| Anbella's Warning |

[SharpString 323]

 

 

 

 

The crunching sound under his feet brings Tuzic to his senses - the forest dwarf stops, and takes in his surroundings… A thick pine forest extends out in every direction, and shadows are cast throughout the environment as the midday sun struggles to peek through the branches. He looks down, and sees the source of the sound - the forest floor was strewn with thick brush and ferns, along with thriving mosses that blanketed any spot they could. Tuzic stood there for some time in silence, his eyes gazing between the trunks of the trees that enveloped him - he was looking for a sign… 

 

Though - nothing comes. He can’t help but notice his heart thumping loudly in his chest as he decides to trudge forth through the dense undergrowth. “Kozrol?” Tuzic asks into the forest in the ancient dwarven language. He continues wading through the sea of flora, but the only response he receives is the singing of the birds and the chirps and trills of the many insects that call the woods their home. Up ahead though, a clearing catches his eye through the branches.

 

Tuzic lets out a sigh of relief as he finishes his trudge over to the grassy clearing, he walks out to its center to catch his breath. A smile crosses his face as he feels the warm sun beating down on his skin - but early into his moment in the sun, a chill runs up the forest dwarf’s spine… The birds weren’t singing… The insects were gone. It was silent.

A bloodcurdling scream cuts through the forest “PA! HELP MEH!” 

 

“MAEVEN?! WHERE ARE YE LUV Oi’M ‘ERE!” Tuzic calls back in desperation at the sound of his daughter’s voice. Though his calls were answered only by the voice of another…

“TUZIC WHERE ARE YE?” called the familiar voice.

“GAREDYN ES T’AT YE? GAREDYN WEH WILL FIGHT ET TOGETHER COME TO MEH!” he calls back to his clan father in his strong dwarven accent… and again no response. The screams echo in Tuzic’s head as around him the forest quickly grew dark. His feet feel glued to the center of the clearing as the screams of his family and friends overlap - a cacophony of fear that seems to come from every corner of the darkened woods.

 

“WHERE IS RENNY?” yells Crera.
“TUZ? THEY’RE HERE.” shrieks Hana.

“RUN!” shouts Erik.

“T’EY GOT MEH GUILD!” Bodhi bellows.
“THA FAE TREES!” Khazaefron screams.

“CHIEF??” Thedmar calls out.

“HELP US!” Cries Onora.

 

The forest around Tuzic grows darker and darker as he sees flashes of movement darting through the trees… and he still can’t move. His eyes are drawn to the sky as the forest goes black. A total solar eclipse now hangs in the sky above him - the blazing celestial ring burns his eyes… though he doesn’t care. He understands. “Thyokk, kvinn eron anym.” he mutters.

 

And with that, Tuzic returns from his vision… the forest dwarf breathes heavily and sweat pours down his face as he sits cross-legged in his cramped and overgrown cavern shrine. Roots and mosses creep through the stone, while small brown mushrooms peak through cracks here and there. The small cavern was silent… disturbed only by the occasional drip of water off the stalactites. The well-practiced seer of Hefrumm took time to steady his mind and his breath in the peaceful place before he began his climb to the surface. Symbols of the Brathmordakin line the cavern walls, and Tuzic mutters a prayer to each as he passes.
 

A puff of spores is illuminated in a cloud as Tuzic stirs the air - clambering out of his hidden shrine. He coughs a bit before taking in a deep breath of fresh air and heading to Hefrumm. The Council of Seers must know of such an omen.