middaeg | Upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all. [Open catch-all, some closed prompts]

[In the end it does not even matter whose idea it was. What matters is that people have gone missing and those who returned brought back tales of horrors never witnessed before.

Iskandar has grown to like the newly formed Wilders of the Black City. He has little love for the city itself. Yet, he cannot ignore to the ambitious, the courageous, and just little crazy youngsters who venture into the virgin woods.

Caster could use some fresh air or an excuse to take a break from the hectic tornado of activity that opening a tattoo parlor seems to involve. So maybe it was his idea. Who knows. The only sure thing is that alcohol was most likely involved in the decision process.

Iskandar is more than willing to provide fellow warrior with such a respite. Get out, kill some monsters, return in glory. Save a bunch of kids in the process. What else can be a more fun break than that?

Maybe they can even find some fresh sources of ingredients that the yet unopened but already critically low on supplies Inkchanted desperately needs.]

[ The Wildes around Dorchacht are unlike those they got used to. Cú welcomes the distraction and joins King of Conquerors on his valiant quest almost too eagerly— No advantage of home grounds, great danger, adventure... what are they waiting for? Not to mention, it sounds like a perfect occasion to give his new spear chance to test itself. The weapon is a work of art, red and black, reinforced with dragon scales, and he carries it proudly.

When they find the first of the lost, it starts to become worrying. Looks like they're not looking for lost men in the woods, they might be looking for survivors. They send the Wilder back on the safe path to Dorchacht (sounds like an oxymoron, but here they are) ]

Did your people have stories of such creatures? [ He asks tentatively ] I've heard of such, Nuckelavee was the name. If the ones here are as malevolent as those from stories, we must hurry.

[ Looks like getting that spear was even a smarter move than he expected. ]

[Now, that’s a bit of a hindrance. Iskandar was expecting the infected. Maybe more of the aggressive plant life, some common predators, though calling anything in the woods surrounding Dorchacht common was already a stretch. He wasn’t expecting beasts of legend. ]

There were man-eating mares. [His own horse is a direct descendant of one of them so he’s actually quite familiar with that story.] They did give Hercules some hard time but still they were closer to regular horses than this horror.

[There’s no way the new Wilders, most of them young and reckless, even ambitious and brave as the are, could ever deal with monsters like that. No wonder they got obliterated.]

Does any of those stories of yours say how one can kill them?

[ Because he doubts they can be reasoned with. Not after what they heard from the survivors. ]

[ Cú shakes his head as he speaks ]

None. [ At least none of what he remembers about them. But then he doubts a bit, they were native to the lands Scáthach lived in, and she surely could deal with such demons. ] They were so malevolent and ancient, avoiding them was the only option presented. They can't cross running water though, and their breath is toxic—

[ They have no skin, their smell is of pungent rot, while their blood is black. Some described them as horses, others as a combination of a horse and a rider. There is probably a seed of truth somewhere, but those details seem rather unimportant compared what these creatures can do ]

But in the end, there are just stories passed on. Let us see if those walking these woods are made of similar verses— and even if they are, let us be the first ones to bring them destruction!

[ Great danger? Risk of death? What are they waiting for! Alas getting the Wilders to safety is the most important thing right now. If only he had his tracking rune... but even without the help of magic, he can see the direction the Wilder had run from. Broken twigs, stepped on flowers and plants, bushes pushed apart. So he starts tracking— could have enhanced his sense of smell, really. ]

[Iskandar bursts with thunderous laughter.]

Well then! We probably shouldn't be breathing too vigorously in their presence!

[Does he look even the slightest deterred by the potentially unkillable horror monsters? Not at all! He seems rather thrilled by the challenge. Even if the rescued Wilder candidate looked at them both as if they had completely lost their minds. He was a little too enthusiastic about being sent away.]

Hmmm... If I knew you Celts can track like that, I'd have been more persistent in trying to recruit more of your people for my army!

[Iskandar pauses. True, the Celts were people of the woodlands and yet ... hmmmm]

Or is this one of your clever tricks, eh?

Doing it old fashioned way, no magic— [ Cú got no problems both holding the conversation and leading them deeper into the Wildes. ] But you said something really interesting. About recruitment that's it!

