Their patience grew less intense with every minute passed, they hid behind some bushes while they hoped the racoon wouldn't notice them, at least not with its eyes. It was a torture to wait there, they knelt on the ground while they got hold on to the axe, ready to pull it in case the creature would be in the perfect state to get captured.

It didn't look as frightening as they thought, of course it seemed unnatural and could harm them in some ways if it intended to, but after all it looked like it would simply eat things and wouldn't attack them in its rage. Possibly they were simply relieved at the thought it was just a dream.

Finally their plan seemed to work, though the animal needed some more time than expected they kept waiting until it was in place. Suddenly it seemed like it would make a dash, the point where both of them pulled the axe and the net enclosed around the racoon.

Ryu noticed how Cora loosened her grip and fell backwards as she had pulled it too fast at first, her tight shorts stretched to their limits, at least in some places, before she dropped herself backwards on the ground. She could see the slight motion of her breasts, her nipples rubbed against the cloth before she slowly got up again.

Cora blushed a little all of a sudden, but quickly helped the girl again until they were able to secure the axe somewhere so the net would stay in place, about one or two feet above the ground. They had no idea whether or not the animal could cut the net, but for the moment they left their cover.

They investigated their victim, though they were kind of close they didn't think about a way it could free itself out of its misery. The girls partly smiled at their work as Ryu crossed her arms in front of her chest, they appeared bigger than usual while Cora straightened her back and wrapped one hand around the other arm behind her, achieving the same result as the redhead.

The animal shrieked as the plan worked ensnaring the animal. The net entangled about his flesh as he struggled against his confines. It had not seemed to notice the two girls as it had been caught up in escaping from the confines that had closed in around it.

Though as time slipped by it had come to notice the pair. Aegir struggle onward for what appeared to be awhile before feigning tiredness. It had only been a few short moments that he had thrashed about in his restraints though reaching into their minds he made their perceptions of the events seem to be advanced.

He glared at the pair as he stopped, lightly growling at the two as if warning them to keep their distance. Of course he could do nothing against them unless they did something stupid like sticking their fingers in his mouth.

For a few minutes it just glared at the pair with it's burning green eyes. Then it spoke, in guttural English but Aegir sensed their surprise nonetheless.

"Why have you snared me? Release me at once ..."

As the time went by it seemed that their trap had been successful, the creature couldn't get rid of the net around its body. Every now and then they thought the net was going to rip apart, they had no idea how old or often used it had been. Fortunately it seemed quite strong and kept the thing within its grasp.

The next few minutes seemed like an endless stare-down though the racoon-like being growled at first. Everything seemed to be about confidence, at least the girls had plenty left while they kept looking at their victim.

Suddenly it spoke, the surprise of them as obvious as the anger of the considered monster. The tone seemed slightly off the norm, but due to its English it was understandable.

W-we won't release you. There had been a young woman somewhere past the river, on the other side, because of you her dog drowned and we just came here to catch you. Cora spoke with a slight nervous tone, but she was able to calm down quickly.

Why should we release you anyway? What makes you think is inviting or threatening enough for us to let you go? You are the captured one, we are clearly at an advantage here.

"She's both an actress and a witch, shape changed to fool you of course. She had a hound of hell, also shape changed to appear to be a dog. The two pursued me and as the dog crossed the river I saw an opportunity to at least get rid of one of them."

It paused for a moment as it shifted it's gaze between them. It seemed to sense some of Cora's nervousness given her tone of voice though he had been unable to read the other one. He did relinquish himself though sighing out as Ryu spoke as if the answer had been obvious rather than a decent question considering that the pair had captured him.

His form shimmered and shifted, hair slipped into his pink flesh and after a few seconds there had been a little man snared up in the net instead of a racoon. He had a beard, a trimmed brown though their had been wisps of silver in it.

Attired in a green jacket and pants, their had been a four leaf clover attached to the label of his jacket. A green hat sat perched upon his balding head, and his eyes as well had been a startling green as well. "Because you caught me and you are entitled to three wishes upon my release or," he paused for a long moment, " ... me pot of gold."

The pair kept standing at their positions, a little puzzled due to his statement but still kind of conscious. They had no way to find out whether or not his words were true, they would have to find the 'witch' again if they intended to get an answer.

