The fire crackled softly, casting flickering shadows on the worn faces gathered around it. Girln Shi, broad-shouldered and radiating a quiet grief since losing his wife, knelt and spread a tattered map onto the sun-baked earth. His voice was gravelly, holding years of experience and the weight of his loss.
"Listen up," he began, his finger tracing a line on the map. "No brilliant ideas here, but heading to Death's Maw? We ain't got a choice but to pass through the Pope Mystic Territories of the Aetherium Folk (天元族). That land's a quilt stitched together by different... peoples. The ones we need to worry about passin' through: Aviarkin (翼人族), Dwarrowdeep (矮人族), Sylvain (精灵族), and the Beastkin Tribes (兽人族). The Sylvain and Aviarkin, they cherish peace and the wild things. Us Duncehammer folk got treaties with them, no sweat crossin' their turf. The Dwarrowdeep? Rough around the edges, temper flares fast, but bedrock honest at heart. Should be fine."
He paused, his finger moving towards a darker, sprawling section. "The real trouble? The Beastkin Territories. They're closed-off tighter'n a mountain bear den in winter, less welcoming than even my Duncehammer kin. And they're predators, fierce, live by the hunt. Brutal."
Moon Princess Petal, the fiery archer with crimson hair cascading down her back, scoffed. "Beastkin? Aren't they just beasts themselves? Why hunt others?"
Girln Shi leveled a gaze at her. "That's where you're wrong. Beastkin ain't just animals. They got minds sharp as a wolf's tooth, think like folks, mostly. Got their own complex societies. Five major tribes run things: Lionblood, Tigermaw, Pantherstrike, Wolfpack, and Bearclaw. Then smaller ones, but don't underestimate 'em 'cause they got tricks: Centaur Scouts with bows that'll pin a fly at a hundred yards, the Veiled Stalkers (暗魔族) – shadow-steppers with a mean streak."
Dunce, the powerful young man with a gentle core, startled. "What? Veiled Stalkers among the Beastkin?"
Girln Shi's face hardened. "Yep. The lands beyond civilization? Ain't so quick to cast 'em out. They keep to the darkest corners. Got a fierce reputation – powerful fighters. Pray we don't cross paths." He rubbed his temples. "Those Stalkers? They move like ghosts, got a status among the tribes. None dare hunt 'em. As for their prey? Creatures of the deep woods... and the weaker Beastkin tribes themselves."
"Ugh, they prey on their *own* kind?!" Moon Princess Petal gasped, her voice thick with disgust.
"Survival ain't pretty out here," Girln Shi stated flatly. "That's the Beastkin way – harsh, unforgiving. That's why their lands are a choke point we gotta navigate. Hope the Sylvain folks lend a hand. Open conflict with a Beastkin warband? That's a fight we won't win. Numbers alone'd bury us."
Silence hung heavy over the group. Death's Maw felt impossibly far, layered behind unforeseen obstacles. Dunce voiced the shared unease: "Girln Shi... what if the Beastkin challenge us?"
A grim determination flickered in Girln Shi's eyes. "We size 'em up. Few? We push through. Outnumbered?" He shrugged massive shoulders. "We run."
Mystic Mystic Moon, nestled close to Dunce with her ornate staff leaning beside her, sighed dramatically. "Wish we could just *fly* over it all, like the Aviarkin."
Moon Princess Petal shot her a withering look, frustration bubbling over from days of tension. "You're the 'Chosen Monk Priestess', ain'tcha? Cast your fancy wind magic! Float us all over!"
Mystic Mystic Moon sniffed disdainfully. "You wouldn't understand the intricacies! Sustaining flight for *one* adept requires immense focus. Lifting *all* of us?" She waved a dismissive hand. "Even Archmage Byrngor of the Eastern Empire couldn't manage that. Magic neophyte!"
Moon Princess Petal flushed crimson, leaping to her feet. "Who you calling a neophyte?! Drop the magic, ditch the bow – let's settle this hand-to-hand!"
