Lucinda and Waflaw were seated in one of the many inns of the town named Malart. Having finished their shopping for the day, they had decided upon a simple luncheon to satiate their needs, and provide an opportunity to discuss plans.

“So, my apprentice, from what I understand: You’re looking to acquire more forms, increase your level, and find an animal companion. With two days until your armour is ready, that gives us plenty of time for the first of those two options. But, is there anything else that springs to mind?”

“You’re too good to me,” Lucinda replied happily. “I know you said you don’t have any real plans, but don’t you want to do anything?”

Waflaw let out a single chuckle of amused laughter at Lucinda’s words. “I’m touched by your thoughtfulness. I wasn’t lying though. I really don’t have anything pressing. I do have some vague plans, but they can wait, almost indefinitely in fact. Besides, helping out my young apprentice is highly fulfilling.”

“What kind of plans?” Lucinda asked excitedly.

“Not here.” Waflaw shook his head with an amused smile on his lips. “Ask me again later.”

“Aww…”

“Of course, I wasn’t lying about my financial situation either. I don’t have much need for coin typically, and I am running a bit low. Unless we stumble upon another group of inept bounty hunters, I might even have to look for proper work.”

“Mmm…” Lucinda grimaced at Waflaw’s quip.

“Sorry, bit too soon I see. Forget I said anything.”

“It’s okay,” Lucinda replied. “That sort of reminds me actually. You mentioned it’s good to know about what others are capable of, and I’d quite like to learn more. If I’m going to be venturing off on my own eventually, I want to be prepared.”

“Well said. Then I shall do my best to educate you over the next few days, or however long that takes,” Waflaw said, before he began stroking his chin slowly. “I’ll just have to make sure I generalise my advise enough… What works for me, might not work quite so well for you,” he continued in a quieter voice, seemingly to himself.

“Will you teach me more about Druids too?” Lucinda asked as quietly as she could.

“It is about time, isn’t it. So, yes,” Waflaw returned with a nod. “Another possibility for gaining knowledge would be to visit an adventurers’ guild. A few mock battles against similarly levelled opponents is a great way to learn. I think I saw a guild here too.”

“That might be fun. I’d have to reveal my class, though?”

“Only if you decided to join. Though, the class isn’t actually outlawed here. Just strongly disliked. Still, keeping it a secret is almost certainly a good idea. Anyway, what say we venture out into the wilderness today, see what animals we can find, and maybe keep an eye peeled for something that might boost your level a bit while we’re at it.”

“Oh, I still want to find a bear!” Lucinda exclaimed.

“Of course.” Waflaw nodded in response to Lucinda’s sudden enthusiasm. “I did mention there are only black bears around here, right?”

“What? Aww… I guess that will do.”

“Ah, sorry. Brown bears prefer colder climates, maybe up north a ways.”

“It’s fine. I’m still looking forward to it.”

“Right, let’s get moving then, shall we? I’ll just have a few words with the barkeep.”

Collecting her gear, Lucinda moved over to the door to wait for Waflaw. The atmosphere within the inn was surprisingly rowdy considering the time of day, not that Lucinda had much to compare it to. Enduring a few stares as best she could, Waflaw soon returned, and they left the inn behind.

“Complimenting the cook?” Lucinda asked, as they began down towards the town exit.

“Hah. Not quite. No, I was asking about local dangers. My spell from earlier only reveals so much, as you might recall. Bandits and the like aren’t included.”

“Oh, bandits… Yeah, I’d like to avoid running into any of them.”

"According to the friendly barkeep, we almost certainly will."

“We’re going to the Forest of Bears, then?” Lucinda asked with a playful smile.

“I’m pretty sure that’s not what’s it called. But, yes,” Waflaw replied with similar amusement. “In the habit of naming forests, or this is a new idea you’ve had?”

“It’s new, but I’ve thought of a few: Kloip’s is the Forest of Discovery.”

“Fitting,” Waflaw agreed. “For both of us, I suppose.”

“Then, the one by that village we stayed at would be: the Forest of Waflaw the Meanie.”

Waflaw burst out into laughter as they walked, drawing the attention of several passers-by. “You’re not going to let me forget about that are you?”

“Not until I get you back!”

“I can’t wait to see you try,” Waflaw said with a smirk.

Travelling through the gradually less busy streets, Lucinda wondered about what other animals she might be able to find in the forest. She knew Waflaw almost certainly had a good idea, but it was still fun to test her own knowledge and imagination. That internal musing was then interrupted when she spotted a certain building near the town’s entrance.

