RitualDeadlyf
Forget It, Shoot Me
Just as if you had took down your first monster, the scent of blood is fresh and lingering. Though, there was no carcass or anything indicating the source of the scent. You could not help but to follow this scent to wherever it may lead you either it be treasures, monsters or your own death...
Weather and Scenery
You may have traveled far or brief - the skies are in your favor with few clouds to block the sun's view from your arrival. Weather was fair, not too hot nor too cold with nothing to hold you back or slow you down besides an occasional monster that roamed the area. The scent draws you towards a cliff that overlooks something forming below, reaching high, it could be intimidating for some. The sun shining bright, blue skies and soft green grass that sway in the breeze. Below, an open, green field greets the eyes of many followed by a large fault in the Earth. Shattered plates, stone and soil creating a jagged rim outlining the fault as if it was caused by something unnatural.
Some distance from the fault, an encampment with a few structures stood out in the open. There did not seem to be much to note about the encampment aside it from appearing to be newer to the area. Roofing was made from simple cloth to provide shading while the stalls had basic wooden structures. However, despite such a lack of structure, it did appear bustling with activity. On the outskirts there were dense forests, a waterfall in the distance and mountains all outlining the field. A picture perfect scene but, the scent of blood still carrying you forward and towards the encampment at that.
Yae'Gura
Upon arrival to the camp, there were many conversations taking place and people walking around casually as if at ease. No one particularly seemed to notice you or take note that you were new. Some people were distinctively other hunters carrying large swords, or handcrafted rifles, while others seemed to have an unsure feel about them or their relation to the area. A breeze travelled through and the sound of the cloth whipping in the wind from the roofing could be heard throughout. There were a few food stalls, an armory, simple shops and what appeared to be a large open fire grill of sorts where people gathered to cook, eat and drink. At some locations, you could hear people hammering as if building even more stalls. Somewhere in the center of the encampment was a strange area of people looking at strange artifacts or monster parts, their area more closed off in something like a large tent.
Panicked, a woman ran through a crowd while politely excusing herself -"Excuse me. Sorry. Pardon me." With hair against the breeze, shimmering black locks flowed behind her as she rushed to the center of the encampment before entering under the tent which has a simple wooden sign staked to the ground labeled "Research Team". Inside, flooring was dug out leaving it as a solid, dirt square with some blue and gray carpeting lining the center. Tables lined around with different artifacts or samples of sorts, people were busy at work talking amongst themselves. Marabel slowed her pace, recollected herself and approached an older gentleman that stood towards the back of the tent. There were a few others surrounding him that belonged to the research team.
"Mr. Yaeger!" she half-shouted towards the gentleman to gain his attention. "Is it true, another one those things were found in the forest?"
Yaeger nodded his head as the members of his team dispersed and went to their tables to continue working. Marabel stood in disbelief that such things have been reoccurring more often.
"Yes, it is true. You must remain quiet about it as the last thing we need is everyone in a panic. We're not sure where the infected monster is, but for now, you should refrain from gathering ingredients from that area. We don't have the resources to send out a search team for you, young lady."
She disregarded his later comment about her refraining from heading out, she was so close to a new recipe - but she knew the dangers as well. One she may be willing to take. "I understand. What is the next course of action?"
Yaeger brushed his white, fluffy beard with his hand as if in thought. He was not sure if telling her was the wisest choice or let alone if he had the right decision. "We have a few hunters patrolling the area. For now, it's a waiting game." The elderly man walked away to attend to other things leaving Marabel behind to her own thoughts.
With a soft sigh, disappointment lingered from his response. She turned around and walked out the tent, another breeze causing her simple green dress to press against her legs. Her hair whipped across her eyes causing her to tuck it behind her ears. Marabel began walking the aisles deep in thought on how she wanted to go about finishing her recipe and if she should ignore Yaeger's warnings. Then, another idea popped in her head, and another. Her brain was in overdrive, too distracted to immediately notice others.
