Upon hearing that Syra froze up processing what she heard, reminded of what her parents told her of her grandfather and granduncle, and that they desecrated Xyrak's remains. There was an uncomfortable silence, everyone was unsure how she would react, Astor had a hand on the hilt of his weapon. She shifted uncomfortably as she found her voice, "I've always been told by my parents when Xyrak was slain his body was desecrated but I didn't think it included turning his own bones into weapons." she shook her head, dark thoughts creeping in, thoughts that these people are a danger to her, that they must die before they do the same to her. She suppressed those thoughts and continued, "I have no personal fondness of my great uncle, long dead when I was born, but why do that? and did the rest of you plan to do the same to me if I was deemed too dangerous?" "Allow me to explain," Kal said speaking up, "The making of Xyrak's remains into weapons was not something that occurred originally. When he was slain by the seven in the northern arctic region his great power was unleashed and absorbed by the seven making them demigods before going after Abyssar and his power giving them full godhood. The remains of those great dragons still carried portions of their great power, Abyssar was buried deep beneath several layers of ice while Xyrak remained above ground, his remains resonating with dark magic capable of reviving himself, and it lured countless people to them and even tempted the seven themselves while they still remained on Isvarla." Syra listened intently to Kal, taking in his historical knowledge and she felt herself softening as she started to understand. "So in a way my granduncle lived on beyond death." "In a manner of speaking yes," Kal added, "Be it directly or indirectly Xyrak's influence lived on beyond the grave, those who we're lured to his remains till most of his bones apart and turned them into weapons and armor, creating powerful but incredibly dangerous artifacts that corrupted the crafters and weilders of these items. If it was latent evil magic that influenced them or if it was Xyrak himself trying to return vicariously through those who used them is unclear, but it lead to another war between the seven and these corrupted individuals." Kal took a deep breath gathering his thoughts some more, "After all that, every single artifact crafted from his bones we're gathered, found out they couldn't be destroyed so we're instead consecrated, silencing the dark influence from these items and we're locked away throughout Isvarla to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands and as potential tools should the need require them." Syra softened even more after hearing the explanation of Xyrak's remains before letting out a sigh, "Seems my family told me half-truths regarding that... I wonder if they are recovering some of his remains themselves." Tensions started to lessen in the room after Syra had relaxed, Astor removed his hand off the hilt. "Back to the problem at hand," the mayor said, "You all will need to ready yourselves for your mission to Ivargrove soon, if they are regrouping down in Kalderwood for another attack I don't know if we'll be able to stop them." "We'll drive them back," Fara spoke up excitedly, "We are sworn protectors of Asgarna as a whole, and from what I've seen from you," she turned to Syra placing a large hand on her shoulder as her tail swished excitedly, "We'll have the black knight and that druid in chains by next dawn!" she paused after saying that, "...give or take everything goes alright." Syra looked at Fara's hand on her shoulder then to the woman herself surprised by her gesture of confidence. The mayor nodded, "Good, I'll send for aid from the capital for some soldiers to help defend the village and some masons to help with rebuilding efforts on what we lost," he then turned to Syra, his golden eyes piercing her's, "Once this threat is dealt with, my people and the other villages are liberated we will grant you asylum and you'll be welcome here." Syra looked back at the mayor simply nodding, "Once this is done what is to be done with my great uncle's fang?" "Given how dangerous such an artifact is it will have to be locked away in a temple of the seven, whether it is here or in the capital I don't know, even if it we're consecrated once more it's corruption is still too risky for anyone to wield." She tilted her head at that, "I see... although I can't help but wonder if a dragon could hold it without succumbing to the influence." Astor gave her a look before speaking, "Given how you have gone against your family's way the remnants of Xyrak might try to sway you to your kind's... true nature." Syra felt a surge of discomfort from that statement, "If say your father we're to handle the fang it would be like using a powerful sword and could wreak even more havoc upon the world than he already could." "...I see..." She said, "So be careful and return the blade here, got