Having fled the small mountainside village where things had so drastically gone wrong, Lucinda was struggling to keep her mind on the task ahead, rather than the many worries she had about Waflaw and the unknown assassin. There were many questions she had about the situation, including the whys, hows, and whether or not necromancy had been involved – though she was strongly leaning towards yes for the last of those. The main problem she faced, was being unable to do anything other than think and worry more about it.

By the time Lucinda had found the first of the landmarks she’d been absent-mindedly looking for, which was close to an hour later, she was feeling less distressed, and as a result, had managed to move her thoughts to more productive topics.

As fun as it is being an adorable looking cat, it’s probably about time I choose something else. Being a small predator won’t stop other larger predators from taking a hungry interest in me after all… Maybe I can finally get wolf form to rank 5 too.

Her trek away from the village had led her north, somewhat in parallel to the mountain road that travelled through to Oradas. However, while the road steadily increased in elevation towards the natural rocky blockade, her own path had already brought her considerably higher up. As such, the road was only distantly visible, and mostly obscured by the scattered trees that lay between her and it.

Taking another glance around at her surroundings to better ensure she was truly alone, Lucinda shifted into her wolf form, feeling a sudden burst of cold as she reached human form, and then a very welcome return to reasonable warmth once her body was more suited for the cold weather.

At least it’s still summer… Things could be a lot worse! Although, if this path keeps leading me upwards, that could quickly change…

Pushing her newest concern aside, Lucinda continued back on the trail before her. After another hour or two of travel, she discovered the second landmark she sought, which consisted of two reasonably large stones leaning against each other. Encountering a sudden desire to restock her body’s energy reserves, Lucinda shifted back to human form and took the opportunity to rest and do so.

I don’t think my supplies with last much more than a day or two. If only I’d had more time to stock up before leaving… Ah, it’s not that I don’t know how to find more food, but I guess it’s just more worrying when I can’t as easily return to a well-stocked larder like back in Kloip…

Sparing a moment to wonder about how her parents might be doing, Lucinda’s thoughts suddenly turned to thinking about how her shapeshift forms might help in keeping her hunger satiated.

It’s getting hard to keep track of all my forms already. Not that that will stop me tracking down more! Still, I should probably take a look through them all again…

Shapeshifts: Shapeshifts Name Base Attributes Attribute Bonuses Base Level Rank Bonuses STR AGI END STR AGI END Deer 12 17 12 1.0 1.2 1.0 2 2 Sure Step Boar 15 13 20 1.1 1.0 1.3 3 5 Forage, Charge Giant Spider 20 27 20 1.1 1.3 1.1 5 5 Poison Bite, Web Horse 12 12 17 1.0 1.0 1.2 2 1 Enduring Reserves Black Bear 36 18 22 1.4 1.0 1.1 6 2 Maul Badger 10 10 10 1.0 1.0 1.1 1 1 Burrow Wolf 17 20 20 1.1 1.2 1.2 4 4 Howl Pig 17 12 12 1.1 1.0 1.0 2 1 Iron Stomach Cow 17 12 12 1.1 1.0 1.0 2 1 Quality Milk Goat 10 10 10 1.0 1.1 1.0 1 1 Steady Footing Sheep 10 10 10 1.0 1.0 1.1 1 1 Flock Leader Donkey 14 12 14 1.1 1.0 1.1 2 2 Beast of Burden Dog 10 10 10 1.1 1.0 1.0 1 1 Best Friend Cat 10 10 10 1.0 1.1 1.0 1 1 Tiny Predator

Fresh milk would be handy… Even if it still makes me feel a bit ill thinking about drinking my own. I’d need someone’s help anyway…

This pig ability… Can I eat anything? A tree? Some rocks? I’m not sure I want to try, even if that would work. I can’t imagine it would be good for me.

With tiny predator from cat form, I could probably hunt down some mice or other small animals. The question is do I want to? Eating them raw is probably going to be a bit yuck… And there’s the merciless killing part too…

Forage at least will be useful! Boar form should be mostly safe, as long as I’m careful.

Having gone through all the options she felt were directly related to acquiring food, Lucinda took a moment more to glance through the other abilities her myriad forms came with.

I really haven’t spent too much time thinking about a lot of these… Already I have so many options, not just for food, or combat, but other things too. I could try scaling the mountains as a goat! Digging myself a cosy house as a badger! Or befriending a flock of sheep!

