Fleeting like summer breeze, incurring blindness as the sun- A heavy sensation passed, as if all I had known was a lie the world morphed becoming inescapable white. But that wasn't necessarily true. The unnerving calm of doubt and questioning of brief eternity crumbled looking to my body and around, sudden gale winds rushed through me, I was falling. The ground unseen, whiteness and dread was the only reception found; Beth choked at the realization, how??' What, I..- Rushing in a mindless tangent of conjecture Beth put it to rest, focused on survival.

Still, wide eyed her bewilderment couldn't cease it's desire to show, frantically Beth looked, trying to find any avenue of escape. The fall continued, there was none.. The fuck?!! What's happening!?, gulping and drenched in sweat Beth stopped her flailing about' the dense fog parted showing a stone and grassy plane. Beth tensed now fully grasping her height, it easily over a hundred feet below. I..ll die, becoming paste along the ground like hitting eggs at a wall! "This can't be the way I die.. Master Ceron.." Biting her lip in contemplation Beth couldn't deny her guilt. I was going to die without usefulness..

What have I done? Her descent seemed to slow, or was it just frantic delusion? Beth wiped the sweat off her forehead, ..I atleast have to try..But- What? No magic.. If I even had any, no bundles of grass.. Just mossy stone, forget getting impaled by the trees..Trees! Tall and thick, even at my staggering height the tops of the trees just reached me. But. I have to, at least try if not, and give up I'm no more than a failure. Resigning my inevitable fate despite the circumstance.

Quickly Beth reached for a pile of coiled rope within her satchel and took a dagger pulling the rope though its hooped end.. 'Even if I fail. I tried to end. Beth reconciled herself, it's all I can do to fulfill my duty as Master Ceron's servant. Unbeknownst to Beth, a strange aura emitted from her body as she deeply calmed herself- Twirled the rope that now resembled more of a hook.. If I can secure the dagger and rope around one of the trunks.. I may have a chance but, No.. I can't think of it. The descent seemed more rapid, even though that brief calm Beth extended her hand and let go of the rope as she held the remaining slack in the other.

It arced though the air turning with it Beth aimed it for the closest tree, lady luck had given blessing.

In one swoop the rope caught reward, bending and twisting around a trunk as the dagger cemented itself in place. Beth waited in bated breath, knowing the true test had yet passed, as her height dropped so did the slack lessen. Time seemed to flow like sludge amidst Beth's worry, and as seconds rolled off seemingly into minutes a sudden bump pulled her back to reality. The rope had reached its peak, in a momentary respite of calmed wind Beth gasped at the sudden stop-..

Beth reeled back, silently cursed herself as she bit her lip, the rope tightened nearly dislocating her arm. But in the lull that wasn't all, in an abrupt snap. The line was severed, splintered the rope couldn't hold the weight' The ground still remained dozens of meters below. And more than figuratively her world came crashing down, still Beth remained jawlocked and quiet as her resolve came to a resolution-.. I failed you..

**Thud**

...

A spire of flame and brick loomed stark amongst its surroundings of white. Beyond the clouds it seemed as to pierce the heavens, perhaps this had alluded to who made it, a clue yet unseen as those gazing upon it questioned in disbelief at its existence. Various castle like protrusions and silhouettes were rooted around this beacon of flame... From below those amuck staring idly above, must've thought the white overhead to seemingly be the pinnacle of nature, infinite and encompassing as if mankind had no chance to reach it.

Beyond sight at staggering heights' a floating sphere resided, huffing in thought Carolin couldn't escape such pondering's as to what the fools thought beneath her feet. Regardless of her disposition and how much she wanted too, ignoring these insects was far from an option. The little runts.. Will be Frewynns future, and of course some little hatchlings I'll personally have to pluck. Subtly smiling her eyes clearly moved in rapid paces almost like watching the ground, in numerous places beyond the dense fog.

Carolin mused, slowly parting her reddish hair as she scanned the testing grounds, mm that bald bastard did it again did he? Thinning her lips Carolin's expression considerably soured as she drew to a specific section of the fog, and the twerp still lives, the weak hang on tenaciously don't they?.. Exhaling in a brief respite, her face brightened, "Well... Letting the walking corpse have some fun might wipe that smug look off his.." Puffing up her chest Carolin smirked devilishly, moved to a console beside the window she kept a persistent gaze on.

Huffing a wicked smile spread across Carolin's face, just because one is having fun doesn't mean I can't either. Placing her palms onto the device white light extruded from her body, in the same instance floating symbols and shapes materialised forming what seemed to be geographic locations. With fast twist and complex hand gestures the layout changed in each flick of her wrist causing numerous sections to go on its head. Peering closer tiny dots could be seen moving about, taking key interest Carolin corralled the differing sized dots as the landscape changed from wide fields to boxed enclosures.

