AAE-001-006

{ <center> <img src="../images/5.jpg" height="400" width="400"> "I will reveal to you a love potion, without medicine, without herbs, without any witch’s magic; if you want to be loved, then love." - Hecaton [[.....|leaving the city]] <center> [[<img src="../images/gear6.jpg" height="100" width="100">|leaving the city]] </center> }

**Walking through the Koilo-grass** To the south, she could see a [[darkened, flat, and barren area|wastes]]. The faint aroma of cooking fires laced with earthy spices could be savored somewhere up a barely detectable [[trail through the forest]] to the northeast. While most of the Dolionian citizens would never be able to detect it, Zephyra knew its source in an instant.

**Looking at the vessel** Zephyra was no Trierarch, but she sensed that this vessel was old. Maybe ancient... There was something out its shape and construction that was certainly foreign and, again, most likely very old. It was a reasonably large vessel. She struggled to tell if it had been a cargo transport or a passenger liner. Elements in its stylings suggested it possessed both capabilities. The smell of cooking fires forced she focus back toward the [[Plains]] and to the forest to the east of it. As she left, she turned back to look at the craft. Despite its torn-up and dented outer appearance, it possessed a poised and regal stature. Where had it come from? Where had it been? Likely these were questions to forever remain unanswered. One thing was certain. Despite the craft's robust outer dispostion, it was clearly not going anywhere anytime soon. It was a corpse. A beached whale in an elephant graveyard. Dark and powerless despite its inner light.

**Standing in the Burned Out Area** Zephyra walked out into the barren area. The ground was dark and rocky. Several small craft, broken or crashed, had been hauled here over the years by the workers at Fairhaven. A [[larger vessel|wrecked vessel]], half covered in earth and twisting vines, sat on the edge of the clearing and protruded partially into the adjacent forest.

**Walking the Forest Trail** Zephyra make her way through the forest. The little blue monkey slept soundly on one of her parcels. The [[Gegenees village]] was some miles yet down the trail and she would be pleased to finally have some rest.

**Travelling South** Zephyra, gathering up some bags of purchased goods, a medium-sized amphora, and a basket of fruits, jumped on the back of a south-bound wagon. Empty after a day at the Agora, there was ample space. The farmer, pleased to receive some unexpected coins, gave the Camelopardalis a swat with his switch and [[ventured forth|farmland]].

**Traveling through the Farmland** The wagon causually moved down the wide roadway, past the farms, and farmhouses that spanned for miles and miles below the City. After some hours, the wagon stopped and Zephyra jumped off. With a wave, the farmer headed home to his family. He gave her a second look, however, as he wondered why she would asked to be dropped off in the middle of nowhere. Surely she had heard tales of the fierce beastmen, cannibals and users of dark magics, who dwelt around the base of Mount Dindymous. Only a fool would risk life and limb to venture into that realm of darkness and evil. Zephyra made her way southeast on foot. Carrying the goods made for a strenuous journey and carrying the little blue monkey did not help. Soon the farmland ended and an expanse of [[Plains]], waist-high in waving grasses, began.

**Blocked on the Border** The forest became less dense and opened into a small clearing. In the fading light of Propontis, everthing took on a grey coloration. Colors faded and details were impossible to discern. It was quiet and Zephyra stood motionless. Something was different this evening. Something was maybe even wrong. The Theran Blue Monkey woke with a start and peered into the forest. He emitted a low growl. Then she heard the bushes part [[behind her]]...

**Confrontation with the Gegenees Warriors** Zephyra gently placed her goods on the forest floor. Turning slowing, she cautiously raised her hands to show she was unarmed. "May these items feed the Gegenees and bring them prosperity," she said softly. Three Gegenees warriors stood before her. The tallest of them stepped forward and looked Zephyra in the eye. Leaning over closer to her, the bear-like being sniffed her hair and clothing. Relaxing, he spoke to the others with what sounded like a series of grunts and growls. He smiled and said, "Forgive us, Zephyra. Tonight holds ill omens and Tremarctos, our Soothsayer, has cautioned us to be on our guard." Zephyra presented the bags of goods, the amphora, and the basket of fruits to the warriors. The lesser warriors bowed in gratitude, took the items, and then vanished into the forest. Only the senior Gegenees remained to [[speak further]] with her.

**Speaking with the Gegenees** "Your generousity and kindness is well-known to the Gegenees. We thank you for your gifts and wish you well this evening and for the rest of your days," said the warrior. He reached out with one of his six arms and handed her a totem. Zephyra nodded and promptly put on the necklace. "Ursus has ordered us to seal off the village from all outsiders, but may this protect and guard you against evil," wished the elder. He then followed the path the others had taken and passed out of sight. Zephyra was hurt by the word, "outsider," as she had spent equal days and nights with them as she had in the City. She understood their motives and caution. While she did not believe in their superstitions, she know that the visions of Tremarctos had huge sway over the tribe. The monkey fell back asleep and Zephyra [[plotted her journey]].

**Taking the Long Way Around** Taking care to steer around and well away from the borders of the village and the immediate lands surrounding it, Zephyra made her way to the foothills of Mount Dindymous. In time, she was at the base and after hours of climbing had reached <a href="AAE-001-007.html">the summit</a>. { <center> <a href="AAE-001-007.html"><img src="../images/gear6.jpg" height="100" width="100"></a> </center> }