“Oh… A horse!”

“Never seen one before?”

Lucinda frowned at her mentor’s entirely unserious comment.

“Don’t be silly. You know what I mean.”

“Go on then. Careful though, I hear they spit.”

“They do not!” Lucinda shot back.

“Ah, maybe you have seen one before then!”

Shaking her head at her mentor’s words, Lucinda moved over to the stable that stood near the opening in the town’s walls. It was a simple wooden building, attached to an inn that looked perfectly ordinary. Inside, she could make out two horses, one mostly white with black spots, and the other entirely chestnut brown.

With both animals being owned, Lucinda didn’t bring her ability to bear upon either. She approached the spotted horse, having decided it was the slightly prettier of the two, and was met with idle curiosity from the animal as she reached it.

“Hi,” she greeted, earning herself a soft whicker from the horse.

Letting the animal sniff her hand for a few moments, Lucinda then moved closer and began stroking its well-kept mane.

“What a friendly horse you are,” she said quietly, as the animal relaxed into her petting.

You have unlocked: Shapeshift: Horse Shapeshifts Name Base Attributes Attribute Bonuses Base Level Rank Bonuses STR AGI END STR AGI END Horse 12 12 17 X1.0 X1.0 X1.2 2 1 Enduring Reserves Enduring Reserves (Horse)

Accrue fatigue at two thirds normal rate.

This one should be fun, even if it’s not suitable for much more than running around.

“Thanks!” Lucinda gently patted the horse on the head, before turning to leave.

“Girl,” a high pitched male voice called out. “Saddle my horse. I’m leaving.”

Lucinda noticed a thin, well-dressed gentleman standing nearby, who seemed to be looking at her expectantly.

“Me? Oh… Sorry, I don’t work here.”

“Then for what reason were you touching my horse?” the man exclaimed angrily.

“Sorry!” Lucinda cringed at the man’s unexpected rage. “She’s a very pretty animal. I couldn’t resist saying hello.”

“Really now?” the man responded incredulously. “Next time I suggest you resist, lest you find yourself in the gaol with the rest of the miscreants. Now be off with you!”

Struggling to keep her expression neutral under the man’s hateful words, and the sneer that accompanied them, Lucinda nodded as agreeably as she could manage, before fleeing the scene.

Poor horse… He doesn’t seem very nice.

As Lucinda made her way back over to Waflaw, she couldn’t help but catch snippets of the man’s shrill voice. It seemed he had turned his ire on a new victim, likely the real stable hand. Looking back soon confirmed her suspicions, with the tall, thin man, wagging a finger in front of a young boy who seemed quite upset as a result.

It’s not my business… Ah, things are so unfair sometimes…

Meeting up again with Waflaw, Lucinda followed her mentor out of the town, while trying her best to forget the unpleasant man she’d been accosted by. It was quite a damper on an otherwise enjoyable day, that only began to subside once the town was out of sight.

A fair distance south – once more eschewing roads, as was Waflaw’s preference – Lucinda’s good spirits began to return as the opportunity to acquire more shapeshift forms drew ever nearer. Having a new form to try out certainly helped too.

“Majestic,” Waflaw offered, as his eyes roamed over Lucinda’s four-legged body. “Interesting that you don’t look like either of the horses in that stable.”

Majestic? Oh, I wish I had a mirror… Or a lake… I do seem to be different, though. White all over?

Spending only a moment to try and examine herself with the impressive field of view her new body sported, Lucinda soon moved on to other more entertaining things. Rearing up and neighing loudly in Waflaw’s direction, Lucinda dashed off and away.

The grassy terrain was smooth and flat enough for Lucinda to proceed without much concern, and before long she was zipping along at a pace that had her giddy with excitement. The thunderous sound of her hoof falls filled the midday air, as Lucinda galloped in a wide arc. She leapt over small shrubs, and swerved around larger obstacles, all the way until her route brought her back to where Waflaw waited.

“I must admit, that looked enjoyable,” Waflaw said, while Lucinda shifted back to human form.

“It was!” Lucinda shouted out in reply, almost jumping for joy as she did.

“Say, how about a race?”

“With Wollow?” Lucinda asked, glancing at the stag who stood passively nearby.

“You wouldn’t stand a chance, I’m sad to say. No, you’ll race me.”

“…You can’t run that fast? Right?”

Waflaw let out a short chuckle that had Lucinda blushing faintly. “Not like this, no. We’ll start when Wollow lowers his antlers, and race to that tree over there. Ready?”

