the forest gets much denser, and much darker in the direction Pippa is headed. pines and fir trees cast a lot of shade and bushes, fallen trees and boulders block Pippa's path sometimes, not even to mention make looking ahead tremendously difficult.
as she walks on, she can hear faint noises coming from the shadows, things skittering in the dark, hushing around
now that Regis is back, Pippa feels safer, and she tries to get closer of the shadows, but sill looking ahead
some small creatures, humanoid in shape and about Pippa's size are hushing through the shadows, being some times closer sometimes farther away. they are quick but don't seem hostile at the moment
"Hello. I mean no harm. I'm looking for some knowledge, can you help me?"
nothing is heard but the creaking of the trees in the wind and their little feet, softly treading over the moss
Pippa decides to wander between the trees looking for the piece of armor, hoping that Regis will tell her if she gets closer
it gets darker, less and less light is getting through the canopy and to the ground. the whole area is tinted in a dim twilight when Pippa can hear rustling from up ahead. regis is urging her to seek it out since this is where he can feel his energy coming from. amidst the trees Pippa can spot something. it is some kind of interwoven tangle, branches and roots completely grown together, building some kind of statue it seems. amongst the branches hang all manners of trinkets, from simple, childlike trappings like oats, flowers and fruit to more macabre pieces like the head of a small rodent, stripes of fur and some broken equipment. the small creatures are now better visible, they look like wooden dolls, with mosslike beards, their eyes glowing in blue and red when they are close to their altar. it seems they rush around to find more ornaments for their ritual place, and yes deep in the center of the twines Pippa can make out what could be a leg, matching her armor
"hello guys! That's a beautiful work you made here. But i think i may need a part of it. would you be open to barter for it?"
the greydwarves scurry around Pippa as if she were just another boulder. it doesn't seem like they are interested or able to communicate with her
Pippa get close to the statue, slowly. to see if that's make a reaction of thoses littles guys. She look on how the armor piece is tied to the rest.
it seems the armor piece is not structurally integral. it is tied to a strong branch with a band of reeds, but otherwise easily removable most likely. while most dwarves do what they did before, very few stop to look at Pippa for a second before they hurry on
Pippa devises a plan, to cut the reeds, free the armor, grab it, and run away, before the silents little guys could react.
She hopes it will go smoothly
Pippa reaches into the twisted wood and starts loosening the knot. some more dwarves keep nearby and some throw a few pebbles, nothing to even remotely be dangerous, but enough to show their disapprovement. a few seconds later Pippa has the leg piece in ehr hands and pulls it from the construction, breaking another branch which earns her a few more stones, but then the dwarves scurry on as before, occasionally stopping and looking but no more throwing stones
"well, so long guys, bye"
Pippa runs away with her loot.
After a while , Pippa stops to examine the armor piece, and with Regis's help, puts it on her.
Pippa's leg is now clad in armor. the pieces feel good, even tho they are made of metal, the inside feels soft, like fabric and are warm to the touch
"it feels weird , like to not have the same shoes. I hope i would find the other one soon"
"i hope so as well. i wish to be whole again."
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