The forest exit is lighted by warm rays and a vast blue sky. On foot, Wren sprints the last few meters out of the Misty Woods and lets out a gleeful hoot. Wren enjoys the warm sun despite the burn on her flesh. Wren firmly presses forward all the while keeping an eye for traveler’s.

The birds cheerfully tweet from their roosts without a care in world. “Huh, I’d forgotten how shrill their voices are,” Wren thought at the birds singing.

Wren glances down at her hands and recalls the perverted ghost instructions, “The blood spell lineage burns blood for spells.” Wren could practice, but each time she would be burning her own blood. And if she ran out of the blood, well, Wren knew exactly what would happen.

Wren focuses her eyes at the tip of her finger as she walks and wills a spell to come into being. Much later, a tiny drop of blood seeps through her skin and floats. Wren almost claps her hands her hands in delight, but immediately restrains herself lest she lose the single drop of blood.

“Spells, huh? I can do that,” Wren muttered as she stares at the single drop of blood. “Explode,” Wren said as the single drop of blood and falls onto the ground with a hiss. Wren comes to a halt as she stares at the small crater, before innocently walking past it. Wren hastily walks away pretending she had nothing to do with the incident.

Further away, Wren wipes the sweat from her brow and says, “It’s quite tiring to even produce a single drop of blood that I can’t even imagine being able to do so continuously.”

Nevertheless, Wren decides to keep practicing as one never knew when she might need it. As Wren practices, she enviously says, “Father was so lucky, he got the useful one.” Not that blood spells weren’t incredible, but frankly speaking it would be much more incredible to pull out a blood sword out of one’s hand.

The sun begins to wane, and Wren stops to camp for the night. Sniffing the air, Wren almost chokes in surprise as a visual image enters her mind. Wren snorts and says, “That thing could still see me even with its eyes blinded! That’s no fair! Well, at least it’s dead and this will be of use to me.” Personally, though, she would have preferred to gain its magic nullification ability. But life simply wasn’t fair.

With ease, Wren sniffs for food and heads towards the fruit smelled in the distance. With ease Wren climbs the tree and shakes the leaves. The hordes of fruit fall to the ground, before she is satisfied. With glee, Wren climbs back down and sits on the ground and begins to eat.

To her amazement, Wren’s nails easily peel the fruit. Curious, Wren scratches at the tree bark to just tear it off chunks of the tree bark. Excited, Wren tries scratching at everything to test her strength to find that she can cut through rocks! Wren bends her fingers with glee and says, “I was wrong about you, monster, you’re pretty useful after all!”

Full of cheer, Wren eats the rest of the fallen fruit, before preparing her bed for the night against the fruit tree. Not even making a fire, Wren cuddles up against the tree. Given that she can see at night and literally smell anything before it approached, Wren was fairly certain she would be okay. Besides, what was there to fear out here? In comparison to the misty woods this was nothing but child’s play.

The night swiftly passes by until the birds sing their joy at a new day’s sun. Wren yawns and grouchy says, “Shut up!” Still grumbling Wren stretches, before packing up and readying herself for the new day.

After breakfast, Wren checks the map one last time to make she is on course. Wren’s finger traces the path and stops at the checkpoint at the village fort of Olden-Rise. To enter the Tessa Mountain pass, Wren had to pass through the guarded checkpoint. Hopefully, it would be as simple as that, but Wren wasn’t so certain. Sometimes check points required a means of identification to verify one’s claims.

Stowing away the map away, Wren slings on her travel bags and makes her way back to the path. On the road, Wren practices her blood spell magic careful to only unleash the spell on the side of the road lest the craters in the middle of the road are tracked back to her. Using levitation magic Wren knew she could reach her destination that much faster, but there was no telling if she would across another traveler. Besides she wasn’t that far off from her destination and sometimes one just needs to enjoy the journey.

Wren only stops once to make sure to take the correct fork in the road, before continuing east towards the Tessa Mountains. The closer Wren became to Olden-Rise the more travelers there were on the road with increasing small villages. Exasperated, Wren finally just took the easy way and used her levitation magic to traverse the treetops next to the populated roads.

Swiftly, Wren’s journey was cut down in half as Wren arrived early on the second morning. The sky has had yet to rise as a hit of a glow was lighting the dark sky into a violet glow. The cool morning breeze brushes through Wren’s hair as her sleeves flap in the wind.

Wren watches from the large crest and eyes the well-guarded town of Olden-Rise. Down below there are barely any movements as not many are yet awake in the sleepy town. Wren frowns as she eyes the fort and bites her lips. If it didn’t go well, Wren knew she wouldn’t be able to easily pass the guards. Maybe, if she had camouflage, but unfortunately that magic ability had yet to awaken.