Fearing her mentor might cheat by flying, Lucinda was somewhat relieved to see Waflaw shift into his large bear form. Lucinda had only a moment to once again marvel at the size of the brown furry creature, before she shifted back into her horse form.

I’ll win, easily!

Moving alongside the brown bear that was her mentor, Lucinda eyed Wollow intensely as she waited for the signal.

This must look so weird… A horse and a bear, lined up for a race. While a stag prepares to start them off.

Releasing an amused snort, Lucinda prepared herself. But, her concentration was broken almost immediately, when a menacing growl escaped from Waflaw’s throat, sending shivers of terror down her spine. Before she could recover entirely, Wollow gave the signal.

No fair!

Waflaw burst forwards in a blur of movement beside her, which Lucinda moved to match as best she could. She closed the gap quickly, but had trouble reaching her mentor as his bulky bear form tore across the grassy terrain in front of her.

How is he so fast? He’s a fat bear!

Pushing herself harder, Lucinda gradually drew nearer still. Yet, the finish line was fast approaching.

No! I won’t lose to him! I won’t!

Slamming her hooves against the ground with an intensity that was sending shock waves through her body, Lucinda willed herself to overtake her opponent. With each passing moment, the tree grew larger, and her frustration along with it. Until finally, the race was over.

Bears are really fast…

“Nice try,” Waflaw offered along with a cheeky smile, once he was human again. “But, not quite enough.”

“Mmm. You cheated…” Lucinda pouted unhappily at her mentor.

“You’re right, I did. Had we chosen a further target for our little competition, I would have lost. No question about it.”

“Aww…” Lucinda whined. “Bears tire more easily,” she concluded.

“Well, overheat, but yes. Anyway, now that I’ve put you in your place, apprentice. Let’s talk classes.”

“Okay.” Lucinda rolled her eyes at her mentor’s joking comment.

Waflaw began walking away from the finish line of their race, prompting Lucinda to follow at his side.

“We’ll start with Druids. We’ve been travelling together for a few days now, so I’m sure you have an idea of what Druids are about. But, let me try and explain the Druid way as best as I can.”

“I'd like that,” Lucinda replied eagerly.

“Right, well, it’s mostly straightforward: Druid’s strive to protect the natural order of the world. Life begins, it persists for a time, then ultimately dies. The process restarts, and the cycle continues. With me so far?”

“I think so.”

Waflaw nodded at Lucinda’s words, though he seemed to be considering how to proceed. Lucinda waited patiently for him to decide.

“That’s the overview. In more detail, that means ensuring nature is allowed to run its course. The plants provide sustenance to the weaker creatures, who in turn provide for the stronger creatures. Then, when they die, the land reclaims what was lost, and regrows. Naturally, that only works as long as there is balance.”

“Right, balance,” Lucinda repeated with an excited nod of her head.

“That means ensuring animal populations remain stable in regards to each other, and the land they live within. Perhaps culling a few wolves, or wiping out an overflowing den of rabbits. At least until the stem of the issue can be found, and then removed at the root.”

“Plant puns, got it,” Lucinda commented with a teasing grin.

Waflaw met Lucinda’s eyes with his own look of amusement before continuing. “We also try and ensure the rest of humanity plays nice with the natural world. A rich noble decides to cut down an entire forest for some pet project? We’ll be there to set them straight. With words, or through force if necessary. Of course, taking from nature is fine so long as it’s done carefully, and in moderation.”

“Rabbit stew is still okay, then?”

“I suppose that depends on who’s cooking it. But, yes,” Waflaw replied, before his mirth at her words faded. “That brings me to my last point as it happens. Nature is unforgiving and without mercy. Kill or be killed. And we accept that fact readily.”

“I understand,” Lucinda said more seriously.

“Good.” Waflaw accepted Lucinda’s declaration with a thin smile. “Then, I have a little test for you. I’m sure you remember when we first met within the ‘Forest of Discovery’, as you put it. Tell me about my interaction with the wolves there, and how that fits into the Druid way.”

“Oh… Okay,” Lucinda said, as her brows furrowed in concentration. “You killed two wolves… Because… Ah!” Lucinda smiled excitedly as she reached a possible explanation. “They were stupid. Wolves should know a more dangerous predator when they see one!”

“That’s good,” Waflaw said encouragingly. “Although was it stupidity? Or desperation?”

