John
*The fertile green valley of Nien extended as far as the eyes can see. Beyond small hills and the alluvial plains in the distance, the two rivers of Dirqal and Nien can be witnessed, joining into one large body. Its endpoint flows into the sea on an estuary near Ulnoor, the capital city of Silnaria. A tale is passed amongst the adventurer and sojourner alike. Even as one walks to the south, further into the Macen and Lora territories, they will still be able to feel it. The salty breeze which originated from the Northern Gate. It seemed to be true. Or at least, that was what the lone figure who is currently striding amongst the valley of Thornleader thought.*
 
"So that's the forests beneath Tossau.. So large. I wonder if it has a name?"
 
*The figure muttered, putting their hand above their eyes in the motion similar to salute. The purpose is none other than to block the sunlight and help them see clearer. Although, it's maybe an unwarranted thing to do. After all, the northern sun radiates a colder and dimmer light than the Macen countries in the middle to south. Their golden strands of hairs and blue scholar cape swayed along the wind. The breeze itself flows forwards, because their back is facing the Northern sea. They are looking at the forests which blanketed the southeastern border of the Prasian mountains. It extends as far to the northern border of Middle Mentia. After a few seconds of admiring the scenery in front of them, they turned their face towards their back. The sun crowned the delicate and feminime feature of Akasha Isolet. Her eyes trailed the horizon, before stopping on the visage of the city of Cesinor in the Northeast.*
 
"It's as they said hm."

_ _
*Her remarks are directed towards the heavy stone wall and fortifications, which protected the west side of Cesinor. Looking at it from this distance, the contrast is so apparent than the lighter defence built on the eastern border. It seems that the books and tales are correct. The predecessor of the people who lived in that city feared the invasion from Silnaria, far more than of its neighbouring enclave of Lymian Empire. There is no blaming them. After all, it was a hard earned independence. Which, unfortunately– or fortunately, depending on one's stance, retaken once more. She shook her head, also slightly displacing the blue beret on top of it, before returning her attention to the direction of the forest.*
 
*"Looking closer at its density, it might be possible that the source of 'it' originated from those woods." She thought, as her feet continued to walk.*
 
*"Well, it's still just a rumour. The disappearance could be caused by wild beasts or monsters. It wouldn't be strange if they already hired a sellsword to deal with it, though. Oh, Lord Zünfïnte. I do pray that it's all simply exaggerated gossip from a mischievous villager."*
 
*Not long after, numbers of wooden and hay roofs can be seen in the distance. A mill is also constructed, which she suppose, is used by the carpenter of the settlement. The hamlet is built on the northern edge of the forest, where it meets the currents of the river Nien. It is a nice little settlement. The citizens being sheep and cow herders who produce wheels of cheese. Some are also avid hunters, as games are plenty on these parts of Thonleader. In particular, it's because of the existence of that forest. There is a reason why Akasha decided to travel to a seemingly ordinary and peaceful place like this. It is because of a hearsay which entered her ears on her stay in Cesinor.*

_ _
*A few days ago, returning to the inn from one of the universities there, something caught her attention. Her interest perked up at a talk of a few hunters who have just returned to the city. The content of their conversation are about the cases of disappearance recently. It involves cattle, guard dogs, and even people around the very region which she is currently heading towards. Some dismissed it as the work of a beast or monster, who might have gone down from the mountains because of the lack of prey. However, a certain mention has caught her attention. Someone heard a testament from a witness. He said that behind the fog of the night, they can sometimes see a set of glowing eyes and smell putrid scents in the air. They also felt like they were being watched by something that 'is not a living creature'. All of those, being the discernable traits of undeads.*
 
"...."
 
