The Knot of time was close to passing, it was time for the four to rejoin each other for the adventure once again.
Two of the four had already returned with their bounty of the hunt, Alister with two cormun and a rabbit slung over his shoulder and Sebastian with a large bird seemingly a wild Pheasalt (as you might have guessed most comparable to a pheasant.)
-Alister-
-outside the moment-
It hadn't been very eventful with me and Seb alone, it was at that point we saw Eden stumble out of the brush, With a large tigreir slung across his back.. "What was it that made you think we wanted you to arm wrestle a tigreir down, and why are you so hurt?" I asked him grinning at his catch. Eden stumbled it over to the spot we took up and lowered it to the ground with more of a lump than a set down, then sitting against a stone instead of the closer tree
"first, fuck you, second, fuck this overgrown magic cat. third, fuck these trees." Eden said with humor to it.
"Magic cat?" Seb interrupted us then and we both turned to him
"Yep. Magic cat, i got slung through a handful of trees by this prick. and the trees are harder than shit!" Eden had already started patching up all the scratches no doubt from the trees he mentioned, along with one solid slice on his shoulder easily identifiable as the tigreirs claw mark.
"So did you encounter anything magic?" Seb had asked me but the response we heard wasn't from me or Eden, instead behind us Corbin had shown up at the last minute saying
"No but i found an asshole." We looked to our surprise he was escorting the man we had met prior.
"Hey I'm not that bad" he said with a smile, At the time i had forgotten his name but soon he reintroduced himself. Oddly Seb seemed confused by Seth's reappearance but i thought nothing of it.
"I was trying to trap something, different.. but i got your friend strung into a tree. He was not happy with me" Seth said with a nervous smile to Corbin.
"I'm still not happy with you." Corbin said with a slight grin.
"Yeah Core but you aren't usually happy with people" Seb interjected and started to laugh before continuing
"Its a wonder you've managed to "Sheath your sword" before".
Corbin started to glare at Seb but before he could speak Seth spoke up
"I thought he used daggers, what about you, Care to store your staff or tell your stories?" Seth started giggling while Seb, for the first time I had ever seen, was blushing, hard.
"I-well" Sebastian started to respond but Eden interrupted, not unusual for him
"So do i place the Greatsword? Alister's handsy and a half with the sword? Do you get your bow touched?" Before he burst into near maniacal laughter. This lightened the mood and almost felt like we were all good friends despite only recently having met Seth. After some time had passed we got to work on preparing our new meals for travel, from the gutting and skinning processes to cooking and smoking various chunks of meat and putting them in special wrapping papers made to keep cooked meat safe for weeks. (The most likely case is they are made from a common dungeon monster item with some sort of preservative properties, Anendra does have similar preservation wrapping paper from a very popular but calm dungeon mostly commercialized for the easy to obtain materials.)
Night came and with it a meal, In hindsight i suppose we seemed to get along way to well for the group of four dead guys and the at the time new hunter. Although we had fun I found it interesting how much attention Seth payed to Seb, and that Seth was the only one of us to ever make Sebastian blush.
-Dreams-
-Dream one of two-
A young boy follows his older brother and father, they stop at the edge of town the boy adamantly pleading to join them. The father and brother tell the boy he must remain home as the two take on a dungeon venture in the newest and most unknown dungeon of the time. They tell him they will return in few months with all they earn, but they never do. Nobody knows what happened after they went into the dungeon, and the boy can only stay at home, grow stronger and venture through dungeons hoping eventually, that he will find his lost family or their bodies. if nothing else to return them home before once more taking up adventure.
-Dream two of two-
Two young men smitten with each other, one cold to all but the one to hold his heart, the other warm and happy, they experienced happiness across a many worlds. Though tragedy and problems come for all, a death, a liar and a mistake. A blade put in ones chest by himself seals the knowledge of his love. they meet again and again but the love is never remembered. the other can only hope that there is a way to remember.
-Conscious-
-Unknown-
-within the moment-
The group now five awakens rather close in timing on a new day. Some seem to have experienced something within the night mind but they won't speak of it, they have other things to focus on much of which they are unaware of.
