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It was early morning, Collei was packing her satchel for her patrol. It was her first patrol at the edges of the rainforest alone. Usually, rangers were supposed to go in groups or two or four, and the only ranger that could do it by himself was Tighnari, since he wielded a vision.
Collei had managed to convince Tighnari to let her do this, after weeks of accompanying him on these patrols. After all, she had a vision too!.
Master tighanri had recuntally agreed. He had told her himself he knew he was capable, but as her guardian he had a right to be worried.
Collei had finished getting ready and went to go fetch her bow. She found it sitting next to tighnari on the couch. Tighnari looked up at her as she entered.
“Collei, are you sure you don't want to take a ranger friend with you? It's dangerous to go into those deep woods alone." Tighnari handed her her bow, his expression worried.
“I promise i can do it, its not my first time doing a patrol alone.” Collei took it from him and hooked it on her back “plus, I want to get practice doing more extensive patrols on my own like you master tighnari!”
Tighnari sighed in worry. “Okay fine… you can go but be back before dark.” He insisted. “Remember, Cyno is coming over for dinner tonight.” He smiled. “He has been looking forward to seeing you all week.
Collie giggled “I know, i know master tighnari.” she smilied. “I promise!!! On my ranger title.” Collei hugged him. Tighnari squeezed her tightly. His worriedness was radiating off him.
“Okay.. i trust you. Be safe Collei.” he let her go.
“I will!” collie smiled before running out the door. She ran quickly down their bridge and onto the path that weaved through their village
She began to skip down the path. Past all the other rangers coming out of their homes, children playing in the early morning, scholars chatting. She walked into the woods. She could hear another patrol doing their routes in the distance.
She trailed deeper into the forest. The border she was supposed to check and clear of any monsters was about a 2 hour walk there. It was over near the chasm, partially why the rangers grouped up. So if someone fell into the chasm or got hurt, someone else could go find help.
But Collei was stronger now. She was expertly trained with a bow, no longer suffered from elazar, and had a dendro vision. She could do this!
Unfortunately, she didn't get far before running to a group of wild fungi. Collei didn't hear them coming until one jumped on her back. “Hey-” she let out a yelp.
But luckily, she was prepared. “COLLENAMBER GO” she screamed. The fungi yelled in pain as her summon attacked them. The monsters ran away in pain.
“See master tighnari,” she called, as if he was listening. He probably could since is ears were so big. “Im perfectly a-okay!”
~~~~
Collei should have reached the border by now. The hot summer heat was attacking her hard. I should take a break once I reach the border. Collei reached to grab her water canister— which wasn't on her back.
Collei tried not to panic, but it was hard. Her water was missing, did it get knocked off when she fought the fungi?? The heat was unbearable, and the sun made it hard to see where she was going. Calm down Collei, you are going to be fine… now, what would master tighnari do?
Tighnari's lessons flooded through her brain. If you're ever lost without water, find the nearest running water source.
Well I'm not lost, but I do need water. Collei concluded. If I focus , maybe I can make my way back to the river. Collei closed her eyes and started to block out her senses. She focused hard on sound.
After a few minutes, when she was about to give up, she heard the soft trickle of water in the distance. Drip drip.
Collei opened her eyes, and very carefully followed the sound. She was being as quiet as possible, trying hard not to lose the sound.
She walked for what felt like an eternity. Her throat was sore from dehydration, and her legs were sore from walking for so long. She looked up at the sky, trying to gauge the time. The sun was high in the sky, it must be afternoon… I don't remember any patrols taking this long…
Soon, she pushed past shrubbery and a river came into view. Collei sighed in relief. She kneeled by the river, took her heavy bow off her back and placed it beside her, same with her bag. She rummaged through her bag, finding a small cup.
Collei leaned over the running water. It was a beautiful river, there were flowers on its banks, and vines and trees nearby. It was a sight that someone should paint. Maybe when i finish my patrol, i should write to uncle kaveh. Im sure he would love to see this place. It feels like a good place to paint. collei though with a simile.
She scooped up with water in her cup and lapped at it. It immediately quenched her throat. She began to drink faster. She didn't realize how thirsty she was. It was as relaxing as swimming on a hot day.
Collei scooped up more water in her cup, she drank and drank. Sadly, she was so focused on her thirst that she didn't hear the noise behind her. A crunch of branches being stomped on. The thing hid in the bushes, being where she was drinking. It watched as she picked up her things, but before she could grab her bow- BAM.
A large treasure hunter slammed into her, knocking her onto her side. Collei’s breath was temporarily knocked out. But it wasn't until he tried grabbing her bag from her, she realized what was happening. “I DON'T HAVE ANY TREASURE!” she yelled, but he just scoffed and didn't listen. She yanked her bag back and picked up her bow. He lunged at her again, but she dodged and he rolled into the bushes. He hit the ground hard. The treasure hunter looked up and fully took her in. She watched as his eyes took in her vision. He realized he was screwed. He scrambled to his feet and ran.
Collei began to chase after him, shooting a few arrows and making sure he got the message. She followed him until she lost him among the trees. Well that was annoying. She sighed. Wait where am i…? Collei felt a drop of worry in her stomach. She had been chasing him for so long, she didn't realize where she was going. If she wasn't lost before, she definitely was now.
She tried to retrace her steps, but couldn't find anything that looked familiar. She couldn't find the path. Collei was on the urge to panic. To make matters worse, the sun was setting. Master tighnari is going to be so worried… I should have just listened to him..”
Collie tried not to tear up, but it was too hard. Her legs gave out, and she fell onto her knees, sinking into the forest floor. It was all too much. She had gotten lost, didn't know where she was. She was too panicked to focus.
Tears flooded dow her face. Collie hugged her knees close to her chest. She was utterly, truely lost. It wasn't like she hadn't been lost before, but those times she was with a friend. She had never been lost alone before.
The sun sunk into the sky, and stars began to shine above, as if mocking her sadness. “Look at us! We are never lost!”
Sobs racked her body as she cried in fear and loneliness. The fear of being out here, alone, with no one to help her was utterly overwhelming. Archons, Tighnari must be worried. She had promise on her rank she would be fine, and she had broken it. She was going to lose her credentials.
The world slowly faded to black as Collei’s thoughts and crying drove her into exhaustion. She laid alone on the dark forest floor, lost and vulnerable.