Lucinda giggled quietly as her internal mirth overflowed outwards.

Maybe not that last one… There’s probably not any sheep about here either. Ah, being a Shifter is as great as I’d dreamed it would be!

Once she was feeling considerably less hungry, Lucinda resumed her journey. Past the second landmark, the surroundings opened up into a large snow-covered plain that was dotted with plants and continued to slope upwards, while behind her the landscape below began to disappear out of sight thanks to the enclosing mountains. Despite the apparent desolate look that came with the white beauty that suffused the ground, Lucinda had already spotted several smaller creatures, all of which had fled upon noticing her presence. Feeling slightly guilty at the effect her borrowed form was producing, she continued onwards all the same, but was soon halted in her tracks by the distant howling of wolves.

Wolves… I’m supposed to be looking for a bird companion, but I do have a week to get through… Maybe introducing myself to the locals wouldn’t hurt. It might be fun to try too!

Lucinda considered whether she wanted to go through with her idea carefully. In some ways, the presence of wolves was reassuring, as in her mind it hinted at the potential dangers in the vicinity as being manageable. But, in no way did it mean she was entirely safe. However, she soon concluded it was a chance at an interesting new experience she couldn’t pass up.

Throwing her wolf head backwards, Lucinda released a long, loud howl of her own.

A response sounded out not long after hers had faded, and Lucinda briefly reconsidered her idea before forcing herself to continue the strange long-distance communication. Though she wasn’t sure how to interpret the returned howling, it began sounding out from nearer and nearer locations, until at last she heard, and then saw a group of wolves approach.

There were five of them in total, and though they varied in size, Lucinda was sure the larger of them were slightly larger than the forest wolves she was used to, and therefore her own form too. Their fur was also different, being a mixture of white and grey, where she was mostly tan in colour. However, those minor details were largely unimportant in the face of the less than friendly reception she was receiving.

With some effort, Lucinda forced herself to remain calm, and at the same time, she started projecting a similar sense of calmness outwards using her innate ability. A small part of her realised it was the first time she’d done so while shapeshifted, but it was a fleeting thought that was soon forgotten, as the wolf pack began padding towards her through the shallow snow, emitting faint growls of warning as they did.

Lucinda’s pulse began racing against her wishes as the angry group closed upon her, but even as she fought an ever-growing urge to flee, she persisted in her influential projections. Gradually, signs of her efforts began to show, as one by one the wolves’ growls quieted, and then continued to subside until they were gone entirely.

Nothing to worry about…

Up close, she was able to determine that two of the wolves seemed to be larger than the rest – though one was still the noticeably largest of the group – while the three remaining wolves were smaller to varying degrees, that left her wondering if they might be juveniles. Her wondering was soon interrupted as the wolves began inspecting her more intimately. Circling around her with some wariness still evident in their manner, it wasn’t long before even that vanished in the face of the mental influencing.

Only slightly disturbed by the areas of her body the wolf pack seemed intent on sniffing so thoroughly, Lucinda mostly relaxed as the wolves seemed to accept her as a non-threat, if not an actual friend. But, even that soon changed, as one of the smaller wolves began nuzzling her.

Maybe my ability is a bit too strong… I wouldn’t want them getting the wrong idea.

Whether through the reduction in calmness she was projecting or due to a simple misreading of the situation, Lucinda wasn’t sure, but either way she was relieved that the friendly contact didn’t lead to anything more amorous.

Once the wolf pack was comfortable with her presence, the younger wolves were quite quick to begin play fighting with her. It was a most unusual situation for Lucinda, as despite her inherited wolf instincts, she didn’t entirely understand the rules. Deciding to play it safe, Lucinda very gently nipped at her playful attackers, and kept her growls quiet and short. Unfortunately, her lack of understanding was picked up on, and quickly exploited, leaving her as the undisputed loser of almost every game. Fortunately, losing didn’t involve anything unpleasant, and Lucinda enjoyed the experience all the same.

However, after some tens of minutes of play, she had yet to unlock a new shapeshift form, and couldn’t quite decide if it was because the wolves weren’t different enough, or if form acquisition didn’t work in shifted form.

There’s only one way to find out… Ah, I should have tried this sooner.

Her projection of calmness had been forgotten about as the wolves accepted her as a playmate, but Lucinda brought it back into full effect before she dared attempt anything. Leaving it to work for a few minutes more, she then shifted back into human form.

