Around noon of the day following the party, Lucinda found herself in Sevi and Prathin’s hut alongside Varmia. With there being no official plans in place other than relaxation and recuperation, the topic of body art had cropped up shortly after a late breakfast, and it was for that purpose they had sought out the young couple.

“You’re alright with the designs then?” Prathin asked. “I can have you both done in say… an hour or two if so.”

“I’m fine. Excited, in fact,” Lucinda replied.

“Cool. Varmia?”

“Mmm, I’d like to change mine a bit actually. If Luci agrees to something?”

Lucinda met the young Druidess’ gaze with an inquisitive raised eyebrow.

“We’re both getting tattoos of our companions. Why don’t we get them in the same spot? Kinda like a declaration of our friendship, and our shared love for animals at the same time.”

“Oh, nice idea!” Sevi exclaimed.

All eyes turned to Lucinda as the question hung in the air.

“I like that idea too,” Lucinda replied as she smiled at her otter-partnered friend “Although you never told me where you were getting yours…”

Varmia released a hasty giggle that still managed to sound faintly sinister. “I was thinking I’d get two. One to match with yours, and then something a bit different. The second one I’m keeping secret. For now…”

“Of course.” Lucinda shook her head in mock disdain, much to her friend’s amusement.

“We could get them in the most obvious place…” Varmia placed a single hand upon her heart. “It fits, yeah?”

“Ah… I guess so.”

“You can say no.”

“I know. It’s just…” As Lucinda fumbled for the best way to express her hesitancy an obvious alternative came to her. “Oh! Actually, sure. I can get a second one as well. Umm, right?”

“No probs,” Prathin said. “Haven’t been many takers for my work so far. Maybe once people see how cool you both look with the new additions?”

“Great. Ah, but… Would it be okay a bit higher up?”

Varmia’s expression shifted to one of exaggerated shock. “Are you saying you don’t love Marrow with all your heart, Luci!?”

“It’s not that; obviously! But you know…”

“Boobs?” Varmia replied with an ear-splitting grin.

“Yes…” Lucinda admitted as she smiled and rolled her eyes at the other woman’s teasing manner.

“You’re right, Luci! Having Prathin touch you there would be so wrong.”

“Woah, careful with the accusations there,” the snake-loving man said. “I’m a pro, you know? That and Sevi would kill me, then feed me to her spider if I even thought anything inappropriate.”

The man’s words combined with his wife’s solemn nodding brought sudden laughter from Lucinda and Varmia both.

“I can believe that,” Lucinda belatedly replied. “I didn’t really mean it like that, but I’d still prefer a bit higher up.”

“Poor Marrow…” Varmia uttered. A frown in her direction quickly dispelled the illusion of sadness that had accompanied her utterance. “Sorry, Luci. Just having some fun at your expense… Thought it was my turn, yeah?”

Lucinda’s brows shot upwards. “Varm…” Having apologised for the previous day’s events almost as soon as they were both awake, there didn’t seem to be much else to say on the subject. It didn’t help that any further discussion would be witnessed by the young couple.

“Mmm, that was supposed to be a joke…” Varmia flashed Lucinda an apologetic smile. “Er, shall we start?”

“Ready when either of you are,” Prathin replied.

“You mind if I go first, Luci? If not, no peeking, yeah?”

“Sure, okay.. See you in a bit.” With a smile and a wave she departed from the hut.

Back outside, Lucinda considered how she wanted to pass the time before her turn came about. With Marrow at her side, and the beautiful atmosphere to enjoy, even relaxing in the lush grass seemed like a worthwhile endeavour. However, as her eyes fell upon a certain individual who was currently enjoying almost exactly that, an actual plan took root in her mind.

“Hi, Fi,” Lucinda greeted as she reached her destination.

Sitting cross legged in a patch of flowers – as she often seemed to do – the female dryad’s eyes opened slowly and turned upon Lucinda.

“Lucinda,” Fi said with a slight nod of her head. “Are you well?”

Something about the strange woman before her gave Lucinda pause. She wasn’t sure if it was her incredible height, some other aspect of her form, or perhaps just how little she knew about dryads. Regardless of the cause, she quickly decided upon increasing her politeness.

“Ah, I’m not interrupting am I? I was hoping to ask you a few things. If you’re free…”

“You are not,” the dryad replied simply. With one hand she indicated a spot beside her in the flower-laden ground.

