Ed wakes up in the desert again

Ed woke up naked and alone with broken black slabs marking a highway which stretched out before him through what seems to be an endless desert.

Ed looked down at his body, its muscled and ripped just like the character that he'd designed. He frowned, confused, he remembered dying moments ago which was odd since normally in a dream the rules weren't so strict and people woke up just before they died.

He felt weaker than the first time as if his vitality had been somehow sapped with the few stone, branches and fauna he had collected lost along with the time spent walking. After a moments hesitation and confusion he followed the same meandering path again through the sand dunes until parched with thrist returned to the oasis as dusk apporoached. He headed past the area with its shuffling creatures and with his throat once again parched Ed pushed on until he found himself surrounded by rocky outcrops.

The sun sinks further as dusk settles in, he desperately searched for water unhappy at the state of his dream hoping to wake up so that he could get a real glass of water.

Finally Ed turned to see it, around a corner, hidden by towering rocks and glistening in the distance is the distinct gleam of water. He sprinted forward with renewed purpose and determination to reach the sweet promise of water. Unfortunately in the dim light and too focused on his goal he failed to see the drop in front of him and fell down a cliff, Ed turn and clutch desperately for a handhold but he was too far forward and could only grab air.

Ed screamed in pain when he hit the ground and felt himself grow weaker again, it took him a moment to orientate himself before he stumbled through the darkness clutching his side in pain. As the sun sets he finally reached the shore and dove headfirst into the water to drink long gulps of it, uncaring of how clean it might be. The cool water tasted sweeter than anything he could remember, after he drank until his stomach hurt he found himself feeling refreshed and could finally take a moment to assess his surroundings as the sun says its final goodbye.

Unfortunately night had came as he stood by the water unsure in the dark of how far it stretches or where it goes. Ed heard movement in the undergrowth and back away trying to peer through the ink black night, Eds heart thudded in his chest as he tried to suppress a rising panic at the unseen dangers roaming around him in the darkness. Hearing something large getting closer he panicked and in his desperation turned to run into the water but unfortunately he realised the full extent of the danger far too late as something took a bite out of his leg. With no weapon he kicked out at the creature and felt a flicker of hope as he made contact with the attacker but it was his only victory before he was ripped apart by huge teeth.

The Exiled Lands are a harsh place to attempt to survive.