Nodding in satisfaction Carolin wiped the display away, turned to meet a figure at her side. Momentary silence kept its presence as she gazed downard like greeting one's pet. Kneeling in wait Alsin deepend posture as Carolin looked over, prompting to speak, "The guides assumed their positions and are monitoring the candidates as expected, regarding loss of life not counting our already allotted prior, of the seventy-six that have entered thirteen have perished...' Pausing briefly Alsin voice grew harsher, And an abnormality is present.

I wholly accept the responsibility for- Not noticing, I presume it already drawn your ire Master?"

Waving her hand Carolin let out a small scoff, "Hmph, worry not. It was not something easily foreseen, the bastard most likely put it there after your barriers had been set' Rubbing her side at a sudden itch Carolin moved around to a stand filled with various glasses and liquids. "It.. It's of no consequence now, let it peregrinate, consume or whatever the thing wishes.' Alsin stiffened at her response fumbling a sentence to utter,- Sensing the unease Carolin sighed, "It may be for the best no? Desperation breeds results.. Regardless, I need special circumstances to fulfill Morel's selection.."

Alsin Bowed, "Forgive my impertinence." Pouring a blue liquid Carolin sipped trying to disway her crumbling expression, just what does He intend?.. Recruiting that crackjob and using these hatchlings, ten now compared to the handful of previous pickings, war? Is Morel cementing his position' Carolin brows twitched as she continued the dissection of her numerous exchanges. Huffing at the obscurity Carolin still couldn't rest at the realisation of its feasibility, yet the excess energy still unused after the second selection now? If either was true they could easily be used as a summon army but still remain..

The resulting death incurred from the selection process was not ill fortune, even in wake of Freywn's overarching desire for mages the bar still wasn't set high. Though not reasons seen to public eye, nothing to waste shows excellent efficiency as they say. Repurposed down to the barest fiber of skin, the weaklings may hold smidgens of magic ill-used and inefficient, but the raw power remains in the end. All have purpose, as one views the astral border just testing grounds, another considers it no more than a reservoir of untapped legions of undead, spirit beings and malignant energy. In essence the perfect barrier, or pitfall for any invading force. A self rejuvenating blade.

"Ensure the assets are all in place." Carolin said, followed with a slight nod affirming Alsin's momentary stare to leave. "Of course.' Alsin bowed once more causing their black hair to drape forward, before instantly disappearing akin to teleportation- As any weakling would observe it to be though alluding eyes was merely the fast footwork at play. Alone Carolin returned her attention to the window eying it in scrutiny...

"Let the games begin.." ..

...

**Breathe, Breathe Breathe!!** Gasping like a fish out of water, my senses came back- Beth hurled forward, clutching her sides in anticipation of pain and broken bones. Yet nothing came, expected death was but momentary darkness of my face hitting the ground..' Taken back Beth quickly assessed her body, it was as she felt, besides the grime of dirt not a hair had been ruffled, let alone snapped limbs or gushing fissures of blood! At the realization Beth exhaled a quickly timed sigh, before warily gazing up in confusion...

.. How am I alive?' Beth stood stunned, the fall should've killed her but not only was she alive but unaffected as if the height and gravity was but a lie.. But that couldn't be. Tensing Beth accounted her knowledge of it, there was no doubt I fell, even the rope laid by my feet snapped. A outline of my fall was clearly seen muck the dirt. Kneeling Beth rubbed her hand against the ground, as more force went into it the less she felt; bewildered by the notion Beth eyed with more scrutiny, now noticing the floor layered in strange runic symbols dimly glowing wherever weight was put.

Magic? Beth's perplexed expression slowly faded as she delved in thought, Is this what saved me? Some anti gravity or fall protection.. What else could it be? If not how am I alive.. Sighing Beth drew to her surroundings.. 'But that may be the least my worries now, I should count my blessings instead huh'... Is that what you would say master?- The scenery laid in a somber tone gray and chilly, most of the sky remained hidden till a looming silhouette just out of view. The forest all around was drenched in overlying moss and vines, though not to be confused with lush most of it was dead. The trees themselves were sparse, leaves had long since withered away, making piles of dried mess at their base.

Dilapidated the forest which carried an air of decay, despite what alluded to a place where nothing of the living stood, goosebumps rose on Beth as she gazed into darkness; as if eyes watched just beyond shadows. An unease set perhaps foreboding, Beth took to the surroundings with vigilance and looked for the dagger used to pierce the tree and her satchel. Pulling the satchel over, pocketing Beth pulled out a blade just under that of a short sword... My sword's play is far from average but my bare hands are undoubtedly worse fighting the unknown, just what this test had in-store was mystery.

