[Aiden]

Surrounded by a lawn of grass on all sides, the humble inn sat comfortably near the center of Corantha. The first floor of the building sat a few feet into the ground, so that a short flight of stairs led downward into the tavern. Time had dulled the white brick into a dirty gray, and small patches of moss sprawled over the reddish brown rooftiles. A horizontal rod extended from a few feet above the entrance, and a rectangular sign hung off of the rod by iron circles. 'Lena's Inn & Tavern' were carved neatly into the sign and painted in a bright orange, and at the corner was the illustration of a winebottle and plate of food.

Aiden walked under the swaying sign and pushed past the heavy wooden doors. It was early in the morning, so the tavern lay empty with most of its chairs sitting facedown atop the tables. Still, a couple of tables were occupied with visitors chatting over breakfast, and Aiden quickly found a lone anyeli sitting by the windows. As he couldn't see any other anyeli who were female, white-winged, and dark-haired, he walked toward the petitioner.

She looked toward him as he neared, and as she stood, he held out his hand and smiled politely. “Good morning, I'm Aiden Roy. Pria, I suppose?” The anyeli was middle-aged, wearing travel clothes, and had tied her hair into a neat ponytail. As they shook hands, he noticed that hers were rough and dry, perhaps from the strain of frequent travelling.

“Good to see you, Aiden. How was your trip from New Alexandria?”

They had communicated via COM before meeting up, so Aiden wasn't surprised at her knowledge. “It went smoothly. A friend of mine happened to be travelling to the Duskies, so we rented tarochs and rode here. I got here yesterday afternoon, looked around, and spent the night at an inn a few blocks north...” As Pria motioned for Aiden to sit, he took off his backpack and set it beside his chair. He'd filled it with snacks, warm clothing, and a light blanket for nights when they'd stay outdoors. “So how's the caravan setting up?”

Nodding, the woman folded her hands upon the bare table and looked toward the window. “Our caravan is setting up at the stables, and we're waiting for one more escort. Well I hope you had a good night's rest. As I said on the COM, we're hoping to get to Danurai by Wednesday night or Thursday morning...”

Piper || kjherstin || dafont

[Isabel]

This wasn't like her at all. Taking a dangerous job, escorting a caravan and protecting it against what she was definitely sure to be dangerous fauna - and most likely flora - and travelling to some unknown place. It was so out of character for her compared to what she was when she was still human, and still living on Earth. She was bookish and mostly stayed at home. It was only on that night that she decided to go out, that one night she decided do something different. Never would she thought that on that particular night her life would literally change forever.

Now a vampire with newfound powers, Issy decided that maybe now she was given a different purpose. A second life to do things she normally wouldn't do to better know herself and what she can be capable of.

Issy arrived in Corantha yesterday, late in the afternoon. She was lucky she was able to meet a merchant on his way to Corantha with a caravan of goods and for a small price, she was able to hitch a ride. Not wanting to do anything once she arrived, Issy simply got something to eat and called it a night.

Waking up early the next day, Issy got ready -- donning a pair of black pants, black boots, a simple white tank top, sleeveless black vest, her trusty pair of arm warmers, and finally strapping her dagger to her waist with a brown belt.

On the way to the tavern, Issy took a moment to admire her surroundings. Though a far cry from what she was used to in New Alexandria, it nevertheless gave her a comforting and relaxing feeling. The soft cool breeze coming from the Dusky mountains, the rustling leaves, and even the crunch of dirt underneath her boots was comforting. It would be nice to visit again sometime without the pressing need of a job.

Issy took the steps down toward the tavern and upon entering, noticed that there were already a few patrons having their morning meal. It was easily noticeable who her current employer was being the only anyeli there. Another person was with her; male, probably part of her caraven or perhaps another of her protection detail.

Issy reached them with short quick strides and as she neared, she held out her hand in greeting, smiling. “Ms. Pria? Isabel Armitage, reporting for duty”

[Aiden]

Not one to just wait quietly, Aiden fidgeted in his seat. He mimicked Pria and looked out the window, observing as a fisherman carried a net of fish into his home. The fisherman wasn't very interesting to look at, so Aiden turned toward Pria. “I didn't think of this before, but will you need assistance coming back up from Danurai?”