*Akasha stopped in her tracks. The simple, short stone fence used to deter small predators stood in front of her, alongside the entrance of the gateless hamlet. If the case truly has a relation to the vile use of necromancy arts, then, it's her duty as a Priestess of the House of Wisdom to banish the root of evil. One of her hands is used to hold her casting staff on the side. Her appearance would tell anyone on the first glance that she is a mage. To be exact, a faith mage. A few people can be seen nearby, either tiling their land or just doing their own business. She pondered silently, in regard to the next step she should take.*
Chad
Twelve. That was the number of carcasses littered around the field grass of the humble stable in the small hamlet. Behind Artúr were once the fences surrounding the wooden stable, now torn through and broken. In addition, there were dozens of cattle, sheep, and cows too numerous to count in the fields surrounding the barn. All of whom were presumed to have escaped last night during the incident that Artúr was investigating. 

It was the sixth time this week. He had been investigating a string of incidents similar to this around the Nien for the past week. Barns, broken through and livestock would be killed. If it wasn't the livestock, it would be strays and cats. Horses and guard dogs, or even people. The case of disappearances and bodies found have abnormally risen lately, and it was starting to show its wear on the local residents.

Artúr had caught wind of the odd situation in Cesinor, the city to the northeast that was on the border between Silnaria and Lymia. Lathian hunters spoke of the strange occurrences in the region but largely dismissed it as an 'increase of beasts and monsters. But what the Ombuian found in his days of investigating was far different and more sinister. 

Having ranged for two years at this point, Artúr was familiar with much of the bestiary of Slinaria and the lands surrounding it. The hamlet sat just on the northern edge of the great forests to the south, like the other villages and hamlets. So whatever was the root cause of the anomalies must have originated from the woods, which narrowed down the search. But something wasn't right.

Carnivorous beasts who dwelled within the trees always hunt their prey. The carcasses of their victim always showed signs of struggle or stress. Whether it be at their legs, the hind or the horn. And importantly, carnivorous beasts always ate their prey—Animal or man. So why was it that all of the dead carcasses and bodies Artúr found in the area . . . Mostly clean?

The cattle carcasses laid before him; they were all dead. But every single one had singular wounds against their napes or back and nothing much else. There were no signs of teeth or marks on their flesh that could indicate a predator killed them for food. The tracks left behind whatever was it that killed the livestock were also very numerous, but the patterns showed a bipedal creature rather than a quadrupedal. 

Artúr thought that it must have been the work of men, but something was off. The hamlet residents have told him nothing of anyone who came there the night before, and no possessions of value were lost. Moreover, no signs of violence or crime happened in the past week, and even if there were men who came here to steal cattle, why didn't they take it? And the stench.

The smell was putrid and rotting. It filled the air like sour fruit directly against Artúr's nose. But, it wasn't just the stench of the carcasses; it was something else. And paired with consistent reports of locals around Nien spotting 'red eyes' in the woods and odd groups of men wandering on the outskirts of settlements, Artúr knew it could've been only one thing.

*"Praise to Dyarin. Do you know who possibly could have done this? We were lucky they didn't kill the rest of the cattle... This will last us only through the spring and summer,"* One of the hamlet's elders spoke to Artúr, approaching the ranger.

Artúr stood in silence, pondering his thoughts before turning to the elder.

*"Nothing too dangerous,"* Assured Artúr to the elder.

*"Thank goodness... I hope the problem is solved soon enough. Too many have gone missing this past month..."*

The Ombuian simply nodded and walked past the elder, heading back to the hamlet entrance. Artúr could have told him that it was a necromancy threat at hand and, if untreated, could possibly mean the destruction of the small settlement and many others. But part of the job meant keeping the locale safe and unaware. Having worried people would also get in the way of Artúr's very tedious job, so he decided to keep that word of mouth shut.

