[F05 | SP] Past the Limit | <<The Traveler>>

[Acanthus 0]

[[You are over encumbered.]] Acanthus trekked doggedly through the rocky pass. Over encumbered is under-prepared. Besides, with a name like “El Paso del Diablo,” she knew she needed to be ready for anything.

Behind her followed a frail old man. He was the source of today’s quest. He had been sitting idly at the bazaar in Fortaleza, a quest marker drifting lazily over his head. Acanthus had returned for ink quills and noticed him. Briefly skimming the quest information, she thought it was a good fit: the trip out to Saharda might be long, but the risk of death was almost zero.

Besides, the pass held plenty of useful materials for her. She’d heard players talking about the ores and minerals found in El Paso del Diablo. Many of them would have to be bartered for musical materials, but finding buyers was never an issue. The crafting community had a cooperative heart, and at the end of the day, materials were materials.

Sandstorm | 231386 CD 4

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lvl 31 (T4) | HP: 660/660 | EN: 80/80 | DMG: 21 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:1 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:11

Forager Rank 3: 274/299

Equipment Meteor | T3 Longsword | BLD 2 | PARA 1 Tuning Fork | Ambition Locating Charm | Trinket | LD 3 Demeter's Cornucopia | Gathering Tool | Bountiful: +1 CD to gathering attempts.	Skills Straight Sword R5 Addon: Focus Addon: Precision Light Armor R5 Addon: Resolve Mod: Meticulous Searching R5 Mod: Night Vision Hiding R3 Combat Mastery: Damage R3 TECH Shift
Battle-Ready Inventory None (I'm out so here's hoping nothing goes wrong) Consumables Used Gelato | LD 3 Langue de chat | Ambition

 

 

Edited September 14 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

"Are you an adventurer?" Even under his heavy wool cloak, Acanthus saw his body shaking. "I am terribly sorry to bother you, but I need help. I—" he hacked violently again. "I have a treasure chest of sorts, buried in the desert, at the base of some uniquely shaped rocks. The contents are incredibly important to me, but I am too ill to make the journey alone. Would you escort me there? Though I cannot offer you much col.  But, should you offer your assistance, I would be eternally grateful."

Acanthis softened at the poor man’s plight. All he needed was an escort out to the chest and back. “It’s no trouble,” she told the man. “We can leave now, if you like.” After a quick shopping trip in town, she believed she had enough supplies for the trip. A tent, wind fly, and about three days rations for the two of them. The trip would only take one night, but Acanthus didn’t want to risk any uncertainties.

[Acanthus 0]

Two hours into the trip, and Acanthus worried that even the three days’ rations would not be enough. The old man had a pace that tested her patience. He walked so slow that she nearly went back to check for some means of transportation for the man: horses, a carriage, even a wheelbarrow. But she didn’t want to be rude to the man by suggesting that he pick up the pace on a journey she volunteered for.

Acanthus kicked over a few rocks, looking for some valuable ore. She found an entire vein. Grateful at last for the old man's pace, she had plenty of time to mine it all. She admired the scenery around her. It had an austere beauty about it; one that she had no intention of living in, but one that she could certainly appreciate while she was here.

Rocks scraped against a cliff edge in the distance, and Acanthus jumped. Peering into the distance, she saw a few rocks tumbling down, but nothing around them. Odd.

Sandstorm | 231386 CD 5
 

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Gathering Materials
231247 | LD 10 + 11 = 22 | CD 12 + 1 = 13. Critical Success! (3) materials and 1,500 col gained. +18 foraging EXP.

Loot Total
+18 foraging EXP (292/299)
1,500 col gained
(3) materials

 

 

Edited September 14 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Zamek caught up to her position, winded from the brief time on the road already. “Zamek,” Acanthus asked, “does anyone live in the pass?” Zamek shook his head. “No, the sandstorms here are far too rough for most people to live here.” Acanthus cocked her head. “You said ‘most’ people.” Zamek shook his head again. “The sandborn are a group of men and women that make their living outside of settlements. Most of them are outcasts from Saharda and Fortaleza, and resort to pillaging to make ends meet.”

