King Hylon Eremae
Committed
King of Medan.
Roleplay posts: 53
Registered: Dec 18, 2014 16:47:33 GMT -8
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Post by King Hylon Eremae on Dec 26, 2014 11:46:12 GMT -8
Somewhere far to the northeast of Stonevale is a small stone quarry, where workers have dug a primitive mine and cutouts for rock and precious metals, mostly producing stone for small buildings and monuments. Mostly self-sufficient, it is far from the nearest sizable settlement and thus has its own detachment of guards (13 archers and 7 spearmen, all armed with hand-and-a-half swords). A new mining project has begun at the center of the quarry. Some tunnels have been dug deep into the earth for the mining of different metals.
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Countess Camilla Blake
Dedicated
Princess of Medan
Roleplay posts: 496
Age: 29
Physical Description: Race: Human
Hair: Red-gold
Eyes: Gold
Build: Athletic-slender
Clothes and Equipment: Hand crafted leather armor
Fur lined, brown cloak
Fur lined boots
Soft, white tunic and leggings
Compound Bow
Deer Antler Bow
Hand crafted arrows in a quiver
Two daggers
Formal described by post
Player's online availability : Unsure for now
Registered: Jan 13, 2015 13:21:30 GMT -8
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Post by Countess Camilla Blake on Jan 14, 2015 11:17:08 GMT -8
The nomadic woman was unaware of the possible dangers that awaited her in the woods. Camilla knew only that her food supply was dwindling, that she should hunt before there was no meat to be had... And so she had her bow at the ready, a single arrow notched and pointed toward the ground as she crept through the ticket. She'd sniff the air, as well as pause to lift dead foliage from the ground and scatter it to test the direction of the breeze, listened for the sounds of snapping twigs... Anything that could possibly give indication that success was in her future. She kept upwind, and every now and then would toss a stone or pine cone toward a tree. Finally, a scurry of activity... Pheasants cooed, perturbed by the report of the rock on a tree. She drew the arrow back and let it fly! Pffffthhhhunk – a larger bird fell to the ground and she quickly reloaded to kill a second. She dared not try to press her luck, placed her bow over her shoulder and strode off toward her kill.
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King Hylon Eremae
Committed
King of Medan.
Roleplay posts: 53
Registered: Dec 18, 2014 16:47:33 GMT -8
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Post by King Hylon Eremae on Jan 14, 2015 11:37:06 GMT -8
She'd find it a relatively normal forest spot, devoid of anything too out of the ordinary until she came upon civilization, now discernible with the faint smell of pine smoke carried upon a sudden sidelong breeze just as she stood over her fresh kill. Barely visible through an opening in the trees was what seemed to be an edge to the forested lands through which she must have traveled for a great amount of time, where solid trunk and shaded canopy gave way to thick shrubbery and then, eventually, to a descending grassland of knee-length amber grass that nested a tiny human settlement in the bottom of the valley. The chill, crisp air was somewhat unpredictable and breezy this winter afternoon, though with the sun shining through clear skies and the lack of recent snows, it could be felt by those who lived in cold or temperate climates to be a fairly nice day; tranquil, even, as occasionally a bird sang from within a nearby canopy of aspens.
Down in the valley, the people looked like stirred little ants, moving to the tempo of a new project; or a new threat. At this distance, it may be a little trek before Camilla was noticed by the locals.
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Countess Camilla Blake
Dedicated
Princess of Medan
Roleplay posts: 496
Age: 29
Physical Description: Race: Human
Hair: Red-gold
Eyes: Gold
Build: Athletic-slender
Clothes and Equipment: Hand crafted leather armor
Fur lined, brown cloak
Fur lined boots
Soft, white tunic and leggings
Compound Bow
Deer Antler Bow
Hand crafted arrows in a quiver
Two daggers
Formal described by post
Player's online availability : Unsure for now
Registered: Jan 13, 2015 13:21:30 GMT -8
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Post by Countess Camilla Blake on Jan 14, 2015 12:07:31 GMT -8
Camilla was used to meandering through the wilds on her own, traversing the lands and never causing trouble. Sure, she poached for her dinner... But she never took more than she needed, and every part was used for something. She had no choice as to that, she had no home, nor family, and her people were long since dead... She, who was once called “Your Highness” was just another person in the world.