it." The mayor nodded, "You all will need to head out immediately, get whatever supplies you need, food, weapons, camping supplies..." he took a deep breath, "We're all counting on you, save everyone and return in one piece." Kal, Fara, and Astor all nodded and gave a quick bow before leaving the chamber, Syra doing the same before following behind them. --- Syra followed behind the three back through the building, the mayor was following right behind her. As they made it outside there was a crowd of people in the town hall's courtyard, everyone had a mix of concern and fear about them, the mayor came up behind them to speak. "We have all lost a lot today, our people most importantly, this threat that has sprung up from nothing has done great harm to us, but we are not going roll over for these monsters!" He held his hand out to Kal, Fara, Astor, and Syra, "Our guardians and this dragon who has come to our village will go forth and liberate our people and those of our neighboring towns and bring justice to those responsible!" There was some excitement and enthusiasm in the crowd. "While they go forth and take the fight to this band of raiders each of us must in our own right do what we can to protect Dorin's Rest! Many of our guards have had their lives cut short form this attack, those who are able to wield a pike or any basic weapon we'll need you to come forward and volunteer." Several men and a couple women came forward ready to make up for the guards they lost, "As for the rest of you, we'll need to restore what was lost, defensive structures, buildings, crops, any and all help will be grateful and for the good of us all." "What about our guardians can we help them in some ways?" a villager called out. "Yes! Is there anything we can provide?" another asked. The mayor turned to the four and Kal spoke up for them, "If there are any supplies that can be provided, food, materials to make tents that would be of great help, but only give what you can spare! Don't starve yourselves on our behalf!" After that everyone started to gather all they can spare, grabbing items Kal mentioned before passing them over to the four. "Give everything to me, I'm built to carry a lot of things!" Fara called out as people got in line and handed her supplies. They mayor, the smith and smith's apprentice, and the guards still alive passed on pikes, axes, and morning stars to the volunteers. Astor got more arrows for his crossbow and Fara was given a hand crossbow should she need it. The four got everything put together and we're ready to head out. Kathra and Kyro approached them and gave their son a strong hug. "Please, come back in one piece." Kathra said to him. "Make sure that he does so." Kyro said to Astor, Fara, and Syra. "We'll make sure we're back in two weeks at the latest." Astor spoke up. After finally getting everything together they all headed out of the village going through the town towards the demolished entrance. Everyone around them was giving words of encouragement, Syra couldn't help but find it fascinating seeing people who are easily rallied by comradery rather than fear like back at home, it felt... nice to her. As they made it to the gates they heard the voice of the mayor call out to them, "May the seven guide you all and ensure the safety of our people and our neighbors!" then they we're off. The four followed along the dirt road heading towards Kalderwood, Fara and Astor in the front with Kal and Syra following behind them, all of them walking at a quick pace. Despite the weight of the camp supplies Fara was not hindered and managed to outpace everyone else. Syra still struggled with navigating the forest terrain compared to the other three, Kal would look back and give Syra a hand on some of the rougher bits of terrain. Fara would look back at the two tilting her head, "Not used to being out here?" Taken aback by her question Syra looked back at her trying to find her words, "Not really, mostly resided in a large fortress where the most difficult terrain is stairs, and even then I can fly over that if I feel like it." Fara's ear's flicked before giving a reassuring smile, "Stay here long enough and you'll get used to it." before she continued forward. Astor looked back at Syra with a look of suspicion before continuing on the task at hand. She felt the urge to speak to the shadow elf and had a lot of questions to ask him, but she couldn't find her words so just kept on walking figuring now would not be the best time for such talks anyway. They continued on the path to Kalderwood till they made it just to it's outskirts on a hill overlooking the destroyed village. In the center of the town they found a group of bandits and magic infused beasts gathering supplies. Among them they could see villagers from Dorin's Rest clad in irons and chains around their necks, on their bodies we're bruise and scratch marks, likely beating by their captors. The bandits appeared to be loading two carriages that we're