My head. It hurts so much. Why is it so dark? I tried to move but why do I feel restrained? Wait, the last thing I remember was clothes being thrown over my head. Was I kidnapped? Velikiye will be mad, or will he feel worried when I mention this? Probably a mixture of both. Struggling a bit I felt how tight the bonds were. They were somewhat loose. Were they inexperienced kidnappers? They are not good with knots then as I struggled to loosen the bonds as they slipped off.

Sitting up, I felt around my head, feeling the blindfold, and pulled it down. I'm never going to hear the end of it from Velikiye. I look around the small room I assume I am in; four walls, no windows, one door, and other bodies besides my own. But, strangely, I hear no noise. These are all deceased. As my eyes adjusted more to the dim room I could see why these bodies were deceased. Most had dried blood stains around holes where a weapon would've been used. From what I could see these bodies are old but only one seemed recent.

Slowly rising to my feet I used the wall I was placed upon to keep myself balanced. Getting the higher advantage now, most of these bodies had the female attire Velikiye made me study. More than likely all these deceased bodies are female. I couldn't imagine what happened to these women but I won't become a body like they are now. Moving away from the wall I took steps closer and now could sense the feeling of the stench coming off of the decaying bodies mixed with other bodily fluids one of the bodies, the freshest one besides myself, had its body positioned in what Velikiye would call the forced relationship type. But I'm aware of what rape was after my mother was a victim after all.

No respect even in death. Frowning I moved closer and arranged the rags that covered the body's exposed areas along with the wounds below the waist. This is pure torture, from what I read and Velikiye described. To see this in person means I was kidnapped by individuals who view women as the lowest of the food chain. How annoying, but if I were to figure out what my magic could do then I would teach all men who act this way a lesson. But Velikiye had no idea or couldn't help me figure out what formation of magic I had other than telling me it was of Eldritch origin. Sighing I moved to each body and did the same, covering them and making sure that they do feel like their mortal bodies are still being abused and them being in vain in the afterlife.

Granted that's what Velikiye provided for Mama and me, made sure no one could harm the mortal body anymore. Well, Velikiye couldn't find mine until I came to the hut. But he ensured he looked until I showed up without much rest. But I never left the spot; he looked over it several times. I awoke in the place but he said he never found my body. The only thing that he could give as to an explanation to how it happened, was that there was a formation of a barrier around my body until I woke where I originally lost consciousness. 

Sighing I looked around before looking at the door once more. If I believe the type of individuals are to behave the way they think then it'll be easier to try to open the door before using the unnatural strength Velikiye and I discovered when he was teaching me. Walking up to the door, placing my hand on the knob before twisting it and pulling. With little resistance, it opened up, so the door was never locked more of the fact fear overtook the mind and left these women in despair. More gaslighting than anything else, I suppose. 

I need to find my power quickly so I can protect myself without much issue. But for now, laying low is what was told to me by Velikiye so I must obey that. The corridors were long and more exhausting than anything but all my belongings weren't with me nor near the room. But I do have to find my belongings soon as I need the mana stones or else I lose track of time. I can't lose them, they were a gift from Velikiye and also my only source of time and mana supply. I do not wish to lose track of time. I could hear the gruff laughter from down the hall. So they are still here and not elsewhere, this may become a problem. I barely know combat, Velikiye didn't want to touch on the topic of combat until we could figure out what I could do. 

But he did teach the basics of evading and escaping, not very helpful for the loss of my belongings. Moved closer under baited breaths I got closer to look into the room to see about three men sitting on benches around the table. They were holding up my mana stones and laughing at them. Saying how they're going to be rich and can afford all the women in the next three villages. Sick old men. Disgusting men. Furrowing my brow I moved into the doorway and leaned against the door, they had my bag with my belongings. I felt my anger building, they were riffling through my belongings like they found treasure. 

But I couldn't remember anything else besides pushing the door open. But the next thing I remember was blood soaking through my clothing and staining my fingers. Blind rage? Velikiye warned about it but I never truly thought about it happening. But I cannot change what happened to the three disgusting men but for some odd reason, the area feels lighter. Could the blind rage be caused by the resentment and the unrest from the dead? Could it be that the dead souls pushed me to kill these men? I mean revenge for them is fine but I suppose that wasn't my power in the end after all it looks like I merely took a knife and stabbed them all to death. Velikiye is going to be mad. I suppose a scolding is better than being violated at least.  

