The group moved through the market, their focus on gathering what they needed for the trip above all else. Basic supplies were a given— rations, ropes, tents, and a small supply of medicinal paste.
Samuel picked up a bottle of insect repellent with a wry grin, joking about how it was to keep the real monsters away. Edwin, ever the cautious one, insisted on adding oil and flares to their stock, reasoning that it was better to overprepare than regret later.
With their packs full, they stopped briefly at the guild to officially register their quest before heading out of the city. The guild worker gave them a polite nod as they took the parchment, wishing them luck. The three of them exited Vesta's bustling streets and made their way toward the forest.
The journey was uneventful, the path winding gently through the valley. Rolling hills and patches of wildflowers created a peaceful scene that stood in stark contrast to the bustling city life.
The fresh air and open space seemed to put Samuel in a good mood, and he filled the time with lighthearted banter.
"So, think we'll run into anything big? Maybe a bear? Or more goblins?"
Seraphina rolled her eyes remembering how annoying the last forest trip was because of the bothersome goblins— they were one of the more common monsters, and because of that they were simply annoying to deal with.
"Let's hope not. I'd rather not spend the night fighting."
Edwin, walking a step ahead, chuckled softly.
"If we do, at least you'll get to practice that aura control of yours."
The group stopped to make camp halfway through the journey, the forest was a day away, and moving during the night wasn't a good idea. So, when the sun began to dip in the horizon they stopped in the valley.
Samuel set up the tents while Edwin prepared a small fire, and Seraphina took a moment to scan their surroundings. It was quiet— too quiet for her liking— but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
They ate a simple meal before settling in for the night, taking turns to keep watch— but the night passed by uneventfully.
By the time they reached the forest the next day, it was already noon— the towering trees loomed overhead, their thick canopy casting moving shadows that shifted with the sun.
The occasional rustle of leaves caused by the wind did little to ease the eerie atmosphere— but it was just in their head.
Seraphina stopped at the edge of the forest, her violet eyes scanning the dense greenery.
"Something feels... off."
"What do you mean?"
Edwin asked, his silver eyes narrowing as he glanced at her.
"I don't know."
She admitted, frowning slightly.
"It's just a feeling. But there's definitely something strange about this place."
"Great."
Samuel muttered, resting his hand on his blade as if to comfort himself.
"Love a good creepy forest."
The group began their investigation at the forest's edge, splitting into a loose formation as they searched for signs of activity— but they never drifted too far from each other. They were close enough to get to one another if anything were to happen.
As they searched around, all they found were broken branches, claw marks in the bark, and an unusual lack of small animals— it wasn't anything too outstanding, but it was odd.
"It's strange."
Edwin remarked, crouching near a set of claw marks as he discussed with the others that had gathered back.
"Signs of movement, but no creatures. Not even a bird nearby."
Seraphina nodded, her gaze sweeping the area, she tried seeing if her eyes— given their special nature— could pick up on something out of the ordinary, anything at all, but nothing stood out.
The absence of creatures made her uneasy.
Despite the lack of clear evidence, they decided to move deeper into the forest, trusting their instincts that something was amiss, combing through the forest in a deliberate pattern to ensure they didn't miss anything.
The dense greenery and uneven terrain slowed their progress, but they pressed on and after some time, they stumbled upon a grim scene.
Bloodstains covered the ground, dark and dried, leading to shredded clothing and broken weapons that were scattered haphazardly. The area looked like the site of a violent struggle, but there were no bodies or remains.
The group instinctively drew their weapons, ready for an ambush or attack in case something happened.
"What do you think happened here?"
Samuel asked, his voice quieter than usual.
"Whatever it was, it wasn't good."
Edwin replied as he scanned the area with his eyes, not seeing anyone or anything that could attack them— but he didn't lower his guard.
Seraphina knelt by one of the bloodstains, her eyes narrowing as she examined the area.
"Dried, and no bodies."
She murmured as she kept investigating the area.
"No tracks leading away either. It's odd, maybe they survived?"
Before they could draw any conclusions, faint voices reached their ears— guttural and harsh in a language that didn't make sense, accompanied by the rustling of leaves.
Seraphina's head snapped up, her ears straining to catch the sound but she could tell right away that it was unmistakable— goblins.
"They're coming this way."
She whispered, standing quickly and motioning for the others to follow her lead.
"Hide."
Samuel looked ready to argue, but Edwin gave him a firm nudge toward cover.
"Better to watch first."
The three of them slipped behind a cluster of bushes and trees, lowering their bodies to the ground and covering themselves with some sand to blend in.
Seraphina crouched low, her sword held tightly in her hand, as the voices grew louder.
The goblins emerged moments later, a small group of five trudging through the underbrush with crude weapons slung over their shoulders and mud all over them.
Their green, leathery skin was filled with boils and disgusting blisters— she could even notice a few wounds on them, nothing too big but it was obvious.
One of the goblins barked guttural orders at the others, his twisted yellow teeth protruding from his mouth.
Seraphina's eyes narrowed as she observed them, trying to figure out exactly what they were doing.
They didn't seem disorganized— they moved as if they knew of this location to begin with and were clearly here to pick up the remains, so she questioned why.
She glanced at Edwin and Samuel, her expression questioning whether they should attack or continue to observe.