spared from the flames, with frost infused horses saddled to them, they loaded one of the carriages with supplies and the other with the villagers. Syra looked over at the others wondering what they're planning, if they were devising a plan. Fara was taking several fast and deep breaths, Syra, Kal, and Astor could sense anger building up in her. Astor put his hand on her's. "Don't worry, we'll get them out of here Fara." Her breathing calmed slightly. Kal was looking at the situation intensely, "There are ten bandits and beasts, and what looks like thirty villagers..." he put a hand on his chin in deep thought, he looked back at Astor and Fara, then to Syra, "I have no desire to let them remain captive any longer." he looked at Astor who was still calming Fara down, "If we can cause a distraction you think you can get the villagers out of there?" Astor turned to Kal, "Effortlessly, how do you plan to distract them?" "Pure chaos to put it simply, I can snipe them with my magic, once I got there attention Fara can run in and wreak havoc on the bandits." Fara turned to Kal after that statement and grinned, "Can't wait to throw myself at these bastards." Kal then turned to Syra, "And I'll need you to give her a hand in that." "What about you though? You'll be out here on your own." "So long as you and Fara are causing pandemonium down there it's more likely they'll flee before they get to me." After hearing that Syra turned to Fara, "Let's get to it then." Fara couldn't help but grin and the two started to make their way into town, "Didn't get to see you fight back home, excited to see what you can do." she added to Syra. She simply nodded as she followed behind the large half-wolf woman. Making their way down the hill into town Syra turned her head back to where Kal was as he concealed himself behind the trees, a sense of unease washing over her worrying of Kal gets spotted. She shook her head and resumed following behind Fara and the two make their way into the ruined village moving between the remaining structures and keeping out of sight, the two pressed against a half demolished wall and Fara peered out around the corner, her eyes squinting and Syra could see her bearing her teeth. "There they are..." Fara turned back to Syra, "Once Kal gives the signal with one of his spells we'll jump out and ambush them." Syra nodded before looking at her spell blade as it glowed with cyan fire, "Let me get in front, some of my magic has a wide range and I wouldn't want you to get caught in it." Fara scooted herself over allowing Syra to be near the edge of the wall, "Be mindful of where you fire those, remember there are people from our village here." She nodded to Fara, "I promise I'll look before I cast." In that instant the sound of an ice bolt could be heard, a loud yell coming from the center of town. "Go!" Fara shouted and Syra did so moving out from behind the wall and began to ran forward with Fara close behind her letting out a loud wolf like howl as she enters a berserker rage, her body shifted and transformed, her head changing shape to a wolf head and fur growing over her skin. Syra saw the bandits, one of them was on the ground coated in ice, the magic infused beasts we're alert and ready to charge at the two, the carts we're filled with villagers from Dorin's Rest. Holding out her blade Syra took aim and swung horizontally unleashing a crescent bolt of fire. The bandits ducked and went for cover, the bolt stuck the building behind it with a fiery blast. Fara lept over Syra towards the bandits, the magic infused beasts leapt to both of them, three wolves latched onto Fara, each of them infused with fire, ice, and lightning, biting and sending overwhelming pain through her. A mountain lion infused with fire dashed past Fara and lept onto Syra knocking her to the ground digging claws and teeth into her shoulders. Syra let out a yell of pain feeling both sharp and fiery pain, she turned her head to the mountain lion, cyan and black magic forming in her mouth and she shouted, "Konrath!" and let out a doombolt from her mouth knocking the lion away, claws and teeth tearing her shoulders. "Shit!" she yelled fighting the pain and getting back to her feet. She turned to Fara seeing her simply throwing off the beasts, hurling them into the ruined buildings effortlessly. The bandits got to their feet and surrounded Fara and Syra, one of them looking at the wounded Syra and readying to bring down their axe, when suddenly another bolt of ice shot from the hill struck that bandit and sent him to the ground in a cold heap. Fara howled swinging her battle axe striking the side of one of the bandits and the shoulder of another. The two let out a yell of pain, blood pooling out of their wounds. Suddenly between the cracks of the cobblestone several vines shot up and wrapped around Fara's arms and legs restraining her. The bandits readied their swing to strike the half wolf, Syra took a quick breath and let out a breath of