I had already anticipated Arric being hard to find, but this is ridiculous.
I've been walking the southwest treeline for almost an hour and he's nowhere to be seen. Although I haven't actually entered the forest proper, which I'm surmising he might have. Even though we've been told specifically not to go that deep.
But I get the feeling he didn't bother listening to that part. He is basically just on-loan to us, anyway.
I stop in front of a large swath of bushes against the treeline. Letting out a groan while giving the area another thorough scan over. Hoping to catch at least a silhouette or strange-looking shrubbery. But still coming up with nothing.
If he is in there, then either he's too deep to see or just too well hidden.
The latter meaning he's probably been watching me walk aimlessly around the area for the better part of an hour. Which is a little embarrassing.
I suck in a breath through my teeth, tapping my foot in the grass. Wrestling with myself on whether I should just give up and go home. But I won't get anywhere in life being that cowardly. And I know the Meld Forest intimately, so it's not like I'll get lost.
As if that were even the issue.
So with a hefty sigh, I turn and simply waltz into the treeline. The evening light instantly being drowned out by the dense canopy above. My feet still on solid dirt for now as the roots don't start getting unruly for a few dozen meters.
The village actually sits within a pretty sizeable dirt bowl in the Meld. So it's much lower in elevation than most of the surrounding forest. The closer to the village you get, the denser the earth is. Which makes it a lot tougher for the meld trees to push themselves out of it.
I really don't want to get too deep this late in the day, though. The sun is already starting to set. And I can't seem to find Arric at all. At least not just with my eyes. [Rangers] and [Scouts] can get those crazy camouflage skills too.
I don't want to be disruptive if he's trying to keep a low profile while on watch, but I really don't want to just give up either. So I clear my throat and call out as quietly as I can, "Arric? Just trying to group up with you for the patrol..."
My voice barely echoes, consumed by the forest pretty quickly. Which is a little unnerving when you're by yourself and it's getting dark. And scanning around between the trees and looking too long at all the dark recesses isn't helping.
"BYEH!"
I feel like my skin nearly runs off without me. Letting out a shaky breath as I turn in the direction of whatever the hell that sound was. My right hand already over my shoulder and hovering near my broadswords hilt.
It definitely didn't sound human, that's for sure. And almost had a familiar tone to it.
I don't see anything around me immediately, at least. "Hello?"
"BYEEEEEH!"
My head turns to follow the sound, locking on the direction and cautiously moving towards it. But now that I've heard it a second time, it definitely sounds like a calf or something. Maybe a deer?
Moving a few more meters deep and rounding a tree, I finally spot the culprit. And as I had thought, it looks to be a baby deer.
Practically a newborn in fact. It's little brown spotted body lying in a patch of dirt amongst the grass. It's fur somewhat slimy still from what I assume is fluid from the womb.
"Awe, your mama must have just dropped you off and skiddaddled, didn't she?" I say with a wry smile. The cute little thing letting out another bleat in response, warming my heart.
This isn't entirely unusual, though. Does do just tend to leave their baby's in some grass and run off. Which is ironically safer for them, as most predators will be aiming for the adults instead.
But this one was left just out in the open in a dirt patch. So I should at least move the little guy into the grass instead.
I do a general scan around the area again just to make I'm not about to be charged by an angry doe. They've got fangs as long as my fingers.
I step carefully towards the fawn, its head tilting as its black eyes focus on me. Letting out helpless little beats and squirming a bit fearfully with its weak legs. Doesn't even look like it's tried to stand yet.
"It's okay. Just going to move you to a safer spot. It's dangerous around here." I say calmly, making sure to move very carefully so I don't stress it out more than I have to.
Until my foot is about to take another step forward, putting me just a yard or two away, and I stop cold. A sharp prickling sensation spreading up my leg. Causing me to slowly inch that leg back where I had stepped off from. Reaching my hand back over my shoulder to grab the hilt of my sword again.
My eyes sweep the area yet again, still not spotting anything threatening nearby. Bringing my attention back to the baby deer who is watching me curiously, no longer making any sounds.
