The stench hadn’t changed much and neither did the water, if you wanna call it that. It was as murky as ever and sludgy too. Regardless, Tempest and Cordelia carefully picked there way, moving from island to island in the bog. It seemed like it was always gloomy here and creepy as dead trees rose up around them, their skeletal branches reaching upwards. It was almost like they had been trying to find sunlight or fresh air when they died.
Cordy was cautiously eyeing the trees, as was Tempest. It was best to be fully aware of their surroundings, one never knew what was lurking about. Tempest had told Cordy about dire rats, smaller than nouls but deadly in large groups. Tempest had said not all seemed to be enemies but most are and to be wary of even smaller creatures. Luckily, both does had jack hops keeping watch as well. Basalt, a roaned black buck, kept watch from Tempest’s back while his mate, Claystone, watched from Cordy’s. They had once lived in the bog and while they where not keen on being back, Tempest said it was necessary.
As an atmos noul, Tempest had ideal abilities for healing the bog. Cordelia had seen her use her abilities first hand, it was inspiring. Cordy was excited that she would one day be able to use magic too. Cordy wasn’t sure if she missed her parents or not, but she was thankful that it was Tempest who found her. Tempest looked back to make sure Cordy was keeping up and smiled at her. Cordy smiled back, traveling with Tempest made sure she developed strong legs and good stamina.
Tempest came to a halt and Cordy stilled. Tempest looked around, sniffing, after a moment she looked back at Cordy, “Ok, I think this is a decent spot for us. We’ll set up camp and I’ll use my ability.”
Cordy nodded while both jack hops moved to pull bags off Tempest’s back. One was a large water tight cloth that could be tied to the trees. It would provide shelter from the rain. Another was to lay on the ground. Cordy helped the jackhops set up camp while Tempest moved away. Cordy and the jack hops got the ground cloth staked down, and while standing on Cordy, they tied the other to the trees, going over a branch to create an angle for rain to run off. It was larger than the ground cloth. Cordy grabbed the packs and set them up under the tent and laid down with both jack hops close by.
“Ok Tempest, we’re all done,” Cordy told the purple doe.
Tempest nodded, she had stilled her body, building up the energy needed for her ability. Her magic was like a wild animal that she had been steadily taming. It was growing stronger and so was she. “Soon,” she thought out loud to herself, then released her magic and storm clouds rolled in. Fat drops of rain began to fall slowly and then faster. Soon it was raining steadily, clean water washing away the nastiness of the bog.
Tempest turned and walked back towards the camp and tucked herself under the tent with the others. The sound of the rain on the tent was soothing to the four. Tempest pulled over one bag and nudged it open. “Here Basalt, Claystone, can you pull out our dinner rations?”
“Yes captain,” Basalt said cheerfully as he and Clay pulled out food. The group ate their dinner talking quietly about whatever came up. Tempest got up and checked the surroundings to make sure they were still safe. The coast was still clear, the air smelled a bit better. Tempest came back into the tent and laid down. “Basalt, you and Clay take first and second watch. Wake me up for the last one. Cordelia, time for bed. You’re still growing and need your rest.”
“Goodnight Tempest, goodnight Basalt, Clay,” Cordelia said before laying her head down.
“Goodnight sweet one,” Claystone said to Cordy, nuzzling the sweet foal’s face. Then curled up besides her.
Tempest laid her head down and watched the other three for a moment before the rain pattering on the tent soothing her to sleep. Sleep was sometimes hard to obtain unless she was tired, using magic helped her sleep at night for sure. Sadly it felt like sleep was too short, soon she felt a tap and she opened her eyes to see Claystone. “Time to get up Tempest. You’ve got watch next,” the spotty jack hop said. Tempest yawned and nodded her head. Clay went back to Cordelia’s side and curled up to finish sleeping.
The rain had stopped quite a while ago, Tempest decided to stand up and leave the tent. She stretched her legs and walked around the camp. The night was quiet for the most part and nothing seemed to be moving in the dark. Although she could tell that it was getting lighter as morning approached. The stench had started to come back but not as bad as before. She was sure it would improve more each time she used her gift. With the new day, they would break their fast, pack up camp and move to a new spot. There Tempest would use her gift again and they’d rest. After a few days, they’d return to Homewood to restock their supplies and so Tempest could spend some time with her son and daughter as well. Soon Cordelia would be old enough to travel to the grandfather tree and she’d get to decide what to do with her life. This was the last trip Tempest would have with her and she wanted to savor it. Foals grow up so fast, Tempest thought to herself.
WC: 959
Ability Used: Drizzle, Tempest