“Phew, okay. Then, I’m well, thank you. How are you?”

“The forest is in good health; as am I. Thank you for inquiring.”

With a part of her feeling she hadn’t paid enough attention to the incredible opportunity meeting an intelligent non-human creature so obviously was, Lucinda decided to take a moment to re-observe the peculiarities of the dryad’s body before proceeding. The same unusual features awaited her roaming eyes, albeit with a different shade to the abundance of decorative flowers Fi bore. Yet of all the aspects of the dryad’s form, it was her leaf-clad bosom that most strongly captivated Lucinda’s attention.

Was Gran really jealous? They are huge; even with how tall Fi is.

Considering the apparent similarities between herself and her grandmother, Lucinda spent a few moments trying to ascertain how she felt about the matter. Being no longer able to dismiss her own interest in members of her own gender, it felt like an important consideration. However, her thoughts did not make it far before a vivid recollection from the previous day rushed to the forefront of her mind: Varmia dancing before her, her chest bared for all to see.

Chasing the lingering thought away with a shake of her head, she decided to move onto her questions at last. She experienced a moment of relief as she noticed Fi’s eyes had closed during the stretch of silence that had passed between them. Then, waiting a moment more to collect herself, she began.

“Can I ask how old you and Cro are?”

As before, the female dryad’s eyes opened slowly and languidly fell upon Lucinda. If not for Fi’s otherwise friendliness, Lucinda might have concluded she was bothering her after all.

“We are as old as the tree we are linked to. It is as important to us as the source of that beating you humans possess is to you.”

“You mean you’d die if it did?”

“We grew with it; we will perish alongside it.”

“I see. It’s here somewhere? Ah… Maybe I shouldn’t ask that.”

The faintest hint of a smile caught Fi’s lips.

“You are a good-natured human, Lucinda.” One pair of human eyes, and another stranger dryad pair, remained locked together for several seconds before Fi continued. “It is nearby; hidden away and protected. Reveal that to one undeserving of such knowledge, and you will be left to clean your own clothes upon your next visit.”

“That would be a shame…” Lucinda smiled in amusement at the female dryad. “I guess I’ll have to keep it a secret then. If I promise to do that, will you tell me more?”

Fi nodded slowly. “I accept your promise.”

“Great! Then… How old is your tree?”

“Asking through another question will not grant you the answer you seek; there is none. I do not know how many human years have passed since my beginning. What I do know, is that this forest once covered almost the entirety of this landmass.”

“Really!? That must have been… I have no idea how long ago. No towns? No kingdoms? No people? Ah… sorry! I meant humans.”

“Humans… There was a long period during which we knew not what they were. What curious animals we thought them to be. A not untrue statement even now.”

“That’s fair,” Lucinda agreed without reluctance, and with plentiful amusement. “You really don’t know how long it’s been then?”

“I do not. However, I believe I am best described as ‘ancient’.”

I can’t imagine being that old… Even someone like Yalia must have so much knowledge and experience! Fi could be who knows how many times older than her.

While Lucinda felt there was plenty more to ask on the topic of Fi’s past, a strong desire to ask about a more present aspect of her was hard to ignore.

“Your magic… It’s incredible! How do you do all that? You’re not a Druid, are you?”

“Our use of magic comes as naturally breathing. We will it, it happens. That humans cannot do so is still strange to us. Not nearly as strange as the ‘status’ you all claim to possess, however.”

“No status!?” Lucinda exclaimed. “But… You mean you do all that without it? And no Class? No way of tracking your mana… health? Anything?”

“That is so.”

Lucinda fell silent as she continued to consider the implications of Fi’s declaration. With the presence of statuses being seemingly ubiquitous, it was a difficult thing to accept.

A short time later, conversation once more resumed. There was plenty more for Lucinda to ask, even with her most important questions having been answered. Starting from the dryad’s ancient past, their talk provided a very interesting diversion, all the way up until the reappearance of a certain young Druidess.

“Hey,” Varmia called out. “I’m done.”

“Oh, that was quick,” Lucinda replied. She smiled in greeting and then directed her gaze lower.

“What do you think?”

Resting a short distance below Varmia’s left shoulder, and a fraction above the swell of her bosom, a slightly less than palm-sized depiction of a dark brown otter met her eyes. Typical of Prathin’s work, it was extremely life-like. Resting upon its back with its limbs held upwards playfully, there was really only one response to be made.

