Waking up I find myself on the fur bedding of the tent and realize it’s still pitch black. Thinking about it, it was around 1:00 PM when I logged in, so that means it’s currently 2:00 AM here.

I get up and see Elizabeth stretching out on her bed snuggling against the furs. Ignoring her I make my way to Rachel’s bed and see a note on her bed.

‘I got you a ride out of town prepared. Remus told me you all had apparently caused some kind of ruckus with the church. As a small convenience fee though I did take 100 coins. Stay safe and if you ever want to meet up you know my number. Lennie and I have a place we want to explore further east. Stay safe!’

As I finish reading the note I feel something grabbing me and soon I’m in Elizabeth’s arms as she rolls around with me on her bed. I try to resist but I’m too weak compared to her so I can only groan as I’m at her mercy.

“You’re so soft Briana. It’s so nice to be able to pet you!”

The flap to our tent opens and the guys stare at us in confusion.

“What are you doing lass, we need to get out of here don’t we?”

“Teage, help me, Elizabeth won’t let me go.”

“You two go get Remus I’ll take care of the lass.”

They nod and walk off as Teage easily pries me away from Elizabeth. She protests my removal, but Teage somehow staves her off and sets me off got the side.

“Come on princess, we gotta get moving.”

“But we just got back!”

I pay her no mind as I make my way to the wagon. Checking it over it’s packed full of supplies and looks ready to go. John and Matt carry over their things and pack them in as Teage is dragging Elizabeth out of her tent.

“But I don’t want to leave yet!”

“Quiet down Elizabeth. We need to leave and we’re going to Myrkvior.”

“Myrkvior? Where is that?”

“It’s a large forest to the north. Matt says he thinks he remembers something about that place.”

“Remember? What do you mean why hasn’t he told us?”

“It happened when I did my test with Matt a couple days ago. Though we still do not know if they memories have any meaning. That’s why we’re going to go check them out.”

Elizabeth lights up thinking of the possibility of what this means.

“Does that mean you could try it on us?”

“No Elizabeth, it’s tasking on both me and the person involved. I don’t want to risk it until we verify it better.”

“But, we could all have some memories though, right? Maybe it could help explain how we all came to be!”

Teage pushes her forward as he walks towards the cart.

“Stop bothering the lass princess. We can debate this when we are on the road.”

“But don’t you want to know how we all came to be? This could be the answer!”

“No, I honestly don’t. Knowing how we all came to be doesn’t matter. We’re bound to Briana and we can’t do anything about it.”

She looks conflicted but doesn’t press it further and goes back to gather our things as Remus walks over to me. He looks tired but ready to go as he addresses me.

“Welcome back, I’m guessing we’re going to be leaving?”

“Sorry Remus, I didn’t expect to be gone for so long. Certain matters have been keeping me busier than I expected.”

“It’s fine, but I hope you have a plan at least. You are a wanted person you know. Staying here isn’t an option now. The people here would gladly harbor you, but I fear for their safety should we do so.”

“We’re headed towards Myrkvior. Matt wants to investigate something there and I’m guessing the church doesn’t have much influence there.”

“That is true but there is a good reason why though. That place is full of dangerous monsters and the few people that do live there aren’t really known for their hospitality.”

“It’s a risk we'll have to take. Anywhere safe is going to have more people looking for us. The good news is that I think I have a plan to help us when we are traveling.”

“Very well, I’ll let the owner of this place know of our plans to depart. She said she wanted to offer you something as a token of goodwill.”

“What is it?”

“She didn’t say. I’ll be right back.”

Elizabeth comes out with our few belongings. I help her load them into the cart as I see a woman walking towards us. She is a wolf dressed in a beautiful robe and she is carrying a bundle in her arms as she approached me.

“Hello divine one my name is Lupa, and t was an honor to have you stay with us. As a gift to keep you safe on your journey I would like to offer you this.”

She then unwraps the bundle to reveal a bow. But, when I study it better I see that it looks almost exactly like the bow from Lyn’s memories.

“Its name is Mulagir, and it is an ancient bow that helped defend these lands. I would like you to have it to defend yourself during your travels. May it help guide you on your journey.”

