Pug woke from his sound sleep to the distant thudding of a fist on his front door. He shot up in his bed, startled but not yet fully aware of what was happening, blinking dumbly in the dim light of his room while residual numbness worked its way out of his limbs. With one hand he tried to knead life back into his leg, while with the other he wiped fruitlessly at his eyes, which were gummed shut. He had to be extra careful of his nose which was still sore to the touch. The phantom knocking showed no sign of slowing, instead mercilessly increasing in speed and intensity as time went on, though Pug only stood once he was completely sure he wouldn’t fall immediately. Moving through his house, he bumped into a few doorways and pieces of furniture before coming to the front door, where he had to use a hand against the doorframe to pull the door open, earning a harsh little squeal as the jammed together wood parted.
Orchids frustrated face peered through the crack at him, almost flush with the door as it opened. The young fairy lady forced the door open without allowing him to move, throwing Pug on his rear with a yelp. Pug glowered as she strutted in and looked around his home, her face wistful as she remembered the days she spent here years and years ago. Lina crept in behind her, likewise swiveling her head and taking in her surroundings, all the while exuding a quiet curiosity. Upon seeing Pug sitting on the floor she hurried over to offer a hand up, earning a brief look of gratitude before the young man returned to glaring at his childhood friend.
“This place hasn’t changed a bit over the years.” Orchid said, ignoring Pug’s sulking.
Pug gave her a noncommittal grunt before looking at Lina, smiling gratefully as she pulled him to his feet. “Are you feeling a bit better? You looked exhausted yesterday.”
“I’m feeling much better, though you’re looking worse than I thought.” She teased, gesturing vaguely at him, and given his sleep addled demeanor and still swollen nose, he could see what she was getting at. Pug opened his mouth to give her a bit of light teasing back when Orchid interrupted him.
“I thought you said you were going to have everything ready?” She asked, quirking an eyebrow at the obvious lack of “readiness.”
“I was gonna but I got into it with my old man, and by the time I got him settled down it was late and I was so tired I passed out.” He explained with a rueful smile.
“Got me settled down huh? You’re two hundred years too young to be talking about me like that.” His dad roared jovially as he kicked open the front door, causing everyone to jump in surprise. Erinus grinned wolfishly at Pug, and the young fairy swallowed nervously. He was going to be getting an earful about being alone with Orchid and Lina, even if it was only for a moment.
“Orchid, great to see you. It’s been far too long,” He continued, eyes still on Pug. Orchid seemed to be enjoying Pug’s discomfort. “And you must be Lina. My son told me about your troubles last night. I’m sorry to hear about your friend.”
Erinus clapped a rough hand on Lina’s shoulder, though the gnome was built so well she hardly shifted at the force. Still, her eyes began to water, and Erinus hastened to draw attention from her. Clearing his throat he set down several packages and bags he had been cradling in his arms. Pug looked on in interest, spotting dried meats and fruits as well as other provisions for their journey.
“I tried to wake you up but you wouldn’t budge. I figured I’d let you sleep off shiner and get your supplies for you.” Erinus said, tweaking Pugs nose as he did. Pug scowled half heartedly through the dull ache this caused, but smiled in thanks in the end.
“I only got enough for two people however.” Erinus continued, eyeing Orchid rather pointedly.
“I’m going to be staying behind. My father would never let me leave, and if I tried he’d send the whole village after me.” Orchid clarified dryly. “We stopped and got Lina some traveling clothes on the way here as well. Though it was a bit of a hassle to get them fitted for her.”
“I’m built for moving dirt, not flitting about among flowers and such! I won’t be traipsing about with my bare back hanging out neither.” She protested. By the way Orchid tittered, it was clear she’d been picking on Lina for a while.
The conversation died down as Pug picked up their bags, making sure they weren’t missing any supplies before handing one off to Lina. Orchid and Erinus retreated to the dining room and continued their conversation while Erinus made tea, excited to see each other and determined to make this a proper visit after not seeing each other for so long. Satisfied they both had everything they needed to camp out on their journey, the Pug and Lina joined the other two in the dining room for a quick meal before they left. A simple fare of sandwiches and tea was hastily consumed, the lion’s share of what Erinus had prepared going to the two latecomers to the meal. As he made more sandwiches for himself and Orchid, Erinus spoke again.
“I got your offering to Baba all set up too. It’s in a wagon with the guards at the foot of the tree. You’ll have to push it yourself unfortunately.
Pug grimaced but nodded. Baba’s wasn’t far from the village in any case, though he disliked the added delay. Washing down his food with the last of his tea, Pug stood. Lina, done long before him and reclining in her chair with a contented look on her face, scrambled to stand alongside him. The two shouldered their packs, which had been left hanging off the back of their chairs, and moved to the front door, with Erinus and Orchid following close behind. Pug turned to say his goodbyes and found himself wordless. Orchid stood before him, trying her hardest to look cool and collected despite the fact he could see the muscles in her jaw rigid and tense under the skin, her delicate hands clenched tightly. He bit his lip, worrying at it as he considered what he should say, or could say at this moment to reassure her.
“Well, you’ll be eager to go. Baba is out of the way of the gnome village, and the wagon is going to be a bit of a hassle to pull. You should set out now before it gets any later.” His dad said boisterously, curiously obtuse.
