Earthen reunion

You don’t linger at the site of the ambush, both because you’re wary of the attention you may have drawn, and because Victor is hurrying the group along. You don’t think much of it, and everyone seems pretty eager to leave this behind. Ferra in particular seems subdued, more so than usual, even. After a while, you take her hand and squeeze, and she sighs.

Looking up at you as you walk, she seems upset. “Nicholas…I want to apologize. My outburst, and my aggressive actions, they were out of line.”

You shake your head. “You’re fine, Ferra. It’s not like you attacked an innocent person.”

Ferra sighs again. “When he threatened to take you away, I just saw red. I almost killed him, without thinking. Am I a monster?”

You stop, taking her by the shoulders. “Ferra, listen to me. You’re still reeling from my capture before. I understand why you attacked him. You did nothing wrong, I promise.”

Slowly, Ferra nods. “Okay. But I will guard my emotions better in the future.”

You smile. “Only your anger, I hope. I love the way you love now.”

Ferra gives you her small smile. “Nothing could change how I love you, Nicholas.”

You give her a hug, and then the two of you hurry to catch up with the group. You’re not convinced that Ferra is completely over this, but it’s a start. When you get back to the group, Melora gives you a questioning look, and you simply nod. She smiles in return, and everyone carries on as normal.

Cassie and Alex, irrepressible as always, are singing every bawdy marching song they can think of, and soon Sarah joins them. Of the three, only Cassie has any talent for singing, and it’s not long before the rest of the group is playfully teasing them. Sarah seems slightly embarrassed, but Alex responds by simply singing louder and more off key. Finally, it’s Melora who solves the problem, silencing the rowdy fire spirit by grabbing her and kissing her passionately, to the delight of the others. Afterwards, Alex is quieter, with a wide smile on her face.

Eventually, Victor brings the group to a small forest. “Tonight, we camp here.”

You look at him curiously. “Already? We have a couple hours before nightfall.”

He shakes his head. “It’s important.”

With that, he walks into the trees. Everyone follows, and you catch sight of Melora smiling. You’re still confused, up until you hear a new voice from within the forest.

“Victor! What a surprise!”

As you walk into a clearing, you see the source of the voice. A woman, beautiful, tan and green haired, pushes aside a large plant and beams at Victor.

She is voluptuous and barely clad, with simply a strip of cloth around her huge breasts, and a simple loincloth covering her nethers. She doesn’t seem shy or embarrassed, however, and has eyes only for the panther man, barely sparing a glance towards the rest of the group. This must be the earth spirit Victor was talking about, Amara.

Victor looks a little embarrassed, but Amara has no such qualms, immediately rushing over to embrace him. “It’s been so long! I am patient, Victor, but I want you.”

She begins to kiss him, but he stops her. “Just a moment, love.”

Looking over at you, he chuckles. “Amara and I have some catching up to do. Would you mind…”

As he speaks, the earth spirit is kissing his neck and ear. You laugh, waving the girls away. “Let’s go find a quiet spot. We’ll set up camp, Victor, have fun.”

The girls all are giggling as you lead them away, but it’s Sarah who come up and whispers in your ear. “Victor isn’t the only on having fun tonight…”

You chuckle. “No orgies in the woods. It’s too…messy.”

The hellhound grins. “Nope, there’s a couple of us who feel neglected, though! Better get ready!”

Glancing around, you see Melora winking at you. Looks like they have some plans, all right. Needless to say, camp comes together quickly. Meanwhile, you can faintly hear Victor and Amara getting reacquainted.