Almost as soon as she’d returned to her usual self her concerns abated, as the wolves continued to show nothing but the same curious interest in her. Then, while enduring a few mostly unpleasant licks to her face, Lucinda managed to pet one of the wolves in an attempt to answer her lingering question.

Nothing… They must be too similar after all. It’s weird, they look fairly different, not just in colour either… Oh, well.

Not long after she’d shifted back into wolf form, Lucinda became aware of a sudden shift in the mood of the wolf pack. It was in response to the actions of the largest wolf, who had gone from patiently watching Lucinda and the three younger wolves play, to focussing on the nearby greenery in the direction they had come from. Straining to listen for whatever had alerted the wolves, she didn’t hear anything out of the ordinary, but as she kept her eyes in the direction of the largest wolf, she suddenly saw an animal dart away from behind a bush.

Oh, a deer…

As the lead wolf set off in pursuit, so did the others follow suit without delay, leaving Lucinda alone to consider how she felt about the situation. It was a fact of life that wolves hunted deer and other animals to feed upon, just as humans did with a number of different animals, yet Lucinda couldn’t help but feel dismayed at the thought of the beautiful creature’s death.

It’s as Waflaw said, this is what nature is all about. Kill or be killed… If I stopped the wolves it wouldn’t help things. No… If I’m to be a proper Shifter and follow the Druid way, I have to accept this!

Lucinda caught up with the wolves with some difficulty. They had sped off after their quarry, and had already begun wearing it down with fleeting bites as she found them. Even having reached her decision, Lucinda warred with the urge to do something to aid the lone doe that was well on its way to becoming a late morning meal. But, she managed to hold off, continuing to watch the inevitable demise of the helpless creature, all the way up until it fell and was summarily defeated.

Having forced herself to see the encounter with the deer through to its finale, Lucinda had ended up remaining with the wolf pack afterwards. It was a decision that had brought her to the den they called home, and face to face with two more wolves, and two wolf pups, whose cuteness helped ease some of the negative feelings she had still been harbouring.

It became obvious that the wolf pups had learned not to pester most of the other wolves, meaning Lucinda was forced to endure their energetic antics as she relaxed in the den alongside her temporary family. The climbing all over her wasn’t so bad, but their attempts at nursing on her body were less welcome. Fortunately, a lack of results, combined with some gentle dissuasion from her, turned out to be enough to prevent further attempts.

Her mood had steadily been improving, alongside her acceptance of the naturalness of the wolves earlier actions. So much so, that the remains of the deer that had been brought to the den for the den-bound pack members to feast upon, began to smell appetising to her wolf body. She resisted partaking for a while, as her hunger and guilt competed for dominance, but as her hunger steadily increased, she eventually gave in.

The first bite she took was hesitant, but as her altered sense of taste sampled the meat and found it to be quite edible, she belatedly helped herself to her fill. Once that was taken care of, two things happened in quick succession. First, the wolf that had been paying the most attention to her – and barely left her side since she’d met the pack – playfully pounced upon her as part of a new game, and then second, she received a notification.

You have reached rank 5 of Shapeshift Wolf.

You have gained: Harrier (Wolf) Harrier (Wolf)

Deal increased melee damage with flanking attacks on foes that are already engaged by another.

Effect scales with Base Level.

That’s quite fitting, and I’m sure I can get some use out of it once I have my animal companion.

With her ever-increasing experience at the games the wolves played, Lucinda fought back more comfortably, and soon defeated her playmate despite the mental interruption she’d received. Taking a silent moment to celebrate her victory, Lucinda turned inwards once more.

I should check my status…

Status (Wolf)

Name

Lucinda Bazan

Class

Shifter

Level

4

Experience

63%

Health

Strength

Agility

Endurance

230

230

24

32

32

Mana

Intelligence

Willpower

Spirit

216

216

22

21

22

Oh, getting a form to rank 5 must increase experience after all… I had wondered. Is that as well as passive experience from being in nature like Druids? Or instead of? I’ll have to check again later.

Lucinda was brought out of her thoughts by another sudden mood shift within her wolf allies. More alert for such changes the second time around, she herself began sniffing the air as she listened intently for what might be the source. Her knowledge of smells failed to reveal much, but her ears picked up the sound of human voices.