If, indeed, she was noticed... She'd present an unusual sight: A very pretty face, clearly aristocratic in nature, set beneath the hood of a soldier's cloak, long golden tresses that were shorter than fashionable, leather armor, weapons a lass her size would not normally carry, and the most peculiar shade of eyes that were reminiscent of a golden sun.
Of course, she did notice that the woods ended and a meadow began. She was careful as she retrieved her prey, wary as she crept just within the edge of the trees. Curiosity kept her from retreating back into the woods, yet caution kept her from stepping out. She tied the two pheasants to her belt and then ducked behind a tree, peering out and silently observing the activity taking place in the distance.
She could not discern whether it was normal activity or something amiss. Where had she wandered to now? She surely did not recognize her surroundings. This was somewhat disconcerting for her because she always made it a point to be careful about which lands she might set foot upon, she usually waited a few days at least to familiarize herself with her surroundings before hunting, but hunger had won out this time!
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King Hylon Eremae
Committed
King of Medan.
Roleplay posts: 53
Registered: Dec 18, 2014 16:47:33 GMT -8
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Post by King Hylon Eremae on Jan 14, 2015 12:34:13 GMT -8
Then, Camilla might have noticed something. Stirring in the woods far in the distance at the left corner of her eye led to an abrupt flight of crows and other such birds, heralding the arrival of others. A number of armed and armored men, ten to be exact, came out of the woods emerging from an unknown trail that arced towards her somewhat to avoid a particularly steep dip in the valley, and then led towards the work camp. Should Camilla remain in sight, several of them would glance her direction from the small distance that separated them before continuing onward... However, should she approach the party, she'd find them to be friendly...
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Countess Camilla Blake
Dedicated
Princess of Medan
Roleplay posts: 496
Age: 29
Physical Description: Race: Human
Hair: Red-gold
Eyes: Gold
Build: Athletic-slender
Clothes and Equipment: Hand crafted leather armor
Fur lined, brown cloak
Fur lined boots
Soft, white tunic and leggings
Compound Bow
Deer Antler Bow
Hand crafted arrows in a quiver
Two daggers
Formal described by post
Player's online availability : Unsure for now
Registered: Jan 13, 2015 13:21:30 GMT -8
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Post by Countess Camilla Blake on Jan 14, 2015 12:42:26 GMT -8
The lass froze and held her breath... But it was clear after observing the men that they saw her, and they would have attacked if they meant to harm her... She crept after them, leaving the precious shelter of the woods because curiosity, again, got the better of her. She remained behind them for the moment, silent and wary.
She dared to close some distance so she might hear any conversation, scanning the group for a leader. Tawny eyes narrowed and she moved in about ten paces behind the group.
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King Hylon Eremae
Committed
King of Medan.
Roleplay posts: 53
Registered: Dec 18, 2014 16:47:33 GMT -8
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Post by King Hylon Eremae on Jan 14, 2015 14:26:22 GMT -8
The leader was the armored, bearded man (as pictured above) who otherwise carried the same weapon set as the others. Camilla would hear within earshot an exchange of cliches and jokes between some of the men but nothing truly significant other than the realization that they spoke the same Common language. Her advance on their party was clearly understood as a desire to establish some greeting. With her behind them, those in the back of the group occasionally glancing back over their shoulders at her, the leader rose his fist in a sort of "stop" gesture. "Stop," he said, stopping in place and turning to face the woman, as the small group parted to either side of the trail to allow a proper introduction. Presumably, they were now near enough to communicate directly. "Hey, were you sent by the king?"
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Countess Camilla Blake
Dedicated
Princess of Medan
Roleplay posts: 496
Age: 29
Physical Description: Race: Human
Hair: Red-gold
Eyes: Gold
Build: Athletic-slender
Clothes and Equipment: Hand crafted leather armor
Fur lined, brown cloak
Fur lined boots
Soft, white tunic and leggings
Compound Bow
Deer Antler Bow
Hand crafted arrows in a quiver
Two daggers
Formal described by post
Player's online availability : Unsure for now
Registered: Jan 13, 2015 13:21:30 GMT -8
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Post by Countess Camilla Blake on Jan 14, 2015 14:56:35 GMT -8
She backed away a few paces when they stopped, and she found herself being addressed... “King? I know him not.” Her fine brow furrowed in her confusion, and she glanced around. “I know not these lands.” Her voice was somewhat graveled, but clearly feminine. Why would the... king... be sending people to this place? Just who was he?
