Little Mr

"Are you sure you want me to have this? I'm practically a stranger to you!" I said.

"...Yes, ever since I got transferred here from the Prince Darren's swamp, I don't use it as much.... no need for it to go to waste," Miranda explained.

I look at the Crossbow again, at the intricate carvings again, "You said he's your oldest friend, what is his name?" I asked.

"Little Mr! I've had him since I was a little girl, I used to take him to go hunting rogue beasts that strayed too close to Prince Darren's swamp,"

".... this Prince, he had you guard his swamp?"

"Yes, all Bogpeople living there must obey the Prince's laws and protect the Prince's property!"

"so how did you get from protecting a Prince's land to..... this," I said waving my hand.

"That's very simple, I was too good at my job, the best Bogwomen are sent to the tainted mercy, We're immune to poisons so we don't have to worry about the toxic air, we cull the beasts here since most of them.... mate year round," she said whilst blushing.

"...okay, but why no Bogmen?"

"Ah.... hmmm.....how should I explain this... you see Bogmen..... our men are needy in nature.."

"Needy?"

"You know..... needy...."

I stop to think about what she said.... needy.... needy... nee- oh , OH!

"They can't control that?"

"Well. you can't tell something to change it's nature now can you?"

"sti-"

"Can we stop talking about this!"

"O-okay..... I'm sorry..."

"It's fine! it's fine..... anyways Mistress Sammie has been here the longest, 15 years, we're only supposed to serve here for 6...."

"She doesn't want to go back to Garland?"

"She said she'll go back the day the Tainted Prince is finally.... put to rest, I don't know the details but she has some sort of connection to him, she is an ol- em, seasons lady afterall"

If she knew the Zachariah from before his transformation, that'd be at least 50 years ago.... how old is Sammie? she looks like she's in her 30s!

We spend the next hours sharing stories, mid way I finally ask her fir a new set of clothes, she gives me..... a peculiar outfit, it's a..... one of those explorer outfits, the type you'd see in old school movies and cartoons.

"is this all you have?"

"Yes, this is the only one your size, you don't like it?"

"No.... it's fine, Thank you,"

"No worries," she said. We continue talking until morning.