“Don’t worry too much, I’ll send word once we reach Lina’s village. I’m not sure how much farther this will take me, but I’ll try to reach out when I can.” Pug assured her, though it looked like it did nothing to relax Orchid. He reached out and took her hands in his, gently working her fingers apart and rubbing the small crescent divots her nails left in their wake.
“Hey, if you worry too much you’ll tarnish your image.” Pug teased.
“My image?” She asked, confusion writ across her face.
“You know, your image of an aloof ice queen unswayed by the worries of the world.”
“Oh is that how you see me? I’ll be sure to give you the full ice queen treatment as soon as you get back.” She snapped back, turning her face away from him. “I’ll have you retell the story of your little adventure until you go hoarse in the throat!”
“I was probably going to do that anyways.” He said, too fast to stop himself. Orchid’s eyes flashed as she whipped around to stare into his eyes.
“Ah, in case you won’t object to editing the manuscript I write about you, then?” She said with a saccharine venom in her words. Pug winced, the secondhand embarrassment of reading his biography uncomfortably potent, but reasoned it wouldn’t be so bad spending his time working on his story with her. Assuming this little expedition wound up being story worthy at all.
Satisfied Orchid was feeling a little less sullen, Pug set off for the lifts with Lina in tow. Though he worried about running into Kudzu and his gang, the pack of miscreants were nowhere to be found. This time of day the market was in full swing, stalls and storefronts busied by fairies on various errands, interspersed here and there with foreign visitors, though they were rare. Perhaps it was only natural, seeing as terrestrial species were unlikely to enjoy being suspended so high in the air, and avoided Pug’s village like the plague. Gratitude towards his father washed over him again as he remembered he would have had to wade through this morass to pick up supplies if Erinus hadn’t taken care of the shopping earlier. Thankfully the nearest set of lifts was in close proximity to the market, which were rarely used by the fairies themselves. Their wings allowed them to visit the forest below at any time, so the lifts were only for earthbound races, and their sparse visitation meant they saw little traffic.
Stepping onto the lift, he was immediately rewarded with an insight into the plight of the flightless. Lina stood on the boardwalk behind him, pale-faced and licking her lips. Her hands were gripping the nearby railing with white knuckles as she stretched one foot out to tap the lift. Cocking his head Pug reached out to pull her onto the lift with him and Lina yelped, scurrying back.
“You aren’t scared of heights, are you?” He asked sardonically, an amused lilt in his tone.
“Heights aren’t my favorite thing, no, but I can get over that.” She muttered, eyeing him.
“Then what’s the problem?”
“I don’t know if it’s because you fairies are so carefree, or because you can all fly, but your safety standards leave something to be desired.”
“How do you mean?” Pug blinked, confused.
“Not only do you not have railings in most places, but the railings you do have are too flimsy! Look at it, it’s made of twigs! And the rope is made of woven grass!” Lina was gesticulating wildly at this point, somewhere between fear and irritation.
“We live in a tree. Everything’s made of twigs?” He said, deliberately obtuse. As Lina sputtered and raised her hand to object he lunged forward and snagged her, pulling her onto the lift.
“You know I didn’t mean-” She broke off into an ululating cry as, before she could object, Pug hit the lever responsible for the lift’s motion and sent them on their way down. Lina quickly wrapped her arms around his torso, gritting her teeth and squeezing her eyes shut.
“You bastard!” Lina groaned.
“Gotta make up for lost time.” Pug said cheerfully. “You know, since I woke up so late- hurk!” A distinctly unflattering noise forced its way out of his mouth as Lina squeezed his stomach even tighter. Mercifully her grip was below his wings, otherwise they’d be crushed with her gnomish strength, however Pug was almost certain the pressure of her grip was causing his ribs to creak. He opened his mouth to try to calm her, or apologize, or anything, but found wasn’t quite able to inhale enough to speak.
So it was the pair made quite the comedic duo as they descended, much to the delight of the ground guards below. They pointed and chuckled as the gnome went from pale to a deathly white while the fairy simultaneously went from red-faced to purple. After long enough Pug was fearful of passing out the lift touched down, depositing them onto the earth. Relieved Lina fell to her knees and grabbed handfuls of soil, bringing them to her face and enjoying their rich scent. Pug, on the other hand, braced himself against the trunk of the tree his people called home and took in great heaving breaths. Pug returned to normalcy first and, after laughing at Lina, approached the ground guards with her icy scowl on his back.
“Hey, you guys should have a wagon here for me? Dropped off by Erinus?”
“Aye, your Da left it with us this morning. I already sent one of the lads to fetch it for ye.” The captain, who was the older of the two guards, replied. It was rare for a fairy to ever reach a state one could describe as ‘wizened’, yet somehow this grizzled guardsman had reached it. Whether his apparent age was due to a glamor or an actual reflection of his age was anyone’s guess, however Pug suspected a glamor seeing how none of the village elders were nearly so wrinkled.
The head guard gestured behind himself, vaguely in the direction of the guard shack nearby. The wooden construction used to have stables built for visitors but, due to the wide variety of creatures used for transport by the small folk of the forest, it was rarely used and later torn down. In its place a large pen was built with high fencing in the hopes such an arrangement would allow visitors to house their wide range of eclectic mounts with little trouble. It was from the pen the wagon was retrieved, pulled by a long, sleek, furry creature.
“Isn’t this a pleasant surprise! Slink, is that you?” Pug cried in delight.
