Part 2, or "Into the dark of the forest."

The next obstacle for the party is the Misty Forest. It is well known as a place of evil. Many who go in never come out. Those who manage to return seem changed in some undefinable way. A sane adventurer would never step foot in these woods. Unfortunately, there's no other way to reach Ash Mountain.

Part 2a, or "A brief disappearance."

The forest is dark and winding. The party quickly loses all sense of direction. And then they realize they've lost something else: Sabas has gone missing. Lana and Mezatrix desperately search for him for a good while. Finally, they find him sprawled on the forest floor. “Thanks for coming back for me. I must have tripped on something.”

Part 2b, or "Welcome to Old Creek Trader."

The party resumes their trek through the forest. Barely two minutes later, they come across a little trading post. The sign calls it “Old Creek Trader.” None of our heroes have ever heard of the place. who are these people? Why are they living in the middle of the woods?

Their exhaustion from the day's travel overcomes their self-preservation instincts, and the party decides to stay at the inn. The innkeeper is friendly and professional.

In the morning, Lana inquires about the best route to reach the mountain, but the innkeeper is unhelpful: “Ash Mountain? I've never heard of it. I don't think you can get there from here.”

Outside, the forest seems much less spooky than the night before. Old Creek Trader looks practically idyllic by daylight. There's just one problem: the forest seems to have shifted in the night. Every path out of the village is gone, and the area is surrounded by dense clusters of trees.

Part 2c, or "Let's split up, gang!"

The party splits up to investigate old Creek. Mezatrix is assigned to question the villagers. Sabas and Lana go off to see if it's possible to force their way out by cutting down a couple trees.

During Mezatrix's investigation, she finds that the villagers are generally quite friendly. They're very vague if questioned about the history of the village, how to get out, etc. Their primary objective seems to be trying to convince her to stay.

Sabas and Lana eventually come back. They've had no luck: there is no gap in the trees wide enough to squeeze through, and any bit Lana tries to chop down grows back on its own immediately.

Part 2d, or "A little slice of paradise."

It has been some time. The party feels perfectly at home in Old Creek. To Lana, it is a place where she can finally relax. She no longer has to worry about survival. To Sabas, it is a place where no one expects him to have any real responsibilities. To Mezatrix, it is a place where she is finally accepted.

But something has been nagging at Mezatrix. Why is she suddenly accepted? This sort of thing never happens. Sooner or later, her friends always abandon her.

What if it's her? What if she's the one who drives others away? It would be horrible to hurt the wonderful people of this village. Better to leave now, before she grows too attached.

Part 2e, or "You can't keep me here!"

In the middle of the night, Mezatrix makes her move. She creeps to the edge of the village and starts looking for a way out. She doesn't have much luck.

Suddenly, Lana is standing right behind her. “What do you think you're doing?” Without Mezatrix needing to explain, Lana begins to help her search.

No luck. In frustration, Lana swings her axe at a tree. This time, it doesn't heal immediately. Lana and Mezatrix stare for a moment at the new path they have created, and then run off to get Sabas.

Part 2f, or "A traitor."

Sabas's room is empty. Mezatrix and Lana search the village for him, but have no luck. Finally, they return to the wall of trees. Sabas is there, using his magic to mend the wounded branches.

There is a brief confrontation. Sabas insists that Old Creek is perfect. There's no reason to ever leave. Mezatrix and Lana don't buy it. Acting quickly, Mezatrix uses her magic to knock out Sabas, while Lana quickly resumes her work clearing a path into the forest.

Finally, the way is clear, and they begin their flight. Lana hauls Sabas's unconscious form over her shoulder. Unfortunately, the woods continue to work their dark magic. The trees extend seemingly forever in every direction.

Part 2g, or "That's not me! I'm me!"

Suddenly, a voice: “Mezatrix? Lana? Where are you?” From deeper in the woods, Sabas emerges. He looks horrible, with his clothes torn and hair matted.

This is troubling, since Lana is already carrying Sabas over her shoulder.

This new Sabas explains that he was separated from them in the woods over a week ago. He's been lost in here ever since, eating whatever mushrooms and berries he could find. Whatever that thing over Lana's shoulder is, it's not him.