They got in a rather comfortable stance as the racoon shifted its appearance, the little man could be barely called a monster. It wasn't right to keep a human or something similar captured like this, but at first it seemed like they had no choice. The question if he said the truth or not had to be clarified before they could take care of the situation.

There had been several fairytales they heard about already and it didn't take them more than a brief moment to identify him as a gnome. Cora made a step towards the redhead to discuss with her in private. They couldn't keep him in the net forever, eventually they would have to leave so it seemed to be an option to let him go.

Ryu decided it was about time to play the game rather than manipulate it. Both of them looked at the gnome for a moment before they spoke again. You can keep your gold, goblin, we'd like to receive the three wishes in exchange of your freedom. Guess we have a deal, then.

The other student walked back to their cover and removed the axe out of the grasp of branches. Steadily she lowered the net until it reached the ground and he could leave without any further problems. Cora walked back to the two and awaited her offered payment though Ryu wasn't sure about the whole thing, she was unsecure about what they'd wish for.

"Goblin! GOBLIN!" He seemed indignant at that remark, his little face going red as it fillled with rage. Then he calmed though he tried to fold his hands over his little chest but couldn't giving that one had been entangled in the net.

He had been lowered, dusting off unseen dirt from his chest, dusted off his bottom and sprang up to his feet with a little groan. He had not been as youthful as he were. The fey shifted his gaze between the two. He had been mistaken as a gnome, but he let that one go seeing that he had been related to them. Cousins in fact related to them as humans were related to apes.

Leprechaun. That was what the little fey had been.

"Well, ok. To be truthful I really didn't want to give up me gold anyway and am relieved that you want the wishes. Just to be clear it isn't three wishes a piece but rather shared between you.. Now with that out of the way lasses what is the first order of business? What is it that you desire? Wealth? Immortality? Eternal youth? I've heard it all before ..."

That's why we chose the wishes, but I guess they won't be as unimaginative as the ones you just stated. After all it was a dream, or the way they thought about it, so these things wouldn't do them any good. She thought if there were such things on earth they would have to deserve them and without such desires there would be nothing to live for.

Hey, how about some other clothes? Could you dress us like knights? Even if the clothing is a bit unsealed, it doesn't matter, be creative. Ryu gazed at her for a moment, after all it was her dream as well and the idea of being a knight was inviting.

The idea popped up to confront the witch later, maybe they could help the leprechaun to defeat her, then they would truly deserve the wishes. But before they could have any kind of arrangement, they waited for their first wish to be fulfilled.

He raised his brow at the unusual wish figuring that they would have desired something else. "Your wish ..." he snapped his fingers, "is granted."

Armor clad over the two, heavier steel over Cora's breasts, leggings as well though her midriff had been bare as well as her arms. A leather belt adorned her waist, black with silver studs. On it clung a scabbard that sheathed and ivory sword, the pommel of which had been in the shape of an eagle, with spread wings. The sword had a blood grove down the middle and runes etched on it's blade.

Her armor had been a deep purple, a choker had been fashioned about her neck with a ruby centered in it's middle. Her gauntlets both had been etched in runes too while a green cloak of silk hung over her shoulders fastened by a gold scarab pin.

He seemed to guess that Ryu was suppose to be the squire and dressed her accordingly in a purple outfit of tight leather. Her midriff had been bare too, a dagger tucked into her right boot while a sword hung on her belt though it had been rather plain when compared with Cora's though the only special feature of it had been that the blade had been serrated.

A wooden shield had been on her left arm etched with the symbol of a purple dragon with spectacles reading a book by candle light. A cloak of green covered her shoulders also glad together by a golden scarab pin. Diamond ear rings had been in her earlobes while a silver necklace had wrapped itself about her neck.

The leprechaun grinned at the two. "Well ... not my best work ..."

As soon as the costumes had been complete both of them began to marvel at it, the work of the man was impressive with his attention to the details. Though he said it wasn't his best work it appeared they couldn't believe him at all, it seemed to fit them perfectly and out of nowhere he even discovered that Ryu was supposed to be the squire. He grinned, possibly he enjoyed the view just as much as the girls.