It was Alister alone who wished to sleep in
"Give me a knot..."
"We've all slept enough, its time to pack up and get to town."
"Seb is right its time for adventure!" Eden grabbed Alister's sleeping bag and starts pulling on it though it isnt doing much to get Alister out of it
"Fiiine! let go you easily excited oaf"
Alister was quick to finish packing his sleeping bag and other items up, not faster than Vassana though. That one is ready for something more, stressed over something he knows.
"Anyways we're heading to Varrcca right?"
"Yeah, we uh.. we don't like bugs.."
"Huh I thought you being a fire user you might not worry about that but, they are creepy" Vassana seems to consider something but leaves it at that.
The five move fast, it doesn't take long before they reached the dungeon town of Varrcca. Architecture of brickwork and wood a large place with many people. The five walk with the air of adventure surrounding them, you could feel it if you were close enough. this group was going to seek and find adventure wherever they could for many reasons even down to simply for adventure. when they reached the Dungeon market it was quite nice still chaotic with the bustle of people but nice nonetheless, a fairly beautifully set up marketplace with stalls of beautiful varnished woods and waterproof canvases of vibrant colors that blended well with other stalls designs. Vassana once again seemed to shift considering something in his motions. Corbin sees it but decided against asking.
The Dungeon entrance was none other than the head of a crystal behemoth, similar to the one they faced in Avverth but different. a red toned and much sharper formed crystal structure, with what seemed to be flesh and bone in some parts. With four long green crystal spikes off its skull the shape was terrifying, mortals forbid it ever gained life and stood.
Sebastian took lead of the group before the open jaws of the dungeon
"Shall we?"
"Rush in and wing it right?"
"Eden id prefer we not rush, but wing it yes. ill accept that considering"
Sebastian finished with a laugh before turning to the dungeon
"Alright. Time for adventure"
The five enter the dungeon, the sensation so familiar yet so new to them as they look around, Crystalline walls and Bone like floors lights within green crystals sticking from the walls and ceiling. Thus they face the Varrcca dungeon.
-Vassana-
-outside the moment-
Looking back on it, I could have told them everything when I first found them, well, set up meeting them. I could have told them who and what we are, and Seb.. I should have told him everything. But I could not bear it after everything we had been through in lives past.
I didn't tell of anything for some time.
"Oddly pretty dungeon this one. Which way do you guys want to go first?"
"You'd be surprised Seth there are lots of pretty dungeons" Alister said as he drew his sword, in my homeworld it had been called a half and hand sword although I was made aware he calls it a hand and a half sword.
"Still, its pretty in a creepy way".
That was when dungeon monsters appeared, crawling from behind crystals and strewn about corpses, crystalline masses of sharp blue spikes, each was slightly different but all the size of hounds, they shambled more than ran at us but still quite fast. One jumped at Seb, I should have held back slightly but Sebastian was in danger. I drew my bow and without the time to load an arrow I cast a spell. It happened to be one of my older abilities, an arrow of bright light. Corbin almost seemed to glare at me while driving a dagger cloaked in a not to different light into one that had come after him.
"Outta my face you gremlin of a crystal!" Eden swung down a strengthened strike on a shambling crystal, turning the blade on its side and wrenched his body to his right raising the blade again and slamming it into one that was leaping towards Alister
"Hey that was mine!"
"Sorry, I was excited." Eden sheathed his sword and grinned at everyone. Corbin was still looking at me, I think I knew why at the time, but I also thought it could have been that I was using similar magic.
"Lets keep moving, Alister light a flame keep it going in case the crystal lights go out, Eden I want you vigilant but go ahead and have fun. Corbin, Seth since you two have similar abilities I want you working together Corbin assault and Seth cover him." Sebastian gave orders to each of us, the others just seemed to click into place as they got ready. It was really good to see his confidence was still with him. I got an arrow of light ready and put eyes on Corbin who was keeping in front of Alister but behind Eden. Eden is a tank, Corbin a rogue, Alister a knight, Sebastian a battlemage, and myself an archer. Surprisingly a solid team, although I'm not certain Anendra uses classes like this.