“Thank you, I don’t know what to say.”

As I grab the bow my hand brushes against hers and I see a young girl looking up to a tall man during a large festival. Snow is lightly falling around them all while laughter is heard all around. I can’t name the place but the people and the leader remind me of Jacob.

Did she know I was part wolf or was it because I was a divine? I look up at her and swear I see a look of pride on her face as I take the bow.

“Stay safe young pup, there are many dangers yet to come on the coming road ahead.”

She then turns and leaves as I try to grasp what had just been exchanged. John stands next to me looking at the bow.

“That sure was nice of her. This bow looks really well made. You ready to go?”

“Yeah, I was just surprised that’s all.”

“She definitely was a beautiful woman. We’ll have to properly thank her the next time we come back here.”

We then all get in the wagon as Remus guides the cart out of town. I test my illusion powers to mask our cart as it leaves to garner less attention. Feeling that I have an extraordinary larger amount of mana than I did previously. With it taking almost no effort to fully cloak the whole cart in a subtle illusion.

When we exit the town though Remus asks us a question.

“Do any of you have good night vision?”

Teage sits up at that looking at Remus.

“Yeah, why do you ask?”

“You mind taking the reins then. I can teach you as we go, but I’d feel better if someone could both see the road ahead and drive.”

I’m confused as he says this as I didn’t know he had good night vision. But I guess it’s a racial trait of dwarfs or something.

Watching the hills go by I see some animals wandering the dark plains as the wind flows across the plains like a wave. I feel a sense of calm as we make our way north. As things are calm and quiet. Well, I say quiet, but the others are still messing around in the dark.

“Briana, come here I want to hold you!”

“Let me go Elizabeth!”

“But you’re so soft! Can’t I use your tail as a pillow?”

“NO my body is not a pillow!”

“Quiet down you two. You’re both distracting me up here.”

Matt chops Elizabeth lightly on the head and she grumbles before finally leaving me alone.

John is sharpening his sword as the moonlight reflects off his blade. He sheaths it after he is happy with his job and turns to Matt.

“So this Myrkvior. What is this place like Matt?”

“It's a home to both elves and ancient creatures. The nature mist of the forest and the dangerous creatures that live within it deter outsiders. Within this place, the elves have made a home high in the trees.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

I think I studied with the elders in magic and was sent off to explore the world and gain new knowledge for our kind. It is considered an honor as few are ever chosen, but when I left I was soon caught in something and all I remember after that is being chained to Briana.”

“So not much.”

“Unfortunately yes, all I know is some vague ideas of what awaits us and I hope that with time maybe more will come to me.”

Teage looks disappointed but doesn’t press him further. He turns to the side and picks up the bow I was given before we left inspecting it.

“I wonder why that woman wanted you to have this bow?”

“I think it has something to do with my lineage.”

“Lineage? What, were you related to her in some way?”

“Possibly.”

Elizabeth looked as confused as Teage turning to me.

“How is that possible?”

“My father is apparently the leader of a tribe of wolves in the north. I’m his bastard daughter after Velouria seduced him apparently.”

John laughs as I say it out loud.

“So, your not part dragon also are you?”

“I sure hope not, I’m having a hard enough time keeping up with this.”

“Well, you sense anything from this bow?”

Teage hands me the bow and I hold it inspecting the craftsmanship. It seems to have an intrinsic design carved into it. For what purpose I’m not sure. I pull the handle of my sword out a bit and soon Lyn appears next to me.

“Know anything about this bow Lyn?”

Matt looks confused as I say this.

“Who are you talking to. No one here is named Lyn.”

“She’s a spirit that lives in my sword.”

This reminds me of my daily life and talking to these guys. People thought I was going crazy before I realized it. Luckily they believed it was just a phase with imaginary friends.

“Is there any way to make it to where they can see you Lyn.”

“If you add some mana into the blade I think I’d have enough energy to properly manifest I believe.”

Got plenty of that. I add some mana to the sword and Lyn appears sitting next to me.

“See here she is.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”

“The pleasure is all mine Lyn.”

