Calm Before the Storm

Life has been slow ever since that day by the stream. Lucian and Lilly became much more cautious of their surroundings with their unappointed protector missing.

They spent most of their time observing and understanding the world around them. A typical day would involve acquiring rations, practicing magic and study of wildlife. The horror of that day taught them a valuable lesson. They needed to become stronger and to never leave the clearing alone.

Days turned to weeks, into months until one day they noticed something out of place while on patrol.

"Why are there so many?"

Lilly was referring to the ensemble of monsters that had gathered in the valley below them.

"I don't know. But more importantly why aren't they fighting?"

The Garden was a hostile place to all its inhabitants. Usually they stuck to weaker prey but when monsters met they'd at least fight over the territory. But these ones were just idling next to each other.

A few Skretts gnawed at rocks, the child-sized rodents eager to sharpen their dirty, crooked pocket knives.
Above, Hookshades clung to the cliff’s crevices.
These nasties were nocturnal, often stalking them at night, using every shadow available to creep closer, yet never attacking.

And then there was the Gnoll of course. This one badly injured. Weak.

"Why aren't they doing anything? Even catching Volpas is harder than finishing that guy off!"

"Calm down. We're in trouble if they spot us. Keep watching them, I'll look around if I can spot something."

"Okay, but be careful." There was honest concern in Lilly's voice.

"I will."

Lucian closed his eyes and concentrated.

"Echo."

The mental image started small, only focused around the two of them. Cautious he expanded the reach of the soundwaves. First the edge of the cliff they were looking down from came into view. Then the forest behind and soon the other side of the chasm.

"Careful now," Lucian thought to himself. With every further expansion of his vision the strain became more intense. As the waves stretched outward, pressure continued building in his skull until his vision shimmered at the edges. One wrong push and he’d snuff himself out like a candle.

Sweat was forming on his forehead as the monsters finally came into view. Much of the surroundings were also unveiled but nothing else stood out.
Lucian opened his eyes again, wiping the sweat off his face.

"We should be fine here. Let's observe for a little longer."

"Okay."

As they watched, some monsters left but many more arrived. Their numbers slowly increasing to a dangerous amount.

"I think we should leave." Lilly was getting nervous.

"It's getting dark anyway. I see your point."

Knowing to trust in her instincts, the two backed away. Whatever the monsters were doing, finding out wasn't worth the risk anymore.

"Wait Lucian! Do you smell that?"

Surprised, Lucian closed his eyes and tried identifying the scent Lilly picked up on... until he found it.
"Very funny. I'll wash up tomorrow so put up with it for now."

Lilly gave him a serious and annoyed glare.
"Do you really not smell that?"

Lucian gave it another shot and now he noticed the air was carrying a musky sting.
"Fire?"