“Looks just like her! And absolutely as cute!”

A beaming smile spread across Varmia’s face. “Yeah, I’m liking it too. The other’s nice as well…”

“Well, if you weren’t hiding it I might actually be able to agree. Oh… Wasn’t it supposed to be different?”

“Yep. Decided on a simpler design in the end. Thought it’d look better in the new spot. It was all Prathin though really.”

“I’m even more excited to get mine done now too!”

“Too bad you’re going to have to wait a bit.”

“Aww, how come?”

“Because Sevi and her husband are still feeling the effects of the massive amount of mushroom smoke they inhaled. Thought they seemed a bit different; And I was right.”

“Oh…” Lucinda glanced over at the young couple’s hut. The door and window coverings were all closed.

“Hey, uh, you did notice that, yeah? Last night, I mean.”

"Yes, I noticed. How could I not? Well, I guess I thought it was just a bit cold at first…”

"You didn't say anthing."

"That's because I didn't mind…" Lucinda experienced a slight rush of heat to her cheeks. "I… wanted something like to happen. It helped me… you know."

"Mmm, I do know." A pleased grin emerged onto Varmia's face. Staring intently at Lucinda she casually rubbed a finger across her lower lip a few times. "Too bad you still chose the wrong someone for your something though."

A familiar pang of guilt struck Lucinda as a result of Varmia's statement. Fortunately, the young Druidess' teasing grin helped the feeling pass quickly enough.

"I wish I'd known…" Lucinda grimaced as she internally chastised her hastiness once more. "Ah! If you'd have gone to his gathering you would have met her, and then you could have told me!"

"Oh, it's my fault now, is it?"

"Yes! Could you maybe apologise to him as well?"

“Why? Because he didn’t quite cheat on his girlfriend?” Varmia laughed and shook her head. Her accompanying expression clearly revealed how unlikely it was for the request to be fulfilled. “Let’s talk about something else.”

“Right… Okay. Umm, does Ingala like your tattoo?”

“Of course she does!” The so-named otter scampered up on Varmia’s lap and emitted a pleased squeak. “You worried Marrow won’t?”

“A bit…”

“You’re being silly.” The young Druidess turned to the bird in question. “You agree, yeah, Marrow?”

To Lucinda’s surprise, her companion nodded its head in response. It was not something she’d taught her, yet the action was unmistakable in its intent.

I am really surprised? She’s intelligent, even if her cute speech doesn’t always make it seem that way…

“There, see?” Varmia declared. “You’re worrying for nothing. Oh yeah, there was something else I wanted to ask: You wanna stay in my hut tonight?”

Despite everything that had happened so far in the gathering, especially the things involving the young Druidess, Lucinda felt her heart thump noisily as the question reached her ears.

“Hey,” Varmia continued, snapping Lucinda out of her temporarily stunned state. “I only meant for some harmless shapeshifted cuddling.”

“You’re still asking me to share a bed with you…”

Lucinda’s words brought a wide grin to her friend’s face, and a responsive shrug from her shoulders.

“Don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy that last night. You should have seen the contented look on your face! It was adorable, honestly.”

“I was a lynx!”

“An adorable, obviously contented lynx! You think a Druid can’t read animal facial expressions?” Varmia sighed quietly. “Was just an idea.”

“It was nice,” Lucinda admitted as she recalled the warm softness she had slumbered upon and beside. “I guess sharing a hut would be okay. …Maybe the cuddling too.” Her agreement was met with an obviously pleased smile, and soon prompted a slightly less intense one of her own. “Do you think I’ll have my tattoos by then?” Lucinda asked as her gaze travelled to the distant hut once more. Varmia wasn’t far behind.

“Hopefully…”

“…And finished!” Prathin announced happily. “Babe, the mirror?”

Sevi came up behind her husband with the reflective object in hand. Lucinda took in her altered appearance eagerly. She had already inspected the first of her two artistic additions, but if anything that had only increased her anticipation for the second.

“It’s perfect!” she declared loudly. “They both are. Thank you, Prathin!”

“My pleasure,” the man replied with a sizeable grin. “They turned out great.”

“They did!” Sevi added.

