The flight towards the cave Grissa had discovered took around an hour in total. Considering the speed of their aerial travel, it served as a powerful reminder of just how large a radius the area examining Druid spell covered, and left Lucinda once more wishing for it to appear to her in a status window in the near future.

Despite the potential danger involved, Lucinda’s excitement for the upcoming adventure was high. Although she had posited some silly guesses of the creature’s Grissa had detected, she was fairly sure her opponents were to be kobolds, and while they were a danger to her, she doubted they were for the two considerably more powerful allies she had with her.

But, there was also another reason for her to be excited, as their hasty departure had occurred before Grissa’s animal companion had reached them. Acquiring new forms was without a doubt one of her core goals, and that it was another feline, only served to increase her anticipation.

“Is Grussi close?” she asked almost as soon as they’d landed near the cave.

“He’s coming, don’t sweat it,” Grissa replied.

“…Couldn’t you summon him?”

Grissa briefly raised both eyebrows at Lucinda before breaking into a grin. “He doesn’t like it.”

“Really…?” Lucinda’s gaze slowly tracked to Marrow. “I’d never thought about that…”

“You don’t mind, do you?”

“Magic!”

Marrow’s reply made it quite clear that she didn’t mind it. In fact, it made it clear that she thought it was a great deal of fun. Lucinda didn’t waste any time in wrapping her bird companion in a fierce hug, as she planted a gentle kiss on Marrow’s finely feathered head.

“Sorry. I was being silly,” she sent.

“Oof, you two sure are cute together,” Grissa said. “Say Waffles, when was the last time you kissed your companion?”

Lucinda couldn’t suppress a fit of giggles as her brain parsed the strange nickname Grissa seemed to have given her mentor, and the seemingly impossible mental image her words evoked. Looking at Waflaw, her laughter grew louder still as she took in the complex expression he wore.

“Let me come up with a similarly ridiculous nickname for you, and I’ll get back to you on that,” Waflaw eventually replied, as the mix of emotions on his face gave way to amusement.

“Take your time, Hun. Just don’t disappoint me.”

“…Is it kobolds, then?” Lucinda asked as the two Druids continued to eye each other.

“You got it, girl,” Grissa confirmed with a grin in her direction. “Fought ‘em before?”

“Nope. But, they’re small, ugly, and like to work in groups?”

“Maybe you do know how to train apprentices after all,” Grissa directed towards Waflaw.

“Was that really in doubt?” he replied.

“Well, umm, that’s actually from school…” Lucinda said. “But, Waffles is a good mentor!”

Grissa burst into energetic laughter, slapping a knee with one hand as she did.

“Apprentice…” Waflaw’s voice was undeniably filled with venom. “Don’t think for a moment that I will allow you to refer to me as such.” However, it was ruined by the hint of a smile that he couldn’t quite suppress.

“Oh, sorry! It was… an accident,” Lucinda said as she fought back her own laughter.

“I can see you are going to be a bad influence on her, Grinny.” Waflaw shook his head in mock dismay, but adopted a smirk as he revealed the results of his planned comeback.

“…Yep, disappointed.” Grissa caught Lucinda’s eyes and nodded in Waflaw’s direction with a mocking smile on her lips.

“Bah, it’s your fault for having such an irregular name.”

“Says you! The king of weird sounding names himself.”

“My name is not uncommon where I come from, thanks. Yours though… Well, I expect anyone naming their child that would be jailed for abusive parenting.”

“Oh, you did not just say that…” Lucinda winced at the rather real-sounding growl in Grissa’s voice. “We’re duelling, and you’re gonna apologise once I’ve kicked your ass!”

“Keep dreaming, Grinny.”

Still kneeling beside Marrow, Lucinda took a few moments to recover from her shock at the sudden turn of events. Waflaw and Grissa were already squaring off against each other, with neither showing any sign of backing down.

Should I try and stop them? I was sort of hoping to do some training…

“What about the kobolds?” she asked.

However, her words seemed to fall on deaf ears, as both Grissa and Waflaw began casting spells just a few moments later. A brief conflict played out in Lucinda’s head as she looked from face to face in search of some sign of acknowledgement, but while her intent to train still remained, she was unable to deny the allure of seeing two high-level Druids duke it out.

I guess they can wait…

Lucinda recognised the spells being cast without difficulty, yet she doubted her conclusion all the way up until the results made themselves known. Waflaw was the first to finish – though only by a hair’s breadth – and as he did the familiar congregation of large rodents sprung into being at his feet.

