[sylvanSpider]

“If...if you need help making the circles, I can assist you?” Arabella offered, voice betraying hints of uncertainty, but what was meticulous work to Wisp was an excellent chance to learn for Ara. She wondered if there was an ideal age to start practicing black magic, and if she was already past that age. She would make the attempt regardless. “I was being vague to offer up a potential example, but I will be sure to ah...not be vague...when I meet my patron,” Ara murmured, gulping. Things could go very wrong very fast if she didn't have an exact hold as to her desires and what she was willing to offer. Thankfully, she had an idea as to what she wanted. Now it was just a matter of bartering out a price.

The dark mage was being unusually kind – at least, for her. Past experiences with Wisp dictated that she was a mage that got things done but was rarely one to glean any enjoyment from by being around her. Now, she was clearing the field so that she could get a few minutes alone with the first woman the halfling had pined over in five long years. She watched as Wsip moved over to their white mage.

“Yes. Yes you do win,” Percival said with a roll of his eyes. He was bored of the conversation and was not willing to argue with a barbarian that didn't seem to hold a candle to any form of logic that came her way. “I didn't know you were so eager to get back with this flimsy white mage, Waltz. But I am sorry but I already brought my own supply of alcohol. My safe supply of alcohol.”

The white mage jumped a bit with another person suddenly in his bubble and looked down at the non-space between his thigh and Wisp's before looking back up at her, clearing his throat and straightening his collar. “If anything, their exuberance makes them that much more annoying to be around. Despite the connotations of the word, I find the quality to be less than desirable – particularly in children.” Percival looked straight ahead, doing his best to not glance down, “You know, as much as I appreciate like-minded company, I find myself being more than a little suspicious.” He paused for a moment before getting to his feet, holding his hand out to help Wisp up should she take it, “I will accept, however, if only because of the opportunity to see a hell hound roughing up the children. I mean, if one of the hounds messed up, my services may be required.”

> > > > > > > > >

The forest flew by them in a flurry of green and brown as they ran through the trees in the forest. In the distance, Kastivi could hear the river; they were getting close. They would just need to hold on for a little bit longer, but already she could feel that familiar burn in her legs that warned her that she was getting tired. It would have been wisest for her to not start off in a dead sprint, but then, she had no idea what to expect. Christoval's footfalls behind her were comforting, even as her mind reeled with their green-skinned find. She had no idea what to expect, so she utilized the speed that she was now paying for.

Then, the footfalls behind her stopped, followed by a yelp and a proclamation of loss. Kastivi stopped where she stood, turning back around and running at full speed toward the hellhound, latched onto its prey. Without thinking, she was airborne, arms stretched and aimed for the beast's shoulder from the side in an attempt to knock it off its feet. “Not...if I...can help it!”