Zarius flips through his notebook, mulling over the details as he walks. It's possible this is all just a wild peryton chase…but if it isn't…whoever finds it will no doubt have all eyes on them. He turns another page. For better or worse. A grin crosses his face and he snaps his notebook closed. He looks around the dark forest and takes in the late evening air. This really was not his favored environment. At least the dark is a comfort, but the smell of damp soil and mushroom spores are far cry from the scents of civilization. If the Sol Stone is out here, nature has likely already staked its claim on it.

A rustle of a nearby fern gives him pause. He stops walking and stands there listening.

Another rustle. Closer this time.

Was someone following him? The information on the Sol Stone wasn't that hard to come by. It was possible. He had been careful though, which means whoever this was, they likely weren't just some lost civilian. He could try talking to them, they might be willing to work together given the dangers of this forest. Then again, it might not even be one person. It could be a group of treasure seekers. And if they came all this way they would likely be armed and trained. That would be the worst case scenario and he would likely have to abandon this pursuit entirely if that was the case. They could be reasonable…or they could be belligerent.

Rustle.

He sighs. Overthinking things without more information is pointless. He turns to where he heard the sound. "Is someone there?"

Strange how things can change every minute you do not watch them closely. They are oh so tricky: one little thing leads to another, and eventually you end up in a gloomy, tangled forest, surrounded by giant molded trees reaching out their gnarled roots out as if to grab at  you. Yet, some stories are very impatient, and happen when the please, with no regard for anyone, especially for a small vagabond fairy.  Legends of the Sol Stone has spread far and wide, the distant rumours of it have even reached a place as distant as The Kingdom of Fey to which Cheche belonged. The stone meant a great hope for her and her kind, and that was enough to make her jump into the portal without any hesitation.  But how could she find it, since she was new to this world? The only way was to find someone who knew his way around, and follow him so that he could lead Cheche to the artefact.  Her choice fell on the tall  stranger with the notebook ahead, who was almost invisible now that the sun had nearly set. If not for his curved horns, his tail that swirled around when the tiefling was particularly amused by some thought, she would certainly lose sight of him.  From time to time, the stranger would mutter something under his breath and grin, his eyes narrowing. Although, still curious about what can it be about, Cheche felt a shiver run down her spine. Perhaps her plan was riskier than she had initially thought. He obviously knew something. Cheche saw him talking to the locals in the tavern, asking questions and jotting down some answers. A risky plan was better than none at all. If only she were better prepared for such a journey, her wings and feet were extremely tired! Suddenly, the tiefling stopped and turned around quickly. His eyes searched the surroundings, their gaze cold and sharp. For a frightening moment, his gaze lingered on the bushes where Cheche had set up her makeshift hiding place. He absolutely could not see her, could he? That was the only thing the pixie was sure of. Just a little more patience and he would continue on his way. However, the tiefling heaved a sigh and asked, "Is someone there?" - there was a hint of threat in his voice. He made a movement as if he was going to walk towards the bushes. This made Cheche flinch, she concentrated all her mental power on one single thought. The elder told her that it would work if one just concentrated properly: "You can not see me, you can not see me..." "You can not see me!" - she almost shouted. Immediately she realized her mistake. It was too late, though. There was no point in hiding anymore. With a heavy sigh, Cheche made herself visible and stepped out of the bush, nervously clutching the few belongings she had with her. Her wings flattered, betraying her pitiful condition. "Peace be with you, stranger," she said, "I mean you no harm. I had to  follow you here because I hoped you might know something about the S-s-sol Stone..."

Zarius was preparing himself for any kind of foe to appear. He had started to reach into his pockets for his weapons and brace himself for an ambush. He had a rough plan of what to do should it just be one stalker. A single person could be reasoned with, and if not, they could be deterred from their pursuit. A group however, may be harder to convince to leave and would certainly have the advantage in numbers over himself. He could run though, the question would then be if he could outpace them if they still came after him. He had options and was prepared to execute any one of them at a moments notice. What he was not prepared for was a delicate fairy stepping into what sparse moonlight filtered through the forest's thick canopy.