“You saw the tracks as well as I did! They have got pups in there, and I want one!” a young woman’s voice sounded out from beyond the cave mouth.

“You know that’s not what we’re here for. And do you really expect to just tie some rope around its neck and keep it as a pet? They’re wild animals,” a deep man’s voice replied.

“I do expect that! Stupid beasts are easily tamed.”

“I’ll consider it, once we’re done with our task.”

“Unacceptable! I’m not moving another step without my wolf pup!”

Who are these people? What are they doing out here?

While her fellow wolves lay warily still, Lucinda crept towards the cave entrance in the hope of spotting the speakers. Unfortunately, it seemed they weren’t within view, and she dared not step outside fully given the topic of their discussion.

“Now is really not the time to be challenging my authority, Pwyn, nor my patience,” the man said with audible anger.

A loud huff of annoyance was the reply he received, which was followed by a bout of loud laughter, that the wolves were certainly not happy about.

“Get that stick out of your ass, Nassach. We’re here now, why not kill a few of them?” a new male voice added. It was as deep as the other man’s, but unrestrained in its volume.

“Two against one! It’s decided!” the woman replied.

“Don’t go forgetting who’s in charge here,” the first man growled in response. “Hrmm, perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to deal with them now. Just make sure you don’t damage their pelts too much, they’re worth more intact.”

No! I can’t let them kill the wolves for something like that. Food would be one thing… But, just to make some coin? And to keep one as a pet?

Lucinda’s pulse quickened as she considered her options, or lack thereof. With such little information about the three people outside, it didn’t take her long. Shifting to human form, she moved outside the cave.

“Oh ho, that’s no wolf!” the louder man called out upon seeing her, his voice sounding entirely amused.

Her first look at the three was troubling. They were adventurers or similar. The woman was tall and thin and dressed in a fur-lined robe. She looked young, had pale skin, and pale blonde hair that was trussed up in the strangest style Lucinda had ever seen. At first glance, she seemed to be reasonably pretty, but as the woman’s pale brown eyes met hers, she scowled unpleasantly, changing Lucinda’s first impression in an instant.

The man who had initially been against the verbalised plan was of average height and build. He stood between his two companions and observed Lucinda with a neutral gaze. The colour of his skin, eyes and short tidy hair was strangely similar to the woman’s, while his attire consisted of a large fur coat with just a hint of chainmail underneath, a solid mace at one hip, and leather trousers and fur boots lower down. Even with the tense situation she was in, and the brief glance she inspected him with, Lucinda didn’t fail to notice his striking good looks.

The second man was the middling of the three in terms of height, but with a far bulkier build. He too sported the same shades of skin, eyes and hair – though his was long and unbound. He was without a fur coat, but like the woman had fur lining his armour, which was a set of shiny silver plate armour. For weapons, the man had two dangerous looking axes tucked into his belt. In contrast to the reactions of his allies, the man’s plain face returned a look that made Lucinda uncomfortable with its intensity.

Crap… I don’t think I could scare them off… I’ll have to hope words are enough.

“Please, the wolves here have done nothing to you. Would you leave them be?” Lucinda said as calmly as she could.

"Forget the killing! I can think of something else I’d much rather do!” The second man leered at her while grabbing his crotch and thrusting suggestively in her direction.

This is bad…

“Stand between me and my new wolf pet, would you? I think you’ve got the right of it Hallan, but I’ll just watch her beg for mercy as you take her,” the woman added, laughing cruelly.

Really bad…

Under the dark and hungry glares of the two most outspoken members of the trio, Lucinda began edging away as a sudden desire to flee began building within her.

“What a find! Pretty girl like her wandering around out here… I’m gonna enjoy this!” the second man boomed out, further adding to Lucinda’s growing concerns.

“Knock it off, the pair of you,” the first man declared suddenly, glancing at his two companions before redirecting his pale-eyed gaze to Lucinda. “What have you to offer in exchange for sparing this den of wolves?”

“Nah, Nassach! That ain’t it!” the man named Hallan said. “We take her, then we get the wolves too. No need for this trading shit.”

“Enough, Hallan. Remember who is in charge here.”

The rebuked man harrumphed noisily, and then turned another leering stare upon Lucinda. Lucinda ignored him as best she could, along with the continued scowl from the woman named Pwyn.

“I have some silver,” Lucinda admitted, as she tried to grasp onto the faint sliver of a peaceful resolution.