“Hmm… I don’t think they looked desperate,” Lucinda said, whilst examining her memories again. “They were healthy enough.”

“Just something to keep in mind in the future, but I’m sure you were right the first time. However, I also would have accepted: ‘Waflaw wanted to show off,’ as an answer.”

“That doesn’t sound very druidy!” Lucinda mockingly admonished.

“Bah, that forest was full of wolves. They’ll manage,” Waflaw replied dismissively.

“That still doesn’t sound very druidy!”

“Moving on…” Waflaw said hastily, shooting Lucinda a wink as he spoke. “Now that you know the lore, or my attempt at explaining it at least, we can discuss what Druids are actually like.”

“Are they all big meanies that cheat at races?” Lucinda asked, before bursting into a giggle.

“I have no idea what you mean,” Waflaw returned with a straight face, though Lucinda could see he was struggling to maintain it. “So, how about animal forms first? For Druids, shapeshifts are acquired by spending a skill point. Which means, we have a limited number of forms, as you know. How many exactly, depends upon the Druid, but if you’re with others and pretending to be one, fewer is better.”

“Aww.”

“Other skills provide various benefits to spells or melee, as well as other things. I don’t think it’s worth you trying to memorise them. More likely, is that skills will only come up when you find yourself undergoing an official status check, in which case knowing about Druid skills will do nothing to hide your real class. Spells on the other hand…”

“You said the spells I have are Druid spells? Except for Touch of Rot.”

“Yes, quite fortunate in that regard so far. But, in the future, who can say how many matching spells you’ll have? Which brings us to what spells I have.”

“Oh, you’ll tell me?” Lucinda asked in faint disbelief.

“In the time we have been together, I have gained a very in-depth sense of your personality. Among other things,” Waflaw said, adding a knowing wink to accentuate his comment.

Lucinda couldn’t stop herself smiling at her mentor’s words, even as her cheeks flushed visibly.

“Which means I am willing to trust you. However, I also know that you would be happier discovering these things for yourself. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“Yes…” Lucinda reluctantly admitted. “It would be exciting to hear about everything you have… But, you’re right.”

“Then, let’s talk about types of magic instead. Or, better yet, why don’t you?”

“Sure, I can do that,” Lucinda replied affirmatively. “The first four types, also knows as ‘The Four Elements’, are Fire, Water, Earth, and Air. Then there’s the two groups of opposites: Light and Shadow, and Life and Death. And finally, Arcane. Umm, that is what you wanted, right?”

“It is. You know, maybe you could have done well as a wizard instead.”

“Ugh, no,” Lucinda replied, with a repulsed shake of her head that caused Waflaw to burst into laughter. Suppressing the urge to laugh along with her mentor, Lucinda expanded on her answer. “I have thought about it, but only because they all seem filthy rich.”

“I know what you mean,” Waflaw said with his amusement still evident. “If only there were less Clerics in the world to offer healing services, then we might have a chance at riches too.”

“I’m doing my part!” Lucinda exclaimed happily.

“That you are. Anyway, we’ve got a bit sidetracked here. Back to magic. As I’m sure you’ve realised by now: Druids make use of the four elements, as well as Life magic.”

“Okay… I see that, I think. But… what type is Touch of Rot?” Lucinda asked.

“Well spotted, I knew you wouldn’t disappoint me. You’re right, and if I’m not mistaken: It’s Death magic.”

“Death magic? Really?” Lucinda felt a faint wave of nausea pass through her at the news.

“Yes. It’s not too surprising, honestly. There are often a few outliers when it comes to class-based, magic type categorisations. If you end up with more than one or two other death magic spells, then I will be surprised.”

“Mmm, okay.”

“Death magic might have negative associations thanks to the usual classes that make heavy use of it, but you shouldn’t let that trouble you.”

“I’ll try not too… But, why isn't that information in my spell list?”

"Ah, well spotted again. It's a bit like how certain skills and abilities are 'melee' or 'ranged'. The description might include that term, but it also might not. Of course, it's not quite the same, as something can either be used with a bow or it can't. Whereas spells work regardless of what type you think they might be."

"I see," Lucinda replied. "That's… a bit confusing, but okay."

“Then, there we have it. Druids have a variety of spells from those types, including healing, dealing damage, summoning allies, buffing, and debilitation. Not everything fits into those groups, but that should give you a good idea of what to pretend to have, assuming you don’t get all of those.”

“I hope I do. Summoning allies looks so useful.”