He couldn't help but look surprised, as he had never seen such a creature before. She was glowing ever so slightly, like small drop of sunlight in the din of the gloomy forest. What is she? Where did she come from? How did he not see her sooner? The thought crossed his mind that he had been too singularly focused on the task at hand to have noticed and that thought annoyed him briefly. He shakes the thought from his head, at the very least she didn't seem to be dangerous. After all, she shouted that he could not see her which was true until she revealed herself of her own accord. He doesn't know much about what she is exactly, but her outburst, the fidgeting, and the stammer make him think she is most likely alone and fairly young...or she is very practiced at deception. She did say she was looking for the Sol Stone as well. What use would she have for such a thing and the dangers it would attract? Perhaps he can learn why she sought it as so many others. He lets his posture relax and he puts on a friendly smile.

"I certainly see you now. I know about as much about it as you could have picked up in any tavern from the boastful bards and drunken sailors." A lie, but it sounds genuine. He decides that diplomacy is the option to take in this situation. "Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Zarius. If you do not mind me asking, who are you, and why do you seek the Sol Stone?"

The tiefling shifted from foot to foot, his posture and gaze noticeably relaxed. However, his eyes remained attentive, analysing, not missing a single detail. He was waiting for her answer. Cheche sniffed and bowed formally.

- My name is Cheche, Messir. I am descended from the Fay and belong to the forests of the land that no one here has ever heard of. I have stepped through a portal created by the elders and embarked on a dangerous journey in search of the Sol Stone. Legend has it that the Sol Stone can save us from extinction.



With exaggerated attention Cheche began to study her bare feet covered with mud and moss. The stranger kept silent, as if he was deep in thought, while his long fingers were tapping on the notebook.



- Messir Zarius, the elders of our people believe that the Sol Stone, is the only thing that can restore life to my brothers and sisters who have been turned to stone by a curse, for it is as glorious and full of vitality as the Sun itself! - Cheche spoke the last words much louder than she intended. The image of the petrified Silue and Nariman was still clear before her eyes, as if it had been yesterday. Cheche sniffled again and looked up at Zarius, who was standing in front of her. Somewhere in the distance an owl hooted, the rising wind made her shiver.

Zarius listens to Cheche closely. She seemed genuine enough, albeit perhaps a bit out of her comfort zone. Her mention of another world piqued his interest. He had read a few tales claiming that it was possible to cross over to other planes of existence, but he hardly has any personal experience himself. Fascinating. This small one before him was a rare opportunity indeed. What other wonderous things does she know of? To the right person, information on a world beyond the Material from one who lives there would fetch a hefty sum. He was getting ahead of himself. The task at hand would have to come first.

At the mention of the situation Cheche's kind were facing, he ponders what kind of strange magic could be at work there. He was not an expert on magic by any stretch of the imagination. No, he was better at using his words and his fists to defend himself. Curses were far out of his realm of expertise. If something like this curse jumped into the Material it would be a problem indeed. He taps his quill against the page. Understanding the nature of this curse, and possibly having the only means to cure such a terrible thing, would put anyone in a very advantageous position.

He looks at Cheche. She seems meek and fairly trusting. It could be her maturity or innate naivety. He believes her to be telling the truth due to her sniffling and fidgeting. Though she seems nervous around him. He is not sure if that stems from being in another world, being young and alone, or if the reputation of his kind is known even across other planes of existence. Regardless of the why, what matters now is finding a clue to the Sol Stone's true location before anyone else does. Two sets of eyes would be better than one, and perhaps she is capable of defending herself. Her elders must have been confident she could return safely with the artifact after all. He would do best not to underestimate her.

He closes his notebook, tucking it away for the time being. "You are very brave to have traveled so far from home. These forests can be very dangerous for lone travelers and we may not be the only ones seeking the Sol Stone. Perhaps it would be wise for us to combine our skills and search efforts. Your cause is most valiant and I would be more than happy to aid you in any way I can."