No, no... it's perfect, indeed a good work. Thank you very much. Cora investigated every inch of her own body as if she was a jewel of some sort, her hands brushed against her chest, down her sides until they reached her hips and repeated the single word. Perfect. In fact she loved the details of her gear, to be rather special in the hierarchy of the two girls.

Meanwhile Ryu couldn't believe the whole thing. She didn't intend to appear too joyful, therefore she knocked against her wooden shield so that it appeared she simply checked its fortitude. Afterwards she stomped on the ground with one of her boots, her breasts bounced and jiggled a little before her face turned slightly red as the tight material rubbed against her sensitive body parts. Her hand reached down and she examined her sword just as Cora did at the same time, the little dagger could prove to be helpful in a sticky situation and it seemed to be one thing which seperated their costumes next to some others.

Wow, Ryu... look at you! You look so cute. Cora said as she placed her forearm on Ryu's shoulder and smiled with glee. Hey, you are the one who wants to dress up like this! The girl chuckled for a moment as Ryu couldn't resist the urge to blush further. Caught me. Well, still two wishes left.

Oh, right. Ryu knelt a bit, the tight leather reminded her of something but she wasn't certain what it was, to get a little closer to the man's own heigth. What to wish for... She considered for a moment before she made up her mind. How about infinite stamina, then?

The distance they had travelled was a little exhausting, if they really intended to assault the witch they could need something to stay functional though the witch could use it to their disadvantage in a rather intimate way. But there would be still one last wish.

As for our last wish... we'd like you to wish something. We are only two, we used two wishes, it wouldn't be fair if one of us would use it. Additionally we caught you which wasn't fair, we are still sorry, so we'd like you to have it so we can leave to take care of the witch who tricked us.

"My ... I'm not done with the first wish yet ... I forgot ..."

Again he snapped his fingers, gazed to his right where several steeds appeared tethered up to trees. A chestnut brown pack horse laden with mundane supplies, camping equipment, cookware, extra clothes, clothes for court, extra waepons and the like.

A black stallion had been adorned with barding, appeared to be quite large and muscular, a warhorse. Then their had been two white steeds smaller in nature serving as riding horses.

He looked at the pair with curiousity. "Of all the wishes ... no one has asked for that ..."

Again he snapped his fingers granting the wish. Nothing seemed to happen of course. There had been no feeling or sensations that assaulted them so they would have to take him at his word that something had occured.

He raised his brow when they turned over their last wish to him. He had been surprised by this of course, thought for a moment. He had no need for wealth, he being fey lived for an extraordinary length of time and remained young for most of their years save for the last days.

He had been over a 1,000 and only showed a hint of coloring in his beard.

Then he had it! "I desire to be uncatchable whether by speed or traps." He snapped his fingers as a grin spread across his lips as his magic took effect.

It had been obvious that he may not have any ideas at that point, he could shapeshift and as many other mythical creatures he would have a long lifespan and they doubted he would ever desire eternal youth or something similar if he lived that long. Though he took his time, his decision appeared to be the only logical thing.

I have to say that you made a wise choice there. They couldn't catch him again even if they would have a reason, though Ryu was a sprinter herself with infinite stamina at that time he made up a defence for this as well, not to mention his size compared to such speed.

Both of the girls offered him a smile before they intended to leave, Cora stepped next to the horse, ready to leave. As Ryu simply stared at her before she looked away in anger and slight embarassment for being the squire, the knight offered her a smile as well as her gaze went to the warhorse and back to Ryu. You're sporty, you should walk. And please, no complaints. She said before she rose in the stirrups und pulled herself up on a white steed. Meanwhile Ryu tried to arrange the horses in order so they could lead them while riding.

Though they intended to hunt the witch they barely knew where they were, a part of a forest and they had gone a moderate distance away from the river. They could need a place to sleep or they would have to camp outside, a city would be a good place to possibly get some informations. At least something they could interact with though the leprechaun had been a big help.

Then Cora turned her head to him again. I know, it seems odd, but would you mind to guide us through this landscape? We intended to find the witch again, but we have no idea where to go at all, not even the slightest idea where we are at the moment, not even to mention a close village. I guess you do not intend to show up in public, but you must know these surroundings better than we do.

