A Risky Trek Among Camelot

[Lemmy Koopa]

The crickets chirping..
The darkness of the night..
..and there was a light breeze.

The rays of moonlight lit the way for the blunette who had recently met with his younger brother and his ally as well as the little tyke that even though was sort of annoying, there was something about him that he is unsure about. After all, how did he get to this strange maze of worlds to which the mysterious knows of? This was all new information for him to take in; even for a prodigy of magic, he, too, had questions.

Save for now, perhaps he can look into it later at a more appropriate time when things aren't at the most dire, noting at how close it was with the Camelot guards lurking in the nearby forest. However, there was that sense that he wasn't alone..

Eventually, he came to stop one place to take this time to just rest and look up to the stars above to reminiscent all the events that had happened. He was on the outskirts of the forest nearby the fortress city to which he would have to be careful.

The possibility of those guards could be out and abound, patrolling the area of anyone traveling around these lands at night.

Even so, like before, Ludwig sat down next to a tree, shadowed by nightfall and moved about to comfort himself before sighing; the emotions of regret were creeping up. He could had went back to Ashen Steppes to be there for Iggy to spend more time with his brother and possibly discuss about their adventures, whenever they were misadventures or not, and get accompanied again after so long, but Ludwig had to do this one single thing and he was even unsure on how the future will be.

Would he meet another ally like Kopaka, a new enemy or perhaps a rival on his future travels?

Those questions plagued his mind relentlessly even as he sighed; however give or take, tonight was perfect: clear star-filled skies adorned with the centerpiece of the blue moon above. Such atmospheric beauty.

Surely, it would be such a sight to behold for the denizens of the floating island above to be fortunate enough to remain in the skies, each and every night. Even though it was a distance away, Ludwig found it as a thing of wonder with it's rumored populace of scholars, mages and mystics.

Such an ideal fantasy.

Even so, the blunette lowered his head and looked around the forest, no sights of lights anywhere and not a single disturbance outside the crickets chirping. Before long, he lowered his head and wrapped his arms around his waist, clasping them together before he closed his eyes and rested for a bit to take a power nap to restore his energy.

However, while he was sleeping, a certain shadow silhouette was watching him from a distance, out of curiosity, and truth was: it was following the Koopa in secret. Before long, it felt out of the darkness of the forest and came into the moonlight revealing to be Jr. Troopa, who had his bat wings gone for the time being, however this was only for a window of seconds before he went back into the darkness to continue watching.

He wanted to be the reminder to Ludwig that he is made sure that he isn't forgotten..

As he watched the blunette, he began to feel tired himself as he stretched out his little body and let out a little yawn, well not before his stomach growled, waking him up again. Drats! He needed something to eat. After all, the Green Koopa Bro. incident in the Tangled Green and playing the escort has left him low on energy.

Wondering for a bit, maybe..he can check if Ludwig had food on him..but he had to be silent, one mess up will surely wake the other up, so as he exited out of the shadows again, he drew closer towards the resting blunette, each with the grass softly crunching under his shoes. When he was close enough, he eventually searched around Ludwig for any traces of food on him, however with the bounds of Ludwig, the result was the fact that having his space violated and being touched did end with him slapping aside the other's hand in annoyance as he grumbled to himself for a bit.

Luckily for the younger, he was quick to dodge the slaps and when he was finished, he grumbled as he crossed his arms with an annoyed look.

Darn it. Not a single thing and he's hungry!

Even so, he didn't give up as he backed up from the distance and looked around the area. The moment when the smell of delicious food trailed from someplace nearby, he followed his nose and went ahead to the source.

He had to get something to eat and he'll do anything to get it!

While the little tyke was away, it was only by several more minutes that Ludwig began to motion a bit before he slowly opened his eyes, only to yarn again. He was a bit disoriented at first but eventually, it cleared up as he awakened from his third nap of the day.

Boy, was he tired out today..

[Lemmy Koopa]

Even while he was barely awake, there was a smell in the area that caught his attention. The smell of food from nearby, but not just any food; it was the smell of a delightful delicacy, blowing through the night breeze.

Now of all things, who could be cooking at this time of night? Actually, to be honest, it would be dinnertime; the evening is still young and it's not like it's midnight, so the investigation is worth the while.

Before long, the Koopa eventually got up onto his feet and stretched his body as he yawned in the process before he made his bearings and got up from his resting spot. Thankfully, there was no guard or otherwise, standing in front of him with a sword pointed, thank goodness, but the truth was: he hated being treated that way and desire, if not demanded, the proper means of respect, but then again, he's certain that there's others that's been through the same thing before his arrival.