“Shouldn’t be long now. A level or two perhaps? Trying to remember exactly when I unlocked these things isn’t easy you know. Anyway, that’s probably sufficient to let you pass as a Druid. It also helps that the Shifter class is so rare, and so disliked. As long as you make a good impression, people will be unlikely to assume you are anything other than a Druid.”

“I will have to be on my best behaviour, then,” Lucinda said with her head held high in feigned regality, earning her an approving smile from her mentor.

As their conversation dwindled, Lucinda chose to travel onwards in her boar form, in the hopes of more quickly reaching rank 5 with it. It was not entirely necessary, as the option to train it against more summoned creatures was still available, yet, when that time could be spent acquiring more forms, it seemed like a bit of a waste.

The forest they’d been travelling to, turned out to be a dense, dark green mass of trees, that intersected an immense rocky protrusion from the otherwise uninteresting terrain. Almost as soon as the large wooded area had come into view, Lucinda’s excitement had begun building, and only diminished slightly as she noted how uninviting the area looked.

“It looks a bit gloomy,” Lucinda said, as soon as she’d shifted back to human form.

“All the better for finding dangerous creatures,” Waflaw returned.

“Other than bears?”

“Absolutely. But, considering how enamoured you appear to be with that particular animal, I feel I have no choice but to lead you to one immediately.”

“I would appreciate that,” Lucinda admitted readily. “What about birds?”

“There are a wide range of birds within the forest, as you’d expect. Unfortunately, nothing that I would consider to be large enough for you to bond with. But, you may disagree. Have you thought any more about what you wanted?”

“Mmm, not really. Probably a bigger bird… I can’t help but imagine that would be safer for the bird, and me in the future.”

“You could always go for something else.”

“Yeah, I guess… I’ll think about it some more.”

“Good idea. Well, we’re looking for a cave. Shouldn’t be too hard.”

Heading into the forest, Lucinda followed closely behind Waflaw, while Wollow was sent off scouting the surroundings. Weaving through the trees as best she could, Lucinda noted the forest was eerily quiet, and even with her mentor’s presence she felt on edge. If not for the occasional rustling of leaves, and brief glimpses of movement out of the corner of her eyes, Lucinda might even have decided the forest was empty. Fortunately, she knew better.

“Here,” Waflaw whispered suddenly, holding out one hand to stop Lucinda.

Looking ahead, Lucinda spotted the dark opening at the foot of the rocky protrusion that towered over the forest. Its appearance had come as a surprise, largely due to the sloping landscape, which almost seemed to have bowed under the weight of the large natural ornament it supported.

“A bear?” Lucinda whispered back.

“Good luck,” Waflaw replied affirmatively.

Focussing back on the cave, Lucinda swallowed noisily as she considered her task.

I did say I wanted to… Okay, I can do this. I just need to take it slowly and use my ability.

With a last nod at Waflaw, Lucinda handed her pack and staff to her mentor and then crept forwards towards the cave entrance. Glancing around through the trees as she moved, Lucinda tried to assure herself that nothing was going to ambush her while she tried to befriend the bear, right up until she reached the mouth of the natural den.

Moving at a snail’s pace, Lucinda edged into the interior of the cave, which was more than large enough for several bears to pass through at once. Crouching down in the near darkness, she waited with bated breath for her eyes to adjust and reveal the interior.

There’s definitely something here, and it stinks. Is that a bear smell? Oh… I see it.

Several metres in front of where she crouched, Lucinda could just make out a black furry shape, that was shifting ever so slightly at regular intervals.

Ah, it’s asleep… How should I wake it? Should I wake it? Crap, I should have brought some food…

After a further few moments of consideration, Lucinda reluctantly slipped back outside into the brighter forest. Returning to a highly amused Waflaw, Lucinda retrieved some nuts and berries from their supply of food, before making her way back into the cave.

He didn’t have to be so smug about it… Ah, I need to focus here. Black bears are dangerous.

Placing the food on the cave floor in front of her, Lucinda cleared her mind and began projecting the thought of food towards the bear in front of her. There was no immediate reaction, and after trying for a few moments more she altered her strategy slightly, focussing individually on the taste, the smell, and even a sensation of hunger, all in an attempt to get through to the animal’s sleeping consciousness.

Wakey, wakey, sleepy bear…

Several minutes later, just as Lucinda was considering giving up on her scheme, a sudden snort sounded out within the cave. The noise made her jump, and had her pulse racing even as she recovered, which then increased further as she watched the dark furry shape begin to move.