Acanthus looked back at where the noise came from. “Do you think they keep close tabs on people coming through the pass?” Zamek paused as Cardinal formulated a response. “Yes, they often watch those who go through the pass. But they do not often interfere. We should be safe from their attacks. Best to stay safe and keep a wary eye out.”

Rooting through the rocks and sand, Acanthus found another rich deposit of something the guide called sandcharmer's ore. It made a delightful ring as she dug it out of the ground.

Sandstorm | 231387 CD 8

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Gathering Materials
231248 | LD 19 + 11 = 30 | CD 10 + 1 = 11. Critical Success! (3) materials and 1,500 col gained. +18 foraging EXP. Rank up! Rank 4 Achieved.

Loot Total
+36 foraging EXP (313/499)
3000 col gained
(6) materials

 

Edited September 14 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

“If I may ask, what’s in the box that you need so badly?”

Zamek coughed for what seemed like minutes. “Sorry, it’s hard for me to breathe in this sand. It’s a treasure most precious to me.” Acanthus rolled her eyes at the vague response. “So I assume it’s something sentimental to you then.” Zamek gave no response, instead coughing again. He stopped to catch his breath.

Acanthus did not mind this particular stop—the sand had only gotten worse over the last few hours. It buffeted her to and fro, the narrow canyons of the pass enhancing the gusts. Even through the sandy gusts, she noticed some glints from a nearby canyon wall. But the dust made it difficult for her to gather as much as she had before.

The old man sat down on a rock, pulling his cloak up above his head. “Young lady, I am so sorry to ask this of you, but could we pause for a moment? My legs are giving out.”

Sandstorm | 231388 CD 9

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Gathering Materials
231250 | LD 20 + 11 = 33 | CD 2 + 1. Success! (1) material gained. +10 EXP

Loot Total
+46 foraging EXP (323/499)
3000 col gained
(7) materials

 

 

Edited September 14 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

“Another break? But we just—” Acanthus bit her tongue. Don’t disrespect your elders. It’s unbecoming. Through gritted teeth, she sloughed off her backpack and let it hit the ground with a heavy thud. “I’m going to go look for materials,” she said to no one in particular.

A narrow offshoot of the passages led to a dead end, one that appeared rich with crystals and ore. She attempted to harvest a few for herself. She did well with her harvest, but she knew she could have gotten more if she hadn't been so distracted by the old man. I can’t be mad at him. He made it clear that it would be a slow trip. She audibly sighed. At least there isn’t any danger associated with the quest. Really the worst thing I have to worry about is a little nuisance, is all.

Above her, she heard another scraping noise. She craned her neck for a glimpse at the top of the pass. She swore she saw a small head immediately disappear out of sight.

Sandstorm | 231389 CD 7

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Gathering Materials
231251 | LD 3 + 11 = 14. CD 4 + 1 = 5. Critical Success! (2) materials gained. +18 EXP

Loot Total
+64 foraging EXP (341/499)
3000 col gained
(9) materials

 

 

Edited September 14 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

“Well, now I know we’re being f— hey!” Acanthus cried indignantly as she returned to Zamek, who was busy rooting through her backpack. He pulled back sheepishly, mouth full of dried fruit. “I’m sorry, young lady, but I was starving. I made it through the rations I’d packed and thought you might have some for me.”

Acanthus walked over to her bag. “I did pack enough to share—just ask before you start looking through my things.” I should have just kept them in my inventory, but I didn’t want to have to navigate a menu if the sandstorms picks up suddenly. And the wind was getting worse; she shielded her eyes from a fierce gust that kicked up sand into her face. It managed to uncover a few collectible fossils. She only managed to get one before Zamek broke the silence. He appeared apologetic. “I’ll ask next time. It’s just that you were gone for so long, and I was—cough cough—famished. What took you so long, anyways?”

Sandstorm | 231390 CD 8

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Gathering Materials
231252 | LD 10 + 15 = 25 | CD 1 + 1 = 2. Success! (1) material gained. +10 EXP.

Loot Total
+74 foraging EXP (351/499)
3000 col gained
(10) materials

 

 

Edited September 14 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus looked back to the rim of the canyon, hoping to see a face peering out. “I… it was nothing. Are you ready to keep moving?” The old man lifted himself from the rock with a grunt and nodded. Acanthus slung the bag back over her shoulder, and took the lead. As they walked, she kept an eye out for any more outcroppings she could harvest while they walked. Despite the slow pace, moving while gathering proved difficult. She pried the best looking samples from the walls of the pass, but it didn't amount to much.