Having heard these last words, Cheche raised her head and looked up, feeling a glimmer of hope. What if there was still a chance?

-You have my gratitude, Messir Zarius! I may not be much help, but I'll do my best! - Cheche bowed and gave him a wide, hearty smile, her sharp little teeth flashing and making her look like a goofy shark. Zarius seemed to be a great guy after all! But honestly, it was the first time she'd ever seen a tiefling in person. In her own world, no one she knew had seen one. Still, there were rumors of a fierce tribe of half-demons far to the north of her settlement who were highly irritable and skilled in the dark arts. Fay called them Shahutahh and generally advised against approaching any of them. Yet, the person standing in front of her didn't seem even half as terrifying as the rumors. He had an amiable presence and looked quite reserved. Cheche glanced at his feet to check if he'd hooves but could see nothing. His tail moved incessantly as if it had a life of its own, and for a split second, the elf thought what it would be like to jump over it once or twice... She shook her head, the thought was foolish. She took the floor again.

- I'm terribly sorry, Messir Zarius, but if I may, what's the plan? It's getting dark, you know. When the sun is high in the sky, I can see far, but darkness deprives me of that advantage. However, if you wish, I can summon a raven to show us the way to the nearest safe place where we can rest. Oh and... - she paused, feeling embarrassed by what she was going to say. - People speak of an ancient beast roaming around these woods... They say - she remembered something she overheard in a tavern, sighed and went on.-... he has huge paws, with saber-like claws! Eight spider legs bulging like kegs! Blood-shot eyes: whom he sees - dies...And great yellow fangs, that when he runs clang....- Cheche knew she sounded ridiculous, but the Fay were softies for rhymes and she just couldn't help herself.

Zarius keeps a friendly smile upon his face. "All anyone can do is their best. I am certain you have a few tricks up your small sleeves." He meant that in earnest, a creature from another plane of existence probably had strange magic he had never seen before. She was a curious being indeed. 

He looks around the gloomy forest and considers how they should proceed. "Your raven would be very useful to scout ahead. Though the canopy is quite thick."

He frowns a bit at her tale of the mysterious beast. Could it be some sort of giant spider? Or possibly a construct someone built to deter treasure hunters. "That certainly sounds like a creature we should avoid. I am better suited to the dark but if you are more comfortable during the day then we can make camp and resume the search in the morning."

While he wanted to keep moving, it would be harder to pick out enemies or clues in the dark. Cheche would also likely be less nervous in the dark and it was possible that she had other powers that require sunlight. Like a plant. He snorts a laugh at the idea but he would not be surprised. The other thing was the Cheche glowed ever so slightly. Traveling in the dark would make is easier for anything lurking in the shadows to find them. 

"Let us make camp. Preferably off the ground in case anything picks up our trail."

Cheche nodded and concentrated. First and foremost, she had to locate Torquinn, whether he was somewhere nearby or hunting in a distant land. There was a connection between the fay and the birds: Each of them could sense the other's presence, but it required some effort. If someone had to describe this process, he would say that it was most similar to ripples on the water. An initial call spreads further and further until it reaches the other party. And so it did. Cheche felt the wave sent in reply. Torquinn was close by. Cheche threw back her head and emitted a sound. It was something beyond the usual range of hearing, a single sound, an incantation. The expression on Zarius' face was hard to interpret: was he surprised? or rather amused? did he scribblу something down his book or did it only seem so? And yet he said nothing. After a moment or two they heard loud flapping of wings. A large ash-black raven landed softly in front of Cheche. She smiled and approached the bird. Its shiny black feathers felt soft, she ruffled them slightly and whispered a few words of gratitude. She whispered her requiest in a language, that would sound like a series of clicking to an attentive listener: Torquinn had to fly over the woods and find the safest place for night. The raven cawed in reply and flew up, creating a whirl of wind, rising dry leaves, and Cheche's dawn-like hair.