“We’re wasting our time,” the woman said, adding a brief spurt of mocking laughter. “Let Hallan have her, then we can feed her to these precious wolves of hers!”

“You two are really trying my patience,” the man named Nassach growled. “I’ve said we will trade, and so we shall. Continue to demean my efforts and I shall cut your share of the bounty.”

“She doesn’t even have anything to trade!” the other man shouted.

“Enough!”

Nassach’s shout was loud enough to spook the wolves, bringing a chorus of angry growls from the cave, as both of his companions fell silent with dark looks upon their faces. Forcing her worries to one side, Lucinda began projecting a sense of calmness as best she could, knowing full well a sudden attack from the wolves would likely end the negotiations.

“Druid,” the leader of the group began. “Silver is hardly enough, however, I have another idea. Help us complete the task we have come to these mountains for, and we will spare your wolves.”

His two companions did not speak, but it was clear from their expressions how much they disagreed with their leader’s offer.

And what if this task is just killing more animals for their pelts? Could I take them with the help of the wolves? A Wizard, a Cleric, and a Fighter? They don’t look too old, not that that means anything… Ah, I should ask at least…

“What does your task involve?” Lucinda asked.

“We are here to clear out a nest of harpies that has been harassing the caravans of our employer. It is not a difficult task by any means, but an extra hand in battle would be of value all the same. Especially one with the ability to shapeshift into animal form. I assume you are capable of such?”

“…Why is that so important?”

“Because animals are immune to their song…” the woman replied scathingly. “Isn’t it obvious how green she is? Why waste our time with this?”

“Ahhh!” Hallan blurted out suddenly. “He’s got the hots for her! Shit, Nassach, you shoulda said. You’re the group leader, if you want first go at her, that’s your right.”

“Would you two shut up!? That is not it at all!” The Cleric’s words were even louder than before, booming out from behind reddened cheeks. Glaring at each of his companions in turn, the man looked back at Lucinda with steely eyes. “What say you?”

“Join up with you and your two friends that seem to want me dead or worse?” Lucinda asked in disbelief.

“They will not harm you without my say-so.”

“Umm, are you sure? I’m having trouble believing that.”

“Whiny bitch…” Pwyn muttered just loudly enough for Lucinda to hear.

The group leader levelled another sterner glare at his Wizard companion before continuing. “Then how about I swear upon the name of my god, that I will allow no harm to come to you from either of my companions or myself during this task?”

Having trained as a Cleric herself, Lucinda knew full well the seriousness of such an oath, and was astonished beyond words to hear such an offer from a complete stranger. Especially one that otherwise seemed quite unfriendly.

“You have got to be shitting me! You are lusting after her!” Pwyn hissed. “Some stupid tart that lives in a cave with beasts!?”

Hallan burst out into laughter at the woman’s anger, but the sound of his voice was cut off as the leader’s leather-gloved hand slapped the woman across the face harshly. The echoing sound of the blow filled the air, before the other man boomed out another series of laughs. Sparing another dark glare for his companion, the leader addressed Lucinda.

“Would that satisfy you?” he asked, as if nothing untoward had just transpired.

What kind of a group is this!? Ah, if he really would give an oath, I’d have to believe I’d be safe… Killing harpies is dangerous, but if it would keep the wolves safe…?

“If you swear they won’t harm me, or the wolves, even after the task is complete… I’ll accept,” Lucinda stated, her resolve wavering even as she spoke the words.

“I cannot swear that indefinitely, but two days afterwards would be sufficient for us to no longer be in a position to do either. Acceptable?”

“Fine…”

“I, Nassach, swear in the name of my god, Lachselia, that no harm shall come to you, or the wolves you protect. Either by my hand or that of my companions, on the provision that you seek us no harm in return. Lasting from now until up to two days after our quest to eliminate the harpies is complete.”

Ah, crap… Lachselia, the dark goddess of greed… He’s not a Cleric, but a Hierophant!

“Are we clear?” the worshipper of Lachselia asked his allies.

“I still say we shoulda taken her… Well, whatever, I get it.” Hallan replied.

“Pwyn?” the leader of the group prompted, eventually receiving a reluctant nod from the woman who seemed extremely unhappy with the situation.

“Then I believe proper introductions are in order before we travel on to complete our task.”

What have I signed myself up for? Oh, I wish Waflaw were here.