Recluse ( Lautrec X reader )

6. Shiva of the east

"I've heard all about you. I'm Shiva of the East, captain of the brigade. Let's teach you the clan basics now, as there is no time to chat in the midst of fighting. Except there's little in the form of rules, you hear?"
He began to walk as you followed him entering where Alvina and you were set. "I will be a shadow for this one."
Alvina growled. "Very well. Travel no further than one should."
Sheva continued on forth as you followed on his path that led down some stairs that circled once to make land.

"Fight and hunt as you like. Whoever's fastest gets the prey. That's the way we do it. Only... Don't forget what Alvina said. Traitors aren't given a second chance, for any reason. That's about it, then."
He spoke as you followed him around taking in the sight of the woods seeing small like mushroom people running around. Their form is so child-like. Their heads of red mushroom with no face.
"Sounds like I signed my death." You stated stopping to see a giant mushroom guarding a treasure chest.
"Don't worry, it's a good old time, isn't it? Great to have you with us. Good hunting to you. This will be your way out of the woods if needed." He showed you where to take the path that Lautrec took to bring you.

"Thank you greatly for this." As you stood at the edge of the cliff taking in the sight of the great woods. "If ever needed, meet me out of these woods. In the swamp of Blighttown you will find me."
You turned around seeing someone almost ghost-like camouflaged behind a tree.
"Ah, did you notice that one? Sharp eyes! He's one of the clan. From the East, like myself. Always slinking in the shadows, but he's a tough one. You'll see what I mean. Hah hah hah hah!"

Intrigued of all this you looked away back to the open land. The cliff far deep below disappears into the mist. "Very well. Mind if there are any transactions?" You turned to face the tall Sheva of the east.
"Ah, yes. Quiet the fast one are we not? Hehehe. What's wrong? Ahh, no way for payment. That is quite alright. We will have enough here to hunt."

You broke a sweat feeling like a fool and under the mercy of such a clan. Alone in the woods with these two. Oh dear, what have you gotten yourself into? And why would Lautrec have left you here? Yes you have a purpose for this area, but how would he have known this was your destination. You should take advantage and tread carefully. If Lautrec put enough good words out of you despite not knowing you well, then there must not be disappointments. Yet the doubt in your mind filled with the ideas that Lautrec had left you here in hopes for your death.

Looking down at your ring seeing it glow Shiva of the East laughed loudly. "It's our time. We have intruders. Let us get to work. Worry not, this will be your best introduction to our line of work." His heavy hand smacked your shoulder causing your body to stagger forward as you almost tipped to the edgy of the cliff. Swinging your arms around you looked back seeing him turn away.

Turning back to look over the cliff realizing how he would have had no regards of your safety. "Was his push intentional?" You wondered as you cautiously turned away and matched your way to the call.
---
Perhaps days.
Running past the large wild cats whose bodies would dwarf a bear their fur was too thick. They would curl into a ball and roll their way to attack.
Their claws are strong enough to send one with no poise flying. Their jaws as wide as a snake and teeth sabered to bite through armor. The wakening of the Ents, living bushes whose bodies were slim, tall yet fragile and will whip their enemies with their vines. They will over horde a party and cause severe damage. If one is to be caught in their slender arms they will enclose you into a tight embrace. Restricting your movements, their thorns and spikes will cause severe damage and even death.

If one is to defeat them and search their bodies one could find bloodred moss clumps, purple moss clumps, and the blooming purple moss clump. The bloodred moss clump assist one into not losing too much blood and stopping over bleeding. The purple moss clump will increase ones resistance to poisons and toxins. But the most helpful one is the purple moss clump that will cure and heal one of all poisons and toxins.

With your time in the forest you were able to farm enough resources to aid you in the journey. The odd creature known as the Frog-Ray was a blood red with dogs around their bodies. They were formed with the flat top body of a sting ray followed by the tail. Their faces resemble that of a frog that struck out a long tong that would whip one as well. Eyes large and colored as light green with the touch of yellow. They had two small front legs and long back legs assisting them in movements and burst out from the waters. Hostile and territorial they swarm their prey. Though not as fast and agile as the Ents.

Gutting them open their stomachs held the rare plant known as the green blossom. A green weed flower that nurtured one and increased agility. This plant is not easily found on land but when found in the gut of the Ray-Frog provided the idea that it is grown beneath the waters.

"Cheers!" Shiva of the East clanked his flask with others in the camping group. You could hear their laughter and chatter.

Soaking your feet into the waters feeling the warmth cover you from bottom to top. Letting out a breath of relaxation as your muscles smoothed out and all wounds and dirt to be washed away.

Taking in your surroundings it was an uneasy feeling. As if eyes were to be around watching. "Perverts." You mumbled sinking in deeper into the water to wash underneath.

Shiva has grown fond of you to the point he has his bodyguard watching over you. Though to you, it's more like he doesn't trust you. As charming as he may be you've learned of his little trades outside the forest. Barbaric things he does behind the the covenant of sanctuary. Even this covenet alone is not of truth. Lies, and more lies. The forest is a mystery as the ones within it. Alvina herself lies with no tail of truth.

This is not your destination. This is not your begining to the end. It is just but the journey. And it will result in your demise if not treaded carefully. Despite the companionship Shiva seems to show you more than others some compassion. With no history of each other everyone is like a blank slate. For all have commit a sin beneath their vows.

"Lautrec.." you spoke his name in wonders of the golden knight. Despite the disadvantages there is something far more to the man's history. One either of your stupidity of interest or of faith. If met again what would be his reaction towards you? Would he attack you? Would he be of a great comrade? Or would he just be another? He was imprisoned in the church after all.