On the road again

Back on the road, you glance back to see the little village dwindling in the distance. Everyone is loaded down with supplies, though none so much as Ferra, who easily hefts a pack that must weigh twice as much as anyone else’s. She walks beside you as usual, seemingly unencumbered by the load. Seeing you glance back, she reaches out and gives your hand a squeeze.

You smile at her. “You know, if you ignore the whole, ‘running from a powerful enemy’ bit, this has been a nice trip.”

Ferra looks at you, expressionless. “While the journey has been pleasant, I would rather we didn’t need to make it. No more getting captured, Nicholas.”

Behind you, Sarah laughs. “I agree with Ferra, even though his capture is the only reason I’m free.”

You glance at the hellhound and smile. “Well, as much as I would rather not get captured, I’m glad you’re here.”

Melora, walking beside Sarah, nods in agreement. “Same here. Sarah is a good addition to your harem, after all!”

You chuckle, and shake your head. “You make it sound like I planned this.”

Melora shrugs. “It all worked out, just like all your other plans! Maybe next time let us know ahead of time, though. Poor Ferra was a little upset.”

You glance at Ferra, who nods. “A little upset. Possibly more than that.”

Cassie and Alex, who are walking in front of you, both giggle. Cassie turns around, shaking her head. “A little? Remind me not to really upset her then! She’s so scary!”

Ferra cocks her head as she looks at the chameleon girl. “Do I scare you? That is not my intention. You are part of the harem, my protection of Nicholas extends to protecting you as well.”

Irrepressible, Cassie giggles. “Yay! I’m glad, Ferra. No, you don’t usually scare me, just when you’re fighting.”

You nod. “Ferra scares everyone when she’s fighting.”

Alex chimes in. “And I don’t? I need to step it up, then!”

You roll your eyes. “Let’s not start making that a competition! We’re supposed to be the good guys, remember?”

Alex pouts. “Fiiiiine. No war crimes, I promise!”

From the front of the group, Victor laughs. “Ok, now I’m scared of Alex, if that’s what she planned.”

Alex grins. “Yes! I scared someone!”

Everyone laughs, and Sarah speaks up again. “I suppose whenever you have another fight, I’ll need to show off a bit, I gotta keep up with the other girls!”

You groan. “No one has anything to prove. Ideally, we won’t get into any more fights for a while.”

Melora nods. “I agree, we could use a break. There’s plenty of other things to occupy us.”

Ferra cuts in, a small smile on her face. “That’s one way of putting it.”

It takes a moment before everyone realizes that the golem girl made an innuendo. When they do, though, it’s open season on lewd suggestions.