It hadn't been detailed in Pria's request, and the thought just occurred to him. Since he was planning to stay in Danurai for a day at most, and would be returning to New Alexandria, he figured he'd ask. But the anyeli merely shook her head. “I do appreciate your concern. However, my caravan is planning to stay for a couple of days for business. We'd hate to keep you from returning home.”

Aiden nodded, and partly in hidden relief. He wanted to return to New Alexandria as soon as this thing was over, and he'd travel much slower while in a group than alone. If he'd stayed with the caravan, he'd have to call Theo as well to take another day off of work. His captain wouldn't mind though, Aiden hoped. It had been Theo's idea for Aiden to take a task like this anyway. Get some fresh air after the past few months. The vampire incident had left the guard reeling in its aftermath...

The tavern door creaked open, revealing a young woman dressed in outdoor clothes. Considering the weather, her attire would be a bit chilly for the morning, but perfect for when the sun rose higher. Aiden was dressed similarly as well in a generic graphic tee, sneakers, and a dark pair of jeans. As the woman came closer, both Pria and Aiden stood from their seats. “Isabel, it's good to meet you,” Pria smiled warmly and extended her hand to shake.

After they were finished, Aiden grinned and held out his hand to the woman(human? 'vari? vampire?) as well. “Aiden Roy. I guess we'll be the two-man guard.” It was partly a question as well as a statement. They would be travelling with a caravan carrying jewels and precious metals from the Duskies. He was curious about whether his partner would be reliable, but only time would tell.

“Caravan's waiting at the stables. We'll leave soon. Follow me,” Pria was already walking out the door. Grabbing his backpack, Aiden moved to let Isabel walk ahead before following briskly. As they walked, the tall anyeli woman inquired, “And how was your trip to Corantha, Isabel?”

((Hey Amber, feel free to GM NPCs/quest details/settings/Aiden/etc. ))

Piper || kjherstin || dafont

[Isabel]

After shaking hands with Pria, Issy turned to her companion. At 6'2", he was a giant to Issy, towering over her 5 feet. It would have intimidated her considerably if it were not for his welcoming grin and laughing eyes.

“Aiden Roy. I guess we'll be the two-man guard.”

So he was part of the protection detail. Smiling, Issy took his hand and gave a firm shake. “That we are then. Though I am surprised that two would be enough. I heard that the road to Danurai isn't that much safer than crossing Lake Cora.”

“Caravan's waiting at the stables. We'll leave soon. Follow me.”

Issy looked towards Pria and nodded, following Pria silently as Aiden let her go first.

“And how was your trip to Corantha, Isabel?”

“It was good, thank you. I asked a favor from a merchant that was heading this way. He was very accomodating and allowed me to accompany him. It was a long and uneventful trip but something new for me so I didn't mind”

Pria smiled, “That's good then. We also have a long road ahead of us. As I have said to Aiden earlier, I expect us to arrive in Danurai in approximately three days. Either Wednesday night or Thursday morning. I hope you don't mind sleeping rough? The next town won't be after a day or so of travel...”

Issy looked at Aiden then at Pria. “No. I don't mind at all. I've been camping before with my family so it's not a problem at all.”

As soon as they reached the stables to the side of the inn and tavern, Issy saw several men setting up four wagons with two tarochs each tied to it; stacks of crates filled with whatever goods was inside them. Her assumption that those wagons would be part of what she and Aiden would be protecting was proven to be correct as Pria approached one of the men.

“How much longer before we can set off?”

The man Pria spoke to gestured towards the wagons and gave Pria a huge grin. “We're all set ma'am! Ready to go whenever you are.”

Nodding, Pria turned to Aiden and Issy. “This is Thomas. He handles most of the caravan's preparations. If there is anything else you need to know, he can help you.” Then, turning back to Thomas, “This is Aiden and Isabel. They'll be joining us as our protection detail.”

Thomas was a tall, burly man with a pleasant face that's mostly covered by a very thick beared and warm, smiling eyes that was directed towards Aiden and Issy. With a smile that was almost undetected, he nodded his head in greeting. “Nice to meet ya! Good to be working with you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll go get the men ready.”

Thomas gave another nod and headed back towards the other men. Pria turned back to them and smiled. “I guess we're all set. Ready?”