She thought about the last time she had been here, with Freyd and the others. It seemed like almost a lifetime ago. She was barely level six then—it was the first time she’d ever taken the leap and partied up with new people. Now, her level was much higher, and she was approaching strangers just to clear quests. Part of her dreaded meeting new people, but the more SAO players she met, the less she dreaded it. We’re all part of the same death game. It makes for a unique bond.

Sandstorm | 231391 CD 8

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Gathering Materials
231253 | LD 6 + 11 | CD 2 + 1. Success! (1) material gained. +10 EXP

Loot Total
+84 foraging EXP (361/499)
3000 col gained
(11) materials

 

 

Edited September 14 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

To Zamek’s credit, he went almost four hours before needing another break. He nearly collapsed on a nearby rock, and that was her sign to take a quick pause. Before sitting down, she quickly picked over a few rocks for some foraging. She pried some of the ore out of the rock. They would not be useful for performance crystals, but she knew a few people that would be interested in the materials nonetheless.

Acanthus dropped her bag again before grabbing some onigiri she’d grabbed from Yuki Izakaya as more “decadent” trail rations. Rice balls certainly were not an opulent meal by any stretch of the imagination, but they offered a better experience than hard bread and dried meat.

The rice balls were gritty. Nothing wrong with Zajcica’s cooking; it was her palate that was still the problem. Food had a strange effect from time to time. She was ecstatic that the effect seemed to be subsiding over the last two weeks, but she’d noticed recently that it was coming back. Acanthus thought back to the last cookie she’d eaten during her crafting binge.

Sandstorm | 231392 CD 6

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Gathering Materials
231246 | LD 6 + 11 | CD 4 + 1. Critical success! (2) materials gained. + 18 EXP

Loot Total
+102 foraging EXP (379/499)
3000 col gained
(13) materials

 

 

Edited September 14 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

The other day while crafting, she had taken a bite of some langue de chat prepared by that mysterious kitchen. The cookie burst in her mouth, and it felt like she had dumped sand in her mouth. Coughing, but adamant for the experience bonus, she choked down what felt like an entire hourglass as she took bite after bite of the cookie.

Choking down the rice balls, she told herself that most of the grit was just a result of the brewing sandstorm. It was making foraging even more difficult. By some stroke of luck, the sand and grit revealed a deposit of black iron ore. The pass was proving her ally for gathering materials. The wind had kicked up even more since their last break, and the old man’s outline from a meter away was a distinct orange. Acanthus began to dampen a bandana to wear around her face. Zamek took one look at her water and licked his lips. “I don’t suppose you have any to spare, young lady? I’ve almost run dry of my own supply.”

Acanthus stared in disbelief. “It’s been eight hours.” The old man shrugged.

Sandstorm | 231393 CD 10

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Gathering Materials
231265 | LD 16 + 11 | CD 11 + 1. Critical Success! (3) materials and 1,500 col gained. +18 EXP

Loot Total
+120 foraging EXP (397/499)
4500 col gained
(16) materials

 

 

Edited September 14 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Incredulous, she passed her canteen to him, and he began to drink greedily. “Hey. Hey! Old man, easy on the water. You’ll just throw it all up.” With a final gulp, he drained the bottle. He gave a ragged breath, followed by a coughing fit. “Unbelievable.” She managed to say out loud. She didn’t even have the energy to be apologetic about her statement. Zamek bowed. “I’m sorry, young lady. I’m just too old for the road now. I thought I’d packed enough to make it out there, but it turns out that I’m not as fit as I used to be.”

“I can see that. Are you ready to move?” She gave the bandana around her face a firm tug. Zamek groaned as he pulled himself up to a walking position. “Ready when you are, ma’am.” They began to wander down the path again. Acanthus did her best to spot materials in the growing storm. Nymoria's charm was coming in handy. Even with the roaring wind and sheets of sand, she found some unsanded Agate hiding in a nearby outcropping. It was a valuable mineral to the right buyer.

