Kage being a touch underprepared wasn’t horribly unexpected given it was likely he spent little time in colder climes. Many underestimated them, though the ones known to be most in error were the Ælves that rarely left the isolated paradise of the Basin.
”Yes. That would be prudent. This fetch is reinforced to weather almost any natural disaster or Arcane assault, so you needn’t worry about losing your guide.” She responded, its raspy voice delivering that reassurance in a poised monotone.
Perhaps the notion of spending such resources on a Fetch would come across as bizarre to Kage, but having at least one fetch that’s as close to indestructible as one can get has its uses, particularly when having an external line of communication or reconnaissance tool were necessary elements for a job. And given the flexibility of Draoidh, she’d easily be able to shape it into something more or less conspicuous for any given scenario—after all, people kept vegetables of all sorts in all kinds of places in Ælheim.
“In fact, I’ve a recommendation; this way.” The little pumpkin scuttled off towards the city’s market district.
Nýrthalas itself was laid out along the coast of Iskavyr’s largest fjord, with the fjord’s mouth to the ocean opening westward. The smaller yet grander Ælven district was erected on the northern fourth of its coast and was connected to the market district, roughly equal in size. The markets served as a buffer between the Ælven and larger Fælnir counterpart that ran against the southern coast.
Kage was easily able to find what he sought in the well-stocked apothecary. Vrítræ’s fetch scuttled onto the counter and sat down while she waited for Kage to make a purchase; the Alchemist appeared to recognize it, and the greetings they exchanged cemented that the two were acquainted. There were several of the potion Kage sought already made—it was a common request, given the environment. Most Æld’Norai preferred potions for temperature regulation as opposed to relying on clothing or similar. And while a lower strength would work fine for the outdoors within the city limits or nearer to the border of Hespæria. It got colder as one neared the coast; the stronger potency was the prudent choice.
Once Kage was able to acquire what he needed from the shop, the pumpkin would hop down with a scratchy thud and follow the Ælf out of the store before once more taking the lead. Unless Kage mentioned something else he needed, they would resume their march out of the city, following a cobblestone road that ran along the coast of the fjord. Being summer, it was far warmer than the frozen wastes it would’ve been in the winter, but really all that meant was that instead of several feet of snow on the ground, there was only a light dusting thereof, giving the land a frosted feel. Being the dead of night, it was still several degrees below freezing.
The road did not stay paved with stone for long; it soon degraded into dirt, though apparently still well-kept. In the distance, the gigantic wooden arch that framed the midpoint of the fjord was visible; it had been from the city itself, but depending on one’s vantage, it would often be obscured by buildings. By the time they arrived at it, it was nearly dawn. Vrítræ would entertain most conversation along the way, should Kage wish for their journey not to be silent.
However, once they did arrive, one spindly vine of a leg would point towards a circle of mushrooms that had grown against the bark of the enormous arch. “There—the mushroom circle. Simply standing within its midpoint will activate the Causeway and you will fall through Arcadia and into Ælphyne.
Do keep your wits about you; this one leads to a dense jungle. In addition to Fae and Leshy, Ælphynian fauna are typically more robust than Antarokian due to the concentrated Saol. Try not to get lost…or die.”
She really couldn't offer advice more specific than that. The wilds of Ælphyne were unpredictable, even for experienced Draoidh with substantial survival skills.
꧁═════• ༺༉ {Vænir, Vrítræ fyn’Byrne Eunæ, Oculærist (as pumpkin fetch)} ༉༻•═════꧂