How barbaric.

As he made his way quietly through the dark forest while following the smell, he was wondering what sort of food was cooking as it could be anything, but in a sense, it did smell like some sort of meat which are something that draconic koopas like himself have a big preference towards. Namely noted with his Father, being the glutton he is, however Ludwig likes his special kind to be fancy and elegant much like it's a part of a high-class meal.

The etiquette for the blunette dealing with such was that it must not be too under cooked and not too overcooked, just the right range of perfection being well done. However, it didn't hurt for him to also have a preference to have a small side salad along with his meals; in fact, it enriches his preferred point of view of how a proper meal should be, along with table manners.

Yeah, as if that would be something that his family mostly forgets, mostly among his siblings. Such a disgusting sight!

At how the memories of how his family often dined back at the Castle. It was disturbing especially with all eight of his siblings being at the table often fighting over the food laid out at the table in the dining hall, but since he wasn't with family, hopefully it would help out forget that thought though he wasn't as hopeful and especially when he's technically going to be planning to keep his distance away from people to avoid an incident involving a 'wild' draconic koopa 'raiding their house' and having the Camelot guards coming around the corner to execute him, just because of unjust discrimination.

At the end of the thought, he also that that maybe there could be a small village around these lands, who knows? Maybe sleep in a nice comfortable bed for the night before departing in the morning to head off somewhere more safe and away from the public eye.

However, there was one thing that nearly escaped his thoughts: who did came around earlier? Not even he knows but he's going have to be on guard and for surely, no matter where he goes, surely they had their fair share of thieves.

Now those were the individuals that Ludwig grew to detest since the incident and as a result, he would reassure to them that he is not someone that they should mess around with even with the bounty around.

Just the mere sight of one of those blasphemous flyers enrages him to no end.

[Lemmy Koopa]

Meanwhile, while being ahead of Ludwig, the little tyke was running around the dark forest, following the scent and among the distance, he saw a dim light with a subtle sound of a crackle. Was someone camping out nearby? That's odd but it was something to look into.

Soon to go closer, he went to a nearby bush and peeked out, only to see a Human who looks to be a resident of Camelot, who was sitting on a log watching the pot as it was cooking food, consisting a boiling soup held within it, while it was over a small pile of wood with fire burning.

Why did it have to smell so good?

The more Jr. Troopa looked at it, the more he wanted to just jump out. Actually, that is what he did as he jumped out of the bush and landed on the ground nearby the pot, startling the other closeby.

"Oh my goodness! Who's there?" asked the young female, about in her late teens, before she noticed the little one as Jr. Troopa stopped to look around his surroundings before he noticed the woman, only to be curious as he walked around to personally encounter her.

"Who are you?" he questioned as he knitted a brow, slightly tilting his head.

"Why, I'm Abilene. Who are you?" she asked politely.

"I'm J- I mean, I'm Master Jr. Troopa," he replied as he pointed to himself proudly, puffing his chest up trying to be a showoff.

"You're a strange creature. Who are you supposed to be? This is a first time I've came across someone like you," she replied as the little tyke was wondering as he crossed his arms. "I'm not sure myself, but hey what are you making? It actually smells good,"

"It's a specialty in my family. Would you like some? I brought some extra bowls and spoons in my bag in case other guests come around," she replied.

The younger nodded as the woman replied,"Very well, it shouldn't take long. Take a rest over there on that log,"

Even though she looks like to be from Camelot, the truth was that she was from Dalaren and she is on a brief vacation. However, even while fixing the little one up for his meal, she could sense some magic from him which made her curious.

"Tell me little one, where are you from?" she asked as Jr. Troopa hesitated for a bit. Why should she know? They just met. "Don't be shy. I promise to keep it a secret; you see, I'm not from around here myself. I'm actually from the floating island of Dalaren which is near the capital of Camelot,"

The little one perked up as he remembered something and mentioned,"Oh that island? I didn't know but..I remembered someone looking at it,"

"Oh? Who is it? Well, if it's not much," she asked again.

The younger tried to explain but he couldn't seem to remember, he was so hungry and he needed food. With a giggle, the woman got him his meal and gave it to him. Maybe after he eats, he'll feel better, however as the discussion was going on, Ludwig heard some chattering from nearby and was curious.

The decision to approach was a difficult one especially with the fact that he's being tracked.

