Deal.

“Deal.” The redhead nodded. “I'm Ash. Should, I just call you Wicked, for short?” The woman asked shyly.

“Oh. I like that.” The dark elf giggled, turning and heading deeper into the forest. “Come on, for a half-elf, you're a horrible tracker.”

“I worked the counter at a butcher's shop up until a few days ago.” Ashley muttered, suddenly embarrassed, jogging to catch up.

“Vacation?” The dark elf teased, holding out her hand to the busty redhead.

“Hardly.” Ash grumbled, taking her hand.

“Well do tell.” Wicked prompted. “I get visitors so rarely these days.” She smiled squeezing her hand affectionately

Ash wasn't sure why, but she trusted this woman, she just let herself start talking. She talked about where she grew up, how she had stowed away on her brother's boat, and why she had come.

“You ever wonder why it's called the Dragon's Circle?” Wicked asked after a brief moment. “A creature of such power, chasing it's own tail? The circle isn't a spot in the middle of an ocean. It's a vortex, a ripple in space, allowing bordering worlds to slip through to our realm. You're not in your world anymore. You're in mine. No one knows if anyone can get back through those storms. Your parents may be alive, somewhere in this world. Perhaps still looking for a way back to you.”

Ashley smiled, liking the idea, but trying not to get her hopes up. If this brief couple of weeks had taught her anything, it was concentrate on the moment. Think about the future when you have time.

Suddenly the two walked into a small grove, where a finely built house stood near the center. A campfire sat several feet before it, and off to the side, was a shed. Sitting at the campfire was a young man dressed in tight leather armor, and baggy pants. He seemed to be cooking a stew over the flame in a black pot, suspended by a series of wooden poles.

“Welcome back mistress.” The man smiled, hopping to his feet, checking the both of them out, with lascivious eyes.

Wicked smiled at him. “Hello Dirt. Dirt, this is Ashley, our guest.”