Unpleasant interruption

When you awaken, it’s still dark. It’s a pounding in your head that rouses you, and as your eyes open, you hear Lilith’s exasperated voice.

Finally awake? What good is it being stuck in your head if you won’t listen to me!

As you come to your senses, you realize that Kaeli is sitting up beside you. She is looking back in the direction of the camp, and you can faintly hear raised voices in that direction.

See? Something’s happening! I thought you might be interested.

You push yourself to your feet, quickly throwing on your pants. “Kaeli, I need to check that out. It sounds like trouble.”

Kaeli nods, gathering her own clothing. “Go. I will follow soon.”

You nod, and snatch up your sword as you run off through the forest. You trip over branches in the dark, but you don’t let it slow you. You can hear the sounds of fighting now, but it’s over quickly. Before long, you burst into the clearing where the girls set up camp.

Stumbling into the firelight, you’re relieved to see that everyone seems fine, although the bodies of several armored people lay in the ground. You immediately recognize the uniform of House Thenlan. You look around, seeing Ferra shifting out of her combat form. Whatever the twins were after, they weren’t prepared for the golem girl.

You breathe a sigh of relief, and smile at Melora as she walks up. “I guess you didn’t need my help. What happened?”

Melora nods at the bodies. “I sensed them coming. We were still awake, I don’t think I need to explain why.”

You chuckle. “I suppose not. Do we know what they were doing here?”

Nadia speaks up. “We did just conduct a major magical ritual here, master. I expect they were investigating.”

Just then, Kaeli walks out of the woods. “That’s likely. The twins are well known for jealously guarding against unauthorized magic. It’s why Victoria set them up out here.”

She hands you your shirt as she moves to stand beside you. Immediately, Cassie and Alex start giggling. Alex looks at you with amusement. “So, it looks like you two got thoroughly clean…”

Cassie bounces over to Kaeli. “Does this mean you’re one of us now?”

Kaeli blinks, and looks at you. “I…it is up to you, I suppose. I think I would like to join you, if you’ll have me.”

Before you can say anything, Cassie claps her hands excitedly. “Yay! I knew it!”

With that, the chameleon girl hugs Kaeli, who seems slightly overwhelmed for a moment, but then smiles, returning the hug. One by one, the rest of the girls come over and do the same, and you’re gratified to see the smiles on everyone’s faces.

I’d give her a hug too, but I guess I got to ride along for a little bit more than that…

You chuckle at Lilith’s comment, before turning back to the more serious matters. “As great as that is, we still have a problem. Once these guys don’t report in, the twins will investigate further. We need to act, and soon.”

Kaeli touches your arm. Notably, she isn’t shivering at a touch anymore. “I imagine I can help with them. My rescue won’t be common knowledge, especially this far from the capital. I can help you get to the twins”

You nod. “That’s a great idea. But for now, we need to get back in the city before these guys are reported missing.”

Everyone agrees, knowing the risks of being caught.