After a little while, they followed. The terrain of the forest was rough. The pixie was grateful she could fly, yet, the low branches of the trees still kept getting in her way, scratching her, getting her tangled. "Oh, trouble!" - she murmured. The talltiefling was seemingly unbothered by the surroundings. He effortlessly supported casual chitchat but seemed thinking about something entirely different. Little by little the air changed. The ground became mossy and the terrain started to rise. Suddenly they came to a clearing. The grass there grew tall, what's more, there was a stream somewhere. Cheche

flew around, following the sound, and soon enough she came across a silver ribbon coming from the rock. She knelt
down, cupped and scooped up a little water. It felt cold and refreshing on the tongue. She looked back: Zarius

was cautiously studying the nearby trees, probing them with a great deal of suspicion, looking for the right one to settle at.



- Messir Zarius! There's some water here, would you care to drink? I have already tried some, it seems to be good enough.- he answered something, but she couldn't quite hear it. She had already spotted a wonderful elm, standing not too far. That's the place for night's rest! Determined, she quickly flew towards it...

Traveling with Cheche was a curious experience. She was very much like a butterfly both in her movements and her attention span. Cute was the only word he could think of to fully describe her behavior. He humored her with idle chit chat as they traveled through the forest, following the lead of Cheche's raven companion, until they came upon the clearing.

It was open and high ground. A good vantage point to see anyone trying to sneak up on them...but it didn't provide much cover from any flying enemies. 

Zarius looks at Cheche over by the glimmering stream when she calls his name. He walks over and fills up his water skin. Before he could really remark on the discovery of the cold, clean water, she was already flitting off towards a towering leafy tree with a thick trunk and outstretched boughs creating a protective canopy to any below it. 

He follows after her and looks up at the tree. "This should suit us fine for one night." 

Circling around the tree, there aren't many easy footholds or branches to use for climbing. He sighs and tightens the strap of his satchel around his shoulder. Cracking his knuckles, he takes a step back then runs forward and gets a fair ways up the tree from that momentum before he jumps and catches onto a lower branch. 

He pulls himself up and then repeats until they're at a safe height off the ground. Finding the crook of a branch to lean into, he settles down and looks at the stars peaking through the branches above them. 

"We will continue searching for the stone bright and early. With any luck, we will find it during tomorrow's light."

"Teehee" Cheche heaved herself up the branch. To find an elm, and such an old one at that, was rare luck! There was nothing better for a pixie in terms of shelter, energy restoration and even healing.

There was one peculiarity about pixies that very few people knew about (well, very few met Cheche's kind, so the poor creatures may be forgiven): the fay sleep much like bats. They are native to the woods, they spend their whole lives tending the forest, so the trees let them stick around as long as they want. And pixies often do just that. As for why they absolutely must sleep in such an extravagant manner, that only pixies know. They stretch their translucent, shimmering wings, wrap them around their tiny bodies in a sort of cocoon and hang in there, half sticking, half swaying in the wind.

Cheche didn't quite feel like sleeping yet. She closed one eye, then another, then opened both and asked: "Hey, Mr. Zarius? Mr.Zarius? Are you asleep? Psst!" - She waited a bit until the tiefling beneath her startled, shifted and muttered something under his breath. "Awake! At last! Did you know? The peasants here believe that elms are connected to the underworld! They actually don't TRUST them, huh! They are WRONG! Elm trees are nothing but sign posts, they are closer to places...."- then she gave a big yawn, and barely a second passed till Zarius heard her snoring. That was yet another peculiarity of the fay: they could fall asleep whenever, wherever, and instantly.

Cheche remained in blissful ignorance to all the world, for pixies sleep well. However, in the wee hours, something made her jump. She half fell from the branch she'd been hanging on. There were countless flickering dots up the hill. "Torches." - she gasped. She could hear faint voices barking commands. Were they looking for something? Or rather, someone? Cheche turned about, unwrapping her wings, and readied herself for a jump. Her glow faded away as if it had never existed.

