logs | ♰ Before the Next Sacrifice

[Distracted by the harpies, Augustine almost didn’t notice the approach of another. He quickly turns towards the direction of the rustling leaves and presses his makeshift knife against his palm. Blood sorcery is a messy affair but it’s the only way he can defend himself momentarily. Until he’s able to renew his contract with the archfiend, he won’t be able to call upon the shadows. This is why he brought that knife with him. While he could easily split open his palm using his fangs, he much rather not. After all, Augustine cannot stand the taste of his own blood.]

Who are you? [He asks as the silhouette draws nearer. Those pesky buzzards are still heckling him but he chooses to ignore them for now.] You best be on your–

[He trails off suddenly the second he recognizes that familiar face. That’s none other than Cedrik, that adventurer he spoke with on the network. While their image upon Soulidarity was a bit blurry at best, there’s no mistaking this fellow for him. That’s Cedrik alright and apparently…he has rather tall ears.]

Oh.

[He’s left speechless once he sees those peculiar rabbit-like ears. Augustine was vaguely aware that Cedrik wasn’t quite human thanks to his odd features alone but he didn’t notice the rabbit ears until now. Much like how Cedrik probably didn’t notice that Augustine here is indeed purple with leathery red webbed wings. While he's still dressed to the nines in his Sunday's best, Augustine's bat-like wings stand out against the red of his suit. They're medium sized in length, almost touching his thighs. The inside of the wings are a dusky blue that almost looks as purple as his complexion. It's an odd feature, one that cannot be mistaken for anything "normal".

Well, this is awkward.]

Ah, greetings! You must be Cedrik, yes?

[He lowers the knife from his hand and places it somewhere on his person. Cedrik is no threat, right? He certainly hopes so.]

[ The trouble with viera ears is they're a bit difficult to fit into a camera's frame without losing more important details. Much like Augustine's wings were decidedly not in any of the man's pictures from what Cedrik could tell at the time. The darker skin and pointed ears first reminded Cedrik of a duskwight elezen--even if he's never seen that particular shade of skin on one before. But there's no getting around the wings. For a moment the harpies are forgotten entirely as both men take a moment to boggle at the other.

The moment Augustine calls him by name, however, the viera snaps out of it. ]

Aye...well met, Augustine.

[ Shaking the last of his surprise off, Cedrik tucks his own weapon back into his belt and steps forward, offering an open hand. He's dressed far more modestly and more suited to rough terrain, though it's far from the armor he wishes he still had. ]

I'd meant to send word that the happenings here might keep me from our planned meeting, but it seems there was naught to worry over. You're here for the lantern as well, I assume?

[A hesitant smile forms upon his lips. It seems the two of them are both a bit baffled right now. Augustine has seen his fair share of fantastical creatures before but never has he met a man donning rabbit ears. This is the first for him but somehow he manages to tear his gaze away from the fluffy black ears long enough to acknowledge Cedrik properly.]

Well met, indeed.

[The dhampir chuckles as he takes Cedrik's hand for a firm shake. He's a little cool to the touch but not frigidly so. More lukewarm than anything else but far cooler than the average person. His long fingers are slightly calloused at the tips, obvious from hard labor of some sort. Cedrik probably won't believe that this frightening fellow has a passion for gardening.]

Yes, my curiosity led me for better or for worse.

[He briefly turns his attention back towards the harpies again with a look of disdain.]

Nevertheless, I deduce that these chatty pigeons don't possess the lantern.

[ The handshake gives Cedrik another couple of hints, the lower temperature and the rougher fingers--nothing on his own well-worn hands, but noticeable. Strange but still nothing that strikes him as threatening. Whatever the truth of Augustine's nature may be, it's a mystery that's better left for another time. At this point, even if he turned out to be voidsent, Cedrik would honestly overlook it.

His lips tug into a wry smile, following Augustine's gaze up to the canopy. ]

I have to agree. It's doubtful they have the wits.

[ One of the 'pigeons' nearly takes the bait, puffing up for an angry shriek before her sister reaches out a steadying wing. ]

Patience! Patience--kheeee! Dead soon, dead by dawn...

[ Cedrik clicks his tongue and takes a few steps forward, glancing back at Augustine and nodding an invitation for him to follow. ]

We'll have to keep up the search. Come this way, I've a good feeling about it.

['Dead by dawn?' A slight scoff escapes the dhampir as he glances briefly at the harpies again. If they think he'll be an easy meal, then they're sadly mistaken. Augustine is much more versatile than he seems. While he doubts those overgrown buzzards would taste good, he's tempted to sink his fangs into them. However, that's a thought he will not act upon for the time being.