Then, Artúr noticed someone in the distance. They approached the hamlet but didn't seem like the other Lathian Silnari who inhabited the settlement. Upon closer inspection, the unknown person appeared to be a Macen girl. Artúr wondered why she was here.
John
*Her eyes trailed around the settlement, as she continued her advance. It was remarkably unremarkable, not beyond one's expectation about a place like this. Thin fogs lay about, which originated from the forest in the south. Simple houses and shops here and there. But, she can feel.. Something unusual in the atmosphere. Seemingly out of place from the serene environment, it is an uncanny gut feeling. Though, it seems that the gloomy air doesn't only affect herself.*
 
*A certain layer of clouds embedded itself in the eyes of the people here. Few in numbers, walking wearily on the road, or sitting on the porch of their own houses. Most of them don't even regard the newcomer, with ones who do only nod and give a passing smile. The winds, little critters, sounds of nature over this place are a little too.. Quiet. Notwithstanding, the recent incidents that frequently happened is the most probable cause of this.*
 
"How terrible..."
 
*She stopped in front of the stable, looking through the broken fences. Beyond that, painted a horrendous scenery of various livestock carcasses. It looks like new cases had been happening even as she travelled here. She lifted her gaze beyond the hamlet. There, it met the dense and heavy woodlands that made up much of that part of the lands, until far south. Because of how close the leaves and branches are in the proximity of each other, even sunlight on the brightest day shied away from the forest ground. Feeling a dark sense of uneasiness that radiates from its deepest reach, she tightened the grip on her staff.*

_ _
"Hello, hello there. Is there something I can help you with, young lady?" *A coarse voice suddenly said from next to her. When Akasha turned her head to face it, she found an elderly man standing near her.*
 
"Ah, good afternoon!" *She replied. A warm smile is plastered on her face.*
 
*Afterwards, the elderly man introduced himself as one of this hamlet's elders. He told her that he noticed that a traveller had entered the settlement a moment ago. An apology is given for the lack of the warm welcome from the people there.*
 
"No no, sir. I understand. It seems that something terrible must have happened recently." *Her eyes glanced at the animal carcassess for a moment.*
 
"I'm but a simple wandering priestess. I stumbled upon this place coincidentally on my travels. Sir, if you don't mind, what happened to the animals here?" *She asked, concealing her motive for coming here, for now.*
 
"Aah, a priestess. Splendid, splendid. Sigh... About that..."
 
*The elder rubbed his forehead, exhaling deeply. He began to tell the story of the disappearance of the animals and people here, in much more detail than the one which she had heard in the city. When he spoke regarding the more... 'sinister', nature about the incident, he lowered his voice. The description matched; glowing eyes, foul stench, odd wandering figures.*

_ _
"Hoho, but there is nothing to fear. Sir ranger had assured us that it is not related to anything grim. As our ancestors who have settled in this hardy place, we will endure." *The elder smiled and rubbed his white beard. The mention in his words, however, sparked Akasha's interest.*
 
"Sir ranger, sir?"
 
"Yes, yes... Ahh, he hadn't left yet, it seems. He is just over there." *He spoke, pointing to a direction.*
 
*Akasha's eyes followed the old man's finger. Not far from there, near the entrance of the hamlet, she saw a figure. He is a tall and lean man, certainly looking like a ranger with his gears. A mask is concealing his face. After looking at him for a few moments, Akasha turned her attention back to the elder and thanked him.*
 
"Stay safe, young lady. May Dyarin protect us all."
 
*The old man nodded, then walked away. She turned her focus once again to this 'sir ranger'. From the look of it, and based on what the old man had said earlier, this person has done an attempt to investigate the oddity that happened in this place. Pondering for a few moments, it might be good to try and talk to him. A ranger certainly would know much more about the surrounding area than herself. He might also have an inkling about the true nature of this phenomena. However, the village elder said that the ranger don't view this case as something dangerous. Could it be that he underestimated the gravity of the situation... Or is it a way to not instil a panic in the mind of these simple folks?*

_ _
*That, she would need to confirm for herself. She approached the said ranger.*
 
"I suppose that you are this 'sir ranger' who the village elder was talking about?" *She said, as she stopped next to him.* 
 
