Return to the cave.

Cecilia led her new companions back to the toads' den. They delved into the cave, moving carefully. Cecilia hadn't been cautious enough before, and she was not going to make that mistake again.

When they reached the underground lake from Cecilia's first delve, they made camp.

"So ladies," Lana said, her sultry voice low to keep from echoing in the cave, "Zendala teaches that we should take our pleasure from any source available. Why not seek these toads out and fuck them willingly?"

"They are hideous beasts," Cecilia said. "I would not give my maidenhead away to such a creature." Once again she thought back to how desperately she felt otherwise when she battled Minerva and Scar. She looked away with shame.

"Nor I," Velli said. "My virginity is a prize for one who bests me in combat, which has never once happened."

"If I were in your shoes, virgin, I would throw every fight," Lana said. "I love getting fucked."

"You should meet Myria," Cecilia muttered. "You'd get along."

"What about you, Ranger?" Lana asked Nadia. "Do you ever yearn for a good cock between your legs?"

Nadia did not reply right away. "The right one, perhaps," she said eventually. "But I fear he has already gotten away."

"You three are boring," the priestess said. "I'm going to sleep. Maybe a strong-cocked warrior will find me and ravage me in my dreams!" She retired to her sleeping bag.

"I think it's a noble thing, to remain pure," Cecilia said. "But Vermael and Zendala are often at odds on this matter."

--

After a few hours of rest, Nadia scouted ahead to choose the best path forward. Cecilia and Velli discussed battle tactics as quietly as possible, and Lana observed, uninterested.

"Lady Whitelance," Lana said, "I am going to explore the cave over there. I saw some mosses that I am familiar with, and can use them to make a poultice should we be injured."

"Very well," Cecilia said. "Be on your guard."

"Oh yes, always."

Cecilia and Velli returned to their tactical planning. After a few minutes, they heard a scream.