The night grew.

A pitch black filled the sky.

Only to be pierced by rays of far away light.

Wind had brought a gentle breeze across our camp.

Rumblings from across the land snaked into the air.

Roars of power filled the sky.

Quakes of force were felt in the earth.

We weren't the only ones daring to test the strength of our realm...

Resting near the edge of a lake, our temporary home held everything we needed.

In one section the officers held their tents.

This is where most discussions and guild meetings were held.

Each tent held an assigned officer who overlooked any given section of our operation.

Even though it had only been a short while, Enrich had worked his way into the section.

His tent being the one that always held a candle flame, no matter if it was day or night.

He was always up to something.

His passion burned hot enough that the embers carried down the camp and lit those around him.

Glancing over, I noted that indeed his candle burned hot.

Walking down the path I am met by the artisan's quarters.

The backbone of our operation.

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Whilst they may not slay the beasts...

if it weren't for their crafting, we wouldn't be farther than normal delving dungeons.

As I walked farther into their section, I began to hear the frantic hammering of our blacksmith, the complex chanting of our enchanters, the sizzle and pops of our battle chefs cooking, and the undescribable noises from our alchemists altering with the physics of our realm.

No matter the time, they worked.

Infected by our Raid Scholar who frequently brought them textbooks filled with battle potions, meals for buffs, runes for battle, or better weapons for specific encounters

Gears rolled and clicked into place.

Who was I to run away from my duties, if my men never shy away from their own?

Has Robert ever told me a blueprint was beyond his understanding?

Yes...

But it never meant he hadn't tried and when that failed....

Tried again.

I owed it to my men.

So, I walked on.

Past the crafters nest I traveled down a winding path that took me to the lakes edge.

Here resided our raiders.

Target dummies and training armor and weapons scattered the grassy edge.

Like rocks of the earth, everything was thrown around.

Wizards had formed a bridge of ice from one end to the other.

One that sparkled and reflected the blue of the lake.

Then, when met my the morning rays, joined the lake.

In one corner of the lake, the healers practiced their chants alongside the bards.

Filing the air with peace.

[Song of Respite]

Eased the souls of wary men.

Beating of hooves sounded in the distance

After a few moments, the tanks and warriors appeared from around the bend.

Muller at the front, leading their jog.

Collapsing as they reached camp in an exhaustion that could be felt.

My bones ached at their ache.

Muller screamed for a rest, but not an end to their late night exercises.

I smiled at the guild I had grown to love.

I continued my walk with a grin and a bounce to my step

Walking past the river's edge, I took myself into the forest area, dense in trees and shrubs.

You would miss it if you hadn't the eye.

Focusing mine to another shade.

I was able to pass into the camp hidden by shimmer.