However, even though he was stuck on leaving or not, the woman with Jr. Troopa could definitely sensed a stronger magical aura emitting from him and went check things out for herself, leaving the little one to enjoy his meal.

[Lemmy Koopa]

As the blunette was coming closer to the source of the smell, the woman that has recently left the little one alone was carefully wandering the dark forest. Besides, all sorts of creatures lurked around at night. Before long while searching in the distance, she noticed a blunette among rays of moonlight and asked,"H-hello?"

Ludwig turned around at the sound of the meek voice and perked up before he turned around and noticed the woman in the distance. Of course, he would be on guard as knowing to the fact that the other natives would be restless around him since his presence in Camelot is known, thanks to the incident.

He remained silent however he asked,"Who are you? What are you doing out here?"

The woman replied,"I can ask the same thing! I've never seen someone like you before. Are you a traveler?"

"It depends by what you mean by that," he answered as he remained on guard.

It's hard to trust those who would be eager to turn you over to authorities especially for a Kingdom who discriminates those who are not their kind.

"I don't mean to offend," she replied. "It's not everyday that you come across individuals such as yourself; anyways, my name is Abilene and I'm from Dalaran,"

She did a polite bow to the other as Ludwig wondered a bit. "If I may ask, do you mean by the floating island that's above the city closeby?"

"If you are insisting by the capital, yes that's it," she nodded as the other pondered a bit, thinking about what she just mentioned recently.

He nodded with satisfaction before he inquired,"If it's not much, I had heard rumors about mages, scholars and mystics reside there. Is that true by any chance?"

She nodded,"Yes, it is very much true and our leader assists with the King of Camelot,"

The moment she mentioned that, he froze up in disbelief as he asked,"Pardon? You mean to tell me that you have connections to those savages?"

Noticing the tone of his voice turning hostile, she begged,"Wait, please hear me out. I can understand why the others would be the way they are. The truth is, the people of Camelot aren't exactly favorable with us even while our leader helps out their King. Many have despised us because we're different,"

The blunette scoffed as he asked,"So, it isn't just non-humans? Despicable. Why assist their Kingdom if all their people do is discriminate against you if your leader runs favors for them?"

"I know that it's complicated, but then again, I believe it will work out in a due time," she replied before she clasped her hands. "Things like this do not remain the same forever if something is done to ensure a change,"

The blunette sighed,"This is true, however, idealism and realism are two completely different sides; unless there is proof, I will remain skeptical on the situation. I had learn the hard way into putting too much trust into something that ended up changing at the last minute. Life is unpredictable,"

Ludwig believed that it also has a cruel sense of humor.

"You must had experienced much if you have a skeptical mindset like that, but then again, you are right. Sometimes I have a time with deciding especially when I end up rushing ahead," she replied before she perked up and continued,"Oh, one more thing, do you want to join me for something to eat? I know we had just met recently but I want to ensure that you're okay,"

The blunette doesn't exactly trust this girl, but then again, she is docile and gentle and the truth was that he is kinda getting hungry so he isn't left with much of a choice; that and it would be rude to simply turn someone down just because of something that negatively influenced his past.

He nodded,"Very well but it will take me time to get used to you. I don't usually trust outsiders, however I will make an exception..for now,"

The woman nodded and before long, he walked over towards her as they headed back to where she was settled down at. He was on guard in cause that they would be anything in terms of suspicious activity going on especially with the woman who offered him something to eat.

[Lemmy Koopa]

Among their return to the small place in the forest, Ludwig didn't expect to see the little tyke there. By that, he meant by Jr. Troopa, the little annoyance that thinks he knows what he's doing, having the audacity to have his younger brother call him 'Master' as if he is in charge.

Mentally, he groaned before he went over to encounter the other as he asked,"What are you doing here?"

The little one looked up to the blunette as his face was seen more, thanks to the cracking fire nearby the massive pot keeping the soup warm, only to answer,"That's none of your business. I came on my own,"

The blunette narrowed his eyes as he asked,"You're following me. Are you?"

The little one huffed before he crossed his arms as the woman asked,"You know of this child?"

Ludwig nodded,"Yes I do..unfortunately. He came with my younger brother and a servant when they located me here; he has a bratty attitude,"

"I heard that!" exclaimed the other.

The blunette rolled his eyes before he went over to a nearby log to settle down, causing the woman to suggest,"Can you two try not to argue or fight? We don't want to cause too much ruckus especially with the explosions I heard from earlier,"

Ludwig and Jr. Troopa stopped instantly before she asked,"Is there something wrong?"

"We're fine," replied the younger.