Lucinda’s eyes returned to the mirror. The design she’d initially chosen – with Marrow drawn as if in flight – had ended up located in the spot agreed upon by her and Varmia. It was a fairly simple piece, yet had captured the large bird of prey’s form perfectly. Her other choice was based around Varmia’s original chosen design; in it, Marrow was splashing about in a pool of water reminiscent of their time together in the cave they’d met within. Located on the right side of her body, a short distance above her hip, it too was mildly shy of palm-sized.

I definitely made the right choice… And I can still hide them if I have to. Which I’ll have to do next time I see Mother… Or do I brave her wrath?

“I’ll be relying on you to spread the word.” Prathin’s words brought Lucinda back to the present, but the snake-loving man had turned towards his wife before Lucinda could meet his eyes. When he looked back at her once more, his smile had increased noticeably. “The sooner you start the better!”

“Yep!” Sevi added. “I’m sure people are just dying to see them! Better not keep them waiting.”

Surprised by the dismissive implication, it took Lucinda a few back and forth glances between the two Druids to realise what was about.

“Oh… Sorry. I’ll, umm, leave you to it. Thanks again!”

Emerging back into the pleasant afternoon sunlight, Lucinda wasted no time in showing off the results of Prathin’s hard work to her animal companion. To her dismay, Marrow’s initial reaction was far from what she had hoped. However, when Varmia burst out into unrestrained laughter moments later, she realised she had been the victim of a prank that the other woman had somehow convinced her companion to play along with.

The remainder of the day was spent chatting with, and showing off her new bodily decorations to, the others at the gathering. Although it meant a fair bit more scrutiny of her body than she was used to, the ample compliments sent her way more than made up for it.

Day three of the gathering turned out to be one dedicated entirely to tradeskills. It was something Lucinda had spent some thought on after settling upon adventuring as her near future career path; however, the sort of skills that might benefit that line of work, did not necessarily lend themselves to supporting a nature-based community. In fact, given the exceedingly useful capabilities of Fi and Cro, it turned out most on offer were chosen for entertainment over practicality.

In the morning, Lucinda spent her time trying to construct a simple pot from clay with unsatisfying results. From there she transitioned through attempts at basket weaving, flute playing, knot work, and several other varying tasks. While all were as entertaining in their own right as they were intended to be – largely due to the challenges they provided, as well as the enjoyable company – one other skill in particular stood out: Painting.

Lucinda’s journey into the mountains in search of a companion had left her with the desire to possess some ability in the field of capturing the incredible sights she’d seen. While previously she had believed herself incapable of such depictions, Varmia’s assertion that she had been using the wrong hand had provided a glimmer of hope. If not for the tradeskill focussed day, Lucinda might never have taken it upon herself to reassess her own aptitude. After almost an hour working on painting Waflaw’s stag, she was glad she had, for the results were not terrible.

“Now that our youngest members have been carted off, that looks like everyone,” Yalia announced from her position at the front of the seated gathering attendees. “You may recall I hinted at troubles for both our northern friends who could not attend, as well as our southern ones who could. You may also recall I promised to bring this up two days ago. Well, here we are all the same.”

With it being the fourth day of the gathering, Lucinda felt reasonably justified in her forgetting of the postponed announcement. The circle leader’s reminder quickly brought her previous feelings of concern back to her.

“I will let Udriel start things off.”

Lucinda had spoken to the women that stood up in response to the circle leader’s declaration a few times. Firstly during the recruitment attempt before the party had begun, and sporadically since then. Having been seated near the front of the group, it took Udriel no time at all to reach Yalia’s side and begin her address.

“Thanks Yalia. Hi everyone. Some of you’ll know what I have to say already. For the others: sorry, it’s not pleasant.” The woman grimaced slightly as her eyes scanned her audience. “A little over a month and a half ago, one of our circle members went missing. His name was Krevid; a Ranger. He was on his way to check up on the largest south-western forest of Lekelima when we lost contact with him, and when we continued to hear nothing from him, and then found no signs of him when we went looking, we feared he was lost to us.

“Less than two weeks ago, we received word through an anonymous letter that seemed to confirm our fear, and given the details within, we find it hard to see it as anything other than the unfortunate truth. It claimed Krevid was captured by a group working for the crown; that he was tortured for an unknown amount of time, and then finally executed in secret.”

What!?

Similar exclamations to Lucinda’s internal one emerged from many of those gathered. Udriel stood stoically before it all, her lips pressed into a tight line.

“But why?” a man called out.