I purse my lips and lift my foot again to repeat the step I was taking before. And the moment it gets within a certain distance, [Threat Detection] flares painfully all the way up to my pelvis. Causing me to take a few steps back. My brow thoroughly furrowed.
"That sensing skill of yours is very sharp."
My head snaps to the right and upward as my sword nearly leaves its sheathe. Only stopping when I spot who I've been searching for. Crouched on one of the thicker branches of a tree next to me. Dressed in his usual light leather and furs. Untidy straw-colored hair tied into a knot and a full scraggly beard. His skin rough and patchy like hide, covered in swirling tattoos. His bow already held in his left hand with an arrow nocked.
I frown a little at him for a moment before glancing down at the deer again. The little animal not having moved at all. "And were you going to stop me if it wasn't?"
The [Ranger] stares down at me with an unnervingly impassive expression. A cold calculated quiet that sends a shiver down my spine.
But then he snorts. A teasing smirk spreading across his weathered face. Lifting his bow slightly in emphasis. "That is what the arrow was for. But you have proven to be more observant."
My shoulders relax somewhat, although I still glance at the deer every few seconds just to check if it's about to bite me or something. But it's still just lying there looking adorable and trembling nervously. Which somehow puts me even more on edge.
I return my attention to Arric and gesture to the animal. "Whatever is going on with it, it's really dangerous. Haven't felt my senses flare up that bad since a Kite tried to carry me off."
The [Ranger] chuckles and gives a twirling motion with his right index finger. "Walk around it. You'll see."
My brow raises but I do as instructed. Taking a wide circle around the fawn. It's head turning to watch me. But I freeze up once I spot the problem. "What—the hell is that?"
The fawn's hindquarters have a gapping hole in them. And not the usual one. Blood is dried up around a gnarly puncture between its back legs. And buried into that puncture is some sort of pink, fleshy tube that is pulsating sickeningly. The other end of it embedded in the ground.
Arric shakes his head with a pitying glance at the poor creature. "It's being used as a lure." He says solemnly. "It's called a Trap Jaw. Large worm monsters. Ambush predators." He explains simply while watching the ground passively.
I feel sick to my stomach both at the sight and the explanation. My face firmly contorted into a grimace while I'm focused on the unfortunate fawn. "It looks like it's still alive, though." I mutter mostly to myself. But he picks up on it either way.
"It still is. Best to keep it that way for the worm. Carrion eaters are bad for their digestion. So it parasitizes weaker creatures to lure in larger ones seeking fresh game. Or in this case, likely this little one's mother." The [Ranger] answers while switching position to sit on the branch, letting his legs dangle. "Something gets too close, and the jaws shut like a trap. Usually killing it instantly at best. Swallowing it whole at worst." He puppets jaws gnashing with his hands. "And if it doesn't catch anything, it'll just eat the lure instead. Although it will be much less nourishing."
I shake my head slowly, wanting so badly to put the fawn out of its misery at this point. Even though it doesn't seem all that bothered to begin with. "Can it be saved?"
Arric is quiet for a few moments. But not in a condescending way, as I initially expect. Instead, he seems to genuinely be studying the fawn closer. "If you catch it earlier enough, yes. But not this one. The worm's proboscis has already worked its way through its nervous system. You can see the indentations of it across its back."
I frown while giving the fawn another cursory scan over, already seeing the web-like indentations along its spine. Reaching near the back of its neck. Faint, but very noticeable. "We need to report this then. A trap type monster like this is way too dangerous to just leave out here."
He nods in agreement and lifts a small notebook from a pouch on his jerkin. "Already wrote one up. But I want to find any others first before reporting it. Also need to warn the other exterior patrol members."
My brow furrows at that. "You think there will be more?"
"Yes. This one is too small. A juvenile male. Its siblings and maybe even its mother are likely to be nearby." Arric states with a bit of concern evident in his tone. "And if they are this big, she won't be hunting herself. She will stay in the burrow and they'll feed her until she dies."
This could not sound worse for us. And I'm almost afraid to ask any further questions. "How—how many do you think there are?"
Arric tilts his head up and starts mouthing numbers to himself quietly. "Uhhhh. Most clutches are about a hundred eggs. But most of those eat each other after they hatch. So I'd say maybe fifteen to twenty."