*Her eyes are fixed to the hole of his mask, and a smile is still visible on her lips. One of her hands is holding her staff, while the other is touching her chest. She began to introduce herself afterwards.*
 
"May the gods give their grace on thee. Good afternoon. My name is Akasha Isolet, a priestess. I came here in regards to the... Unpleasant occurrences, which had happened recently." *She said in Silnarian, in a volume which would make it just barely to the level of audible and 'intelligible'. However, her pronunciation is refined, and her voice is pleasant to the ear.*
Chad
Artúr turned to look at the Mycan girl, nodding in response. She was indeed here for the same reasons as he was, investigating the oddities that surrounded the region. 

The ranger then turned to fully face Akasha. From her glance, Artúr would've been an imposing feature. Fully clad in equipment, Artúr wore a leather gambeson; over it would be partial-plating of steel and robes. The sheathes of two thin blades were by his sides, and on his back were a bow and a long axe. A short green cloak draped over Artúr's shoulder, with a hood shrouded his face. But the face was concealed by a full-faced mask, which seemed to act as both protection and concealment of his identity.

*"Greetings. You can call me... Artúr for now,"* Artúr responded, speaking fluent Silnarian. His voice was humble and mellow, no louder than it has to be, *"I am here for the same reasons. But I didn't expect a Macen priestess to be venturing through these parts."*
John
I didn't expect a Macen priestess to be venturing through these parts.
 
"Yes, I received that frequently." *She said.*
 
*His appearance is certainly imposing, and slightly towering above her. However, Akasha can tell that he isn't someone with intentions lathered in malice. Even from the way he talks, it's clear that he has a honed temper. She does wonder why he hides his face. But such things are privy, personal reasons and circumstances that shouldn't be pried into. Her eyes wandered to the view of the clear currents of the Nien river, then she began to talk.*
 
"I heard from the village elder about your opinion on this. I can tell that you should also have known that these cases are not one to be dismissed easily. You told him that to ease the burden of his mind, yes?" *She returned her attention towards Artúr, as she finished her sentences.*
 
"I haven't observed the remains closely. You know that I'm a priestess now, so I'd take it that you should also be able to deduce why I come all the way to this remote part. Now, tell me, based on your judgement..."
 
*She furrowed her eyebrows, a grim expression on her face. Her grips on her staff are tightened again.*
 
"Is the cause really what I feared?"
Chad
*"You'd be right,"* Artúr would confirm, sighing, *"Making the people fearful will only get in the way of what I need to do. Now, I can't ascertain how many of the undead there are, or who is exactly behind the necromancy, but... I may know where they might attack next."*
John
*It looks like the worst possible situation is really the case here. She puts her hand on her chin in the gesture of thinking, as he confirmed her suspicion. The appearance of undeads certainly is not a natural phenomenon. She was reminded of a similar incident that once happened in Salvainia, which she was also involved directly in. A certain necromancer sent a few undeads in disguise to do his own dirty job. They collect humans, living or dead, for the purpose of making another puppet and nefarious experiments of their master. Though, she doesn't quite see what is the purpose of attacking and leaving the carcasses of animals behind in the case of attacks in Thonladear. Do they do this only to terrorize the innocent people?*
 
"You know?"
 
*Her face changed to that of curiosity, mixed with a glimmer of hope when he said that he knows where the next attack might take place. It looks like asking the ranger about it was really a good call. She turned to face Artúr again, her cape fluttered behind. If they can expect where the next attack would take place, they might also be able to apprehend the necromancer. After all, the immutable Law of Vocation stated that there is a limit of distance from the summoner to their familiar. It is important to maintain the link of the mana flow, lest it will be severed if they are too far apart. Whoever they are, they must be in proximity.*
 