Wren glances up at the Tessa Mountain range and eyes it. Through there are other mountain passes those are guarded by smugglers. And even if Wren was able to pass through, the only safe passage into the Tessa Mountains is the entry pass through Olden-Rise. Any other passage would be fraught with dangers not to mention treacherous pathways and unexpected storms including blizzards. And once off the path lost travelers are subjected to attacks form monsters or worse being trapped forever lost in the mazelike pathways.

No, the best only option was through Olden-Rise. Frowning, Wren moves over to hide behind a nearby shrub, before crouching down and opening her travel bags. After rummaging through, Wren carefully pulls out the heavy, clinking money bag and peers inside. Wren hadn’t checked before but all she could see were gold and platinum coins.

Wren almost curses, this was like begging to be robbed! Ordinarily it wouldn’t be a problem to exchange such an amount in the capital, but this was a fort town! A single gold coin would attract the attention of thieves and other unsavory folks.

To even exchange one gold piece would be to gain 10 silver coins or 100 copper coins as 1 silver is worth 10 copper pieces. And 100 silver coins is only worth 1 platinum coin. And don’t even get her started on trying to exchange a platinum coin. 1 platinum coin was equal to 10 gold coins or 100 silver pieces or even 1,000 cooper coins. And countless smaller money coins used among the merchants and the lower class. All in all, Wren knew she was in trouble.

Wren furrows her brows and carefully begins to sort the money in the bag in hopes of finding smaller coins. Finally, at the very end Wren spots two silver coins. Wren sighs in relief at having just enough for the toll and enough to buy supplies. Wren carefully tucks the money into her front shirt pocket, before carefully placing it back among the clothes to muffle any clinking sounds.

Wren pauses and reaches for an enchanted black cloak. The black cloak is a fine woven, wool cloak enchanted by a clothes tailor to be impervious against the weather and fire. Wren carefully buttons the collar shut as the tip of the cloak almost touches the floor. Wren knew the cloaks length had been made with her rapid growth in mind.

Tucking her bags back on her back, Wren climbs down the road as the sky begins to turn an array of orange. To her glee, Wren spots a group of merchants making their way down a hill crest. Using this chance Wren hurriedly rushes behind them and blends in the back as a member of the merchant group.

The merchant group is none the wiser at having gained a new travel companion as the merchant leader mumbles at finding a good inn to rest and eat in. The surrounding merchants all nod or agree to his wise words. To any casual observer, Wren would appear as an apprentice merchant following her merchant master.

The towering gates greet the merchants as the merchant group arrives at the heavily fortified, well guarded gates. The merchant leader greets the weary night guards at the gate, who sleepily nod and wave the merchant group on through without checking their belongings.

The merchant group stops a local townsman and asks for the nearest inn and the merchant market. The townsman points to his right gesturing towards to the inn and towards the left the merchant market. The merchant leader thanks the townsmen as the rest of the merchants nod their thanks as well. With grumbling stomachs, the merchants head towards the inn to get a bite to eat before selling their wares. While the newly added member of their group slips away to the left without their ever noticing.

Wren sniffs the air in hunger as her mouth salivates at the smell of fresh warm baked bread. Gulping loudly, Wren heads in the direction as her stomach demands to be fed at all cost. Ignoring her stomachs commentary, Wren spots an open bakery next to a stocked merchant stall.

The merchant vendor smiles at the hungry look on Wren’s face and waves at her to come over. Wren crosses the cobble-stoned road and heads towards the elderly merchant. The elderly merchant reaches behind him to bring out a still smoking warm bread in the cool air.

Wren eyes fill with light as the elderly merchants splits the bread into two and holds out half towards her. Wren sniffs the air to make certain there is nothing amiss but does not smell any kind of drugs nor poison. Wren eagerly takes the bread and stuffs the warm, soft t bread into her mouth. Within a minute the bread is gone as Wren even licks the crumbs off her face.

The merchant chuckles at her actions as Wren guiltily remembers her manners Composing herself, Wren bows and gratefully says, "Thank you, kind sir, for sharing your bread with me. Not many would take the time to do so, but you surely did. May you find yourself rewarded due to your kindness."

The aged merchant smiles in pleasure at the child's thankful actions. The aged merchant replies, “It was nothing at all.” Glancing around the merchant frowns and says, “Are you here by yourself, child?"

Without hesitation, Wren lies, "No, my good sir. I am here with my guardian. However, he went off to the inn for a warm drink and to hear the news from fellow travelers. I was bit hungry and curious and went exploring on my own.” Wren sheepishly shuffles her feet and peeks at the merchant from beneath her eyelashes.

The aged merchant grins at the child's sheepish actions. "Well, the baker just so happens to be my childhood friend and will easily give an old friend like me, a bundle of loaves of bread for a discounted offer. If you're interested in sharing that is?" The aged merchant asked as Wren’s eyes twinkle with delight.

