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| - Lagode strode ahead, seemingly oblivious to the oddly shaped mounds of what was likely the discharge of a foul beast, which he was walking on. I followed, trying to ignore the foul stench that was coming from the crude mounds of dung. Lagode unsheathed his sword, and swung it in a method I had seen him decapitate with, though this time he was slicing through a series of webs obviously woven by spiders much larger than those commonly found in a house. Still quiet, Lagode reached into a his pouch and withdrew the tattered scroll given to him from his friend at the inn. He studied the contents of it and looked up. Approaching the nearest and largest tree nearby, he placed his palm on the bark, and appeared to be deep in thought. Unable to shake the feeling that we were being watched, I looked around, but saw nothing. Muttering incoherently, Lagode stared down at the ground. Getting bored of standing still, I stepped carefully toward the underbrush, unsure what was making me feel cautious. I swung my blade, and sliced through the thin branches of the largest willow tree I had ever seen, which was blocking my path. Past the branches, I entered a clearing. Turning around to look at Lagode, I saw him, now reading the scroll while glancing at a small, metallic instrument in his opposite hand. Ignoring him, I continued to advance forward in the clearing. Looking around, I saw a small pack on the ground. Opening it, I found nothing, save for a small, grey rock similar in appearance to that of a rune stone. Not interested, I tossed the stone behind me, stood up, and turned around to find Lagode. Lagode, who was still holding the map, looked up to acknowledge my presence. "What are you doing Lagode? I'm rather bored of waiting for your explanation..." I asked, finally. "Just a moment, Durare, we shall be done here soon." was his response. Lagode withdrew a small dagger from a pouch hanging from his belt, and shoved the butt of it into the tree. The dagger, small but still deadly if used correctly, did not make the customary thunk that was often heard when using something of the sort, but was instead absorbed into the overly-large knothole. The tree suddenly began to seem to unravel, twisting its branches and slowly it contracted and shrank until its form became that of a young female human. The woman had radiant blonde hair, which was complimented by bright green eyes, which shone in an almost annoying way. Realising what it was, I waited until Lagode spoke. "Ahh, madame, it's been a long time." said Lagode in an almost unreal voice. "Lagode, isn't it? I agree, it has been awhile since we last spoke. What brings you to my side of Gielinor?" replied the woman, who spoke in a polite manner, despite her extravegant appearance. "Business, of course." answered Lagode in a curt tone. "So, you have a new enemy you want me to rid the world of?" "Well, actually its more along the lines of live retrieval." said Lagode, carefully. The stranger didn't respond at first, but quickly rebounded. "Who is it? I prefer not to leave my targets....breathing." "There is no need to mince words here, Lynette. We are alone." answered Lagode. "Who is it?" repeated the woman known as Lynette. "A white knight, by the name of Sir Tainly. He seems to want to meet my associate here, said Lagode, gesturing towards me, "but that would be unhealthy for his welfare. I want you to retrieve him." "Fine. I shall require your payment when I have him." replied the woman, and as soon as the words were out of her mouth, she melted into a pool of water, which disappeared among the bushes. "Don't let her fool you, Durare. As a shape-shifter, she can be as deadly as a dragon. Though, via my experiences, some dragons may not be as bad as you may think..." said Lagode to me, after Lynette's stupendous disappearance. "...What species is that?" I replied, stupefied. "What is she?" "As you know, she is a shape-shifter. She is also a bounty hunter and sometimes a spy. She has worked for me many a time, often silencing enemies for me." answered Lagode. "As for her species, I have nary a clue. I've seen her transform from a patch of soil to a tree up to 5 metres tall, but I've never seen anything like her, and I don't mean that in a good way." I chose not to respond, as Lagode sat down and started to set out his equipment, which included our food supplies and equipment. He withdrew a few small runes and arranged them in a neat stack. Where to next, Lagode? Silently, he withdrew a scroll, another map, but of a much larger area. Studying it carefully, he traced our route back to town with his finger. Overhead, it began to dim, with the sun set in the West. "Come. We are heading to Burgh de Rott, where we will resupply and head on to our next location. I have a few associates there who will assist us." said Lagode, who began repacking his equipment, while putting on his grey-trimmed armour. Beginning our long trek back through the foul-smelling swamps, I fitted my helmet, also trimmed slightly with grey, on my head, as we trudged off back to Burge de Rott.
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