[ They might have lived on islands but they were not cut off from the continent. Best of bards and druids had walked a significant portion of the world, bringing the knowledge and stories. And many warriors sought fame and fortune this way too ]

What did you offer? [ Kind of sounds like my kin turned you down ]

[Iskandar nods in appreciation. The old fashion way he understands. No fancy hand waving and incantations. Just strength and wit of man against beast. As it should be.]

Ha! Thought you'd be interested. [He grins.] I met your people before. It just after I dealt with the Illyrians. Many tribes would send their envoys seeking alliances or simply wishing I just stop at Illyria and don't go further north. [It was uncommon for people of the south to endanger those of the north. Usually, it was the other way round.]

So they came, made quite an impression on my men. I didn't think they really came to seek an alliance with me. I thought they were just curious. [He laughs.] Riches, glory, the usual. They said they have plenty of both at home. They just wanted to see with their own eyes the man they heard stories about. So I was right in my initial assumption.

[They did turn him down. Quite a disappointment. He would really like to add the charioteers to his army.]

Edited 2020-01-26 20:08 (UTC)

Illyria. [ Cú repeats that thoughtfully— that rings a bell, few in fact. Different pronunciation but... druids from these far off lands had attended the official gatherings. With them, their knowledge, and their stories, thus passed on. His expression lights as he makes the connection and just—

—size of the world, it's truly mindblowing ] Those were lands so far south!

[ And so far north to the mountain of man accompanying him. In the modern world, but a few hours of travel. ]

Can't you really blame them though? It's hard not to gawk at a man of your stature. [ It's a tease and an underhanded compliment at the same time. Oh, he knows the stories were about warrior and conqueror, but he takes the fact that Iskandar is incredibly tall even for tall Celts as focus. ]

Ha! So you know them! Excellent! Well, they were at the northern border of my kingdom. We always got raided by the Illyrians. Until my father, and then me, put an end to that by subjugating all of the Illyrian lands. Few went as far north in my time.

[There were stories. So many of them. It didn't sit with those who were telling them that the object of their tales was a man of such a meager appearance. Too short, too young, with delicate features, strangely coloured eyes and golden hair.]

They did not gawk then, I assure you. I'd say that after the initial shock has passed they were rather amused. [Iskandar can't help but chuckle.] You see, the Throne of Heroes was very kind to me. I had not looked the way I do now when I was still alive and meeting your people. The legends have given me a posture fit for my deeds but it has very little in common with how I really looked.

[ Legends and stories can overwrite facts when it comes to Servants. It's a really interesting tidbit, to learn that the grandiose King of Conquerors was most likely a lot shorter and a lot smaller. But surely a man who conquered half of the known world must have been of an impressive statue, a true giant! ]

Word of great deeds always spreads fast. You worked so hard for your legend, that people imagining you taller made it a reality. [ Teasing is all fine and dandy, but also— time and place for giving credit where its due. And it's all a nice banter, but suddenly a faint echo of ungodly screech can be heard from far away. Cú raises his hand and freezes. ]

Did you hear that? [ But a whisper ]

[Iskandar nods slowly. That blood-curdling screech is like nothing he has ever heard before.]

Someone is in a foul mood.

[He may joke but he dares not to raise his own voice above whisper. And clings to hope they still have a chance to come back to the city with survivors of that doomed expedition and not their corpses.]

[ Cú throws his arm out, writing with the tip of his spear above their heads, drawing the area of the spell he chants. Motes of light mark the shape but disappear too quickly to form it fully. When he's done— when he's done their skin, and the surface of every their belonging changes colour as if they were painted with the same brush that was used to paint Wilde environment.

A simple chameleon spell that might give them an additional sneaking advantage ]

And that someone— [ Something ] —has no idea we're coming.

[ The scream came from far too away, it didn't feel as if it was meant to intimidate them. Close enough to pinpoint the location and follow it though and Caster doesn't waste time and starts to move. The sooner they get to these people the better ]

Hey, that's neat. [Iskandar whistles as he watches them both blend into the background as if they weren't even there.] You need to teach me how you do this.