For the first time in a while, Issy grinned, excitement flowing through her. “Ready!”

( OOC: Sorry this took a while... If you need me to change anything, just tell me n.n )

[Aiden]

Aiden kept quiet during their walk to the stables, preferring to let the other two have their conversation. Much of what Pria said was already known to him, anyway. Still, he nodded head slightly to show that the was paying some attention. They were close to the stables, so even as they walked, he was already looking at the people working through the open doors. His eyes lit up as he saw the tarochs and the large covered wagons. You didn't see those kinds of things in New Alexandria, and not even back home in Parthis. It really was nice to be outside of the city, and see some new things for a change.

A quick count told him that there were seven people working between four wagons. Most of the crates were already loaded, but there were still a few boxes beside one of the large wheels. As they neared the group, Pria greeted one of the men, confirming that this was the caravan to guard.

They made brief introductions afterward, and Aiden learned that Thomas and his sister, Marla, would be handling the last cart. Two others--Erik and Neil, would handle the one in front. Pria was driving one of the middle carts, and her business partner would take the other. The last members of the caravan were Pria's cousins, Mihael and Abel, and they'd walk on the ground as part of the 'protection' with Aiden and Isabel.

The journey started with Aiden and Mihael in the back, and Aiden quickly learned the Pria's trade went as far as Dardanos. Mihael had just returned from a brief trade in Marport, and he was telling about the food he'd eaten there. Dude, the guy even had the guts to try hot kheli soup! Certainly, many Dardanan chefs favored strong flavors and spices, and Aiden could never quite find the same kind of food on the main continent.

Suddenly, there was a sharp whistle, and Aiden looked up to see Pria waving at a flat area near the banks of the Cora. He was momentarily lost until Mihael ran ahead. “Hey, we're stopping for lunch. Imma help Pria with the tarochs. Mind lending a hand to Brian?”

Waving a hand at Mihael, Aiden hurried to the side of one of the tarochs and took its reins from Brian. They tied the ropes to the thick branches of a nearby tree, and then headed back to the carts. Marla had already unloaded some food from Lena's place, and a couple of the men were already eating. Peering into the box of food at the edge of one of the caravans, Aiden mumbled, “Eh...”

He felt like eating a tuna sandwich, but they'd probably eat a lot of fish over the next few days, so shouldn't he take the bacon and ham? Somebody was approaching though, so he reached for the closest sandwich and moved slightly out of the person's way. He tore open the top of the paper wrapping and muttered, “I guess it's tuna then...”

Piper || kjherstin || dafont

[Isabel]

As the caravan started it's journey, Issy took position in front with Abel, one of Pria's cousins and part of her protection detail. It was a relatively quiet start, occasionally interrupted by either Erik or Neil sharing bits of folklore surrounding the area or stories shared by other travelers like them. Abel would give his input every now and then; Issy was just content listening to them while asking a question or two.

Around noon, the party took a break for lunch and rested at an area near the river. Issy helped Marla prepare the lunch for the day. Being one of the few females in the group, she felt it was part of her duty to do so.

After having assured that all of them got their share, Issy noticed Aiden contemplating his. At that moment, Issy unintentionally caught a bit of what he was thinking. Something about bacon and ham... Taking her turn, Issy reached down the box and grabbed a sandwich - an egg sandwhich it seemed.

“I guess it's tuna then...”

Realizing what he meant by bacon and ham and hearing the slight disappointment in his voice, Issy smiled and handed Aiden her sandwich. “Want to switch? It's not bacon and ham but I hope egg is better than tuna?”

( OOC: With GM permission from the Joy! )

[Aiden]

In the midst of fully unwrapping his sandwich, Aiden realized that the other person was Isabel, and that she was offering him a different sandwich. Anything other than tuna then. He liked fish, but not when he was expecting to eat it or a while. “Woah, really? Thanks!”

He offered his own sandwich for the trade as he took the egg-y one from Isabel. And then he faltered as he realized something: “Er, thanks for making these, by the way! I'm sure the tuna would've been great too!” He waved his new sandwich around, “I just felt like something different. Not to be picky or anything.”