fire at them knocking them back with the flames. Syra moved to Fara and tried to tear apart the vines that bound her but with each vine torn more wrap around their place keeping her bound. Syra turned around looking for the source of the magic, glancing around she saw a person wearing animal hides standing on top of one of the buildings, glaring at Syra and doing a quick hand gesture. She looked down seeing vines shoot up and wrap along her leg. Thinking fast she brought her blade back and swung horizontally towards the bandit druid shooting a crescent fire bolt causing them to move out the way breaking concentration. Syra turned down and let out a breath of fire along the vines binding her legs, burning them away, she turned to Fara once more and helped tear off the vines around her arms. Once freed Fara reached out catching the handle of a warhammer inches from striking Syra on the head. Turning around she saw a large bandit with that warhammer fighting against Fara's grapple. Taking the chance Syra took her blade and swung at the bandit's neck, decapitating him in one swing. The mountain lion that attacked Syra returned jumping onto Fara's back digging it's claws in and biting into her, Fara letting out a pained growl grabbed the lion by the neck pulled it off her and slammed it against the ground once then hurled it in the air. A bolt of ice shot from Kal freezing the beast and snuffing out the fire infusion killing it. More of the bandits and beasts surrounded the two, trying to take them down. Syra could see between the gaps of the bandits and beasts the villagers being escorted away from the carts and out of the village, their distraction was working. A fire infused mountain lion lept over the bandit in front of her, claws and teeth ready. Syra held out her blade as the beast landed right in it, piercing it's heart. The bandit went for a stab in her belly, Syra blocked it with the lion's body, getting the bandit's weapon lodged into the corpse. "Konrath!" Syra shouted casting doombolt on the bandit in front of her knocking him away. A much larger bandit charged at her and Fara knocking them both to the ground and pinning them down. Fara threw the large bandit off her, Syra was stuck in a grapple with the large man. "Our cargo are escaping!" came a voice in the distance and Syra saw it, the bandit druid back on top of one of the village structures, he held out his hand and some yells of pain could be heard. Syra saw the villagers climbing up the hill now trapped in between large thorn bushes that hindered their movement, "Secure them!" To Fara and Syra's horror they saw the remaining magic infused beasts running towards Astor and the villagers. Astor doing what he can to keep them at bay shot arrows from his crossbow infused with black mist blocking the view of the other bandits. The bandits who stood behind tried to keep Fara and Syra back, the large bandit managing to pin her on her stomach, her face pressed against cobblestone. She struggled against the weight of the man, she looked to see Fara was being restrained by irons by the one behind her while the other brought an axe to her stomach causing her to let out a pained howl. Thinking fast Syra reared her tail back and swung it hard against the bandit pinning her to the ground, dazing him and causing him to lose some of his grip. She forced him off her then turned the bandit with irons, she swung vertically down unleashing a vertical crescent firebolt that struck the bandit's hands setting them aflame and forcing him to let go as he screamed. Fara able to use her arms once more struck the bandit with her fist knocking him to the ground then using her axe broke the handle of the axe embedded in her abdomen. She turned to see the villagers, Kal, and Astor in trouble then turned to Syra. "Find that druid! Don't worry about the wound I'll live!" she shouted before running off, stepping on the large bandit's face as she ran. Syra saw the magic infused beasts running towards the villagers, made up of ice and fire both darting towards Astor and Kal hiding in the trees, both of whom missing their shots on them with their crossbow and spells. 'She's not gonna make it!' Syra realized, thinking fast she noted the beasts elemental infusion and she clapped her hands together and sparks formed in her hands, she held them both out and with a loud boom a bolt of lightning shot forth, striking the nearest beast a frost infused wolf, in an instant the bolt chained to all the other beasts electrocuting them all at once and they all fell dead. Turning back to see the other bandits on the ground she took a deep breath feeling a chill and unleashing a breath of ice, freezing the bandits in place before running off to find the bandit druid. Making her way through the streets she found the druid standing on top of a half ruined structure, channeling their magic into the thorn bush amplifying it and causing it to grow bigger and coil and round everyone it ensnares. Hearing