Divine Journey

- So, what brings you to this place? You don't seem like an ordinary tourist who came to admire the architecture of the ruins.

I see no point in hiding the obvious.
- I won't be original: I intend to participate in the treasure hunt. I think it could turn into a very exciting event. Is your reason for being in this wonderful place related to mine?

- I... I was just walking through the forest when I saw a fire... Master Hostor, please lower your weapon, I won't do anything bad.

Upon closer inspection, the young man turned out to be a young elf, looking strange and... rather naive. He couldn't seem to control his nervousness, and Redram finally lowered his crossbow.
- Alright. Don't make any sudden moves, and everything will be fine, - Hostor gestured for the elf to come closer and, as if forgetting about the stranger, looked at the healer. - Faelvir, is Daar okay? We need to leave here and move the bodies to the village for burial. Can you carry the girl? Then Daar and I will take Vincent. And don't forget the belongings, - the mage returned to the fire, bent down, picked up the weapon of the deceased comrade, and only then turned his attention to the stranger again.
- What's your name?

- I won't be original: I intend to participate in the treasure hunt. I think it could turn into a very exciting event. Is your reason for being in this wonderful place similar to mine?

- Partially. I am more interested in what mysterious things lie in the depths of these ruins than in some material wealth. It's hard to believe that no one has ever been able to return from there. Have you managed to find a suitable company for this kind of adventure?

He didn't find anything. The staff was also quite ordinary.

Nokou carefully examined and felt the walls and floor of the cave again, just in case, but he no longer hoped to find anything. However, he decided to wait before resurfacing, just to be absolutely sure he wouldn't have to return.

- Daar is severely injured, - Hostor heard several hoarse voices, filled with grief and disappointment, belonging to Faelvir, - but unfortunately, I cannot heal him. My powers are depleted. I could try non-magical methods, but that would take time.
Faelvir silently took the girl in his arms. His mood was somber, but he maintained control.
- Let's go.

Noko once again carefully examined and felt the walls and floor of the cave, just in case, but he no longer hoped to find anything.

And again, nothing. There were no items or any passages.

Carefully lowering his hands and looking into the man's face, the young elf approached closer, almost stumbling along the way.

- What is your name?

- My mother gave me the name Lindeskar.

Now, standing near the campfire, he looked around. Those strange piles at the entrance to the cave, located in the rock, turned out to be the corpses of giant spiders. He understood everything and even regretted his thoughts that these travelers might have killed someone. Lindeskar hastened to offer his help:

- Let me help you. Tell me what needs to be done.

Nokou was quite upset. “Well, perhaps in time, the underground waters will cleanse this well. At least, no one can poison it anymore. Maybe it’s even worth trying to clean it.” He hoisted the old man onto his shoulders and, nodding to his companion to indicate that it was time to leave, swam back to the surface. Swimming upwards was much easier than going down, so very soon he emerged from the water and entrusted the body to the waiting gnome, briefly recounting what had happened.

- Partially. I'm more interested in what mysterious things lie in the depths of these ruins than in some material capital. It's hard to believe that no one has ever been able to return from there. Have you managed to find a suitable company for this kind of adventure?

- Funny, I'm not drawn to the treasure itself; I'm a very simple person. I had a small group, but they all perished a few weeks ago. A real tragedy, they were reliable companions. Since then, I've been going alone. I don't really like all this... - the Dungeon dweller gestured with his hand at the motley crowd. - I wanted to go alone.

Anpeitu followed her companion, pondering what had happened. It was clear that this strange man had poisoned the well, but what to do now was unclear.

Daar slowly got to his feet. After Faëlvir's spell, he felt a little better, although he was still weak.
- Let's go, - the elf approached Vincent's body, lifted him by the legs, and looked questioningly at Hostor.

Fang surveyed his companions with a conciliatory look. "Gentlemen, there's no need to get nervous," he said. "Bad nerves are bad for your health, trust me. I've already offered my compromise. There's really no point in recruiting a large company, but I wouldn't refuse to have at least one more person with us." The man looked at Matthias, focusing on his attire. "Can you take on enemy attacks?" he asked him. Without waiting for an answer, the celestial turned to Nel, but only smiled condescendingly: "No, I won't ask you that question. The answer is already obvious." Fang spoke again, addressing both companions: "Look, I think the ideal option would be to add one more ranged combatant to our team – an archer or a thrower of sharp objects, if there are any here – and a mage. If Matthias cannot be our main defensive force, then also an armored warrior. No more is needed, and less is dangerous. Matthias, listen," the celestial said to the mercenary, "I understand your concerns, but you also need to understand my reasons. At least one more person is definitely needed. I don't want to find myself in a high cave full of harpies spitting poison, without ranged support. We won't be able to reach them. And yes, I'm just a healer. No, I know spells that will help you, let's say, feel better, but that's all. I hope you now agree with the need to complete our party."

- My mother gave me the name Lindeskar. Let me help you. Tell me what needs to be done.

- Good, Lindeskar. We're going back to the village. Walk beside Daar. He's weak, he might need help, - Hostor surveyed the campsite and, satisfied that everything was alright, approached Vincent. - Although, wait, I forgot something.
Redram, smirking, approached the corpse of the spider queen, drew his sword, and cut off the creature's head. Then he returned to the campfire and, wrapping the trophy in Vincent's cloak, handed the bundle to his new acquaintance. - Carry this for now, we'll find a place for it.
The mage scattered the campfire with his blade, put the sword back in its sheath, and only then took the deceased comrade under his arms.
- Well, let's go.

What a nightmare, Tox.

Analytical mind. But Zubr has already proven that he understands.