Deadly monsters, coarse and thick hides. Poison, traps or some other strange mechanism designed for torment. Master spoke of such things, the first part of knowing success is knowledge of your enemy and the understanding of one's own weaknesses... I know nothing of this place but judging from the scene this is still the astral plane, be wary of darkness and undead or spirits? A defeated smile surfaced as Beth lamented the absence of Ceron, that quickly turned to shame and guilt of her own failings.. "I have to push on with my own strength." Resolving herself Beth reaffirmed grip on the sword.

Going forward Beth walked with care into the lengthening shadows. 'Unto the unknown I set, riddled my mind not body of my path, the sound of haggering cries- Dripping the destination I seek is drowned my ankles sway slowly kneehigh, to my thigh and more. Turning back at the howls beneath I walk through a crimson lake.'

...

The rustling of leaves became deafening, in conjunction with my breaths the forest was void of anything. Twisting and bending in numerous directions, the piles of rotted foliage and dead logs outstretched in all directions created almost maze-like surroundings; the fog coiled around my body remaining ever present, gazing up the silhouette as my guide still never came closer. No matter how long strode, tens of minutes had passed and likely more, the inescapable white dulled any notion of time as if it was an abstract thing.

I began to count each passing of a second in my mind. Yet despite my seemingly approach the figure never came to view, perhaps taunting me it seemed more blurry. My mind started to race, I couldn't let it get to me. Appearances are almost never what they appear, the trunks I left in my wake had been cut, crossed and embroidered by my blade strikes. And I stand before them time again, somehow in someway I became lost, my destination growing farther away in every step... Faltering at a mere inconvenience? Hmph, I kept my pace, continuing the spiraling path of hidden tricks I began to subtly notice something.

It wasn't just once either, my area was riddled with my marks by now how nonsensical they may be, it was if I was called back in time? But no, that wouldn't account for my newer marks.. The ground a life of its own, moving me like some chess piece? If it was I couldn't feel such, it could only be one thing as my view kept its side wide gaze in each passing bump or jolt of the surroundings---

"Hey! Over there!".. Bellowing a deep voice called out, tensing at the sudden noise Beth quickly hunched down behind shrubbery, spotting a handful of people. The group slowly marched towards the one that yelled, holding up some sort of object. The presumed man, motioned in what could only be seen as elation- Thrusting his fist into the air, unable to get a good view Beth strained her eyes, turning the man... Held what looked like to be a leg, holding her breath, it didn't stop there.

The man brought it close to his mouth and in a rapid stroke took a bite, it looked human enough... Beth shrunk back nearly hurling on the ground as the sight unfolded' Sick bastards' Now as Beth's eyes adjusted the figures became clearer, dark red robed and peltic attire, they seemed human-ish but shorter hobbit-like. Their skin was brownish gray, that one's teeth looked like razors even from afar. 'Were they lost like me?' Beth sighed quickly discarding that thought.

In the worst possible outcome they looked like cannibals, I can't be found by them.. Slowly sweat fell down Beth as she watched, stepped back readying herself to leave. Getting u--*CR.ACK..* Looking behind in a hurry Beth's eyes grew wide as saucers, unintentionally she walked on a dried branch. Unmoving Beth remained crouched further drenched in doubt, as she took care to watch the strangers just a few meters away. Seeming them standing apparently unaware Beth let out a sigh of relief calming nerves, as she drew to look at the rest..

"One is missing.."

Gulping in that rapid thought, hairs rose on end as a lump formed in her throat, instinctively she darted to the left. Narrowly hairbreadth away a shadow raced just by her head causing pain to streak across Beth's cheek. A loud tang sprung from behind, unable to care at the likely object Beth quickly kneeled to a standing posture, glared to her right. A wide figure stood pulling down their hood, gray skin and no ears, not human huh.. Beth cursed herself, it looked like a hobbit; they were physically stronger by a large margin, often described as subhuman’s that lived in mud trenches. Using her free hand Beth wiped the blood off her cheek, slightly tasted it from her thumb.

Looking to the side the others started their move, 'I can't fight them head-on, I have to run.. Bracing herself Beth took a deep breath and ran. At her jolt the hobbit that stood idly laughed, muttered something inaudible as it walked towards the tree a hatchet was lodged in...

...

Huffing, each step became more stiff. In a constant stream the thudding of feet echoed increasing strides between the hollowing tree's somber stares, Beth lunged sweeping and diving over numerous bush and log-

behind lethargic wet breathing and flaps of flesh made their disgusting presence. In a glance backward Beth involuntarily winced at the oncoming arrivals. Rest was an absent thing, however pronounced and large the hobbits were, they kept pace their bodies easily doubling if not triple. Racking her mind as she ran with sword in hand Beth encompassed her gaze to the scenery before.

To not know one's limit means defeat, misplaced courage is just ignorance of chaos. No matter the field, wherever the circumstance plans can easily go awry, Beth thought in recollection, as she narrowed her eyes to the sky gauging strange anomalies. Turning around in the same exhale Beth slowed her pace facing the gray stain. A tense atmosphere settled as the roaring wind ceased, a calm before the storm? Did it always feel like this, Beth wondered in absent thought as the four newcomers ascended over a small hill between them.

