Chapter 1: Many Weeks and Broken Promises

I hope it looks like we're merely walking nonchalantly through this … marsh... because we feel like it... and not some other reason. But, uh, on the other hand, that would suggest serious mental problems, which I refuse to admit having. Openly. Oh yes, the absurdity of my reasoning is endless. I'm not even entirely sure why I'm trying to mask the fact that I'm barely dragging my feet here, miles from civilization. Alma mater, alma mater - one vigorous training program, I guess. Oh well, I hope the damn snakes are impressed! …if they're even around. Mmm, better hope not.

Ugh. Of all people, I should be more in tune with nature than petty concerns.

But damn that itch! It's that one thing that is preventing me from being a part of the surrounding whole. Oh… A burr… Problem solved! Maybe.

I pulled the spiky ball off the hem of my wet skirt and looked around, now noticing how otherworldly the moorlands looked in the dying predawn twilight. Everything was quiet, and nothing except us stirred. Even the low clouds that hung in random patches over the land were eerily still. The tall grasses we moved through appeared velvety because of the moisture that condensed on them. As we brushed against them, the fake frost would migrate to our clothes to form dark wet patches.

I'm kind of used to traveling barefoot, and I don’t' really mind the soft, moist… ground? Mush? Yes, mush between my toes. But, yeh, compared to that, the wet skirt is causing me lots of disquiet.

Or maybe that's the presence of formless energy. Energy always finds a form unless interfered with…

I looked toward my companion with a subtle realization.

She probably noticed everything. Probably feels the same way I do. Am I willing to break the silence to confirm? Ha, a funny. I amuse myself. We haven't spoken much since the.. ah... incident a couple of days ago. All that consisted of was, "Distract those two guys while I take care of the big one," to which I didn't even answer.

I would be less worried if she looked like she wanted to kill me right now. Her face shows no emotion whatsoever. Shish, sleep deprivation sure does make even the prettiest of things look lifeless. Why, yes, that is a very fitting observation at this moment. Yeah, whatever, the cold wetness is a really big issue right now too. I kind of think her outfit is better suited for these kinds of travels than mine is. Her dark burgundy wrap dress is not tight, not too loose either. It underlines her athletic figure, but still serves it's main purpose well. It covers her so completely that one couldn't tell she had armor and a whole arsenal of weapons under that thing. No, I am not smiling mischievously, not marveling at my companion's beautifully hidden destructive power. Well, technically, not all of it is even hidden. Her amulet and earrings are plainly visible. Silver, reflecting slightly with blue and red, respectively. There's also a bindi on her forehead, but it disappears as soon as anyone looks at it, I swear!!! Okay, it just shows only when she draws on its power. Go figure. And yes, I am not smiling because I might end up on the receiving end soon.