Outside the city walls

The cool fall air is pleasantly refreshing, especially in your armor. You enjoy the dappled sunlight on your face as you walk the slightly overgrown path through the old woods, occasionally stumbling on the uneven ground. The only thing that bothered you was how quiet Amber had been since her little encounter in the alley, usually she'd be harping on you for clanking so loudly in the peaceful forest or snickering to herself as she planned her latest prank. Instead you have to keep looking back to make sure she was still with you, her quiet padding completely drowned out by your heavy footfalls.

The sun begins to dip below the horizon when the two of you come across a ruined bridge, branching off from the path into what looks like the decrepit remains of an old fort. It was ancient, older than even than the eldest trees of the forest if you had to guess, its stone worn and smooth. You and Amber share a pleased look, the ruins would be great to explore. In the morning of course.

As you set up camp you notice a bit of life returning to your companion and you smile. It's good to see her in better spirits, sadness didn't suit her. You give her an extra helping of food just in case. A full stomach did wonders. Turning, you see her at walking along the crumbling rail of the bridge, just at the edge of the firelight.

"Hey, Amber!" She looked up, the mischievous glint of her eye almost back to normal. Her shape continued to recede into the darkness and you grow nervous. Partly because if you didn't keep a constant eye on her you were sure to wake up with your bedroll full of frogs, but also because ruins were hotspots for monsters. Sure you were camped right outside but you didn't plan on sleeping anyway. You wanted whatever was in there to come to you. Now how were you going to get her to stop risking her safety. Again.