the pain and sounds of struggle from the hill Syra held out her hand fuming with rage. "Konrath!" and fires a doombolt, missing but breaking the druid's concentration, the thorns stop expanding giving the other three a chance to help the villagers escape. The druid stared down at Syra glaring at her, reaching his free hand out some violently loud neighing could be heard from the carriages as the lightning infused horses broke free from the carriages and charged at Syra, with sparks from their hooves the horses dashed knocking Syra to the ground and nearly trampling her. On her back she looked up to see the druid raise his hand in the air, an orb of light shining right above her the same color as the sun shining right above her. Syra rolled out of the way just in time is a golden yellow beam of light shot down striking where she was. Getting back on her feet she found the two lightning infused horses turning back around to face her, scraping their hooves leaving spark trails on the cobblestone. She conjured her wings on her back as the horses dashed at her once more, with a swing of her wings she flew in the air dodging the horses. She then flew up to the top of the structure to meet the bandit druid. Unprepared for the fast reaction the druid held his hand out shooting out a black curved spike, trying to move out of the way Syra flew up only for her leg to be struck and pierced by the spike. In an instant she felt a mixture of sickness and delirium as the toxic spike did it's work, she lost control of her flight and fell down landing on the same structure the druid was at. Syra looked up, the druid was blurred in her vision and two figures of the druid stood in place, she shot a bolt of cyan fire at the figure on the right only for it to go through and the image of the druid vanished. The real druid moved forward kicking Syra in the stomach, the pain amplified by the toxin and causing her to feel sick to her stomach. The druid wasn't done yet as a beam of golden light shot at her and Syra felt herself burning from the magic sun fire. Through the pain she tried to fight through the delirium, she found the spike in her leg, thinking fast she reached for it and pulled it out, the hooked part opening a large wound in her leg. She let out a pained yell from the sensation, the visions caused by the toxic spike didn't vanish but began to gradually fade. The druid had returned to his work and she heard echoing yells in the distance, the voices of Fara and Astor could be heard of them in pain, we're they caught in magic thorn bushes or was it part of the delirium? She got to her feet, readying her spell blade and transformed her free hand into her dragon paw, she looked at where the druid was, seeing four of them in her vision, instead of throwing herself at nothing she unleashed a breath of fire, the other three images vanished while the real druid was set alight and he threw off the burning layer of hide, he then turned to Syra as she charged him, dodging her sword swing but taking the swipe of her talons across the face. He let out a pained yell as he lost concentration of his spell. She latched her hands onto the druid and grappled with him till the two fell off the building. The druid kicked out of her grip breaking free and fell away from her, managing to land on one of the horses below. The other horse shot a bolt of lightning at her from it's mouth, Syra flew upwards, her vision seeing multiple bolts shooting off at once. She flew back to the top of the building to try and assess everything. She looked at her leg where she pulled out the spike, it had only partly healed, perhaps a side effect of the toxin, she wondered for a moment what would happen to a normal person without the healing blood she has, she then turned to the hill trying to assess the situation, her vision was still blurred and she had to blink a few times to get a somewhat clear view, she saw Fara was tearing through the thorn bush with her bare hands ignoring all the pain and Kal was burning away portions of the bush being mindful of the flames. The druid was heading towards them transforming into a mountain lion with the lightning infused horses flanking side by side. Syra shook her head trying to shake off the delirium of the toxin, her vision returning somewhat to normalcy, she spread her wings wide and leapt off the building taking flight towards the druid and horses. Using her draconic powers she charged her wings and dashed forward with great speed crashing into the druid knocking him off his feet and crashing into the ground on the hill making a small crater and causing the terrain around them to become uneven and the horses lost their footing and rolled down the hill. Syra grappled with the druid, transforming her feet into dragon paws scratching into their side tearing apart fur and hide and bringing her spell blade down going for the head, only able to make glancing cuts as the bear druid struggled and squirmed. It threw her off into