The Blauwalt forest

You and Glenda walk along the thin strip of beach, attempting to get past these cliffs and reach the Victory Road towards Gerlangen. After you’ve walked for about an hour, Glenda reminds you that there is a small lagoon somewhere on the cliffside. How strange you haven’t discovered it yet. Maybe, after exiting the tunnel, you should have taken the other direction. It is too late to turn back now.

After a few more hours, the two of you finally come at the end of the cliffs. You leave the beach, head over a few dunes, and then you reach a forest. The Blauwalt Forest straddles the Victory Road, the very road you need to follow in order to reach the city of Gerlangen. Just one problem: where in the forest is this road?

At any rate, you’d have to start your search somewhere. You and the elf start walking in search of the road that will lead you to your destination.

It isn’t easy crossing the forest barefooted. There are lots of twigs that prick you when you step on them, or fallen leaves that are slick and made you slip. You can’t wait until you reach the road.

Suddenly Glenda stops.

“I can’t go do this Sabine.” The elf sister says. “I can’t go on a anymore.”

You sit your friend down and place yourself next to her.

“Don’t worry, Glenda.” You comfort her. “We’ll stay here for a while, and when you’re rested we’ll continue.”

Glenda shakes her head. “No, that’s not what I mean. I can’t join you to the high abbey.”

“Of course you can.” You say. “All we got to do is find the victory road and …”

“I’m not a sister anymore.” Glenda suddenly blurts out.

Glenda starts to snivel and tears well up in her eyes.

“I have not been chaste, Sabine. I was seduced by a daemon, my vows are broken.” She hangs her head low and repeats “… I am not a sister anymore.”

There is no denying it. Glenda has an unholy mark on her belly. You don’t know what its true purpose is, but it’s clear she has been defiled. For a woman to be a sister to the Burning Rose, she needs to be pure. Bringing Glenda to the high abbey, or any abbey for that matter, will only remind her of her failure.

“So what now?” You ask Glenda.

Glenda raises her head and wipes away her tears. “I think … I’d best stay here in the forest.”

“That’s dangerous,” you say, “You should at least come to the village of Launsdorf.”

Glenda puts her hands on your shoulders and reassures you.

“I’m an elf.” She says, “I grew up in the forest. This is my home. I’ll be fine.”

There is a moment of silence between the two of you.

“Are you certain?” You ask.

“I am. Go to the high abbey, I’ll stay here.”

You hug Glenda one last time and stroke her beautiful green hair. Then you leave her behind and continue on your way.