The Walk to the Canteen

The sun had dipped below the horizon, leaving the forest in a twilight haze. The air was cooler now, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. Gorik led the way through the winding forest path, his axe slung casually over his shoulder. Eldrin followed, his footsteps light on the moss-covered ground, though his mind was heavy with questions.

The two had been walking for a while, the silence between them comfortable yet charged with unspoken thoughts. Gorik's presence was like a shield—his easy confidence and formidable strength made Eldrin feel safer than he had since entering Draventh. The forest, though still eerie with its twisted trees and lurking shadows, seemed less threatening with Gorik at his side.

"So, Gorik," Eldrin finally began, breaking the silence, "how long have you been in Draventh? You seem pretty familiar with this place."

Gorik chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that made Eldrin feel as though the man had been expecting the question. "Longer than I care to count," he said, his eyes scanning the path ahead. "Time flows differently here, you know. A day in this realm could be a month or a year in another. But I've been here long enough to know its secrets, its rhythms."

Eldrin frowned, trying to wrap his mind around the concept. "So, you're... trapped here?"

"Not exactly," Gorik replied, his tone light but with a hint of something darker beneath it. "I'm here by choice. Came here seeking something, and until I find it, I don't plan on leaving."

"What are you looking for?" Eldrin asked, curiosity piqued.

Gorik paused for a moment, as if considering how much to reveal. Then he shrugged, as if deciding it didn't matter. "Power, knowledge—depends on who you ask. But really, I'm searching for a challenge. Something worthy of my skills, something that can push me beyond my limits. Draventh is a dangerous place, sure, but it's also a place of opportunities."

Eldrin nodded, though he wasn't sure he fully understood. The idea of willingly staying in such a perilous realm was foreign to him, but then again, Gorik was no ordinary person.

"Seems like you've faced plenty of challenges already," Eldrin said, recalling the earlier battle with the Sylvan Stalkers. "You make it look easy."

Gorik's grin returned, but there was a seriousness in his eyes now. "Don't let appearances fool you, kid. This place can chew you up and spit you out if you're not careful. Those Stalkers were nothing compared to what lurks in the deeper parts of the forest. And then there's... well, there's something else you should know."

Eldrin's interest sharpened. "What is it?"

Gorik's expression grew more somber as they continued walking. "This time of year, Draventh undergoes a... let's call it a transformation. The locals refer to it as the 'Night of the Red Moon.' It's a rare event, happens only once every few years, but when it does... well, things get ugly."

Eldrin felt a chill run down his spine. "Ugly how?"

"The moon turns a deep red, like blood," Gorik explained. "And when that happens, the beasts here go wild. It's like they're driven mad by the sight of it. They become stronger, more aggressive, and they start to hunt anything that moves. The worst part is, the effect isn't limited to the regular beasts. Even the plants, the very air itself, becomes hostile. The whole forest comes alive with a thirst for blood."

Eldrin swallowed hard, his mind racing. "And this... this Night of the Red Moon, when is it supposed to happen?"

Gorik glanced at the darkening sky, a faint glow of concern in his eyes. "Soon. Could be tomorrow, could be in a few days. That's why we're heading to the canteen. It's one of the few safe places during the Red Moon. The walls are warded against the forest's influence, and there's food, drink, and good company. Best to wait it out there."

Eldrin felt a wave of relief at the mention of safety, but it was quickly overshadowed by anxiety. "What happens if you're caught outside during the Red Moon?"

"Depends on how lucky you are," Gorik said with a grim chuckle. "Some manage to find shelter in time, but most... well, they're not heard from again. The Red Moon doesn't last long—just one night—but that's more than enough time for the forest to claim its victims."

Eldrin shuddered at the thought. The idea of the entire forest turning into a hostile, living entity was terrifying. He had faced many dangers since arriving in Draventh, but this was on a whole different level.

Gorik must have sensed Eldrin's unease, because he clapped a hand on the younger man's shoulder, nearly making him stumble. "Don't worry, kid. Stick with me, and you'll be fine. We'll ride out the Red Moon, then get back to business as usual."

Eldrin nodded, though his heart was still pounding. He knew he had no choice but to trust Gorik—after all, he had no idea how to survive such an event on his own.

They continued walking in silence for a while longer, the forest growing darker with each passing minute. Eldrin noticed that the trees here were less twisted, more like the ones in his own world, but they still held an otherworldly aura. The path widened as they neared their destination, and soon, the faint glow of lanterns could be seen through the trees.

The canteen was a sturdy-looking building nestled among the trees, with thick stone walls and a thatched roof. Warm light spilled from the windows, and Eldrin could hear the low murmur of voices and the clinking of glasses from inside. The sight was comforting, a stark contrast to the ominous forest surrounding it.

"Here we are," Gorik said, his tone more relaxed now. "This place is a haven for travelers and adventurers. You'll find all sorts here—warriors, mages, traders. People from all realms come here to rest, share stories, and wait out the dangers of Draventh."

They reached the door, and Gorik pushed it open with ease. The warm air and the smell of roasting meat hit Eldrin as they stepped inside. The interior was spacious and cozy, with wooden tables and chairs scattered around, and a large hearth crackling with a welcoming fire. A few patrons looked up as they entered, but most quickly returned to their drinks and conversations.

Gorik led Eldrin to a table near the hearth, setting his axe down with a heavy thud. He motioned for Eldrin to sit, and a moment later, a serving girl appeared with two tankards of ale, setting them down with a smile.

"To surviving Draventh," Gorik said, raising his tankard.

Eldrin mirrored the gesture, feeling a bit more at ease now. "To surviving," he echoed, taking a sip. The ale was strong, but it warmed him from the inside, chasing away the last of his nerves.

As they settled into their seats, Eldrin couldn't help but glance at the door, wondering how much time they had before the Red Moon rose. The canteen might be safe, but the thought of what lay beyond its walls was enough to keep his senses on high alert.

"So, Gorik," Eldrin said, trying to distract himself from the growing tension in his chest, "what do we do now?"

Gorik grinned, leaning back in his chair. "We wait, we rest, and we keep our ears open. The Night of the Red Moon is a dangerous time, but it's also when the rarest opportunities arise. If you're brave—or crazy—enough to take them."

Eldrin wasn't sure if he was either of those things, but as he looked at Gorik's confident expression, he felt a flicker of determination ignite within him. He had come to Draventh to get stronger, to face challenges and grow. And if that meant braving the Red Moon, then so be it.

For now, though, he would enjoy the warmth of the fire, the comfort of the ale, and the company of someone who seemed to have mastered the very dangers that haunted this realm.