Instead, he gives Cedrik a slight nod before following into step with him. As they discussed earlier, Augustine will do his best to avoid using his brand sorcery here. The adventurer expressed great concern over his usage of blood magic, especially after his little explanation. Nevertheless, Augustine won't hesitate to use it if they're in jeopardy but he allows for Cedrik to lead the venture for now.]

A good feeling? How so?

[He questions curiously after climbing over a few errant stones in their path. The path that leads away from the beaten road is a little rocky, to say the least. The terrain here is rather uneven with sloping hills and scattered stone. There's plenty grass and greenery here too but be careful of the shrubbery. Many of these bushes have sharp little thorns that easily bite into flesh.]

I know you're a seasoned adventurer but how do you know where to go?

[ It's slow going, especially over the rougher terrain, but the company helps to make it bearable. The harpies are following at a safer distance, Cedrik can hear the occasional beating of wings as they move from one branch to the next, but they thankfully don't have any more commentary. ]

How? Well...

[ It's a good question. He would contribute it to luck, he's always been some sort of lucky when it came to searching for things, whether in the wilds or in a city. But one could easily ask if he has any good fortune left now that he's dead and all. It's a point that his Shadow's ever keen to give.

One of Cedrik's ears gives a brief twist. ]

The ground here keeps moving upward. [ It's a slow incline, but it's there among the trees. ] There's nothing to be done about the trees, but we can at least get above the mist.

[That's a solid plan if anything. Getting above the thick mist is bound to give them some sort of advantage. It's already difficult to see anything within this oppressive darkness, that is unless you're a creature of the night. Augustine can peer through the darkness just fine but it's the thick fog that really hinders his sight. That could also explain why Augustine nearly tripped just now. He was skipping from stone to stone when he nearly fell. Thankfully, he manages to keep himself upright by beating his wings.]

Y-yes, getting past this mist would be the best idea.

[He grumbles under his breath as he matches Cedrik's pace once more. The two of them eventually make it up the slope of this tall hill. It took a few a moments but once they reach the top, they're rewarded with a breathtaking view of Serene. Most of the forest itself is devoid of light expect from the shine of the moons and stars above. However, there seems to be a flicker of orange within the distance, accompanied by the telltale scent of smoke.]

Hm? [A thoughtful hum escapes Augustine as he points towards the direction of the smoke.] See that over there? Looks like someone set up camp.

[ At the start of that stumble Cedrik is quick to reach out a hand, though it ends up being unnecessary. Those wings of his are certainly useful...and it answers the unspoken question of whether or not they're strong enough to carry him aloft.

All the same, he tries to choose the easiest path he can for Augustine to follow as they continue on.

The quiet is still far from peaceful and there is an undeniable menace in the dark though they've yet to be openly attacked... But with Augustine at his side, Cedrik feels safe enough to relax for just a fraction as they reach the top, stretching his limbs until the dhampir draws his attention to the distant light. ]

There's our thief. Good eye!

[ Cedrik takes a moment to study the distance and direction from their current location. He's confident he can navigate them to that camp through the woods, even in the dark and mist, so long as they can avoid any altercations. ]

We'd best hurry before they move on. Let's keep moving.

[Choosing an easier path would be might beneficial for poor Augustine. Half-vampire or not, he's exactly used to all this hiking and it shows. He's not really a seasoned adventure despite how much he likes wandering. While he managed to wander throughout most of the harbor, he has yet to really explore beyond the port. The Netherworld is still very foreign to him. Even though he's eager to explore more of this realm, he hasn't been back to the Shadowlands after narrowly escaping it the first time around.]

Indeed, I would loathe for us to lose our quarry so soon.

[He mentions before following after Cedrik's lead. The slope on this side of the hill is a bit treacherous but nothing either of them can't handle. There's a old dirt road that leads down from this angle, one that's thankfully stone free.]

Although, I cannot help but wonder why someone would want to steal something so...important.

[Judging from what the old woman said about that lantern, it was crafted to appease the malevolent spirits in Serene. If such is true, then why would anyone want to tangle with such powerful magic? Augustine can't help but think that their alleged thief is a villain in disguise.]

Maybe this is a trap of some kind.