[They move and move quickly. For a man of his size surely Iskandar makes surprisingly little noise. But then if noise can get you killed because the enemy discovered your ambush, well, you learn very fast not to make any. Size is not that much of a factor, skill is.]

[ An equivalent exchange that would be! Learning from each other it is. But all Caster can offer for now is a nod as he runs forward, steps light and careful for— another ungodly screech follows, and this time they can make other sounds.

Voices. ]

By the Moons it got me— it got me—!

Climb faster! FASTER! Don't look back!

[ Closer, yet closer... Magic thrums in the air as Cú lets the tattoos on his skin activate. Spells firing one by one, emitting faint glow. ]

I'll take its attention on me! [ That's hardly a fully formed plan but he hopes Iskandar understands. He'll take the first attack and first retaliation, effectively making himself a bait and distracting whatever there is from people trying to escape them. Giving Iskandar a chance for second, more deliberate strike. Running low, swift, way faster than a human body should he rushes into a small clearing where—

Three people on a large tree, one of them with bleeding calf, halfway climbing, halfway being dragged down by— on all the names of gods that have been forgotten, what is this thing? It looks as it was described, but at the same time, the words couldn't truly give a full picture of its bestial form.

Doesn't matter, Cú zips in a low dash, once lush-now dry foliage miring him down enough that he's not so obnoxiously quick. Still quick enough to provide a nasty surprise as he uses the full length of his new spear to bridge the distance between himself and the monster. Broad swipe and forward momentum of his charge directed at its unprotected shins.

The monster though reacts more readily than he expected it to— turning around and locking their gazes for a split of second.

'How thrilling, it's been a while since we fought demons' is what he thinks before the hit connects. And just another hellish screams resonates in the forest. ]

Iskandar has seen a lot during his conquest but nothing could prepare him for what he saw.

Broad-breasted and higher than a proper war mount the beast emits an inhuman scream that could easily curdle blood in veins of even of the most seasoned warriors. It glistens red with blood that Iskandar is not sure is its own or of the unfortunate Wilders it was trying to get.

While he was willing to attribute the tales of the survivors to exaggeration driven by fear, he doesn't think so anymore. The beast is as monstrous as they described.

His sword has not even a fraction of reach that Cú Chulainn's spear has so Iskandar goes straight for the human part. He's not as fast as Cú but the beast should not expect him, its attention on the Celt now. Yet the unthinkable happens. The beast seemingly sees and hears all. As if somehow sense a sword slashing through the air coming for its heart.
It backs with all four legs emitting another screech. In the direction of King of Conquerors this time.

Iskandar cannot tell if it's the intensity of stench of rotting flesh or is the creature's breath truly toxic but causes him to fight not the creature but a suffocating fit of cough. He has to fall back no matter if he wants to or not. It gets difficult to attack if you are unable to breathe.

Their breath could wither crops, cause a drought— Looks like the tales of a different world still resonate here. Maybe it's just some magical interference, a suggestion instead of real danger and real toxins— nevertheless Cú's first instinct is to tap into elements.

Air is the one he's the least familiar with, ironically. Fire has always burned in him, Earth grounding and full of life, Water has been the tricky one but with steady approach slowly they befriended each other, but Air?

There is no tattoo relating to it, and he has to pause to chant a spell, calling on the old tongue Erin, familiar to speech here yet different. Hand gestures are probably less necessary, but help with direction, and direction is a strong gust of wind blowing in the opposite direction to Iskandar, taking away the fumes from them.

Here is why he favours the tattoos so much, though. Casting spells leaves the Witch open. Just enough for the monster to close the distance between them, and send him into the (sic) air, with a strong swipe. Hit barely blocked with the spear, it spared him the claws, but he still hit the nearest trunk with a loud gasp.

The beast, however, stops suddenly as the Wilders above them start yelling and throwing twigs and branches at it. It's distracted, too many targets at once. A perfect opportunity to strike, yet again.

As he shakes head to lose the haze, Iskandar for the first time fully realizes why Caster went into the tattoos. It's painfully obvious once one has the first-hand experience. Stupid magic is fucking damn near useless during combat! Good thing then magic is not everything he has.