“I am Camilla D'arcy of Verri.” As if any of these folk would recognize the name or place. Verri was no more, and Princess, well... technically queen if it still existed, Camilla had been presumed to have perished. Obviously not. She gave the captain a measured stare before continuing. “Is there something amiss?”
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King Hylon Eremae
Committed
King of Medan.
Roleplay posts: 53
Registered: Dec 18, 2014 16:47:33 GMT -8
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Post by King Hylon Eremae on Jan 14, 2015 15:12:33 GMT -8
The lead guard reflected on this for a moment. While he did mention a king, few in this land claimed ownership to the same swaths of land and civilization as the nations long past... long since destroyed or abandoned, due to an unknown calamity or historical turbulence. It was thus somewhat ironic that Verri, rather than being identified as possibly one of those lost nations, was mistaken for another budding cradle of human life--a counterpart to the humble beginnings of their own peoples amidst a world of long lost kingdoms. This concept seemed to brighten the expression on the guard's face to a somewhat hopeful one.
"Well met, Camilla D'arcy!," he says with a friendly smile. "I am Ouin Sarus, guard captain. I speak of King Hylon Eremae. You have crossed into Eremae, lass... he is the high lord of these lands. But you mentioned Verri? Where is that?"
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Countess Camilla Blake
Dedicated
Princess of Medan
Roleplay posts: 496
Age: 29
Physical Description: Race: Human
Hair: Red-gold
Eyes: Gold
Build: Athletic-slender
Clothes and Equipment: Hand crafted leather armor
Fur lined, brown cloak
Fur lined boots
Soft, white tunic and leggings
Compound Bow
Deer Antler Bow
Hand crafted arrows in a quiver
Two daggers
Formal described by post
Player's online availability : Unsure for now
Registered: Jan 13, 2015 13:21:30 GMT -8
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Post by Countess Camilla Blake on Jan 14, 2015 15:53:08 GMT -8
Camilla took a breath and exhaled slowly, then looked away for a moment to ponder on how to reply to this... She cleared her throat and said, “It was--- is several leagues to the east and north...” She hesitated for a moment, then swept her hood from her head to let them see her face a bit better. No mistaking the nobility, there. She took a step forward and closer to the group... “Why did you ask if the King sent me?”
Her golden eyes were curious as they regarded the captain. She wanted to know if aught was amiss. At least these men were friendly. She was surprised they said nothing about the birds she'd poached, or that they were friendly at all... After all, she was the outsider!
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King Hylon Eremae
Committed
King of Medan.
Roleplay posts: 53
Registered: Dec 18, 2014 16:47:33 GMT -8
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Post by King Hylon Eremae on Jan 14, 2015 16:54:28 GMT -8
"Well..." The guard leader scanned the forest line, as if to suggest something could come out at any time. "We've been having some issues recently. We were sent by the king, and just before we left Stonevale there was discussion of perhaps hiring adventurers or mercenaries to help us." The others nodded in agreement. It seemed as though everyone thought maybe she was one of the adventurers. "Two of our miners have come back up from the depths quite... changed. And we've had people disappearing from these woods," he explained.
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Countess Camilla Blake
Dedicated
Princess of Medan
Roleplay posts: 496
Age: 29
Physical Description: Race: Human
Hair: Red-gold
Eyes: Gold
Build: Athletic-slender
Clothes and Equipment: Hand crafted leather armor
Fur lined, brown cloak
Fur lined boots
Soft, white tunic and leggings
Compound Bow
Deer Antler Bow
Hand crafted arrows in a quiver
Two daggers
Formal described by post
Player's online availability : Unsure for now
Registered: Jan 13, 2015 13:21:30 GMT -8
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Post by Countess Camilla Blake on Jan 15, 2015 5:59:04 GMT -8
Camilla considered this for a few moments in silence. Her arms crossed over her bosom and then one hand lifted to her mouth, fingers reaching to stroke at her lips. She nodded, then. “I will do it. You'll take me to your king when I'm done.” Of course, a lot of men tended to snort in amusement when she, a mere slip of a woman, volunteered for such things. She would not be surprised if these men laughed at her proclamation at all. Regardless of their reactions, she glanced around for a prospective target.
Upon espying something small that she could shoot, in this case, she spotted the movement of a rabbit in the meadow behind the men, she knew what she needed to do. She took a step or two to the side, feet almost silent as she drew the bow and drew an arrow from the quiver. The arrow is slowly drawn back with two fingers, quill touching her cheek.
She let it fly. Fffffsssth! Thunk.