“…That we don’t know. I knew him well; there’s no way he could have done something to cause that kind of reaction. But the crown hasn’t acknowledged our pleas for information, and other than knowing the letter was sent by someone wealthy we’ve nothing else to go on.”

As the crowd broke out into murmured discussion, Lucinda shared a troubled look with Varmia. It was a shocking piece of news.

“That’s me done,” Udriel announced a short time later. “If anyone here knew him but didn’t know, consider stopping by and paying his family a visit; they’re going through a tough spot. Thanks.”

“Thank you, Udriel,” Yalia said as the other woman resumed her seat. “Troubling tidings, I’m sure you all agree; however, you may be relieved to learn that is the worst of what needs to be addressed today. Next, the situation to the north.

“In recent years, our brothers and sisters in the Circle of the Frosty Morn have been managing a new source of tension with the local communities surrounding them. Up until recently, we were only vaguely aware of such. That they chose to spare us the finer details until now is completely understandable.

“I suppose a brief introduction to how things are across the mountains is in order. Oradas is a country where a small number of merchants wield a great deal of power. Backed by the nation’s temples and followers of the goddess, Lachselia, influencing the kingdom is well within their purview, make no mistake.

“As to how that plays a part in the troubles over there, the answer is simple: food. Given the harsh, snowy climate it should come as no surprise how important that resource is for them. Which brings us to the problem at last. The Circle of the Frosty Morn is located on a small peninsula off of Oradas’ north-western edge. At the behest of one powerful merchant – who in turn claims to have been encouraged by the nearby towns and villages – the queen has drawn up plans to convert the peninsula into a new patch of dedicated farmland.

“That it has been the home of that circle for countless centuries appears to matter not, while it’s suitability for growing food thanks to their nurturing efforts certainly does. Fortunately, things are not quite as bad as they might seem to be. It is true that our offered aid came about due to an incursion of hostile mercenaries into their territory…”

Several sharp intakes of breath sounded out in response to Yalia’s words. Lucinda, meanwhile, suffered an uncomfortable shudder as her related memories resurfaced.

“But that has been dealt with with no casualties on either side. Furthermore, Welrim – their circle leader – has assured our aiding members that the incursion was more of a test than an actual attempt at conquering. She believes negotiations will follow, where some acceptable alternative may be reached.

“Now, I believe a few moments for questions is in order before we move on.”

As a few differing sources of voices broke out, a delicate hand landed upon Lucinda’s arm.

“You okay?” Varmia asked. The obvious concern in her tone and smiling face helped shape the answer to her question.

“I’m fine,” Lucinda replied. “I don’t think I much like mercenaries though.”

Varmia’s expression shifted to amusement. “Who does? I mean what’s to like about people that’d do anything for some coin?”

“That’s a bit harsh,” Owilen said. “I’ve met a few that are alright. It’s not like they have to accept every job that comes their way.”

Lucinda was willing to concede the point and nodded to reflect that. Varmia, on the other hand, demonstrated her disagreement with a dismissive shake of her head. However, any further discussion was cut off as Yalia approached their small group.

“Lucinda, may I borrow you for a moment?”

“Umm, sure,” Lucinda replied.

“Excellent. We will need your mentor too.”

Collecting Waflaw as they travelled, Yalia led them out of earshot of the ongoing discussions. There was just time for a shared look of confusion to pass between Lucinda and her mentor before their private conversation began.

“As you may have guessed, the next topic of discussion involves you both. Though you especially, Lucinda.”

The serious tone of the circle leader’s declaration was hard to ignore. That the topic seemed to be following on from two other troubling events made matters significantly more worrying.

“It involves Kloip.”

“Oh… Did something else happen? Something recent?”

“Reasonably recent, yes. You are aware of the two men that were executed there?”

“… The arsons?” Lucinda’s brow furrowed. “How do you know about that?”

“We are the reason they were there.”

“What!? But… You…?”

“Hold on a moment, Dear.” Yalia raised one hand in a placating fashion. “First, let me inform you that they were absolutely not arsons. Yet that they were dubbed as such makes this whole affair even more concerning.”

Lucinda’s confusion remained in place as she tried and failed to unravel the circle leader’s meaning.

“I digress… Just over a year ago, an unparalleled event occurred here. Hmm, I suppose it would be more accurate to say that it was detected here. Sorry, I can see this is making little sense to you, please bear with me.”

