Cait's Quest - Page 7 (Patreon)

Me La knew that her fate was sealed, and she prayed for her companion's safety as she passed through the lips of the swamp ogre.  She could feel the thick, jagged teeth press against her back, but it seemed that her predator was content to suckle her all the way down.  It was her second time being swallowed alive today, although this time was certainly a tad more violating, with her skimpy garments being shredded off almost instantly.  

Cait and Arely had no choice but to get out of sight by the time Me La's feet slipped through the giant's mouth.  A pair of novices had little chance against such a beast...And so as they passed through the edge of the swamp into wide open field again, they rested in mournful contemplation that their lives could have been snuffed out just like their former party member.  The creatures of this region had a persistent taste for women, and the urge to save a lone jungle girl deep in the swamp wouldn't be strong for any potential help they could find.  She was gone.

Cait herself felt frozen on the grass...she knew her quest was important, but she wondered if Me La would have survived had she herself not gotten caught in that swamp muck...But as Arely pointed out the path to Arr City, Cait knew that she had to keep going.  She owed it to Me La as much as her town...

There would be difficulties, though.  Both Cait and Arely lost their possessions to the swamp, and were therefore completely broke.  What's more, It was only a matter of time before the girls would grow hungry themselves.  Arely mentions that there is a rustic tavern a few miles down the road where they may find help, and proposes journeying there.  It was all well for our currently pluck-less adventurer, who could do with a wash...

/endscene

...But really, Poor Me La.  Decides to help out an adventurer in peril, nearly killed by a snake, IS killed by a swamp ogre just as she bonds with a new friend.  I'll confess that I'm glad she's the first to go...I instantly regretted making her eye makeup so black, as I usually like to define the edges of eyes and lashes, which I fear gets lost with such dark paint.

One more note!  As you all know this CYOA comic is experimental on my end, and one thing that could make things more interesting is to give the girl's HP...and if their lives reach zero, well...you know.  So that's a thing now.

For the next vote, determine when Cait and Arely will journey to the Tavern.  They might benefit from resting after a narrow escape, and may need more strength for the road ahead.  Then again...the earlier they leave, the better chance of finding a caravan into town.