“Say, if it ain’t Pug! Just the cat I was lookin’ for.” A voice cried back from the wagon. It suddenly increased in speed, sending the poor guard guiding it out of the pen scrambling. Pug cried out and lifted his arms, trying to slow the overeager marten.
“Hey now, be careful with that!” He yelled, not truly expecting his friend to heed him.
The marten and accompanying wagon turned into a sliding stop, sending the wagon skidding in a wide arc. The guards at their post were displaced by the commotion, ducking for cover as the wagon whipped past. It miraculously came to a stop moments away from striking Pug, who stood unflinching. As soon as it came to a rest he leapt onto the side of the wagon and pulled back the sheet covering its contents, only relaxing when he saw it was all in good order.
“What in the Queen’s name do you think you’re doing, Slink?” He scolded.
“Relax Pug, my guy! I know how to handle myself around jalopy like this.”
Pug saw Lina in the periphery of his vision as she recovered from her trembling and shaking, only to look at him with confusion and trepidation writ clearly on her face as he argued with Slink. Pug couldn’t help but feel sympathy for the gnome, since Slink unabashedly emanated an aura of danger. Despite his cute rounded ears, shiny black eyes, and soft brown fur, she could see his sharp teeth flashing in his mouth as he spoke and his eyes flicking from one area to the next as though he was constantly on the hunt for prey. She stilled completely, even ceasing her breathing, as those hungry eyes stopped on her.
“Who’s the dame? You finally gotta squeeze?” The creature’s tone was light and cheery, but to anyone aside from Pug his deliberate accent rendered him opaque and difficult to understand.
“No, she’s just a friend.” Pug laughed. “She needs help finding someone, another friend of mine named Jet. What about you, what are you doing out this way?”
“That’s right, I’m in a bit of a bind!” Slink said urgently. “The boss’ brat up and vanished, and he’s got us out here like a bunch of private d**** lookin’ for the kit. I was hopin’ you’d be willin’ to pitch in and help me find ‘im.”
“Normally I’d be more than happy to Slink, but I’ve got a prior commitment.” Pug replied, waving towards Lina. “We are headed over to Baba though, she might be able to help you.”
“Woman gives me the heebie-jeebies, but if you’re gonna be there then it’s worth a shot.” Slink mumbled, half-lidded eyes glaring suspiciously in the direction of Baba’s hut.
Pug looked to Lina and arched his brow, as if asking for permission. She clearly wanted to say no, her skepticism writ clearly upon her face. Finally she met Pug’s eyes, a question in her gaze. Pug nodded his head, reassuring her and she gave a tentative nod in return, pulling herself to her feet before dusting her hands off on her trousers. Pug smiled at her and then to Slink, gesturing back at the nervous lady.
“Alright, it’s settled then! I have to say, it’s going to be much easier getting to Baba’s with you pulling the wagon. Before we set off, let me introduce you two. Slink this is Lina. Lina, Slink.”
The two nodded to each other, the marten taking in Lina’s wariness with wry amusement. Pug apologized to the guards for all the commotion as they set off. Lina spent the time getting to know the new addition to their party. It was slow going as the pine marten seemed to simply devolve into madness at random times, spewing heavily accented slang the gnome had, to her great benefit, never before been exposed to. When this happened she would look to Pug for help but the fairy would just smirk irritatingly and ignore her.
“So how’d a doll like you meet up with an egg like him?” Slink asked, another perfect example of his confounding words. She understood how she could be related to a doll, but what made Pug an egg? Lina and Pug were both walking alongside him rather than riding in the cart in an attempt to spare him some effort. It was due to this quirk of positioning Slink got to enjoy Lina’s confusion and Pug’s scowl at the same time. A wicked grin formed on the marten’s face, though only Pug knew him well enough to tell.
“To answer your question, i-if I understand you right, my missing friend actually introduced me to Pug. They met while they were both out exploring the forest, and Jet regularly enlisted Pug into helping us during our outings. His wings are a boon when it comes to gathering ingredients.”
“That sounds about right. This sap would help anybody with a pulse!” Slink cackled.
Pug let the two go on like this for a time, trading stories of their mutual friend aiding them in their endeavors, though Slink notably kept the details of his adventures sparse. Pug was glad to see Lina open up a bit to the marten, though her trepidation seemed to never fully leave her. Slink, while a bit of a rapscallion, was all in all a good guy. The most impressive proof of this was the marten’s assistance in pulling the wagon, and thanks to this act of charity they made good progress along the trail to Baba’s, which was barely wide enough to accommodate the wagon. The forest around them was in good spirits today, with small animals dashing to and fro and birds chirping merrily in the distance. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves in the canopy above them, and Pug took a moment to close his eyes and enjoy the birdsong. In moments the ambient noise around them faded out into tense silence, the fairy’s focus on the sounds around them suddenly serendipitous. Of course the breeze persisted, as did Lina and Slink’s chattering, but the small game of the forest had gone deathly still.
Pug raised his hand in warning, though Slink noticed the change in atmosphere almost as soon as he did. Lina, a veteran when it came to traveling with Pug, understood immediately, her mouth shutting with a clack mid sentence. Pug narrowed his eyes and panned his vision back and forth, Slink and Lina looking about warily as well. After a few seconds all three looked at each other, grim expressions confirming none among them could identify the source of the disturbance.