Egg being an uncommon flavor, it didn't occur to Aiden that his mind had just been read. He hadn't been thinking too consciously about sandwiches, anyway. Picking the wrapper aside, Aiden tilted his sandwich toward a cluster of rocks near Mihael and Abel. It was shaded by a tree and was a few meters from the river. “Let's head over there?”

As he walked toward the area, he bit into the sandwich an relished the flavor. Just the way he liked it, the eggs were slightly salty. “Well this is good! You put salt in it, didn't you? Some places don't put enough, and I'm so not used to that. Back home, we put tons of spices in our food.” He really did miss Dardanan food, especially after his chat with Mihael. Now if only he had some watercress to add into it, the sandwich would be perfect.

Piper || kjherstin || dafont

[Isabel]

Issy gave a big smile as Aiden thanked her while exhanging sandwiches.

“Oh no. No trouble at all. It was the least I could do. I hope you like the sandwich.”

Issy turned as Aiden pointed towards a spot near the river where Mihael and Abel were having their lunch. "Let's head over there?" Nodding, Issy followed Aiden. As they walked, Issy took a bite off her tuna sandwich. She wasn't really all that hungry but she figured if she had to be in tip top shape, she had to have something in her stomach - blood aside, that is. She took her fill of blood before leaving Corantha, not wanting to take the chance of biting someone or succumbing to her bloodlust. She also brought some in specially insulated flasks for the journey ahead.

“Well this is good! You put salt in it, didn't you? Some places don't put enough, and I'm so not used to that. Back home, we put tons of spices in our food.”

Isabel smiled her thanks at Aiden; even if it was just for a piece of sandwich. “It's how my mum used to make them whenever we went on picnics and I'd always help out in the kitchen whenever I get the opportunity.” Issy then turned to Aiden with a questioning look, “Where is 'back home'?”

( OOC: Sorry this took a while... x__x )

[Aiden]

“Then I suppose you went on a lot of picnics when you were little? You're so lucky! I wish I picnicked more with my family.” Aiden vaguely remembered a time when he, Nate, and his parents had an outing by the beaches, but the memory was fuzzy. Memories of his parents were always like that.

He shook his head with a small smile before waving an arm toward a random direction. “I grew up in Dardanos, which explains the kinda weird accent.” As he took a seat on a mostly-flat rock, he grinned and nodded toward Mihael in greeting. Scooting to the edge of his seat to make room for Isabel, he continued, “And I swear it gets worse when I meet other Dardanans. The accent just pops up like instinct!”

“Aw dude, you're talking about home again?” Mihael chuckled, and turned conspiratorially toward Isabel, “Poor guy, he's totally homesick.”

Chuckling, Aiden set a hand on the rock and leaned backward. “Hel yeah! If you came from a place as awesome as Dardanos, you'd be homesick too!” Ignoring Mihael's snorts, Aiden turned to Isabel again. “I went back home for a couple of months last year...but it's been six years since I moved to New Alexandria. Oh hey, so where are you from?”

Piper || kjherstin || dafont

[Isabel]

Dardanos. She'd heard of that place though not exactly sure what part in Elysia that is. Issy laughed quietly as Mihael and Aiden bickered good naturedly at each other about Aiden's homesickeness. It made her think about her own home. Earth.

“Oh hey, so where are you from?” Oh. Insert foot in mouth. She should have realized he was going to ask her that eventually. Mihael and Abel were looking at her expectantly. She couldn't look them in the eye though. Talking about her past even after 2 years was still painful and she couldn't imagine how her family, her parents, took it when she suddenly disappeared.

Not looking at any of them in the eye, Issy tried to answer them as simply as she could. “I'm from Earth. There were... unforeseen circumstances. I was changed.” In the light of recent events in New Alexandria, Issy looked at them one by one, her eyes pleading for them to understand. “I'm a vampire. Ever since I came to Elysia, I haven't returned since.”

[Aiden]

Hind's teeth from Hel. A vampire. Considering how recently the vampire business had ended in New Alexandria, it was difficult for Aiden to put that aside and just laugh it off. Like Isabel, he'd had some part in the mess as well--like taming the protests that followed in the wake Zolf's hit teams. The Guard made all that mess, and it turned out to be a sham cooked up by one of their own.

By instinct, he couldn't help but grow wary. Therians and vampires have antagonized each other since the moment they've met. It wasn't just rivalry between predators; the therians saw vampires as a danger. He'd seen the Hind before, and it had been so savage and cruel that it was difficult to believe that the thing had once been a therian.