My heart nearly stops entirely at that information. "We have to get rid of this thing then! If these things get into the village, they could kill someone! Why are we just standing here?!" I blurt out in a bit of a panic.
The [Ranger] raises his free hand in a calming gesture. "Easy now. It is nothing to work yourself up about. They are certainly dangerous. But they won't burrow beneath a village. They are very sensitive to vibrations and a village would cause way too much disturbance for them to hunt properly." He assures with a slight chuckle. "I apologize if I made it sound like a dire situation. I am just more worried about the other people patrolling getting hurt."
I stare up at him for a moment, a little frustrated by the answer despite how logical it is. Obviously he likely knows better than me about these things. But my heart rate just won't go down yet. "Okay." I manage to grunt out. "Then what do we do with this one? Do we need to kill it?"
He gives a simple shake of his head. "Unnecessary. It's safer to just leave it and warn the others it is there. It will probably not move for weeks unless it catches something." He states before sliding out of the tree to land almost soundlessly on the dirt below. "You said you were joining me on my patrol?"
I really don't like how casual he's being with this thing nearby. My eyes still nervously glance towards the fawn who seems still content enough to eat at the little weeds around him, completely unaware of its own fate. Which pulls at my heart strings more.
But I finally peel my attention away from it to settle on Arric. "Aye. Thought you could use the company. And I figured I'd be the only one who could keep up with you."
The [Ranger] gives a wry smirk. "I was just thinking that. That is why I am not telling you to leave." He states honestly before he begins walking more northward. Gesturing with his hand to follow.
Despite my apprehension, I leave the horrible worm monster behind and follow along. Biting my lip nervously now for entirely different reasons. "Uh. Thank you." I mumble, clearing my throat a little too loudly. "Actually. I also had some questions. If you don't mind."
The [Ranger] chuckles. "I figured. You keep glancing at me every time we pass each other. Looking as though you cannot contain yourself." He remarks with amusement. "I fear you may explode. So speak freely. Many people are curious about a Hascan's capabilities. It wouldn't be the first time."
Warmth spreads across my cheeks along with the desire to bury myself in the ground like that worm. Averting my gaze from Arric and lagging behind him slightly. "Sorry about that." I say quietly before taking a moment to form my question correctly. "It isn't just curiosity, though. You might actually be able to help me understand something important."
He turns his head slightly to look down at me, his brow raised. "If I can be of help in some way, then I'm certainly willing to answer as best as I can. But I have a feeling your questions might get into things that your guardians and my captain wouldn't like me saying to someone so young and impressionable." His says with a roll of his eyes befofe expression turns serious. "Some Hascan beliefs and traditions are seen as heresy by the Holy Order. Could get you into trouble."
I wrinkle my nose a bit and just wave a hand passively at him. "It's fine. No offense, but I don't much care what any of them think at the moment. I'm already sort of in trouble already." I state honestly and leaving it at that.
The [Ranger] lifts a brow at me curiously, but doesn't push it. "Vah'yam. Then ask away."
I'm quiet for a few moments as we walk. Keeping a pretty general pace while following the interior of the treeline surrounding the village. Collecting my thoughts. "I suppose, just to rip the bandage off, you can speak with monsters?"
He scoffs and sighs lowly. "The ones who are able—or willing—to do so. But yes. I can."
I nod slowly, my mood at least perking up with the inclusion of interesting information. "I figured. So not all monsters can speak back?"
"No. Most aren't intelligent enough to know how. They are little more than animals, generally speaking." The [Ranger] slides his arrow back into his quiver at his side before slinging his bow over his chest and back. "The ones who can are always the higher tier ones. Usually only the exceptionally venerable, like that Den Mother. She could speak fluently while her sons were quite blunt. Probably learned from her."
I frown slightly at the mention of the Jackalopes, but shake it off. "Right. I heard her begging the entire swarm to leave her behind while Thorpe was charging up his skill. She probably sensed all that mana flaring up." I say calmly, watching him closely to judge his reaction.
