29 Fyrva, 350BFD, 12 Ur
12 Ur: Southern Semi-Canopy, Shanvér Woods
"Before any of you ask why we packed up camp only to stop after a few minutes walk into the woods, please turn back and see how bright it is outside the forest," Findat instructed, "and compare that to what you're walking
into."
"Even my eyes need time to rrreadjust," Azachet admitted, "though not as long as the more paràntii here."
Naja, who had found a fallen branch just the right size for her to use as a walking aid, pressed it into the ground and took in the scents of the semi-canopy.
"My eyes don't tek long at all, as I often ‘av to look into a fire and out again," she explained, "I'll never get used to feelin' like they's going ta burn out, though."
"Well, if we had had more warning, then I could have created a salve or potion that could increase our sight in dim light," Veman complained, rubbing his eyes.
"If you can find the relevant plants while we traverse the woods, then feel free to do exactly that," Findat agreed, "but you will remember that circumstances meant we could not give anyone any more warning than they had."
The Elelup sighed and reached into a pocket for a small device, which he unfolded until soft clicks indicated every component was locked into position. He loaded a vial of liquid into it and secured that in place. Shenzàn looked down, appraisingly.
"Tranquillisers?" she asked, more to confirm her suspicions than out of ignorance.
"Indeed, Mair-Khryt. I am no weapons expert, but I can run away. If that is required, I would prefer whatever or whoever I am running from to be out of action," Veman shrugged.
"I meant no criticism, you did well to consider a method of self-defence."
Azachet sniffed the air tentatively then knelt down next to the botanist to take a deeper breath. Unnerved, Veman gave her a sideways glance, unsure of her intentions. After a few moments, she smiled, baring her fangs which, while friendly, did not calm the Elelup's nerves to any noticeable degree.
"I was just memorrrising your tranquilliser's scent, master Veman," she purred gently.
"W-was that s-strictly necessary?" he replied, finding her presence and piercing gaze unsettling.
"Absolutely critical," Azachet nodded, "I can smell poisons, but it is of little use if I cannot discerrrn our poisons from those of the creatures and vegetation of the wood, is it?"
"N-no, I suppose not."
"You have only put enough in there to render a medium-sized creature unconscious, yes?" Azachet asked, "we do not need to kill any animal in the woods, unless we are forced."
"Or 'ungry,'" Naja chuckled softly.
"I would suggest choosing verrry carefully which creatures you consider food here," Azachet warned her.
"I don't much care if a beast dies, so long as I don't," Veman insisted, "but I believe it should render a larger beast more
docile. As for food," he glanced at Naja, "the care Mair-Azachet explained about animals applies as much to the plants here too."
For a forest growing on fertile soil, usually the ideal combination to sustain life in all its forms, Shanvér also held traps for the unwary or uninformed. Tree roots and vines were said to be aware of trespassers, the occasional Ancient Tree was thought to roam within it and some plants had semi-sentient defences, such as the Vérian Wild Ginger, which could sprout poison-spitting flowers with sharp barbs that looked like teeth.
"They're
not teeth," Veman explained, "but don't put your finger inside one, if you wish to keep all of your digits."
Most of the group found that their eyes had now adjusted, and they began to peer deeper in and tentatively touch the trunks of the outlying trees. The canopy of Shanvér at their present location was not a total cover, but they did not doubt that the route in would be a different story. Findat, who had had plenty of time during his unofficial and unpaid work as a library clerk to read about such woods, did his best to bring that research to mind. Shanvér was thought to either be as ancient as, or possibly older than, the Forest of Doon, where the Red and Green-leaf Woodsmen lived.
But whereas Doon had an abundance of breaks in the canopy for the sun to shine though, Shanvér's three species of tree created an altogether different atmosphere. The
Bycha Zylva or Golden Beech, so called due to the colour it exuded when worked and polished, could only be found in Shanvér, making it a rare and therefore expensive wood. As such, only the wealthy could afford it, and due to the wood's reputation, very little made its way into the local markets. The
Petae Kerkae, or Stone Oak, grew well in areas of the forest with rocky soil. These areas were the lowest regions under the canopy. The last dominant species was the
Acé Ru'aszi, the rare Purple Maple and the only source of the leaves required to make violet tea on the eastern side of the Bluelight Ocean.
"If the denser trees are deeper in, there should be more breaks for the light, at least initially, no?" asked Vider.
"I'm afraid not," Findat shook his head, "we are standing on a higher level already, I believe. Much of the wood is on a 'lower level', which ought to be a concept you are all familiar with."
"Some aspects of home life would have been better remaining back there, but we don't approve of landscape remoulding. At least not in the wild. I am glad to have brought my lantern," Vider replied gripping it as though his life depended on it.
"Be awarrre that, in a darrrk place, light may scarrre some creatures away, yet attract others," Azachet warned, still knelt next to Veman, "you
have put the dampeners on your Crystal Lanterrrn, yes?" she asked, looking up at Vider, who nodded slightly.
"Admittedly I remembered at the last moment," he hummed in agreement, "but I did in fact remember. Thank you, though."
"You'rrre welcome," Azachet nodded, momentarily forgetting not all of them would clearly see such gestures now they were in Shanvér's shadows.
"I am beginning to see why you have chosen the team you have, Overseer," Vider said, turning to Findat, who shrugged.
"I did my utmost to accomplish the task, and I believe I found the best – yourself included," he reminded the sage, "I only hope I am worthy of your company," Findat sighed, trying not to let the creeping feeling of inferiority take over him, "and please, just call me Findat. I am honoured to have the role of Overseer, but I have no need to be addressed as Overseer except in the situations where it is necessary. This is not one of those times."
Vider bowed his head and smiled slightly, "as you wish."
Naja was shifting uneasily from side-to-side, trying to hum a tune as quietly as she could and ensuring her pans did not clang.
"Are you okay, miss?" Findat asked, frowning.
"Yessir," she affirmed, "I jus'
really need to get movin'. This standin' around meks me restless. Which way're we goin'?"
Findat checked that everyone was looking roughly in his direction and pointed into the woods.
"I believe we need to head North-North West," he softly announced, "naturally, there is no path, so please try to keep moving in the same direction."
Naja took a deep breath, pulled her makeshift walking pole out of the ground and smiled, glad they were moving on.
Shenzàn smirked and unhooked her axe, checked behind her then rested the shaft on her shoulder. Azachet stood and went to her side, unhooking her Rzarchprl.
"Rrrready?" she asked, to which Shenzàn winked.
"Girl, I was ready to get in there before we left the city."
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