[h1]Witch's Household[/h1]

"Excuse me? I'm plenty old enough to-"

The Witch's protest was swiftly cut off by Relki, who stepped forward with a smirk.

"Dear little Ilsa just turned thirteen this year~ But don't worry, I'll be here to take care of her full time!"

Ilsa's staff swung in a rather impressive arc, aimed directly towards the raven woman's head. But it struck only empty air, Relki swiftly sidestepping with a playful chuckle.

The only response she received was a rather intense glare from Ilsa, before the Substitute Witch of the Forest let out a heavy sigh and turned to face her guests.

"Hmph. Ignore her, she's just making things more difficult, and my age is much less important then abilities as a witch, anyway," she began, "Frankly, regardless of where you're from I'm shocked that you don't already know magic. Your kind wholly embraces it, as far as I know."

She let out another huff, crossing her arms.

"I'm not much of a teacher, but if you have any questions I'll try and answer them, I suppose," she continued, "It's not as if I have any choice, given I can't leave you alone until you're out of the forest. As for you---"

She turned towards the goblin.

"Brew? Really? Maybe I was right about one of you, at least," she commented, unfolding her arms to place her hands on her hips, "Then again, I suppose you could be an alchemist... Not that I've heard of many goblin alchemists before. Usually they're into necromancy, or things like that."

She waved her hand vaguely, as if mentioning necromancy wasn't a particularly big deal.

"In any case, don't go picking things from the garden without asking my permission first, got it?"

[@Rune_Alchemist][@Pyromania99]

[hr]

[h1]Dirt Road[/h1]

"Lady Darnell, I agree with the both of them," the guard captain began, "Linie seems to have been stabilized, so we can probably move her safely."

The young lady glanced between the newcomers, her guards, and her armored maids for a few moments, before inhaling deeply and folding her arms.

"Very well, I've got little desire to remain here anyway," she said, glancing back towards Morwenna, who nodded quietly before stepping back into the carriage, "Gather the bodies of our dead so they may receive proper burial. Leave the [i]filth[/i] for the crows."

The word 'filth' was spat like a curse.

Naturally, the duke's daughter had no interest in riding with commoners regardless of how helpful they had been, at least not so soon after meeting them. As a result, the two kitsune had been set to ride in one of the secondary carts, though it was still fully enclosed. Morwenna was in the main carriage with Lady Darnell, and the other two maids were in a third cart nearer to the Duke's daughter's, Sheila watching over the injured Linie.

Alongside the two kitsune were several guards riding in the same cart.

It was some time before the convoy arrived through a set of large, impressive gates, and further beyond that was a rather expansive and luxurious property. It was surrounded by a flourishing, well-cultivated garden, displaying well-cared-for roses as one of the most numerous plants but overall exhibiting a variety of different kinds of flowers.

It was only when they reached the very front of the white-and-red, stone mansion that the carriage came to a halt.

As the carts were unloaded, more maids emerged from the mansion. While they initially went to greet the young lady Darnell, the moment they realized the situation they were quick to rush Linie inside where she could be treated more effectively.

The young lady paused for a moment, before turning to address the two foxes.

"Given you helped ensure my safety, and saved Linie's life," she began, "I suppose I shall allow you to stay here until you get your bearings. I'm certain father shall agree. However, don't overstay your welcome."

[@PKMNB0Y][@Raineh Daze]