Mystic Mystic Moon stood, meeting Moon Princess Petal's glare unflinchingly despite the height difference, her usual mischief replaced by haughty challenge. "You? After you've even managed to beat Dunce?" She turned imperiously to Dunce. "Dunce! Teach this loudmouth a lesson!"
Moon Scar gripped his sister's arm tightly. "Enough, both of you!" His voice cut through the rising heat. "We have trials enough ahead without starting a war campfire-side! Save it for the enemies!" He shot Mystic Mystic Moon a warning look. "We've never ventured into Pope Mystic Territory. Girln Shi, you're sayin' conflict with the Beastkin is near certain?"
Girln Shi nodded curtly. "Likely. The Sylvain cherish peace, but they ain't gonna pick sides against their own neighbors over a band of outsiders. Beastkin pride runs deep. Best we move fast, avoid engagement." He sighed, a sound heavy with exhaustion and sorrow. "The Pope Mystic Territory? Chaotic. Dangerous. Hardest place in the Free Territories to navigate, mark my words."
Miles, the watchful scout, spoke up. "Maybe we go 'round?"
Girln Shi shook his head. "Detour's worse. Adds miles, risks run-ins with other tribes just as tricky. We signed on for Death's Maw – ain't no avoiding the dangers."
A loud yawn split the tension as Girln Li lumbered over, scratching his head. "Missed the pow-wow? Needed my shut-eye." He grinned sheepishly at Miao's knowing smirk.
Miao chuckled. "Man sleeps like a hibernating bear after a feast."
"Hey, tough days!" Girln Li protested. "A warrior needs rest! Girln Shi, what's the ruckus?"
Girln Shi regarded his younger brother sternly. "Girln Li. A warrior stays vigilant. The path ahead is jagged. Pay attention. We're discussing passage through Pope Mystic Territory. Duncehammer got no truck with Beastkin. Their land could get heated."
Girln Li puffed out his chest, thumping his massive warhammer handle. "Pah! Let 'em try! A warhammer greets them first! See who stands!"
Moon Princess Petal, raw nerves scraped by the earlier argument, sneered. "Oh, so strong! You gonna take on a whole tribe single-handed? That'd be a sight!"
Girln Li turned his fiery glare on her. "Better watch your tongue, woman! I'm one of the Duncehammer's finest!"
The word 'woman', dripping with dismissiveness, struck Moon Princess Petal like a spark on dry tinder. The insults from Mystic Mystic Moon, the pervasive tension, her own volatile pride – it exploded. "You dare call *me* 'woman'? Bulge-headed muscle-brain!"
Girln Li roared, yanking his colossal warhammer free. The polished steel head gleamed in the firelight. "You called me *bulge-headed* again?! I'll fight you for that insult!"
Dunce moved swiftly, placing himself between Girln Li and Moon Princess Petal. "Alright, time to move," he announced, his voice deliberately calm but firm. He pointed at the warhammer. "Girln Li, that's some fine steel. Mind if I take a closer look?" He stepped towards Girln Li, subtly positioning himself as a shield in front of Moon Princess Petal.
Dunce's timely intervention after saving Girln Shi (a deed Girln Li respected) tempered the warrior's fury momentarily. He thrust the warhammer towards Dunce. "She insults me! No one calls me bulge-headed!" He seethed, glaring past Dunce at Moon Princess Petal.
Moon Princess Petal hoisted her intricately carved longbow onto her back, marching towards their covered wagon, muttering just loud enough to carry, "Like the truth hurts... *shorty*."
Girln Li's sharp ears caught the final word. His face purpled. "You mock my stature?! Your life is forfeit!" He lunged to reclaim his hammer from Dunce.
Dunce pivoted smoothly, keeping his back to Girln Li, addressing Moon Princess Petal with pointed calm. "Moon Princess Petal, that was unfair. Judging someone's form ain't right."
Moon Princess Petal whirled, snatching her bow off her shoulder. "My choice! Think I'm scared?" She nocked an arrow, silver-tipped and deadly.