“You can include me in that too,” Waflaw said, bringing an acknowledging nod from Yalia.

“Despite having lived alongside a pair of dryads for almost all of my life, I cannot claim to know the full extent of their powers. Sometimes I wonder if perhaps even they do not. This detection I mentioned was, of course, their doing. A sudden flood of unnaturalness is how they described it; the location of which we eventually narrowed down to your home town.”

“A sudden flood of unnaturalness? Near Kloip?” Lucinda repeated. “I’m still not following…”

“We too were baffled by the situation, and sadly still are. The two men that you know as arsons were hired to investigate the area in an attempt to shine some light on what had happened there.”

“It was in the town itself then?” Waflaw asked.

“We believe so. Subtle investigations of civilised settlements is not something any of our members are good at you won’t be surprised to hear. Unfortunately, we received no further correspondence once confirmation of their arrival had reached us.”

“Well, that’s ominous. An unknown source of unnaturalness, and two men dead with nothing to show for it. You’ve learnt nothing else since?”

“Other than that the town appears to be fine, no. I was hoping either of you might know something more.”

Waflaw turned to Lucinda. “You should probably tell her.”

With only some reluctance at dragging up the unpleasant memories, Lucinda began detailing the events that had taken place in Kloip for Yalia’s benefit. It took a few minutes for her to finish doing so.

“I see,” Yalia said. “Thank you for sharing. Then you believe this High Cleric of yours might be involved somehow?”

“Hard to say,” Waflaw answered. “He’s the most likely candidate for hiring that man that came after Lucinda, but he’s also a High Cleric of Hefnopt. If this unnaturalness has anything to do with him it becomes slightly more believable, but we still haven’t got any proof of anything. Not to mention the local Wizard, Saseligan, hasn’t discovered anything unusual either; at least as far as we know.”

“I’m still not sure I get what you mean by unnaturalness…” Lucinda said. “Undead?”

Yalia and Waflaw shared a glance before the former sighed loudly. “I wish I could say for certain. It could very well be to do with the undead. It could also be something entirely different. We’re not even sure if it’s still there.”

“I think it might be,” Waflaw said. “Now that you’ve brought it up, I think I did feel something a bit off when I was there. Couldn’t tell you what though.”

“You could actually feel it?” There was no mistaking the alarmed tone of Yalia’s voice. “Are you certain?”

“Hmm, there’s probably a chance I’m misremembering things based on what you’ve told us. It doesn’t feel that way, but who can say for sure? I take it that’s a bad thing if true?”

Yalia sighed loudly once more. “Perhaps. Though that too is based on a feeling and little else. If not for the recent souring of relations, I would lead a party over there myself. Hoping it will resolve itself, or that it’s nothing to concern ourselves with, truly seems like wishful thinking.”

After a brief stretch of silence, Lucinda stumbled upon a question to pose.

“Are they connected? I know they don’t seem related, but the timing is a bit convenient… Or inconvenient?”

“The thought has occurred to me,” Yalia responded with a slight smile. “It’s true that we and our fellow circles have not experienced anything of the like as far back as I can remember. Yet does that mean they are connected, or is it simply a coincidence they have all occurred within such a short time frame?”

“You’ll be telling the others??” Waflaw asked.

“Exactly so. Unless either of you have anything else to add before that?” Yalia directed an apologetic look towards Lucinda. “It will be difficult to keep your part in this obscured. I hope you understand.”

“It’s okay,” Lucinda replied. “This sounds too important anyway.”

The meeting resumed with Lucinda sitting in her previous spot while Yalia revealed the latest piece of troubling news. It was slightly awkward having the unpleasant parts of her recent past presented to and then discussed by a group, yet her conviction that it was necessary held throughout. When the discussion finally ceased some time later, the situation was anything but resolved. With a severe lack of information, as well as means to gain more, Yalia settled on delivering a warning for all to be mindful of the safety of themselves and others moving forwards.

Up until the midday meal, the dampened mood prevented much of anything from happening within the circle clearing. If not for the fresh announcement of an afternoon full of entertainment, things might even have remained that way. Continuing with the bear-favouring theme, the entertainment revealed itself to be a bear-wrestling tournament. Lucinda experienced a moment of extreme concern upon hearing the announcement, though that turned out to be a misunderstanding caused by the word ‘bear’. Her second concern turned out to be similarly short-lived, when Yalia began explaining the rules. Further demonstrating her ability to forcefully shapeshift others, the circle leader let it be known that all gathering attendees could take part as a wrestling bear, and that any discrepancies in levels and attributes would be balanced out via carefully chosen handicaps.