Zarius opens one eye and glances at Cheche. "The peasants say that do they?" He chuckles. "Does that mean you are royalty back in the Feywild?" He doesn't get much of an answer as Cheche falls asleep mid story. 

Waking up to the sound of Cheche's voice, he looks at her bleary-eyed. What time was it anyway? It was still very dark out, so not that many hours could have passed. He stretches and yawns. It takes him a moment to notice the light of the torches peeking through the leaves of the elm tree. 

Slowly, he moves to roll up into a crouch, placing one hand against the tree's trunk to keep his balance as he leans forward to peer through the branches. There were at least half a dozen torches glowing in the dark. The folk were all wearing long cloaks though, so it was hard to discern from this distance if they were just civilians or bandits. Still, it was the middle of the night. Strange time for anyone to be wandering about unless they were looking for something. 

One of the cloaked figures pulls something out from under their cloak. Uttering some strange words in a language Zarius could not understand, this item began to glow softly in the dark. 

"We are getting close to the shard." A male voice, gruff and low emanates from the figure. 

"Good. Keep a keen eye out for any trouble." A female voice replies in a commanding tone. 

Walking amongst the group is a figured wreathed in shadow riding atop what looks like a heavy draft horse. There's something off though. The eyes of the horse and this figure burn with an angry red glow. The figure weilds a wicked looking glaive in one hand and has the other resting upon a whip coiled on their side. The horse stomps and snorts, an eerie green mist exhaling from its nostrils. 

Zarius narrows his eyes. The horse actually had multiple sets of legs, like a centipede while the rider's form seemed to meld with its back. Whatever this thing was, it looked dangerous.

They mentioned a shard though. What was this thing they were searching for? Had the Sol Stone actually shattered into multiple pieces that were scattered around the realm? That would explain some of the conflicting rumors about where to find it. They seemed to have a way to track this shard, whatever it is. 

He looks at Cheche and whispers. "We should follow them a ways to see what it is they are after."

He hadn't even spoken that loudly, but the red glowing eyes of the mounted figure slowly turn and peer up at the tree top where they were hiding. 

There's a certain quality to magic: it is similar to electricity. Depending on sensitivity and compatibility, there are different sensations: from a ticklish touch to a burning sting. Cheche felt prickling in her wings, it was unpleasant, as if someone or something was studying her, probing her defences, searching for a breach.

Cheche shifted. Suddenly something caught her attention: one of the figures below broke away from the group, moving quickly with a soft hiss, turning their head as if searching for something. Cheche couldn't see their face in the darkness, but, miraculously, she could feel the disquieting gaze directed to her. She gulped. "It cannot see me, definitely not!" The figure halted. The moon, hiding behind the cloud, came out, and a single ray of moonlight lit the figure and the steed, exposing numerous jointed legs. Shaped like those of a centipede, they looked like they were made of metal. They were dark and dull, able to move with abnormal speed and able to stop abruptly. Upon crossing to this new world, Cheche was ready for everything. Neverever had she thought she would see something as creepy and fascinating as this! Countless questions rushed through her head making it spin with curiosity. She breathed in not daring to breathe out. All she could hear at that moment was loud thumping of her little heart. It seemed, that luck was on their side though: after an endless moment, the figure turned away and joined the rest. Cheche heard some brief orders, but couldn't hear what they were about. The party proceeded down the creek and after a little while disappeared from their view. They remained silent. Making sure the strangers had gone a fair distance, they stirred.



She slid down to where Zarius was. Despite his height, he was merging with the tree trunk so well that it took her some time to see him in the dark. The rich foliage of the tree hid them both well, providing great shelter from a curious eye. His posture remained strained.



