[[Chapter 2: Flotsam forest and the squirrels.]]
He didn't know how long he slept but he did feel a lot better than what he did earlier. The stiffness of his muscles gone but the soreness there. The lighting dimmed in the room, for the fire was now trying to extinguish itself. What warmth he did feel earlier was now replaced with a damp like sensation in the air. With a light wave of one of his hand, the fire grew as he shifted and got back to his feet. Only to toss a log or two back into the fire place to keep it from going out. Soft crackling of the fire filled the silence when he went near the large basin to draw water. He hissed softly to himself when he reached to feel the water while he pumped it. His fingertips going numb briefly just from how cold it was. Stripping out his robes, he eased himself into the cold water with a few small oil bottles of various colors in hand. Oils that he had made from herbs, just to add to his water whenever he cleaned himself. Whispering an elven incantation just to warm the water up for himself. Carefully, he opened the purple bottle and began to pour the contents in the water. The scent of lavender and honeysuckle began to fill the air while he sat the bottles on the edge. Though the basin was in a tavern room, it still beat bathing in a river or lake in the morning. Pleased that water came to his shoulders, he began to bathe himself hoping that he didn't lose too much sunlight once he was finally done. Though part him wondered was there was a chance would he cross paths with Ivoreth and his clan. Part him still unsure what he would exactly do when if it did happen. Carefully he rubbed the muscles in his calves before doing the same thing to his arms. Pondering what exactly would the clan think of him as well, since he was an elven mage. There was no telling if there even was another person like himself among the group anyway.
Once he was done cleaning up, he got out to put on some of the clothing he had brought with him. A tunic dyed to an olive color with dark brown leggings. Lastly, he fastens his black hooded cape around his shoulders and slipped on his leather boots. Placing back on the light armor, his false weapons and his satchel he made his way to depart for the forest. Taking the path through the nonhuman section made him frown more. The homes being in worst condition than the homes closer to the market, not to mention the foul stenches that were coming from some of the houses. Yet the section stayed bustling with people. Paladinus passed by the guards that stood by the wooden double doors, that lead to one of the pathways into the village that was near the outskirts of the forest. The air alone was better than it was in town, the ground softer as it was lush. Following the trail that went by the village, he passed by the workers as he took another route that led into the forest. Among the workers were other villagers with torches, some even had crossbows and others had swords. Standing vigilant just in case something else dared to come near the village. In a few of the trees, a few elves stayed watching the forest line as well but there was standing near the human workers. The elf knew they weren't Scoia'tael just from their presence alone so close to humans. Lobinden had a different air compared to Flotsam, the humans were friendlier there.
"Voe'rle. Although the forest is quiet and I have not seen anything today. That does not mean it isn't dangerous, it is still even to our own kind." He stopped as his pointed ears perked up at the Elder speech, looking to see just who this fellow elf was. "I am aware but the forest offers more than any merchant here does. But still safer than among those that waiting to use the gallows again. Forgive me but I am Paladinus. "He gave a slight bow before straightening up just to overlook the older elf. The other was taller than him. His lips pressed in a faint frown as his dark brown eyes showed nothing but exhaustion. The other stared at Paladinus for a moment, before he introduced himself. "I am Cedric, watcher of the forest and to these villagers of Lobinden. And if you need a potion or herbs then I am another you can also come to. Beware of the forest grounds and the Kayran that now guards the channel. Although a particular Witcher and sorceress is taking care of it now." His voice was monotone yet he did try to ever a smile even if it was faint and brief. He knew that Paladinus wasn't from here, between the obvious clothing and his visions that he tried hard to block out gave that away. For the past few weeks, he been having dreams about this raven-haired elf, the same elf that would meet with the Scoia'tael and its leader. The elf would aid them and travel with them to Vergen. His path and the leader of the Scoia'tael strangely intertwined with one another. So, the visions told him and he tried desperately stifle yet here the elf was before him.
"Show me your wares as for the Kayran, that just means I can't go up North just yet. But with luck, that will change. And for my journey into the forest, I mean well with just finding herbs and will be back soon. "Paladinus said. "This forest is hardly a place for herb picking, the creatures come here in droves. Easing closely to the village with each day yet that isn't the only thing out there." Cedric said back. He didn't know why he was assuring Cedric, maybe it was the air that surrounded the other. "Daylight will be my aid mostly and I will be back before it is dark. "Paladinus said. Since he was one of the main watchers of the forest outskirts. Getting a few enchanted bombs and oils, Cedric spoke once more. "Just be wary and you know where to find me if you need anything else. The torches never go out so you should be able to see them from afar. Va faill, elaine cerbin."
Paladinus watched the elder elf go back to the village just as another elf took his place to resume watching the forest. "Va faill, Cedric." he said softly, unsure how he felt about the nickname he said to him in their native tongue. With a slow turn, he continued his way into the forest, unaware that Cedric was watching him until he couldn't see him anymore. Even if Cedric told him about the visions he doubted the young elf would understand it fully. Cedric sighed to himself, moving to sit near a fire pit to keep warm as he pulled out bottle of ale just to wash down.
So far nothing had crossed the young elf's path, stopping every so often to gather herbs. He hummed to himself as he continued walking, even went as far to take off his boots just to feel the lush plains underneath his feet. Though he had to occasionally watch his step, large bear traps occasionally covered his path. He did disarm a few until he realized the traps were for the nearby Nekkers nest. With few but quick steps and magic, Paladinus avoided the Nekkers nests with ease. Even as the smaller ones dare try to chase him, the more distant he placed between them quickly they soon grew disinterested. The occasional massive Endura did creep close, but the young elf was clever enough to evade the slow creature. Using a trap seal to keep the creature in place just as he went on way further down the path to collect more herbs and roots. With a soft hum of content, he collected the desired herbs as he saw them. Gently plucking white myrtle, mandrake and some wolfbanes. Putting away the fresh supplies, he followed the sound of water just to find the stream. To see if there were any herbs of interest near the flowing water. And yet he heard something else, besides the common noise of the forest. Birds chirping in the distance as canines could be howling every so often. As gentle breezes of wind made the trees sway gently. There was a soft but sweet tune playing, but he couldn't pin point the direction yet. Straining some while making note he had to be close to a stream, the soft tune of the flute was more alluring in that moment. Ears perked and silent, with careful steps he tried to listen carefully as he began to move in the hope of finding the source. The forest itself had briefly gone quiet as if it was too listening to the mysterious performer, giving aid to the young elf to find the source. The soft song never faltered, Paladinus kept searching as he followed the dirt path that took him uphill to a clearing and searched around. Led to a small opening, the lush thicker and filled with various blooming flowers. The elf believed the area used to be home to a small pond, having to dry out recently leave behind such a space. Even the trees drooped around the opening, the vast branches almost looking inviting to perch on. And yet there was some one there, the soft music coming to an end as the flute was placed away by the person. He knew his face, the wanted posters he seen placed all around Flotsam. The stories he had heard before even set foot in Flotsam. Ivoreth, the leader of the Scoia'tael.
Voe'rle= Stop or halt
Va faill= Goodbye or farewell
