Randsford (prime)/Vignette: The Lazy, Cold Watch

This is a creative work set in the world of Elanthia, attributed to its original author(s). It does not necessarily represent the official lore of GemStone IV.

Title: The Lazy, Cold Watch

Author: Randsford (prime)

The cold crisp chill of the Hinterwild's winds blows quietly in the night as a figure all clad in white stands stoically in the lone Watch Post staring into the distance. The winds had brought with them something new this evening; loud banging echoes through the crisp, clear air, and a steady stream of smoke rising into the sky above the forest north of Cold River. The disturbances were met with a loud bang, a high-pitched grinding sound that emanated across the region followed by a rumble.

The figure paces back and forth staring in all directions from his post, frustration visible in his face. He sniffs several times as he paces trying to catch a glimpse of the strange smell from earlier once more; an acrid scent of something burning it is an old and attenuated smell. He turns his back from the distance and clutches his heart shaped pendant seeking comfort and guidance to sway his worries. He closes his eyes and chants a brief prayer causing a pale pink light to surround him along with a scent of fresh flowers. He inhales deeply and opens his eyes.

At the figure's feet lay a pair of ethereal wolves; one is fast asleep snoring softly as it rests, the other wolf yawns lazily as it looks at its master. The figures kneels to pet his companion and quietly speaks, "It must be nice to not have a care in this world and to sleep so peacefully when danger lurks from every corner. First we discover a camp containing goddess knows what and now these noises in the Hinterwilds trouble me further. This sounded mechanical but Tribia stated no other airships besides the Firebird have arrived. Perhaps the other Gigas villages she mentioned that are not reachable contain the answer or at least a clue."

The figure all clad in white gives a deep sigh of frustration before rising to his feet. He then turns once more to face the wilderness and resumes his stoic watch, sniffing occasionally for any signs of where the smoke may have originated.