Author's note: Here's a more comical drabble showing off Elisheva and what she went through in the Warren downs AND Skree's local fauna before reaching Glipwood.
As Elisheva embarked on her perilous journey, she faced a myriad of challenges and had to employ various tactics to evade capture. Crossing the treacherous Warren Downs, she relied on her resourcefulness and quick thinking to throw off her pursuers.
Setting traps was a tempting option, but Elisheva knew it could be a double-edged sword. While it might momentarily hinder her pursuers, it could also draw attention to her location and potentially attract other predators roaming the area. She couldn't risk becoming the prey of the dangerous omnivorous cows or the menacing horned hounds that prowled the region.
Water crossings were equally problematic. Elisheva recognized the risks associated with traversing bodies of water, which could expose her to additional dangers or leave her vulnerable to capture. She reluctantly ruled out this option, choosing alternative paths that would keep her away from potential traps laid by her pursuers.
To throw them off the track, she used a trick she'd read about once and put it to use. Once her little decoy was set along the creek, she continued her journey. She headed for the northeast, hoping to find a town.
She survived by eating some of the fruits and nuts she'd recognized in the marketplaces while working as a courier in Crith.
Navigating the natural fauna of Skree, Elisheva encountered the peculiar wildlife that inhabited the area.
As Elisheva made her way through the dense undergrowth of the Warren Downs, she spotted a small creature scurrying along the forest floor, catching her attention. It kinda looked like a little guinea pig.
Unaware of the creature's true nature, she made a foolish mistake.
With a gentle, outstretched hand, Elisheva attempted to pet the small rodent-like creature known as a Squeeblin. "Hey, little guy…"
However, the Squeeblin reacted defensively. It leapt at her, revealing oversized teeth.
Elisheva was so surprised she backed up, causing the Squeeblin to sink its teeth into Elisheva's sneaker, refusing to let go.
Yelping, with a mix of annoyance and amusement, she tried to shake off the persistent critter. Fortunately, she managed to free her sneaker, albeit with a new set of tooth marks, for Squeeblin bites are the fifth most painful in all of Skree.
The Squeeblin scurried away, and Elisheva examines her sneaker with a mix of annoyance and amusement. Thankfully, the damage is minimal, and she can still wear the shoe. But further on she'll be needing new footwear.
This incident served to remind her that the fauna in Aerwiar is far more varied than she thought. Even the hamrless looking creatures could pose a threat.
However, the next day she spotted a promising tree with clusters of nuts, Elisheva eagerly approached, her stomach grumbling in anticipation. She reached out and plucked a fresh nut from its shell, ready to savor its deliciousness. But just as she was about to bring it to her mouth, there was a sudden movement nearby.
A mischievous thwap jumped up from behind a nearby bush, its beady eyes fixated on the nut in Elisheva's hand. With lightning-fast reflexes, it snatched the nut away, leaving her empty-handed and bewildered.
Elisheva blinked in surprise. "Hey!"
Thwaps are small, mischievous weasel-like creatures that live in Skree. Thwaps are notorious garden nuisances who eat people's hard-grown vegetables.
Undeterred, she kept on gathering nuts, but each time she took a fresh one out to eat, a different thwap jumped up and snatches it from her hand.
Finally she's had enough of their antics. Elisheva got up angrily. In her burst of impulsive anger, she kicked at the thwaps several times and then kicked a nearby rock into the underbrush. However, in so doing it hit something.
Something that mooed.
Bewildered, Elisheva soon found herself face-to-face with a toothy cow. She didn't run at first thinking she'd angered a commonplace farm animal until she got a look at it's mouth. Its long, sharp teeth protruded from its mouth, making it clear that this was no ordinary cow.
Reacting quickly, Elisheva's survival instincts kicked in. Without hesitation, she sprinted away from the Toothy Cow, desperate to put some distance between herself and the teeth-gnashing creature. As the cow gave chase, its angry moo echoing through the forest, Elisheva's heart raced with adrenaline.
Spotting a nearby tree, Elisheva made a split-second decision and began to climb, her hands grasping at branches as she ascended. Adrenaline fueled her movements as she navigated the treetop, leaping from one branch to another.
She found a sturdy perch on a thick branch high above the ground, panting heavily as she caught her breath. From her elevated position, she observed the Toothy Cow circling the base of the tree, its milky eyes rolling and teeth gnashing.
Hours turned into a blur as the sun began to set, casting an orange glow through the forest, the Toothy Cow's energy waned. Its angry moo softened into weary grunts, and Elisheva watched as it slowly gave up the chase, its milky eyes drooping with fatigue.
Taking a moment to catch her breath, Elisheva carefully descended from the tree. She gave the Toothy Cow one last cautious glance before resuming her journey, now more mindful of the potential dangers lurking in the Skreean wilderness.
Determined not to let anymore thwaps outsmart her, Elisheva devised a plan. She carefully selected another nut, this time holding it tightly in her hand, ready to strike back. As she raised the nut to her mouth, the thwap leaped forward once again, its tiny paws reaching for the prize.
But Elisheva was prepared. With a swift movement, she clenched her fist, trapping the thwap's paw between her fingers. The thwap squealed in surprise, struggling to escape from her grip.
"Gotcha!" Elisheva exclaimed triumphantly, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "No more stealing my nuts! Now beat it!" And she released the weasel before it could bite, allowing the thwap to scamper away, chastened by its failed attempt to snatch her nut.
With a newfound sense of satisfaction, Elisheva continued her nut-gathering adventure, keeping a watchful eye out for any more creatures before looking for a place to sleep. Each time she found a nut, she made sure to hold it tightly, not giving the mischievous creatures a chance to snatch it away.
Even in the untamed lands of Aerwiar, there were always unexpected challenges to face. But she was determined to overcome them all, with a mix of humor, resilience, and a heart full of determination to provide for her family.
As the days turned into nights, Elisheva trekked through the wilderness, enduring hardships and keeping her determination alive. The necklaces she carried with her served as a reminder of her family, fueling her resolve to find her father and brother, no matter the obstacles in her path.
