"Finding a sword that'll be perfect for my hand, it's so sharp that it can cut down any man. Finding a bow with a string so tight, it'll shoot down any man in sight. A sword, a bow, and an axe. I love my weapons that go whack, whack, whack!"
"Oh my gods, please shut up."
Stolas had a permanent scowl on his face. He'd been like this almost the whole time we were travelling. After travelling for three days without turning into a raven, it had made him grumpy. Apparently he didn't have enough room in that magic space of his where he kept his staff. So he was forced to carry his pack like the rest of us.
I stopped singing, a grin on my face. "Do my songs not ease the ache in your muscles?"
"Not at all." He said, holding the straps of his pack tightly. "It makes it worse."
"You must be immune to my healing melodies."
"Or maybe you just suck at singing."
"Maybe your hearing sucks." I retorted lamely.
"Enough." Alder scolded gently. "No fighting. Be nice."
"Yeah, Snappy. Be nice to me."
Stolas groaned and closed his eyes. "You're a child."
Alder let out a tired sigh. I didn't blame him. It was partly my fault. I loved singing and telling stories while I traveled. Stolas hated that. When he could turn into his raven form, he just flew ahead of me while ignoring my talking. But now he was stuck walking. And he was stuck listening to me.
"You need to be less of a grouch. If you maybe, I don't know… sing along-"
"No."
"Then maybe you would find this journey more enjoyable. You're trying too hard to be grumpy."
"Atrophied." Stolas said, pointing ahead.
I was immediately on guard. I tried to take out my bow that was around my back. It got caught on my pack. I let out a curse as I struggled to untangle my bag from my bow. The strap was caught with the string. Flops, who was resting in my pack, poked her head out. She wiggled her way out before using my head as a launching pad and jumping off of me. My body twisted and I lost my balance, falling to the ground with a thud. I finally managed to get my bow out. I stood up. My arrows fell out everywhere. I kneeled down and picked one up before inserting it into my bow.
"Where's the monster?!"
My eyes scanned the area in front of me. There was nothing except the swaying trees in the wind. My nose scrunched as I slowly lowered my bow. I could hear Stolas snickering. Flops angrily thumped in front of the Tasmanicus, glaring up at him. Of course he was lying. Just as I messed with him by singing, he messed with me by being an ass. But I wouldn't let him get away with it. Obviously.
I threw down my weapon and stalked over to him. "You ass!"
"That's what you get for annoying me with all your songs." He shrugged and crossed his arms.
I huffed and turned my head. Flops did the same. "Alder, control him!"
Alder wasn't paying attention. He was kneeled before a tree, his hand placed against the bark. I frowned. "Alder!"
"Don't be a tattletale."
"Don't be a bully!"
I rolled my eyes and went to stand over to Alder. I stood next to him. "Why are you stroking that tree and ignoring me?"
"I am talking to it." He took your hand and placed it on the tree. "Listen."
"Alder, I don't want to listen. I want you to punish Stolas."
"Stop pouting, little blossom. You need to focus on what is around you. Do not let Stolas rile you up."
"Seriously?" I huffed and crossed my arms. "I thought you were on my side."
"There are no sides. Both of you are being childish. I understand it is due to boredom and stress, but please. We have a journey to focus on."
"Sorry." I mumbled. I reached out my hand and touched the tree trunk.
Stolas sighed and sat on the ground. He took off his pack and stretched out his wings. I took that as a sign he wouldn't be teasing me as much anymore. The rabbit hopped on his stomach and curled up for a short rest. I focused back on Alder. He had placed his hand on top of mine. I could feel a small vibration within the tree. My eyes widened slightly. I pressed my palm more firmly against the tree. There was a giggle.
"Woah."
"Shh. They do not like loud noises."
"Who…"
I didn't finish my question. The tree morphed into a face. They pushed through the bark of the tree. I backed away and lowered my hand. I stared at the creature in wonder as they came out of the tree. Their skin was the same color as the darkest parts of the bark. Long braided hair fell down their back. It was wearing a cute dress made out of leaves. They were about as tall as my youngest sisters.
"My king!" The creature knelt in front of Alder on their knees. "It's been forever."
Alder smiled softly. He reached out and patted their head. "Hello, little dryad."
"A dryad." My eyes widened and I sat next to Alder.
"Oh, a pretty lady." The dryad blushed and bowed their head.
"How have things been?" Alder asked.
They tilted their head and frowned. "Okay. But…they are spreading."
I leaned in, my eyebrows furrowed. "Who are they?"
"The Atrophy." Alder answered. He ran his hand through his hair. "Have they been getting close to here?"
"Yes. Most of my friends have left or they've been turned."
"I see. We will try clearing them out. If any of the Atrophied get close, you can go to the tree, okay?"
"Yes, my king."
"Will you promise that you'll stay safe?"
"Of course, my king."
"Good."
I watched as Alder reached his hand out and patted them again. He was so gentle. Despite the threat of the Atrophy spreading, he was remaining calm. Making sure that the creatures of the forest felt safe. He was so admirable. I stood up and brushed off my skirt. A new wave of determination washed through my body.
"Let's keep going!"
I walked over to my items. I put my pack on first. I stuck my bow between my bag and my pack so I could easily pull it back out. I picked up all of my arrows and put them in the quiver. I sighed and placed my hands on my hips. Stolas snorted and stayed sitting on the ground. Flops had moved off him. She stood next to me, her little tail wagging. The dryad had disappeared back into the tree. Alder walked over to me.
"It seems like you have much more energy, little blossom."
"Of course! We need to get to Othesh as soon as possible so we can stop the Atrophy."
He laughed and shook his head. "Alright, alright. Come now, Stolas."
Stolas groaned and stood up. "Not even a ten minute break."
"We'll come across a village by the end of the day."
My eyes lit up. "And then we can go to the tavern!"
"So you can sing more?" Stolas snorted and shook his head. "I think I'll take my chances sleeping in the forest."
I squeezed the straps of my pack as we started walking again. The thought of being back in civilization sent shivers down my spine. I had spent so much time in the forest training and fighting, that I had forgotten what it was like to be among more people again. Ones that weren't the Fairy King or a misanthropic shapeshifting raven. I was ready to not only become a bard again, but also use my magic. I could already imagine the wonder on people's faces as they saw my performances.
Despite what happened back at the tree, I was already feeling rejuvenated. I had pushed down the feeling of dread. Images of the Atrophied plagued my mind whenever I slept. I was hoping that the rest of our time in the forest would go smoothly. We were almost out of the woods. Literally. Only a little bit more and I wouldn't have to see the Atrophied ever again.
I let out a small grunt as I ran into something big and slightly hard. I looked up to see that Alder had stopped walking. "Hey, what gives?"
"Shh."
I peeked my head to the side past Alder's body. My eyes widened. There was a large ursidae. Half of its body had been taken by the Atrophy. Corpses of the ursidae's cubs littered around the creature. In its arms was a dryad. They were twitching, their hands weakly trying to push the ursidae away. The ursidae was eating right out of their side. I balked at the scene, nausea rising up in my stomach.
So much for a peaceful trip.