A Vinekin's Revenge (pt. 2): Onward to Thornmere

 

Next Day...

Morgwen barely slept last night, her mind too tangled in the quiet but constant pulse of the living trees of Everveil. Luckily, the forests remained still this morning.

Finally, it's morning... I should get going now.

The sun's early morning rays started to peek through the trees. She quietly packs up her bedroll and puts her backpack on, hoping to not wake up the other travelers.

"Pssst..." 

Morgwen looks around trying to see who is trying to get her attention. It's Salo, yawning and stretching still laying down on his bedroll. He waves and she walks over to tell him that she wants to get moving.

"Wow, you're up already? You sure you don't want to sleep in a bit? Everveil really freaks you out, huh," he says to her.

She answers, "Well, can you blame me? I was about to get sucked into the earth last night til you came and saved me."

Salo smiles and says, "No problem, we can head out together if you'd like. I can even show you around Thornmere when we get there. Let's go, shall we?"

They pack up and continue their journey north. There is this quiet tension as they begin to walk along the trail. Morgwen still cautious about the vines and roots under her, hears the birds chirping, their wings flapping against the wind. She sees a squirrel darting across the trail looking for food. She finds a sense of peace knowing that the forest is a sanctuary for those who belong to it. These animals still thrive in their natural world, despite this evil spirit lurking in Everveil. She then begins to ask herself, are we invading Kevin's home? Is this why the vines move and snap at passing travelers?

Salo breaks the silence and asks, "So, what's in Thornmere for you? Where are you from?"

Morgwen vaguely says, "Nothing much, other than just wanting to start over and look for work."

She feels the weight of Salo's gaze, clearly wanting to know more about her. However, she needs to avoid any topics that could reveal her past, her family, and why she's "on-the-run."

Morgwen awkwardly changes the subject and asks, "Your friend Martin, how does he know about this 'Kevin'"?

Salo shrugs his shoulders and chuckles, "Well, if it is not obvious, he is a member of the Wildebourne Chapel..."

Morgwen stares at him in disbelief, "What? Really? Why does he even worship this 'evil' spirit?"

"He's just always been the type to want to believe in 'something.' And I heard that they're not exactly 'evil,' they just like to preserve and protect Arteris's creation. They just like to bond and be 'one' with nature."

Morgwen asks, "Who is Arteris?"

He responds, "Think of Arteris as like, Mother Nature. I don't know much about Wildebourne Chapel and their religion, but I guess Kevin is the protector of earth... there are other spirits that guard the rest of the elements like water, fire, etc. But, I guess Arteris placed Kevin here in Everveil to protect it."

Morgwen starts to piece together all the information she's learning about Everveil, and she starts to feel the tension dissipate. Kevin is a protector, she mentally repeats to herself. 

A few miles later, the rhythmic sound of hooves and creaking of wheels begin to grow louder behind them. Salo and Morgwen turn around and notice a young female half-elf sitting on the front of the wagon wearing a pointy hat and some old worn and tattered clothes. She perks up and smiles at the travelers. 

"Hello, oh so weary travelers! Do you need a ride to Thornmere? I'm heading that way too! I do need to stop by the Thornmere School of Magic to pick up a few books, but I am more than happy to help you both get to the city!"

Morgwen's instincts scream to remain guarded and stay distant. She says, "It's ok, I think we're ok with walking."

Salo shakes his head at Morgwen and hops on the wagon, "Oh don't be silly Morgwen. Let's take her offer! We will be in Thornmere in no time! What is your name?"

The wizard smiles, "I'm Micah and I'm a wizard in-training! Hence why we are stopping by the school." She looks at Morgwen wondering whether or not she's going to join her acquaintance. 

Morgwen sighs, and not wanting to look suspicious, she follows along and climbs up the wagon to sit next to Salo.

The young wizard commands her horse, "Alrighty travelers, off we go! Come on Elise, let's go to the School of Magic! It's not too far from here."

They have finally made it to the entrance of the Thornmere's School of Magic. Everveil's vines surround the school's stone buildings as if in harmony with the structures themselves. Students are seen walking around the campus in their uniforms rushing to class. The bell tower rings out 3 times, echoing signaling that the next class is about to begin. The young wizard stops the wagon right before the entrance and says, "I'll be right back! I just need to stop by the library."

Morgwen whispers to Salo, "I don't know what it is... but I do NOT trust her. And honestly, she smells so bad."

Salo hushed Morgwen saying, "Hey, be nice. She's at least giving us a ride. Plus that stench has to be the horse. Well, at least I think."

Morgwen says, "Ok, but also if she's going to the School of Magic, shouldn't she be in a school uniform? Don't you find it odd?"

Salo does admit that he finds it strange...

Then suddenly, Morgwen turns and sees Micah speak to group of men about 10 feet away from the wagon. 

Oh, shit...

Morgwen recognizes that the group of men were the same bandits she was running away from last night. She turns to Salo, "We shouldn't have trusted her."