace over her head and looks down at herself.
“Ohh fits quite well.” For once Sanora does not have half a heart attack when Amni suddenly appears behind her again.
“One of these days I will give you a smack if you keep doing that.” Sanora shoots Amni a glare.
“Hey, I was just admiring the view, no need to be so defensive.” Amni raises her hands in front of her.
“I’ll let you off today since I’m in a good mood, but don’t expect that to happen again.” Sanora points at Amni, a slight smirk on her face.
“I’ll keep it in mind, O’ Sanora the fiend.” Amni says.
“Watch your tongue, or have you not noticed that I am now Bawarag certified?” Sanora crosses her arms.
Bawarag sighs.
“Please stop it girls. There’s others who want a word with Sanora today too.” Bawarag Butts in and looking around Sanora notices that there really are quite a few people she hasn’t spoken to yet.
And so, everyone gets together and makes merry, talking about whatever comes to mind. In such a small village it’s hard to find topics that aren’t already known by everyone. After yesterday’s escalation everyone decides that it’s a good idea to call it a day early for once. After all, Sanora is about to sleep in her house for the very first time, and no one wants to stand between her and her bed. Much less so after she had slept in a pile of brushwood the night before.
Genny is the last one to leave. They had talked about mostly trivial things for a good hour after everyone had left. Genny sharing some of her cooking tricks and simple recipes as well as tips for the oven. How to best stack firewood, when to throw in fresh wood…
“And you see, that’s why preparation and cutting the wood to small pieces is way more important than the actual tinder.” Genny finishes her lecture with a smile. Sanora had tuned out a bit in between but still caught at least some of it. She just slowly nods at the girl in front of her.
“I’d love to tell you more, but I think I should head back and help father at the inn. Invite me to dinner sometime will you?” Genny smiles at Sanora.
“Of course, although I can promise the food won’t be half as good as yours.” Sanora laughs, scratching her head.
“You’ll get there don’t worry. Alright then, I’ll see you tomorrow. Sleep well.” Genny says before heading back to the village. Sanora looks at her until her figure disappears behind the trees. The sun already grzes the moutinas by now. With everyone gone the quiet that Sanora loves so much has finally returned to the clearing. All she can hear is the whistle of the wind, the river, and the occasional bird chirping in the distance. She closes her eyes, taking a deep breath and listening to the forest for a second. But her inner peace is ruined by the aching feeling in her chest, the nag in the back if her mind always telling her something is still missing. With her moment of peace gone she sighs and enters her house.
She stands in the kitchen doubling as the dining room. On the left is a stove and a work surface below a window. To the right at the wall stands a big table. Chairs on one side, a bench on the side where the wall is. To her right at the wall is also the door the the pantry and sotrage room. In there is also the staircase leading down to the cellar. Sanora just heads straight through the kitchen and through another door enters her private room where her bed is. The furniture is consisting of the barebone basics. The bed, a nightstand, a closet and a small oven is all she has for now. The bed stands under to window to the right. She can see right into the forest outside, and from here even the tips of the western mountains. If it wasn’t for the trees, she would see all the way to the village. In the corner of the room, at the foot of the bed stands the small oven for heating, since it gets cold around this region in every season save for summer.
She lets herself fall into the soft sheets. It is quiet. She can’t remember the last time when she was properly alone. The inn is often noisy, even during nighttime. And for the past 40 days there have always been people around here working, or Bawarag training with her, or it was simply Amni who had come to hang out some. But now she is alone again, and she is bored already. She had put some thought into some suitable hobbies to pass the time, but nothing was really speaking to her. And if she spends it carefully the gold she still has will last her years to come, so she doesn’t have to work either.
She pulls herself out of bed again just to throw her chainmail into the closet and unbuckle the sword from her belt before laying down again. The branches last night were many things, but not a good bed. She closes the window shutters and rolls herself into the blanket, putting off the search for a hobby to tomorrow.