Despite all that, Aiden has met or worked with vampires, and even befriended a few. He wasn't going to let The Mess turn him into a jerk. Still, he unconsciously opened his mouth with an 'o' of surprise. “Woah.” Very carefully, he looked Isabel in the eye. He wasn't sure if he could hide his wariness from her. After a pause, he realized that she was just as uncomfortable about the subject. With that, his green eyes warmed a little, but he still averted his gaze toward his sandwich. “Hey, I'm sorry you can't go back to Earth. I've never been there, but I hear it's a completely different world.”

Briefly, he wondered where Isabel would be finding her blood during the journey, but he instantly crushed the thought. There just wasn't a graceful way to ask that sort of question.

((Not sure how you want the NPCs to respond, so Imma let you figure that out. ))

Piper || kjherstin || dafont

[Isabel]

It was exactly the reaction Issy was waiting for but it didn't do much to dull the ache she felt in her chest. She didn't blame them however, specially when Mihael and Abel just simply averted their eyes and didn't say anything. An awkward silence ensued but was shortly broken by Aiden.

“Hey, I'm sorry you can't go back to Earth. I've never been there, but I hear it's a completely different world.”

Issy silently thanked Aiden for still continuing to talk her though she still could see the effort he made to do it. At least it was all out in the open now. Better that they knew what she was from the start rather than having to find out later probably amidst in confusion and danger. One less surprise all the better.

“Oh it is. Even after a few years, I'm still getting used to life here in Elysia... But thing's are getting easier, I suppose.” She didn't need to be a mind reader to know one of the men's major concern about her being a vampire. It was mostly written in their faces. “You also don't have to worry about my... uh... other needs. I brought enough for the whole trip.” Without meaning to, Issy's face turned red and with nothing more to say, she simply concentrated on finishing her sandwich.

{( OOC: n.n;; If it wasn't clear, the NPC's were just a little awkward about it but not entirely afraid of her. ))

[Aiden]

Not the type to deal well with awkward situations, Aiden stared very intently at his sandwich even as Isabel spoke about her home. If they knew each other better, he might've asked more about the other realm. He was actually very curious about Earth, and woudl've asked what Earth's lands were like, the people there, and whether they had creatures like the kraken. However, he didn't think that now was the proper time to ask, and so he kept his mouth shut and bit into his sandwich.

But he really wish he hadn't. For as they allowed another awkward silence to pass, Isabel commented on her, er, food preparation. Coughing as he half-swallowed and half-choked on the sandwich, Aiden covered his mouth and looked anywhere except at the vampire. He was secretly relieved to learn that she wouldn't need extra help with that, but he also felt guilty. Was his expression so blatantly nervous?

To Aiden's credit, Mihael and Abel were just as awkward with their nodding and mhm's. And as he finally looked toward the vampire, he realized that she was just as embarassed about this as he was. Oh.

With a chuckle and an attempt to grin, Aiden leaned his elbows on his knees. “Haha, I figured as much. Although if something happens to your supply, er,” he struggled to think of how to continue, “let me know? I can help. I think.” Hind's teeth. Now his face was reddening, too. Cue a change of topic. “So hey, since you're pretty new to Elysia, have you travelled much? Definitely visit the Ceracens. I went there last year and it's super amazing, and all shiny from the snow. It's crazy how it's really a leviathan.” Though he was facing Isabel, Aiden also looked toward Mihael and Abel in hopes of including them in the conversation. His gaze brushed beyond them and toward a fluffy grey patch of clouds in the skies. Sometime while they were setting up lunch and eating it, the clouds had drifted in. They seemed a few miles away, so hopefully they'd avoid the bad weather.

((Silly therians with their vampire-phobia. >w<))

Piper || kjherstin || dafont

[Isabel]

“Haha, I figured as much. Although if something happens to your supply, er, let me know? I can help. I think.”

Issy quirked her eyebrow at that but refused to say anything. It was amusing to her that someone would actually volunteer to help her when it came to her diet but at the same time she was greatful. Not many would offer her help in such a manner which told her he was one of the few people she could trust.