Chuckling the aged merchant leaves his stall and heads into the next-door bakery. The old merchant picks two dozen loaves of freshly baked bread for himself. The baker raises his eyebrows at his childhood friend’s actions and shakes his head ruefully. "Noel, if I didn't know you any better, I would swear that you're trying to eat me out of a living,” the baker grumbled under his breath.

The aged merchant grins and gestures towards his stall. The baker glances at his friends stall to find a child with dark glittering eyes sniffing the delicious scented air. The baker turns and meets the eyes of his old friend as they grin at each other in reply. Handing over the payment to his friend, the aged merchant returns to stall to find the child eagerly standing their much like a puppy begging for food.

The elderly merchant grins at the child's impatience as the child fidgets and impatiently waits. Separating the two brown bags, the aged merchant hands over the bag of warm bread. Wren almost rips the bag out of his grasp in excitement, but at the last second remembers her manners. Graciously taking the bag from the merchant, Wren says, “Thank you,” and carefully places a silver coin into the outstretched hand.

The aged merchant blinks at the silver coin, but quickly checks with his fingernail to confirm its veracity. Satisfied, he places the coin into his enchanted money box and returns with the change, 9 copper coins. As he does so, the merchant wonders, what type of guardian would give a child such a large coin? It must be a well-off guardian; the aged merchant could only conclude.

The merchant places the change into Wren’s outstretched hands as Wren swallows down her saliva. “Thank you, very much kind sir, you have been of great help. Seeing how kind you are, I wonder if I could make a request? Wren asked as the merchant motions to her to continue. “I was wondering if I could buy some supplies from your shop?”

The aged merchant grins and says, “Of course, I would be delighted to help. What do you need?”

Wren lists off a list of items and dry food supplies as she takes a bite of the bread. With practiced ease, the aged merchant gathers all of the items and places them onto the counter. “That will be 5 cooper coins,” the merchant said.

“Thank you very much,” Wren said as she places the correct amount onto the counter and taking the needed supplies. Wren carefully stows her bread onto the counter, before packing the supplies into her travel bags. Satisfied, Wren rises with a grunt at the heavy-laden travel bags on her back and takes back her bread loaves.

Wren appreciatively says, "Thank you, sir, for all your kind help. If I may trouble you once more, but would you happen to know of a reliable merchant, who won't cheat a child? And who deals in fresh fruits and small treats?”

“It had been quite some time, since I last enjoyed himself so much. I will truly be saddened to see this child go,” the aged merchant privately lamented to himself.

Pointing up further up the street the aged merchant says, “About twelve stalls down, you’ll find a cranky fruit vendor by the name of Fergus. Don't let his sour, angry face fool, you see Fergus was dwelt a rather cruel hand by fate. For you see, Fergus was unfortunately born out of the womb and into this world with a perpetual angry face. But you will not find a more honest vendor in this town than him. You tell him that Noel sent you and he will be tickled pink to give you a discount."

Wren bows in thanks, before waving goodbye and trotting down the road as the townsmen of Olden-Rise awaken. Carefully counting the number of stalls, Wren halts at the 13th stall to find a middle-aged man hunched over with a grim scowl. Several passerby’s even scurry away at his fierce scowling face.

Wren eyes widen in surprise and thinks, “Noel, wasn’t kidding?!” Wren carefully approaches and says, “I was told by Noel, that you're the most honest vendor in Olden-Rise. He said, that I wouldn't find a better deal for fruit and treats than with you."

The hunched over vendor rises from his stool and looks grimacing. Fergus’s face splits into a wide-toothed smile and says, “Heh, if Noel sent you that must mean he found ya to be trustworthy. You did well, kid, not many first-time customers are able to gain his trust."

Fergus happily beams at Wren causing her to gape in surprise. Fergus, the vendor, scratches his face a bit guiltily. "Sorry, if I scared ya kid. I didn't mean too. It's just I was born with his scary looking face,” Fergus apologetically said. “Anyway, what can I do for ya kid? I've got all sorts of fruits and treats just right for a kid like ya."

Wren feels guilty and horrified at her actions. Here she was judging another for his appearance?! Could she be any more of Hypocrite?

Shamefaced, Wren apologetically says, "You should not be the one apologizing, but I should be for judging you based on your appearance. Please accept my sincerest apologies!”

Fergus is taken back in amazement at the child's words. As it was rare thing for Fergus to receive an apology, but much less a sincere one. Fergus hides a grin as his face becomes darker. “You think an apology is enough! Well, you have another thing coming kid. I refuse to accept your coin unless I give you a discount for your purchases. Otherwise, the deal is off, and you can go elsewhere for your purchases! “Fergus seriously said.

Wren sheepishly grins back at Fergus’s sincere words. She really was a hypocrite! She hated being called an elf, but yet she was certain that he hated being called a scary man too. But most of all, she really should know better.

