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Hours later Vander opened his eyes and was pleased to hear complete and total silence, save for the occasional disturbance caused by the forest’s nocturnal inhabitants, the day’s impromptu storm had finally passed, or at least Vander hoped it had. He edged over to the opening of the hollow and scanned the night sky, here and there dark gray wisps of clouds were still lingering behind, but aside from that everything was clear. There was a faint chill in the air, and Vander shivered slightly as he thought of what he should do next.
An entire day’s time was wasted hiding out in this tree; he should have already been in town searching for Sweeny Todd. He could fly there, but doing so right now would leave him exhausted when he reached his destination and he would have to find lodgings, but it would most likely take all night to reach town by foot, and then he would have to rest anyway. He could also wait until the next day and let the sun warm the atmosphere before he set out again, but the thought of staying in this tree any longer than necessary didn’t appeal to Vander at all, so reluctantly he gathered up his belongings and got out of the tree. He climbed to the very top, taking in the view and seeing a town in the far distance. Bracing for the uncomfortable feeling he knew awaited him he leapt off the branch and-transforming in the blink of an eye-soared over the treetops. Instantly his body began to feel heavy and a lethargic sensation settled over him. Even though he had just woken up he felt tired; he forced himself to focus on the town and steadily headed towards it.
Almost an hour later he reached the town and landed on the outskirts so that he could transform back. He sat on the ground and waited as his body sluggishly reverted from its hybrid form back to its human form. He sighed impatiently as the last of his scales disappeared 30 seconds later and began to head towards the town. Not many people were out at this time of night, and he had to find his own way to the inn. Eventually he found one and headed inside. “Good evening Sir how can I-” the innkeeper stopped short as he took in Vander’s appearance, he was smudged all over with dirt , and leaves and twigs were still stuck in his hair from the tree. “Whaddya want?” he asked, changing his tone abruptly. Vander payed him no mind as he approached the counter and took out a small pouch from his pocket “I need a room for the night please” He said and plopped the money pouch on the table “This should be enough.”
The innkeeper’s eyes lit up. “Oh yes, of course Sir, of course!” He quickly got a key and handed it to Vander, who wasted no time going to his room. “Wait Sir your change!” the innkeeper called up the stairs. “Keep it!” Vander replied wearily as he entered his room. He flopped down on the bed without bothering to clean up or even to undress. “Stupid temperature vulnerability……. ” he said before he once again drifted off to sleep.
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"Ze healing leaves little time for ze hurting."
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