Crossing the enormous bridge, Tsunar could see that Meeko was struggling to stay standing. The inn was only a few feet uphill, but Meeko looked like he'd give out half way. Luckily the dog proved resilient and pushed onwards, into the tavern. Before anything else, Tsunar made sure to get Meeko some water and food. The inn had fresh venison from local hunters and Meeko seemed eager to sate his hunger. Tsunar soon found his own stomach rumbling, and got some food for himself. Going through his pack, Tsunar pulled out his map and began plotting his next moves. If he was to truly settle into the life of an adventurer, he'd have to get to know the lay of the land. The Reach seemed like a good place to check out next. The innkeep, Faida, warned him of the Forsworn, a group of madmen that live in the hills of the Reach. Seems a shorter visit to The Reach may be in order. Spending the remaining day and a good portion of the next in Dragon Bridge, Meeko regained his strength and seemed much healthier then the day before, a change that relieved Tsunar.
The pair left, heading north along the road. It was only a couple of hours before the Sun began to set. "Probably should have checked that before heading out, huh boy?" Tsunar chuckled, "Well we can't be too far from the city. Besides, we can always make camp if it gets too dark."
The pair continued along the road until they came to a fork. An old post, weathered and splintering, stood between the paths. Whatever words were scribbled on it before, it was unreadable now. Reaching into his pack, Tsunar found no map. "Don't tell me…" Looking back, he realized that he'd left the map and a few supplies in Dragon Bridge when he'd left. "Damn it Tsunar," He scolded himself, "The day you settle on becoming an adventurer you forget the bloody map and rations. Truly a legendary traveller…" Looking down the cobblestone paths, Tsunar couldn't see any real difference. Neither looked more travelled than the other, neither had the sounds of a city in the distance, they were identical. Taking a stab in the dark, Tsunar went for the left path.
Soon enough, Tsunar began to regret his decision. The Sun was barely still in the sky and there was no city in sight. "All paths lead somewhere," He thought, "Just keep walking and we'll find… Something."
As he was thinking this, Tsunar felt a poke at his back. "Turn around, human. Slowly."
Raising his hands and sighing, Tsunar slowly turned to see the man behind him. An orc was dressed in furs and holding a green blade to Tsunar's chest. Tsunar placed his leg infront of Meeko as he began to growl.
"Admittedly, you're pretty good to have gotten the drop on me. Especially with a dog at my side." Tsunar said, "Look, we don't have anything, so you're planning to rob us, it's a wast of time."
"Rob you? I want to know who you are before I do anything stupid." The orc replied.
"Tsunar. Fuzzy one's Meeko."
"Tsunar?" The orc seemed surprised, "Tsunar Wolf-Brand?"
Tsunar was equally surprised to hear his name on a stranger's lips. "My mistake. Need somewhere to rest for the night, Blood Kin?"
During the walk to his tribe's stronghold, the hunter explained what "Blood Kin" actually meant. "You've helped an orc with ties to the tribes. Normally Lurbuk's word doesn't carry much weight, but killing a vampire and clearing its den? That's more than enough to earn our respect."
The orc led the pair to a small tribal encampment, nestled against a cliff. Tsunar could smell a forge, herbs and animals. It seemed like this tribe was doing well for itself. By the time the men entered the gate, the tribe had began to wind down for the night. Tsunar and Meeko were offered a place to sleep in the longhouse, an offer they both seemed grateful for.
In the morning, Tsunar was greeted by the scent of food. It smelled earthy and meaty, not unlike what his father would make him years ago. The food offered a nostalgic feeling for Tsunar, in addition to a full stomach and plenty of energy for the day. Heading out of the longhouse, Tsunar saw an orcish woman practicing with her axe. Tsunar flexed his sword arm, seemed like a fun way to start the day. The young woman seemed eager to have something moving to spar against.
"So, you're the Blood Kin?" She asked, throwing Tsunar a wooden sword, "The one who killed vampires?"
"Intimidated?" Tsunar asked, twirling the wooden blade in his hand.
"Now you're dead." Smiled the orc, as she reached for another wooden sword.
The pair sparred for an hour before either began to show fatigue. The woman inquired about Tsunar's travels, and he asked about the orcs. He learned her name was Borgakh, that she was to be married off to another chief in a few days and had been training non stop in preparation.
"You know," Tsunar panted between parries, "I wouldn't mind having someone else tag along with Meeko and me."
"And what makes you think I want to leave?" Borgakh asked, blocking Tsunar's swing.
"You don't seem to happy about that marriage." Tsunar whispered, leaning over their crossed "swords".
"While that's true, I can't just leave. It would dishonour my tribe." She replied, looking forlorn.
"I thought Malacath taught us to seek out our own paths in life." Tsunar grunted, backing up and catching his breath.
Borgakh seemed to ponder his words before replying. "You're right. When do we leave?"
"When can you be ready?" Tsunar asked, closing in with another swing.
"When I knock your ass to the ground." She smiled.
"Oh really?" Tsunar grinned.