Running from Ghosts

DEC 4006

I am afraid that I was less than impressive on my first outing together with our neighbors in Tenarath. Aezrel heard that I was blocked in my search for yuletide supplies by the ferocity of the lost souls and ghosts in the forsaken forest.

Aezrel took pity on me. He offered to take me out to get the medallions I needed. A number of the other Blackfangs came along. I didn't really know them well at the time. Demiqas. Ctac. We met at The Smashed Pyre, Blackfang kitted out in their armor and weapons, the height of professional danger and capability. I in the mismatched expedition gear I'd been able to acquire as I settled in Javerdus and awaited my things to arrive. And they scoffed, rightly, but they also generously re-outfitted me new, good gear from the mercenary company stores.

Then we were off on what a storybook would call an adventure. We went through the fields and to the woods and as I stood nervously and wondering if I had made a mistake I was instructed: Don't panic. Don't run. The lost souls and ghosts set upon us, and metal rang, and I ran like Zeb themself was behind me. All the while with Aezrel and Demiqas shouting after me "Stop running!" while Ctac cackled. It was terrifying.

After making it nearly across Javerdus, I stopped, caught my breath, and made my way back. Everyone regrouped. Same tips, same pointers, friendly encouragement mostly all around. Ctac cackled still. And I would like to tell you that I bravely triumphed, but telling a direct lie is unbecoming. I did bravely enter the ghost tower once again. I also bravely ran again when I was bravely spooked by the ghosts. It was all very brave, really. Ctac bravely cackled. I think they were flabbergasted, they probably never saw someone run that fast.

Eventually I was able to hold my feet firmly enough to the ground not to flee until I met the edge of creation. I would say 'we' got enough of the crystals I needed to make a Yule mask, but I felt more like a jumpy onlooker who was gifted some portion of the gains as a kindness.

But Aezrel smiled.

In that infested, frightening place, weapons swinging, timid neighbor who was supposed to be their healer fleeing at every flickering shadow of a leaf, he was having the time of his life.