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First page of the comic by dear  NIMARI
Original post

   The pair of world travelers continued to collect rumors. The one Maks and M’Ria heard in the local tavern from drunk adventurer about his group, from which he was the only one left. They – the group of adventurers – found in the hidden dungeon in three days of foot march some kind of ruins. The drunk survivor continued to repeat something about spirits and fire. Nothing more from drunk survivor they couldn’t get out. Two weeks of searching (and one mimic, as well as Wrath demon) after they didn’t find anything interesting but only one clue – a rumor they heard from top tier adventurer, who told about strange fog that appeared month ago in the forest in a week of walking. By his words, if this fog caught someone at night, then he’s doomed – many adventurers are gone in that forest since then. That could be just drunken tales or horror stories for newbies, but still better than nothing.
Maks decided to go to that forest alone and check it out, while M’Ria would stay in the town and continue collecting rumors.
   – But I want to go with you! – M’Ria declared, – you know I’m more than capable to defend myself!
   – I know, M’Ri, but, if rumors are true, that could be some sort of dimensional magic or high-level curse, maybe undead, like a lich. You’re not ready yet, – he replied, placing his hands on her shoulders, – I ask you to stay here and keep looking. Maybe you could find something else.
   – Is it because of mimic? – M’Ria’s voice lowered, – I've learned from my mistake, it won’t happen again.
   – It’s not about that, – Maks caressed her cheek reassuringly, – you did well after, with that wrath demon, who slayed these adventurers. This case is just different. Please.
   – I’m... Okay... – she lowered her head, – I understand.
   M’Ria apparently didn’t like it, but she didn’t comply. All she wanted was to become stronger to be able to follow her mate anywhere. But now she knew that she didn't have even a tenth of his strength and experience.
   – Thank you, – he kissed her forehead, – I’ll get there in a day, – at her puzzled look he clarified, smiling, – I can be fast, you know. Hundred or so kilometers I could cover in half a day by running. Benefits of vampiric nature, – he shrugged.
   – Okay... – M’Ria still didn’t like it.

***
   In a couple of hours, M’Ria stood in doorway of their rented house, seeing Maks off. He was in his semi-combat attire, and she wore just cozy oversized shirt and panties.
   – I’ll let you know when I get to the village nearby the forest in the evening and find a place to stay for the night, – Maks instructed her, – in the meantime walk around the town, listen to rumors... Nothing new, you know that very well already, M’Ria.
   – I know, Maks, it’s just... I guess it’s first time when we are going to separate for more than a day, – she said, holding her hand behind her back.
   – It will be fine, you’ll see, – he replied, – anyway, I have to go. See you! Behave yourself there.
   – I guess... – she muttered, and then she gave Maks a quick smooch in his lips and handed him a black cylinder, covered with daedric runes.
   – Here, take it! – blushing profusely, she rushed back to her room, closing the door, - bye!!!
   – Ah? What’s this? – Maks looked at cylinder, recognizing runes and reading “portal unit” on its edge with Oblivion symbol on it's side, - bye...

M'Ria & Maks ©