It was the rats… But, why?

“You spell focussed?” Grissa asked as she transitioned into another spell as soon as her own rats were summoned.

“Difficult to tell when your opponent doesn’t flaunt themselves in public, isn’t it?” Waflaw replied with a mocking smile.

“Oh-ho, I can’t wait to put you in your place!”

“Well, if you mean like that Rogue from yesterday, maybe I’ll even let you.”

“Hah, who’s dreaming now?”

They don’t seem to be taking this very seriously…

Despite her budding concerns, Lucinda was amused to see additional conjured animals make an appearance. Waflaw and Grissa went through the entire gamut of spells without pause, eventually bringing every magically summoned entity Lucinda had ever fought against into the field. After the rats came the badgers, then the snakes, and then a few wolves; before her recently conquered nemesis, the bear, joined the fray. But, it turned out that wasn’t actually the full extent of either Druid’s summoning capabilities.

“Oh, they’re beautiful!” Lucinda commented as Waflaw’s sixth spell brought two fully grown tigers into existence. “And I knew they were big… But, wow…”

“You think they’re big? We ain’t done yet,” Grissa said as her own efforts brought the number of tigers up to four.

Already the area was becoming crowded with the large assortment of animals, but still, Lucinda was confused by the so-called duel the two Druids were engaged in.

Even tigers can’t be much of a threat for either of them… So, why?

The next conjuration spell took noticeably longer to complete for both casters, providing the perfect opportunity for Lucinda to observe the casting process. It was clear that Waflaw was slightly faster at completing the required steps of the spell, but it took her a bit longer to notice how her mentor was varying the speed of his hand movements. Of course, when it did, she immediately knew why.

He’s matching her speed… Or intentionally beating it slightly… With how she did in the arena, she’s got to be a melee Druid. But, is Waflaw faster because of practice? Or skills?

Lucinda’s thoughts on the matter didn’t get much further, for it was around that time that Waflaw’s next conjuration spell finished. In a puff of Druidic magic, Grissa’s words were proven true, as a very large grey animal came into existence before her eyes.

“A rhino!” Lucinda almost squealed in exclamatory excitement. “Why didn’t you tell me you could summon one!?”

“You never asked,” Waflaw replied without looking at her. "There wasn't really a need to either."

“Aww… But…”

“Not moving onto the next spell, Waffles?” Grissa spoke over Lucinda’s stilted complaints once her own rhinoceros had been summoned into the loosely grouped mass of animals.

Her words were soon followed by laughter, bringing Lucinda’s gaze away from the massive horn-bearing beast, and to Waflaw. The male Druid was frowning back at Grissa, with one side of his lips downturned in obvious displeasure.

“Looks like you lose, Hun.” Grissa conjured another purple ball of mana between her hands, and began shaping it at a languid pace.

“Hmph,” was Waflaw’s only response.

As Grissa continued to go through the motions of casting her spell, a smug grin remained firmly plastered on her face. Lucinda’s glance at Waflaw had been extremely brief, as thoughts of what creature the female Druid might be summoning bounced around her head, and that Waflaw seemed unwilling, or unable to duplicate the spell only made things more intriguing.

Something bigger? That doesn’t leave many options, or not many normal options… Could it be…?

A wide grin broke across Lucinda’s face as the immense beast she’d imagined burst into being. It dwarfed all the other animals present, and whether by natural instinct, or directed command, blasted out a declaration of its superiority without delay. Lucinda giggled in giddy excitement as she imagined the reactions of any nearby creatures, including the kobolds in their cave, as the clear cry of the large grey elephant echoed through the surroundings.

“And what’s your answer to that then, huh?” Grissa said, her voice dripping with condescension.

“Amazing…” Lucinda breathed as her laughter subsided. “It’s huge!”

I wonder what level elephants are? Ah, it could be years before I get there… But, maybe Grissa will tell me if I ask nicely? In which case…

“Lucinda the referee declares Grissa as the winner!” Lucinda’s giggling returned as Waflaw’s gaze snapped to her and his eyes narrowed in nearly believable anger.

“Damn right,” Grissa agreed. “And where’s my apology?”

“Bah, that was only round 1,” Waflaw countered. “Care to guess what round 2 is, my traitorous apprentice?”

