Through the Woods

"So uh… why do you get a sheep ride and I don't?"

Ander (or Zaris, as he was supposedly named in this world) walked through the forest, careful to avoid stepping in the animal dung that peppered the forest floor. On the other hand, his reluctant savior was currently coasting on top of a sheep that had followed the two here, through the power of whatever ability Philia had. Ander wondered if she was a druid of some kind, but if she was, she was definitely more on the "cruelty of nature" side of the spectrum.

"Stop bitching about it, nobody wants to carry you least of all me. You're lucky I've done this much for you already, I could have dropped you and left you to rot."

Unfortunately for her, her words fell on deaf ears since "Zaris" had to stifle a laugh at the sight of the small woman clinging onto the sheep and trying to look commanding at the same time.

"Alright, alright, sorry. But it's clear you need me for something, otherwise you would have dropped me when I told you I wasn't helpful. So, maayybbee… you should tell me what that thing you need me for is?"

He might have imagined it, but he could have sworn she rolled her eyes.

"I'm not telling you anything. Even if I was in a better mood, I'm not explaining anything until we get somewhere a bit more… secure."

"Uhuh… and the sheep running over to where we are and leaving a trail to our location is secure then?"

Ander was willing to suspend his disbelief when it came to isekai, fantasy worlds, and magic, but he couldn't possibly guess in what world the sheep was considered stealthy; When it had run up to them, he'd almost fallen over from the fright. He wouldn't be surprised if it was just her way of messing with him.

"I'm definitely not telling you anything about what my security measures are out in the open like this."

"You know I could just stay behind and not cooperate right?"

That particular comment earned him a snort from the girl.

"And get caught and tortured again? They must have fucked up your head pretty bad if you think that's a good idea, but alright. Just wait about a minute."

Philia raised her staff, which didn't seem to be doing anything at first. Sure enough though, after a few moments, another sheep came running in, before giving Ander a nudge. Hesitantly, Ander slowly pulled himself onto it's back, surprising him it's strength and stability.

"Now that I'm done having the other sheep set up false tracks, I've can spare power to get this one to carry you to the next town."

"Ah, so that's what you were doing… I thought you were just being tsundere."

Andre had to duck down to dodge the staff that was swung in his direction for that remark, ending with him getting a face full of wool, which he promptly spit out angrily.

"PFT! Do you even know what that means?"

"No, but I don't like the way you said it."

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The banter continued on in a similar manner for a good while afterwards. It wasn't entirely unwelcome, but then again, anything was better than being whaled on by prison guards. Regardless, it was a welcome moment of rest for his legs. Still, all good things had to come to an end.

"Alright this should be a good spot."

As if to emphasize this fact, Philia tapped her staff on the ground, allowing Ander to see what she was referring to: where the wooden rod had met the road, the dry floor had cracked a little, but not made any noticeable tracks or indents.

"I'm guessing this is where we get off then?"

"How much of your noggin did it take for you to figure that one out? Yes, this is where we get off."

Philia dropped to the floor, prompting a mildly annoyed Ander to do the same. He considered pointing out that they could still ride the sheep, but that would probably result in another swipe from her staff, so he held his tongue on that front. That said…

"You do have a destination in mind then? I hope we're not going around aimlessly."

"Yeah yeah, don't worry. I've got it all under control. I mean, I've literally carried you with my power thus far haven't I?"

"…Fair enough. But then, where are we going? Do we need food supplies or something?"

"Food? Nah, I got that right here."

Philia opened up her bag to reveal… a lot of cheese. Before Ander even had a chance to comment she shoved a cylinder of cheese into his hand, which felt more like a piece of leather than a dairy product.

"I'm supposed to eat this?"

"Yeah, it's hard cause it stays good and is safe to eat for weeks. It's a specialty of my associate; If you get hungry, just try a piece!"

Cautiously, Ander took a bite: it was as hard as he had expected, but it had a nutty, savory flavor, with just a hint of bitterness to accentuate the taste. It wasn't bad at all. Still, it wasn't the question he needed to be answered.

"Ok, but then what's the plan? Are we meeting up with this associate of yours so you two can finally explain to me what's going on?"

Philia dismissed his question with a nonchalant wave.

"Not quite there yet. I just want to check something out, so I need to borrow a… special tool. I won't bore you with the details."

"Uhuh… I mean, I'd love some details right now, but sure, I'm willing to go along with this for now."

"Glad you agree. In that case, let's get moving."

Without another word, Philia began to walk down the road at a surprisingly brisk pace. Shaking his head, Ander followed along for the time.