Taking out the Mana Stone out of the pouch and watched it drain from glowing to a dull rock within a matter of seconds. Shoot it's already been too long if I had drained the Mana Stone within holding it in mere seconds. I'm behind by a week, Velikiye might be waiting for a few hours unless I skip one resting point. But first I need to get out of here and find out how far off track I am from my original path. 

The forest was thick and dark but nothing harmful came my way. Though a few wild beasts came close but kept their distance. I am wondering if it was because of my aura and how the eldritch origin aura makes those who can feel it and sense it fear me. How sad I wanna pet some of the beasts that fear me but I understand that I am higher on the food chain of these beasts. Well all except the eldritch gods themselves, they are the highest, after all, I would never dare try to harm them. Walking on the rough path was hard and very narrow but I kept walking until I reached the forest. This scenery, I am in the wrong area, I am in the west. The Naga's and Dark Mages's most traveled areas. 

This is not good, I have to find the road to get back either to the North or East territories. So much trouble and going to have an earful scolding when I meet up with Velikiye. And it wouldn't be wise to go to the nearest village and get the directions since I am not sure if a village will use me or not. Groaning I kicked at the ground and watched a rock fly across the path. I cannot believe my misfortunes this time around. I need to find a stream or standing water and put the needle Velikiye gave me in it to find where the needle points as it always points north. These landmarks are similar to what Velikiye described but not in full detail. All I can hope is that I don't run into anything too dangerous. 

Walking down the hill, I have to keep moving in able to find a landmark to rest at, I cannot lose another mana stone with drainage. I know a few are missing from my bag. I am so badly screwed when I run out. But how am I going to get more? Should I set my goal on finding Velikiye here in the West and South territories? I mean it's been a month at least so he should be making his way towards the West by now. I mean get the scolding now than within another five months. Walking down the hill wasn't as bad as it looked just a few areas that were loose and soft. The ground seemed damp so rain was evident of passing by. Probably within the cycle of the day or so but the sun was just rising in the east... wait... sun rises in the east and sets in the west... Should I just head toward the rising sun and go in that direction? 

Maybe both? I suppose I should choose between the two choices before going further down this path. Sighing, I could follow the rising sun back to east territory or try and find Velikiye over in the west and tell him what happened... Follow the rising sun it is... I'll deal with Velikiye's scoldings in 5 months. Perhaps I can come up with a story he wouldn't be as upset with, I mean I didn't realize kidnappers were behind me after all. Though he would scold me for not being aware of what was around me. Dang, I need to gather my words and tell the truth along with making it so I don't get too much of a scolding from Velikiye.

Nothing else happened along my travels though I did have to hide a few times from dark Mages that were on the path. But nothing else, though I was on my last mana stone... Not good... I suppose I would have no choice but to either find a cave that has them for the taking or go and use some coins that Velikiye gave me in case of anything dire which was hidden in the bag that the kidnappers didn't find. It was a good idea after all to put that type of value item in something of a menstrual sponge pouch. Though I would never have one due to my anatomy... Dolls don't reproduce unless it's done by magic, Velikiye discovered but the spell has long since been forbidden for usage. No records of the spell unless you can find the actual copy of the Necronomicon for the forbidden spell.

I suppose I escape that type of fantasy until I meet those who have a copy of the original book of eldritch magic and history. But still, Velikiye has said to live like I am still human and not a doll in case I run into trouble. Dolls are desired for all kinds of things, unlike humans in most cases. As dolls do not feel pain they are practically immortal until they break. Or so Velikiye has taught me, I believe Velikiye's words but I have yet to see those who resemble those descriptions. The days were longer than normal I noticed, it must be summer. I made it to the border and saw a town in the distance. Perhaps they might be able to point me in the direction of a mana stone mine or a shop that has them.

This is going to be a bit more difficult as I get closer to the town. The energy around this area is more hostile than the last time I passed by a village. This isn't good... Maybe I should turn around and keep going until the next one. I pulled out the mana stone and noticed how it was nearly completely drained. Pretending to be human, Velikiye has told me several times while preparing me to travel on my own, could I pull it off in front of dark mages? The only way to tell is if I go and try, right? I groaned as I turned back towards the village, I am going to try, if things turn sour, I just have to outrun them all. 

