Visha looked around the cave. Several people she thought were just lazy before took on a new meaning. She bit her lips, knowing she had to find Glimmer-Moss, whatever that was.
Since the system asked her to find it, it must be something that can help overcome the Blight.
She gripped Xeno's hand. She spoke tentatively. She hoped he would go with her, but he wouldn't force her. Especially when Uri and his father were both down for the count.
"I'm going to look for something. I'm not sure how long it will take. You stay with them until I come back."
Not waiting for an answer, she walked towards their little nest. Taking out her thermal clothes, donning them over the animal skin she was wearing.
Xeno didn't understand why she said she was leaving. Is she afraid she might catch the Blight? Does she not think he can protect her? Does Uri not matter to her?
The more he thought, the more he had a sinking feeling, and the more he panicked.
He watched her put on the clothes.
It wasn't until she started moving towards the cave entrance that he ran towards her. He picked her up. Walking outside with her. He didn't want anyone to hear what they were about to say.
He didn't want anyone to see her crying or begging to leave, if that's what she wanted to do. He didn't want Uri to see it.
"Put me down. What are you doing?" Her legs flailed as he carried her.
When they were far enough away, he spoke, "Don't leave, okay? I don't want you to leave. Uri doesn't want you to leave. What if he wakes up and doesn't see you? What am I supposed to tell him? If something happens, I can still protect you. Can you not leave?"
Visha heard his pleading, wondering if he was that heartbroken because he wouldn't see her for a few days.
She looked at this giant man, this tiger, begging her not to leave. The heartbreak in his voice and eyes was evident, and something settled in her heart. She reached for his cheek. He bent down to give it to her. His hand, holding her as she stroked his cheek.
"I'll only be gone for a few days. There's something I want to find. It will help Uri get better. It's not like I'll never come back. It's almost time for the harsh winter. You don't think I would be able to survive out there on my own, do you?"
Xeno listened. When he heard her say she would come back, the tension in his body lessened. When he heard her say there was something that could help Uri, he became ecstatic.
He lifted Visha, spinning her and kissing all over her face.
She knew why he was acting like this and couldn't help laughing at his antics.
When he finally put her down, she saw the resolute expression on his face.
"I'm coming with you."
Her eyes widened, excited that he would want to go too.
"You can't go," she reluctantly said. "We still need someone to watch the cave. If you go, then what would happen to the other?"
"Nimo's father is still there. Most of the other people have the Blight, so they won't be able to do anything."
His tone turned commanding. Something she had never heard from him before.
"If you go, I go. I can't stay in the cave thinking about what might happen to you outside. Uri would beat me if he knew I let you leave the cave alone."
Visha laughed because she knew Uri really would hit him. As much as he seemed like the calm one of the pair, he had a fierceness to him that drew her to him like a moth to a flame.
"Fine. Let's go back and explain, then leave. It will get dark soon. Glimmer-Moss only shows up at night. I want to make sure I get as many as I can."
Visha and Xeno quickly walked back to the cave, explaining to everyone what they were going to do. They even included the people from the other group. Letting them know it was in their best interest not to cause trouble.
Grik, one of the first to catch the Blight, had his eyes closed. He didn't even move. Not because he was unconscious, but because of the lethargy from the Blight. It made people not want to breathe because it might be too much effort.
The two waved goodbye, hoping to find what they were looking for quickly and coming back later that night.
Sometimes, however, plans can't keep up with the changes.
Glimmer-moss grows near moist soil. Mostly in marshes and swamps. When Visha and the women were foraging, she noticed a marsh nearby. What fascinated her was that a lot of the plants in the marsh seemed to be in full bloom.
She learned from Heta that most of the plants in the marsh can survive the early stages of winter. The temperature in the marsh is higher than in the surrounding areas.
But in an open space like this, where there is little to no coverage and only a few caves, the marsh won't last for long.
Visha was just grateful the harsh winter hadn't started yet. Otherwise, she didn't know how she would find the Glimmer-Moss.
The sun had almost set when the two reached the marsh.
Xeno scanned the surroundings, ensuring there weren't any animals trying to sneak up on them.
Ensuring the coast was clear, he gave her the signal. They walked carefully into the marsh.
Clumps of dried grass could be found everywhere, but even more trees were still green. Visha needed to find a place that still had green foliage. Looking for damn soil wouldn't make sense; it's all damn. She needed somewhere with coverage, maybe a canopy.
The night grew darker, and Xeno's body tensed. His eyes glowed against the darkness. Vish could tell he had hunted many times. His muscles were taut, his skillful eyes surveyed for any sign of a threat.
At the same time, he made sure she felt safe.
She smiled at the automatic protection.
It took another hour of searching. Flipping rocks, clearing debris, and pushing logs until they were finally able to find it.
A patch of Glimmer-Moss. Its purple colour made everything around it seem ethereal. She noticed it beside an oddly shaped black stone.
Without waiting for Xeno's go-ahead, she ran forward and began to pull them up. She didn't need to be delicate when picking Glimmer-Moss. Picking off a bunch would have the same effect whether she took the root or not.
She wanted to get back quickly, so she decided to pick up as much as she could before leaving.
She was so excited she didn't notice Xeno tensing, staring in her direction.
She also didn't notice him shifting. Neither did she take notice of the black stone moving.
It wasn't until she heard Xeno's roar that she knew something was wrong.
She put the Glimmer-Moss in her inventory, not caring whether Xeno saw. In times of danger, people need to move quickly. So far, he hasn't done anything unworthy of her trust, so she decided to take a chance.
Stepping back quickly, Visha could only gasp as she came face to face with what she could only describe as a giant millipede.