***CRACK!***
The sound was shockingly loud. Girln Shi moved with startling speed. One moment he was beside the fire, the next his massive hand connected explosively with Moon Princess Petal's cheek. The force flung her sideways several feet. She crashed to the ground, stunned. A vivid red handprint blossomed across her pale skin, blood welling at the corner of her mouth. Her world blurred with pain and sheer shock. Not even her brother had ever struck her. The casual brutality from this stoic giant... it was unimaginable.
Moon Scar's hand flew to his sword hilt, knuckles white. His voice was dangerously low. "Girln Shi! Why strike my sister?"
Girln Shi stood unmoved, his face granite. "She earned it. That tongue of hers? Sharper'n an orc's cleaver. Sparks trouble wherever she steps." His cold eyes pinned Moon Scar. "Duncehammer warriors carry honor heavy. She spat on it. You didn't rein her in? I will. Another word like that?" His gaze swept the stunned group. "Ain't about winning. It's about dying with your honor intact. You wanna settle this?" His body coiled, radiating controlled fury. "Step up."
Moon Princess Petal pushed herself up, swaying slightly. Her crimson hair stuck to the blood and dirt on her face, her armor askew, her cheek inflamed. Fury warred with utter humiliation. Without a word, she ripped an arrow from her quiver, drew back her powerful bow, and fired – a silver streak aimed at Girln Shi's heart.
Girln Shi didn't flinch. His hands blurred, snatching the arrow from the air inches from his chest with a sharp *snap*. He examined the arrow as if inspecting a bug, then tossed it carelessly aside.
Dunce watched in stunned horror. Girln Li, even he, looked shocked – hitting a woman was deeply taboo, regardless of the insult. Mystic Mystic Moon darted to Dunce's side, gripping his arm hard. "StellChieftain Rock!" she hissed. "Girln Shi... he's a volcano! Promise me, if I ever say somethin' stupid, you shield me? I ain't getting slapped!"
Dunce managed a nod, then strode to Girln Shi, interposing himself as Miao and Miles surged forward, blades half-drawn. "Everybody stop!" Dunce commanded, his voice unusually strong. "We're supposed to be partners! Brothers and sisters in this madness! How're we gonna face Death's Maw if we're tearin' each other apart?" He braced himself against Miao and Miles's advance. "Moon Scar! Miles! Miao! Calm down!"
Miao was practically vibrating with rage. "Get outta the way, Dunce! He struck Moon Princess Petal! He answers for it!"
Moon Princess Petal pointed a trembling finger at Girln Shi, the word exploding from her raw throat: "You... you DARE?! Today ends with only one breathin'!" She pulled three arrows from her quiver, fitting them to the bowstring.
Girln Shi stood utterly still, cold contempt etched on his face. "Your shot was clean. Fine skill. But to kill Girln Shi?" A humorless twist touched his lips. "That takes more grit'n you got. Overconfident pups." His gaze swept over the Mercenaries. "You lot strut 'round like you got a writ from the gods. Out here? Your reputations ain't worth spit. Dunce!" His voice cracked like a whip. "Move! Time they learned the depth of the well they're stompin' beside! Before Death's Maw spits our bones out!"
Dunce gripped Girln Shi's thick shoulder, pleading. "Girln Shi, no! Tandor't! It's grief talkin', not sense!" He spun back towards Moon Princess Petal. "Moon Princess Petal! I apologize for Girln Shi! He carries a world of hurt since losing Lisa! We gotta give him space! Moon Scar! Miles! Miao! Please! The journey's a coiled snake! You want it to strike *us*?"
Moon Scar stared at Girln Shi for a long, tense moment, the crackle of the fire filling the void. Finally, his hand dropped from his sword. He walked stiffly to Moon Princess Petal, taking her bow, pulling her up. "Let it rest... sister," he murmured, the words bitter on his tongue. He turned, his eyes chips of ice, addressing Girln Shi. "Girln Shi. That blow on my sister? I'll remember it. I owe you blood. But..." His gaze flicked to Dunce, seeing the raw concern etched on the young man's face. "For Dunce's sake, and for the shadow hangin' over you... I let it lie. One. More. Time." He locked eyes with Girln Shi. "Next insult? Duncehammer honor meets Crescent Mystic Moon steel. Win or lose? We finish it." He turned sharply, pulling the trembling, sobbing Moon Princess Petal towards the wagon. Miles and Miao threw Girln Shi venomous looks before following.