Sandstorm | 231394 CD 8

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Gathering Materials
231266| LD 5 + 11 | CD 7 + 1. Critical Success! (3) materials and 1,500 col gained. +18 EXP

Loot Total
+138 foraging EXP (415 /499)
6000 col gained
(19) materials

 

 

Edited September 14 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

The storm grew to such a terrible roar that it was impossible for Acanthus to see or hear Zamek. She realized this after she had stopped to forage and nearly lost him. She saw more tempting riches on the horizon, but peering back at Zamek, shook her head. There's no way I can get out there with him. I have to put the quest first. Pausing briefly, she pulled out some rope to tie the two together. Now that she was more literally bound to his pace, she felt it all the more keenly. Every trip, stumble and fall caused her to falter as well. She nearly cut the rope a few times, leaving his fate to chance. But she couldn’t bear the thought of leaving the old man out there in the wilderness by himself.

Except they weren’t alone. Through the sheets of sand, Acanthus caught glimpses of silhouettes in the distance. They never lingered, but were becoming more and more frequent as they journeyed. Acanthus knew it was only a matter of time before they encountered them up close. Hopefully they would be friendly. The quest hadn’t mentioned any danger, so she wasn’t worried about fighting them. Not that it would come to that.

Sandstorm | 231395 CD 11

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Gathering Materials
231267| LD 18 + 11 | CD 4 + 1. Critical Success! (2) materials gained. +18 EXP

Loot Total
+156 foraging EXP (433/499)
6000 col gained
(21) materials

 

 

Edited September 14 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

The worst of the sandstorm felt like it lasted for days. But eventually, the sun began to set, and the winds began to die. They were still buffeted from time to time, but Acanthus felt safe enough to untie the rope. When she untied the knot, she felt like she had just been released from prison. Making an excuse, she ran up ahead just to feel like she was making some fast progress. Eyeing a few foraging nodes, she decided to try and gather some materials. She dug up a few precious blast roots. They were prime alchemical catalysts; they could also be used in a recent recording crystal debuff called "Catalyst."

Acanthus ran back to the old man to check on him. His pace remained the same, persistent yet snail-like walk it had since the beginning. Looking at the darkening sky, Acanthus surveyed the pass around them. It seemed well-protected from the wind and sand. Evidence of previous campsites seemed to confirm that this was a safe place to set up camp. She asked Zamek if he was ready to call the day. He breathed a sigh of relief. “I thought you’d never ask.”

Sandstorm | 231396 CD 12

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Gathering Materials
231268 | LD 16 + 11 | CD 6 + 1. Critical Success! (2) materials gained. +18 EXP

Loot Total
+174 foraging EXP (451/499)
6000 col gained
(23) materials

 

 

Edited September 14 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Zamek laid on the ground, alternating between heavy ragged breaths and violent coughing. She knew where the cough came from in part—when she took off her bandana, it had firmly set from the caked mud and dirt. She was sure the rest of her was equally filthy. She tried not to think about it.

Acanthus set up the fire, prepared dinner, and cleaned up while Zamek sat passively and watched. I know he’s just an NPC, but he could have offered to help with something. She felt irked at both the computer and whoever had scripted it.

Acanthis broke out her tent and wind fly and busied herself setting it up. Clearing a tent site, she noticed a few potential materials. It wasn't just materials this time; she had accidentally uncovered an old stash. Zamek noted that it was likely an old Sandborn camp site. As she finished staking the tent, she looked to Zamek. He had nothing. “Are you sleeping outside tonight?” Zamek looked forlorn. “Yes. I don’t have the strength to carry my own gear out here, so I resigned myself to sleeping in the cold.”

Sandstorm | 231397 CD 8

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Gathering Materials
231269 | LD 11 + 11 | CD 10 + 1. Critical Success! (3) materials and 1,500 col gained. +18 EXP

Loot Total
+192 foraging EXP (469/499)
7500 col gained
(26) materials

 

 

Edited September 14 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus felt half-pity and half-frustration. “You can have my tent. I’m sure I can handle the outdoors better than you."

“Oh, bless you child!” He said, almost immediately crawling into the tent. “Such a kind girl.” Zamek was asleep no sooner than he had entered the tent. Exasperated, Acanthus pulled the spare bedroll out of her inventory. I suppose it was worth being over encumbered. I didn’t realize the game was going to test my resources—or my patience.

