Previous to this piece, we'd not seen Summer and Wildfall since two missions ago in Mirrorworld. They're reunited with Todd.

You can probably guess who they run into by the poster.

 
Warning; minor language

A crisp chill marked evening on the Nearby Plains of the Loathing Kingdom, as if did most fall nights. This particular evening found a pair of familiar former residents of Ireaca out enjoying the night.

Obatalatress Summer and Jarlsboris Wildfall were enjoying the weather and each other's company as they hunted for the evening's dinner and gathered wood. Things were going well for Summer and Wildfall since unexpected and bizarre happenings had teleported them from Honorburg to a strange otherworld and finally, back to this Loathing Kingdom.

"Ya know," the first said with a thick Northern Ireaca accent which was reflected in his almost chalky white skin. "If we're gonna go see Father Crimbo, we really better do it soon. Holiday's almost on us."

"Sure. I was hoping we could catch a boar to take with us for the holiday meal."

Wildfall smiled at her. "I guess that would be more appetizing than some silly bird. Do ya even know where we'll track down Father Crimbo? I want gifts!"

"Of course you want gifts, do you want to exchange gifts when we get back to the house?"

"Ahh," Wildfall said. A guilty look crept across his face. "We should wait til it's closer til tofukey day."

Summer smiled at Wildfall. "I have to say you have been a good boy these last couple of months."

"I have, huh?" He flashed her that Ireaca smirk of his. "You've been pretty decent yourself lately. I bet we get something good. I want an oversized candy cane. Or maybe an all week sucker. Wait.. Did you hear somethin,' hun?"

Summer turned to face Wildfall. "Hun??? I got your Hun alright!"

He turned to look at her, smirk vanished. "Problem, doll'in?"

Summer laughed. "You keep it up and you will be missing something and I'm not talking about your gifts."

He took her hand. "Come on, let's go for a walk," he said through gritted teeth.

Summer looked puzzled. "OK?" Summer followed Wildfall as he lead them around the sparse trees which marked the nearby Faraway Woods. Something caught his attention and caused him to quickly change directions. He headed south, walking a little faster.

"Can ya be pickin' up the pace?!" Wildfall said to her anxiously.

Summer looked concerned "what's going on, Wild?"

"I thought I saw a flash of light- ahh, that must be it! Hey!" Wildfall called out to a familiar looking figure up ahead. Though shaped like a human, he had the fur and general characteristics of a fox. Summer recalled she and Wildfall had fought alongside him and several other strangers in that strange other world only weeks earlier. "Hey!"

The fox started and turned, smiling as he saw Summer. "Hey, darlin'!"

"Do you always gotta 'darlin'' her?" WIldfall asked, irritated. "We caught a flash of your weapon... had no idea who was spyin' on us."

Summer smiled. "I don't mind him calling me darlin."

Todd smirked. "Haven't flashed anything, man. Course, if the cutie here wanted me to...."

Wildfall made an annoyed sound and then looked back where they came. "No, I saw light flashin' off metal. It's the kinda thing you learn to watch for in central Ireaca.. I was sure..."

Summer said, "Maybe we should check it out."

"Only weapon I got on me right now is my axe, man." Todd patted his guitar, slung across his back. "That and my sharp wit."

Wildfall couldn't help himself. "I didn't know you fought unarmed."

Summer looked at the two. "I always have my knives."

Having picked up on Wildfall's insults but choosing to not address it directly, Todd smiled- not the friendly kind of smile but the one that showed off certain sharp teeth to their fullest as he held out clawed hands. "Never said I was unarmed." He then smiled more genuinely. "But I'm a lover, not a fighter. My way is to talk 'em out of it, and if that don't work whack em with my axe, bite em in the butt and run like hell."

Summer smiled at Todd looking at his lower body.. "I can tell you're always packing."

Not waiting for Todd's answer, Wildfall ignored the two and walked back towards where he'd seen the flash of light.

Todd smiled and bowed. "For you, darlin', I pack a greatsword."

Summer walked up to Todd and whispered, "I'm sure you can wield your sword very well." Summer ran her hand across Todd's chest as she walked away to catch with Wildfall.

"I can wield it just fine- but I 'd rather keep it sheathed tight." Todd whispered back and then licked a cheek, then followed her as she followed Wild- gaze low and grinning.

Meanwhile, Wildfall slowly inched his way, slipping his hand off of his weapon, the trademark Ireaca wooden shillelagh. "Who's there? We come in peace. Do you speak Kingdomspeak? We no come for fight!"