Something’s off… Oh! There’s two of them!

Lucinda had no time to react to the sudden realisation, as the woken bear had sniffed the air a few times, and then immediately spotted her. Fortunately for Lucinda, the bear didn’t appear to be angry, or even preparing to attack her in a sleepy rage, giving Lucinda ample time to shift her Influence Animal skill to deliver calming thoughts and emotions to her target.

This is fine. I’m sure the other one won’t wake up… Ah, why did I have to go and think that!?

With her skill in place, Lucinda tried her best to remain calm as the bear approached her slowly. It was a large creature, considerably smaller than Waflaw’s summoned brown bear or his own shapeshift form, but still larger than Lucinda’s boar form, and undeniably intimidating, especially with the large claws it possessed.

Unlike Lucinda herself, the bear revealed its complete lack of concern, as it started gobbling up the food she’d brought without hesitation or any attempt to keep an eye out for trouble. Steeling herself, Lucinda slowly leant forwards as she continued to emit calming thoughts, until her hand gently brushed against the bear’s furry mane.

A sudden snort and flick of its head, caused Lucinda to freeze in place and let out ragged breaths, but as the bear returned to consuming its treat, Lucinda began gently stroking the creature.

So soft… Even softer than Wollow. Maybe a bear wouldn’t be so bad as an animal companion? They’re big, scary, and a lot of fun to cuddle too, I bet. Ah… I can always come back another time.

As the bear continued to show no signs of hostility, Lucinda gradually relaxed, and continued gently caressing its neck and back, until the message she was waiting for appeared before her eyes.

Shapeshifts Name Base Attributes Attribute Bonuses Base Level Rank Bonuses STR AGI END STR AGI END Black Bear 33 18 25 X1.4 X1.0 X1.2 6 1 Maul Maul (Black Bear)

Deal increased physical damage to prone targets.

Effect scales with Base Level.

Lucinda’s joy was short-lived, as the bear suddenly shifted its attention to her, after having finished the food she’d offered. Freezing in place once more, Lucinda tried her best not to shriek as the bear moved right up to her and began sniffing her noisily. Then, she was further pressed, as the bear brought its tongue to her face, and gave her a few licks with its rough appendage.

Nice bear… Nice and friendly bear…

With the bear getting a bit too touchy-feely for her liking, Lucinda adjusted her mental projections to the idea of sleep, while trying her best to focus on that exclusively. It was a struggle for her, and even more so when the bear began rubbing its head against her body in an attempt to use her as a scratching post.

Thankfully, her efforts seemed to pay off, as just a few rubs later the bear let out a sleepy yawn and then began waddling back towards its bed and the other sleeping bear. With a mental sigh of relief, Lucinda kept her focus until she was sure the bear was asleep once more, then waited a few moments more for her pulse to return to normal before leaving the cave to report to Waflaw.

“You smell like bear,” Waflaw announced quietly as she crept beside him.

“I got licked…” Lucinda replied, pulling a disgusted face as she did.

“Lucky you. Not many can claim to have been licked by a bear and lived to tell of it.” Waflaw grinned widely as he delivered his comment. “You got the shapeshift?”

Instead of replying, Lucinda shifted into her newest form, her body fattening and rearranging itself until she was on all fours as a bear. From Lucinda’s point of view, the form was very similar to her boar form, though with noticeably better eyesight. She also felt an undeniable feeling of strength throughout her body, accentuated by the sharp claws adorning her forepaws.

“How fierce,” Waflaw whispered.

Ignoring his words, Lucinda shifted forwards and then licked Waflaw’s face with her rough bear tongue, earning herself a quiet groan of displeasure. Snorting with laughter, Lucinda sat back on her haunches to properly admire Waflaw’s grimace, before shifting back to human form.

“Now you can tell everyone you’ve been licked by a bear and survived too!” Lucinda said quietly.

“Lucky me,” Waflaw replied, with the same grimace affixed on his lips. “Now, if you’re done fooling around, we should get going,” Waflaw said, softening his harsh words with a faint smile. “Plenty more animals for you to pet around here.”

With the size of the forest they were in, Lucinda had no trouble believing Waflaw’s words, and they soon proved to be true regardless. From the bear cave, Waflaw lead them south for a time, until the trees became less dense, and the overhead canopy less suffocating. It was there that a new candidate for acquisition made its presence known.

“See anything out of the ordinary?” Waflaw asked in a near whisper, motioning Lucinda to crouch down with him.