By the light of the dwindling fire, Acanthus took stock of their remaining rations. She had to double check; how had they already cleared through two days of food? Then again, judging by how much the old man ate during their frequent stops… Acanthus gave another frustrated sigh. We’ll be passing close to Saharda. It will make for a half-day’s detour, but we can stock up there if we really need to.

Rolling over in her bedroll, she felt a sharp pain in her side. More traces of the campsite for her to forage, at least.

Sandstorm | 231398 CD 6

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Gathering Materials
231270 | LD 8 + 11 | CD 6 + 1. Critical Success! (2) materials gained. +18 EXP

Loot Total
+210 foraging EXP (487/499)
7500 col gained
(28) materials

 

 

Edited September 14 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus woke as far from refreshed as a full night’s sleep could get her. The morning light hit her eyes with an unpleasant brightness, and Acanthus muttered. Standing up and stretching, she felt like she had walked another day’s worth during the night. Her limbs ached from being in the cold, buffeted by the occasional gust.

Zamek, on the other hand, appeared bright and eager to start. He offered some morning pleasantries and vigor, and Acanthus had to fight to keep from saying something bitter. You offered him the tent, don’t sulk about it now. She channeled her frustration into searching for any last traces of the Sandborn campsite. A few scraps of weapons were all she found, but Acanthus was resourceful enough to know they could be melted down and refined into useful ingots.

As a bright side, the good rest seemed to speed up the old man and reduce his hunger. She had also warned him as they packed up camp that their supplies were running low. “Well, I suppose that’s what happens when you travel with a youngster! You’ve all got such big appetites.” She thought her tongue might fall off if she bit it any harder. Be kind. Be kind and don’t remind him that he’s the one chewing through an entire meal at each break.

Sandstorm | 231399 CD 8

Spoiler

 

Status Debuff: Exhausted | +1 to the first two EN expenditures in this thread.

Post Action: Gathering Materials
231271 | LD 19 + 11 | CD 6 + 1. Critical Success! (2) materials gained. +18 EXP. Rank up! Rank 5 achieved.

Loot Total
+228 foraging EXP (505)
7500 col gained
(30) materials

 

 

Edited September 14 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Despite the promising start, Zamek had to pause an hour into the journey. Acanthus didn’t even acknowledge him. She simply dropped the backpack near his feet, grabbed a quick ration, and stalked off for a peaceful morning snack.

She found a nice ledge along the canyon, a few meters up. She liked sitting about things, although she couldn’t say why. It helped that there was a node to plunder up here. She was quickly learning how to collect materials in greater quantities. This is going to be great for my crafting. I'll have Pinball's order in no time.

Turning back to her meal, she prepared to take a bite of the hunk of bread.

“Whatcha got there?” Acanthus yelped and nearly dropped the entire meal. Looking nearly straight up, she saw a small child dressed head to toe in robes. Even the boy’s eyes were covered with some strange glasses that had tiny slits instead of lenses. All she could see was his smiling mouth.

Adroitly, the boy slid down the canyon wall to her ledge. He sat down next to her expectantly. “That looks like a good meal. Wouldja spare me a bite? Eating back at camp hasn’t been that good lately.”

Sandstorm | 231400 CD 7

Spoiler

 

Status Debuff: Exhausted | +1 to the first two EN expenditures in this thread.

Post Action: Gathering Materials
231272 | LD 12 + 11 | CD 10 + 1. Critical Success! (4) materials and 3000 col gained. +18 EXP.

Loot Total
+246 foraging EXP (523)
10500 col gained
(34) materials

 

 

Edited September 14 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

“You’re a sandborn?” The boy nodded. “Can I have some bread?” Why does the NPC need this bread? Acanthus decided not to think too hard about it. If he was asking for it, he probably needed it. She offered him the bread. “Oh, wow! The whole loaf! Thanks!” Before Acanthus could open her mouth, he had devoured the entire thing. I guess… I guess he was hungry enough to need that. Her own stomach growled. She blocked it out, focusing instead on a few ore she’d missed up on the ledge next to her. She had already pried most of the material loose, but a little more came free in her hands. She almost lost her footing trying to grab it.

