158 The good kind of magic mushrooms...

After stepping through the Fog-Gate Reima comes face to face`with sort of Chimera? The front half of the creature resembles a lion, with a thick white mane and glowing red eyes, it's back proudly displays a large set of white wings that'd belong to an eagle with another smaller set adjacent to them, probably to provide better control when flying. It's rear resembles a goat or cow, with cloven hoofs and a long scorpions tail standing upright as if it's going to strike at any minute. It's actual height is only around 6.5ft with it's length being something similar, it rears onto it's Goat-like legs and stamps into the floor creating a wave of high powered water to be shot at him. Reima leaps out of the way fast enough to see the creature take off and start flying around the arena like alcove they're standing in, fortunately for Reima he has a lot of experience in dealing with these sorts of enemies, his Witcher training in Kaer Morhen even taught some of the strategies to him. He starts the manoeuvre as muscle memory starts to take over, he raises his hand casting an Igni when the Chimera tries to swoop down to pounce on him. The flame startles the creature which slows it's descent just enough for Reima to draw the Silver sword from his back, a flash of metal is the only sign that the creature had just been attacked, that and the red line that's formed on the Chimera's neck. It backs away as the wound starts weeping blood, it looks up which opens the clean cut further revealing it's arteries to open air. It tries to cast some sort of lightning attack but isn't able to as it's wound becomes worse with every movement, eventually the blood dyes the entirety of the shallow water their standing in red as it finally lies down for the last time.

Reima looks down at the creatures now fading away body only to widen his eyes soon after it disappears, "Shit! I forgot to cut it's tail!!!!" he leans over as if he's in pain at the realisation of the lost loot, how could he be so foolish!... This doesn't last long as he remembers the pathetic weapon the creature actually drops, some sort of stupid looking whip that isn't practical in the least.

After mourning his "significant loss" Reima steps through the exit of the Alcove into some ruins gently lit by the morning sunlight he sits at the bonfire when he notices some movement in the corner of his eye, looking over he sees a... Giant mushroom with eyes.

The Giant mushroom looks at him and blinks slowly before starting to talk?

Elizabeth "Well, look at this one From what far-away age hast thou come? Thy Scent is very human, indeed…But, not intolerable… Thy may refer to me as Elizabeth, I am the Guardian of this humble sanctuary, however long it lasts..."

...

Reima "Yo, I didn't happen to eat some magic mushrooms on the way here did I?"

The mushroom chuckles in it's weird voice that resembles an old lady, "No, I should hope not... Although I am told my flesh is delicious and rejuvenating."

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Reima thinks for a moment the viability of cutting this weird creature down like a tree and preparing a big stew... Elizabeth notices his glare and responds, "Ah, humans... The greed is felt wherever they go... Before you devour me, would you do me the honour of listening to my last request?"

Reima look sheepishly at the mushroom for a moment, "Err, I don't intend to eat you... I apologise if I have offended you in any way."

Elizabeth just blinks her white eyes at him before continuing, "My charge hast been kidnapped by the beast of the abyss, I am unable to retrieve her for rather obvious reasons... But, you look like a strong warrior, I can see it in your eyes." Reima cuts in, "I'm guessing you want me to rescue them."

Elizabeth bends her fungal body in what resembles a nod, "I would be willing to part with my flesh an even life should you will it, I only beg of thee to save the princess... Save Dusk."

Reima sighs, "Keep your flesh to yourself... I've never been a fan of mushrooms anyway." He states, the creature losing all hope at his response. "But, I always intended to save her... It's a bad habit of mine to stick my nose into trouble when I see it."

Elizabeth regains her vitality, "Truly? I thank thou in advance, I hold every hope you will prevail in saving her." she says so sincerely Reima begins to ponder whether or not she was human at some point. He gives a stern nod at her before walking through the path directly on her right. He travels for a couple of minutes through the woodland path until he comes across a stone bridge, it looks relatively ok to travel across but that doesn't mean much in the world of man-eating chests and gemstone insects. He tentatively walks across, focusing at every moment on blinking away if the bridge isn't as stable as he thought, he makes it across and feels rather stupid for being so paranoid. That is until he spots around one hundred red eyes in the dark forest before him...