the dirt and tried to climb out of the crater towards the villagers who we're now freed from the thorn bush. Syra heard screaming from the villagers as the druid climbed, thinking fast Syra stabbed her blade into the bear's flank, the bear pulling her up with it and she climbed on the beast's back, transforming her sword arm to a dragon paw and dug into the bear's back latching herself to it and twisting her claws causing great pain and slowing the beast down. After a loud roar and a flash of light the druid shifted out of bear form, Syra's claws and sword losing grip on the lack of flesh and she fell to the ground, glaring back at her with mad eyes the druid held out his hand and shot out another black spike into Syra's shoulder knocking her back to the ground. Wracked with the same toxins once more she struggled to pull it out only for the druid to step on the spike and push it deeper into her, tearing flesh and spreading the toxin faster and her vision became a blur and her pain was amplified. "Die in pain and delirium..." the druid said, just then several bolts of fire struck him from behind and he began to catch fire from the flames, she turned to see the blurry image of Kal with his hand held out, taking the opportunity she focused on the blurry image of the druid seeing three of him she unleashed a breath of cyan fire making sure she got him. The druid screamed as his body was engulfed in flames before stopping and crumpling into a heap of burning flesh. Syra fell back as the pain delirium got to her, she tried to pull out the spike but she lacked strength, she looked up to see several figures move over her, a large fur covered hand and a hand clad in leather reached down gripping the spike and pulled it out, pain rushing through Syra and her vision darkened. She couldn't make out what was happening, she felt several hand and arms lifting her and moving her around till she felt herself propped up against something that felt like rough bark, her vision began to restore itself as she felt something soft but tight wrap around her leg and shoulder. She could make out a pair of scarlet eyes as her vision began to regain focus, she blinked a few times till her vision was cleared as she saw Kal looking her over, along with a villager woman tightening a bandage around her leg. "Thank the twelve! Are you alright Syra?" Kal asked with a voice of relief. "All things considered yes..." she winced trying to move before giving up. "Rest for now, you took a lot of poison from that... monster... I can't bring myself to call someone like that anything but that..." he said with disgust. Syra simply nodded, "That one seemed tougher than the head druid of this band." "Likely they we're overconfident from previous victories till we pushed them back, now they see us as a real threat and aren't holding back." Hearing that she couldn't help but think of her family, her parents, brother, cousins and uncle, all so used to their enemies just being a challenge for them. Memories of stories she was told of when they wouldn't hold back during their conquests came to her mind and she shuddered at the thought. The woman who was tending to Syra's wounds looked up at her, she had a mixed look of fear and appreciation before finally speaking, "Thank you for helping our protector's free us." "Of course." Syra said shifting around trying to get comfortable where she was seated. As the toxin in her body faded further she looked around seeing the other villagers who we're also had bandages wrapped around them, the thorn bush taking a toll on them, she felt her draconic blood begin to work once more as she felt the pain in her shoulder and leg lessening and she slowly got to her feet, "Kal, what was that hooked spike that druid hit me with?" Kal paused thinking for a moment, "I recall reading that druids had some forms of magic that they vow not to use unless it was a serious threat, that spell in particular being a form of said magic, 'Vile sting' as they call it. Given how toxic it is I'm surprised you've recovered as fast as you did!" "As am I, I could feel them dampening my healing blood till they we're ripped out." Kal simply smiled at hearing that. Astor and Fara started to approach her and Kal to see how they we're fairing. Suddenly they heard a crack of thunder as the lightning infused horses had recovered from falling from the hill and climbed back up, ready to trample and electrocute those nearby. Fara thinking fast hurled her axe letting out a howl and went berserk, then hurled her battle axe striking the beasts neck before hurling herself at it knocking it over the hill and violently tumbled down the hill. Thinking fast Syra cast doombolt striking the second horse, Kal unleashed a volley of fire bolts and Kal threw a knife at the horse's neck, dark magic erupted from the beast fatally wounding it and it collapsed in a heap. The three went over to the edge of the hill to check on Fara, they found her standing over the dead lightning