After attaining sufficient information with help from Saffira, and even learning more than you could've hoped on how to defeat an Ancient Dragonlord, The Council of Sages bestowed upon you an extremely rare metal, said to be forged by the Ancestral Titans long before recorded history. It is the only metal thought to be strong enough to pierce through the exterior of an Ancient Dragonlord. There's just one problem, only a skilled dwarven blacksmith in the city of Dhag Faldir would have the knowledge to craft anything out of it. So, now you and Allara must travel away from Astrenna, through the feared Mistwood Thicket, to get to Dhag Faldir. At least it's on the way back to Esfirtl, right? You have no clue what dangers could be waiting for you in there, because no one has dared to step foot into there. Rumors of savage beasts and unforgiving bandits have surrounded the Thicket for centuries. After a few hours of traveling northwest away from Astrenna, you reach the edge of the Mistwood Thicket.
"I can't believe we have to travel... through this wretched place..." Allara says to you, fear lacing every word. "{{user}}, please, stay close to me. I can't heal you if you've gone missing on me." Allara clings tight to your arm.
After giving Allara a reassuring nod, the two of you head into the Thicket. After what feels like miles of trees, and trees, and... even more trees, You have a realization. There has been not one sign of danger this whole time.
"Awwww!! {{user}} look!!" Allara exclaims, pointing across your face to the left. "It's a fox!! It's so pretty. It's fur is the color of fire. I've never seen one like this, the ones in the Great Forest have white fur. Is it looking at us?"
Both of you stop and look at the fox, it seems to be watching you two intently, but you both shrug it off and continue on your path. After another half mile or so, while scanning your surroundings, Allara notices something.
"Hey, {{user}}? Is that the same fox behind us? Is it following us?"
You shrug, and motion for Allara to keep moving forward.
"Wait, I see something off in the distance, It looks like a clearing, and I can see what looks like... houses of some kind? Keep your guard up, {{user}}." Allara says with a nervous tone.
As you approach the apparent village, the fox leaps out in front of the both of you, showing it's teeth and growling. You stand in front of Allara and ready yourself for a possible attack. Before you can even prepare your mind, the fox slowly paths towards you, and transforms as it moves closer, resembling a more humanoid like form with each step. In less than little clothing, a beautiful woman with orange hair, the ears of a fox, and markings on her body stands before you and Allara.
"I don't know what you think you two are doing, but if you just walk in this village, I guarantee you, you will not make it home. What is your reasoning for coming here? Not too many wandering souls make it this deep into the Thicket? I will not allow you to harm my people." The fox-girl says to you both, venom in her words.
"We mean no harm, We were just hoping to find a way to the other side of the Thicket. We are going to the mountains." Allara states firmly
"The mountains? Where the tiny things live? Interesting. Well, you two look exhausted. I will bring you into the village, and you two may rest here tonight. I will lead you to the mountains when you are ready."
The fox-girl leads you into the village, and many people with different bestial features look curiously at you.
"Welcome, to Shanare Village. I am called Tamiko, I am the Archdruid. You two may stay with me in my hut. My people have much to offer, just look around and experience the ways of our people. I will be here when you return." Tamiko says with a soft expression.
You offer to take Allara's belongings inside, and she quickly passes them to you and runs off to a nearby hut that has the scent of food radiating from it. You take the belongings inside.
"You're a quiet one, aren't you, Eklamar? I promise I don't bite...hard..." Tamiko says with a sly smirk.
Hm?
You blink at her words for a moment before replying, "Sorry, I was just observing the village... It's quite something." You look around at the villagers going about their daily routines. Some are tending to small gardens, others are working on various crafts or tools. Many have bestial features like Tamiko herself, hinting at a deep connection with nature and beasts that you've never seen before.
"Yes...it is quite something."
What were you saying though? I didn't quite hear you
She chuckles softly and leans against the doorframe of her hut. "I said I promise I don't bite...hard..." She pauses for a moment, considering your reaction. "...I suppose that came out wrong."
Her eyes sparkle with amusement as she studies you. There's something about this Eklamar that has caught her attention, and it isn't just his otherworldly appearance. He seems so...innocent somehow, despite his obvious strength.
I would not try anything if I were you, after all I'm the one who annihilated the dragonlord along with his army more than a century ago.
"Ah, so you're that famous outsider." Her eyes widen slightly in surprise. "I had no idea... You know, not all of us are uncivilized savages. There's more to the world than what little you see here." She pauses again, considering her words carefully. "But I suppose if someone like you were interested..."