The rabbit was just barely within range of her weapon and took the arrow in the eye. She gestured toward one of the others to go look and bring the animal back, The bow was slung back over her shoulder, and she looked to the leader.
“Where is this mine, and can you clear it of workers?”
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King Hylon Eremae
Committed
King of Medan.
Roleplay posts: 53
Registered: Dec 18, 2014 16:47:33 GMT -8
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Post by King Hylon Eremae on Jan 15, 2015 12:09:49 GMT -8
"Impressive shot. The mine is in the deepest part of the valley. You can see the camp there," he said, gesturing towards the work area, and then for her and his troops to follow, as he continued his trek down to the workers. "If you are volunteering to investigate the situation for us, we will try to get the workers out of there."
"But our briefings stated how some of them were in a very trance-like state," a younger spearman added.
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Countess Camilla Blake
Dedicated
Princess of Medan
Roleplay posts: 496
Age: 29
Physical Description: Race: Human
Hair: Red-gold
Eyes: Gold
Build: Athletic-slender
Clothes and Equipment: Hand crafted leather armor
Fur lined, brown cloak
Fur lined boots
Soft, white tunic and leggings
Compound Bow
Deer Antler Bow
Hand crafted arrows in a quiver
Two daggers
Formal described by post
Player's online availability : Unsure for now
Registered: Jan 13, 2015 13:21:30 GMT -8
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Post by Countess Camilla Blake on Jan 15, 2015 12:26:48 GMT -8
“Then remove them physically if you must... And if you cannot, then you might have no choice but to eliminate them. It is my hope that we can proceed with as little loss as possible, but you have to know that a few lives sacrificed could mean hundreds saved. It is a risk, but...” She sighed and retrieved the rabbit, field dressing it.
“But first, sup with me. I suggest we plan as we dine.” The grim look upon her face was enough to back up that she found the task aforementioned was not the ideal situation... But really, what else could they do?
She would also start building a cooking fire if one wasn't provided.
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King Hylon Eremae
Committed
King of Medan.
Roleplay posts: 53
Registered: Dec 18, 2014 16:47:33 GMT -8
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Post by King Hylon Eremae on Jan 15, 2015 12:52:04 GMT -8
"Indeed, we must lose as few as possible, for the work done here contributes greatly to our kingdom's mighty future defenses," he said as they continued down the hill. "Indeed let us dine, there is a good fire here."
The party entered into the settlement. More of a village than a small camp, the size and self-sufficiency of the king's mining operation was apparent. At first, nothing seemed amiss--yet as they progressed through the settlement, hurried conversation at earshot between some of the people suggested missing people amidst the scene, and even some early grievances. Up ahead, past several wooden shelters and tents, was a more robust looking wooden hall. The guard's quarters was a rustic but sturdy outpost for the local troops watching over the project, and within was a large table, a fire, and an atmosphere of hearty warmth. Small candles burned from atop an impressive chandelier of antlers, hanging from the center of the steep inclines of the roof, some twenty feet above.
Presumably Camilla would begin preparing their meal as the troops organized themselves around the table. Headstrong and helpful, Camilla was seeming more of a hope to their mission.
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Countess Camilla Blake
Dedicated
Princess of Medan
Roleplay posts: 496
Age: 29
Physical Description: Race: Human
Hair: Red-gold
Eyes: Gold
Build: Athletic-slender
Clothes and Equipment: Hand crafted leather armor
Fur lined, brown cloak
Fur lined boots
Soft, white tunic and leggings
Compound Bow
Deer Antler Bow
Hand crafted arrows in a quiver
Two daggers
Formal described by post
Player's online availability : Unsure for now
Registered: Jan 13, 2015 13:21:30 GMT -8
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Post by Countess Camilla Blake on Jan 15, 2015 13:27:37 GMT -8
Indeed, she prepared the pheasant and the rabbit over a spit after they entered the area to do so, She listened around for rumors as she cooked and prepared a crude dinner for her and the men she'd arrived with. Cooking was not her forte, the meat would be dry and slightly singed, nearly flavorless, but it was food and she cared not how the others might react to the poor dinner.
While they ate, she broke her long silence and said, “I'll need a map. I intend to go in alone.”
She glanced up over the haunch she was nibbling upon, waiting for reaction, expecting the captain to deny her. Camilla gazed in his general direction, her expression neutral.
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King Hylon Eremae
Committed
King of Medan.