infused horse, it's sparks faded to nothing and Fara began to climb back up the hill towards them, breathing heavily. "The sooner we stop these bastards from corrupting these critters, the better!" she shouted as she climbed. Everyone was in agreement to that. --- Everyone moved deeper into the village away from the ruins of Kalderwood. The villagers had their cuts and stab wounds from the thorn bush healed by Syra, and rations that could be spared we're shared with them. They captured the remaining bandits who we're frozen in town and interrogated them, gaining confirmation that redstone was being harvested from Arthastead's mines. The four discussed plans on what to do with the villagers and bandit prisoners. "Can't have all these people out in the wilderness, it's best we get them back to Dorin's Rest along with these prisoners." Fara stated, sounding tired from the day. "I'll be glad to escort them back, since you three have done so much already today." Kal spoke, "Plus it will give you all a chance to set up camp for the night." "Are you sure about that Kal? I can come with you too you know." Astor added. "I'll be able to handle it, I know the land well, plus it'll be nice to check back at home for a moment." Kal said with a smile. The three had a concerned look till Astor finally spoke up, "Very well, first let me do this." he then went around gathering up various pikes and other basic weapons and distributed them amongst the villagers, "Just in case there is a fight with one of those beasts, or if they..." he turned glaring at the bandit prisoners, "...try to cause problems." Kal nodded and began to escort everyone back to Dorin's rest, "I'll be back soon!" As he, the villagers, and prisoners left Astor and Fara got to work unpacking their supplies to set up camp. Syra was unsure how to proceed, she had never been in a situation where she had to set up a camp, even when she was away from home she was provided a cozy place to stay by those under her parent's rule, this was all new to her. Fara looked back at Syra noticing this. "Um... you going to help?" Syra explained she had never done this before, only for Fara to let out a laugh then opted to help guide her. The two spent the day setting up tents, Fara guiding her on how each piece was put together to hold the tarp up, meanwhile Astor went out with his crossbow leaving the two to their work. "I'll be back." he said simply. After almost an hour Astor came back with a hunted deer on his back, Fara and Syra had gotten their tents and bedrolls set up and got some wood together for the fire, which Syra provided giving the camp a cyan glow around the camp. While Astor got to skinning the deer Syra walked over to him curiously as he removed the fur and hide from the animal, she got a scent of the blood and earth from the animal as Astor worked on it. "Anyway I can help?" Syra asked. "It's a one person job, Dragon." Syra blinked at that sensing the sharpness of his words. "...Sorry, just been through a lot in just one day." he turned to Syra, his white eyes meeting her's, "Finding out what's become of the kingdom in this region, losing so many people from murder and kidnapping, it's all been too much." Syra looked down sadly, "I can imagine it's a lot on your mind and heart. I think it's safe to assume my presence kind of adds on to that?" "You would be correct in that assessment, you a dragon, one of the archenemies of mortals coming here not to conquer but to begin again and even help us with our plight? I still pinch myself to make sure this isn't some strange dream I'm trapped in." After hearing that a wave of discomfort came upon her, this was her future domain to claim but how would her reign affect those who still lived in fear of her kind? She shook that thought out of her mind. "Given my experience with your family I can't say I trust you yet..." Astor takes a deep breath, "But I appreciate what you've done so far, throwing yourself in the line of fire for us mortals like that more than once, and saving Kal and bringing him back home, that's worth acknowledging." "I understand and I appreciate it." Syra smiled softly. Astor nodded getting back to work on skinning the deer, "Is your leg and shoulder doing alright?" Syra nodded undoing the bandages, the marks from where the spikes pierced and we're pulled out where now gone. "It's all healed up, just need someone to fix this dress later on." she looked back at him, noticing him mostly focused on his work, "I'll leave you to it." Astor nodded, "Keep that fire going, once Kal gets back he'll cook us up some nice venison." "Looking forward to it!" Syra said smiling before going back to the fire, adding wood as needed. A few minutes pass as Syra kept herself occupied, to her surprise Fara plopped herself down next to her. "Hey princess." she said in a friendly voice. "Hi." "I wanted to thank you for everything you've done today, didn't get a chance to thank you earlier." "That's appreciated." Syra said