Edited 2022-10-11 03:27 (UTC)

[ Once they make it down the other side the trek becomes much easier. Cedrik changes his pace to walk alongside Augustine rather than strictly leading, keeping his gazed fixed on the heading he'd made atop the hill. There's no power or magic that helps him, it's all down to experience, which means he needs to maintain some concentration. ]

Mn, most likely.

[ Cedrik regards the possibility of walking into a trap about as casually as one would the possibility of rain. ]

It's either that or a fool in over their head, and I doubt a fool would have lasted very long. As new as I am to this land, I'd struggle to guess at a 'why'...

[ He trails off, brow furrowing. There's something other than smoke on the wind, now, and it makes his nose wrinkle. It's worse than the usual decay of fallen logs and leaf litter; it smells like rotting meat. ]

...do you smell that?

[No magic or powers? Augustine would be at a loss if the same was for him. While he's hardly as powerful as he once was, he can still rely upon blood sorcery. However, he sure hopes he won't have to use such an ability here. The chances of their quarry relinquishing the lantern without fuss is slim to none but he hopes for just that.]

They're certainly in over their heads but why take such a risk?

[He questions before suddenly pausing in mid step. A scowl slowly forms upon his face as a familiar putrid scent suddenly greets them at the base of the hill. That's not rotting meat, that's--]

Corpses. [The dhampir mutters before sparing his companion a glance.] Many of them.

It seems our would-be thief is a killer in disguise.

[ Cedrik's ears are tense as Augustine agrees with his suspicions. Suddenly the potential for a trap is a lot more dire--but he resists the same conclusion Augustine draws. At least for the time being. ]

It could be the woods as well, turning against any perceived intruders. [ The sounds of violence in that initial call for help had painted an ugly picture. ] Either way, we must take added care.

[ Which means pressing on, sacrificing speed for caution. The mist seems to be growing heavier, thick enough that soon enough Cedrik reaches out a hand for Augustine to take. Not that he fears the dhampir will trip again, but at this rate he honestly worries they'll lose sight of each other.

Leaves crunch underfoot, fallen branches snapping--or was that bone? ]

[There's an uneasy, almost nervous, energy in the air around here. Augustine felt it the moment he wandered through the main gate. Despite all the beauty here in Serene, there's something dark and twisted lurking within the shadows. Cedrik is right to be on edge, especially now that the Oakwoods have lost their ethereal flame. The heavy mist that blankets the landscape almost feels like it has a life of its own, especially the deeper they wander through the woods.

He hesitates briefly to take the adventurer's hand but eventually he does out of worry. If he could barely see through this thick fog as a vampire, then he figures that Cedrik is practically blind out here. He gives the Viera's hand a light squeeze indicating him to keep moving.]

This is land is tainted much like the Shadowlands.

[He whispers once he hear something akin to bones crack underneath their feet. His grip on Cedrik's hand tightens just a tad once sees an orange light flickering in the distance. That must be the lantern judging from the magical power emanating from it. It's faint but Augustine can feel magic emanating from that lantern quite acutely. The closer they get to it, the thicker the fog becomes.]

Whatever you do, Cedrik, don't look down.

[The dhampir is almost certain they're walking across the bones of the damned.]

[ It's a good thing Augustine wasn't too stubborn about the offered hand. Cedrik was about to start waving it at him in silent insistence. It's not unease--not entirely unease. It's just good sense at this point. Neither of them want to end up joining the corpses they're treading on. ]

...gods be good.

[ Of course Cedrik looks down. He didn't exactly need to, the viera could hear it. Those long ears know the sound of cracking bone. Still, he'd been almost fooling himself until now.

It's not just bone and bodies. There are glimpses of trampled fabric--tents and bedrolls among the debris. ]

They were only camping...killed in their sleep if they were fortunate.

[ The smell of smoke is getting stronger, cutting more through the decay. The campfire they spotted isn't far now. ]

[A frustrated sigh escapes Augustine once his companion glances down. See, there's a reason why he told Cedrik not to look. The rancid stench alone gave away the truth along with the crunching of bones. The dhampir didn't need to look down to confirm what he already knew.]

I told you not to look.

[He mutters as he gives Cedrik's hand a reassuring squeeze. It feels so odd to he holding someone's hand like this. Then again, Augustine is quite unused to such things since he typically keeps people at arm's length.]

The monster that prowls these lands most likely kills during the cover of night. That would explain why some of these corpses are still in their bedrolls.

