Your first real adventure.

The sun is still low over horizon, casting a morning warmth over the rolling hills of Avana's outskirts. The dew-covered grass shimmers like a plain of emeralds, and the crystal blue sky is nearly vacant of all clouds. Tesgella's men heave large backpacks with ease, which are filled with supplies such as tents, food, torches, and more. In front of everyone else walks the graceful paladin herself. It's a good day.

Hours pass by, but you entertain herself by watching the alien fauna scurry away or fly by. You see an adorable blue slime jiggle off down a hill. A couple goblins spot your group and hide behind some rocks. Things are becoming even more like a fantasy come alive.

You soon reach the forest's entrance. It becomes much less leisurely, as you can do little but follow animal trails further pushed down by the brothers in front. It takes much longer to travel as well.

It becomes trickier to stick together, and this is an awful place to get lost. "Everyone stay close," you say. "Do you guys know where we're going?"

"Of course," says Bill. "We're following both a compass and a map drawn out by previous travellers. Scouts were sent here before, if you remember."

You decide to trust them. They seem to know what they're doing after all.

Time passes. It's difficult to tell, but you guess it must be well past lunch time, since your stomach is beginning to hurt. It thankfully isn't much longer until your group reaches a clearing in the forest. It isn't much, but there are rocks and logs to rest on, and enough space to start a fire and cook up something to eat. You lick your lips thinking about it.

"We will rest here," Lady Tesgella states.

It's a simple meal of stew that's mostly water and random meats and vegetables, but it does the job. You're nearly finished when you notice Niki turn around to stare into the dark woods behind her. She stands up and begins walking until she disappeared into the foliage.

She must just need to use the bathroom.

A few minutes go by. Bill smacks the compass with his hand and holds it up. "Weird. It's going all over the place. Well, if it broke, I think I know where to go regardless."

"Hold on. I always bring a spare," Phil replies.

Weird that she hasn't come back yet. I should at least peek to make sure she didn't get attacked by a bear or something.