With the monster's attention elsewhere he uses this opening to strike; one thrust aimed to creature's heart while it's turned away. The sword sinks in the flesh with a wet squelch but the creature's reflexes prove inhuman yet again. It turns back, Iskandar can feel the steel dragging on the bones, just enough for the blade to miss its heart. Not enough though to miss completely.

"I see you like Cypriot steel. There's more where it came from!"

There's no scream this time just an ugly gargle and a wheeze that confirms that what Iskandar did hit was probably a lung. If this thing even has those. He pulls the sword and strikes again. Aiming for the throat with a sweeping motion. The beast stumbles to the side still confused but it blocks, catching the blade with its talons, trying to rip the sword from his hand.

"You don't go into a contest of strength with me!"

Cú, if you don't mind, that would be a good moment.

The birds on nearby trees take flight now, frightened by the sounds of battle or by the stench that the wind carried away from them.

This is the moment, the perfect one, one of the many he witnessed. The creature's focus is elsewhere, fighting an intense fight against the great warrior of old. Wounded and cut down. A perfect moment, one of the many he took advantage of. His stance switches, grip on the spear flips, only touch needed to activate the enchantments carved along the way. The old stories said when piercing, Gae Bolg's blade expands into barbs and thorns, that courses body through veins. The reality was less literal, but that didn't mean the stories were entirely wrong— This spear has no name, nor tales of its secret capabilities. It won't "always" pierce the heart.

But this time it does, the purification enchantment firing off as well— it's mostly used against the Cwyld infected, which this creature is not— but the purification is not unlike fire and even if the creature was to survive the stab, extensive internal burn damage should slow it down.

Survive it does not. It writhes, lets out one last gurgling sound, and grows a weight upon the blade. Cú removes the spear with one long movement, letting the monster fall on the ground.

"Ha— it wasn't as tough as it looked." He starts ever in a conversational tone, now that the fight is over and he can check the damage they sustained. It's easy to miss wounds and scratches when in the heat of the battle, and the adrenaline will take a moment to die down entirely "Pretty sharp with that blade, friend. Cypriot steel you say?"

Surprised shouts from above tell them that survivors didn't really expect them to come out of it in one piece.

The beast would stand a chance against one of them but not both. Once the initial shock of its unusual appearance fades it is like any other living creature. It bleeds, it breathes, it can be killed. Its death is swift. It takes only one blow from CúChulainn's spear to end it. Iskandar can't see from the distance but he wouldn't hesitate much to bet that the weapon has enchantments of its own.

Iskandar laughs. "Give us some credit, it had some fight in it. Good thing we had more of it in us!" That he has not even a scratch on him borders on a miracle. At least not any obvious one. It is a boon and a curse that he can push past almost any injury. Still, this time it looks he got lucky. Iskandar crouches near the slain creature to have a closer look. It remains equally monstrous, now that is dead. He gathers a fistful of grass to wipe his blade from the beast's ichor. He'd do it properly once they're back at the camp but this should suffice for the moment.

"It is. A gift from my dear friend, king of Cyprus. It has seen many a battle and not once has it failed me. They make fine blades, the Cypriots." He replies with a smile.

Though a thought crosses his mind. They made fine blades. He doesn't even know what happened to the island nation in later years. The sword has passed to legend, his legend, but it's no Noble Phantasm so by some odd whim of chance made its way to this strange world with him. And his horse.

"Let's get them back to the city."

They were victorious now but gods only know what other dangers lurk in those impassable woods.

[It is uncertain what was more the reason for Iskandar to go. Was it his unsatiable curiosity? To quench it one city, even as big as Aefenglom, and its surrounding forest proved not enough? The appeal of the new and the undiscovered?

Probably some mix of all those reasons. He never needed much encouragement to go exploring. What’s certain is that he’d never go alone. And if there’s one person King of Conquerors knows would appreciate a trip outside, it’s Enkidu. He was quite sure the two of them can deal with anything the Wilde throws their way. What he did not expect is for the forest itself to be home of so much aggressive flora.]