[Either that or the people were lulled to sleep by forces unbeknown to them. That could also be the case. The thick mist that surrounds them can easily disorient the senses and make it very difficult for someone to breathe. Even now, the two of them are having a time trying to reach that mysterious glow up ahead. However, what most likely killed these people were the dozen or so decaying leaves scattered across the ground. The second the wind blows, one of those razor sharp leaves flows past Augustine's cheek leaving a thin red cut there.]

Be mindful of the leaves.

[ The squeeze is more startling than the bodies. Cedrik has seen death before, a lot of it. He considers it a blessing that he isn't completely numb to it yet, but he won't be scared off so easily either. He glances back to Augustine, his expression confused at first before it connects...and he smiles in spite of their grim surroundings. ]

Forgive me, taking the safer option has ever been a struggle.

[ Camaraderie may be new for Augustine not so much for Cedrik. He recognizes the offer of comfort, even if it's a little clumsy.

There's no time to dwell on it, however. Every step takes them closer to their goal even as it takes them deeper into danger. Is it a monster? Or the trees themselves? Cedrik's gil is on the latter though, as that's probably worse than the monster Augustine suspects, he doesn't mention it. They're surrounded by trees, after all.

Speaking of, the leaves that are carried by the wind have a strange whistle to them, enough for Cedrik to tilt his head and try to sort out the sound before Augustine discovers the hard way. ]

Augustine, you're--ah!

[ His ears make damned large targets, the next gust slashing a nick into one of them. And in the distance the wind is picking up...

They need to run. ]

[Idly examining the blood upon his cheek, Augustine pauses once he hears that faint whistling sound. The winds are picking up again. A powerful gust of wind flows past them causing a flurry of leaves to follow in its wake. It's difficult to tell whether foul play is involved but you're bound to die right here if they don't run.]

Come! Towards the light!

[He commands before yanking Cedrik forward. There's no telling if the faint orange glow before them is indeed the sacred lantern but Augustine is willing to bet it is. There's something strangely warm and inviting about the light before them, something magical to say the least. While he doesn't know if heading towards the light will save them, he's willing to try.

The dhampir doesn't dare let go of Cedrik's hand as he uses the howling winds to propel them forward. He outstretches his wings and glides the two of them towards that very light hidden within the mist. The closer they get towards it, the weaker the violent winds become. It seems they've found the lantern but it's accompanied with a young boy who looks all too thrilled to see them.]

[ Cedrik's not usually the one being rescued but he's not about to complain. He tries to keep up, running as fast as he can, but at a certain point his feet leave the ground entirely as the dhampir goes from running to gliding. Augustine's wings not only carry them further and faster, but it knocks away most of the leaves before they can do any significant damage. It's lucky they ran into each other...Cedrik probably would have made it through if he were alone, but he'd be a lot more bloodied on the other end than he is now.

The clearing they find holds both the lantern and the campfire they spotted from the hilltop, the mist recoiling from the warm firelight. On the other side of it, with the lantern dangling from his fingertips and a stringed instrument in his lap, the young boy waves the pair closer. ]

You made it! Welcome, welcome...here, stay a while and keep me company, won't you?

No.

[That stubborn reply is instantly followed by a flash of red as the dhampir summons his magic. While Augustine had every intention of not using his unique brand of sorcery for this venture, it seems he has very little choice now. He can instinctively tell there’s something off about this boy. Maybe it’s the mischievous glint within the boy’s gaze that gives away his intentions or the faint scent of blood that alarms the dhampir. Whatever it is, Augustine is reluctant to give his ear towards this thief.

Instead, he summons forth what seems to be a blood-red crystalized spear crafted from his own essence. The wound he suffered earlier bleeds as he points the spear towards the youth with an unflinching revolve. However, instead of just skewering the child where they stand, he gives them one chance to surrender.]

Release the lantern or we will take it from your corpse.

[It’s a miracle that he’s feeling merciful at all considering the peculiar weather as of late. Everyone has been on edge lately, Augustine included. However, the purple dhampir seems more capable of hiding his displeasure under mild-mannered pleasantries and general kindness. Unfortunately, he’s not in the mood to play nice with this child. So unless Cedrik has something to say about it, this boy is going to be ripped apart.]

[ Puck's eyes widen in surprise, though he looks far from afraid. He leans back, the hand holding the lantern swaying to the side where it tilts so precariously from the tips of his fingers-- ]

Wait!

[ Cedrik steps between Autustine and the strange boy, one arm holding firm over the dhampir's chest while the other reaches towards him--and the lantern--in a placating gesture. ]

You know why we've come, I'm sure...the lantern you carry has caused a great deal of misery in it's brief absence. Will you return it, please?

