Cait's Quest - Pg 2 (Patreon)

Reasoning that taking the road less travel through the Mal Swamp would make for a fun journey, Cait journeyed south!  The swamp itself had roads running through them, but these were typically unkempt compared to the more established trails through the mountains and the woods to the north.  This did little to dissuade Cait, however, who didn't mind the humid air of the marsh woods even if scent of swamp  water muck did make her nose clench...

After a few hours of diligent trekking, the natural sunlight peering through the canopy became dimmer and dimmer, even though sunset wasn't due for much longer...The heart of the swap was certainly oppressive, and soon even the cheery Cait had to rest and regain her courage.  As she composed herself, she began to appreciate the natural beauty of the mucklands, the surrounding bubbling muck puddles being the only noise around her...Relaxing!

Her luck took an icky turn when the ground she thought was the path on her map gave way to a soft pool of muck, causing Cait to sink up to her knees, eliciting a squeal from the adventurer.  Insistent that she was following the map correctly, Cait was determined to press on through the muck, feeling around the bottom of the muck for solid ground to ensure she wouldn't sink deeper.

She sank deeper.  But only after large, malevolently-writhing tendrils emerged from the muck in cold pursuit of Cait.  Though the girl's valiant struggles managed to keep most of them from gripping her arms and legs, one potent limb slithered around her midriff and seemed bent on tugging her down in the muck.

At this moment, Cait frantically scanned her surroundings for anything to grab for, and was shocked to discover a woman who appeared crouching on a patch of land just a few yards away.  Desperately she stretched out a hand, letting out  a cry for help.  The woman regarded her with shock, observing the struggling girl.  It seemed as though she wanted to help?

Upon resisting, Cait figured that one good push could break her free of the tendril holding her, but it would cost all of her energy, after which she would be at the mercy of the later tendrils and dependent on the help of the woman.  On the other hand, Leafsprit was still sheathed on her back...