Ignoring John I show Lyn the bow and she slowly inspects it running her hands over the engravings.

“It’s Mulagir! How did you find it! I thought this was lost in the battle. To think it survived all these years!”

“So what exactly is it?”

“It’s a special bow that enchants arrows with the speed and power to pierce dragons. I was entrusted with it by the elders as the chosen leader of our people to lead our people against the invading dragons.

When I ran out of arrows I had no choice but to discard it and pick up my Sol Katti.”

John looks interested and points at the sword I have behind me.

“Sol Katti is that the sword Briana is using right now?”

“No, that is the Mani Katti it is a sister sword to the Sol Katti. Though a strong a sharp blade it isn’t made for slaying dragons like its counterpart.”

“That reminds me, do any of us even have arrows to use the bow?”

I turn to Matt and realize he was right we didn’t have any which just made this bow a fancy piece of wood.

“Either way it should come in handy in the future when we find some arrows.”

“Well, now that we have some time to ourselves how about we get to know each other Lyn. Your company would be an oasis in the desert that is my heart.”

Why did he have to act so cringy? He did realize she is dead right.

“I’m flatter but you do realize I’m dead right?”

“We both are my love, lost souls cast into the wind finding each other by the luck of God himself.”

My heart sunk as he said this. I never really thought about it but are they actually dead? Having no body except for when we came here they really were no different were they.

Elizabeth, on the other hand, smacked him over the head and he holds it while she starts yelling at him.

“We aren’t dead you dolt. One day we’ll have our own bodies I’m sure of it.”

“But he does bring up a good point, doesn’t he? I mean are we dead or in some kind of limbo.”

Matt had a point we hadn’t really thought about it that much but does this mean?”

“Does that make me a necromancer?”

Elizabeth comes over to pet me. Trying to reassure me everything is fine.

“Of course not! These idiots just want to stir things up when they shouldn’t.”

I try not to think about it and watch the countryside pass by. The rolling plains are decorated with the occasional animals and people traveling across the rolling grass. The rising sun being blocked by the occasional cloud sparing us from the sun’s harsh gaze.

John keeps trying to hit on Lyn but she just ignores him as she stares out at the plains. I swear I saw a smile on her lips as she looked out. Probably happy that her efforts to preserve this land succeeded in protecting its beauty and people.

Matt thankfully tried to divide John’s attention but was only mildly successful. Elizabeth kept rubbing up against me to the point that I decided to play a trick on her and use an illusion on her to think she was petting me a good distance from me.

The others gave her weird looks but I think they understood what was happening and I was glad to not have her all over me.

Teage looked to have also gotten better at driving the wagon but we still had Remus take over once the sun had risen high enough for him to see.

On the whole, the ride was enjoyable and by afternoon we had risen to the top of a small hill and I swore I could see large trees in the distance.

“Well how about we give the horses a break and have some lunch.”

I was about to agree with him when all of a sudden I felt something hit my chest but looking around I couldn’t see anything. I then felt something repeatedly rubbing my shoulder and a message appeared.

‘Body is being messed with. Logout it highly suggested.’

“Sorry Remus got to go I promise we’ll be back by tonight.

‘Logout’

Everything fades away and I see Jack on top of me shaking me. I shove him off and he lands on the floor. I take off my helmet and set it to the side before turning to him.

“What the heck is wrong with you Jack!”

His ears lie flat as he looks at me.

“But you weren’t waking up. What is that thing anyway.”

He points at my helmet but I ignore his hand and stand up making my way to the door.

“If you want to wake me up you can gently shake me awake instead of trying to ride me like a horse!”

Opening the door I see Evelyn with a mischievous grin on her face. I quickly spawn a body double before diving out of the way just in time to see my double being carried off into the sky. Jack is running straight after her and tackles Evelyn as she goes out an open window and they bow tumble to the ground. Sure glad that wasn’t the real me.

I then see Azalea down the hall with a concerned look on her face at what I guess is her seeing me falling with them.

“Azalea I’m fine that wasn’t me.”

She turns to see me on the floor and comes over quickly to help me up.

“Thank goodness you’re okay. But how are you here? I saw you go out the window with Evelyn.”