[ There's a part of Cedrik that's 100% with Augustine. Enough of this nonsense, they have their thief, let them be done with it so they can be given their empty platitudes and move on. Fray's cranky like that. But the boy has made no attack against them. Every injury and inconvenience they've suffered has been caused by the wood. If there's any chance that this can be settled without further bloodshed, Cedrik would reach for it first.

Puck seems to think it over, balancing the lantern in question and letting it wobble...but not fall. ]

Perhaps...if you can indulge me.

[A sigh of frustration escapes Augustine once the adventurer decides to intervene. There's a fifty-fifty chance that the dhampir could've caught the lantern before it fell but the odds weren't great.]

I could've caught it.

[He mutters as the crystalized spear suddenly bursts into a million or so tiny little shards. The glass-like shards harmlessly drift away towards the night sky above like translucent diamonds. As for the wound on Augustine's cheek, it's all healed now. The dhampir takes a step back away from their quarry and crosses his arms across his chest.]

Very well, I suppose we have to play this game.

[Augustine turns his sights away from Cedrik and towards the youth with a look of absolute loathing. Even though he has decided to stand down for now, nothing will stop him from glaring daggers at the boy.]

Indulge you, how?

[ Cedrik relaxes, being sure to look back at Augustine and give him his best and most grateful smile. ]

Thank you for humoring me all the same.

[ Between the two of them, especially with Augustine's impressive magic, Cedrik has no doubt they could teach Puck a very thorough lesson. Though without a proper weapon they might have ended up relying on that magic more than his own skill...

It's better to try for peace whenever they can, he hopes this will convince Augustine of that. ]

Why don't we begin with some good, old-fashioned ghost stories, eh? Here, come make yourselves comfortable by the fire, I'm sure two worldly gentlemen such as yourselves have plenty of wild tales to share.

[ Cedrik blinks. He didn't know what to expect exactly, but telling the boy a story certainly wasn't it. Looking back at Augustine, he shrugs. ]

Better that than having to fetch some other trinket or some such...eh, do you know any?

[ Cedrik does indeed have plenty of tales, including one that would fit the request for ghosts, if Augustine does not. ]

[Judging from the annoyed huff Augustine gives Cedrik in return, he's not very pleased with their current arrangement. He can just tell by looking at Puck that the boy means trouble. Hell, there's a chance that this "boy" isn't a child at all. After all, there's all manner of beasts that lurk within the Netherworld. It wouldn't surprise Augustine if Puck was some sort of fae-like creature. He certainly has the sinister child-like demeanor of one.

He regards Puck with a bored glance once he realizes that the boy means to harass them for most of the evening. Honestly, it would've been easier to stab little prick through the neck.]

Wild tales, hm?

[A thoughtful hum escapes Augustine as he regards Puck. He's not certain what kind of stories would suffice here but he's not at all keen about telling about himself. This little trickster is bound to use their words against them if they're not careful. That's why he settles on telling a fairytale over anything personal.]

I suppose I know of a few strange tales but none of them end amicably.

Even better! Have a seat and let's hear them!

[ Puck beckons to the pair and makes a sweeping gesture to the fire where...had there always been three stumps? Cedrik could have sworn there was only one when they first got here. It's fairly obvious that there's something more at play, even Cedrik can tell that. Though he lacks the wings, Pucks mannerisms remind him more and more of the Pixies.

Fae can be dealt with, so long as they're careful.

Cedrik chooses to play along, sitting at one of the offered stumps and looking to see if Augustine will decide to join him. Whether or not he does, Cedrik lightly clears his throat. ]

Then, if I may, I'll go first?

My tale is a recounting of true events-- [ Puck lets out a soft 'ooh' and settles down, chin in his hands. ] ...of a tragedy that befell a party of young adventurers, including two young lovers.

[ Cedrik recounts the story with care, introducing Edda, an aspiring healer and Avere, her gladiator fiancé, Liavinne the archer, and Paiyo the thaumaturge. ]

From the start, they were met with challenges, as are all adventurers. Edda was yet a novice in conjury and her fellows did not understand the value of patience when it came to battle. They mocked her for her shortcomings, even as she did her best, spending the last of her coin on healing potions for when her spells came up short. Even Avere teased her...

