to the briarwoods (chapter 22)

Chapter 22

Still within the dark and misty forest, the atmosphere thick with the unknown, a mutated wolf-like creature emerged, its massive form and scorpion tail adding an eerie presence to the surroundings. The mist curled around the gnarled trees, casting an otherworldly vibe. Instead of the dying wolf that the ginger elf had perceived, it was revealed to be a more menacing entity. Percy's words cut through the air, "a gift from Lady Briarwood," intensifying the ominous mood. The mutated wolves surrounded them, their growls echoing in the misty expanse.

As the wolf seized the gnome, the team sprang into action. The carriage gave chase, racing through the dark forest. The advantage of being small became a disadvantage for the gnome as the wolf leaped over a large hole, carrying its captive. The rest of the team, led by Druid, conjured plants to traverse the obstacle, revealing a diverse range of magical abilities. The misty woods turned into a mountainous landscape as the pursuit unfolded, adding layers to the tension.

"We are being led into a trap," Ted warned, a sense of foreboding hanging in the air. Percy acknowledged, "I know," as the pursuit continued. On the back of the carriage, Ted strategically wielded his arsenal, unleashing pyro blasts to thin the pack of wolves that were chasing them. "you are a sorcerer" Vax's observation prompted Ted's enigmatic response, "Not exactly." The scenes played out in a visual spectacle, the interaction between magic and the natural environment creating a vivid tableau. Eventually, the team successfully rescued the gnome before the wolf could make its fatal leap. 

Scene change.

In a clearing chosen for their camp, Ted took on the task of setting up a campfire. The ambiance shifted to a moment of respite, the crackling flames providing warmth in the cold mountain air. The gnome tinkered with a scroll, invoking enchantments that altered his appearance with each utterance. Ted, observing the display, contemplated the utility of scrolls in his own repertoire.

"Scrolls, I should probably put them on my to-do list," he mused. Setting fire through traditional means,  "i though you were going to use your stuff to lit the campfire?" said the red head elf as ted sighted. "Well, what's the point in learning how to make one if I can always pick the easy way out?" His words held a hint of practicality and resourcefulness, emphasizing his calculated approach.

As the campfire flickered, Ted took out a raw rabbit meat to prepare a meal. The gnome, engrossed in reversing the spell's effects, underwent a comical series of transformations. Amused, Ted thought inwardly, "Right, like I am going to waste my item's durability on such a task." The diversity of creatures the gnome transformed into added a touch of whimsy to the scene, creating a momentary break from the tension.

"Kids, right?" Vex remarked, observing the gnome's antics. Ted, tearing a piece of smoked rabbit flesh, responded, "They're alright," his tone hinting at a hidden fondness. He cast a glance at the red elf, who ignited a giant fire for a seemingly small task, prompting Ted to add, "Sometimes," before closing his eyes.

"Why do you always meditate?" the red-headed elf inquired. Ted shrugged, "Force of habit," his eyes surveying the surroundings. The flirtatious exchange between the red head elf and Vax added a touch of humor, and Ted, witnessing the interaction, wondered, "How long are they going to keep that up?" The diverse personalities within the group painted a rich tapestry against the backdrop of the mystical, mountainous terrain.

"I don't know, but wherever it is that they're going, they better get there quickly because I am getting sick of this," Vex groaned, receiving a piece of meat from Ted. The campfire's glow cast a warm, flickering light on their faces, creating a pocket of coziness in the dark and misty forest. The air was crisp, carrying the earthy scent of the woods around them.

"What about you and Percy?" Ted asked, earning a surprised look from the half-elf. "What?" she asked, receiving a knowing look from Ted. She groaned in response, "There is nothing between us," stating it bluntly, though a hint of hesitation lingered in her eyes. "Careful, he might hear you," Ted playfully warned.

The next morning brought them deeper into the mysterious forest. The team conversed about their destination as they navigated through the shadowy woods. Whitestone, the city Percy had described with sunny weather and a lush sun tree, came into view. However, the reality starkly contrasted his depiction. The giant tree stood leafless, and as they approached the city walls, the absence of guards and the scarcity of inhabitants painted a grim picture.

"No offense, Percy, but your town is shit," the gnome bluntly remarked as Ted sighed. "The Briarwoods have control over it. Do you expect hungry, bloodthirsty vampires to have shiny and happy residents? I'm even surprised there are people still left," Ted explained as the group moved towards the castle, encountering fewer and fewer signs of life.

"Ted is right; we should be careful," Vex cautioned. Percy, determined, spoke of keeping Yenin, a holy woman who might have answers. Ted inwardly sighed, realizing the complexities ahead.

"Worst-case scenario, I use the teleportation cube, even though I have PTSD just thinking about it," he thought, contemplating the dire options. Suddenly, the group heard the footsteps of something massive moving above.

"We aren't safe here," Vex declared as they stealthily maneuvered through the devastated part of the city. Percy hesitated, his gaze fixed on something. Ted clenched his hand, feeling the tension rise. Ahead, they discovered a gruesome sight—people with bodies covered in wounds, hanging lifelessly. The victims ranged from children to the elderly.

"Hmm," Ted frowned, his expression void of any other emotion. "We should go," he urged the team to move, with Percy the only one hesitating, while a giant zombie tore through the roof of a house, its grotesque actions casting a shadow over the grim scene. The atmosphere grew heavier with each step, the air thick with a sense of impending danger.

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A/N Another chapter,