Colliding Worlds

Under the Stars

The group had set up an orange fire that glowed brightly in the storm. They had also set up a tent to keep the hail out. The hail continuously knocked on their tent, asking to be let in with each attempt becoming louder and more violent. The group slowly roasted salted meat and drank from water canteens that they had filled up at the inn.

"So. Anyone have any stories to tell? The night is young but it is long in the snowy regions," Hiyoto said.

"What?" Terran asked.

"Terran. During that battle. I saw you use a sword technique commonly used by Holy Knights. How did you do that?" Hiyoto questioned.

"I-I did? I didn't notice. In the moment I was just furious more than anything. I thought that anger is something that you have to remove in order to channel holy energies through your sword."

"Well, that is true. I saw you use Pyre of Judgment. It's a sword skill commonly used by novice Holy Knights. The reason for that is because unlike all other Holy Knight spells, Pyre of Judgment requires only magic energy. However, because it does not use holy energies, it costs far more magic energy than normal Holy Knight spells."

"Ahh. I understand now. So I didn't tap into the abilities of a Holy Knight did I. I just used magic energy to form an attack against that gunslinger."

"Well, that's not true. A spell like Pyre of Judgment is a spell used by advanced priests and low level Holy Knights, so it is very possible your skills are beginning to grow into the category of magic."

Terran stayed silent.

"The stars are nice, aren't they?" Terran asked Hiyoto.

Hiyoto was a little surprised that Terran had completely ignored his statement and instead made his own.

Hiyoto paused a bit before saying, "I suppose they are."

Everyone did not speak. It was peaceful for once in the group's adventure. There were no bandits, nothing to rush after, just a crackling campfire and the starry moonlit sky. The breeze was calm. Everyone slept well that night without any rude awakenings.

 When the group awoke, the fire had gone out and the sun had risen in the now blue sky.

Terran got up first, followed by Hiyoto, Balk, and finally Puro. All of them left the campfire and tent standing. Terran wondered if it would eventually serve as a shelter for someone else, so he removed the charred wood, replacing it with enough firestarter and dry wood to start a new fire.

The group marched. They walked swiftly across the plains, being rejuvenated by the night's rest and food they had roasted over the fire. They walked and the snow kept falling. It didn't stop. Eventually they had reached a location where light was not reflected off into space. They had reached a stone fortress.