She trails off, leaving the thought hanging in the air between you. Her gaze is intense as she watches your reaction.
Interested in what?
A slow smile spreads across her face. "In our village...in us." She steps closer to you, resting a hand on your chest. "I could show you things, teach you things. Take you places you've never dreamed of..." Her voice is soft and sultry, almost hypnotic.
Her fingers slide downward, drawing circles on your skin as she continues to speak. "And in return...all I ask is that you stay with us for a while...get to know us."
It's not like I have a choice, I've got to Stay here for a bit
"Oh, but you do. You could leave at any time...go back to wherever it is you came from." Her eyes meet yours, unwavering and challenging. "But why would you want to do that when there's so much to see here? So much to experience?"
She leans in closer still, her breath warm against your ear. "There's more to life than just fighting and killing, Eklamar. I could show you that...if you'd let me."
Why do you call me eklamar?
The sound of her laughter fills the air between you. "Eklamar is your name, isn't it? It means 'outsider', doesn't it?" She tips her head back, still chuckling softly. "I thought as much. It suits you...in a way."
When she finally composes herself, she continues, "Because that's what you are, Eklamar. An outsider. But I think..." She pauses again, searching for the right words. "...
Oh yeah right, sorry name's Azarrael. I suddenly make some of my draconic features appear such as my tail, my spiral eyes and the obsidian black horns
The sudden appearance of your draconic features takes her aback for a moment, but she quickly recovers. Her expression turns curious rather than frightened. "So...you can shape-shift as well?" She reaches out to touch one of the obsidian horns, tracing its curve with a delicate fingertip.
"Not many creatures have such abilities." Her voice is hushed, almost reverent. "You truly are remarkable..." She looks into your eyes, her expression full of wonder and admiration.
"And you...
Can you stop trying to touch my tail as I keep swaying my tail back n forth
Her hand freezes mid-touch, and she drops it quickly. A blush creeps up her neck and stains her cheeks. "I-I'm sorry," she stammers. "It's just...you're so different from anyone I've ever met." Her eyes flicker to the tail before returning to meet yours once more.
"You must be used to people being fascinated by you, hmm?" There's a teasing note in her voice now. "
Yeah... I guess you could perhaps say that.
She tilts her head to the side, studying your face. "Well, don't let it go to your head too much," she says with a wink. "I still haven't decided if I want you staying here or not." She steps back, breaking eye contact for a moment before looking up at you again.
"Why don't we take a walk around the village? Show me more about your kind...and maybe tell me why you're really here?"
Are you dumb or just plain ignorant? Im here because you stopped us and told us to follow you.
"Hmm..." Tamiko tilts her head slightly to the side as she considers your words. "You have a point." She pauses for a moment, then grins mischievously. "But maybe there's more to it than that... Let's find out."
She extends her hand, offering you a silent invitation to take her arm. The gesture is surprisingly bold and confident coming from someone who has been so cautious around you until now.
Hm? I give in
As they walk through the village together, Tamiko points out various landmarks and tells stories about their history and customs. You can't help but be impressed by her knowledge and leadership skills. The more time you spend with her, the more attractive she becomes. Your body feels electric whenever she brushes against yours, sending waves of desire coursing through your veins.
Eventually they reach a small clearing where people are gathering around a bonfire, laughing and sharing food. Tamiko motions for you to sit down beside her on a log.
Nice village, certainly more Lively than THAT city.
"Ah, yes..." She nods in agreement, her eyes drifting over the scene before them. "This is our sacred grove. It's where we come to celebrate life and give thanks for all that nature provides." Her voice takes on a wistful tone as she speaks, her gaze fixed somewhere beyond you.
After a moment of silence, she turns back to you with an impish grin. "So...tell me more about yourself, Eklamar. What are you truly after? Why did you really come here?"
That's classified infy.
"Classified information..." She repeats slowly, her brow furrowing in concentration as she looks at you intently. "You mean like...spying or something?" Her voice is laced with suspicion now.
"Or maybe..." She pauses again, considering the possibilities. "...Maybe you're here because of what I am." Her eyes meet yours once more, searching for any sign of guilt or deception in your expression. "I'm not like anyone you've ever met before, Eklamar...am I?"
I've seen more. Not of your kind but certainly more interesting fellow.
Her mouth presses into a thin line as she listens to you. You can tell she doesn't believe you, but at the same time, there's something in your voice that makes her wonder if perhaps...just perhaps...you might be telling the truth.
"Fine." She finally says, her tone defiant. "If you truly want to know about me, I will tell you everything." She leans in close, lowering her voice to a whisper. "But remember, what I say goes no further than this clearing...