Morning rolls around. Sanora sleeps in long, the sun already standing bright in the sky by the time she decides to get up and about her day. She takes a walk to the village looking around for something to do. Something to pass the time. She greets the others as she walks through, stops by the weary traveler for a quick chat with Genny. She has wandered through the entire village not even an hour after she started. She is sitting on the old well again, looking up into the sky with a bored expression on her face.
If this is how every day is going to be she needs a hobby soon. It is almost akin to torture being this bored. And it hasn’t even been a full hour. She slaps her thighs, enthused to find something to do instead of just sitting around. But she stops in her steps when she hears something from that well again. And this time she is sure it’s not the wind. Sloshing echoes from the depths, as if something is hitting or writhing in the water. Her hand already rests in the hilt of her sword as she slowly steps closer and carefully looks down. Its dark but for the smallest moment she can see something move down there.
“Oh shit.” She mumbles and takes a quick step back.
“This cant be good.” She turns and takes of running to the weary traveler, hoping to find Bawarag or Amni.
She rushes through the village, not noticing the odd carriage parked in on of the alleys and practically falls into the inn. To her relief Bawarag and Amni are both there, sitting at a table with two other people. The first one is a race Sanora has never seen before. His skin a dark, swampy purple, his ears long and pointy. He is wearing tricorn on his head, a light stubble on his chin, and his light leather gear is finished with a big backpack. An iron cutlass hangs on his belt. But the other one draws her attention even more. It is a chameleon, but not a normal one. This one is a good meter and 50 centimeters tall, walking on two legs and holding a staff in his hand. On his head sits a pointy hat and he is clad in robes. Slung over his back is a black sword which looks oddly familiar. But Sanora ignores it as she is drawn in by his face and his eyes darting around the room without his head moving at all.
‘First the well and now this. Seems like this day isn’t going to be so boring after all.’ Sanora thinks and can’t hide a grin as she heads over.
“Amni, Bawarag, found some new friends?”
“Ah Sanora, good timing.” Amni pulls another chair to the table and beckons her over.
“These guys said the are searching for something here, what was it, new monsters?” Amni looks at the group again.
“That is right. If I may introduce ourselves, -“ The Chameleon speaks first, takes his hat off politely and bows his head.
“My name is Tiktaq'to, traveling merchant, adventurer and the treasurer of this small group.” He says with a smile.
The next one to speak is the man with the purple skin.
“Greetings, my name is Shyrrik Aframail Aithlin Yesralei. This group’s healer. Please, call me Silas.” He extends his hand out and Sanora shakes it without hesitation. She is almost a bit disappointed that his skin feels exactly like any other. She was half expecting it to be cooler, or maybe smoother than hers, but nothing.
“Pleased to meet you. I’m Sanora. I moved here recently. So, Amni said you are searching for something?”
“That’s right.” Tiktaq’to nods as he puts his hat back on.
“We are here to document monsters for our employer and have come out here in search of some rare or hardly known species.”
“It seems like fate steered you here then, I just came because there is something down in the old well. That something you might be interested in?”
The adventurers perk up.
“That does indeed sound peculiar.” Tiktaq’to nods.
“Would it be possible for us to investigate it?”
“Of course, I’ll come along too since I’m worried about it myself.” Sanora says with a bright smile.
“Oh please, it’s probably just a flock of bats or something.” Amni says, earning a bit of a glare from Sanora.
“Well, what if it isn’t? It could be a danger for the village.” Sanora crosses her arms.
“You know what’s really dangerous?” Bawarag chimes in with his typical Bawarag grin.
“The lack of alcohol on this table. Genny, bring us a round!” He shouts into the room with laughter, Amni joining him.
“You guys are helpless.” Sanora pinches the bridge of her nose and sighs.
“Very well. I think the three of us will be more than enough to handle this.” Sanora crosses her arms.
“So do I. Let’s meet here again tomorrow after we prepare?” Silas suggests.
“Sounds good. I have to get my gear in order as well.” Sanora nods.
