A new day and interesting turns

To outsiders, the isle of night doesn’t have a day/night cycle, it’s always nighttime. Though the moon always has its place in the sky, it all changes come morning. The stars go to sleep, the moon is faintly seen, and though still dark, the sky changes from its almost black, dark blue to a light purplish hue.

You had woken up early, your newest cave mates still fast asleep though you could hardly blame them. Carefully and ducking slightly, you left your home without waking them. Stretching your new large body, you heard bones popping as you yawned greatly.

‘Ugh, yesterday was not something I want to be the new routine.’

Remembering the events that played out, you again look over your new body. You were still bigger than last time and glancing at your right shoulder, there was still the leather holder you gained from leveling up.

The image of the knife you used in your battle against the two ‘adventurers’ flashes in your mind and gives you an idea.

That idea has now brought you back to this area, the signs of battle still here. The scorch marks from the dark elf’s bomb still darken the patch of ground. Broken trees where the berserker’s large hammer tore a path through.

Looking over the ground, you soon find what you are looking for. Among the scattered knives, is the dagger you used in the fight. Bending down, you catch the whiff of a dull yet sour smell that wasn’t there last time. Looking at the blade, you get closer and sniff, the smell more distinct.

“Am I…smelling the poison?” Before you can question your new senses, a pop-up comes into view.

Poison Dagger

Description: A small, wicked dagger of dark elf design. The blade itself is coated in poison with more hidden inside the handle.

Equip: Y/N

Looking at the screen, you nudge ‘Y’ with your nose. The screen disappears and so does the dagger. Blinking, you feel a sudden weight on your right side and look to see it, albeit slightly bigger, nestled in the holder.

“Huh, that’s convenient.” Twisting your neck, you bite down on the handle and pull the dagger out. It was bigger, probably so you didn’t swallow it by accident, so you placed it back in your holder.

That task is done, and you make the trek back to your cave. On the way, you stop near a shrub when you notice something. It was Lily’s scarf you saw last night, still caught in the bush. Figuring it be a show of good faith, you reached and bit down on it, tearing it from the shrub. It was a little ripped and a few tears but still in decent shape.

The return trip to the cave was no bother and you didn’t encounter anything. Ducking and going inside, you notice something right off the bat.

The gnomish hunter was still fast asleep, her chest gently rising and falling. But her furry partner was no longer her pillow.

“Where’d she go?” You growled, only to jump at the sudden voice. “What the hell was that?”

Scanning the small cave, you see nothing and Mydysa is still asleep. Looking behind at the opening, still, you still see nothing. Trying to think, your eyes glimpse at the scarf still in your mouth, and a screen pops up in your view.

Echo Scarf

Description: Allows intelligent creatures to speak common, regardless of their vocal abilities

You blink at the item’s description a couple of times, now knowing where that voice came from.

“…This is my voice?” Huh, sounds weird actually hearing your voice out loud instead of growls, to everyone else at least. Sounds a little deep though.

You hear groaning and look to see the gnome turning in her sleep, a look of discomfort on her face. Bad dreams probably. Walking over, you stand above the small humanoid, looking down as she twists and turns. One of her small hands reaches out and touches your paw.

Flinching, you pull your paw back. You see her grumble more and show more discomfort. You don’t know what she’s dreaming about but it really must not be good. Not knowing what to do but wanting to do something, you think back to last night.

‘My old pack shall never hear about this.’ Breathing in and out heavily, you carefully lay down close enough for the hunter to reach. Mydysa reached and felt your fur, feeling it for a moment before pulling herself into your side.

You watch as she snuggles into your side and, after getting used to your rougher fur, seems to calm down and return to her sleep. Like a small cub, the gnome’s chest gently rises and falls as she uses you as a bed.

“…Why am I doing this?” How is it that in the span of one night, you went from a beast of the woods to a greater of your kind with Nalu’s blessings, only to become an adventure’s snuggle buddy? Before you can contemplate more, your ears perk up at something.

“Well, this is certainly a surprise.”