"Do the appearance of these undeads have a set pattern on time and locations which you can read?"
Chad
*"It has to do with the behaviour pattern, yes. I've been investigating this for the past week, and I visited all the affected settlements from the oldest known incident to the most recent, which is here,"* Artúr explained, *"And that is where the pattern can be found. The oldest known incident began with a town to the south, and since then, villages along the forests have been attacked every two to three days. And every recent incident has been going north...*

*"Whoever the necromancer is, they intentionally move northward through the forest. I'm not sure why, but I have reason to think the necromancer is heading to Cesinor as an end goal. Because, from the information each affected settlement gave me, they didn't just leave the carcasses and corpses there.*

*Every village reported that the following night after an incident, a few of the corpses or carcasses from the incident would go missing. The cause for most of these is unknown. What if the necromancer is collecting more undead soldiers with each settlement they attack? It would explain why they leave the carcasses behind undisturbed. This could mean that they use up their mana each night they attack, so they don't bring back the dead with them until the night after. Would use up too much energy, I suppose."*
John
*Akasha pondered about his words. She turned her gaze towards the northeast, where the city of Cesinor stood beyond those hills and valleys. If that place was really the necromancer objective, to what end do they see their undead soldiers gathering activities? She highly doubts that it was to attack Cesinor. There is simply no benefit gained from creating a ruckus in a major fortified city. Especially, where numbers of adventurers from two countries' borders often pass. They would only make enemies of them and would be annihilated.*
 
"Based on what you said, then it's most likely that they are collecting bodies for the purpose of fulfilling the Grand Arbitrage." *She explained to the ranger, who might not have an in-depth knowledge about the subject.*
 
"By offering a recently deceased body, they can assume a contract that would last permanently. Though, something doesn't add up. A permanent summon ritual in necromancy would reduce the amount of mana needed to sustain the undeads to practically zero. Which means that they wouldn't need to retrieve the carcasses until the next night. Unless..."
 
*Akasha paused. She covered her mouth with one of her hands. A worried expression found its way to her face, where she cast her eyes towards the ground. The possibility which she just thought of would escalate the direness of the situation, if it were true.*

_ _
"**Bloodtrolls**. They don't gather the corpses to make singular undeads. Instead, they intend to craft them into larger abominations. Thus they have only collected them at the moment. Such things would require a preparation in the form of grand scale rituals... Which means that whoever is behind this could be a lich, or that there could be more than one of them. That would indicate the presence of a necromancer cult."
 
*From her words, the threat that they are facing could be well beyond the scope of their capabilities. Especially if their enemies are a lich. The individuals who have obtained the secret of eternal life through the use of necromancy. She shook her head at the thoughts, and looked at Artúr again.*
 
"It could also simply be a rogue necromancer who collected the bodies as experiments subjects, though. I hope that it would be the case, lest we might need to bring the attention of the nearby city. Either way, if your guess is correct, then they would return tonight." *Her eyes trailed towards the direction of the stable.*
 
"It could be dangerous, but I will stay for the night here and investigate the root of it for myself. I do not mean to make you take a risk, but, would you be willing to accompany me? I'm afraid that I wouldn't be able to deal with them alone. And if the necromancer truly resides beyond these woods, then your tracking knowledge as a ranger would be very needed."
Chad
Artúr contemplated the situation at hand. He knew they weren't probably going for Cesinor this early into the necromancer's plan, but all of the dots lead to a northernmost expanse. So their next target would probably be a settlement close to this hamlet at the other end of the forest. Artúr pondered if he should go there next, on the off-hand that the undead might attack tonight, so he would be able to prevent a raid.

But Artúr knew that they didn't make their next move until after collecting the bodies of their previous attacks. At night, staying in the town to await the undead would prove far more effective and efficient. Akasha was also clearly a valuable partner, considering her deep knowledge of the arts and necromancy.

*"I do not mind,"* Artúr replied, a lighter tone in his voice, *"I am sure their next target will be the village just ahead of this one in two nights' time, however... If we can intercept the undead tonight and at the very least damage their numbers, we will be able to halt their movement."*