I’ve slain many beasts in the past but this is the first time I encounter plants that are actively trying to eat me!

[All Enkidu knows is that Dorchacht is a miserable place. Even more miserable than that other city they are forced to live in. And when Iskandar asks them to join him on this quest they're happy as a child. No miserable cities with miserable people. No fretting over their bond and its effects.

Instead of that they're out in the wilde and all they can smell are trees.

While the two recruits walks in front of them they join the other Heroic Spirit, grinning broadly.]

At times plants can be more dangerous than any monster. Some poisoned plants are able to kill monsters faster than any sword can. [They nudge him gently.] If we are careful I am sure we will come out victorious.

Indeed, they could.

[Iskandar laughs. Killer plants aside, the woods seem to affect Enkidu in a quite surprisingly positive way. Killer plants, however, make Iskandar appreciate how unbelievably safer the forests around Aefenglom are. Where the presence of experienced Wilders keeps the majority of the horrors away from the city walls. There are, of course, exceptions. Nor does safer ever mean safe. It is a constant war against the terrors.

But it's not even remotely close, to what he saw around Dorchacht. Yet Enkidu doesn't even blink, no matter what the forest throws at them. So Iskandar doesn't even try to hold the smile at that nudge. It's a pleasure to see them in such a good mood. It is contagious making even the Wilder candidates they tooks with them on this escapade a lot more relaxed. Maybe even a little too much.]

Remember, we not only have to come out victorious but also bring back tales, and preferably even maps, of our travels.

[It's a task he personally took upon himself. To draw the maps of the forest they are exploring is no easy feat as precious little exists already. The more valuable would be those he'll make.

If only the killer flora won't eat him...]

[The moment they step outside of a city they feel better immediately. Even though they've lost their connection to the earth ever since they came here it still feels like coming home.

So when they walk their pace is light and absolutely sure. They know how this works.]

Yes! And that is the most exciting of all. [Enkidu spins on their feet and throws their arms in the air to emphasize what a good idea this is.] To make the city more aware of all that is outside. I cannot imagine them preferring grey buildings above green! [Well, the ground isn't that green now. It is more cold and a little snowy.]

Have you brought something to note things down in. And I need small pots so we can transfer small bits of the plants we find here. Perhaps we can get them to grow somewhere else.

[Iskandar laughs.]

Look at you! Two steps outside the city walls and you're all sunshine.

[He pats the leather strap on his arm. He repurposed one of his saddlebags as a backpack. Not the ideal solution but it works.]

Yes, yes, I have enough paper to document two trips like this one.

[His mood sours a little at the mention of greenery.]

I think they appreciate green. As long as it's really green and not trying to eat them. Or infect them.

[He pauses watching the pair of Wilders cautiously poking the seemingly healthy bush with their sticks.]

That's why we need to be extra careful with anything we bring into the city.

If plants wish to eat humans they must feel threatened. It is remarkable how they are able to defend themselves. Poison, barbs...ah...even their colors. At times I could feel them or the animals would tell me...

[The smile on their face is a bit melancholic.]

Hmm... [Enkidu stops for a moment so they can rummage through the bag they're carrying.] ...I have brought some food for us both and a flask of water. And potions.

[When they see the Wilders stopping to poke at some bushes they stop inspecting their bag.]

Have you found something? [Their eyes flash between Iskandar and the two Wilders before they crouch down.]

[One of the Wilders leans heavily on his stick. He shakes his head vigorously a couple of times. Iskandar furrows his brows. Something is not right...

By the time he realises what it is exactly Enkidu is already crouching to take a closer look at the bush. He doesn't, he cannot, see a thorny vine that snakes behind his back.]

Fall back! All of you!

[Iskandar slashes the first vine but there are already another two crawling on the ground in their direction so he chooses not to fight entire overgrowth but grabs Enkidu by the collar and yanks them back.

First of the Wilders has more luck as he gets startled into consciousness by Iskandar's yelling and jumps back, eyes wide with panic, on pure no will but a pure flight instinct. His friend is less lucky. She was the one closer to the bush and its sickly sweet smell. The vines get to her first. But there's no sign of infection, nothing sickly about this plant.

