Something finds her...

As she flitted through the trees Aster couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. She paused, slowly turning in a circle to survey her surroundings-BAM!

The blow came from nowhere and Aster dropped like a stone to the earth below, landing with a soft 'whump' and a cloud of dust. Coughing, she scrambled for purchase on the earth only to have the wind knocked out of her again as she was pinned beneath a heavy weight. She drew on the power of the glade and channeled it through her outstretched hand, drawing a visceral (yet feminine?) cry from her assailant, and the weight lifted.

Blinking dust from her eyes, Aster was finally able to get a good look at her opponent. A red-skinned figure materialized out of the dust, standing almost double her height and many times her muscle. Its feet are cloven hooves and its hands are tipped with long, claw-like nails. Completing the image are two bull-like horns atop its head.

Make that her head, for the figure was quite obviously female. Her bosom is at least as large as the sprites, though on her massive frame they seem less obvious. A metallic corset and thong offer little protection to her modesty or body. Her face is twisted in anger, amber eyes glaring hatefully at Aster as a long barbed tail whips back and forth behind her.

Aster backflipped into the air. She didn't even have a name to describe this thing to the others but whatever it was, she didn't want to tangle with it. Her main concern was gaining altitude, if she could escape its range-WHACK!

Once again, Aster was struck from above and landed hard on the ground. Glassy-eyed she stared up and dazedly noted her assailant also sported wings. They resembled cicada wings but were sharper, more jagged, and they buzzed angrily like a wasps. The creature landed heavily and delivered a kick to Asters stomach, sending her careening into a rock and the world went dark.