Too far. He has let himself stray much too far.
These woods do not serve to spark recognition in him of any kind, unfamiliar to him even when compared with the rest of this world – though perhaps that means very little, for only the beaches of Opalaria and the areas surrounding it are the extent of his exploration. Nevertheless, Ashton is quite certain he hasn’t been here before, and he’s unaware of any border he may or may not have crossed in ending up here. A dangerous situation altogether, given the tension between these territories.
[ turn back. ]
“ I would, if I could figure out where back is. ”
In his head space, he hears his dragons sigh in unison.
[ you will get yourself killed out here. ]
“ Well, if you guys know the way, then show me. ”
Silence. Ashton groans in frustration. Figures. Totally unhelpful, these two.
He says little else as he continues to walk through the brush, quiet save for the occasional crunch of sticks beneath shoes. As he comes to a clearing in the forest, the sound of rustling in the leaves jolts him to abrupt awareness. He swings around, brandishing his swords.
“ Who’s there?! ”