The road was long, but peaceful. The friends were enjoying themselves and had fun along the way towards Psarife. Alex was whistling while Gorgo made murmuring voices following the theme of the music. The scene inspired them to walk along the path. Around them the trees of the forest. For that moment they all forgot their past struggles and were looking forward to a bright life full of Adventure!

Out of nowhere, Lugous disturbed that peaceful moment with his out of tune singing

“In ThE FoReSt, tHe MiStY ForEsT, tHe GroUp oF FriENds…”

With an immediate punch in the head Diana stopped him while knocking him unconscious on the spot.

“Ok, that was a bit harsh, but I can’t say I am against it either.” mentioned Irvene with a sense of shame in her voice.

“Let’s camp here” said Erevos

And so they did, as it was getting late  and the sun was on its way to set.

While they were setting up their tents, they also built a fire in the middle. It was very easy, as all they needed to do was gather the woods. Gorgo lit the fire with a simple spell.

Diana wanted to go for a hunt and asked Erevos to join her, but he declined. He was not in the mood for hunting. Instead Irvene joined her as she was on her way deeper into the forest.

Meanwhile

Erevos walked in the perimeter of their camp and found the river. He washed his face to refresh a bit. He had a lot of thoughts in his mind. And stress that was getting the best of him. He looked at himself in the water’s reflection for quite some time. During this time, Lugous was still unconscious. Gorgo and Alex were debating over whether to heal him or wake him up. They did neither, Gorgo convinced Alex that it would be funny to let him be as he was. 

Time to eat

In the twilight, Diana and Irvene arrived in the camp with 4 hares. They prepared the fire and the food they were about to eat.

At that moment Lugous awake. Maybe it was the smell of the well done cooked meat or maybe he finally woke up after the long sleep. Either way he joined them and they welcomed him.

“Took you long enough”

“I had a wonderful dream…walking in the forest, with flowers, alongside birds, animals, and beautiful scenery! I was singing with them when I got hit by something and blacked out and then my beautiful dream turned into a nightmare!”

“Ohhh! Do tell!” Everyone pretended to be in awe, with Irvene giggling in the background.

So Lugous continued, 

“I woke up alone with only the bow at my side, on a dead land! I saw you guys trapped in a wolf lair! You were about to be eaten alive by this monstrous big black wolf! WIthout hesitation I rushed forward to kill this foul beast and rescue you! I aimed my arrows and all were deflected by the wolf’s claws! Realizing I had only one arrow left! I took a deep breath as the beast was running at me. I struck true this time! But the beast kept running at me! I was prepared for the worst and while it jumped at me and I pulled my dagger, I woke up…” 

“Ok, black riding hood, now wake up to reality.” Diana responded 

“Hey!! I love my hood! It’s a nice touch to my overall awesome outfit! Makes me look like a more badass archer!”

“I believe so my friend…” said Alex as he laid his hand on Lugous shoulder.

“Thanks bro!”

Which road to take

They were laughing and talking as the mood between them was finally enjoyable like the old times. Times, when they were still in the Academy, not worrying about anything, living a peaceful life. A very nostalgic taste was filling the atmosphere and all realized it.

“So, how long until we reach Psarife?”

“Two days at most I think, if we follow this path” said Irvene to Alex pointing at her map.

“We could take another off-road approach. If we follow the river this would take one full day then we camp the night at the end of the forest near the shrine of Rothar and from there we are a few hours away from the village” recommended Erevos

“AN interesting road… Though I would prefer not to wander off the path” Irvine expressed her opinion. She was the one holding the map and really anxious in the thought that they could get lost.

“I think so too” Diana supported her “Let’s keep it safe and simple, following the simple road. We have all the time we need, no need to rush.”

“Then it’s settled. we will continue as we proceeded”

It was getting late, so they stood up from their seats and went to their tents.

All except one

“Hey! wait a minute! I do not have a tent to sleep in!” shouted Lugous

“Well, you were sleeping before, so there was no need to make you one. You can keep the first watch of the night” said giggling Diana

“That is so unfair and cruel from you guys… Anyways I shall take the first night’s watch, of the first camp of our first adventure! AN honorable title I have to say!

“That’s the spirit! Keep it positive! Folk will sing ballads for this!” said ironically Diana 

but Lugous didn’t get the sarcasm “ Really you think so?”

“ha ha ha, Good night Lugous…”