Lucinda let her eyes roam the part of the forest they had wandered into. To her, it seemed not unlike any other patch of forest, with a mixture of coloured leaves and small plants littering the ground, as well as a single fallen tree some distance away. She was about to relay as much, when she noticed a slight dip in the otherwise flat terrain. While kicking herself for not realising sooner, Lucinda still managed to smile smugly at her mentor as she responded.

“A tunnel!” she said in a quiet but emphatic voice.

“I’ll keep watch,” Waflaw replied simply.

Oh, of course, he wouldn’t tell me what’s in there! Maybe he doesn’t know… Well, whatever it is, I’ll bring food first this time!

Briefly chastising herself again for her previous lack of foresight, Lucinda collected a handful of berries from her pack, before moving to the opening in the ground nearby. The hole was quite small, vastly limiting the type of creatures that could lay within, as well as the potential danger Lucinda herself was in.

Could it be a fox den? It looks about the right size… Could I even shift into something that small? Ah, even if I can it probably wouldn’t be worth doing. Well, it might be fun at least…

Setting down the food outside the hole, Lucinda sat back and got comfortable. With successive deep breaths she relaxed her body and cleared her thoughts, and then began projecting a sense of calmness.

As the minutes passed, Lucinda enjoyed the quiet ambiance of the forest around her. With the slight breeze that was winding through the trees, and the lack of direct sunlight, she felt a slight chill as she sat there. Yet, it did little to diminish her relaxed and peaceful state.

A short time later, a sudden rustling of leaves and debris brought her attention back to the hole in the ground before her, where her eyes met with those of another forest creature.

Oh, a badger! I should have known… I’ll tell Waflaw I knew!

Pushing aside her imagined deceit, Lucinda focussed her attention on the white striped head of the creature before her.

Aww, it's so nervous! And cute too!

Focussing her mental influence upon the badger directly, Lucinda didn’t have long to wait for the creature to overcome its shy nature. With one last sniff of the air, the fuzzy grey animal emerged from the safety of its tunnelled home, and moved to sup on the offering laid nearby.

Can I shift into a badger? It’s really not very big either… Only one way to find out, I suppose.

With Lucinda’s calming influence in full effect, her hand was almost ignored as she brought it to bear upon the furry creature’s small body. From there it took only a few moments for the answer to her question to emerge.

Shapeshifts Name Base Attributes Attribute Bonuses Base Level Rank Bonuses STR AGI END STR AGI END Badger 10 10 10 X1.0 X1.0 X1.1 1 1 Burrow Burrow (Badger)

Allows user to dig into, and quickly tunnel through soft natural terrain.

Effect scales with Agility and Base Level.

After reading through the notifications she’d received, Lucinda was ready to leave her latest fuzzy friend behind. However, before she could in any way realise her decision, the badger was upon her.

“Ah! Careful with those claws,” Lucinda whispered in amusement, as the badger clambered into her lap.

After a few investigatory sniffs of her scent, the badger revealed it had no intention of returning to its home. Curling up against her body, it began making itself comfortable through a series of vigorous wiggles that had Lucinda giggling uncontrollably in mere moments.

Releasing a pretend sigh of reluctance that would likely have fooled nobody, Lucinda offered her small friend some gentle petting. Starting from its ears, she varied her ministrations, while enjoying the contented noises the animal made as it relaxed under her care.

By the time she had moved on to belly rubs, Waflaw sidled up beside her.

“Having known about your ability for some time, I shouldn’t be surprised. But, seeing it first hand really is impressive,” Waflaw said quietly, as the badger wriggled playfully on Lucinda’s lap.

“Can’t you do similar things, though?”

“True, I can. At least somewhat similar things. But, it takes considerably more effort, and usually a healthy dose of magic.”

Unable to think of anything to say in reply, Lucinda offered Waflaw a small shrug to go along with her pleased expression, before she focussed her attention back on her animal friend.

“Come on,” Waflaw said. “Unless you’re planning on keeping him, we should be moving along.”

He’s cute enough. But, not really what I’m looking for in an animal companion.

Bringing her Influence Animal skill back into use, Lucinda urged the badger to return its underground home. Unlike with the bear, she found the smaller animal to be much more responsive to her attempts, and after only a few seconds of projection, it scuttled off as bidden.

“What now?” Lucinda asked her mentor in a quiet voice.

“Still some daylight remaining. Let’s see what else we can find.”

