The fighter kept his hand grasped firmly around the hilt of his sheathed sword as he ventured into the forest with the rest of the group. He took notice of the sinister mood which seemed to bare down on him like the touch of death itself. His plated boots crushed leaves underfoot and his chainmail jingled rhythmically which each step he took. Alarei withdrew his sword slowly and as quietly as he could able and at the same time brought his shield in front of him so that he could peak over it. The blade rested along the top of his shield as he took a cautious posture venturing forward. 

“Aye, stay close and keep an eye out for your flanks – this forest permeates death.” The twisted and gnarled roots of trees swept across the blackened ground as if they were trying to snatch at his ankles and drag him underneath. “This mission of ours could end sooner than expected if we don’t cover each other’s backs.”