Camp at the Edge of Marsh Hollow
At the edge of Marsh Hollow, where the mist hung low and the tall grass rustled in the wind, the group set up a small camp beside a lone carriage. A fire crackled, its warm light pushing back the evening shadows as everyone got ready to eat.
One by one, they took out their food.
David held a piece of dry bread. Aureil brought out a red, apple-like fruit. Fiona unwrapped a small sandwich. Then Aaron reached into his inventory and pulled out hot grilled meat, still steaming. The smell filled the air quickly.
Everyone stared.
Aaron didn't say a word he just took a big bite and smiled, clearly enjoying it.
David looked down at his bread, sighed, and put it away. "Aaron," he asked, "Would you mind sharing some?"
Without hesitation, Aaron handed him a second portion. Then, before Aureil and Fiona could even ask, he pulled out two more and passed them over with a small grin.
Aureil raised an eyebrow, a bit surprised. Fiona gave a soft smile and looked at her sandwich, now less exciting.
As everyone ate, the fire crackled and popped. The warm glow flickered across their faces, softening the tired lines from the day's travel.
As everyone ate, the fire crackled and popped. The warm glow flickered across their faces, softening the tired lines from the day's travel.
Then… something changed.
The wind slowed. The marsh, usually full of strange nighttime sounds, grew quite too quite.
Fiona paused mid-bite. "Did anyone else hear that?"
Everyone looked up.
From somewhere beyond the edge of the camp, there was a faint splash, like a footstep in shallow water. Then… nothing.
David stood up, his food forgotten. "Probably just a Mistgrazer," he offered with a shaky grin, peering into the mist. "You know those glowing swamp-lumps that hum when they're happy? Locals say they're good luck."
Aaron said nothing. He rose slowly, eyes scanning the shadows beyond the firelight. His hand hovered near his kunai, just in case.
A soft shimmer moved between the reeds. Then it appeared glowing gently blue, with moss on its back and wide, calm eyes. A Mistgrazer stepped into view and nibbled at a patch of moss near the fire.
Everyone relaxed.
Fiona let out a quiet laugh. Aureil leaned closer to the fire, amused. David exhaled. "Told you," he murmured, "just a marsh spirit come to share dinner."
The Mistgrazer moved with slow, dreamlike grace, its glowing body leaving a soft trail in the moss. The group watched in silence as it settled just beyond the firelight, nibbling calmly on a patch of damp earth. The humming sound it made low and melodic felt like a lullaby meant for the night itself.
David smiled and nudged Fiona lightly. "My grandmother used to say they carry lost thoughts on their backs," he said. "If you whisper to one, it might carry your worries away."
Fiona raised an eyebrow, amused. "And if I whisper about how bad this sandwich is?"
He gave a dramatic nod. "Then it might take your culinary regrets and turn them into dreams of spice and grilled meat."
Aureil chuckled softly. "You're ridiculous." But even she couldn't help watching the creature with a touch of awe.
Aaron watched the Mistgrazer drift back into the fog, its soft glow fading between the reeds. For a moment, the marsh felt like something out of a dream—haunted, yes, but still beautiful.
He let out a quiet breath. "This world... really is something else," he said under his breath.
Then he straightened, glancing at the others. "Alright," he said, voice clear. "Let's decide on the watch. Who sleeps first, who stays up?"
David stretched his arms, trying to sound casual. "I'll take the first shift. After all, I've already lost my appetite thanks to your fancy meat."
Aaron smirked.
"I'll go after David," Aureil said, already settling against a log, hands behind her head. "But if something wakes me up early, I'm blaming the marsh."
Fiona brushed off her skirt and tucked away what was left of her sandwich. "I'll take the last watch. Maybe I'll get lucky and see another Mistgrazer or something less charming."
Aaron gave a small nod, then sat back down, facing the edge of the firelight with a thoughtful look.
David's expression grew more serious as he looked around the fire. "Alright, before we get any deeper into this place, there are two things you all need to remember about Marsh Hollow."
He held up a finger. "First, this marsh is dangerous. Real dangerous. There are all kinds of monsters roaming here things like swamp lantern beasts, marsh eels, even croc-scaled lizards. That's why we'll be using the lightweight potion tomorrow. It'll let us move through the trees instead of wading through that deathtrap below."
Then he raised a second finger. "Second always, always keep an eye on the trees. Poisonous insects and venomous reptiles love to nest up there. One wrong grip or a careless rest, and you might not make it to lunch."
The fire crackled. No one interrupted.
Aaron glanced around at the group and spoke with quiet confidence.
"I'll take the lead up front. You two " he nodded toward Aureil and Fiona, "Follow behind me. David, you cover the rear."
He paused, then looked toward the carriage.
"And the carriage? Where should we leave it hidden nearby or take it partway in?"
Just as Aaron asked the question, David grinned and said with a proud look,
"Hey Aaron, Fiona bet you haven't seen this before. I'm a driver, right? Of course I've got a beast bag. It lets me store my creatures safely inside."
Before either of them could ask, he kept going.
"Yes, I can keep them in there for a long time. But with the food I've packed, they'll only last about five days. So whatever we're here to do, we need to finish it within that time."
He looked over at the carriage.
"Oh, and we need to hide this too either find a cave or build a fake one ourselves."
Fiona's eyes widened. "That beast bag must've cost you a fortune, right?"
David let out a long sigh, his proud smile faltering. "You don't even know… It set me back 2,000 gold coins."
Aureil rolled her eyes from the side. "Oh really, David?"
David immediately began to sweat. "W-Wait, I was just joking, Miss! Honest!"
He turned quickly to Aaron and Fiona, raising his hands. "Truth is… I don't actually know how much the beast bag cost. Miss Aureil gave it to me."
Fiona smirked. Aaron let out a quiet chuckle.