[Sourjun: Miss]

  Kiah and Gruff spent three days in Great Mount, where Kiah shared some of her famous stories; however, few people in the city listened. Some even mocked her. She was a Brokenhelm bumpkin after all.

  On the third day, Gruff discovered some of their supplies had been stolen.

  That evening, after prayers in the temple, Kiah brought it up with her grandmother.

  Remma chuckled, "They steal from you, Kiah, because they don't respect you. Once you earn their respect, they will stop."

  "This is a crime! Is there nothing you can do?" Kiah fumed."

  Remma smirked, "If I did that, you'd be respected even less."

  Later, Kiah said to her brother, "We're leaving tomorrow."

  -----

  [Undertake Journey: Miss]

  "What in the Nightlands?" Kiah cursed.

  They arrived at the harbor that morning to find their boat sunk. They were greeted by fisherfolk snickers.

  [Battle: Strong Hit]

  In response, Gruff drove his fist into their leader's face. The next moments happened in a flash. Tristanson moved with both speed and power, dropping two other bullies before they could blink. The rest ran.

  The powerful warrior yanked the head thug to his feet and snarled.

  "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," eeped the blackguard, "T-take my boat, it's a gift, it's right over there."

  The warrior huffed and nodded.

  The slackjawed witnesses watched, stunned. Kiah kicked a bully while he was down and joined her brother on the boat. Then they calmly sailed off.

  -----

  [Journey: Strong Hit]

  Sailing was smooth for most of the day. Gruff kept to the rudder while Kia managed the sail. They made good time.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  [Resupply: Weak Hit]

  [Journey: Miss]

  [Compainion Endure Harm: Weak Hit]

  Near evening, Gruff was pulling in a large catch when a wave rocked the boat and knocked him into the water.

  He climbed back on board but was shivering. Kia helped him change his soaked clothes for fresh, dry ones. He wrapped himself in a fur blanket.

  [Make Camp - Weak Hit]

  Kia spied a small island, and they landed there. It was lightly forested. Here she set a fire and cooked her brother a warm stew. They took that brief respite to reorient where they were and catch some fretful sleep.

  [Journey - Miss]

  [Face Danger - Strong Hit]

  The next morning brought trouble. The wind howled, bringing forth a blizzard that blanketed all in white.

  Kiah and Gruff knew exactly what to do. They quickly tipped their boat into a small shelter and used the sails and a tiny fire to keep warm. The winds roared and battered their boat, but they were safe and toasty. The next morning, they popped out of their snowy fort with a laugh.

  [Resupply: Strong Hit]

  Before moving on, Kiah gathered herbs, medicinal plants, and useful fibers while Gruff fished. They gathered plenty of supplies.

  [Journey - Miss]

  Unfortunately, when they pushed their boat back into the water, they discovered a hole in the hull. Grumbling Gruff made some repairs, but they would have to stay another night.

  [Make Camp - Weak Hit]

  That night went well enough. The sky was clear, and the stars were bright. Kiah told Gruff some of the old stories, and they both remembered the trips they used to take when they were kids.

  [Journey - Weak Hit]

  [Resupply - Strong Hit]

  The next morning, the siblings finally set off and made good progress. They enjoyed some of the bounty from their island along the way. Of course, they also replenished by more fishing.

  After a full day of sailing, they finally reached the Ragged Coast. They camped on the beach. In the distance, they could hear Ravens Falls crashing.

  After they had finished dinner, Gruff gave a serious look at Kiah.

  "What?" she asked.

  He crossed his arms and continued his meaningful glare.

  "I-I'm not so sure," Kiah responded, "gathering magic hasn't worked very well for me so far."

  Gruff jabbed a finger toward the falls.

  The bright woman sighed, "Very well, I'll try."

  [Oracle: What God Does Kiah Pray Too? - Take Debt ]

  [Secure Advantage - Miss]

  [Endure Stress - Strong Hit]

  First, she drew a series of four runes and a circle, then she placed a fox pelt in the center. She uttered a prayer to Uktannu, the Counter. Hoping her recent misfortunes would even out into a bit of luck. In the back of her mind, she heard a polite chuckle.

  "Fine," she huffed, "I don't need you anyway."

  [Invoke: Weak Hit]

  [Endure Stress: Weak Hit]

  With that, she sat in her circle and emptied herself to let the magic flow in. An icy wind whipped around her, chilling her to the bone. Even so, her soul was filled with a little magic.

  It would have to do.