The small figure of a child slowly rose from her prone position, picking up a quarterstaff along the way. "I hear and understand. If you truly come in peace, please stay back."

Misunderstanding, Wildfall smiled, kneeling. "Aww, your poor thing. Ya get separated from your parents? What a cute lil weapon. I had one like it when I was your age."

The child slammed her staff into the ground, sending a small jet of dirt at Wildfall's face. "I said stay back!"

Wildfall jumped back, swatting the dirt out of his eyes. "Hey, stop playin' in the dirt, ya brat!"

The child sneered. "Do you think I haven't noticed your weapons? Stay back, or I will not hesitate to strike. And next time, I won't hold back."

"Look," Wildfall said, irritated and not hiding it very well. "I'm a good friend to Father Crimbo. If you don't quit actin' up, you'll end up with nothin' but coal in your.. er.. tofukey this holiday, kid. And my weapon here, is just for huntin.' No need to be afraid. girl."

"I don't know who this 'Father Crimbo' person is, so your friendship with him means nothing to me. And if it is just for hunting animals, you have no need for it here. Yet you wear it still, and insist on moving towards striking distance. I am not a fool. Disarm yourself and step back, and we can talk," she replied steadily.

"Come t'think of it," Wildfall answered. "You don't sound like any kid I've ever met. Okay, but don't try nothin.'" With that, he took his wooden shillelagh slowly out of his holster, tossed it back, and took several steps away from her and the weapon. "Now, talk."

Summer and Todd watched Wildfall and listened to the conversation Wildfall was having with the child.

The girl lowered her quarterstaff to a resting position and nodded, obviously pleased. "I have no intentions of attacking you, if that's what you mean. Now, who are you and why are you here? And don't think I haven't noticed your friends. They better stay back, too."

Summer looked at the little girl. "Don't worry I won't come any closer; we just want you to know you can trust us and there is no misunderstanding."

"You might want to do the same for your friends, sister." Todd said knowingly, tapping his nose with a finger. "And tell one of 'em they need a shower bad."

"She's my friend," Wildfall clarified. "Him? Not as much. The pretty and meself were out huntin' and gatherin' a lil wood. If you hadn't noticed, there's a lotta dangerous types around, so we prefer it if we can keep our guard up when we're out and about. I go by th' name Wildfall, by the way. She's Summer. The 'powerhouse' fox is.. ahh.. Todd Bakepots, or something."

"That's Blackpaws, Wildfart." Todd growled.

"That's Wildfellas, I mean, Wildfall!"

The girl nodded at Summer in acknowledgement. "What assurance do you have to give that you're trustworthy? Until I know you, I would rather you stay out of easy combat range."

Her eyes moved towards Wildfall. "Thank you for the introductions. You may call me Lalucia. And my friends are staying where they are; they're under my protection."

Todd smirked. "Hey, I'm a bard. Only thing I'm interested in stealin' right now is hearts."

"You're new to the lands, aren't ya?" Wildfall said with a nod. "Summer and me are too. Lalucia. Pretty name."

Summer looked at Lalucia. "Where are your parents, Sweetie?"

Lalucia's eyes grew much colder. "In the mass grave near Isendre's Field, if their bones were among those found."

Summer looked horrified. "Oh my Goddess! What happened?" How long have you lived on your own?"

Lalucia stared into space, lost in a painful memory. "A roving warband came in and slaughtered them all before looting the village. They didn't even know who we were. And I haven't lived on my own for many years, as you count them."

Wildfall's new frown deepened. "They sound like the rumors I heard about the slavers that're supposed to be around here. So you're obviously not as young as you look. How come ya ain't aged? Soda fountain of youth?"

Summer frowned. "So how many of you are there? Do you have shelter and food?" Summer's heart went out the little ones. It brought back memories of her losing her parents and being alone until she met Wildfall. Feeling her mother instances kicking in, she wanted to take care of the little rugrats.

Todd growled something, his mood not its usually bright self.

Lalucia blinked out of her recollection of memory to stare at Wildfall incredulously. "Soda fountain of youth? What in the world are you talking about? I look like this because I'm a vampire." She turned to address Summer once more. "We have plenty of supplies, and they're well away from here."

"She's still worried we're out to steal them," Wildfall explained to Summer. "Vampire, huh?" Wildfall eyed his wooden weapon warily. "No wonder the wood scared ya. Probably looks like a wooden stake."

Lalucia nodded. "Among other potential threats, yes. Now, you mentioned you were looking for food. We might be able to trade you some in exchange for information."