Roleplay posts: 53
Registered: Dec 18, 2014 16:47:33 GMT -8
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Post by King Hylon Eremae on Jan 15, 2015 13:37:29 GMT -8
The food was good to them. Hungry as they were, there was no time or rich-bred sophistication of palette to require nicely prepared gourmet meals to feel satisfied. This was of the quality to which they were used; the men ate hungrily, and then Camilla made mention of her needs. "A map? This can be prepared. However, I did intend to send a few of these men down there. I would hate for one person to go in, and never to return. You may need someone to watch your back."
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Countess Camilla Blake
Dedicated
Princess of Medan
Roleplay posts: 496
Age: 29
Physical Description: Race: Human
Hair: Red-gold
Eyes: Gold
Build: Athletic-slender
Clothes and Equipment: Hand crafted leather armor
Fur lined, brown cloak
Fur lined boots
Soft, white tunic and leggings
Compound Bow
Deer Antler Bow
Hand crafted arrows in a quiver
Two daggers
Formal described by post
Player's online availability : Unsure for now
Registered: Jan 13, 2015 13:21:30 GMT -8
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Post by Countess Camilla Blake on Jan 15, 2015 15:13:09 GMT -8
Her mouth lifted at one corner, a weak attempt at a smile. She regarded him with sad eyes, “I appreciate that... But I am nobody important anymore. Nobody will miss me if I were to perish. You and your men... I am sure you have families, and if not... Well.. you have camaraderie. And besides, the whole point was to do this where we spare as many lives as possible, yes?”
She stood and cleaned up her scraps to put into the refuse bucket. A signet ring fell from her person as she passed the captain. It was most certainly not on purpose, but it might shed some light on who she was. Two unicorn heads framed a crown, the gem was made of a smooth cut Emerald.
When she returned, she sat back down, folding her hands together. Her eyes returned to the captain. “So... what do you suspect is in there?” She had fought orcs before, but never more than four at a time. They were disgusting creatures, that was for sure. She suspected it was drow, goblins, perhaps orcs, but she had not been around these parts before.
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King Hylon Eremae
Committed
King of Medan.
Roleplay posts: 53
Registered: Dec 18, 2014 16:47:33 GMT -8
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Post by King Hylon Eremae on Jan 15, 2015 17:34:05 GMT -8
"I am not sure," he responded to her after she returned, his eyes having flickered over to the signet ring for a quick second. Her words of self-sacrifice and humility seemed a tad bit fake, as if there were more to know to this story, and the two clues did combine quietly in the man's mind to suggest something was indeed amiss--yet for the time being, he played along to the proverbial flow of events. Her going it alone just might be advantageous in a number of subtle ways. "This is what we're here to find out. I'm fairly certain magic is afoot, however... so I'd only proceed if you have the tools and knowledge to confront this possibility." Another soldier leaned forward, offering a scroll which was promptly unraveled, presenting a map of the new mines. The captain looked to the map, and then back to Camilla. "So this area is mainly a quarry for stone, but recently a mining project has started. It's not yet an extensive network, but the tunnels do go pretty deep." He gestured to the spot marked 15. "This is the entrance to the mine. The farther west you move, the deeper into the earth you go."
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Countess Camilla Blake
Dedicated
Princess of Medan
Roleplay posts: 496
Age: 29
Physical Description: Race: Human
Hair: Red-gold
Eyes: Gold
Build: Athletic-slender
Clothes and Equipment: Hand crafted leather armor
Fur lined, brown cloak
Fur lined boots
Soft, white tunic and leggings
Compound Bow
Deer Antler Bow
Hand crafted arrows in a quiver
Two daggers
Formal described by post
Player's online availability : Unsure for now
Registered: Jan 13, 2015 13:21:30 GMT -8
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Post by Countess Camilla Blake on Jan 16, 2015 5:48:25 GMT -8
Camilla did not know that she was the subject of skepticism, that the good captain doubted her honesty. As far as she knew, her claims were true, that she was the sole survivor of a long ago event. But it didn't matter because he did not voice his scrutiny and she would focus on the current events.
She leaned over to look at the map, golden eyes scanning, squinting every now and then as she worked to memorize what she could. “Which areas would you have me examine?” Not like it was large, she thought, seemed as if this job could be taken care of in short order.
Her brow puckered in concentration as she tried to formulate a plan, her finger moving ti trace the paths depicted. The further west, the deeper in the earth, she repeated in her head.... It could be anything.
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