Raine on Patrol 3

As I stood at the town gates having made another circuit of the area, I sensed him before I saw him. Bruzog!! He’s returned! Relief floods over me as we embrace in greeting… then I take a look at the worry in his eyes and notice that he is alone. We gather as he tells us that Kalen was captured by the Dejardan and Simon returned to the area to see what could be done for him.
I saw Arianna fall to a seat as we heard the news. Poor Kalen. Nature guide Simon.
The Outpost was filled with energy and activity. We were trading wares, gathering resources, training, and conversing. And all the while my scythe would pull me toward any warm body close by, thirsting for blood.
I chose to try and isolate myself from others by harvesting resources. That is when the first eggs were found. Suspicious magical items that held both blessings and curses. Unfortunately, Larkin found great pleasure in opening them along with a giant of a fellow new to the area. I can’t forsake my duty as a member of the military. I rejoined others as I calmed struggling emotions, dispelled bloodlust, and fined individuals who opened them within the Outpost. Thankfully, Simon also returned but nothing yet can be done for Kalen.
Then the bandits came out. A group calling themselves the Red Death. One even came all the way to the town gates where I stood my ground and ended his attack… and his life. My scythe feasting hungrily. My weapon then pulled the blood remnants off the other nearby weapons as well.
Stay back. Need to distance myself. I position myself away from others. Kelora came to offer me hugs and positivity. As she held me, I clenched my jaw in defiance as the scythe begged me to cut her. It bore into my psyche. Trying to take over.
No! Keep a distance.
But conflict soon comes again as the creature responsible for the eggs of mischief attacked. I stayed back, away from the monster and the bloodied battlefield as long as I could. But my friends needed me. I entered the fray and helped slay the beast but each swing of the scythe got closer and closer to cutting those I love. I feel the change in me. A frenzied need to slash. I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to keep my wits.