Waflaw led the way east from the badger’s burrow, and back into denser foliage. Lucinda had been trying her best to keep track of their overall position in the large wooded area, but it was proving to be challenging. Not that that was enough to stop her attempts.

After another brief trek into a new part of the forest, Waflaw soon signalled a halt with a simple hand gesture. Lucinda’s attention was brought to the base of a nearby tree, that had quite clearly been dug under. Unlike with the badger, Lucinda was fully aware of the animal they were seeking, all thanks to the infrequent whines and growls she’d heard as they approached.

A wolf at last… Still a bit dangerous, but, it’s no bear. Time for some more food bribery!

Borrowing some of Waflaw’s supplies to supplement her almost exhausted reserves, Lucinda cautiously moved to re-enact her previous successful attempts at befriending the local wildlife. Coming to a stop a few metres opposite the tree, Lucinda listened intently as she sat down on the forest floor. During her approach, the noises from within had completely ceased, leaving only the eerie silence that seemed to often dominate the particular forest she and Waflaw were in.

It didn’t take long for her latest demonstration of human generosity – along with the projected calmness she added – to lure her intended target out of its comfortable den. Except, Lucinda was not quite prepared for that which emerged from within.

Three wolves! That’s… Fine… Perfectly fine…

Lucinda’s pulse raced as the three tan coloured wolves eyed her and the food, while thoughts of how she might best defend herself flicked through her mind, even as she continued to project calming thoughts.

Eventually, the standoff came to an end, when one of the wolves bravely padded forwards to claim a portion of the small food pile. The others swiftly followed, bringing all three of the dangerous creatures within arms reach of Lucinda, who was simultaneously pleased, and slightly terrified.

Fortunately, despite her worry, the trio of dangerous predators turned out to be as passive as she’d hoped. So much so, that once the food was gone, two of the wolves immediately began play fighting right in front of her. The quiet whines and growls soon began again, while their actions provided the perfect cover for Lucinda to appropriate the form of the final wolf, who seemed intent on watching the unfolding drama as much as she herself was.

Shapeshifts Name Base Attributes Attribute Bonuses Base Level Rank Bonuses STR AGI END STR AGI END Wolf 17 20 20 X1.1 X1.2 X1.2 4 1 Howl Howl (Wolf)

Attempt to reduce Willpower of nearby foes.

Effect scales with Base Level and Willpower.

Cost: 5% Base Mana

At her touch the wolf started growling lightly, causing Lucinda to tense in worry. But, much to her relief, she was not set upon by the three furry creatures. Dismissing the notifications she’d received, Lucinda watched the wolves continue to play until one of the group returned to all fours and sprinted away from the den, prompting the other two to give chase.

That went well… Time to go I think.

Rejoining Waflaw, Lucinda followed her mentor away from the wolf den, while keeping silent until they were far enough away for her to dare to speak again.

“Anything else?” she asked.

“Four forms in one day not enough for you?”

“I’m happy with four. But, more is better!” Lucinda’s enthusiastic response had Waflaw laughing quietly in amusement.

“Unfortunately, I think we should call it a day at this point. That gives us plenty of time to find a suitable spot for the night.”

“Aww, okay.”

From the forest, Waflaw led them through the surrounding grassland as the sky darkened above. Despite her previous enthusiasm, Lucinda soon felt an increasing sense of weariness suffuse her body, and was glad when Waflaw eventually called a stop to their journey.

“This should do,” Waflaw announced next to a particularly tall patch of grass, that sat at the bottom of a small incline. “You planning on trying those new forms before calling it a night?” Waflaw asked as he began setting out his bedroll.

“I can wait until tomorrow,” Lucinda replied, stifling a yawn. “All that walking has worn me out.”

“You’re doing a lot better already.” Waflaw smiled warmly as he offered the compliment.

“Thanks… I think it is getting easier. Or maybe it’s because I’ve been travelling more while shifted.” Lucinda matched Waflaw’s smile as she replied, but was soon interrupted by another, more powerful yawn.

I really need to get boar form to rank 5 tomorrow. Level 4 can’t be far off. Oh…

“Can I rank up my forms while I’m asleep?” Lucinda asked eagerly, with her tiredness temporarily forgotten about.

“I imagine so,” Waflaw replied.

“You’re not sure?”

“Well, you know I only have three forms. I reached maximum rank with all of them without ever needing to sleep as them.”

“Oh… I see. I’ll give it a try then.”

Not bothering to put down her pack, or set up her own bedding, Lucinda shifted into boar form and collapsed into the relative comfort of the tall grass.