Sebastian kept behind the group and used supportive gravity magic spells, one that lightened everyone's bodies, and others to sideswipe or force down upon our quarry. I kept letting off bolts of light, Corbin using his daggers threw blades of light out at his targets, more varying crystal shamblers and even some crystal wolves mixed in after us as flame and strength broke through glassy bodies. Occasionally a wave of gravity magic brought something into perfect range for a light arrow to pierce true. The waves stopped momentarily, something small was after Seb, I almost turned to help when I heard the crack of a staff and cracking of crystal. Sebastian quickly returned to supporting the others while guarding the rear. a Knot of that had passed before the crystal shamblers and wolves let off, we found ourselves in a crystal and floral area to rest for a short time.
Part of me was telling me to stop them sit them down and tell them.. to tell them about Realmshifters. but I couldn't yet. not yet.
Sebastian took Corbin aside to look among the flora for useful herbs as Eden and Alister started a small fire, I felt a bit odd everyone else was used to going into dungeons as a team and working quick together. I decided to sort through items strewn about, damaged weapons and the like left behind over time, but sometimes there was an item in good quality among the items of waste. There weren't many good blades but there was a crystal, seemed like one of the light crystals so it went into my bag. Eden walked over towards me and picked up a broken sword
"I hate to wonder, but do you think these were bad steel? Or was the original owners magic not enough?" He set it down among the pile of discarded weapons.
"Eden, Id prefer to think that these blades are testaments to the effort of adventurers. If your blade ever breaks, don't despair but instead.. Look inwards and try to find the truest essence of yourself. Draw on that and keep fighting. I-"
"Ah don't worry about me, nothing in this world or the next or whatever could stop my adventures. Blade maybe, Adventure no." The crazy bastard was smiling, what's more he was happy. He might be ready to learn, but I'm unsure.
-Alister-
-Within the moment-
"I don't know what Eden and Seth are talking about but I need more entertainment than just my fire. Corbin you done over there?"
"Alister I'm trying to get a pot of tea ready, entertain yourself preparing it on the fire if you want"
"No thanks. Any food growing here?" Corbin got up and tossed something to me, I caught it and turned my hand to view what it was. He had picked and given me a small purple and blue fruit with a sharp box crystal texture.
"try cooking it, it might loosen it up and make it tender enough to eat."
"uh, thanks.." Once I had a moment to look at it again I grabbed my cooking spike and put it over the fire. (Alister had a Ferrier in Avverth make him a small steel spike with a saltwood tree sheath. A steel chosen specifically for its ability to deal with heat on an average basis.)
Watching the skin of the fruit pop and fizz worked to entertain me for a moment but it was starting to feel like a chore more than entertainment. "Alright I'm calling it good here" The fruit had started to puff out and lose its shape when I took my first bite. Sweet, not fruit sweet but like candy, like rock candy actually. Despite the warmth it had the consistency of a pear with that wonderful flavor. With a mouthful I had to say
"Chorbin, yjou need to try fis". (Personally I think he was exaggerating talking with food in his mouth but he did indeed have food in his mouth. As for the crystal fruit)
Sebastian was walking towards us both securing a bag of herbs to his belt
"How do you feel Alister"
"Oddly swell, I don't think its been long enough for any effects if it has any but I feel good."
I understand Seb's thinking, some magic fruits have effects that hit almost immediately. Seth and Eden sat down, I hadn't noticed them walking back over.
"So.. adventure anyone?" Eden was lifting his greatsword from a hole in the ground he'd stabbed it into, hefting it onto his shoulder with a solemn smile.
It wasn't unusual for Eden to hurry us into the fray for the fun, but the way he smiled was different. Not worrying but new nevertheless.
"Eden, Eat. Then we adventure."
"But we could eat while we adventure." Corbin chuckled at the response and tossed one of the crystal fruits to Eden before biting into one he had been cooking. Unlike me he finished the mouthful before starting up conversation
"Flavors good. Guess we have something to be thankful to vi-for." Everyone knew what he was going to say. Corbin still had resentment towards a god he already struggled to favor.
