Unexpected Travel Companion

As you steady your pace and catch up with Kefla, you contemplate how to approach the conversation delicately, aware that provoking her could lead to another hostile encounter.

"So, Kefla..." Your voice carries a hint of determination, hoping to assert your maturity and earn her respect. "I prefer to be addressed as a man, not a boy. Now, regarding Samuel, the individual who went missing, have you seen anyone fitting his description in your village?"

Kefla glances at you, her playful demeanor replaced by an annoyed and dismissive tone, akin to a mother responding to her inquisitive child. "For now, you remain a boy in my eyes. As for Samuel, I am not aware of any humans matching his physical traits in my village."

You ponder your next approach, realizing that a more vivid depiction of Samuel might yield better results.

"He's a remarkable figure, standing tall with fiery red hair that catches the light. His robust physique reflects the strength of a skilled forager, exploring these lands."

Kefla's curiosity piques as she raises an eyebrow, her interest momentarily sparked. "Hmmm... A fiery-haired forager, you say? I must confess, such an individual doesn't ring a bell within my village."

With a mix of uncertainty and determination, you choose to trust Kefla for now and follow her along the trail that winds through the dense woods. The foliage casts dappled shadows on the forest floor, and the air carries a subtle scent of earth and vegetation.

As you walk, you take in the surroundings, your senses heightened. The forest seems alive, teeming with whispers and hidden movements. Kefla moves with an uncanny grace, effortlessly maneuvering through the terrain, her small stature allowing her to navigate spaces that would prove challenging for a larger being.

Silence hangs between you for a while, broken only by the rustle of leaves and the occasional chirping of birds. You steal occasional glances at Kefla, studying her features—her sharp, pointed ears, her mischievous eyes that seem to hold both wisdom and secrets, and her lithe, agile form that belies her strength.

The path ahead starts to widen, and you notice subtle signs of habitation—a worn footpath, scattered remnants of foraged herbs and mushrooms, and the occasional marking on tree trunks, likely left by goblin inhabitants. The anticipation builds within you as the distant sounds of voices and activity reach your ears, hinting at the proximity of Kefla's village.

As you approach, the trees give way to a small clearing, revealing a cluster of huts nestled amidst the verdant foliage. The goblin village appears to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings, each dwelling crafted with an organic aesthetic, incorporating branches, leaves, and moss into their construction. The air buzzes with energy, as goblins go about their daily tasks, their small forms scurrying about purposefully.

You scan the village trying to mentally map as many things as you can.

The village would have about 50 goblins by your count of the huts, (describe village in detail, its tribal In design.)

One think you notice pretty quickly is all the goblins appear to be female, you find this strange, are the males out hunting?

"So this is my village boy, what do you think?" Kefla gestures to her surroundings quote proud of her village, her face shows the question wasn't retorical and is awaiting your response.

"It's fine I guess, a little basic compared to Woodsedge."

"Basic..... Come here boy let me show you our arena." Keflas demeanor is one of annoyance, perhaps you should of lied and fed her plaudits like a ass kissing lower lord at court.

"Arena?" Do they do battle here? Like gladiators of the large cities?

"Yes our small basic village has a small basic arena for entertainment." You feel her repeated use of *basic" is to let you know that you have offended her, better than that she attacks you again though.

Kefla leads you to a large pit dug into the ground with wooded stands up around it, you had seen the great gladiatorial pits in the larger cities you had visited with your family, this was nothing compared to them but it shared the same basic premise.