“So are you the one that’s been following us the last few days?” The boy nodded, eyeing her dried fruit. Acanthus held it back defensively, and he pouted. “I’ll give you a strip of fruit if you tell me why you’re following me.” The boy’s eyes lit up. “Really, we’re interested in the old man. We heard him saying something about buried treasure, so we just want to see what that’s all about.” He paused, waiting for the piece of fruit with an open mouth. Acanthus tossed it to him. “But I wasn’t really supposed to tell you that,” the boy continued. “I think that’s worth one more piece?” Acanthus glowered before tossing him another piece. He tore it in two gleefully. “I wish I could stay, but I’m not supposed to be here. I just saw the food and thought I’d ask for a little. See ya!” He scrambled back up the canyon before Acanthus could even say goodbye.

Sandstorm | 231401 CD 10

Spoiler

 

Status Debuff: Exhausted | +1 to the first two EN expenditures in this thread.

Post Action: Gathering Materials
231273 | LD 9 + 11 | CD 2 + 1. Success! (1) material gained. +10 EXP.

Loot Total
+256 foraging EXP (533)
10500 col gained
(35) materials

 

 

Edited September 14 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus returned to sight, where she saw Zamek chewing loudly on their last rice ball. She mustered up all her patience, and asked him with a deadpan voice, “are we there yet.” Zamek replied cheerfully, “yes! We’re almost there! It should just be another hour or so.”

It took them three. Part of it was because of the man’s pace. But also, the two were now being approached timidly by the Sandborn. Some spoke, while others simply gestured, but the request was always the same: food. Give us food. Acanthus grew concerned as she passed out bite after bite. Their own reserves now dwindled on dangerously low. She recalled that not eating in the game wasn’t a death sentence, but she wasn’t eager to find out how close she could get. This was supposed to be an easy quest. And in one way, it was. There weren’t any monsters. Instead, her challenge was the appetite of an entire tribe of bandits, and one old man. She wished that she were fighting monsters. At least they dropped loot.

ALWAYS LOOKING FOR A WAY AROUND. NEVER THROUGH. Acanthus was so tired she was past the point of fear. But Hatred spoke to her all the same. APPEASE UNTIL THERE IS NOTHING LEFT. IT IS A POOR PLAN SHE PLOTS. LET HER WANDER INTO OUR MOUTH, FULL OF VIGOR. NOT DRY AND WEARY FROM SUPPLICATION.

Acanthus stumbled over a large sandstone that she had missed. She tumbled to the ground and cried out in pain. THIS IS MY BODY. TAKE ME; USE ME. THIS DO IN REMEMBERANCE OF ME. At her feet, a demonic shard glowed. Acanthus could not resist taking it.

Sandstorm | 231402 CD 9

Spoiler

 

Status Debuff: Exhausted | +1 to the first two EN expenditures in this thread.

Post Action: Gathering Materials
231274 | LD 11 + 11 | CD 11 + 1. Critical Success! (4) materials and 3000 col gained. 1 demonic shard gained. +18 EXP.

Loot Total
+274 foraging EXP (551)
13500 col gained
(39) materials
1 demonic shard

 

 

Edited September 14 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

"Ah, here it is." The elderly man drops to his knees beside an impressive cluster of rocks. Zamek digs through the sand fervently with trembling, calloused hands. Acanthus surveys the land around them while he digs up his chest. Maybe there will be a chest for me as well. Acanthus left him to scrape through the sand, while she searched on her own. With some luck, she uncovered a nearby Sandborn cache. Chest tucked under her arm, she returned to Zamek.

"These belonged to my late wife," he explains, "as did these." He showed a handful of jewels to Acanthus. Between the bandits that frequently raid our village, and our greedy family members, I knew my most valuable items would be taken from me. That's why I hid them."

He drew in a shaking breath, then cradled the handwritten notes to his chest. "But the years are passing," he explained, "and so I want my Dena with me as the end approaches." Zamek stared at his treasures, then glanced up at you with a smile that was brighter than the desert sun. "Thank you. You've made an old man very happy."

Acanthus began to feel sorry for the old man. He had made the journey out here not for wealth, but for love. Her patience began to return.
 

Sandstorm | 231403 CD 8

Edited September 14 by Acanthus