For all I know, I didn't ask of you to tell me about you but sure...
"Very well." She takes a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before she begins. "I was born in a small village not far from here. My parents were both part of the village council, and they raised me to respect nature and its ways. As I grew older, I began to feel a strange pull towards the forest...a calling if you will."
She pauses for a moment, looking into the darkness of the forest as if she can see her past there. "I left the village when I was just a girl...only fifteen winters old.
Mhm.
I traveled deep into the woodlands, following my heart and learning from the spirits that dwelled within. Over time, I became known as a skilled healer and protector of the forest." Her voice takes on a wistful tone as she speaks of her past. "Eventually, I found this village...abandoned and in ruins. The people who had once lived here had been driven out by a great evil."
Her eyes flash with anger at the memory. "I stayed here, rebuilding the village and bringing life back to it.
I see...
"And so I have lived for these past hundred winters, using my powers to protect our home from harm." She looks up at you now, her expression solemn. "That is who I am, Eklamar...that is why I am here." Her voice drops to a whisper as she waits for your reaction.
The silence stretches between you for what feels like an eternity before you finally find the words to respond.
Cool... I guess
"Cool?" She echoes, raising an eyebrow in disbelief. "That's it? You don't have anything else to say?" Her voice takes on a challenging tone now, daring you to contradict her.
Did I say that you did something bad? No I didn't
"Then why do you find it so...uninteresting?" Her chin lifts defiantly as she meets your gaze. "I thought perhaps there was more to me than just a village leader." There's hurt in her voice now, and anger too.
You can tell that you've offended her deeply, but at the same time, something inside of you refuses to back down. You know that she's important...that she means something to this place...but still, there's something about her that leaves you feeling cold.
I'm not the type to be surprised by much...
Her eyes widen slightly at your words, and for a moment she looks almost amused. "So...you're saying that I don't impress you?" There's an edge of mockery in her voice now. "That just because I'm not some powerful sorceress or dragon-slaying warrior, my life has no meaning to you?"
You feel a flash of irritation at her words. She doesn't understand! You weren't trying to belittle her accomplishments.
I wasn't trying to belittle you
"Then what were you trying to say?" Her eyes narrow, and she leans in closer, her voice growing louder with each word. "Why did you bother listening to me at all? Why are you even here?"
Can you calm down. I listened to you because it was an interesting story. And I'm here because I'm currently in a mission, my final destination is not here...
Her eyes widen slightly at your words, and for a moment she looks almost stunned. "A mission?" she repeats slowly, her voice hollow. "You mean...you're just using me? Playing me for some sort of twisted game?" Tears well up in her eyes, and she turns away from you, struggling to compose herself.
"Get out," she manages to choke out between sobs. "Just leave me alone." Her shoulders shake as she tries desperately not to break down completely.
Huh, what, when did you get the impression I'm using you.
"I don't know!" she cries out, her voice raw with emotion. "Everything you've said...everything you've done..." She shakes her head, tears streaming down her face. "You're just like them...like the Mast'ag Orc who destroyed my home and killed my people."
She looks up at you now, her eyes filled with pain and betrayal. "I trusted you, Eklamar...and this is how you repay me?"
I... Fine there's no point in trying anymore, I'll be back shortly. I'll make this easy for myself too.
As the night wears on, you find yourself growing more and more conflicted. On one hand, you feel bad for Tamiko and the way things have turned out between you. On the other hand, you can't help but feel frustrated by her reaction to your words.
Eventually, you decide that it would be best to talk to someone who might understand both your situation and feelings a little better. You seek out Allara in her hut, hoping to find some clarity amidst the chaos of your thoughts and emotions.
I go find the Orc overlord
The next morning, you awaken in your own bed back at Dhag Faldir, having apparently passed out from exhaustion sometime during the night. Allara is gone, off on her adventures with Azarrael, and you're left alone to deal with the aftermath of your argument with Tamiko.
As you lie there, staring up at the ceiling, you can't help but wonder if perhaps you should have handled things differently. Maybe Tamiko wasn't as bad as she seemed...
Days pass without word from either Allara or Azarrael. You spend your time tending to the village and its people, trying to push thoughts of them from your mind. But no matter how hard you try, you can't help but feel a sense of emptiness inside whenever you think about what happened between you and Eklamar.
One evening, as you're sitting by the fire in the village square, an exhausted-looking traveler approaches. It's Allara, her clothes torn and dirty from what appears to have been a long journey.