Rex nods, looking down at reports. "And of course, the Regent is blocking anyone investigating things since he can't order anyone to do anything." He sighed.

A soft squak came from the skull as Skuggi poked his head out, looking around and exiting the eyehole of his new nest. He looked a little big bigger as he stood on it, preening his feathers. Rex shook his head as he noticed the bird was about to start molting, watching him drop feathers on the ground. Rex moved to collect them, as they were a useful component in some ritual spells. Jay noticed that a few feathers matched those found on the jacket. "I was wondering when you start dropping those. You took a nasty swipe there, friend."

[hr]

The elder vampire watched in the shadows of the trees. Vex could see little flashes of red all around, as he followed. Using his gifts he created shadowy beasts to assail her, forcing her to fight every few minutes. When she went to the top of the trees, a large roc swooped down, knocking her out of the canopy.

"The forest if indeed hungry for fresh blood, child. You must show that your will shall not surrender." Zion whispered this next to her ear but was gone before she could turn to face him. He stood back on a tree branch, watching. They were making their way to the city and she would soon be free of the forest. He smiled at how strong her will was proving to be. She would probably need to rest when she finished his test but Vex was proving well enough that he would have recommended her for the Rangers.