As she stood it became clearer, they had faces not even a mother could love. Yet in that tangent Beth couldn't laugh as reality bore teeth, there would be no help. Failure meant instant death at the lightest, in the most dire of moments it was one's own strength and tenacity that breeds success isn't it? From one precipice to another could I possibly be a magnet for trouble.. Beth focused herself as a smirk surfaced, devilishly as a glimmer shown behind her eyes. Heaving like pigs, the four hobbits closed in. Still kin to that of pigs' they weren't all single bodied and the same. Though probably the minute and forgettable features of the differing beasts were lost to Beth, a semblance of leadership and coloration and build caught eye. At the forefront largest of the bunch resided slimy gray with a notable tattoo down their chest-Judging from it's demeanor probably the leader.

The same spoke spreading its teeth turning to the others beside it, in rapid stares the hobbit looked to Beth and its companions, a harsh tone and quick breaths. Whatever the creature said wasn't cute, if giving affirmation to Beth's idle deduction it tightened its grip on its machete. "H-Human!.. Running is pointless, give up your life and it will be quick. Mercy in a single strike, or your limbs will be torn one by one, slowly. choose wisely." Guttural the ear wrenching voice was drenched in ill-intent and malice, was there even a point in acknowledgement to such a statement? Stoic Beth remained silent, life or death and how the ladder happened meant no consequence; regardless fools barter death at the blade of their enemy.

Having shown no sign of wishing to converse the Hobbit sneered, mockingly counting Beth as a bug? Maybe that notion wasn't far off the mark, truly their size and contrast was vast. A simple clench with their fist would be enough to turn any human bone to powder. The rule of the world was dictated by the strong such thinking was apparent as Beth witnessed the callous attitude, even herself such she was no bystander to it. Apparently having enough of the farce the leader huffed as it flicked its wrist signaling two standing behind,

motioning them to move one wielding an axe, the other a long polearm.

..

Locked not giving a breath of movement any escape, my eyes encompassed their entirety. Those two bastards shuffled from behind the 'leader hmph. Readying themselves no doubt, still my intense gaze didn't leave them. My mind was contradicting the rigid pose I struck, by now it probably had finished ten maybe thirty marathons, breathing deeply I held my sword- A choir assembled in my mind, blanky without notice it matched my breathing, as I watched the hobbits like they were springboards ready to uncoil. I quickly began to recount all I had learned in the past few days, spiraling images flashed into my mind's eye.

And in that same instant they moved. Covering tens of feet in a mere moment the two hobbits approached sword length, almost faltering at their uncharacteristic speed I shrunk back. Shit' I got caught off guard, those two were fast in quick bursts despite the size-- Scattering the ground the first hobbit struck the place I just stood, its polearm wedged between earth and brick, spurring a minute cloud of dust. Yet unstopped the hobbit rushed weapon still lodged as if it was water, a testament to its strength no less, the other? At my vision's corner I instinctively ducked as a axe went flying nearly chopping me in half.

Continuing the game, of well.. Running for my damned life' I suppose, anxiety poured down my back as the polearm graced the cusp of my shirt with me sidestepping backwards to the thrown axe trying to lodge it from the now crater it made and resided in. Unable to pull it even with all my strength, I had no choice but to leave it for the hobbit to grab; in that same thought my hand reached for my dagger in the satchel. The two showed no signs of giving up, hell it just started. But their companions just stood idly far back with jeering and smirking grins.. Asshole I'll make you regret that.

Once again those two walking goliaths of meat rushed at me keeping the pattern of a frontal and side attack, dodging more and more became increasingly difficult. The repeating scene meshed with my tiring state wasn't at all ideal, the axe came down' at the same time the polearm thrusted trying to skewer me falling back a tree caught the ladder. Bearing the axe with my own blade a sharp pain etched into my hand as my own sword cut deep slicing my palm from the shock and intensity. The brute strength lifted me off my feet, my vision blurred as I barrelled through the air; still from my waist I let loose my hidden dagger before coming across the ground.

The dagger was instantly repelled by the hobbit, it merely huffed at the annoyance. My senses were in a haze and my body ached beyond belief, maybe this was what it felt like to have internal bleeding? Beth coughed, laughing to herself somewhat, stopping the hobbits' advance out of surreal nature of it. 'Had the human finally snapped? Beaten, its body not just clothing muck the clouded gray and decaying forest and at the pit of her own death what was to laugh about? Her death was certain yet she had the emotion to laugh.

As the hobbit stood a few feet away towering like an unstoppable, impossible and unmoving pillar, it gasped- In the same moment of its idle conjecture the human vanished. As if it was a ghost.