[ It's pretty obvious what Cedrik's opinion is, even as he tries to remain neutral. Edda's fellow adventurers were dicks. But that did not mean they deserved the fate that befell them. He recounts that part of the story next, of their final adventure together in the Tam-Tara Deepcroft. ]

...and in those dark, twisting tunnels Avere ran ahead, too eager for glory. He ran beyond the reach of Edda's spells, beyond even her sight, and when she was at last able to catch up to him the man lay dead. His head removed from his shoulders. The party disbanded shortly after, Levinne and Paiyo blaming Edda for Avere's death. Edda, overwhelmed with grief and guilt, took Avere's head and kept it with her, unable to let go of the man she loved. She resolved to return to her home village and renew her conjurer training...along with Avere's head, of course. Twisted as it may have been, she found comfort in it, often speaking to it as she would Avere. She could almost pretend he was still with her.

Moons passed, Levinne and Paiyo each going their separate ways. Levinne attempted a new start with a larger group of adventurers, but was killed in a raid against an enemy force.

[ A massive oversimplification, but getting into the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, their betrayal from within, and the attack on the Waking Sands...that's a completely different story. ]

As for Paiyo, he attempted to simply move on from the tragedy, until he received an invitation in the post several moons later. It was an invitation to a bonding ceremony, between Edda...and Avere. Stranger still, the location was listed as Tam-Tara Deepcroft, the same wretched place their lives had all gone so suddenly wrong.

[ Obviously, shit was fucked. Cedrik finally gets to his own involvement, though he only describes the 'seasoned adventurer' that Paiyo recruited for help. He recounts the horrors found in the deepcroft, how the already dismal place was overrun with voidsent and ashkin, including the resurrected body of Levinne, forced to stand guard and put down any who would interrupt the ceremony. Even poor Paiyo found himself trapped and in need of rescue, lest he join his former comrade in undeath. ]

...at last the adventurer reached the deepest part of the crypts and found a circular platform over a vast pit, surrounded by candles and etched with blood. At it's center stood Edda, wearing the white dress of a proper healer. She saw the adventurer...and smiled. She knew him, you see. More importantly, Avere knew him and admired his strength. He wanted to be just like him. So Edda decided that, as a gift to her soon to be husband, she would bring Avere this adventurer's body and they could finally be together.

[ He describes the monstrosity Avere had become, a bloated, flying head the size of a fully grown hyuran man, the work of necromancy. He recounts the battle that followed, how Avere's head was finally destroyed and Edda, poor Edda... ]

She backed away in fear, drawing too close to the candles. Her white dress was caught aflame and, in her panic, she fell screaming into the dark before the adventurer could reach her. [ ...he should have been faster. ] Still she did not rest. Her spirit could be seen throughout the lands, cities she and Avere had visited, a glimpse of a girl in simple brown robes and a wide brimmed hat, smiling at you, before vanishing from sight.

[As Cedrik recounts his tale regarding a group of aspiring but ill-fated adventurers, Augustine takes this time to study Puck. He settles down upon the edge of a tree stump and watches with keen interest as the boy focuses his attention upon Cedrik. It seems the Viera's creepy tale has truly won the fae's attention, so much that the boy has left the lantern unguarded beside him. His fingers itch as he stares down at the lantern.

Would it be foolish for him to try snatch the lantern away before Cedrik finishes? The boy is focused squarely on the Viera, not once glancing at him. Even though this seems like a prime opportunity to reclaim it, something in the back of Augustine's mind warns him otherwise. The woods are watching. Even if the dhampir somehow manages to grab the lantern, the woods itself will try to stop him. That much seems obvious enough after that leaf scratched his cheek.

A frustrated sigh escapes Augustine as he touches his cheek just to ensure the wound is sealed unbeknown to him that Puck is watching him. The boy watches the dhampir from the corner of his soulless eyes with a hint of a smirk upon his lips. Yes, the child knows what Cedrik's companion is thinking. The youth keeps his eyes on the dhampir for a moment or so longer than necessary before turning back towards the adventurer. Cedrik is a fantastic storyteller, someone who pays attention to the smallest details much like him. Puck cannot help but look overjoyed as this tale takes a puzzling turn for the worse. Hearing what dark fate awaited Edda and her friends pleases him to no end.]

You failed to save her...didn't you? [The boy questions with a mischievous little smirk that is quickly turning sinister.] From your failure, she died and became a spirit who would forever haunt the earth.

[A chuckle escapes the youth as he reaches for the golden handle of the lantern. Puck could feel the dhampir tense as he does so, relishing the man's displeasure. He stares at the both of them, his eyes devoid of light as he speaks. The flickering orange glow of the lantern makes him look far more demonic than before.]

♰ Before the Next Sacrifice

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