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AristaHolmes @
MagicHats @
Antaria @
Merciless @
fairyn @
sykotikkytten @
FrostStrix @
Mistycloud @
Glowshroomland @
valian @
Interiu @
MasqueradeOfLife @
darzoner @
Axqu @
IsABellJar13 @
luckgandor @
ArgenteaMoon @
Maddiebird @
Fuurin @
winterbright @
Phenix @
Petall
Chapter 44: Decisions
The mud on Tarash’s body isn’t coming off. It has dried and solidified into scale-like patches on his skin. Washing and scrubbing makes no difference, and scraping hurts him. I am worried, but the mud doesn’t seem to bother him. He says he does not mind, and he is Earth. There are worse things to be apparently permanently covered in.
We are nearing a point of decision in our travels. The muddy landscape led us into the area known as Bamboo Falls, patrolled by Raptorik clans and home to many dangerous beasts. And beyond that lies the Reedcleft Ascent; an enormous natural staircase of thick bamboo groves and sheer cliffs buffeted by strong winds. This is the most dangerous part of our journey so far. To our north lies the open sea and the Plague shore, and to our southwest, the lethal gales of the Twisting Crescendo. We must find some way to get past this point.
We could get passage on a boat across the Sea of a Thousand Currents, but that would mean actually finding a boat, and the crew being willing to take us. Perhaps if we could locate a clan? But aside from Rinna’s clan many weeks ago, and Lir and Feron, we have not met other dragons. There has barely been signs of civilization or even packs or hermits, even though we are following the coast. Lir says that most clans lie farther inland, or in more defensible places along the shore. We will have to keep an eye out, maybe find a place to stay so we can watch for ships.
The alternative is braving the Ascent, but I do not trust that we are good enough at flying yet. Heroides is our only Wind dragon, and he is not a mage, so his ability to help is limited. We could set up camp and practice our flying, but it would take a while to be good enough. Not to mention the danger of Raptorik attacks and wild beasts in the area.
This is not a decision I can make alone. I will speak to the others, hear their opinions and see if they have any ideas. Hopefully we can find a solution and a way forwards quickly.
A/N: I was going to post this last night, but, well, Eurovision. Also impending exams. Anyways! I'm using
this map, created by Aribis(?), to visualize the world and plan and plot the journey. The map itself will probably make an appearance in the story soon-ish but I just wanted to share this awesome gorgeous resource.
From Ashes is a Nuzlocke following the survivors of a devastating attack on a Fire clan as they struggle to survive and find a new home