Inside the wagon, Moon Princess Petal's muffled sobs blended with the chirping of night insects.
Dunce sagged in relief. Mystic Mystic Moon tugged his hand. "C'mon, Dunce. Into the wagon. Time you talked sense into Moon Princess Petal."
Dunce scrubbed his face. "Mystic Mystic Moon... How do we fix this? Girln Shi... he struck her *face*..."
Mystic Mystic Moon read the desperate worry in his eyes and sighed. "Alright, alright. I'll try talkin' to her. But if she shuts me out? Ain't my fault." Linking her arm through his, they climbed into the wagon.
Inside, the atmosphere was glacial. Moon Scar sat like carved stone. Moon Princess Petal huddled, shaking with silent sobs. Miao obsessively cleaned his slender rapier, the cloth moving in angry, jerky motions. Mystic Mystic Moon slipped past Moon Scar and sat beside the hunched archer. "Talk about explosive... Girln Shi... he packs a wallop, yeah? Bet your cheek's screamin'?"
Moon Princess Petal sat up violently, glaring at Mystic Mystic Moon through puffy, tear-filled eyes. The handprint was livid. "Glad it amuses you! Why don't you get slapped? See how it feels!"
Mystic Mystic Moon played idly with her radiant staff. "He's walkin' grief, ain't he? Not exactly prime company." She leaned closer, her voice dropping conspiratorially. "Poor Moon Princess Petal... such a pretty face... Swollen like a bad melon... If it heals crooked, or the cheekbone dented... real tragedy." Despite Dunce's frantic signaling behind her back, Mystic Mystic Moon let the words hang, watching Moon Princess Petal's reaction.
Miao froze, panicked eyes flicking to Moon Princess Petal's face. "Crooked? Dent? That can happen?"
Mystic Mystic Moon shrugged artfully. "Oh, absolutely. Girln Shi hits like a draft horse kickin' a barn door. Little Little Bone might shift... Tissue scars nasty..." She sighed melodramatically. "Pity."
Moon Princess Petal's vision swam. Her face? Her prized beauty? Ruined? The sobs returned, wrenching and despairing. "I-it'll never be the same?" she choked out.
Moon Scar flinched, his knuckles popping. "Monk Priestess," he ground out, the title holding an edge. "My sister suffers enough. Tandor't... salt the wound."
Mystic Mystic Moon allowed a small, knowing smile. "Just bein' helpful." Her expression shifted to sympathy as she touched Moon Princess Petal's arm. "Luckily for you, the 'Radiant Monk Priestess' knows a trick or two. Could maybe smooth things out... set it right." She tilted her head, holding Moon Princess Petal's tear-streaked gaze. "But, you know... Girln Shi exploded, sure... but maybe that insult 'bout the 'shorty'... stingin' Girln Li? Poked somethin' raw?" She squeezed Moon Princess Petal's arm gently. "Team ain't a team if we're spittin' at each other, right? We gotta face what's ahead together. So... call it even?"
Moon Princess Petal stared at her, the venom replaced by a desperate, fragile hope. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, she nodded.
Moon Scar watched the exchange, tension easing from his shoulders. "Monk Priestess... if you can mend this..." There was a real plea in his voice now.
Mystic Mystic Moon winked. "Already decided." She stood, tapping her staff authoritatively. "Alright, Moon Princess Petal. Plant your boots. Stay real still." She raised her staff, the crystalline focus glowing faintly. "And hush!" she commanded Miao and Moon Scar. They froze.
Mystic Mystic Moon closed her eyes, taking a theatrical breath. She began a sonorous chant, her voice weaving through the tension in the wagon:
> "Oh Hallowed Radiance, First Light!
