Elandria, The Web of Destiny

Chapter 7 (Survivor) - Revelations in the Dark

My weary steps echo through the narrow tunnels as we navigate our way out of the underground passage. The lingering scent of burnt mushrooms and the acrid stench of the hidden drug trade make the air heavy around me. My sword feels heavier, not from the fights we maintained, but from the knowledge that we were venturing deeper into a world fueled by greed and addiction. I can't shake the unease that clings to me like the dampness of the cavern walls. Every step we take seems to echo the choices that led us here, a labyrinth of decisions that now threaten to enable us in a web of dangers.

Leaving the cottage behind as we continue, I overhear a hushed conversation between Navirah and Tiamus. Navirah's voice, like a soothing melody, tries to calm the turbulence of Tiamus's thoughts. He winces as she gently examines his eyes, the spores from the myconid still lingering in the corners. "Tiamus, it's going to be alright," she assured him, her voice as steady as a calm river. "We've faced worse challenges before, and we'll get through this one as well."

"I still don't understand your affinity for these people." He remarks, still frustrated and not at all regretful of those who may overhear his remarks.

"I get it, but they DID get us out of there safely, no one died, and we're one step closer to being done here and you can get your money."

"It's not JUST about the money.... It's also about keeping you safe." I watch from a distance while we walk, a silent observer to their exchange which ends abruptly, Navirah's pale face turning a light pink with a shy blush.

The dynamics within our group are still unfolding, each member finding their place in this motley assembly. I might actually be able to use their help to track down the Icebear dwarves if they could learn to work well together. As the day unfolds, we find ourselves in a small clearing on the side of the road. The sun casts dappled shadows through the trees, offering a momentary respite. Saemon immediately sets out his bedroll next to a log which he happily sits on and immerses himself in the ledger he found, taking his time to unravel its secrets. Peyt sets herself up on a moss covered rock, while the others find various spaces mostly to themselves and I start work on a fire for some semblance of warmth.

While I'm gathering twigs and sticks around the clearing, Lisle begins to stir from his unconscious state. The three rescued guards can't resist the opportunity to taunt him in his consciousness, their resentment palpable. "Look who decided to wake up! Still think you can play the tough guy?" Jared, one of the guards, sneers, his eyes glinting with anger. Slim, another of the 3, adds "Maybe you should have kept a better eye on us Lisle, Now YOU'RE the one in chains." His stoic nature keeps him level headed, focused on maintaining some ounce of dignity. He ignores the jeers for the most part which only stokes the fire of revenge from the guards. Jared balls his hand into a fist and looks like he's about to blow at any moment. I feel the necessity to step in "Enough you three leave the crook alone. He'll be easier to carry if you DON'T kill him." The men, startled by my command, begin to settle down, and the party finds a moment of peace after the taunts. The rescued guards, though still angered at their former captor, start to let go of their feelings momentarily.

As the fire flickers on, the air grows tense, a quiet anticipation of the unknown. I sense a sudden disturbance in the stillness of the eve. The crackling of twigs and rustling leaves intensify, and abruptly our peace shatters once again. A cacophony of howls and giggles pierce the night, and a pack of rabid hyenas burst forth from the bushes surrounding our sight, the largest of which stands almost as tall as Tinkerer, following behind it nearly a dozen other smaller hyenas come into the clearing. The party quickly scrambles, preparing for the unexpected assault as fast as they can. The three guards swiftly stand -to. They branish the maces carried by the ruffians running the underground drug ring we dispatched earlier this day and form a protective barrier around the still-bound Lisle.