The day had been gruelling. The party trudged through desolate terrain, their nerves on edge as they avoided hordes of undead that roamed the land. Every sound felt like a potential threat, every shadow a lurking enemy. By the time dusk fell, exhaustion hung heavy over the group. They set up camp in a small grove, huddled close around the fire. [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]] and [[Zara Blackwood|Zara]] tended to the gear, [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]] writing into his book, and [[Ellette|Ellette]] sat beside Gugar, helping the girl brush her tangled hair. The stillness of the night was a welcome reprieve. One by one, they drifted off to sleep, the fire burning low. [[Ellette|Ellette]] once again took the first watch, her eyes scanning the darkness. Hours passed without incident, the occasional rustle of leaves the only sound. But then, a figure emerged from the shadows. Cloaked and moving silently, the stranger crept into the camp, their eyes glinting with intent. The figure began rifling through [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]]’s pack, carefully lifting out a pouch of coins and a small trinket. [[Ellette|Ellette]]’s sharp instincts kicked in. She slipped from her position by the fire and moved like a shadow, her dagger drawn. $\hspace{1cm}$[[Ellette|Ellette]]: *“You picked the wrong camp to steal from.”* The thief froze as [[Ellette|Ellette]] pressed the blade to their neck. Slowly, the cloaked figure raised their hands in surrender. $\hspace{1cm}$Thief: “Easy, easy! No need for violence!” The commotion stirred the others. [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]] sat up, his face dark with fury. $\hspace{1cm}$[[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]]: “What in the Nine Hells is going on?” $\hspace{1cm}$[[Ellette|Ellette]]: *“A thief. Thought they’d help themselves to your things.”* [[Zara Blackwood|Zara]] lit a lantern, illuminating the stranger’s face as [[Ellette|Ellette]] yanked back the hood. Before them stood a male water Genasi with shimmering turquoise skin and a short green mohawk. He grinned sheepishly, his webbed hands still raised. $\hspace{1cm}$[[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]]: “You’ve got some nerve, sneaking into *our* camp.” $\hspace{1cm}$Genasi: “Hey, I wasn’t going to hurt anyone! Just doing my job.” [[Ellette|Ellette]] narrowed her eyes. $\hspace{1cm}$[[Ellette|Ellette]]: *“Your job? Who sent you?”* The Genasi hesitated, then sighed. $\hspace{1cm}$Genasi: “Zargathax. He doesn’t like visitors. Said to stop anyone who looked like trouble.” The party exchanged glances, tension thick in the air. [[Ellette|Ellette]] tightened her grip on the dagger. $\hspace{1cm}$[[Ellette|Ellette]]: *“What’s your name?”* $\hspace{1cm}$Genasi: “[[Qwimby|Qwimby]]. Not that it matters. You’re probably going to kill me, right?” [[Ellette|Ellette]] smirked. $\hspace{1cm}$[[Ellette|Ellette]]: *“Not yet. Let’s have a chat first.”* The party interrogated [[Qwimby|Qwimby]], learning little about Zargathax’s plans. The genasi was tight-lipped, claiming he didn’t know much beyond his orders. Finally, [[Ellette|Ellette]] pulled out a jar of water from her pack—a cursed relic they’d picked up earlier in their journey. She offered it to [[Qwimby|Qwimby]]. $\hspace{1cm}$[[Ellette|Ellette]]: *“Here. Let’s toast to your survival.”* [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] eyed the jar suspiciously but shrugged. $\hspace{1cm}$[[Qwimby|Qwimby]]: “Well, if you insist.” He drank, and his eyes glazed over as the water’s curse took hold. The memories of his orders, his mission, and even Zargathax himself slipped from his mind. $\hspace{1cm}$[[Ellette|Ellette]]: *“Looks like you’ve had a change of heart.”* [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] blinked, confused. $\hspace{1cm}$[[Qwimby|Qwimby]]: “What was I saying? Wait—who are you all again?” [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]] snorted. $\hspace{1cm}$[[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]]: “We’re your new allies, genius. We’re after Zargathax, same as you. Big reward in it for us all.” [[Ellette|Ellette]] added with a wink, $\hspace{1cm}$[[Ellette|Ellette]]: *“And you’re on our side now. Welcome to the team.”* [[Qwimby|Qwimby]], now thoroughly disoriented, nodded uncertainly. $\hspace{1cm}$[[Qwimby|Qwimby]]: “Uh... yeah. Sure. I’m in.” The party settled back down for the night, though there was an undercurrent of unease. $\hspace{1cm}$[[Karrut Styk|Karrut]]: “You really think it’s a good idea to keep him around?” $\hspace{1cm}$[[Ellette|Ellette]]: *“He’s harmless now. And he might be useful.”* As the camp fell silent again, [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] sat by the fire, looking between his new companions with wide eyes. Whatever had brought him to this point, he couldn’t quite remember—but he was in it now. [[Chapter 25. Town Betwixt Death]]