The truth was that it was them that were the one responsible for the explosions that sounded in the forest. Hopefully nobody would take that as a serious threat because the truth is that they wanted to drive away the search party.

"Anyways, do you come out here often?" asked Ludwig as he wanted to change the subject right away as the woman returned to her spot.

"Well, not that often to be honest. There's been a lot of action going around here besides the war and especially in Dalaran. See, the thing is that there has been an incident with a wizard that terrorized the city sometime ago and since then, everyone has been on high guard," she explained. "We hardly have conflict but sometimes, it comes in at an unexpected time,"

Ludwig knitted his eyebrow as he asked,"How are they like?"

"I didn't get a clear view however they say that he has blue hair, red eyes, pointed ears and he's rather pale looking. If you were to come across him, be very careful. He's dangerous," she replied.

Ludwig nodded, but then again, he wonders who this mysterious individual is. Sounds like someone he should watch out for, but then again, why not use this opportunity? If he is against Camelot, perhaps they could make for an ideal ally. Oh this would be perfect for his revenge!

Ludwig, you sneaky devil.

"So, who are you two suppose to be?" she asked causing Ludwig to perk up. "I know the little one is Jr. Troopa but you never explained yourself,"

The blunette replied,"Oh yes, I nearly forget. How rude of me! My name is Ludwig von Koopa,"

She perked up as she asked,"Ludwig? That's a fancy name, but you don't happen to be on the posts around the capital? You look exactly like the picture,"

"Before you say anything else, let me explain to you what happened as to the reason why I got on there," he replied as he went on to tell the girl about his experience with a Camelot warrior and everything else in between.

"You were attacked?" she asked as she heard her hand close to her. "Oh, goodness. How horrible,"

The blunette lowered his eyes as he replied,"Indeed. Everything that befell on me was one tragedy after another, but the one thing that pulled me through was due to the help of an ally,"

She sighed in relief as she continued,"Yeah, the rogues are rough around these parts, especially with the non-humans I heard, but there are rumors of a sort of an ambassador traversing around this Kingdom that represents the non-humans," she explained. "Maybe you should seek them out,"

Ludwig would shake his head but instead didn't, he's here for a means for an end to those savages who called themselves Humans for his mistreatment. They deadly aspect about the koopa is to the fact that he holds vendettas against those who had wronged him and will not stop unless they are dead.

"I'll look into it," he replied. "However, I have another question, how did you find me so quickly?"

The woman answered,"The truth is that I can sense other magical beings so it's not much to say, but for one thing, you haven't answered my question about what you are,"

Ludwig explained,"Well, I am a draconic koopa and Jr. Troopa is..well, something of a rather young magikoopa. Our species has a deep history with magic since the days of old and knowing magikoopas, they're very..let's say..selective of who their students are,"

Mostly in the case of Kamek, his mentor in the arcane studies while with Kammy, on the other hand, well, she's a different story altogether.

"Ah, so that explains why," she replied with a giggle. "Well, I've learned something new tonight. It's always so interesting to go out and learn new things. The world out there is so big and I would love to explore it more and see how everything goes,"

Atleast so far this woman is tolerable and in a sense, helpful.

[Lemmy Koopa]

"The world is wide, for certain, but there are many wonders in it as there are risks," explained Ludwig. "Remember, personal experience is a key factor and it is not to be taken for granted,"

The female agreed. After all, many of the individuals had travelled around here and there and judging by their experiences, that is why she is so curious.

"Say, if it's not much, how long did you live there?" he asked.

"Since I was a small girl," the woman explained. "Our family in distant generations before were once residents of the capitol but after the backlash of people against the non-humans over the years, they fled to Dalaran to live peacefully. To be fair, I'm still in training in terms of my powers but they had developed over the years,"

The blunette nodded as he responded,"I see. How interesting,"

She asked,"What about you?"

Ludwig felt a bit uncomfortable however he decided to skim over the parts of Bowser Jr. and go on with the straight fact. "Since I was a young child, I lived within my Father's castle and I was eventually picked up as an apprentice underneath my Father's servant. Remember what I told you about magikoopas?"

She nodded and he continued,"Well, this certain magikoopa has served underneath my father since he was a little child. He saw to me to carry on his teachings; it took years just to master what he has taught me, only for it to end up being locked away again. It's rather humiliating,"

He's going have to go through those lessons..AGAIN.

The little tyke snickered as he replied,"That's a shame. It really is,"

Sure it was.

