The night grew late, and the campfire was bright. Eblana, Jazdia, and Vesemir had already fallen asleep, lulled by the warmth and tranquility of the place, untroubled by hunger, who wouldn't? 

Mr Elc volunteered to be the first watcher. He would be taking shifts with Stepan, who preferred to spend the quarter of the night smoking his pipe and just enjoying the vibe. For members of the party, the chats went on for a while, stories told, but at some point, they had to be told for another night, for the night was getting colder and the energy needed to be replenished for the journey ahead.   

So their first day in the inner part of the Land slipped away, as each morning dawned bright and fair. Jazdia had already awoke even before the sun was dawning on the eastern horizon. She did earn adequate sleep, but the fatigue was far from being driven away completely. 

Feeling that a breakfast would aid her better than continuing to sleep, the elf boiled a kettle of tea and prepared some marmalade sandwiches, which she promptly shared with Mr. Elc; the stacks served on a small saucer, accompanied by a cup of tea from her portable teaset. 

[color=ec008c]"So, I guess we didn't have any Ent ravaging our camp last night,"[/color] she said, handing the cup to him as the masked elf lifted a lower part of his mask and kept the rest settled on his nose. 

"[color=ec008c]No... we, don't, thanks to me and Stepan, you all could sleep safe and sound,"[/color] he replied, trying to hide a grin by munching the second sandwich. Jazdia could only respond with a weak smile, and the elf quickly realized that the remark might be a bit tasteless. 

After some awkward silence, he began.

"Twas the nightmares, isn't it?" 

Jazdia sipped her tea and sighed. 

[color=ec008c]"Yes, it's getting worse..."[/color]

Upon reflection, the changes in Jazdia's appearance had become increasingly noticeable. Although they seemed minor at first glance, he remembered that when they first met, her hair was a vibrant golden blonde, and her eyes were a striking ocean blue. Now, he noticed that the edges of her hair were beginning to bleach, and circular red patterns had appeared in her eyes.

"Hey, chin up!" He said, raising his cup to offer more than just sympathy. "It's just a few dozen leagues to go."

[color=ec008c]"Yay..."[/color] The elf's voice was tinged with dry sarcasm, and Mr Elc noticed that. He remembered Jazdia had once shared with him that the Great Library might hold the secret that could cure her ailment, but today, he noticed that the confidence had started to wane. But of course, the woman was an expert in hiding her thoughts when she needed to. A smile quickly appeared on her lips, followed by another gibe, and Mr. Elc saw no other option but to play along.

"Damp and dusty ruins await us then."

[color=ec008c]"And more devourers."[/color]

"My favourite..."

[color=ec008c]"Then what are we waiting for? Let's wake Vesemir up!"[/color] 

The masked elf shrugged. "You do, it milady. I am too occupied with my marmalade sandwich, very scrumptious, nom! Just what I need after ending my guard duty! Nom! Thank you very much, much appreciated! I hope you made enough of them for everyone... No? That's a shame..."

____

[b]Day 5
05:33 AM
Land of Twilight, Digenrana Glade[/b]