"Have you seen it just now? That glowing thing they had? And they were talking about the shards! That can't be...do you think they are up to something? Could it be they had found the Sol stone?" - Cheche was too excited, she couldn't sit still, so she started whirling around shooting her questions at the tiefling. Eventually, she took a pause to breathe a bit and looked at Zarius. " Shall we sneak onto them?" Zarius picked up his stuff and jumped down without a word.  Cheche followed. Soft ground sprung to them softening the landing. The strangers couldn't have gotten too far. A thump....Cheche felt an urge to follow, that was odd.  A thump... Unlike her usual curiosity, the force making her move was alien and brutal. Step by step she felt her legs moving in the direction of the torches. She felt no strength in her wings all of a sudden. Thump, thump... One foot, then another...one foot, then another... Her usual glow no more.

The two of them follow the shady group through the forest, keeping slightly off the path and avoiding any thick underbrush. A direct confrontation wasn't going to work. They were just two people, and that mounted combatant was not normal. No, they had to play this smart instead. The cover of night would serve them well. Since the group was relying on torches, they could not see in complete darkness. 

Zarius had a plan, and as they followed from a safe distance, he lets Cheche in on it. "Once they have found whatever they are after, we're going to take out their light sources. That will cause them to panic and then we can grab the shards and run. If we are lucky, we can lose them. If that thing can see in the dark we may have to fight it but if we can at least draw it away from the group it will be better odds for us."

This all assumed they could get in close unnoticed in order take out the torches. There was also a chance they would start a fire, but given the humidity of this area, it likely would not spread fast if it happened. 

"Make sure you do not get stuck in the crowd and keep away from that thing. I have some magic that can cause a distraction." He whispers as they catch up to the group. 

They hide in the bushes and peer out. The group was near what looked like an old stone shrine. Some of the cloaked ones are working away at prying open a large stone blocking the way into the shrine-like structure. The mounted creature keeps a keen eye, but does not seem to notice them yet. Once the stone grinds open, a few of the group slip through the gap into the shrine. A few moments later, they emerge with a second strange glowing shard. 

"Perfect, now we have all the pieces. This will lead us to the Sol Stone for certain."

So they were after the Sol Stone as well, how unfortunate for them to have come all this way to lose out on their prize. If these shards could really do what they claim, then the Sol Stone is within closer reach than Zarius expected. 

Zarius creeps around a little bit from Cheche and gives her a nod before he casts a spell which causes the sound of layered whispers to start emanating from the shards. 

"AH!" The cloaked figure drops the shards. 

Zarius then throws a stick in the opposite direction to turn their attention away from where he and Cheche were hiding. 

"What was that?!" The group all startles and reaches for weapons at their sides. The mounted creature's burning red eyes narrow and start to turn to where they are as Zarius jumps out of the bushes and quickly knocks into a few of the cultists holding torches. 

All of Cheche's feelings were blunted. Was it an influence of that strange magic from before? Being new to this realm, she could only assume, it might have been the effect of the alien magic around her. It was hard to say how it would end up unless she hadn't stepped onto some particularly prickly thorn."Ouchhuhuhu"-she half-yelled half-hooted. A sharp pain snapped her out of her daze, and just in time: Zarius was laying out his plan! The little pixie had to focus.



"...to panic and then we can grab the shards and run. If we are lucky, we can lose them. If that thing can see in the dark we may have to fight it but if we can at least draw it away from the group it will be better odds for us."



Cheche nodded with a look of extreme seriousness on her face . "hmm, I missed the beginning, but I think I understand what needs to be done! Create panic! Wreak havoc! Grab the pieces while everyone is fussing around! It does sound a bit difficult, but ...eh....doable?" - she thought to herself. With a newfound determination, Cheche followed Zarius through the forest. The place was getting swampier with every step. The ground was covered by moss and puddles. Since the suspicious strangers hadn't yet moved too far, it was crucial to procede with utmost caution. Only a couple of times Cheche allowed herself to jump in the puddles. Only two or three leaps and for a very short time, honestly. Just for the heck of it. All in all, she was quite focused on the mission. At last, she managed to keep up with Zarius crouching ahead. Covered with a thick layer of dirt, now she looked indistinguishable from bushes and stones lying around in abundance.