It seems it is just a predator.]

[Normally they were much better at this. The ground would've told them and they would've acted in time. But this time they find themselves yanked back by the other, a soft noise escaping their mouth as it happens.

And yes, they do take a couple of steps back, their hands tightening around the handmade spear they are carrying. Still, they do not act. Not even when the female Wilder gets taken.]

Have you seen that? [Enkidu moves to stand next to Iskandar again.] It seems these plants lures their prey in first before they attack. [There is no worry in the tone of their voice, no panic, nothing really.] Perhaps it has been hungry.

Are you insane?!

[Iskandar is already at the attacked Wilder hacking at the vines that try to envelop him too but recoil as if burned when the first couple gets slashed. He frees the woman from the snares and drags her back.

Enkidu's calm commentary only infuriates him further.]

Clearly! [He spits out.] How terrible of us that we don't want to offer ourselves as its dinner!

[With prey out of reach thorny vines disappear inside the bush leaving only beautiful flowers in sight. The whole incident couldn't have taken more than a couple of minutes.
The other Wilder takes aside his friend to check her wounds. She's unconscious so they will need to carry her back to the city. Her clothes are thorn and there are shallow scrapes on her arms and legs, in places where the vines got to her but nothing serious. Nothing Iskandar can't heal on the spot so she at least stops bleeding. When he's finished and comes back to check on Enkidu he's already calmed down.]

You weren't exaggerating. You really care more about plants than people.

[Iskandar lets out a sigh. He can't really be mad at them. It's not that he wasn't warned. He has a growing suspicion that the strange bush didn't try to eat Enkidu. And they don't seem to be affected by the smell at all. So he has to ask.]

How do you feel? You were so close to it.

[Enkidu allows Iskandar to vent his anger while they merely look at him with a neutral look on their face.

Perhaps it is a logic thing that he expected Enkidu to jump in and save the unfortunate woman. Or for them to react. But wasn't that the folly of a human being? That they always thought themselves above nature just because they possessed intelligence?]

I am sorry. [Their gaze focuses on the bush and its beautiful flowers.] I should have acted. I am aware of the scent and I suggest you should cover your nose and mouth.

[That probably isn't the answer Iskandar wants to hear and while he accommodates the Wilders they carefully crouch down to study the bush, contemplating if they should cut off a bit and take it back to the city.]

I care for humans. After all, I am their weapon. [They smile now.] But humans deem themselves above nature. After all, they possess more intelligence than a plant or a tree. [A sigh.] The smell is overwhelming. It does things with our minds... [They aren't entirely unaffected...]

Ah...are you alright?

Eh...

[Iskandar scratches his chin, just a bit embarrassed by his outburst. Enkidu's reasoning is entirely logical. He is not wrong. That is exactly what people always do. Iskandar laughs earning himself deeply quizzical looks from both of the Wilders. That's what he gets for dealing with one created directly by the gods. He couldn't have wished for a better companion on this treat. He bows to Enkindu.]

Indeed we do and you are right to berate us for it. [Hubris can lead even the greatest to their fall.]

Yet it is in our nature to do so. So do not think too harshly about us for it. [He smiles.] I am. What's more, I think we might want to take a sample of this plant to study. For scholars in both of the cities. I do wonder how it makes people fall asleep so instantly. I can easily imagine situations where such a thing could be rather beneficial.

[Like hospitals. Maybe this plant could be harvested or cultivated if they only knew which part of it is responsible for the sedative effect.]

[The bow brings a smile to their face.]

I do not mean to berate any of you. I am well aware that not acting is frowned upon and it is expected to care for others...humans. Truly.

[So they bow right back at him.]

I know it is like that and I should learn from it as well. [The smile on their face turns a little warmer. More familiar.] That is a good idea. It seems a helpful sort of plant...when you look beyond the barbs and the vines. [They nod before they step forward in a slow but graceful manner, carefully tiptoeing through the bushes. Normally they could listen, they could feel. Now they couldn't do much, really.

They move to cover half of their face with their sleeve and in the meanwhile they hum a soft song. A song they used to sing for every being that lived inside the Cedar Forest.]