Pug reached into the wagon and withdrew their weapons while Lina hastened to free Slink from the harness attaching him to the wagon, working swiftly despite her evident discomfort being so close to the marten. Once she was done Slink shook himself, as if dismissing the weight of the wagon, and dashed away silently. The path they were on wrapped around a large tree up ahead, and Slink crept forward in the shadow of the tree, peaking past it cautiously. Following, Pug tossed Lina her satchel and wooden cudgel. She likely would have preferred a shovel or pick, which were familiar to her and devastating weapons if employed well, but she had failed to bring any and the fairies had little need to dig or mine.
The two crept up behind Slink, who was quivering with a barely restrained urge to bolt. Peering past his furred friend, it took only moments for Pug to focus in on the source of his distress. The forest opened up into a small clearing here, with the path skirting the outside. Almost directly across the clearing from them was a fallen tree, pitted and rotted and mossy with time. Cowering in the shadow of the trunk was a marten kit. The small animal looked fragile and afraid, and was perhaps only just barely old enough to see by Pug’s estimation. Lina almost burst out from behind the tree herself upon seeing the helpless child, but Pug held her back.
“The forest is still too quiet, and clearing is wide open.” He explained to her questioning gaze. “We’ll move around the edge of the clearing, to be safe.”
“Plus the kid is usually pretty rambunctious. Somethin’ must’ve scared him stiff to have him cowerin’ like .” Slink added, keeping a concerned eye on the kit.
In some stroke of ill fortune, however, the kit saw Slink peering about around the tree and his face broke into a bright smile. The kit broke out into a sprint straight towards them, taking him into the open. Cursing, Slink broke out into a sprint and took off for the smaller marten. Lina and Pug were taken completely by surprise, with the latter managing to grab onto Slink’s pelt at the last possible moment, causing him to be yanked off of his feet and whipped along as he was pulled away by the frantic marten. Lina recovered quickly but found herself too slow to hitch a ride as well, instead sprinting along behind her companions as her breathing devolved into huffing and puffing.
The clearing remained mercifully quiet other than the soft sound of Slink’s paws against the turf, and the noticeably louder thudding of Lina’s booted feet. Pug availed himself of the opportunity and pulled himself atop his friend so he could look around, an act Slink would have vigorously complained about in any other situation, the proud carnivore resenting being made a mount. Rubbing his shoulder, which ached from taking all of the stress of clinging to Slink, he craned his neck too and fro. At first the fairy couldn’t see anything, but a horrid feeling made itself known in his gut before creeping up his spine. Tilting his head to look above them he was startled to see a massive owl bearing down on them, its silent wings spread wide and its brutal talons already poised to strike. Its yellow eyes were fixated on Slink and Pug, and with dreadful certainty Pug knew that this creature was what the kit had been hiding from. It seemed the owl had decided a fully grown marten would do more to sate its hunger, particularly if it managed to snag a fairy as part of the deal, for it was completely disregarding the kit. Though perhaps it simply intended to crush them before turning its attention back on the marten child.
With no time to plan Pug did his best to warn his friend, crying out as he leapt off of his furred back. He felt Slink’s body twist as he turned to see what had alarmed Pug, but the fairy had no time to wait for his assistance. Instead he beat his wings hard, and launched himself towards the owl in a wide curve, his spear at the ready. The owl, caught off guard by the smaller creature’s ferocity, decided to take the fairy out first. It banked slightly to meet the fairy head on, though even with its course correction neither of them were properly positioned for the clash. Pug, unable to get his spear properly angled, found his weapon simply skittering off the rough skin of the owl’s feet. Likewise the owl did not manage to pierce Pug with any talons, though the edge of his clawed foot still struck the fairy, buffeting him and sending him careening to the forest floor. Pug struck the ground with a rough thud and rolled a fair distance before coming to a rest on his back.
The owl looked around wildly for Slink, close enough to the ground now to be threatened by the vicious little predator. Much to its surprise, the marten hadn’t stuck around to help his friend. Rather, Slink had run to the kit and snatched him up in his mouth by the nape of his neck, lugging the kit back into the safety of the tree hollow. It flapped its wings with frustration, about to set off after the martens. It had a vanishingly small chance to catch them, however Pug was one who preferred to stack the odds in his favor. He quickly flipped his grip on his spear and threw it at the owl, bouncing it harmlessly off the avian’s thick feathers, though it still fulfilled its purpose and brought the bird’s attention back to Pug. Its head snapped around in that unnatural way owls did, its too-wide eyes full of irritation as it regarded the battered fairy. Pug, still trying to catch his breath after being thrown to the ground, was breathing raggedly and unable to make an escape for himself. Deciding to rid itself of an irritant, the owl rounded on Pug.
Swooping around, it snapped at Pug with its beak. The viciously cruel implement was moments from eviscerating Pug when the fairy let his fear-weak knees go out from under him, sending him into a loose, floppy roll. His would-be assailant passed overhead, wind whistling through its beak as it snapped shut. Pug wasn’t out of the woods yet, for despite its apparent bulk when compared to beings like Pug and Slink, the owl made an agile mid-air correction and attempted to tear at the fairy once more.
