7-12: Hunt II
Veronica had been rubbing Cassidy's back ever since the battle ended. She was reaching her guts out, unused to the gruesome scene they had just left.
"Oh Goddess... the smell won't..." Cassidy was interrupted by her own retching.
The encampment was burned to the ground, including the bodies of the insurgents. Everyone was doing something, cleaning up the area mainly.
Veronica was just as bothered as Cassidy, but she had this odd innate tolerance for the entrails scattered about. Maybe that was thanks to Lilith in someway.
"I think... I'll be ffine... for now. Eugh..." Cassidy tried to stand, being slightly wobbly, but ultimately succeeding.
"Where are you bringing those bodies, elf?" Asked Marriott.
"To a place we take the bodies of outsiders to be reclaimed by nature. Though, we don't have enough time, so I'm putting them nearby to get them back later."
Finally grouped back together, it was time to continue on. Some small chat here and there, or picking off stragglers. But overall, there wasn't much else.
They came across the second encampment, seeing the after math Aviris left behind.
"Clean kills. Took them by surprise. There wasn't even a fight. That Aviris girl early has talent in this line of work." Shaerrill complimented, counting the bodies.
Each body just looked like they were sleeping at first glance. Though, the blood is obviously what marked the difference.
The third encampment was the same, though there were more bodies and the was clearly a scuffle. Arrows were shot, clothing torn.
"I hope Avi's okay." Cassidy mumbled, trying to get used to the bodies surrounding her.
Similar to the previous one, the group did some minor clearing then continued on to the fourth encampment. When they got close, they spotted Aviris hiding nearby, scanning the area.
She soon spotted the group, waving them over and motioning them to stay low.
"There's about twelve in there. They're all close together too, so it won't be too easy. Except for one, who's keeping watch." Aviris explained.
"No worries. I can spread them out a bit." Shaerrill said shortly before climbing up a tree.
In a split second, an arrow shot through the air, striking the lookout in the throat, dropping him quickly. The noise had quickly alerted the rest. So, they went to check out the noise.
An instant later, the whole group attacked at once, swiftly and efficiently executing the last remaining insurgents.
"And that just leaves the unexplored area. Is everyone ready to go?" Shaerrill asked, taking a head count.
The girls responded woth a nodded, continuing along to the final part.
Though, it felt a bit too easy. Something gnawed at the back of Veronica's head, a feeling of unease. If it was this easy, why haven't the Elves done this themselves?
There were a couple of stragglers scattered about, but Shaerrill quickly ended them with her arrows.
"The map makes this area smaller than it actually is. We'll need to scout the entire area... Aviris, you and I will search the entire area. Everyone else will stay here and wait for us to return."
"Alright." Aviris responded, double checking her gear.
Soon, the two left the rest of the group, leaving everyone else to simply stand by.
"Um... do you wanna-" Cassidy was about to ask something to Veronica before being interrupted.
"Yup."