Walking into the village and heading towards stalls to saw many talking and a few kids running around. Not as I thought so far but still I need to be on my guard, I'm still in the West. Groaning I walked into the area of shops, looking at all the signs I saw one that was similar to what Velikiye used to draw. This might be the one I need to enter in able to find some mana stones. Walking through the door I could see shelving of books and things displayed all over the tables. If I had to assume they were all magic-induced items. "Hello young lady," I jumped slightly and looked over to the side to see an older man at the counter holding a stone to their eye, "what may I be of assistance to a young lady such as yourself?" 

Velikiye gave me instructions to use his name in case of emergencies when interacting so here goes nothing, "I am looking for mana stones for the Mage Velikiye," the old man looked up and hummed before placing the stone down and getting up from behind the counter.

"I haven't heard that name for a while now," the older man said as he walked over to the table with drawers, "you must be the newest appointed apprentice he mentioned awhile back, how many did he request you to pick up for him?" I looked in my bag and then back at the older man, "he didn't give you an exact number did he, that silly mage is always forgetting to give the number of things he needs. Normally he sends a list and I give a guess as to how much he needs, but since ur such a young lass and just starting I can give a word of advice in handling your new teacher, don't take everything at heart. He means well, just fails to observe what is around him that's all."

The old man reached into the drawer before humming grabbing another bag and placing things into the bag. "Here you go another several months worth of mana stones, same as the last time Velikiye put into the order. Did he need anything else or was it just mana stones?" The older man asked as he approached me, I shook my head as he chuckled, "All right then that'll be five coppers then," I looked at my bag grabbed five coppers out of the pouch, and handed it to him. "Thanks for the business young lass and like I said don't take Velikiye's personality too seriously after all what happened to him in that village caused him quite the shock, imagine facing an actual eldritch horror god in person and living."

My eyes widened, does most know about the incident that happened that Velikiye had described to me before? "How do you know?" I started to ask before the old man placed the bag in his hands. 

"It's no big secret everyone felt uneasy that day and barely most survived the ordeal. The Eldritch Goddess of Motherhood can be quite brutal. Only Velikiye knows what the Eldritch Mother was after that day and he has never told a soul what that was, poor fella didn't leave there until just recently from what I heard. Hopefully, he was able to find some closure by staying there longer than he had been there. He was merely an apprentice when that happened to him and not even 25 years later his master died. I thought I would go first before his master but nope here I still am managing my little shop in the west and still living," he chuckled as he looked at the busy streets, "I've outlived my brother and now I've watched his apprentice take on another, perhaps it's time that I also retire and live out my last golden years, yes?" 

He gently nudged me out of the shop before waving me off. Holding the mana stones in my hands and looking at the shop as it slowly fades away. Mages can move entire buildings? That is certainly interesting, and pretty handy for convenience. Sighing I turned around and began walking the other way, maybe I should grab something to eat though I don't require food but I may go into full-blown acting and eat like I am still human. Looking at each shop I couldn't quite make up my mind, bread or something that included meat. 

Looking back and forth between the two stalls I could smell out of everything else. The bread looks so good but the fish grilled on a hot stone looks good. "Hello, miss are you lost?" I turned around to see a young woman looking at me holding the hand of a small child. 

"I'm not lost," I answered, "just trying to decide what I should eat, though Master Velikiye only gave me a week's travel expenses I need to save." The woman's eyes trailed to my bag as I shuffled the bag of mana stones into my travel bag.

"Oh so you're Velikiye's new apprentice," the woman said as she adjusted the basket on her back, "I suggest the bread then after all if you eat fish now during this heat wave you might become sick later on, fish are normally good for the men for the evening as it helps them with their energy." Interesting surely but a bit gender specific roles. I found it a bit insulting but I took the advice of the woman got some bread and walked further into the village looking around. Perhaps walking through the town will make it more appealing that I am human after all. It seems that everyone in this town knows who Velikiye is here. So I am in a village that has the residents of Mages. 

They moved pretty fast as I walked all around before heading down the road toward the next village and more to the east. Another week went by as I changed out the mana stone and looked at the cliffside. I'm behind schedule yet again as I looked down at the rushing water below, I was supposed to be here by the middle of the week not the end of the week. I am never going to hear the end of it from Velikiye. But I suppose telling him the reasons might settle him for just a second before he scolds me for something else.  I am certainly never going to hear the end of it.