“Kitsune are illusionists. I just played a little trick on them.”

Looking outside I saw the ‘three’ of them being separating by rising roots from the ground and Ms. Oak appearing in front of them. I then cancel my illusion before turning to Azalea.

“Let me guess it’s time for dinner? Let’s go before they come looking for me.”

“I think they have a lecture to sit through first so you don’t have to worry. Her lectures are quite long.”

Azalea starts to walk ahead and I catch up with her.

”That’s comforting to know at least. I’ll have to make sure to lock my door next time so that they can’t get in.”

As I walk with her to the cafeteria I see her looking me up and down. I’m kinda confused and off put by it.

“Why are you looking at me like that Azalea? Is something wrong?”

“Oh, no, it’s just, you don’t have any other clothes to wear right. So I was just thinking if any of my old clothes might fit you, and any possible alterations I’ll need to make due to your physiology.”

“My what?”

“Your body, though, I might have to make you some from scratch. I don’t think our proportions are close enough.”

“But, we’re roughly the same size though.”

“I also think that the colors I wore won’t match well with your colors. Besides, it’ll give me more practice so don’t worry about it.”

“But I don’t need something custom fit. I just need some basics. I found a way to change back so I was planning on going back to being Brenner tomorrow.”

She stopped and turned around looking at me confused.

“Wait! You can turn back!”

I stop in surprise before nodding.

“Yeah, it takes a lot of magic to maintain, but -“

“No!”

I’m taken aback by the sudden outburst as she continues to talk.

“I mean, this is your true form isn’t it? Why do want to change back so soon.”

She was right, why did I want to go back to that form. I mean this is my true form. But, when I think of my family and I look at my current form it feels wrong.

“I feel like it’s unfair to my parents.”

She seems confused for a second not sure what I mean before she realizes what I mean.

“That’s right, your parents don’t know about this do they.”

“No, and I’m conflicted about what to do. I have two lives and I want to live both of them but I know I can’t.”

She doesn’t know what to say for a second before she responds.

“You could at least try to get used to your true form. I mean you lived your whole life as someone else so why not enjoy being you. I mean nothing says you have to stay like this when you see your family.”

I nod as I understand she is right. I guess it’ll take some time to come to terms with it though.

“Besides, I can’t lose my muse now can I.”

“What do you mean?”

“I have some ideas I’ve wanted to try out and I think they’ll look great on you!”

Oh, that’s what she meant. Am I really that great of a muse though?

We then made our way to the cafeteria and had dinner. When we had finished I saw Evelyn and Jack finally come in looking at the floor tired from their lecture. I gladly slipped away before they could notice.

Azalea then asked for some measurements so she could begin making my clothes. She also handed me a few simple dresses after quickly altering them so I’d have something to wear for tonight and tomorrow.

I thanked her before making my way to my room and adding the dresses to my wardrobe. It felt wrong looking at them in contrast to my bigger clothes. I changed clothes before jumping on my bed turning to my helmet.

As I reached for it I heard a knock on the door and I bolt up running to the door to see who it is. I open the door a peak to see Ms. Oak standing there with a basket in her hands.

“Hello Briana, all settled in? I got you this since it looked like you had packed in a hurry.”

I opened the door all the way as I accepted the basket to find it full of toiletries. There were towels, soap, and an assortment of other goods, and by the looks of it, it is all handmade.

“The girls’ bathroom is on the left and the guys’ bathroom is on the right. Also, you don’t have to worry about Evelyn. I’ll make sure she stays out of the bathroom while you’re bathing.”

“Thank you, it will be nice to know I won’t have to watch my back.”

“She’s a handful I’ll give you that, but she’s a good kid. That goes for Jack too, they just need to learn to calm down. Have a goodnight Briana.”

“Thank you.”

Taking the basket I made my way to the bathroom and found it to be situated like a dorm bathroom with individual showers. After taking a shower, and figuring out how to wear a towel correctly as a girl. I laid out on my bed refreshed.

Now let’s go see what exactly Myrkvior has inside its deep forests. Maybe it’ll help explain my ‘companions’ situation better.