"Sounds fair to me," Wildfall said, licking his lips.

Lalucia nodded and began to speak, her voice gaining a sense of gravity. "Are we agreed to discuss terms peacefully, with no attempts at violence to be made towards any of us here until after we all leave? Provided you each agree, you have my word, as well as that of my friends."

"Of course." Summer looked at Lalucia. "What kind of information are we talking about?"

Lalucia nodded, but glanced at Wildfall and Todd. "Do I have your agreement as well?"

Wildfall looked a little irritated at the question. "Yeah. Gave you it when we started talking, remember? No fighting with lil girls.. Or lil vampires, in this case."

Todd shook his foul mood and grinned. "Sure, I'll bite. Besides, anyone who can get ol' Windfall here to take his hand off his club for a minute I gotta talk to!"

"You're so jealous," Wildfall taunted Todd, who smirked in return.

"Hey, you ever want to compare arsenals, man...."

Lalucia nodded, clearly relieved, and intoned once more. "As it has been agreed, so let our actions be bound." Each person in the agreement became aware that, if they tried to attack any of the others, their body would fight itself, and if they went through with it anyway they would die instantly.

Wildfall looked around, puzzled. "Why didn't ya just do that from the get-go?"

Lalucia stared at Wildfall, clearly confused. "I needed your names and agreement before the contract could be formed, of course."

"Riiight, of course." Wildfall shrugged. "So if we get attacked, we're not helpless, right?"

Lalucia looked rather offended. "Of course not! We're only forbidden from attacking each other, and only until we leave. What kind of sloppy contractor do you think I am?"

"I.. don't know?" Wildfall looked to Todd and Summer, hoping one of them would take the conversation over for a bit.

Todd nodded. "The best kind- the one that doesn't screw with you unless you screw with her first."

Lalucia nodded, mollified. "Now then, information. If you have good maps, they would be useful. As would intelligence about notable military forces, known bandit camps, and ruling parties on this continent."

"Maps would be nice," Wildfall agreed. "Wish Summer and me had one."

Todd chuckled. "Lalucia, darlin', I'm no military type- Like I said earlier I'm a lover not a fighter- but things around here aren't all that organized."

Lalucia sighed, clearly disappointed. "Very well, could you tell me where I could acquire this information? Where people gather to trade, perhaps? And what about magical schools?"

"I will warn ya," Wildfall said. "Watch out for the slavers, and Feline Empire. I know they're bad news."

Todd shrugged. "Seaside Town's your best bet, probably- most of the Clans have their halls there- as well as the Guilds."

Lalucia nodded thoughtfully. "Where would I find this 'Seaside Town'?"

Todd pointed to the north roughly then smirked. "Of course, if you want something refreshing to go with your information you might try buying a drink for the adventurers at the Tree." He pointed southwards as he said that.

Summer looked at Lalucia. "If you don't mind me asking, little one, what are your plans? Why do you need the information? Where are you heading?"

Lalucia glanced at Summer in surprise for a moment, before nodding. "I need to identify threats to my people and figure out how to keep my people safe. And I am heading wherever seems useful."

"That's a broad answer, little one." Summer wasn't buying her answer.

Lalucia sighed slightly. "I'm on an initial scouting mission, and you expect me to know where I am heading? I am following whatever leads I can find."

"Do ya want Summer and me to go with ya?" Wildfall offered. "We could help keep ya safe til you get to town. You seem like the nervous type. Some real dangerous types around."

Lalucia snapped to attention. "Do you know about the local bandits?"

Todd laughed, "Could take a while to tell you about all the guys who want to take your purse- and more. Any one in particular?"

Lalucia eyed Todd warily before nodding. "There were maybe one or two dozen of them, and they attacked a group of six humanoids. It sounded like they had a history; the bandit leader said he was prepared for his 'Muridan tricks', or something like that, and he was looking forward to a rematch after a battle in a village. The cat-biped fought the leader, but seemed to become impaired by something. I am thinking enfeeblement spell or poison. The four goblins and the human woman fought the others. Her ice spells were a sight to behold."

Summer smiled at Lalucia. "I think we should accompany the little one and her friends." Summer turned to Todd. "Would you like to join us Todd baby? It would be a nice adventure."

Todd wasn't listening to Summer at the moment, thinking about what he had just heard from Lalucia. "Ready for a Feline's 'Muri-Dan' tricks? But who else would know about.. oh crap!" He looked at her. "Guy's face looked like a yeti'd sat on it? Big and hairy?"