Ludwig sharply glared at the child as he replied,"I will regain what was lost to me. I am the pinnacle of magic among my siblings and nobody will get in my way of it, you assure that!"

"Oh, we'll see about that. Until then, I'm the strongest," Jr. Troopa stuck his tongue out at the blunette, being the big jerk he is since their encounter.

The blunnette grumbled in annoyance as all he can do is ignore him, only to look at the massive pot in front of them before he asked,"Do you have something I could use? I would like to try some, if it's not much,"

The woman perked up as she replied,"Oh! Yes, I do. Here, let me do it, don't trouble yourself. After all, you two are my guests for the evening," Ludwig smiled at the thought of how proper and polite of how this woman was while at his request, she went and got his meal ready and all before it was given to him, however that didn't take long before Jr. Troopa splattered the hot soup against Ludwig's snout, triggering his temper to rise again.

"Pfhahahahahaha!!" chuckled the little tyke as he was laughing. "Hey, that soup makes for good makeup on you. You should wear it more often! Ahahaha!!"

"WHY YOU INSOLENT LITTLE!" the blunette growled before the women reminded that they shouldn't make much noise, causing Ludwig to again, grumble, as the little tyke was laughing out loud, kicking his feet in the air.

Oh, he'll be sure to get back at the little devil for that sudden prank. Just wait.

[Lemmy Koopa]

It didn't take for long for Ludwig to get cleaned up thanks to the woman assisting him and getting another bowl of her soup for him. This time however, the blunette eyed Jr. Troopa of his movements while eating properly as he should be.

Well, with the exception of the little tyke grinning at him as he looked like he was going to make a move again, but decided not to as he would rather relax for the time being as he rested himself against the log, satisfied with the recent meal, which was ironic because he wasn't exactly a big fan of vegetables.

Seeing the little one settling down ensure that Ludwig would finally have time to relax and talk more to the woman that has fed both Koopas despite of the given situation they were recently in. It's rare to have somebody actually care for them since there has been so many things said about them being monsters and other means.

"Peaceful nights like these are a rare thing around Camelot nowadays," sighed the woman. "It's usually one thing after another here and there. I could hope that the wars would end, people have been getting restless as of late,"

The blunette stop eating for a moment as he replied,"Wars, famine, disease, we all experience one thing after another. However, as I was told once before: if it doesn't kill us, it strengthens us. It's a bit of a tough saying hear within the Troop; odd but strangely true nonetheless,"

The woman nodded. "Now that I think about it, it does sound odd, but everyone's different I suppose,"

Before long she looked to Ludwig then to Jr. Troopa before the blunette asked,"What's on your mind? Is there something?"

"Well, the fact that you're a draconic koopa and he's a magikoopa, are there other species of your kind around?" she asked before Ludwig nodded,"Yes, there are. I can name a few but there are still very many; after all, my father is their King,"

She paused for a bit as her eyes widened before she asked,"You don't mean..the Koopa King right? I had heard so many things about him before. It's rumored that he makes his presence in the Ashen Steppes pass the Tangled Green somewhere,"

He nodded as he sighed,"That's him, but to be fair, we're not exactly like him. It's a complicated story and I don't want to bore you down with all the details,"

The truth is: he doesn't want to remember the pain.

"Is there something that's bothering you?" she asked curiously before the blunette shook his head. "I'm fine. Don't worry about me,"

Silence came across the duo for sometime before it was broken as the little one yawned before his eyes grew heavy and the female noticed."Is someone getting sleepy over there?"

"I'm not getting sleepy. I'm still..awake," replied Jr. Troopa. "I can stay up late,"

Ludwig smirked at the young one with a slight chuckle. Pity that the little one is going to fall asleep soon because when it comes to it, he's a night owl, awake at the darker hours of the night. That's probably why he's more tired in the day hours..

Looking over at the woman, the blunett asked,"If it's not much, do you have a place that's more comfortable to stay around here? We'll be needing to get him to bed,"

"I told you that I'm not sleepy!" the little tyke reminded the other.

The blunette ignored that as he reworded his words as he continued,"I mean, to make sure that we're safe,"

The woman nodded and replied,"I do have a place around here but it's a small house and it's hidden in the woods away from the people of Camelot. I visit there every now and then, however, we're going have to do some traveling and avoid monsters as well,"

Ludwig nodded as he replied,"Very well. That sounds good enough and..thank you very much,"

Hopefully, a nice bed would resolve the little tyke's issue and to be away from the Koopa Kingdom meant to be away from the safety of his father's security, however, he'll chance it.