"Thank you very much for being so gracious and not being offended my words, Sir Fergus. And yes, I would like to purchase fresh fruits and some sweets please,” Wren quietly said.

Fergus grins back and quickly fills a brown sack full to the brim with fresh fruits and pulls out a small paper bag filled with a variety of delectable sweets. Placing the items on the counter, Fergus says, “That will be two coppers, kid."

Wren eyes blink at the obvious discount and furrows her brows. Wren reaches into her pocket and places the two cooper coins and places two loaves as well. “Here, you haven’t had breakfast yet, right?” Wren said as Fergus’s stomach growls in reply. Wren grins and adds, “So I think now, we’ll be a bit more even now.”

Fergus nods at Wren and accepts the added payment with a smile. Wren places the small sweet bag into the large bag and takes it in her arms. “Sir Fergus, if I may be forward but should you and Noel still be alive one day, would you consider coming to work for me in a place that I will build?”

Fergus blinks in surprise at the solemn expression on the child’s face. An urge to laugh quails down at the child’s unblinking eyes. Fergus opens his mouth and says, “Should we still be alive, sure, why not? I took a liking to you kid, count me down without a doubt.”

Wren ruefully grins back and says, “It’s a deal then. I’ll be waiting for you to keep your end of the bargain.”

“As well I,” Fergus countered back.

Smiling, Wren turns away with a new friend and a new connection. After all, good merchants would invaluable if she wanted to establish a trade route for her clan. And the more connections would also give her a wide variety of business.

Pleased at having made a possible business partner, Wren turns down a cobbled street. Wren walks slowly as she listens to the current news, while the towns children dart in play between the crowd as their laughter rings in the early morning air.

Wren’s listens to one such conversation about a townsman greeting an old friend. The townsmen invite’s his old friend to his eldest daughters’ wedding to be held on the 25th day of the 10th month just two days away. The merchant heartily agrees and promises to bring the bride a wonderful gift. The two men cheerfully head towards a bar to celebrate.

Wren almost at the date as she finds it difficult to believe she had been stuck for nearly two months in the Misty Woods! Blinking out the tears in her eyes, Wren continues to listen to the nearby gossip. A merchant complains to another merchant about how the entrance to the Tessa Mountain wouldn’t be open for another candle mark. In reply, the other merchant explained that guards were on alert due to monster attacks from the Misty Woods.

Wren doesn’t react at the news as munches on a juicy fruit and instead turns her eyes towards the gathering crowd. Wren creeps nearby as a townsman loudly tells a traveler that his cousin on the watch explained that the guard was hunting for someone. Apparently, some wealthy owner from the capital was looking for an escaped slave of some sort, a female child to be precise.

Wren narrows her eyes and wonders, if it could be Madam Norialise? But then again, this was something the Madam would do. Trying to confirm her thoughts, Wren squeezes past the crowd and studies the wanted poster. The drawn portrait looked a little like her, but not very much. The only similar features were the pointed ears proclaiming a half-elf.

Wren reflexively reaches up to pat her own hidden pointed ears hidden by her hair and stops. Touching her ears, would only serve to call attention to her. Wren makes her way past the crowd as the simple task had become quite risky.

Wren munches on some bread to comfort herself and heads out of the plaza to search for a place to sit, when a child's pained cry sharply pierces through the air. Wren raises an eyebrow and follows the source of the cries until she steps around a group of men to find a struggling child being hoisted in the air by its shirt collar.

Wren snorts in disdain at failing to see any of the adults move to defend the child. “Figures, I have to do everything myself,” Wren thought to herself as she pulled out a red apple from her bag.

Stepping behind a group of large men, Wren sadly hefts the fruit in her hand knowing she is about to commit a violent crime against the innocent fruit. With a twist, Wren aims and throws the apple with full force at the brute. The apple lands with a loud clunk against the brute’s nose causing him to drop the child. The young child falls onto the ground with a whimper, but hurriedly scrambles to its feet and flees into the crowd. The brute cradles his nose and roars at the giggling crowd for the culprit.

Ignoring the still roaring crowd, Wren sighs at her good deed and makes her way past the crowd. Wren happily finds a stone fountain and takes a perch thereon. In tranquilly, Wren chews on milk sweets and a purple fruit until she is interrupted by sniffling coming from the other side of the fountain.

Wren cranes her neck for a better view and spots a familiar dirty child. Wren sighs in understanding and glances down at her food. The world is always filled with difficultly for the weak. And no matter, how much she wished to aid the child there wasn’t much she could really do.

Wren glances back at the child for a second look and finds a familiar desolate look of loss in the child’s eyes. Wren glances back at her food and removes two fruits for herself and a handful of sweets. Wren whistles shrilly in air for the boy’s attention and reaches into her shirt pocket for 2 cooper coins. Well, at lest she could say she did a selfless deed if nothing else.