Chapter Two-Hundred Twenty-Four

Chapter Two-Hundred Twenty-Four

Nova

As the wyrm scion quietly glides through the earth, she reflects on just how strange scouting duty is. While shes finding she quite enjoys it, that doesnt make the duty any less strange. Its the juxtaposition of heightened awareness with lessened need to actually do anything that makes it so strange. Feeling for vibrations keeps her mind active enough to pay attention, but not so active that her mind doesnt start to wander.

Shes certainly had a lot of things for her mind to wander to lately. Take magic, for example. Shes known affinities can be expanded upon, but knowing and seeing are two different things. The way Rocky taught the Stag to embrace fire it seems so obvious after, but so impossible before. While she cant use the specifics of light, she has been trying to focus more on her magma affinity, to see what she can do.

From the vague hints through the bond with the Guide, he seems to think she could expand to earth affinity, but her own efforts are leading her towards fire, she thinks. She feels more attuned to the heat than the magma itself. On the other mandible, her work with sculpting might lead her to earth affinity after all.

She rumbles happily at the memory of the elf making a beautiful flower from her unnoticed obsidian. She had never thought about the molten rock she leaves behind, or the cooled rock that comes eventually after. She also hadnt thought that an affinity could be used to make something like that. It would be basically no use in a fight, it probably wouldnt take any interesting enchantments, it cant even be eaten by most things. She took a little nibble, but it tasted like any other obsidian.

And yet that little flower made from volcanic glass has captivated her like nothing else really has. Shes been trying to make one of her own, but her first try was such a failure that she almost gave the entire idea up. But she changed her focus to simpler flowers, and she thinks shes making good progress. She doesnt like how they always come out looking a little melted, even though she can feel the Guides happiness at each one.

Her thoughts are interrupted as she hears footsteps that dont belong to the Guides chosen party. Theyve been dodging rangers and scouts for a day or two now, but this is the first group theyve found! She retreats a bit before waving a bit of magma through the earth behind her, letting the earth mage of the party feel the moving absence of her element as the signal to hide.

Shes been trying to listen in on the people theyve been avoiding, but they were all solo, so they didnt say much. This feels like a group of four, so hopefully theyll talk amongst themselves, and she can get some information. She feels the chosen party hide themselves, so she glides ahead, being careful to not get too close, lest one of them is another earth mage.

She stays back, far enough to get an idea of the groups composition before trying to get close enough to listen in. Theyre almost certainly from the dungeon, as they seem to be two pale elves and two pale dwarves. An elf with a spear is in the lead, with a dwarf with either a thick wand or a thin mace clanking on his belt behind them. Behind those two are the other elf and dwarf, who seem to be trying to keep an eye out.

While Nova isnt an expert, shes pretty sure an actual scouting party would be quieter, and probably not wear as much armor as some of them. The dwarf in the back has armor to rival Ragnar!

After a few minutes of them not seeming to notice her, Nova slowly drifts closer, letting her finally pick out words from the indistinct noise of their conversation.

What about this spot, Jayle? asks the spear elf at the front, sounding like theyve asked the question many times before. The dwarf nearby seems to be looking in a book and glances around before speaking.

Maybe? Were definitely far enough away now. The field guide says we should try to find clean water, and I see a little trickle out of the wall there.

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Ah, that should do! The field guide says multiple water sources will help keep wildlife away. Even if we camp right next to the one, the other one is right there and can be used instead of trying to contest us. Nova can hear the book being consulted as the dwarf doublechecks, and soon the group sets about deciding specifically where to set up.

Think you two can handle this part? Me and Merrik should probably make sure theres nothing too nasty nearby before we get too settled, speaks up the armored dwarf.

Sure, I think we can handle it. Hang on a sec though, Lechula. I got us all a little treat! You and Merrik can snack on yours while securing the perimeter. The spear elf, Dergol, Nova reminds herself, digs through his pack for a few moments before exclaiming in victory.

Yes, theyre still sealed! Catch!

What is this? asks Jayle, the bookish dwarf. Nova tries to keep the names straight, just in case its important with her report.

A cheese kobold, answers the caster elf Merrik, earning a gasp from Dergol.

You know?

Lechula answers. Yeah. They gave us some at the enclave. Theyre really good cheese.

Aw, I wanted to surprise you. Oh well, at least I know the cheese is good now. The guy I paid for these said it was good, but he was trying to get my money. Anyway, go secure, shoo.

The two leave, and Nova slowly moves to follow, though she catches a bit more from the two who are staying.

The field guide says we shouldnt split up.

Pft, its fine. If we had to follow it to the letter, the Great Maw would have just sent denizens instead of us. Well just need to keep an eye out until they get back.

We still shouldnt split up.

Jayle, give them a little privacy. I think they want to spend a little time together. Theyre acting a little different after the stay at the healers. I think they finally hooked up!