After the group has been dropped off by Hap, spent a day investigating the items they have, and enjoying being in the grasslands each of them starts delving into their own studies.
Over the next week, the weather seems to stay cold where the group is, even as spring seems to be taking hold around them. Frost greets the group on their gear and around the camp.
As well, during this week, backpacks and other buckles seem to be open when they were left closed. Perhaps this coincides with the occasional dreams of twisted creatures begging to be released when nothing seems to shackle them, struggling to open doors that finally open to rooms full of seemingly worthless treasure, or attempting to read books that contain text that seems to form never-ending and circular writings.
The first morning after settling in, Rask is clearly unsettled in the early morning and he approaches Alexis after the morning meal.
“Boss, I’m worried we’re being watched, or perhaps there are fae about. It seemed colder than it should be this morning and something has been messing with my kit. I know my pack and pouches were all buckled fast when I went to sleep last night.”
Alexis looks up from writing in his book, and as he does so it seems to Rask that the page blurs momentarily.
Alexis looks at Rask for a long second before he seems to have heard what he said. “Hm? Oh.”
“I’ve noticed some of my buckles also being undone in the morning. Gus assures me nothing dangerous is nearby. No tracks, or anything like that. As for the frost, I’ve felt something similar before. Avv’s… location is closer to us right now. It appears her… attention… is… It appears I have gotten her attention.” Alexis seems unconcerned with this information.
Rask looks confused by Alexis’ uncertainty.
“Not everything dangerous leaves tracks…” he mumbles, hoping Gus won’t overhear him.
“You don’t think the two are related then?” he says a bit more clearly.
Alexis thinks for a moment.
“Hm, it could be. I have been thinking a lot on Ezrin the past few days. His ability to summon invisibility, lock doors, unlock doors. Keep an eye out for things going invisible.” Alexis gives Rask a wink “then we can test the theory.”
“Perhaps I, Red, can do something to help. Let me know if you keep seeing more strange happenings.”
At the mention of Ezrin Ethelred misses his step. The week had been going by without Red reflecting much on the world of magic. The mention of Ezrin stings like a miss opportunity. Like a teacher you should have listened to, and thanked.
Rask arches his eyebrows a bit, clearly skeptical and concerned.
“Very well, I will do so.”
Each morning that there is frost and or unusual open buckles on his equipment, Rask informs Alexis.
The next morning Rask goes to Alexis early,
“Buckles open… no sign of fa— invisible operators.”
Alexis looks up from smashing some sort of bright red berries in his palm. “Thank you Rask. Nothing taken?”
“Nothing taken. Permission to stow my gear buckle side down?”