“Well then, ‘tis already late so I say we waste no time.” Tiktaq’to’s chair squeaks as he gets up.
“Silas, let us head back to prepare for tomorrow.”
“A wise decision. Miss Sanora, it was a pleasure to meet you.” Silas tips his tricorn again. Once they are through the door, Sanora jumps up from the table, rushing past a confused Genny who is carrying a tray of mugs, and darts out the door.
“What about the drinks?” She asks, but Sanora is already gone.
“Don’t worry Genny, if they don’t want it, I’ll gladly take it.” Bawarag waves genny over with a grin. She just shrugs, bringing him and Amni the five large mugs.
Sanora throws open the door and storms back into her house. She has never been this excited in... ever! Ever in this case being forty days, but still. An adventure is and adventure, and one is waiting for her.
She must have gone over her armor and her sword a dozen times, tying to pass the day. She even found a rope in the storage. She is now lying in bed, waiting until sleep finally claims her. She can hardly wait for tomorrow, but the excitement does her no favors in falling asleep. So, for a painful hour she just lies in her bed, giddy and unable to sleep, rolling around until she finally manages to drift off with a smile still plastered on her face.
The next day rolls around, and Sanora jumps out of bed with the first rays of the sun. She throws on a fresh set of clothes, her chainmail on top and with a skip in her step makes her way to the weary traveler. She is beyond delighted to see the two already waiting out front. She takes a breath to calm down and hide her excitement a bit, but she still can’t help but smile as she walks over to the two.
“‘Morning.” She waves at them.
“Ah good morning, Lady Sanora.” Tiktaq’to does a curtsey.
“Good morning. I hope you slept well.” Silas nods at her with a smile.
“Quite well yes, and please drop the formalities. I’m no lady or miss, just call me Sanora.” She tells them.
“If you will call me Tiktaq.” The giant chameleon smiles at her.
“The same goes for me.” Silas adds with a friendly smile.
“Alright, ready to climb down that well?”
The adventurers nod and Sanora walks ahead. As they walk next to her her eyes fall onto the black sword slung over Tiktaq’to’s back again, and that it looks rather similar to her own, the only difference being that Tiktaq’to’s sword has three guard rails instead of four.
“Say Tiktaq, where did you get your sword from?”
“Ah yes, that wicked thing.” He half sighs.
“We got it form a wayfaring smith as a part of a trade. Her name was uhhh…”
“Midiira.” Silas speaks up. “She said that she would give it to us for free if we tell her what the enchantments do the next time we meet. But let me tell you. This thing can be horrendous. Here, have a look.” Silas takes out something from his backpack and holds it to Sanora.
“That’s cheese. Why is it formed like a chain though?” Sanora furrows her brows and reches out to touch it.
“Because that’s what it used to be.”
Sanora pulls back her hand.
“It used to be a chain?” She asks unbelieving, but Silas nods.
“An iron chain. We tried to cut it with the sword, and this is what happened.”
A cold shiver runs down Sanora’s spine. She wants a lot of things, but being turned to cheese is certainly not part of her plan.
“That sounds horrendous indeed. I was just curious because mine has some similarities. But if you just received it recently that doesn’t add up.” She holds her chin and thinks how the swords could be connected. But it just doesn’t make any sense to her. Even is the structure is similar she knows no one named Midiira, and unless she is the exact same person that made the sword that Bawarag has had for centuries it's just a coincidence.
“Well, If you want to know more why not visit the smith some day? As Silas said her name is Midiira. White hair, about your size and intense, silver eyes. She was on her way back home towards Rel’unkoir when we met her.” Bok tells her.
Sanora just nods slowly. She has heard of the large city cut into the mountains, but not a lot. All she knows is that in the days of old it was the last frontier of humanity in the ancient wars.
“Thank you Tiktaq, I’ll have to think it over.” She smiles at him as they arrive at the old well.
