The Wandering Isles: Session 31
The journey to Brautarðir began with careful preparation. The group stocked up on supplies and rented a sturdy cart along with two horses, Goldenveil and Stormsong, from a genial stable owner named Arnvid. Spirits were high as they set off into the snow-covered wilderness, the crunch of hooves and the creak of the cart the only sounds accompanying them.
The first leg of the journey was uneventful, but during the second, the tranquility shattered. Eos awoke abruptly to the sound of a familiar voice crying out, “FIND HIM!” The haunting cry jolted her to full awareness. Almost simultaneously, Slate experienced his own unsettling vision. Unknowingly playing with the mysterious book in his pack, he was transported from the snowy expanse into a vast desert. As he journeyed through the barren sands, Slate recognized Rirtez in the distance. But as he approached, his joy turned to dread. The allies he had once cherished appeared as faceless guards or soldiers, and confusion clouded his heart. Before he could make sense of it, he woke abruptly, still astride his horse.
That evening, the group camped under the starry sky, and Dash shared stories of his past with Eos. He recounted how his first theft—a simple apple to stave off hunger—had spiraled into larger heists, eventually leading to his failure, and then he told her of Lysa Sablewood’s timely intervention. He then told Eos about Elandor, a wealthy man from Palperroth who took Dash under his wing, teaching him refinement, culture, and the art of adaptation. Eos, in turn, opened up about her magic, explaining its intricacies and the capabilities it granted her.
After Dash retired for the night, Hatsu joined Eos at the campfire. Their conversation turned deeply introspective, as they spoke of dream destinations—Eos longing to be among the stars, while Hatsu imagined a place of endless learning. Their words danced around personal struggles and hopes for growth, cloaked in enigmas but brimming with meaning.
As Eos went to rest, Slate took over the watch, sitting with Hatsu under the serene night sky. The two spoke of journeys, music, and identity. Slate shared his struggles with memory, explaining how music became his anchor, a way to connect with places and emotions he couldn’t otherwise reach. Hatsu, though not given the chance to choose music in his youth, admired Slate’s deep connection to it. He fondly recalled a festival in Saigo no Toshi, where sakura blossoms danced on the wind to a melody that had stayed with him.
Inspired by their shared appreciation, Slate and Hatsu worked together to craft a new song. Slate’s chords and Hatsu’s memories intertwined, creating a piece both haunting and beautiful. As the music swelled, Slate revealed a heavy shackle bound to his wrist, a symbol of his past burdens. Hatsu, glowing with an ethereal light, raised his sword. Without apparent effort, the blade struck the shackle, severing it. Apparently magically protected, the sigils burned away, and the shackle fell to the snow, leaving Slate free for the first time in his current life.
The next morning, the group continued their journey. Dash rode with confidence, only to be upstaged by Slate’s flawless handling of his horse. As Brautarðir came into view, they steeled themselves for their arrival. Dash, ever resourceful, attempted to disguise Eos using his kit, but the results were less than convincing. Their efforts to mask her unique appearance would not hold up under scrutiny in a bustling town.
At the gates, they encountered Bren, a diligent guard who began inspecting their cart and group. Dash and Slate worked together to create a distraction, successfully diverting attention away from Eos and allowing the group to pass without incident.
With relief and anticipation, the gang entered Brautarðir, ready to uncover whatever awaited them in the rugged northern town. Their journey had tested them in ways both physical and emotional, but together, they were stronger—and their resolve to face the challenges ahead had never been firmer.