softly. "I saw you talking with Astor, was everything alright?" "Yes, we didn't talk much, he did share similar appreciation for what I've accomplished today." she paused trying to find her words. "Not too surprising coming from him given the circumstances, a dragon helping people is unheard of, and he's had a rough history with your family from what I've known." Syra looked down feeling guilty from that, "That's unsurprising, elves in general are treated horribly by my family." she paused remembering Mithra and Lau'na back home, she wanted to make sure they we're brought here safely to her new kingdom, "I don't blame him or any of you for harboring suspicions of me." Fara nodded but smiled warmly, "Well, if it's any consolation you've left a good impression on us so far. Once we've seen more of the real you then we'll know where we stand." she gave Syra a gentle pat on the shoulder. She smiled back at Fara. "Also I wanted to say the way you fight is interesting, mixing magic and melee like that, wish I could cast fire balls at the enemy before bringing my axe down on them!" Syra couldn't help but giggle at that. "You also reminded me somewhat of myself at the end there, we we're all in danger and you just threw yourself right at that bastard!" her tail wagged excitedly. Syra put a hand over her mouth, "Well... I try to be more careful than that, but when you and all the villagers we're in danger I took my chance to stop that druid." she paused for a moment, "That and I've not been trained to fight things that can fight back..." Fara tilted her head, "What do you mean?" "Well my family is used to everyone under them not being able to fight back... so it was more trained in how to invoke fear not so much fight given how naturally powerful we are we imagine we could take any uprising out like it's nothing..." "Oh I see..." Fara shifted uncomfortably at that, she found her words, "Well for someone who's never fought before I think you do great all things considered!" Syra could tell she was trying to change the subject to something more positive, she simply smiled at her, "Thanks." "Once we get to know you more and we get time I'll help improve how you fight!" she said with an encouraging smile which Syra returned. Another minute had passed and Kal had made it back just as Astor got finished skinning the deer. The two worked on making some nice cuts of venison distributed to each. The meat was unusual for Syra, it tasted gamy for the most part with a hint of earthiness to it, the spices Kal added to it elevated the flavor as she tasted the black pepper with each bite. Kal was sitting next to her feeling relaxed after all that went on for the past few days. "It's nice to be back with friends, despite the current circumstances." he turned to face her, "You all did great in setting up camp." "Thank Fara and Astor, they did most of the work, all I did was get shown the ropes." "Hey now! Don't put yourself down like that!" Fara called out to Syra catching the two's attention. The large half wolf was sitting next to Astor, one arm around his waist, "Now you know how to set up tents in the future!" Syra couldn't help but smile at that. After they we're done eating Astor and Fara got to setting up a small fire and tarp set up to smoke the rest of the meat and preserve it as rations for the rest of this quest. Meanwhile Syra and Kal went a little out of the camp area and she helped him with casting a lightning bolt and manipulating it to chain to multiple targets. Kal struggled at first, nearly electrocuting himself till finally in a flash he struck a tree which chained to two more and made them explode and fall over. A moment of silence passed before the two worked on picking up pieces of the demolished trees and brought them back to camp for extra kindling, they found Astor and Fara already asleep or at least resting, the two snuggled up with each other. Syra went to her designated camp and tried to lie down on the bedroll, before seeing Kal move his over to her's. "Figured if you needed a hand in sleeping like yesterday I'd provide that once more." Syra smiled warmly as she laid on her back looking up at the stars. "Fara seems to have taken a liking to you." "Yeah, promised to help me with my fighting when we got the chance." she paused, "Astor has some reservations about me still." "Not too surprised at that given what he's told me." "And I don't blame him, although... I do hope one day he'll see me for what I am, despite being someone born of dark power." "I'm sure that will happen sooner than expected, there is a saying, 'Power always reveals' when one has enough power to do what they want to do, you see what they've always wanted to, their real selves." he turned to Syra, "I'm sure in time he'll see the real you, and I believe I've got a good glimpse of the real you already." Turning her head to Kal she smiled warmly and gently held his hand, "Thank you, Kal." and she started to close her eyes. "Of course Syra."