Unusual bird...

Anryn's group sat comfortably on their wooden chairs as they looked at the dark-skinned elf. "So, how can we help?" asked Dobart. Tiriel leaned forward toward their group and spoke, "I've been receiving people who were attacked by the animals inside the forest and I need people to seek out the cause on why the animals suddenly turned aggressive."

"The forest animals have turned aggressive? So that's why there are so many people inside your home. I presume they were the victims?" said Dobart.

Tiriel nodded at him. " Yes, you are correct. I've already asked them why the animals inside the forest suddenly turned hostile towards them and most of the victims that I have interrogated do not know the reason, though some have told me that the animals that attacked them were bears and had ragged skin with boils within them, they also said that the bears looked like they haven't eaten for a week."

"Hmmm, there's nothing unordinary if the bears attack people." Said Anryn. "That is true, though our friend here said that they looked like they had boils. They must've drunk or eaten something that was contaminated." Said Dobart.

"That is also my guess, I could've gone to the forest and inspected them myself but you see I have people to take care of at the moment." Said Tiriel to which Dobart nodded.

Dobart stood up from his seat and spoke, "We will inspect the bears within the forest and find out the cause of their sudden illness, though we may need some directions on where they are located and the places on where the victims were attacked."

Tiriel picked up a scroll within his robes and unfolded it on top of the table. "This is the map of the Eversong Forest. It shows all the places that have been explored and recorded by our people." Said Tiriel, he then pointed at a location depicted on the map that looked like a temple. "I believe they were spotted here. It's where most of the bears reside and also the place on where most of my patients were attacked."

Dobart hummed and nodded at Tiriel as he explained where their targets are and how to reach the said place. Tiriel gave the map to Dobart, so they will have an easier time reaching the place. Anryn's group departed from the house of the elf and went on their merry way to meet the bears.

The group informed Thanatos first about their quest before heading out to which Thanatos acknowledged and wished them to come back safely. They also informed Miranda about their task and she was all of a sudden excited that they were going to hunt bears which in a sense she was correct, though they aren't really going to kill a ton of bears, perhaps a dozen will do?

Miranda wanted to join them on their quest but was told by Dobart that nobody is going to look out after her crew if she left them behind. Miranda realized her mistake and eventually relented, though she still had that longing look as she stared at the group.

The girls giggled at her behavior to which Dobart just shook his head while giving a small chuckle. The three then left Miranda and left the small village of dark elves as they ventured deeper inside the forest.

The group encountered a few obstacles on the way that hindered their path, such as the unusually tall bushes and those living trees that for some reason wanted to make fun of them as they tried to trip them over… Despicable!

A raven arrives at the area of the group and circle around them as it croaked. The raven landed on the shoulder of Anryn as it cawed, seemingly trying to talk to her, 'You have arrived!'

Startled by the voice that entered her mind, Anryn gave a quick shout. "WHAT! W-WHO?!" The raven almost fell from her shoulder due to her sudden jolt but it immediately rebalanced itself and recovered from its impending fall.

"Anryn! Are you alright?" Asked Donna. Dobart and Donna were startled at the sudden shout of Anryn and looked at her with concerned eyes. "Ah, It's nothing." Replied Anryn. "Are you sure? You suddenly screamed while we where walking and why is that raven sitting on top of your shoulder?" Said Dobart.

"Ah, I don't know myself. Perhaps it just wants to accompany us?"

"Hmm, That's weird… Well, let's just hope that raven doesn't give us trouble." Said Dobart to which the raven cawed as if it was giving a reply to his words.

Caw! Caw!

"Eh?" muttered Anryn. "What is it, Anryn?" asked Donna. "Ah, it's nothing. I just got startled by the raven."

'Why is this raven sitting on top of my shoulder… This is one strange raven.'

Caw caw caw!

'I'm not strange!'

'Huh? Did the raven just talk?'

'Caw caw! Yes, I'm talking to you!'

'Eh?! H-how? How can you speak inside my thoughts?!'

'That's because I'm a special raven!'