A shadowy evening

by Gael

I’d like to say the rest of our journey to Latebra Velora went relatively smoothly. But that sadly, would be a stone cold lie.

The trouble began as we left the Lorewood and entered the wetlands. The weather had taking a turn for the worst. And so had Luke’s mood. For days now, he had been haunted by an overwhelming sense of dread. It robbed him of sleep and also made him flinch at every passing shadow. As if he was stalked by something unseen, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

In stark contrast, his sister Hayley was, for lack of better words, positively chipper. She even had a spring in her step as we drew closer to our destination. The difference between the two was quite striking. And, in truth, a little amusing.

That said, Luke wasn’t the only one struggling. As I too was having a hard time As the thick undergrowth was proving quite challenging to navigate. A rather embarrassing failure, considering that sort of thing is supposed to be my specialty. A sharp reminder not to get too complacent, I suppose.

Things came to a head one evening when Hayley and Luke clashed over whether or not we should make camp atop a small hill. Luke insisted it was a bad idea, as he had a bad feeling about the place. Whereas Hayley was convinced he was simply being dramatic.

To ease the tension, Liliana and I volunteered to scout the area. Finding signs that the hill had been used as a campsite many times before. But what was more intriguing was what lay beneath the shrubs.

A small wooden altar and a weathered menhir carved with ancient runes. And based on its condition, quite old indeed. After a brief inspection, Luke determined that the altar once belonged to two ancient forest spirits, Brother Stalker and Sister Willow. Names I’d only heard in myths and campfire tales.

With the sun sinking fast, we decided it would be wiser to stay the night. As It was already too late to search for another suitable site. Still, out of caution, Luke and Hayley each left a small offering on the altar to appease the spirits. For sites like this often retained their power, no matter how ancient they may be.

That power made itself known when the blood from Luke’s offering was instantly absorbed, and the meat began to rot before our eyes. In hindsight, that should have been our warning. That we should have listened to Luke and his judgment. But as you’ve probably gathered by now, we tend to learn our lessons the hard way.

It happened during the second watch. Hayley and Liliana woke us as the shadows themselves came to life. Eldritch shapes, composed of far too many eyes and mouths, slithered out of the dark. Shadowy tendrils reaching in all directions as they slowly swarmed towards us.

Thankfully, Luke’s barriers, our lifesaver on numerous an occasion, held them back for a while. But eventually, the creatures managed to slip through and drag Liliana and Alistan toward them.

Fueled by days of frustration, Luke responded with a fireball, blasting away at the horrors. Signalling our counterattack. Hayley quickly used her skills to assist Liliana and Alistan in breaking free from their would-be captors. Who then received a much deserved lesson in pain.

After a long and brutal fight, we finally drove them off. Allowing Luke to reinforce his barriers afterwards, wearing a well-earned, and slightly smug, “I told you so” smile. As the rest of the night passed without incident.

That is, until morning, When Hayley discovered a small doll resting on the altar. Its wrist adorned with a charm bracelet. With a soft smile, she gently picked it up and tucked it into her pack.

But as I said, we wouldn’t understand the full consequences of that night until much later. For now, we simply continued on our way, thinking little of what had just passed.

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A shadowy evening

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