Lucinda decided not to take part in the end, largely due to her lingering concerns about Kloip. However, that did not stop her from enjoying the spectacle alongside Varmia and the three circle children. Her decision also provided the perfect opportunity to bring the widest smile to Ivi’s face anyone had ever seen; a feat she accomplished by revealing her ability to conjure a smaller duplicate of her dragonling form. Naturally, many of the other spectators were also pleasantly surprised, albeit slightly less so than the youngest member of the circle.

“Last day tomorrow,” Varmia said in a faintly melancholic tone. She and Lucinda were sat next to each other at the table in the hut they shared, having retired for the day once the bear related fun had come to a close. “Always a shame when gatherings end. This time maybe a bit more so…”

“It’s been a lot fun,” Lucinda agreed, offering her friend a warm smile as she did. “Is there more happening tomorrow?”

“Yeah, Gran said something about practical applications of martial and magical know-how. Combat training, I think.”

“Oh, that would be good. Wouldn’t want to wind up dead before I even manage to join an adventuring party.”

“You better not! I’m expecting you to stop by and take note of my rapid rise to power.”

“Circle leader Varmia? Hmm, I’m not sure it sounds quite right…”

Lucinda’s teasing words brought a fierce scowl from her victim.

“Now you’ve done it.” Varmia shook her head and smiled wistfully. “I didn’t want it to come to this, Luci. But you have left me with no choice… Prepare to be tickled!”

“No! Wait!”

The hasty plea fell upon deaf ears, just as Varmia’s hands fell upon Lucinda. The young Druidess carried out her attack with unrestrained fury, swiftly causing tear-filled laughter in her victim. Lucinda could barely manage to squeak out further pleas as the assault continued; as when one spot gradually became bearable, her attacker would switch to another.

“Marrow! Save me!” Lucinda sent to her companion in a desperate attempt to escape her fate.

“Friend?”

“… Could you peck her? Maybe hit her with a wing? Ahh… Anything!”

Further communication was made difficult when Varmia’s hands found an unprotected set of armpits. The subsequent howls of pleading, crying laughter would have forced Lucinda to re-evaluate the level of her own ticklishness if she had actually been able to do so at that moment. Then, almost as suddenly as her ordeal had begun, it stopped.

“Oww!” Varmia exclaimed loudly. “Your bird… No!”

The opening Marrow’s surprise attack had provided did not go to waste. Lucinda pounced upon the other woman with no intention of showing her any mercy, and her efforts quickly brought about a similar reaction from her victim as she herself had suffered. Yet, her possession of the upper hand did not last long. All too soon, Varmia managed to recover and fight back, and from there the balance of power began fluctuating rapidly.

Many minutes after their silliness had begun, both women ended up on the floor of the hut, red-faced and exhausted.

“Phew…” Lucinda breathed. “That was a lot more fun than I expected…”

“Excuse me. I think you owe me an apology.”

Lucinda giggled at the regal tone her friend had put on.

“Is that Princess Varmia speaking? Or Circle Leader Varmia?”

“Pfft, I’ll take the second any day.”

“Well, then I’m terribly sorry, o’ wise circle leader.”

A shared bout of giggling filled the hut for a while.

“I think I am going to miss this place…” Lucinda said.

Varmia offered her a bright smile. “Then we’ll just have to make your last day extra special! Speaking of… How about we go on a picnic tomorrow? I think there’ll be an official lunch, so in the evening? There’s a perfect place for one. You’ll love it, trust me.”

Lucinda stared into the otter-partnered woman’s eyes as she considered how to reply.

“I’m going to guess what you’re thinking,” Varmia continued. “If you want it to just be a friendly picnic, it can be. But if you decide that maybe you want something more… It’s still the perfect place. And by that I mean it’s perfectly secluded.”

Ah, that does seem like a nice end to my time here… But do I want something more? No, I know I do… But can I go through with it?

“A picnic sounds wonderful,” Lucinda finally answered.

“And?” Varmia asked hopefully.

“And… Good night.”

A spontaneous fit of giggles erupted from the young Druidess. Lucinda joined in almost immediately.

“Fine,” Varmia eventually replied. “See you in the morning.”