He offers a solemn nod. "Yes. It was heartbreaking. It felt like she barely had any control over them. It was stra..." He trails off as his pace slows as well until he comes to a complete stop. Not immediately looking my way. As if he were still registering what I had been implying.
I swallow a bit nervously at the silence. And even more when he finally turns to look at me with his eyes narrowed.
My hands getting sweaty at the sharpness in those eyes. "The skill that lets you do it. It's called [Primeval Awareness]. Right?" I ask more directly, trying my best not to look away.
His eyes widen. And for a split second, I swear his hand hovers over the dagger on his belt. But he flinches as I take a step back fearfully.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" I blurt out reflexively. "I'm just as confused. Please believe me." My head lowers as my hands raise, ready to shield myself if needed.
His brows pinch inward, eyes narrowing further. And the next words that exit his mouth come out in a series of guttural chuffs, croaks, rasps, and hisses that seem to echo in his throat. But to me, the simple question he asks sounds clear as day.
I stand up straighter despite the shaking and answer, "My mother's name is Yara Perro. My father is Tulus Perro."
The [Ranger] takes in a sharp breath, his hands staying at his sides as he continues to stare at me in disbelief. "How..." He breathes out. "How do you have that skill?"
I shake my head as I answer a little too quickly, stumbling over my words. "I don't know. I just got it a couple weeks ago when the Jackalopes were swarming. Thorpe was lighting his spear and I got really nauseous. My ears felt like they popped and suddenly I could hear her. That is all I know."
His face scrunches up in even more confusion, taking a step back as well. "You do not just get that skill." He states firmly, emphasizing with a chop to the air with his hand. "You are given it." His stare burns into me further. "And the only being in this world that I know capable of giving someone that skill is the Beast Saint herself."
My blood feels like it turns to ice, causing my body to lock up. "Oh." Is all I can mutter through gritted teeth.
I knew the skill would likely be rare. But to hear that it's rare enough that only the strongest human currently alive can give it to someone is on an entirely different level. Way more than I can argue around.
The [Ranger] looks as though he is receiving the world's greatest headache, rubbing his temples and shaking his head ever so slightly. "You said you could hear her. Can you speak back to me?"
I wave my hands dismissively. "No, no. Just hear you."
He sighs. Not exactly in relief, though. "Okay. So you have the ears, but not the mouth." Arric throws his hands up in frustration. "And there is no way you could have met her. You have lived here all your life. Correct?!"
I nod quickly. "Never been outside the village. Ever."
This answer just seems to throw him off even more. "And you are a [Knight]? Even that does not make sense. Only the classes attuned to the natural world can get it!" He prattles off, sounding more and more exasperated as he goes.
And I grimace all too noticeably at that. Averting my gaze from him as I take another step back for my safety. "Um. Well. Not exactly a [Knight], actually."
Arric stops himself, returning his full attention to me. Staring as if I had just grown a second head. "What. Do. You. Mean?" Emphasizing each word with his hands.
I groan, already fearing this part. I had hoped maybe he would have been told about my situation by Ethel or something. But I guess he wasn't part of the trusted few here. "You can go ahead and check. I was wearing an amulet of [Secrets] that Thorpe gave me. But I don't have it on me right now."
He stares for a few seconds before blinking several times. "May my eyes pierce the veil..." He speaks, his irises noticeably becoming narrow like a cats.
And for a moment he just seems to freeze in place. His jaw locking up and his eyes blinking rapidly. "This is impossible..."
I bite my bottom lip and shrug my shoulders sheepishly. "I swear I'm not wearing anything with [Secrets] on it anymore. This is my actual class." My cheek twitches a little. "Kind of..."
The towering Hascan seems to deflate. His shoulders sagging far enough I fear his arms will fall off. "What the hell is going on?"
I awkwardly stand there, letting him stew on that revelation briefly. Thinking about it, I didn't really think through this conversation too well. "I can explain. If you have the time." I offer gently, keeping my distance from the clearly distraught man.
I may have overwhelmed him a little too much...
Eventually, he seems to clear his head enough to look me back in the eye. Appearing agitated, but it's unclear if it is directed at me or just the surrounding air.
"I have the length of an entire night patrol. I think we can make it work."