So focused was the owl on Pug that it came as no small shock when a feminine battlecry rang out. The owl, having missed Lina since she was so far behind and perturbed at the thought of yet another nuisance to deal with, turned his head to assess the new threat. In a stroke of ill luck, the predator turned its face right into a flask full of some vile fluid mixture. The flask struck it on its beak and broke open and the liquid inside, upon contact with the air, ignited in a reaction was more light than heat, producing a blindingly brilliant flash and a crack of sound sent the owl reeling.
Using the momentary distraction, the stout gnome slid to a stop beside the owl, putting all of her running momentum into a swing of her cudgel. Twisting her hips and leveraging every bit of muscle she had, the gnome swung her weapon into the bird’s legs, and was rewarded with a snapping sound as the rather delicate bones there crumpled under gnomish strength. The bird let loose a keening screech and flapped its wings, pushing itself away from this new threat. It blinked its eyes rapidly, but the spots were slow to fade from eyes meant to be keen in the dark of night. Slink, rushing back across the clearing now to assist his allies now that the kit was secure, issued a challenging snarl to compliment Lina’s shrill battlecry. Deciding it wasn’t quite hungry enough for this, the owl let loose a keening moan and took off, beating its large wings rapidly. Conjuring a storm of air with its departure, the onrush of wind was strong enough to blind and halt its assailants as it took to the sky.
On the ground Lina stumbled over to Pug, who was still struggling to stand. The impact had left him unable to pursue the owl even if he had wanted to, a large bruise already spreading its way across his chest and the breath only now beginning to return to his lungs. Lina gave him a rough once over, all the while keeping her eye on the sky in case the owl returned. Her demeanor was tense and rigid, prompting Pug to speak to alleviate the tension.
“What was it you threw at the owl?” Pug asked, partly to distract and partly from genuine curiosity.
“An alchemical concoction reacts violently with air. Jet discovered it a few moons ago.” Lina said tersely, her mouth twisting with remembered discomfort. “Your friend’s servants got me whatever supplies I asked for.”
“Didn’t like having someone to boss around? You seemed to enjoy ordering Jet about.” Pug laughed, grateful to see Lina’s tension melt into a scowl.
“Jet needs a little guidance, or he’ll get himself killed.” She retorted, prompting a genuine chuckle from Pug, delivered with winces as the motion agitated the bruise on his chest. Jet was the kind of gnome to lose himself in his interests, oblivious to the world and dangers around him. In Pug’s opinion, which he kept to himself, it was perhaps just as likely that Jet was engrossed in some research or project as it was that he’d actually been kidnapped.
Slink trotted over to check on the fairy and though Pug was on his feet by the time he arrived, apparently the marten wasn’t confident in his friend’s ability to travel. Slink dashed off to the wagon, weaseling himself into the wagon’s harness. Pulling it was slow and uncomfortable without somebody to properly fit him in the harness, but he was able to pull it to Pug’s side in short order. Together Tourmaline and Slink convinced him to ride in the wagon, though Pug felt they were perhaps worrying too much.. Dutifully the first thing he did was check the offering was intact before settling in.
“Thank you for bringing the wagon this far, Slink.’ Pug coughed. “I know you don’t have any more reason to go to Baba’s since you found the kid, but I’d appreciate it if you would bring us the rest of the way.”
“‘Course Pug, I’d be happy to. Especially considering you almost got bumped off saving my bacon, see?” Slink said with a wry grin.
Slink set off, slowly at first so as to not jostle Pug though it wasn’t long before the fairy prodded him to speed up. Lina doubted she had become an expert in marten mannerisms in the brief time she’d known Slink, but it seemed to her the marten felt a little guilty. He’d constantly crane his neck around to look at Pug, earning himself a sharp reprimand when in his distraction he drew the wagon over a rock and nearly bounced the fairy out of the back of the wagon. Lina walked behind them, doing her part to keep an eye on him. His new injuries were stacked on the bruising and swelling from the night before, leaving Pug looking decidedly discolored.
“You don’t have to help me, Pug.” She said, voice quavering as guilt and anxiety finally surfaced within her. “I’m not sure you can anymore. We’re not even a full day into our journey and you already need to recuperate.”
“It’s okay Lina, half of this isn’t even from the owl. Besides, the Wylde is dangerous and you’ll need a friend out there. Anyways, these bruises won’t be much of a concern soon.” He assured her, a wave of the hand dismissing her concerns.
“What’s supposed to mean?” She asked, confused.
“Baba’ll make him right as rain, Lina.” Slink cut in with confidence. “She’s a wise woman.”
Lina bit her tongue at their vague and unhelpful explanation. Realistically there wasn’t much could be done to get Pug back into good shape in a reasonable time frame. Despair began to creep in, her thoughts were taking dark paths as she wondered whether or not she would be able to locate Jet without Pug’s help. She was mercifully interrupted by the arrival of the kit, who slammed into Slink hard enough to cause the larger marten to stumble.
“Watch it Leaps! We’ve got a delicate package in the back of this crate.” Slink chided.
“Thorry Thwink.’ The kit, Leaps, said with a lisp even Lina had to admit was cute despite her misgivings.
“Just stick close to me kiddo. We’ve gotta get my friend here where he’s going and then I’ll get you home to your pa.”
Slink took the rest of the trip easy, his worrying over Pug abating somewhat as he refocused on the kit, making sure the rambunctious child didn’t get himself into any more trouble. Thankfully Leaps seemed far more interested in hanging out with Slink, telling a grand story about how he was nearly accosted by the owl while he was out adventuring. Slink kept his pace slow, reducing the strain on Pug and helping his short-legged companions keep up with him, allowing Lina to remain at the rear of the wagon and keep an eye on Pug, who had long since ceased chiding her about her worrying. As she did her mind began to wander and a question she’d had when she was first introduced to Slink occurred to her.
