The rain let up the second morning. While everyone was looking like a wet rat, Shae had realized she could use her force magic to create a small repellant field that would ward off the rain. The best part was, the rain did not put any stain on her ability so she was able to run it throughout the day easily. At night it was a simple matter of dropping it once inside of her tent, and an hour or so later she was all topped up.

‘I wonder if uncle would consider it a waste of power. Then again Nith was also using magic to ward off the rain. He sure knew how to go camping in style.’

The first night Shae saw what the Vice-Head had for gear she was rather astounded. The little guy had a magic pop-up tent that was large enough to be used as a meeting place. Inside it even had partitioned rooms. Three to be exact. One she got to see when she was called inside for supper. It was a main room the size of an average living room back home. There were two canvas looking doors at the back of the room beside each other. One had to be the bedroom, the other, maybe storage? Or study?

Anyway, the main room was set up with a large table that doubled as a dining table. There were six chairs, and to Shae’s delight her adventuring friends were also invited. Then she learned what one door was for… A freaking kitchen! Nith even brought his own cook along. That gnome did not know the meaning of the words, roughing it. Instead of other furniture, there were simple large pillows everywhere that were for laying about on like we were in a sultan’s tent of old.

Shae was definitely taking mental notes for her next trip. Or maybe the one after that. It would, she was sure, take a while to acquire all these toys. You couldn’t even hear the rain when inside of the tent. So, was it a false front with a door to another place? Or simply a spell reinforced tent. I was about the same size on the inside, so she was gravitating toward spell protected.

The six of them chatted away while eating. As if they were in some posh restaurant, and not a tent in a rainstorm. The food was excellent, but the meat was a new taste for Shae, though still excellent. But she guessed if you had your own chef along, and a magic kitchen, it had better be good.

After the meal and some light conversation, Shae’s adventuring friends took their leave to set a watch rotation. They were still close to the town, only a half a day out, so there wasn’t likely to be any trouble. Especially with this many people around. Still, better safe than dead.

Once her friends left, Nith told her not to worry too much, there were protections in place beyond her friends. Though Shae wasn’t really worried that night. She and Nith spent a while longer talking about her past life, which she used her limited knowledge of old Viking stories from back on earth to fill in some details for Nith. She tried to keep this vague explaining how the clans like to be secretive, which let her off the hook it seemed. Since he didn’t push much. She did tell him about Inuksuk just to add a bit of spice to her tail. Which it turned out was a thing. Go figure. Apparently, they were used as trail markers and for other significance.

She thought she might go with totem poles next but figured that might be pushing it, so she smarty kept quiet.

Nith did praise her for her control over her rain shield before she left, however. Then proceeded to fluff her feathers a bit. Saying how he noticed she was working very hard and a generally excellent pupil. Except for geography that was.

Once she was snug in her own layered bed roll, she was out like a light, she had not gotten much sleep the night before and it had finally caught up with her, even breaking through her excitement about the trip.

She shared a low double tent with Mel, who was still awake when Shae made it inside. They had started to chat a bit, but Shae’s yawning was causing Mel to yawn. They both gave up and gave in to the sandman.

The next day was uneventful but still wet. But the following morning was clear, but the ground was still wet, until the sun got higher and turned the whole place into a sauna. It was horrible. There was nothing like being female in leather in overbearing heat and humidity. It did not play well with parts of the body.

At one point she conjured up a water spell and dumped it onto her head in an attempt to cool herself off. While it was a slight reprieve for a bit, she ended up being uncomfortable and wet. Wet leather that was real was not a great smell either. After an hour she wrapped herself in her bedroll and changed into her school uniform. It was less protection, but much cooler and did not smell like wet dead animal. ‘Dumb very dumb.’ She mentally chided herself.

Then the bugs came out! She had had enough. Out came the force spell again, which she added a bit of lightning too, making herself into a giant bug zapper to get revenge. Much to just about everyone’s mirth.

Funny thing, more people started to gather closer to her after a short while. Finding the bugs less of a problem near her.

‘Who’s laughing now bitches!’ She mentally roared in triumph.

Two more days went by, the forest was in sight.

The group made camp about half an hour away from the forest. They would enter with a new day. Then there would be three to five days travel through the forest. Depending on terrain, monsters, or just general hazards.

“So how are you enjoying your first expedition?” Mel asked her as they set up their tent together.

“Other than making a bit of a fool out of myself, I’m having an ok time. Nice scenery, good people, decent food. Other than the heat and bugs, not much to complain about.”

Mel snorted. “Well, I’m glad you’re having a good time. Just be more warry inside the forest. It is untamed lands. There are sure to be some uninvited guests to the party. Even with such a big group.”

“Why would I worry? I have four big strong adventurer’s protecting me.” Shae bowed to Mel.

“Pfft. Just remember, you are supposed to be a part of that protection detail. And I for one am looking forward to how your training is coming along.”

“Well, I might surprise even myself. But I would rather not have to.”

“I hear that.” Mel nodded.

That evening was the last night they would be camping under the amazing starts. Still, Shae couldn’t get over there not being a moon. Or rather a visible moon. It was always eclipsed by the planet. It was apparently a tiny moon too. So, she wasn’t missing much. Still, she did miss the old man.

That night the five traded off shifts for watch. Shae had last watch, so she turned in just after eating. Since that first night however, Nith did invite others to join him. He was busy going over college business and going though information other groups had gathered about the dungeon they were heading for. He would be briefing everyone when they arrived about what to expect inside. “To make sure the details are fresh in your minds as we begin our delve” He reasoned.

Mel also promised Shae, with a chuckle, that she would need her bug shield inside the swampy forest. Shae just stuck her tongue out and complained Mel was just jealous. To which Mel replied that she was pretty jealous with a smile, but no sass. The rest of them would be using a natural repellant.