> Bend thy grace upon this plight!
> Thy strength divine, Thy healing might,
> Renew this vessel, make it right!
> Stitch the flesh, mend the bone,
> Restore what pain has overthrown!
> By Will and Word, be this done!"
White light, pure and soothing, bloomed from her staff, filling the cramped space with warmth and sanctity. It coalesced into shimmering filaments, gently engulfing Moon Princess Petal's inflamed cheek. Moon Princess Petal gasped softly as the vicious heat cooled instantly, replaced by profound relief.
The glow intensified. Miao leaned forward, his jaw slack. "Spirits above!" he breathed. Right before his eyes, the swelling subsided. The angry handprint faded like a bad dream. Within moments, Moon Princess Petal's cheek was smooth, pale, unblemished save for a trace of dried blood at her lip corner. The pain was utterly gone.
Mystic Mystic Moon lowered her staff, panting slightly. "There!" She beamed triumphantly. "Good as sun-drenched dew! Check for yourself!"
Moon Princess Petal touched her face, her eyes wide with disbelief. Her cheek felt... normal. Cool. No tenderness. She pulled out a small, polished mirror from her kit, peering urgently. The skin was flawless. She gasped again, turning to Mystic Mystic Moon, gratitude flooding her features. "Mystic Mystic Moon... It... it worked! It feels... *fine*!" She clutched the priestess's hand. "Before... I was wretched to you. Always bickerin'. Not anymore. Sister. You hear me? You're my sister. Whatever you need..." Tears welled again, but now of profound relief.
Mystic Mystic Moon grinned, patting her hand. "Before was just foolin' around. Maybe... just maybe... I was a pinch jealous? Got all that crimson glory?" She gestured loosely at Moon Princess Petal's hair.
Dunce stared, bewildered, at the two women he'd seen trade barbs mere hours ago, now clasping hands and declaring kinship. Women were mysteries deeper than any magic rune.
Moon Scar chuckled weakly, the first genuine sound of relief in days. "Got her face back... thanks, Monk Priestess."
Dunce seized the moment. "Moon Princess Petal's whole again... let that be the end of it. Girln Shi... he's sound at the core. This time..."
Moon Princess Petal snorted, though the anger was feigned now. "For *Mystic Mystic Moon's sake*, not his! But him? Still a stone-faced brute!" She squeezed Mystic Mystic Moon's hand, then glanced pointedly at Dunce. "And you! Guard this gem close! She sheds a tear 'cause of you? Crescent Mystic Moon arrows'll find you!"
Dunce blanched. "*Me* hurt *her*? More like she bosses me! Ow! Mystic Mystic Moon!" He rubbed his arm where she'd pinched him sharply.
The immediate crisis, sparked by arrogance and fueled by grief, cooled under Mystic Mystic Moon's unexpected grace and potent magic. The fractured group settled, the wagon creaking forward, continuing its perilous journey towards the foreboding peaks of Death's Maw.
**(Three Days Later)**
The open grasslands surrendered abruptly to a primeval frontier. Gnarled roots snaked over the packed earth; massive ancient trees, giants draped in moss and shadow, rose like sentinels ahead. Their expedition's sturdy, modified wagon rolled to a stop before a wall of living green.
Miles reined in the sturdy, hybrid horse-wolf team they called "prairie-pullers." He leaned out, squinting at the impenetrable foliage. "Moon Scar! Road ends. Nothin' ahead but the Deepwood."
The group dismounted, gathered before the immense, silent forest. Girln Shi, his grief a mantle he never shed, joined them, scanning the tree line. Dunce stepped beside him. "Girln Shi? No trail. We lost?"
Girln Shi shook his head. "We're where we need to be. The Pope Mystic Territories don't believe in *paths*. Keeps armies out. Settlements hidden. From here?" He nodded towards the immense woodland. "Horses, wagon? Left behind. That wood ahead? That's the Sylvain Veil."