Summer noticed the expression on Todd's face. "Everything alright, babe?" Summer then looked at Wildfall with a question mark expression. Searching to see if he may know something but he just shrugged.

Lalucia focused even more intently upon Todd. "Something like that, yes. You know him?"

"Of him, yeah. He's a baddy from down my neck of the woods in Aldara that I heard was leading a group in the area. Name's Xuin. He's a slaver and bad news all around." He looked to Summer and Wildfall. "Looks like the rumors were right. Someone needs to warn Fahari."

Lalucia frowned at Todd. "He might have captured people and you're talking about warning somebody else? Don't you want to track them down and rescue the poor people?"

"I'm not sure we're in much position to," Wildfall said. "Who were they, anyway?"

Summer offered her opinion. "Well let's just escort Lalucia and her friends somewhere safe. And then we can go and have holiday dinner with Father Crimbo."

Lalucia thought carefully. "There were three male goblins, a female goblin, a male cat of some sort, and a female human, I believe. I don't remember anything else. I'm sorry." Lalucia's head lowered in shame.

Todd's eyes went wide. "About the cat you mentioned. Tiger or lion?"

Lalucia stared at Todd for a bit before replying. "I think he was more tiger-like."

Todd thought of chuckling, not having liked Cattaras much, but he didn't. Not now. Even that muscle-bound bully deserved better, besides... "I guessed as much when you mentioned the girl with the ice spells. I know 'em. Sounds like Becky Joy and Cattaras and their gang." His eyes narrowed. "You know where they took 'em?"

Summer looked at Wildfall. "You're thinking what I'm thinking?"

"Yeah, help 'em out," Wildfall said. "Still feel like we're bein' watched tho."

Summer felt the same. "You're thinking we're not being watched by her friends either? Who or what do you think it could be?"

Wildfall just shrugged. Summer looked at Wildfall. "So what do you want to do about it? Scan the area?"

"I'd say this," Wildfall said, turning to Todd as if to see if he agreed. "We offer our help. Let the lil lady decide if she wants it and if so, how we go about this."

Todd looked over at Wildfall. "I'm not good at plannin' rescues, but I'm gonna be trying no matter what you guys do. Becky's a nice girl and a friend. And any Catalinan with a soul would help someone caught by those damn slavers- even asshole tigers." He looked thoughtful. "Someone should contact the Felines, though. Warn 'em and maybe get that lazy Daisuke off his tail."

Lalucia eyed them all before nodding approvingly. "I certainly intend to rescue them; if you can figure out where they are I can probably get them out myself, but if it went wrong I do not believe I could handle Xuin. If you can track them down and hold him off if the plan falls apart, I don't think there will be too much trouble."

Summer looked at Wildfall and Todd. "We need to put an end to these Catalina slavers once and for all."

"Yeah, I'll handle Xuin," Wildfall boasted. "He don't sound too tough. Besides.." he glanced at his wooden shillelagh. "I'm pretty good with that thing. Right now, I'm hungry tho."

Todd growled. "Much as I hate the guy I know Cattaras has been using the same voodoo that his sister picked up last year. If Xuin could beat him even with that edge, your well polished rod ain't gonna do shit without help."

"Good thing I got you two to help me," he answered confidently, eying both Summer and Wildfall.

Lalucia spoke up hesitantly. "I know Xuin needs to die; he's an unrepentant slaver and rapist. But... the others might not be beyond help, and I want to try. Please try and capture them alive. It would mean a lot to me."

Todd looked at Summer and smirked- partly at Wild. "Sorry darlin'. Guess I gotta keep that sword unsheathed for now."

Summer smile at Todd. "All in due time handsome, all in due time."

Summer looked at everyone. "Ok so it's settled, let's eat and get some rest we have breakfast and plan our plan of action prepare to head out."

Lalucia nodded and released an extremely high-pitched series of barks. Her kobold companions walked back into the clearing, carrying a deer carcass and grinning broadly. "We won't need to take away any of your food, if you have any. This should provide plenty of travel rations for the journey." Lalucia sight slightly. "Too bad you're diurnal. Ah well, we will make do."

The seven settled in to eat each lost in his or her own thoughts and concerns.

Our all too rare Summer and Wildfall appearance ends up with them, Todd, Lalucia and her kobolds agreeing to a rescue operation!

Despite the impressive amount of ground we've already covered, we're not even half way done with roleplaying! However, we've pretty much established our main stories, other than Sassy Snake who shows up later. So, it's just a matter of continuing those stories. Of course, there's plenty of twists and turns ahead of us.