Walking is questing.

We head back from the inner area of Bludbag, back towards the Gate-Golem Tremor; all while Cilla and Eve show each other depictions of creatures they had recorded. The small, long weasel named Dart began to skitter about the machine woman's cloak, eventually resting on top of her shoulder; where Ashes and Zana began closely looking on in awe and adoration.

"She has such little toes! Look!" Said Ashes, her smile shining like the scorching sun.

Zana's eyes sparkled like a star-filled nebula. "Her nose is so twitchy... a little sniffy lady..."

Scott and Sammy were having their own conversation further ahead of the group; something about "Acidic-immune cloth." Meanwhile, I remained ever at the back of the pack; something about this position eased my mind.

Watching over my hoard... need to keep them safe...

Gabriella slows herself, speaking to me as I move onward. "So, Monster; how are you adapting to your new... you?"

"It's fine." I grumble, pulling at my loose shirt. "I'll need Scott to make these a bit tighter; maybe add a big stitching that spells out 'I am not a woman.'"

"Oh tell me about it!" Ariel manifests in his usual flashy manner. "Do you know how many times I got 'propositioned' when I was mortal? And only once was it tempting..."

I perk a brow. "Once?"

"Well; do you really want to say no to Morti-" He shuts his mouth, looking down in sudden self-admonishment. "I shouldn't talk about that... let's just say there's a reason I avoid seeing her."

Gabriella places her arm over her "big" brother. "My Lord-Brother Ariel, it is fine for you to speak your mind. You are a God after all."

He sighs, seeing that both of us were eager to hear him. "Fine... back when I was still just 'Sheepie' or 'Backpack-Boy', whatever you would to call me..."

"...a Hero!"

Ariel covers his cheeks. "Aw, sis; I'm gonna blush. Well, Mortigan was pretty much on our side, since her whole job is about balancing Light and Dark, and the Dark were nearly about to; you know, take over the world. So, since she was around a good bit; checking up on us every now and then... we'd talk. A lot. Eventually, we kinda, sorta, maybe... kissed? Next time I see her after that was being inducted as the God of Martyrdom."

"And you didn't pursue her?" I ask.

He sighs, his slim shoulders slumping. "Well, it's not exactly... permitted, for the next **** to be with a current member of one of the Pantheons. In order for a new **** to assume the position; a full culling needs to occur... including me. Not to mention, a relationship like that can cause all kinds of issues in power-balance. Not that she cares about those rules, when it comes to me... or that bull-headed son of a bitch, Erunami..."

Did Ariel just... curse? That's a first.

The Diety's anger subsides, replaced by a reminiscent melancholy. "Either way; it can't work, and I'm terrified of that conversation with her. I'm sure you understand."

I nod; just now noticing that we've arrived back at the rear-end of Tremor, where an old, bearded man stands by with a staff of weary, warped wood, wearing an enormous hat, and long, well-worn, faded blue cloak. His white beard nearly scraped the earth, and his equally ivory eyebrows eclipsed his squinting, small eyes.

"Oh! You must be the one's this big'n let it on his own! Hello there!" He calls, his voice a crackly, weak wheeze. "Oi, which one of you is this 'Pretty-Boy.'"

While he waves his staff in the general direction of Ariel and I; the former raises his hand. "Sup, gramps."

"Ah! You must be Citrina's old friend, then!" Croaks the old-geezer. "I'm her grand-uncle, Marvin, Ex-Grand-Imago of Bludbag. That young lady needs to write more often! Not all of us are timeless immortals, you know!"

"Next time she calls me, I'll let her know." Says Ariel, before muttering to himself. "If she ever does... the shut-in."

The wizened wizard bashes his staff weakly against the Gate-Golem. "Up and at 'em Trevor!"

"IIItsss Trrreeemmmooorrr..."

Once on the other side of the walls once more; I spy Marvin suddenly sitting in a perch, up among the walls.

Must be how people usually get in...

"Alright. So, it was a good two-thirds day travel from here where we got attacked; mostly due to... complications." Says Cilla, looking over at me. "We should be able to get this done by the mid-day tomorrow."

Eve puts a mechanical hand on her co-worker's shoulder, her humming voice as calm as the breeze. "We can shorten your timing by crossing through the woods; I've been in this area for around a month, and know how to cross between here and bounty in less than a full day. Of course, it is more dangerous; but the Head may be disfigured by scavengers if we wait too long."

A certain "wee fairy" who had been rather silent after recent... acts, then chips in. "Ooo, going through the woods. Sounds lovely."

Most others agree, and Cilla nods along.

"The woods it is, then."