Ciri's Adventures

The cool, invigorating morning air envelopes Ciri as she rides the narrow path through the rugged mountains. Kelpie, her horse, handles the demanding terrain with a steady, calm gait. The supplies she had packed for her journey are slowly dwindling.

Ahead, a sprawling valley unfolds, framed by jagged mountains and filled with an enticing tranquility that she meets with wary distrust. Suddenly, she spots ascending plumes of smoke, dark swirling columns standing stark against the radiant blue sky. Adrenaline floods her veins, her senses sharpen, alarm bells softly ringing in her mind.

Ciri guides Kelpie carefully to a nearby hill, offering a better point of view. From her elevated position, she identifies a crude camp, inconspicuous and rough. Despite the distance, she sees movement, but the details remain obscured. She decides she needs to get closer - with caution and a bit of luck, she could replenish her dwindling supplies. After tying Kelpie to a tree and soothingly stroking the horse's neck, she quietly and carefully approaches the camp.

With each step she takes closer, the tension within her mounts. She reaches a position behind a bush, from where she has a clear view of the camp and its inhabitants. Two men, rough and bold, are hard to miss. Their appearance screams "bandits". A peaceful encounter is therefore off the table.

Now she can hear the men, too. "I tell ya, Leni is a real catch. As soon as she's back, she can blow me again," one of them boasts, while the other's repugnant laughter echoes through the morning stillness. "Speaking of Leni, do you know when she'll be back?" adds the other, his words filled with anticipation. Ciri's heart races - another bandit is nearby. Quickly, she rises and starts running back towards Kelpie. She also draws her sword to be ready to respond swiftly.