The trees of Obitus Forest had already lost their leaves to the fall season which left the forest looking eerie. The dark lifeless branches of the trees bent oddly and stretched gnarly limbs seemed a foreboding message at what laid ahead. The sun was beginning to set and Ezra had his reservations about entering the forest and resting. He knew the werewolves would be watching them and the thoughts made him uneasy especially if they knew of the queen's orders.
Lily sat from her place in the cart freaked out by the forest. Ravens sat on the branches their red eyes following them with curiosity. Lily shivered when one particular raven made eye contact with her before crying out and flying away. The shrill cry had startled Lily so bad she had retreated her whole body back into the cart not wanting to look out anymore.
Torin who had saw the startled jump of the black haired woman let out a chuckle. He didn't understand why everyone was so jumpy about this place it's just a forest. He watched Ezra's expression that had changed from easy going to worried the moment the path led them through the eerie trees. He knew the werewolves lived here so the forest obviously was inhabitable and not cursed like all the people seemed to act like.
Torin's eyes drift to Lara and he watches her study the path while her horse moves at a steady pace. They hadn't talked since the attack but he knew they needed to. He had saw the tear stains on her face and the worry that had almost seemed to great for her to bare. He felt guilty for even thinking it possible that she didn't love him. The face he had saw on her when he had regained consciousness was that of someone terrified of losing their loved one.
As if sensing Torin's gaze Lara looks back to the cart and sees his lingering stare. A small smile makes its way to her lips and Torin's lips automatically raise in the same happy gesture. They loved each other and he knew that when the time was right they would start a family and settle down. He wanted nothing more than to be with Lara for the rest of his life.
Tarrow feels like most of the group, freaked out. Each rustle of a branch made him want to pull out his bow and arrow though he resisted. Torin's face would show to gleeful if he acted on his fear and he would hackle him about it for the next week or so. He had been dreading this path on the journey because he had been told stories of this place in his youth. He remembered being around the campfire while his grandfather told the story of the cursed forest. Legend had it that the Obitus Forest was Death's hunting ground. Many people magical, part beast, or ordinary wound up missing without a trace. Death would pick through the travelers and drag them down to his realm where they would stay trapped for all eternity. Tarrow's own aunt was one of those unlucky people that had went missing.
"Okay guys I think this is far enough for tonight we will set up camp for the night", Lara says stopping her horse and dismounting. Ezra, Lily and Tarrow share a look of unease which causes Torin to roll his eyes and call them a bunch of babies. Despite his bravado though even Torin didn't venture very far from camp either. The group works together some laying out sleeping sacks while the others fix a hot meal. Torin entertains by telling them another amazing tale about the Celestial palace. His eyes grow bright when he mentions the place of his birth.
After everyone has ate to their stomachs content they all gather around the fire for a bit of bonding time. Everyone tells stories of their birth place, all but Lily who has no idea where her birth place is or who her family even is for that matter. She does her best not to be to bothered by it and enjoys listening to her new friends.
Tarrow is from a village about a week away from here called Rending. His family were of the lower class and growing up food was not always a promised commodity everyday. When he turned twelve he decided he would provide for his family if no one else could. He practiced with a bow night and day till he was able to hit whatever he shot at. He kept fresh game on his family's table and had won the title as best shot in his village.
After his parents had passed away his village held little value to him. Then he had saw Lara, Ezra, and Torin. They were dealing with an ogre that had wondered from the mountain that was attacking his village. He remembers seeing them take down the ogre so effortless and the thanks they received from his village. He wanted to do something like that. So he had followed them and after badgering them for two months they gave him a chance. He helped them with their next few quests and became a permanent fixture to the group.
Lara and Ezra had been born in the castle. They were the son and daughter of the queen's personal sorceress. They had never wanted for anything growing up and even grew up with the crown prince who would be taking the throne from his mother soon. They had requested assignments from the queen that would take them out of the castle which was a taste of freedom they had never been allowed before. They had since accomplished over sixty assignments from the queen and the pay they have saved up would last them for the rest of their lives. However they still had the thirst for adventure so retirement is the farthest thought in their mind.
Lily doesn't even want to know what she had done before considering how the dark spirit had possessed her. She was treating this opportunity as a new life, a chance to help people unlike the ones she had probably hurt without her knowledge. Laying their heads down to rest they each try to sleep though unsuccessful.