Lucinda’s eyes roamed over the large collection of animals still present in the grassy savannah they occupied. An almost inaudible spurt of excited laughter struck her as she settled on an answer.

“Are your respective armies about to battle it out?”

“He doesn’t stand a chance,” Grissa taunted.

“Maybe.” Waflaw shrugged in a nonchalant manner. “But, as you seem to have a spell I don’t, I think it only fair I use a spell you don’t have in return.”

What!?

It was Grissa’s turn to frown, as Waflaw began a new spell almost as soon as his words were conveyed. A fiery orange ball of mana was rapidly manipulated by him, while a familiar smirk played across his lips. Lucinda’s conclusion as to why Grissa had an additional summoning spell was simply that she was a higher level, but that didn’t help her explain how Waflaw seemed to have an extra spell of his own.

She must be a higher level. I’m sure she’s older. Which means… Melee focus versus spell focus? Waflaw never mentioned they had different spells… Ah, I guess I can’t blame him. It’s bound to be different for me, and what are the chances I’ll ever fight a Druid?

Lucinda smiled to herself as her eyes flicked between the two Druids before her.

Or seriously fight one at least…

Waflaw’s spell soon finished, releasing a bright orange burst of magic as it did. The effect cascaded over his animal entourage, leaving little doubt as to its purpose, but hardly providing much in the way of real answers.

“Ready when you are,” Waflaw said.

“Fine. But, that’s all your allowed to add,” Grissa replied. “Count us in, girl,” she then directed at Lucinda.

“Umm, aren’t armies supposed to charge each other?” Lucinda asked.

The two Druids glanced at Lucinda, and then back at each other before Waflaw replied. “She’s got a point. Let’s all back off a bit, shall we?”

With Marrow waddling along beside her, Lucinda retreated from the animal horde, which brought her further away from the seemingly forgotten kobold cave as a result.

“Are you excited, Marrow?” Lucinda sent to her companion as she stopped near a low, broad-topped tree.

“Fight!” Marrow returned.

“Me too! But, who do you think will win? I mean the elephant is so huge… But, Waflaw has that spell he used…”

“Waflaw!”

“Are you sure?” Lucinda asked as she added mental laughter in response to Marrow’s emphatic declaration.

“Bone!”

“I should have known… Of course, you’d root for the only one of the two that has given you food before.”

Lucinda leaned back against the tree, while Marrow flew up to a low hanging branch to improve her line of sight. Grissa and Waflaw both seemed to be ready to engage properly, and the sight of their respective animal armies lined up so neatly was more than enough to permanently affix a smile to Lucinda’s lips.

How could anything I would have done as Cleric compare to this?

“Shall I count you in?” Lucinda shouted out. Two affirmative replies followed her question, prompting her to do as she’d suggested. Naturally, she copied the arena announcer’s method, finishing her brief count with a very vigorous declaration. “…Fight!”

The formation of both animal groups was similar, with the smaller creatures at the fringes, and the larger, hardier types in the centre. At her announcement, they advanced, filling the air with a mixture of roars and cries, and even vibrating the ground. Tearing her eyes away from the mightiest of the animals was difficult, but a sudden charge from the tigers on both sides demanded she do so. Interestingly, both pairs ignored each other, though Lucinda took only a moment to realise why. That the smaller animals were unlikely to do much in the battle had been almost a given, but as the tigers began savaging them with unrestrained fury, their chances of proving themselves dropped to zero.

That must be why he doesn’t summon all of them in real battles. Poor things…

Partway through the tiger-instigated massacre, the real meat of both armies met. Amazingly, Waflaw’s largest summons, the rhino and brown bear, faired surprisingly well in their initial clash against their counterparts, even with the addition of the elephant on Grissa’s side – though none escaped unharmed. The ensuing scuffle was unlike anything Lucinda had ever seen, with impaling tusks and horns, slashing claws, and chomping jaws aplenty. Both groups began racking up additional damage quickly, but despite the fact that all involved were conjured facsimiles of the real thing, Lucinda couldn’t help but feel sorry for them as their pained grunts and cries reached her ears.

However, the benefits provided by Waflaw’s spell weren’t just visible in the larger-scale engagement, as one of his tigers, and one of his wolves, soon emerged from the lesser battle. They began assisting their bear ally right away, which was an obvious choice all things considered.