An excited grin spread across Mystic Mystic Moon's face. "The Sylvain Veil! Home to Sylvain Folk? Real ones? What are they like? Glittery wings? Pointy ears?"
Girln Shi's expression remained a mask, offering no amusement. "You'll see 'em soon enough. They are the soul of the wilds. Harm none who respect their woods. Our gear?" He gestured back. "The Sylvain'll ward it. Find it whole upon our return."
Miao frowned at their sturdy wagon. "Can't take it? How we haul supplies through *that*?" He gestured at the dense undergrowth.
Girln Shi's reply was short. "We carry. On foot."
Dunce looked to Moon Scar, who gave a resigned nod. Dunce had become the unlikely mediator in the group's fragile truce. Moon Princess Petal hoisted her recovered, proud self and her longbow. "So what's the big deal, Girln Shi? Sylvain live in the trees, right? Tandor't wreck their own home buildin' towns?"
Girln Li chuckled, the sound rough but good-natured. "Towns? Oh, you'll see. Ain't about wreckin'. About... livin'. Wait'll you see their groves."
Moon Scar stepped closer to the forest edge. "Sylvain... rare. They shun dealings with human townships. Understandable." His voice held a grim edge. "Sylvain men possess an unearthly grace. The women? Stories claim they could charm the birds from the very sky. That grace attracts vipers. Heard tales... Guilds hunting them, fetching obscene bounties." His expression darkened. "Some corrupted nobles... keep them."
Mystic Mystic Moon's eyes blazed with righteous fury. "Kidnap Sylvain? Such evil deserves cleansing!" She clutched her staff. "Cross one such slaver... I'll show 'em the meaning of *Radiant Purge*!" Her brow furrowed. "What could those beasts possibly want them *for*?"
Miao took a deep swig from his waterskin. At Mystic Mystic Moon's question, he choked spectacularly, spraying Miles, who yelped and jumped back. "You... you okay?!" Miles sputtered, wiping his face.
Miao coughed violently, his face crimson. "I... I wasn't... ready... Monk Priestess, really?! You *don't* want to..." He gestured helplessly.
Moon Scar cleared his throat loudly, his own cheeks coloring slightly. "Monk Priestess... My sister bears enough scars... inside. Maybe skip the... gory details?"
Mystic Mystic Moon ignored the flustered men, her face radiating innocent determination. She raised her staff dramatically. "For Moon Princess Petal! Settle yourselves!" She closed her eyes, letting the chant flow:
> "Oh Hallowed Radiance, First Light!
> Bend thy grace upon this plight!
> Thy strength divine, Thy healing might,
> Renew this vessel, make it right!
> Stitch the flesh, mend the bone,
> Restore what pain has overthrown!
> By Will and Word, be this done!"
> *Light of Renewal!*
Pure light bathed Moon Princess Petal's face. A collective sigh of awe went up from the group. The savage evidence of Girln Shi's blow vanished completely, leaving Moon Princess Petal radiant.
With the immediate wound—physical and emotional—miraculously closed, the uneasy alliance regrouped. They packed essential gear: bedrolls, weapons, provisions, maps. Girln Shi whispered a promise to the prairie-pullers, tapping the Duncehammer totem carved on their wagon, trusting unseen Sylvain guardians.
Dunce gazed at the immense wall of ancient trees, their gnarled roots twisting like sleeping wyrms. It reminded him of the Whispering Woods back east. The profound sense of nature's immense, untouched power pressed down on him. "Still wild," he murmured. "Still holds its breath."
Girln Li clapped him on the shoulder. "Just the edge, Dunce! Just the threshold! The true Veil? Just you wait."
Turning their backs on the fading grasslands and their prairie-puller companions, the motley crew shouldered their packs and stepped into the cool, damp embrace of the Sylvain Veil. The towering canopy swallowed the sunlight whole, plunging them into twilight filtered through impossible layers of green. The air, thick with the scent of decay and impossible life, hummed with hidden presences. Their journey into the heart of the Pope Mystic Territories—and deeper into their own fragile unity—began beneath the shadowed boughs.