The Strife Within    

"This is strange. There shouldn't be any of Nix's brood snooping close around here," Von muttered after introducing Cappy to Horizon.

"What do you mean?" Horizon asked.

"The Cleave hasn't seen any of Nix's brood for years so close to their home," Von explained, frowning.

"Does that mean you've been stuck here for years?"

"Urk . . ." Von winced as if the words had struck him directly in the heart.

"He got you good," Cappy chided, fluttering around.

"Anyway, we've got to report this to the leader," Von changed the topic, and quickly descended the cliff. "Horizon, let's hurry."

"I don't think you need to rush. Vodgo's illness is getting worse," Cappy added, a hint of concern in its voice. "I don't think he would hear what you got to say anytime soon."

Horizon trailed behind, taking in the eerie surroundings as they finally reached the cave entrance. There, they were confronted by a group of strange-looking humanoids.

Elves, orcs, and halflings with skin tones ranging from dark to light stood guard, their features a blend of human and native traits.

Horizon wasn't surprised. Humans had arrived in Eternia over a century ago, and interbreeding with the native tribes had become common, resulting in half-breeds with more human-like features. The dragons must have snatched them and some of them had been living here.

"Von, you're back," said one of the guards, his eyes narrowing as they fell on Horizon. "Who's he?"

"Don't worry, he's a friend. He's from Eternia and got drag here by the Dragons," Von explained. "But I need to see Vodgo — this is urgent."

The guards exchanged worried glances, their expressions tense. "You're free to go to Vodgo, but . . . I don't know if they'll let you in. His health is deteriorating fast, and Tulemo and the other elders are gathered in his chamber right now."

Von didn't hesitate, striding into the cave with Horizon close behind.

The cavern was far larger than the narrow entrance suggested, opening up into a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers.

The flickering torchlight cast quivering shadows across the walls, revealing pits and hollows that hinted at hidden depths.

Within this vast complex, hundreds of elves, dwarves, halflings, and other Valernians (native non-dragon race in Drakha) bustled about. Their shelters were an odd mix — too well-built and cozy to be considered temporary, yet too flimsy and practical to be permanent homes.

The tribe was large, active, and clearly accustomed to the harsh mountain life.

"Von!"

Horizon and Von stopped in their tracks as a stern voice called out. A light-skinned, middle-aged half-human woman with dark hair and a no-nonsense expression approached them. She was clad in the robes of a priest, her demeanor commanding.

"Who is he?" she demanded, nodding at Horizon, her tone sharp.

"Lady Rysamora, this is Horizon, an Eternian like me," Von quickly explained. "He just arrived here after being dragged by a dragon during the Red Moon earlier."

Rysamora's eyes narrowed as she scrutinized Horizon. With a click of her tongue, she sighed in annoyance. "I hope this is the last time you bring someone here. We're already short on resources, and another mouth to feed will only worsen our predicament."

Horizon frowned, while Von bowed apologetically. "I'm sorry, Lady Rysamora, but I couldn't just leave a fellow Eternian out there. But that aside, I need to report something urgent to Vodgo," he said, swiftly changing the subject.

"And what might that be?" Rysamora asked, crossing her arms.

Von leaned in, his voice urgent. "On our way here, we encountered Nix'udjar dragonkin — seven of them! Horizon and I managed to take them down, but you can still see their crumpled bones outside."

Rysamora shook her head and rubbed her temples, clearly exasperated. "That's not important right now."

"Not important? But—"

"Vodgo is getting worse," Rysamora cut him off, her voice firm. "Telling him this will only aggravate his condition, so keep this information to yourself."

"But what if it's something serious? We need to investigate. Those undead dragons haven't come near here in years," Von protested, frustration seeping into his voice.

"Enough," Rysamora took a deep breath, her gaze piercing as she locked eyes with Von. "Listen to me. Those Nix'udjar dragonkin probably wandered too far. They're mindless; they don't pose a real threat. Stop worrying and keep this to yourself. Understood?"

Von could do nothing but nod, his resolve momentarily shaken.

Rysamora then turned her attention to Horizon. "You can stay here, but don't expect food three times a day. And in turn for letting you stay, you need to work. Von you brought him here so he is your responsibility." With that, she turned on her heel and disappeared into the chieftain's chambers.

"Sorry about that," Von said to Horizon with a sheepish grin. "Everyone's a bit on edge because of Vodgo's condition."

"Why's that?" Horizon asked, curious. He just arrived here so he didn't understand the situation.

Von scratched the back of his head. "Let's sit down first. I need to rest for a bit. I'll explain everything then."

Von led Horizon to the fireside, where a few Valernians sat huddled together, seeking refuge from the biting cold of the eternal night. The flames flickered, casting dancing shadows across the cave walls, offering a brief respite from the harshness of their reality.

After rummaging through a small pouch, Von handed Horizon a handful of herbs he had gathered from the sparse garden outside. "It's not much, but it's something."

Horizon accepted the meager offering — a mix of twigs, leaves, and roasted insects charred to a crisp. "Thanks," he said, though the look on his face betrayed his distaste.

"You'll get used to it," Cappy said, fluttering nearby.

Von forced a chuckle, trying to mask his own discomfort. "We're living in the middle of a graveyard, so don't expect any gourmet meals. Real food is a distant memory." The attempt at humor fell flat, and his words trailed off into a sigh.

"It's fine," Horizon replied, taking a tentative bite. "We can survive without proper food for a while."

It was a stark reminder of their current state. Though they were humans, their avatars were different. They could endure days without sustenance, but eventually, the lack of nourishment would start to drain their health bar.