Ch2
Soft bird song and harsh morning light roused the warrior maiden from her slumber, as she sluggishly arose. Her hair tossled and messy from the night battle followed her lifting head as she let out an arrogant yawn. Looking about, the forest had been transformed in the sun to an ethereal abode of life and energy. Feeling the dampness of her undershirt, she sniffed her armpits and received a satisfying and pungent aroma 'I really ought to bathe when the chance comes, but alone in the forest no one can complain about me.' She stood up and stretched her nimble body, her muscles breathing and battled body aching in pleasure. When thinking if it best to try to hunt or find a civilized place to eat the sound of a rustling bush interrupted her thoughts.
Sensing a non animal sentience within she drew her sword on the side of caution and spoke groggily yet sternly "Reveal thyself or be hewn." An 'eep!' emanated from the bush a small ball of brown fur came tumbling out. It landed on its head with two three-toed feet flapping in the air it rolled right side up, the size of a large cooking pot and two massive eyes looked up at the fearsome yet dishevelled Camdia. Trembling in fear it began to chirp from its small beak, embarrassing the warrior she sighed in pathetic relief and sheathed her sword. Still afraid with closed eyes it trembled as the fairies came to Camdia's ear and said "this one says not to slay him, for he wishes to thank thee", "yes indeed, he is bursting with fear and gratitude!" said another "You don't say." "Yes, come let us give thee the key to his tongue." Without further consent they sprinkled sparkling pixie dust on the sloggy girl, some of which came into her nose and made her sneeze. She swatted away the fairies as the chirps she heard were translated into thoughts in her mind. "-that you may wive forever mowe an' bwing peace and bounty to dese lands."
As she cleared the dust from her face the small creature stared expectantly at her. Staring at it for a moment to behold that such a stupid and silly looking thing actually possessed higher cognition, Camdia responded. "Whatever thanks you may give I'll kindly receive, but do not ask me to quest, I am predisposed." It responded "Oww! Of couwse sweet pwincess! This one, called Dilo, give gweat thanks! Thanks fow slaying da nasty bwutes and demonsh of da woods! You are... ouw hewo!" "Yes, well..." as she turned to pack her things "You are quite welcome." It paused a moment before asking "Where pwetty, strong lady going?" "Not your business" she retorted. "Lady know... way threw da woodz? Maybe Dilo show you! Repayment for service!" The idea of this 'thing' chirping at her in the future drew a sort of terror different from the usual dangers she felt. "That will not be necessary." she said as she reached down and equipped her gloves. Turning back the thing had somehow already carried her snack bag and was moving through the grove with it. "Me show you way!" Camdia let out a "Hey!" as she rushed forward, her foot getting caught in the loop of a stump and falling face forward into the brush. She got up and gave chase to Dilo, who weaved through the bramble as a fish in a stream while she had to leap over sticks and twigs and brush. Falling behind she realized she needed to gather her other things and let the creature go. 'My candied nuts were in there! If I catch it I'll stick it on a roasting spit!' All the while the faeries of the grove laughed themselves silly.
As Camdia eventually made her way out of the grove roughly in the direction the creature had gone she came upon a clear path, shrouded by trees making a tunnel. Following it until she heard voices. A half gryphon half man held a netted Dilo by its claws "What wonderful prey, both the snacks and Kobol." "We ought to keep it as bait, for the warrior, the bag could be her's" spoke the other. "I'm famished and need not worry about traps, especially your's which never manifest!" "Well thats because you never give is a worthy try!" he retorted. They began to break down into squabbling as Camdia blended with the shrouded bush and approached under stealth, eyeing which was more valuable target. Just then the breeze rustled the trees and sunlight moved onto her body, even Dilo took notice of her and feeling her moment slip she let loose a strike at the nearest gryphman. Her lightning fast uppercut sliced off the left wing of one and screeching in pain it fell as the other grasped the net and flew upward. The safe one bellowed in fearful confidence "Wretched demon girl! Let loose your blows in the open and not like a shallow coward, which you must be!" he pulled up the net in triumph "If you wish to reclaim your belongings, come to the dark lord's castle yonder!" Having other plans Camdia crouched and focusing her energy ran up the nearest tree with panther speed and kicked off, aiming for the arrogant enemy, who being more agile, pulled away at the last moment making her slice open the net and spilling its content instead of beast blood. The gryphman in nervous laughter flew away saying a manner of curses towards the ominous castle on a hill surrounded by blood red clouds.
Dilo turned upright, again, and this time was profusely gwateful "Oh sweet, dear, and powewful lady of shiny sword, you have saved me! Oh blessings of any god you like! So much joy and feaw in one day! How can Dilo evew wepay you?" Camdia looked to Dilo and then to the spilled nuts on the ground which she then pointed with her sword without a word. Dilo immediately started scurrying around gathering the nuts into the sack, his little hairs that covered his body acting like small fibrous tentacles. Noting the speed with which he moved Camdia became less annoyed and smelled an opportunity "Do you know this forest" Without looking from his work he said "Oh yes yes, vewy much. This is Dilo home- er was Dilo home. But now demonz and bad enewgy come and make dark days, this part of forest dead now..." She looked over the rotted trees and miasma that laid between her and the castle. "Good" she spouted as she dropped her other satchel on the creatures head "You will repay your debt when we reach the castle, oh and my name is Camdia." she was already striding on as the kobol looked up in amazement, gathering the great lady's things as best he could he ran after her telling his name and all manner of warnings to which none of them Camdia responded.