“I’ve been meaning to ask, and I’m sorry if this is rude, but how exactly are you guys named?” She blurted out.
“Say, what do you mean by that?” Slink asked over his shoulder.
“Well the gnomes in my village are all named after gemstones. I was wondering what it was with martens. It seems like you’re named after… verbs, I guess?” She finished nervously as Slink stopped and turned to stare at her. After enough of a pause to make her worry she’d said something rude, Slink belted out a laugh.
“Mellow out Lina, I’m not gonna get sore over a goofy question like .” Slink chuckled. “Slink is just a nickname. My full name is Slinks-Through-Shaded-Boughs in the common tongue. It’s a little long though, so people call me Slink.”
“That’s interesting, and your friend there?” She nodded to the kit.
“I’m Weaps-Bwanch-To-Bwanch!” Leps slurred proudly. Lina smiled at the overeager kit.
“Well, aren’t you an articulate little guy.” She cooed, earning a goofy wide grin from the kit.
“Yeah, they sure grow up fast. Only last week did this one’s eyes open, and in a few more he’ll be a regular goon for the family.”
Lina smiled, unsure of what Slink was trying to say but sympathizing with his plight. She heard from her parents all the time that she had grown too fast, and it seemed this experience was relatively universal. She was at a loss on how to continue the conversation, but her preoccupation with her awkwardness vanished as the underbrush fell away to reveal what she assumed was their destination. Lina couldn’t help but gaze in wonder at the sheer size of the home they were approaching.
A short distance in front of them sat a small river island, nestled in the bifurcation and rejoining of a stream. The river itself was not overly large, though it would be dangerous to any of their party if they were to ford it unprepared. Thankfully a bridge was placed over the river on both sides of the islet, allowing for a full crossing. The bridges themselves were wide enough for several wagons like their own to cross side by side, and was only the beginning. Though it was simple with wooden walls and thatched roof, the cabin in front of them was many times larger than any single building Lina had ever seen, looming over them even from this distance. Planters in front of the cabin grew a variety of herbs and vegetables, and in an open window a pie sat cooling. The fact the pie was large enough to house a gnomish family in comfort was not lost on Lina.
Their entire group was tense as they made their way across, footsteps resounding against the wood. The singing of the birds and merry babbling of the river beneath them did nothing to relax Lina, who was wondering exactly what she had gotten herself into. Leaps was also unnerved, crowding into Slink and causing the larger marten to stumble over him occasionally. Slink himself was the most relaxed, though tension still kept him taut and poised to run, and as they moved from the bridge onto the stepping stones leading up to the door he called out.
“Meat wagon here! Get your meat before it expires, Baba!” He yelled, smirking as Lina shot him a dirty look. Before she could chide him the massive door to the cabin shifted open, and a literal giant strode forth, footsteps resounding through the earth beneath their feet. The giant in question was a woman, with gray hair and wizened, wrinkled skin. She squinted down at them for a moment before a look of recognition flashed across her face and she smiled.
“Ah Slink! Ever the joker, aren’t you?” She crooned. Her voice was probably weak compared to other beings her size, but Lina found it to be thunderous.
“And who are your friends?” she inquired.
“I’d love to explain, Baba, but our mutual friend here is hurt, and he needs your help.”
Baba frowned at and slowly lowered herself to get a better look at the wagon, her old bones audibly creaking. Her knees in particular were piercingly loud, and a grimace of pain worked its way across her face, but she persevered and peered intently into the back of the wagon. Seeing the fairy laid up inside, she let out a concerned cry that set Lina’s ears to ringing.
“Pug! What happened to you my boy!” She fretted. The ruckus brough Pug back to reality, turning to meet her concerned gaze with eyes fogged up with pain and fatigue.
“Hey Baba. We got into a little tussle with an owl on our way here. He wanted to snack on Slink, and I wasn’t having it.” He grinned.
Baba tutted disapprovingly and scooped the party and their wagon up in her hands. Lina clung to the side of the wagon as her booted feet sank slightly into Baba’s skin, soft with age. Leaps clambered up on top of Slink, who dangled helplessly from the harness that attached him to the wagon. Confident in her grip, Baba spun on her heel in a maneuver that was perhaps too graceful for her apparent age, and brought the lot of them inside with a series of long strides.
The inside of the house was well maintained, from what Lina could see. A fire crackled happily in the fireplace, and various herbs hung about to dry. A table dominated the room, with various utensils, items, and foodstuffs scattered about its top haphazardly. Baba set them on the table beside a massive mortar and pestle, and Lina had a sudden, silly fear the giant was going to grind them into dust. Rather than doing something so horrific, Baba turned and grabbed a shallow pan from its place against the wall, sliding it onto a grill sitting in the fireplace. She took a bucket and hastened outside, returning in moments with river water which she added to the pan. Fluttering about, the elderly woman grabbed several ingredients from shelves on the walls, as well as cuttings from the herbs hanging about. She tossed them into the mortar and pestle and began grinding away, the motion so brisk it shook the table and brought Lina to her knees.
