Theun POV

"How about magicians? A wind blade could cut through the Eldeer's neck." -Theun

"Indeed, but an Eldeer's mana sense is even greater than its presence sense, it could detect someone gathering mana 15 metres away from itself. Why are you so adamant about the killer being a intelligent?" -Sandra

"It's... nothing. I just have a feeling about it, that's all." -Theun

There has to be something to prove my humanity. There's something I'm forgetting... The fire! That could help prove the Eldeer was hunted by an intelligent being. Originally, when I left the clearing yesterday, I put out the fire and buried it in some dirt to prevent embers from setting a forest fire. Now... Where was the campfire? I walk around while carefully inspecting the ground under me before I find a small amount of ash mixed with dirt. Kicking away at the top layer, I find some burnt twigs and branches.

"Oh my... What's this? I believe I've found traces of fire! Would you look at that" -Theun

"Fire?" -Sandra

Christi and Sandra join me and inspect my "Find".

"Hmmm.,, There really was a fire here. Maybe you're "feeling" was spot on after all, Theun." -Christi

"I guess so." -Theun

"But really. I've only ever heard of a single man hunting an Eldeer, and that was father. The Blessings of the Divines gave him an advantage over other men though. To think someone out there could kill an Eldeer like father..." -Sandra

Yes! Humanity restored! I feel slightly better now that they don't think I am some sort of animal.

"But, all the more reason this someone should learn to skin an animal. The handiwork here is utterly miserable." -Christi

*Glass Shatters*

"Well, at least we have the hide to sell. To think the idiot left it behind. Even this shoddy lump of fur could have a man live luxuriously for a month. How should we split it?" -Jor

"Well, considering we don't have credit for the kill, I say we split it among everyone present." -Sandra

Not only have I been insulted, I've been robbed too. I should have kept the hide, but how was I to know it was some sort of special deer? At least I have some starting funds so I won't be without shelter or food for a few days. Considering I get a share of the gold.

"Now that the mystery of the dead Eldeer is solved, we should continue forward. Honestly, I'm glad that my hypothesis of the killer being a perverted beast was wrong. At least you can talk an intelligent individual out of a fight." -Sandra

Sandra proceeds to take a palm sized circular disk from her belt and hold it facing upwards in her hands. The small gold trinket has several glowing green veins that originate from an emerald green crystal in the middle. The device emits strong amounts of mana up and outwards for a few moments before a face appears floating above the crystal. I can't make out much of the face because the display flickers constantly and everything is green. I do however; make out some distinct features such as shoulder length hair, a short beard, strong jawline and a definitive nose.

"Hello father." -Sandra

"Sandra! How is the investigation going dear?" -Alex

"Father, we found a corpse of an Eldeer and evidence points to it being slain by a single person, I think it's best if you send some men to investigate the forest immediately and find anyone to bring in for questioning." -Sandra

"Mhmmm... I understand but before anything else. I need to speak with you about something." -Alex

"Yes?" -Sandra

"Why can't you call me daddy? Calling me father seems too cold don't you think? Daddy wants sweet little Sandra back, before she grew so cold. *Sob Sob*" -Alex

"Oh grow up. I'm a princess; I need to act the part. And you're the king! At the very least act like one when you appear to the public." -Sandra

"Did you hear that, Alice? Sandra is being mean again. *Sob*" -Alex

"Yes, yes dear. Sandra honey, do be careful in the forest. I'll take care of your father. Is Christina there?" -Alice?

"Yes, I am" -Christi

"Your mother said that if you call, tell you to make sure Kelion doesn't run his mouth too much and that she is sorry she couldn't be here for the call." -Alice?

"I'll be sure to keep Kelion in line. Also, tell mother it's alright. I understand she is busy." -Christi

"Okay, take care now you two." -Alice?

"Yes mother." -Sandra

"Yes Aunt Alice" -Christi

"Bye my little sweethearts *Sob*" -Alex

"Goodbye father" -Sandra

"Bye Daddy" -Christi

The display flickers once more before it is completely turned off. The other knights and I were snickering throughout the conversation but I decide to straighten my face out before Sandra can catch on to that. Sandra seems to be very upfront and wears her heart on her sleeve. She is rather serious with the whole princess appearance though. Christi on the other hand is rather prim and proper, except when it came to her doting father.

"That’s enough laughing. We should head out. Kelion, drop the presence sense to 5 metres around us." -Sandra

By the time we reached the area where the light originated from, the sun had already begun to set. The sky is has begun its transition to night and a few bright stars can be seen in the afternoon sky. The clearing where I woke up is as I left it, but that is a problem. On the ground is a perfect circle of burnt grass, the grass in the centre is untouched and has a perfect shape of a man. Sandra seems to be in deep thought about something, so I avoid interrupting her thoughts and go sit on a tree root nearby.

Seeing their leader preoccupied, the knights take it upon themselves to start setting up camp. Being cautious not to disturb the strange burn marks on the ground, the knights set up camp away from the marks. Within minutes, the campsite is set up and dinner preparations are being made. It seems that we are to investigate tomorrow morning and depending on results, head back midday or stay another day here. The trip back to the capital should take 2 days and after that, we will walk our separate ways after I get a share of the Eldeer money. I have no idea how money works in this world but that's a problem for when I can study the economy in the city.

During dinner, I try to speak to Sandra about her findings on the burn marks. Walking towards her, I see her look up to me and recoil back in surprise. Making an excuse like she needed to speak privately to her sister, Sandra walks away and leaves me to myself. She seems to be avoiding me whenever I try to talk to her. I don't really know why this is but its best to leave her be and wait for her to speak to me.

Sandra POV

Hmmmm... It's decided. I need to confront Theun about this. I can't dawdle any longer. Tomorrow morning I will talk to Theun and get an answer from him. That's the only way I can settle these thoughts I have. I pray to the Divines this goes well.

Might take a few weeks break for reasons ;)