“I heard about the Ceracens! I do like to go there someday. It's hard to believe that a creature such as a leviathan exists. We don't have that on Earth. Well, Earth doesn't have most of what you have here, come to think of it - specially the wildlife.”

Noticing Aiden's gaze, Issy followed the direction he was looking at and saw the dark clouds rolling in.

“Looks like we should finish up and start moving. Hopefully we could get ahead of the storm.”

Mihael and Abel nodded in agreement, still a bit awkward with their earlier conversation. Issy didn't think much of it and decided to just ignore it. It was just plain pointless to create problems where none was needed. She merely gave them a soft smile and finished her lunch.

(( OOC: m(_ _)m Sorry! Should have posted this sooner. Since it took a while, I thought I'd move it along. Hope you don't mind? ))

[Aiden]

Nodding in agreement with Isabel, Aiden hastily chomped down the rest of his sandwich before standing and walking back to the caravans. Frankly, one sandwich was not enough to last him until dinner, but luckily, he had a couple of granola bars in his pocket. If there was any awkwardness in their lunch group as they walked back, he didn't notice it. By the time the group was ready to go again, Mihael and Able had taken place up at the front, leaving Aiden and Isabel to guard the back.

The trip was pretty uneventful as they walked downriver. Aiden was comfortable enough to walk in silence and merely listen to the rushing waters. Occasionally, he'd hear murmurs of Thomas and Marla conversation in the wagon. When he felt talkative, he'd comment on a waterfox sighting, their travel itinerary, or even how a patch of water near the banks were a really-funky-green. At one point, he noticed a family of river otters and started talking about random otter topics...like how they blow air bubbles into their fur to help insulate from the cold. It was around that time when the dark clouds acted up and started pouring water onto the group.

Not having prepared for this, Aiden had to walk in the rain while holding a jacket above his head--not that it helped much. He eventually decided to just walk under the rain. About a half an hour after the rain started, one of the wagons got stuck in the mud, and they had to spend some time pushing and heaving it out. It was quite the unpleasant experience, and Aiden wasn't the only one to get splashes of mud on his arms and jeans.

The weather cleared by the time they reached New Alexandria. They circled past the city walls and continued south until the sun started to set. By then, the group was so close to the Cora that Aiden could see the fog. The group quickly set up camp, had their dinner, and after some campfire conversations, went to sleep. They took turns standing watch, so at one point during the night, Aiden heard Mihael tap at his tent for them to change shifts.

The next morning progressed quickly as the caravan cleaned up the camp and started toward the lake again. By mid-morning, they were already deep in the fog, although the fog was pretty light today. He'd started walking with Abel, but they changed pairs a few hours later so that he was walking with Isabel again.

“It's so weird to walk in the fog. My senses feel so muted...” He wasn't complaining, but mostly just commenting on the strangeness of the weather. It was his first time travelling in a place like Lake Cora, and compared to Dardanos' landscape, it was quite different.

((GM's galore! Feel free to add some of your own, but I thought I'd advance the thread to Day 2. ))

Piper || kjherstin || dafont

[Official NPC]

Spring on the Bogg came with such temperamental weather that few travellers bothered, if their trip could be postponed, until Thallominas or very late Duminas, but merchants accustomed to the region knew all too well that fog was a bad omen. It hid things, and those things were particularly dangerous along the northern shores of the lake where the bog was particularly acidic.

In the fog, a misty and incorporeal form kept pace with the group, little more than a waft of smoke in a smoky atmosphere. Its kind didn't normally hunt during the day because light weakened their attacks, but fog was their friend. Claustrophobic, it dulled their senses and elevated their paranoia, making them vulnerable. A tasty feast.

The wraith made its move.

The smell would have reached them first if the corpse had been real, but wraiths could only attack visually so the cloud of flies swarming the rotting body were as silent as the creeping fog. It had the face of the wraith's previous victim twisted and mangled by fear and death throes, the clothes torn and bloody from where the bog's wildlife had come to scavenge. The flesh was bloated and bruised, marbled from its long bath in the waters of the Cora (where the real body still remained), but the jellied eyes were staring wide open.

This was where the fear began. First, those eyes would track the movement of its victims to unnerve them, and then the corpse would move to follow.