Once the giant was satisfied with her work she turned and added it to the cauldron, causing it to go through a rapid change in colors, shifting from one to the next faster than the eye could follow before settling into a vibrant green. Lina thought as an alchemist she should understand at least some of what the giant was doing, but watching the Baba taste test the concoction before adding in pinches of several other ingredients left the gnome thinking this was something outside of alchemy. A final taste of the brew left Baba satisfied, and she pulled the pan off of the fire just as it began to boil. She set it carefully on the table near the party before turning and grabbing a nearby lid.
Lina was about to inquire as to what the mysterious giant was doing, and precisely how it would help Pug, when Baba turned and snatched Pug from the back of the wagon. Lina protested but was stopped by Slink, who curled his tail around her to hold her back. This halted the gnome just long enough for Baba to plop Pug into the pan she had just taken off the fire and put the lid atop it. Lina yelled wordlessly at this development and struggled against Slink’s tail until the marten was forced to reach over and grasp her by the shoulders to keep her from running at the pan, but didn’t stop her from screaming at the giant.
“I thought you were going to help him!” She screamed, tears beginning to form in her eyes.
“Oh no deary, I’m so sorry. I should have explained.” Baba said, a soothing tone in her voice. “Think of it like an herbal bath, or a sauna. He’s going to rest there for a bit and absorb the healing vapors.”
“A sauna?” Lina snarled incredulously.
“Yes, a sauna! Have you never been? You must go at least once.”
Lina was about to snap at the giant, recklessly forgetting the discrepancy in their sizes in her anger, when the lid of the pan began to jiggle and clatter in place. After a few moments of apprehension, the lid to the pan slid aside and a burst of fragrant steam billowed forth. Two pale arms sprouted up over the lip of the pan, glistening with moistures and scrabbling for purchase against the metal. Eventually they took hold and Pug was able to lever himself up before crossing his arms on the lip of the pan and setting his weight on them. It looked, for all the world, like the fairy was taking a relaxing dip in a pool. Lina felt a pressure grow behind her eyes as she regarded her clearly maddened fairy friend.
“Get the hell out of there before you cook, you loon!” She sputtered.
“It’s alright Lina, this isn’t the first time Baba’s had to slap me into one of these baths.” He said, energy returning to his voice.
In fact, to Lina’s amazement, the ‘herbal bath’ as they called it seemed to be working miracles on the fairy. Already his blackened eyes and bruised face were clearing, returning to a normal coloration before her very eyes. He seemed to move easier as well, as evidenced by the fairy pulling himself along the rim of the pan to face Baba. His wings fluttered slowly but happily as he faced the giant. As he did Baba returned with a small pastry she set in front of Lina and the martens, which she gestured for them to eat.
“Sorry to put you out Baba.” Pug apologized, chastened.
“Oh it’s fine, little one. If I wasn’t taking care of all the strays and miscreants wound up on my doorstep I’m sure I’d go mad from boredom.”
“Who are you calling a miscreant!” Slink cried through a mouthful of pastry, offended.
“Yeah, I was being quite heroic, if you think about it.” Pug defended himself.
“What’s so heroic about violating the natural order?” Baba said, firmly but not unkindly. Both Pug and Slink sobered at and while what she said piqued her curiosity, Lina was far more interested in the food she’d been provided. Mollified by seeing Pug healthy again, she promptly dug into the treat provided by Baba, and was outpacing both martens in her snacking campaign.
“Owls eat martens, boys. While I’m glad you saved the kit you should be aware you flew in the face of the natural world in doing so. There will be repercussions.” She warned.
“I know Baba, but I’d do it again if I had to.” Pug said, understanding but clearly not repentant. Baba sighed but accepted .
“Now I know Pug’s in good hands, I’m gonna take Leaps here back to his dad.” Slink said, clearing the air of the momentary awkwardness.
“Alright Slink, you take care of yourself out there.” Pug said, sad to see the marten go.
They said their goodbyes to the two martens, who jumped the gap from table to window sill with ease and dropped out of view. Baba walked to the window and watched them go, ensuring they were safe at least as far as she could see. After a time she nodded in satisfaction and turned back to Pug and Lina. Lina was feeling a little exposed now she and Pug were alone with the giant and wished the martens had stayed, surprised to find them less frightening than Baba. The old giant settled into a chair before continuing the conversation.
“I don’t suspect you came here just to get your booboos treated.” She teased. “What did you need from me?”
“First thing’s first Baba, we have to do this the right way.” Pug said, clearing his throat. “We have an offering for you, Elder, if you would be so kind as to accept it.”
Baba nodded and reached over to the wagon, pulling the sheet covering it free. Inside was nestled what Lina would have called a giant strawberry tart, if she didn’t have the pastry Baba had set before her to compare. It took up nearly the entire back of the wagon, and Baba gently fitted a nail beneath it to pry it up from the snug fit. Taking it in hand, the pastry seemed miniscule to her, though Lina knew it would have taken hPug and herself at least half a day to eat it by themselves. Baba opened her mouth and threw it inside, consuming the entire treat in one bite. She seemed to enjoy the taste, cupping a hand to her cheek and chewing slowly to savor it.
“That was the offering?” Lina blurted. “I thought it was something way more important than .”
“What could possibly be more important than sweets, child?” Baba joked. Apparently satisfied with her offering, she turned her eyes to Pug. “Your offering was satisfactory, little one. In honor of the agreement between your people and I, you may beseech of me one favor.”