Iskandar, will you prepare a pot?

[Iskandar nods.]

Just give me a moment to retrieve it.

[Fortunately, they are prepared and all he has to do is to retrieve the appropriate equipment from the baggage. He jots down a couple of lines noting where they found the plants and when. He adds a rough sketch of the surroundings and a small map showing how it relates to the city too. Just for better recognition of the place in the future.
The Wilders pair apparently decided that nothing can surprise them anymore. So they help him fill two pots with soil. One for the Dorchacht's Coven, one for Iskandar to take back home.]

Is it really safe?

[The woman is more suspicious of the two. No wonder, she was the one more affected. So it's only natural that she is the one to ask the question they both had on their minds. Iskandar just smiles. He was expecting some reaction. He's fine with them asking. He prefers they ask instead of forming some misguided opinions on their own. Because he'd hate for them to lose trust in him and what just has happened might have been the first but it certainly won't be the last time they saw something odd while in his company.]

It should be studied. All the dangers around your city should. That's the only way to learn how to defend against them.

[That is your first lesson future Dorchacht's Wilders. Study your enemy. Study him close. With both pots filled Iskandar goes back to Enkidu.]

There you go.

I do not know. I have to rely on my magic and my connection to nature. I know it has been better before I came here...but my sorcery works better here as well...

[And when they hear him speak to the female Wilder they nod, agreeing with Iskandar's words.]

He is right! This world is very dangerous! But I rather see these plants alive than ruined by the cwyld. Maybe they will be useful to humanity.

[They move to stand on their toes as they reach out to take the pots.]

Thank you. [Before they turn they hesitate a little and finally they stop halfway, looking over their shoulder.] Do you want to watch my back? In case they might lash out? Perhaps you can paralyze them with your sorcery.

Fear not. I shall guard you.

[It is not the best time to admit he knows no paralysing spells and the stunning one that he knows hasn't been tested on plants. At least not to his knowledge. He could use fire but then Enkidu would be sad he'd hurt the vines. And making them sad is definitely something Iskandar would prefer to avoid.
The Wilders might not be much help as they, quite understandably, now keep their distance from the lethal greens.]

Thank you.

[Enkidu trusts him. After all, he is strong and has a lot of love for all that grows and blooms.

So yes, it is a bit of a weird sight to see someone tiptoeing through the bushes, humming some strange, old song. They balance two pots in their hands as they thread deeper. Yes, the scent is overwhelming, luring them in but they focus on their singing, on the spell they've taught themselves.

It isn't much, but it might just do the trick.]

Let us stay calm...

[Slowly, very carefully, they crouch down in front of the plant. They aren't afraid, not really. But they are definitely aware of the danger, in fact, their head feels a little light.]

Please have some trust in me. [Yes, here they are, starting a conversation with a murderous plant.] I used to be able to communicate with the earth underneath me but now I have to rely on being a witch. Allow me to take some of your saplings. [Still, they're very oblivious to the vines sneaking up to them.]

[The Wilders pair must have decided earlier they had seen it all already and yet Enkidu's monologuing in the direction of the bush, asking for the plant's permission, catches them completely off-guard and all they can do is stare. Both Iskandar and Enkidu had practically guaranteed the two will have something to talk about when they get back to the city. For months to come. All Mirrorbounds are unusual to some degree but they are weird beyond measure.

Meanwhile, Iskandar is paying attention to the creeping plant than culture shock they are causing. Still unwilling to use fire he goes for his usual solution, he drives his sword through the vine closest to Enkidu, pinning it to the ground. The effect is immediate, all others recoil instantly.]

No, you don't.

[Erm ... Did he just threatened a plant? Must be the scent. It messes with his mind.

Iskandar shakes his head but pulls back his sword. The pierced vine retracts dragging its limp, injured part in a way that more resembles a wounded animal than any greenery he's ever seen.]

Upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all. [Open catch-all, some closed prompts]

Quest #1 - Search and Rescue (Dorchacht). Closed to Caster.

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Quest #3 - Into the Wilde (Dorchacht). Closed to Enkidu

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slow turtles go!

the glacial pace continues

it does indeed!

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