Searching
Logan and Remy had decided to make camp relatively close to their enemies’ trail, despite the inherent risk involved in doing so. Logan was confident that their main base was still relatively far away, so the danger was mitigated to be cautious not to be spotted by the nightly scouting parties.
For their shelter, the two had managed to find a massive Oak tree that had branches wide enough for the companions to pace back and forth upon. Using dirt, sticks, and Logan’s rudimentary knowledge of building structures, a small cover between two higher boughs that would theoretically keep the elements off of their heads as they slept.
At one point before deciding on this plan, Logan had asked Remy what he used to do in the Inaug forest. The Rizzel’s answer had shocked Logan slightly, as Remy had said that he couldn’t remember his life before very clearly. Logan thought the marked improvements to his mental acuity may have been too much for his memories to properly transfer, but he was just guessing at this point.
Regardless, eventually Remy had remembered the holes and burrows he would use to stay safe at night, but the two quickly realized that Logan’s size made that option untenable. Instead, in the hours before nightfall, the two went to scout out their newly claimed territory, checking in on the terrain.
It was mostly the same as the rest of the forest the companions had explored. Lots of large trees, only occasionally broken up by large boulders or hills. They scouted around in a hundred yard perimeter, finding nothing of real interest in the meantime. The only thing of note in any direction was the enemies trail that led on winding into the distance.
Eventually, Logan and Remy would follow that path, although Logan technically didn’t have a reason to do so anymore. Regardless, he at least wanted to know what his friends would be up against, and who knew, maybe Logan would end up joining the other side if it looked fun. At this point, however, Logan had already found himself disillusioned by the military lifestyle, and doubted a change of scenery was enough to shift that.
Currently, however, the two companions got ready for their cold, hungry night.
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As Gregor entered Princess Lille’s tent, the first thing he noticed was the scent that filled his nose. It was wafty and floral, while instinctively calming his heart, which Gregor hadn’t even realized was elevated.
After parsing the perfume, Gregor noticed the Princess, seated in a similar fashion to before. However, there was a difference this time, as Gregor caught a whiff of a different scent. A banquet table had been arranged in her highness’s tent, covered in delectable delicacies which wafted wonderful aroma’s. With such a spread out in front of him, Gregor struggled not to salivate at the sight.
“Welcome, please have a seat, Captain.”
It took Gregor several long seconds as he slowly came to understand the words the Princess had just spoken. It was a slow process, mostly because the meaning had to sink through a thick layer of disbelief at his scenario. Eventually, Gregor managed to stammer out a reply, and hastily take a seat.
As he did, attendants entered from a side flap that Gregor hadn’t been aware of, pouring them full glasses of a deep, red wine, before exiting through whence they came. At this, Princess Lille raised her glass, and gave a small toast.
“To the Hero of Langst Harbor, and his endless patience in dealing with my brother.”
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Gregor wanted to protest against that, not because of any falsehoods, but because Gregor was worried about the consequences of agreeing to such a thing. However, any words he may have had were irrelevant as the princess had already lifted the glass to her lips, drinking heavily. To not offend, Gregor mirrored her, also drinking deeply from his glass.
The wine was smooth, and refined. Surely it was a much nicer vintage and less watered down than any Gregor would be able to drink otherwise, so he made sure to savor the full flavor as it slid down his throat in bloody waves. As he sat his glass down, now empty, he noticed the Princess’s gaze directly on him.
“Now, let us discuss business.”
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As Gregor had dinner with a Princess, Amar chatted with a Goddess.
“...know that you want me to look for Logan. I’ve already gone on one scouting detail, and I’m signed up for several more. Unless you want me to trek out by myself, there is nothing I can do.”
‘I know dear, I just don’t think you quite understand that boy’s importance. No matter, I’m sure he’ll be just fine. How have you been lately, my dear.’
Amar had been just fine recently, acclimating to life up at Fort Errstile rather well. Although not as well as Gregor had, absconding with Royals at seemingly every opportunity.
However, she could also admit, it could have gone worse, as Logan had so thoroughly demonstrated. Instead, she had managed to find the middle group she supposed, so Amar couldn’t be too unhappy.
“I’ve been doing quite well, thank you for asking. How about yourself, Goddess?”
‘Mhm, well I’ll manage, certainly. I would be significantly more assured if you knew Logan’s whereabouts…’
“Well, as I’ve said numerous times, I’m doing everything I can!”
Amar’s outburst caught the attention of several other Legionnaires using the thoroughfare. She had the dignity to look embarrassed, but she still continued, whispering forcefully.
“Please, Goddess, enough of that, I understand.”
‘Alright, dear… I understand as well.’
Amar felt bad at snapping at the Goddess, considering she had been nothing but helpful, but still, Amar needed to set some boundaries, especially if Selerys could just pop into her head without any warning. Forcing Amar to hear the same things on repeat, without any recourse would be unfair, Amar thought.
‘Alright, then dear, take care of yourself, please.’
“Of course, Goddess.”
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Logan woke up normally, the next day. No visions of the Void had occurred, and instead, Logan felt well rested for what was the first time in a long time. Although he was increasingly aware that he didn’t need sleep, Logan still found it to be great for his mental, and physical health. His back felt better, even if it wasn’t significantly, any improvement would help Logan and Remy’s situation.
However, as much as Logan thought he was no longer bound by sleep, there was another necessity that desperately needed to be taken care of.
“Grrrmmmrrrrr…”
Logan’s stomach was making its desires well known as the morning sun managed to find the small holes in their temporary cover. Remy as well was making his thoughts on the matter heard, even if only mentally.
-Need food!-
Yeah buddy, me too. Let’s go see what we can scrounge up, shall we?
The two companions teleported their feet back to the ground, avoiding climbing the twenty feet back to the earth. Instead, they set out a measured pace, careful to avoid aggravating Logan’s injuries. Any further setbacks would see them eating whatever greenery they could find, which was a good way to get poisoned.
No, the companions needed to find some filling food as fast as possible, without any further risks. That need almost drove Logan to investigate the enemy camp, but he wasn’t sure about their overall strength, or his ability to steal food unnoticed.
Instead, that meant that Logan was following after Remy, using his nose to sniff out some dinner for today. The two companions were crouching through bushes, and teleporting through trees as they tried to track down some grub. Remy’s sense of smell was powerful, but not precise, allowing them to find tracks and trails easily, but not the current location of many of the animals and residents of the forest.
Eventually, though, they stumbled upon their prey for the day. Staying close to their current tree, the companions looked down upon an injured stag. Dried blood caked one of its sides, accompanying an obvious limp. Logan felt bad for what was surely a majestic beast, but life wasn’t always kind.
Feeling the yawning chasm in his stomach, Logan didn’t think he could afford to be kind either. Spinning up a pattern in his soul, Logan prepared his teleport down to the stag.