They halted. The group of cultists now was painfully close to them. They stopped by the battered ruins of what appeared to be a sanctuary or a shrine of some sort. It looked more like a creation of nature rather than something man-made. Only the patterns on the stones, ghostly in the dim light from the torches, proved them to be used for a purpose. The cultists got really busy. They made a formation around the shrine, some of them slipped in and emerged carrying the shiny rounded shreds. They looked rather excited. Cheche was wet, cold and hungry, so she felt a bit sleepy. Those shreds looked just like small rounded pancakes.

Pancakes ...oh, would she not like a portion of pancakes with maple syrup right now! Soft, mouth-watering, delicious pancakes. Cheche closed her eyes, smiling at the thought. The pixie hadn't eaten since fighting the bandits at the tavern a couple of days ago. Her tummy was rumbling and her little sharp teeth were itching to bite into something. She was so immersed in the vision of food, that she did not notice how Zarius began to put the plan into execution; how the cult servants hooted in confusion, falling right and left into the mud.

She didn't notice the fiery gaze of the mounted creep darting in the direction of where they were. What Cheche did notice was that her teeth were indeed sinking into something. It was not a fluffy sweet pancake though, none of the sorts: the taste was, to put it mildly, very much so-soyish. Lowering her eyes, Cheche found herself hanging on the knobby, stiff and quite tasteless leg of an infernal steed. Yet, the steed reacted as any other steed would. Driven by instinct and pain, he bucked and neighed, trying to get rid of the little fairy that was desperately nibbling on him. In the end, he succeeded. The horsepede as fiercely as it could, and the fairy set off on her first uncontrollable flight through space and time. She bumped into one of the cultists utterly confused by that blow, causing him to drop the torch. The latter accidentally fell right onto the foot of a fellow cultist standing nearby. The occurrence caused a very indecent tirade. And thus, amidst the hustle and bustle, the little hungry pixie fled. "It seems I did everything right," she thought, quickly crawling away in the direction of the nearest bushes. Panic has been sown, chaos has been set. She quickly turned her head to see what was Zarius up to...

Zarius uses Cheche's sudden snacking on the otherworldly horse as his chance to race past the goons and snatch the glowing shards up from the ground. He quickly tucks them away in a side pouch and catches a torch someone threw at him before throwing it back and bonking them on the head with it. They scream as burning ash sprays across their skin. 

Yup. It sure was chaotic now. A few guys try to recover from the disorienting series of events, but with several torches either out or catching the surrounding bush on fire, they had a hard time picking Cheche and Zarius out from amongst the flickering shadows. 

Zarius quietly slips around the group and escapes into the darkness of the bushes. He spots Cheche and signals for her to follow quietly. 

The mounted rider glares about at the panicking group and an eerie voice emanates from him. 

"Foolsss. The shaaaardssss...where are the shaaaaardsss?"

"Find them! Quickly! Get those fires under control and go after those two!" Barks a female voice from behind one of the cloaks. 

"The liiiiiight...the liiiiight must diiiiie."

The hissing voice of the rider seems to hang in the air as Zarius and Cheche flee deeper into the forest. The sounds of the group searching for them soon fade into the background as the two race through the twisted brambles and gnarled trees, making the best use of the terrain to keep the horse from possibly catching up to them. They come to a small stream and Zarius picks up Cheche in order to use it to throw off their trail. He wades knee deep down the stream for quite a ways before getting out on the other side. That should buy them time. 

"Well, that worked, surprisingly." He comments once they can no longer run any further and have found a safe refuge to lay low in. He takes the shards out of his bag and looks at them. 

They were a pair of small discs that glow with a magical light. They seem to be made out of an otherworldly metal and have runes on them in an ancient lost language. He fiddles with them a bit and finds that they click together. 

"It is some sort of cipher wheel...we do not have whatever it is meant to decode though." He sighs. Was this a dead end after all?