“Let’s hope the poison hasn’t spread out too far,” Olga responded, nodding slowly. Coming up with plans like this was not her strong point, but she decided to make an attempt anyway, “More importantly, I hope that the poison hasn’t contaminated the air too much… If we can’t even reach the castle, we may have to improvise with another plan. So far, I’m drawing a blank.” Taking note of the poison in any cursed area, and how far it spread, how fast it might be spreading, was always important. There were stories telling of poisons spreading quicker than it can be removed. Neyr has probably been like this for a long time, she was sure that the poison was settled in pretty deep. She wondered how much life was left, if any at all. From what she saw, she didn’t see any signs of death, but that did not mean she was going to lower her guard.<br/><br/>Her gaze flickered to the Knight briefly when he pulled off to keep watch behind the group. She gave him a nod as well, to acknowledge his decision. It was always good to have someone watching their backs, for more than one reason.<br/><br/>The closer they got to the fallen kingdom, the heavier and more oppressive the atmosphere seemed to become. A chill seemed to linger in the air, and everything seemed almost unnaturally quiet. It was an estimated three days before they would reach the heart of the kingdom. If they could sense it from here, it may be a lot worse than they had thought. They were going to need to keep their wits about them if they were going to survive. A darkness unlike any they might have faced prior to this mission was lurking, growing, and did not want to be disturbed. The rate at which it was spreading was fast, but also undetermined from where they were. This small group of riders was going to need to watch each other very closely, for this truly was a test of bond between humans, dragons, companions, and one wrong move could prove fatal.<br/><br/>Hours passed since they had left on their journey. During those hours, everyone was bust keeping an eye out for anything that might come their way, making sure nothing would take them by surprise. Night soon fell, and they rested. They took refuge near an old stricter, which had likely been part of something from an old kingdom years ago. A fire was built, and more tales about the fallen kingdom, as well as other myths about this and that, were told, then it came time to finally get some shut eye. Everyone took turns keeping watch every hour or so, so that there was someone to make sure no danger had found them, while the others rested, but decent sleep seemed to elude the group. Olga especially. There was a lot on her mind, and she was sure that there was a lot on everyone else’s mind as well.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">I can’t stop thinking about this assignment, V.</span>She said softly. It was her turn to take a look out. She felt fatigued, yet wide awake at the same time. Sometimes, something in the forest would seem odd but it would turn out to be something different. It was a good thing. At least it was a sign that they were safe… for now.<br/><br/>The brown dragon raised her head, shifting slightly to look at Olga.<span style="color: #FF8000">I know. Your restlessness is starting to make <span style="font-style: italic">me</span> anxious. Have you even tried to sleep?</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">I have, but I just can’t stay asleep for more than a few minutes at a time.</span><br/><br/><span style="color: #FF8000">Try harder then. You need your rest, and so do I.</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">I know, I know.</span><br/><br/>Morning seemed to roll in slowly. Wasting no time, once everyone was packed up, the group continued on their way towards the mountain kingdom. The same quiet skies greeted them as they ascended above the treetops. Even the birds seemed to avoid them, as if they knew where they were headed. As they got even closer, the atmosphere grew even heavier. It felt as though there was something pressing down on their shoulders, and that something was wrapping around them; it was a suffocating feeling. That was the best way to describe it. There also seemed to be a thick layer of clouds over the fallen kingdom, visible even where they were, causing the sky to go dim. The chill in the air seemed to sink deeper into their bones, the wind picked up, too. This combined with the heavy atmosphere almost seemed unbearable. Yet they all continued on, as ordered by the king.<br/><br/>Olga shivered slightly, feeling her body tense. She looked to the others wondering what they were thinking right now. Letting out a sigh, she kept her gaze forward. It was her turn to keep a look out for danger today. The silence was somewhat unnerving, and she wanted to break it. In this place, any amount of comfort, in any form, no matter what it was, would suffice if not just to pass the time.<br/><br/>A few hours later, it became late afternoon. Hunger began to settle in.<br/><br/>“Hey, is anyone else hungry?” Alonzo spoke up, naturally. “I think we should find another place to rest up and eat a meal. It’s been awhile.”<br/><br/>“Good idea.” Olga replied.<br/><br/>“While I was around some of the other hunters, I’ve heard stories of an old camp near here.”<br/><br/>“Is it… well… safe?”<br/><br/>“As far as I know, it’s pretty close by. I don’t think the poison would’ve reached it yet.”<br/><br/>Yet. Olga thought to herself, unsure what to think about this rest spot Alonzo was speaking of. She wasn’t even sure if she trusted eating anything around here. Was it worth the risk? By now, the oppressive atmosphere was a lot worse. The air was still, and danger oozed from the atmosphere. She wanted to rest but she wasn’t really willing to trust landing anywhere. Who knew what was lurking down there. Below, the trees and foliage looked green and healthy. Looks were also deceiving, and she was aware of this, and they could also have become mutated because of the poison in this land. If there was something they could find to eat, it would be a miracle. On the other hand, perhaps there would be some plants that were immune. The only way to really find out was to search for a place.<br/><br/>If she was not willing to take a risk, she might as well resign.<br/><br/>“Alright. You lead the way I guess.” Placing some amount of trust in a companion, she gave Vehrgeist a nudge to fall back a little more, allowing Alonzo and his dragon, Gennalt, to take the lead.<br/><br/>“Sure… if nobody objects to it.” Alonzo replied, looking at the others, awaiting a response.<br/><br/>It really didn’t matter where they rested. It was just a suggestion, right? As far as everyone was concerned, there was no safe resting place. Their best bet would be to find somewhere on the outskirts of the heart of the mountain kingdom. That way, they would at least be able to get out of there should something go wrong.<br/><br/>Never know. Something was bound to happen at some point or another.