“Here we are.” Sanora takes the rope and ties it down before throwing it down into the darkness. A splash echoes up the stone walls as the rope hits the water.
Tiktaq’to peeks over the edge and swallows.
“After you.” He steps back, letting Sanora take the plunge first. Sanora nods, stepping up she pulls on the rope a few times before descneding into the depths.
With a splash she lands in the ankle deep, cold water. The air is chill and humid, vines crawl along the walls all around her. The constant sound or dripping halls through the place. Sanora’s eyes pierce the darkness, letting her see into the small cistern ahead.
“Oddly big for such a small village.” She mutters. A hallway extends from the end of the room ahead, taking a sharp turn to the right. Silas is the next one to come sliding down, followed by Tiktaq’to.
Silas takes out small torches from his backpack. Sanora turns him down when he wants to hand her one.
“You can see down here?” His eyebrows quirk up.
“My eyes are pretty good yes. Been like that since I was born.” Sanora shrugs.
“Well, I wont complain, saves us two torches.” He grins at her, handing one torch to Tiktaq’to and packing the other two again.
“What about you?” Sanora asks Silas while Tiktaq’to lights his torch.
“Dark elves have natural dark vision. But I haven’t heard of humans with the same trait. Perchance you have dark elves aamong your ancestors?”
Tiktaq’to’s torch starts burning with a hiss. They start their advance deeper into the old construct, the splashing of their steps echoing off the walls.
“Could be, but I wouldn’t know of any, I don’t even know my parents.”
“Oh, my condolences.” Silas lowers his head, but Sanora just waves him off.
“Ah don’t worry, Amni and Bawarag are my family now so I’m good.”
Silas looks at her perplexed for a moment, but it quickly turns into a smile again.
“Then I am glad to hear. You know my ancestors-“ Silas suddenly goes quiet, stopping on the spot as he looks ahead. Sanora follows his gaze and in the darkness spots it too. A vine growing out of the wall. This one, unlike the other ones, is as thick as an arm and moving around like a tentacle.
“What’s going on? What’s there?” Tiktaq’to looks out from behind Silas, trying to see ahead. But the torch’s light is too dim.
“It looks like a living vine.” Silas draws his cutlass, Sanora unsheathes her sword.
“So, what we are searching for.” Tiktaq’to swallows nervously.
“Allow me to take the lead this time.” Silas says and approaches the writhing growth without waiting for an answer. He studies it carefully for a minute, looking at the tentacle intently. He finally nods and raises his sword over his head. He swings down, the metal bites into the plant and cuts it off clean. It falls into the shallow water, writhing around despite being chopped of.
“It’s not dead yet?” Sanora asks as she warily approaches Silas and the tentacle. Something about its movements makes Sanora curious. Maybe it is still alive because it has water?
“Bawarag and Amni should probably see this. Do you mind if take this one?” She asks the other two.
“I am sure we will find more where that came from, go ahead.” Silas nods at her. She bows down and after a second of hesitation grabs the still wiggling plant.
“Let’s see if it will survive until Bawarag and Amni see it.” She mumbles as she stuffs it into her satchel.
“Let’s get to the bottom of this. Look, the bricks are dented where this thing grew.” Silas points at the wall where a line of bricks is dented outwards.
“Seems like there really is more where that came from. It was a good call to investigate, at this rate the village could be in real danger.” Sanora says with a grim look and walks ahead.
After a Tense few minutes of walking through the dark halls they reach another turn. Sanora looks around the corner and finally sees the literal root of the evil. Ahead is a large room, in the center a giant plant with thick vines spreading out from it in all directions, burrowing into the walls and the ground. A good dozen arm-thick vines are moving freely through the air around the plant in the middle, feeling the surroundings.
“Now that is not your average room plant.” Silas whispers as he studies the plant.
“What’s the plan?” Tiktaq’to whispers nervously. Sanora scans the room, gauging their options.
“I will go first and distract it with fire, you two try to head for its core.” She proposes. The other two think it over for a moment and agree.