Baba’s words seemed to have a formal weight to them, and Pug nodded back gravely.
“My friend Lina is looking for a missing friend. We were hoping you can show us the path to him, wise elder.”
“I will render aid as best I can within the rules of our compact.” She intoned. She turned to Lina and spoke to her in a more casual tone then. “Alright little gnomeling, tell me exactly what happened and we’ll see if Baba can’t work something out.”
And so for the second time in as many days Lina found herself explaining the situation back at the gnomish village and her missing friend. She explained what the myconid had told them, and her father’s failure to find Jet. Though she thought she had drained these wounds last time she had told her story, she found herself choked up and spilling everything. Her long, lonely trek to the fairy village, hoping her parents weren’t worrying about her, even up to Pug and Slink being attacked. Baba listened attentively and did not interrupt her, until she wound up choking up towards the end. Only then did Baba reach out and stroke Lina’s hair.
“It’s alright little one.” Baba murmurs as the gnome begins to relax. “I’ll help you find your friend. Tell me, did you bring anything of Jet’s?”
“No, I didn’t think to. Is it going to be a problem if I didn’t?” Lina asks worriedly.
“It would have been helpful to get his scent, so to speak, but I should be able to find him regardless. Go ahead and pluck a few of your hairs and drop them into the pan would you?” Baba asked sweetly.
Lina complied, though she was confused. As she did so Baba turned and plucked Pug from the bath, which had grown lukewarm at this point. He gave a half-hearted yowl of displeasure which was quickly silenced as she set him down in the midst of a fluffy towel to dry. Lina hastened over and dropped her hair over the lip of the pan into the fluid inside. She saw now after Pug had soaked in it for a time it had turned into a sky-blue. The addition of her hair sent another spasmodic flickering of color through the liquid, after which it settled into a pleasant lavender. Tourmaline, disquieted by the mysterious concoction, scurried over to Pug’s towel and sat next to him. Baba, at least, seemed satisfied with the coloration, and lifted the pan to her lips, drinking the whole pan in one gulp. Lina gagged as she did, and even Pug looked uncomfortable.
“Baba, that’s really gross!” He whined.
“Hush up now. I don’t want to be drinking your bathwater either, but you fairies have all the right components to make a good scrying potion, and I’ll not let it go to waste.”
As she spoke Baba’s eyes began to emit a thick mist fell heavily from her face, and she tilted her head back to look at the ceiling. Pooling the mist in her eye sockets hid her eyes, and accentuated by a glowing light emanating from her pupils. Lavender light filled the mist and then broke through, painting the ceiling in swirling eddies and rolling banks of color. Something in the way the colors moved caused Lina and Pug to grow nauseous and both were forced to look away, though not before they saw the beginnings of shapes coalescing in the light. Baba’s voice underscored the event with a deep, guttural humming and her fingers drummed out a rapid staccato rapidly descended into an impossible tempo. It set their teeth on edge, and the two were about to break and run when the noise calmed.
They looked up and saw Baba gasping quietly. They waited for her to calm before slowly crossing the tabletop, approaching the giant cautiously. Once Baba caught her breath and relaxed she opened her eyes, which had mercifully returned to normal, and addressed them.
“Your friend is still alive.” She stated breathlessly.
“Thank the Queen, where is he?” Lina said urgently. Pug placed a hand on her shoulder to restrain her eagerness, which she shook loose almost immediately.
“… I do not know.” Baba said, confused.
“What do you mean you don’t know Baba? You’ve never not known.” Pug sounded worried as he voiced his concerns as Lina nodded along.
“Something is hiding him from my sight, though I know not what. What I do know is the humans your father suspected were the ones who took him.” Baba said, meeting Lina’s eyes. “And I know where they will be next.”
“Where Baba? As soon as you tell us we’ll head out.” Pug stood and stretched as he spoke, wringing out his clothes to attempt to dry them.
“They will be at Hummingbird Hearth in a fortnight. I must warn you, if you fail to catch them there, it seems likely you will never see your friend again.”
Despite the seemingly urgent nature of the scrying Baba did and Lina’s desire to get started as soon as possible, Baba insisted they stay long enough for Pug to dry out. While they waited she was kind enough to provide additional supplies and even shared some alchemical reagents with Lina before sending them on their way. The kindly giant was clearly fond of Pug, providing assistance Lina suspected fell outside of her agreement with the fairies and their village. Pug, sitting by the fire which was a roaring blaze when compared to his size, dried out relatively quickly and set out as soon as he was able to fly again.
The two of them departed, bidding Baba a fond farewell was slightly marred with trepidation and worry. Pug in particular looked perturbed, and when she asked he explained Baba had never had problems with her magic before. Tourmaline didn’t really grasp the severity of the situation, but if it was enough to worry Pug then it was enough to gnaw at the pit of her stomach. The pair remained quiet for a long while after the house disappeared into the forest behind them.
Baba watched the tiny duo go and sighed in worry. It was rare for something to be able to thwart her scrying, and she couldn’t help but worry about what, precisely, the two of them were walking into. There was little more she could do for them, despite her concern, due to the compact allowed her to live in peace here with the creatures of the woods. Baba brought her pie in and shut the window, setting it down before going to sit in her rocker and lose herself in her thoughts. The pie, once anticipated, sat uneaten on the table as she fret through the night.