What can they even do against rhinos and elephants? They’re just so big and tough…

Unfortunately, Waflaw’s rhino could only manage so much against the combined might of a duplicate of itself, and a larger creature. At first it became more defensive – no doubt thanks to Waflaw’s directions – but, that only served to delay the inevitable. Then, when it finally fell, there was simply nothing left to stop Grissa’s larger summons from seizing a brutal victory, and they did just that.

“Winner: Grissa!” Lucinda loudly exclaimed, before adding a round of applause.

“Time for that apology, Hun,” Grissa said as she dismissed the remainder of her heavily wounded force.

“Bah, the odds were stacked in your favour from the start,” Waflaw replied. “Had I been allowed to add proper spell support, you’d have stood no chance.”

“Heh, you’re a sore loser, aren’t ya?” The two Druids stared each other down. “Just apologise already, so we can get on to watching your apprentice kill those ugly cave-dwelling monsters.”

Waflaw’s brow creased into a heavy set frown. “…No. We’re going for round 3.”

Grissa sighed, and then laughed loudly. “It’s hopeless, haven’t you realised that yet? Face facts, I’m stronger.”

“A higher level? Yes. But, stronger? We’ll see about that. You started this ‘duel’, and now I’m deciding to take it seriously. Unless, you’re worried you’ll lose?”

“As if!” Grissa shouted her words out angrily. “You’re going down, Waffles!”

This is starting to sound bad…

“Hey, umm, is that really necessary?” Lucinda asked as she moved closer to the two Druids. “I thought you two were just joking? And what about the kobolds?”

Waflaw spared a brief glance at Lucinda, before his gaze returned to the source of his apparent displeasure.

“I suppose as your companion isn’t here, I can spare mine. Now, how about we take this further afield? Wouldn’t want my apprentice getting caught up in any errant spells.”

“Whatever. You’ll lose either way,” Grissa declared with a grin on her face.

“We’ll see. Let’s go.”

Lucinda had been expecting the two Druids to walk away – though she still wasn’t happy about it – but to her further surprise, both shifted into their flying forms and took off without even a goodbye.

Was I wrong about them after all?

“Have you seen him like this before, Wollow?” Lucinda asked Waflaw’s animal companion, who had remained behind as asked.

Unfortunately, Wollow’s only response was to turn around and begin walking in the direction of the cave. Lucinda smiled in amusement at the stag’s usual attitude, and then moved to follow him with Marrow waddling along beside her.

“Ready to fight some kobolds, Marrow?”

“Fight?”

“Oh… Umm, I’m not sure what they look like exactly. I guess we’ll find out. It is going to be inside though…”

“Marrow! Fight!” Marrow’s conviction brought a short laugh from Lucinda’s lips.

“You’re right, I’m sure we’ll be fine. We have Wollow to help us too! He’s really quite strong.”

Marrow responded to Lucinda’s thoughts with a projected emotion of excitement, that was then followed by a series of three specific images. The first, Wollow blocking a shadowy set of claws with his antlers; the second, a broken piece of his antlers lying on a stone floor; and the third, a very familiar-looking beak positioned just above the discarded antler. Lucinda’s laughter returned in full force as she grasped Marrow’s intention.

“I don’t think that’s going to happen… But, if it does, I guess he won’t mind,” Lucinda sent to her companion.

“Bone!”

Even with Wollow present, the darkness beyond the mouth of the cave was foreboding. Lucinda peered inwards for a few moments, before turning back to look in the direction that Waflaw and Grissa had flown off in.

With them here, I could have charged in without worry… Ah, I just hope they don’t hurt each other…Or forget that they've left me here…

Looking back at the cave, Lucinda considered her options. She had many, but one in particular came to her before long. Moving next to Wollow, she whispered quietly into one of his ears.

“Can you wait here for a bit? I want to see if I can sneak up on them,” she said. “I’ll have Marrow let you know if I get in any real trouble, okay?”

Wollow’s reply was a typically stoic silence, but Lucinda knew from past experience that his silence was answer enough. Briefly rubbing his neck in gratitude, Lucinda informed Marrow of her plan, before shifting into Lynx form.

Activating the form’s Stalk ability, she crept forwards silently into the cave.

Lynx form and ability:

Status (Lynx)

Health

Strength

Agility

Endurance

194

194

28

35

22

Stalk (Lynx)

Limit movement to 75% of normal, but become much harder to detect. Costs mana while active, and prevents regeneration.

Cost: 5% Base Mana per Minute