[Backdated to Afternoon of Arrival]

[subdueme]

[He figured out the trick with the book after the bear incident. After the majority of the day without an answer to the problem he'd stumbled across he decides to see if use of the book would help.]

Swan Lake. Does anyone know where that is? We've searched all over town and have been unable to find it. I found a swan that was told by the locals that she needs to find it by nightfall. It's getting closer to sunset and we aren't any closer.

What is this place that it can turn someone so powerful into little more than a bird?

Comments

[subdueme]

[That's the most helpful piece of information he's gotten so far.]

Which direction? That's a lot of area to cover and time isn't exactly on our side here.

[Could just call the hounds if he knew about them, but he hasn't touched the tinderbox yet.]

[springlamb]

Here, just a moment.

[There's a pause, and then a small but clear map is drawn. There's a dot depicting the town, then a line to show the edge of the forest. A little past the line she draws a small circle and labels it 'LAKE'. There's another brief pause before she makes an X off to the side a little further in than that, which gets labeled 'TROLL CAVE - BE CAUTIOUS'. In reality it's a good hour's travel from the lake, but it's better to be safe than sorry. I'M REALLY SORRY, CO-MOD ISN'T ON AND WE NEVER ACTUALLY DISCUSSED WHICH DIRECTION THE LAKE WAS IN DSKHF.]

[subdueme]

[I think Yuuki-mun asked and was told to pretty much decide on her own and we'd fill it in later?? IDK She's not around either. haha Good thing Zero's got massive memorization ability and only has to see or read things once for it to stick with him. Map...memorized.]

Ah. Perfect. Thank you. That's extremely helpful.

[springlamb]

You are welcome. I am very glad I could help! While the trip will most likely be uneventful, please do keep an eye out. The forest hosts a number of dangerous beings.

[subdueme]

What sort of dangerous beings?

[He asks out of curiousity and not fear. Even without his powers, his skill is known to be unmatched in his world by any human. He makes his living killing dangerous beings.]

[springlamb]

The sorts of things there often are in magic forests. Wolves, ogres, trolls, perhaps a witch or two.

[subdueme]

I was left my gun from home and given a sword upon my arrival. I am well trained in both of them. [Did he mention his job back home is killing vampires that can't be killed?] I'm not too worried.

[springlamb]

Then you will be a very fine guard for Odette!

[subdueme]

I'm not guarding her. If she can't protect herself that's her problem.

[He's done that role and refuses to do it again. Ever.]

I'll get her there and after that she's on her own.

[springlamb]

[There's a pause, because wow, attitude much.]

That is unfortunate, but at least you are kind enough to get her there the first time around.

[subdueme]

[It's the first time he's seen her in a year and she's a swan. His last words to her before today were "Next time I see you I will kill you."

Damned right he's being kind. Swan probably tastes awesome. Especially Yuuki as a swan because he wants to devour her anyway.]

I'm quite impressed with how this place has managed to turn one of the most powerful creatures in existence into...a bird. You'll have to show me how you accomplished that.

[springlamb]

Oh, I would not know! You would have to ask the Fairy Godmother or Father Time, I think.

[subdueme]

[He spent most of today looking for the Fairy Godmother again after leaving her company earlier. Not sure if he knows that's who it was though.]

I'll definitely have to do that.

[springlamb]

I hope you find the answers you are looking for!

[subdueme]

The assistance is appreciated. [The sooner he can get away from Yuuki the better.]