[Isabel]

The day before was a wet one with them having to walk under the rain and mud. Though Issy would prefer that than what the weather gave them the next day. It wasn't raining by far, but the fog that started around mid-morning was unsettling her nerves. Something was off but she couldn't put a place on it.

The group was silent as they trudged through the fog, adding thickness to the atmosphere. The river, still and quiet.

“It's so weird to walk in the fog. My senses feel so muted...”

“I know. Somewhow it feels like something is pressing down on me.” Issy spoke in hushed tones, cautious - of what, she had no idea. Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, a shadow moved. Quick, Issy could only consider it a trick of her eye if not for her hair standing behind her neck. She looked toward Aiden, wanting to know if he saw the same thing; her heart pounding in her chest.

“Did you see that just now? I just saw a shadow run past through the fog.”

[Aiden]

Not being able to see or hear properly was already getting on his nerves. He couldn't trust his senses, and that unnerved him. He wasn't used to the fog, so when Isabel murmured about a shadow passing through the fog, Aiden grimaced. “Aw no, don't say that, we're already spooked out enough.”


Even so, he paid closer attention to the haze around them, and he looked from left to right. Humanoid ears rotated upward to form cat ears, and they twitched as he attempted to locate the 'shadow' if there was one. That wasn't enough, so he made his nose flatten slightly to that of a cat's. All he heard was the sound of their rolling caravans, Thomas mumbling about dangers in the fog, and the gurgle of bog water. His smell was dulled further, as the stink of the water was so strong. Shaking his head, he kept his cat ears but reshaped a human nose.

It wasn't that cold, but Aiden unconsciously rubbed the sides of his arms. Something in the fog was giving him the creeps.“But if you say you saw something, then you did. I hope it's just deer or something--” Suddenly, he nudged Isabel and pointed at something about twenty, thirty feet away from their group. “What's that?” The fog was so thick that he could only see the shadow of something, and it could just be a tree. His eyes might be deceiving him, but he that it was moving. The group was still moving and he followed them, but he warily reached toward the tonfas at his side.

Piper || kjherstin || dafont

[Isabel]

Her heart still pounding, Issy looked towards the area Aiden pointed at. Ignoring the fact that he now had fluffy ears on the top of his head, Issy likewise did the same and reached for her dagger. She highly doubt there were deers in this part of the river and she was definitely sure that whatever shadow she saw was not that of a deer.

Issy saw it; a shadow. Most likely the same one she saw earlier. If not, then they're in for a tough one. It was steadily keeping pace with the group; something an ordinary animal wouldn't do. As her eyes adjusted through the fog, Issy started to see distinct shapes. It was starting to look somewhat humanoid...

“Aiden. It looks humanoid to me and if that's what I think it is, weapon's wouldn't do much good would they?”

Issy looked back towards Aiden with a worried look. If whatever that's in the shadows truly a wraith, then this wouldn't be a physical battle. Issy braced herself for the upcoming fight.

[Official NPC]

The corpse trap had failed, the lack of a rotten stench overpowered by the very real stink of the bog and failing to draw them close enough for the wraith's illusions to scare them. They were unnerved, but not enough, and so the wraith had abandoned its goto plan and had allowed the fake corpse to melt into the mist.

The wraith allowed the natural claustrophobia of the fog do its job. It lapped up the fear that began to seep into the mist as they spotted things that could be predatory in nature, let them scare themselves to conserve energy. Only the Creator could see the wraith's true humanoid form, but it coalesced the fog into a rough shape here, and there, and tried to make them feel more and more threatened. Made it look like they were being followed by something, tried to make them feel like they were in terrible danger. The more startled and nervous they became, the stronger the wraith was, but the group was too large to pick out a specific fear or phobia. Instead, it went with something general.

A floating head full of fangs roared silently out of the mist, exploding just as soundlessly over their heads. Sometimes, people filled in the blanks and swore they could hear the sounds the wraith couldn't produce, like a beast's roar or menacing breath. All the better to scare them with, and the more afraid they became, the stronger the wraith would be and the more powerful its illusions, until one or many broke rank and fled into the fog where the wraith could target its victims one by one with specifics. A glorious feast, today.

((Sorry, guys, I didn't realise you were waiting for me! btw, if Aiden or Isabel get separated, I'll need to know their fears so the wraith can be mean to them. ))