Closed | I can see the lights in the distance

[kadia]

WHO: Lance, Adhemar, Detlef, Fiadh, and Kadi (aka the Order of the Schtick)
WHAT: Questing into a dark and spooooooky forest
WHEN: Middle-ish of October
WHERE: The forest
NOTES: Will update.

The trees are dark silver; the fallen leaves are nearly ankle-deep, and rustle as they walk. There are still enough leaves in the trees to block much of the sky and give the impression the stars are caught among them. The night air is chill and Kadi breathes it deeply, the way the world breathes deep of the pale light from the moon. This was the first place where she was safe. She must make it safe again.

They carry lanterns, of course, but their trail is made by the ghosts themselves. Whichever direction they come from in this dark night, that is the direction they follow. They may as well not carry the lanterns at all; the pale light of the moon bathes everything, and the spirits are unmistakable. Eventually, Kadi snuffs out her lantern so she isn't distracted going forward. She knows these woods, and very few times has resorted to carrying her own light when crossing it. Carrying it now is simply a distraction. Her part is to lead the way; Lance will guard everyone else from what is to come.

Comments

[ferruginous]

Even Fíadh blanches at the state of the poor man and it's obvious that there's no saving him. She lowers her sword in defeat and averts her eyes to the ground, no longer able to look at the gruesome sight. It's down there she sees the glitter of something hidden in the roots along with a sack. She furrows her brows and sheathes her sword before crouching down to inspect it.

She pulls at the roots and dusts off some of the coins, turning them in her hand for a second before grabbing the bag nearby. Inspecting its contents sends a new wave of anger through her: it's full of valuables. Jewelry and money, she thinks she even sees a gem. Shooting her glare back to the dead figure she stands up and turns to her companions, wordlessly handing the bag to Lance.

[infinitewatch]

Lance absently reaches out to place a steadying hand on Detlef's back, his own eyes still glued on the sight before him. He's interrupted only by Fiadh offering out the bag, which he takes and inspects, only to draw the same conclusion. He looks up at her, then to the little house.

Upon entering, a similar sight greets them: roots have come through the window and the floorboards to claim a second body, this one silent and immobile from what they can see. The cabin contains an assortment of weapons: blades mostly, little ones for cutting purses and bigger ones for killing, and the floor is littered with pieces of straps, buckles, bags taken and sorted through.

Highwaymen. Well. Ex-highwaymen.

After taking in this grim spectacle, Lance simply glances to Fiadh and backs out of the cabin again. "We should go," he decides.

Whatever happened here is not for them to understand.