"And thus we enjoy it in spite of things else!" Eden stood seeming to slam into the full length of his height.
"My friends! let us feast let us weep and then we fight beasts!" A familiar fun came with the voice Eden put on, hopping around and swinging his sword while yelling of galivanting to the riches of adventure the men and woman one would woo and with his laughter and cheering echoing around, Not one of us held in laughter long. (Its interesting how well Eden's jokes or bits can change a moment for a happier one.)
When things had settled and the others ate we had begun to prepare for the next length of our adventure.
Eden looked like he was itching to continue, Maybe he's still thinking about the crystal monster we fought in our homeworld.. I can't say I haven't, but I'm not worrying. This time I'll fight no matter what.
(A Knot had passed before the group came across more monsters, large creatures that resembled a sea creature the people of Anendra call gel fish. Comparable to Jelly fish. The creatures core looked to be a diamond shaped crystal with a blue glow)
"Eden watch your left!" I had to duck to avoid a gel limb soon after calling to him, Sebastian was supporting Corbin and Seth across the room with three other large gel monsters while Eden and I had two seeming to be larger ones. I can only imagine the weak point is that core crystal but I have no proof yet. One lashed out and I tried to grab and pull Eden out of the way. I barely got my sword up in time to catch the blow and it still launched me. Rolling back up I tried to draw flames out, the flaming wings are sprouting slowly this time and its beautiful. Suddenly something struck me, I felt it, but how did I not see it. Shit.. I can't see.. Everythings flashing white.
"Alister, You know as well as I do that the council has ordered this boy dead." Teird had followed me with seven of his strongest followers, Aika wasn't ready to fight professional murderers yet. Somehow I have.. had to get him out of this.
"Who cares what the council wants. I'm done with them."
"Alister. It will only end badly. Just kill the boy and return with us."
This isnt me... This isn't what was just happening. What is this... its so familiar yet I've never once experienced this is homeworld or this world..
"Then die you fool." They fought and many died. The boy and this different Alister escaped. For some reason I feel.. or felt?.. Safe and cared for him. Like a little brother or family friend. I think it was a few free and fun years, but it didn't last forever.
"I.. I'm sorry Aika. I was too late..." Caussel was standing besides the corpse with a bloodied dagger.. I do and don't know him, but Aika was slain at his hand.
"The council orders a death, that death will occur. And there's an order for yours now."
"To hell with the council. To hell with this world. To hell with all of it." It felt like days before the fighting finally ended. I don't think I was able to raise a sword at that point. I don't even know who drove that spear into my gut. It hurts.. I can see the reflections of other soldiers, and all the corpses.. is this even my blood. I'm so cold. I was so fucking cold. And then I was back.
"Fuck! Alister you good?!" Eden Rushed the Gel monster that attacked me and tore through its Gelatinous body and the crystal within in a single full body cleave.
"Was I down?"
"No but you had me damn scared, Keep vigilant the others have their hands full the smaller ones are faster!"
"Sorry.. Left!" Eden started to roll his upper body when something flashed into vision from my right. I began to draw flames to my right side as I turned to swing, but I hit my own flames. Was I moving faster? No, It didn't feel like just that and im unsure how to explain it myself but its almost like, I'm more used to my own body? Despite that my slash still connected and cut fully through the Gel. I roused up flame and there was one of my new favorite feelings, wings of fire sprouting and raising. As well as a blade coated in bright orange flame for my next attack.
(I wouldn't say this is similar to how everyone's magic and vessels grew stronger upon entering the world. More so like muscle memory someone had repressed or forgotten came back. One might even contemplate that Alister had regained it quicker than most would.)
-Unknown-
-Outside the moment-
The five continued their dungeon delving, a unanimous vote was made to stay within the dungeon overnight. It would be preferable to leave a dungeon when night falls, one can rarely predict the outcome of the night as the dungeons change. They change in layout, monsters spawn and die off, and unexpected things happen until the morning. Why these five decided this once could speculate to be an act of defiance against luck, or maybe and act of inner anger? Whatever the case the group would be tasked with a night of trouble.