The leprachaun scratched his chin in thought. He could give the pair directions though they could get lost. Instead he vanished whether he teleported or became invisible had been hard to say though when next they saw him he had been lounging on the back of the draft horse, hands tucked behong his head, his hat pulled down to shade his eyes, legs crossed.

"Your in the kingdom of Kashmir ruled by Prince Edmonds, his father just passed a fortnight ago." He stated plainly though whether or not this had been a thing that registered with them had yet to be seen.

"There's a town not far from her. Lumbers or they had been until they thought that this wood had been haunted. It's not," he chuckled, "but don't let them in on that."

He had played a series of pranks on the lumberjacks in order to save his home from possible destruction. "Now I hear that they primarily fish and farm ... I'll take you near this settlement where you can find it on your own. First go to the river and cross it."

When they made it back to the river he bide them to cross it, the steeds had no problem in doing so. He point out the direction he wished them to go in then a short while later he hopped down from the back of the horse, pointing to a hill.

"Just on the opposite side of that hill, you'll see it. It rests atop of the largest hill if it were not so late you would probably be able to see it, here take this."

He pulled an iron coin from his pocket, concentrated on it and transformed it into a series of gold coins. "Fool's gold ... it will last for a day so I don't recommend that you'd be around when the magic expires."

They gazed up at the hill though they wouldn't be able to spot the settlement they were looking for. He had guided them pretty well, they believed they might find some help there. Then it was time to say goodbye and go seperate ways.

As if it was her task, Ryu walked over to him, knelt, and received the gold which they should get rid of fast enough. Why yes... thank you very much, sir. It was then she got back to the horses and they waved at him for the last time. Hope to see you around someday, enjoy your freedom. With these words they made their way towards the hill, though they split up with mixed feelings about their encounter, most of them rather positive in nature.

The hill hadn't been far away, the fading dusk sunlight however made it hard to see the estate atop of the hill. Probably they wouldn't have gone there if they had a choice, but after all there seemed to be a high chance to reach the place before it got too dark and possibly to get some groceries and informations. They still had to make their way through the kingdom, searching for someone they barely knew.

But he had been right, they couldn't see it and so they got closer and closer as the darkness began to spread, some light still left and hopefully enough so there would be people awake when they arrive. Due to their stamina they reached it without many problems, there had been a path so their pack horse wouldn't trip at all.

The houses looked similar to a log cabin, made out of pinewood while the roofs consisted of braided reed in general. There had been a wooden bridge next to a river which led into a lake later on, but they could hardly see anything in the distance. A sailboat had been next to it, obviously for the mentioned fishing activites. One of the buildings didn't seem to be finished, next to a stable and a storehouse to their left there had been a longhouse and fish-drying racks on their right. Further in the distance they made out some fields which would explain their farming nature.

Some lanterns spent dim light as they made their approach, there had been more buildings of course but they decided to investigate them later or when they decided to leave. The equerry must have been still awake as they made out a moving figure inside the stables, exactly what they were looking for before they would find a place to eat and sleep even though they had their own supplies, but they guessed they'd need them later on.

Hello? Cora shouted into the warehouse where the stables were attached to, possibly the inhabitants were sleeping already but they had to stay there. We could need a place to stay for the night!

The streets of the town had been empty as the sky continued to darken. Though they called out at the stables they had to wait awhile after continous calls. An old man came out side, already adorned in his night clothes. He looked up and down the street with yellowish eyes.

"Yes?" He asked. Then his eyes fell towards their mounts. "A room, eh? Come inside, quickly now."

He took the horses by the reigns and lead them into the barn. He was quick for an old fellah in ridden the animals of their saddles. packs and so forth before he had lead the pair inside the building.

The place had been old but nice in an odd sort of way. Once inside they would come to notice that their had been no one present in the lobby or any other room that spurned off from it.

He secured the door with three locks, breathed out a sigh of relief, then moved to a desk that he had gotten behind. "One room or two?" He asked as he looked at the pair with tired eyes.

Though they had been a little confused about the way he behaved, they didn't mind to have a place to stay for the night. The place was quiet, possibly a bit too quiet but it was fine, it seemed to be quite off the usual path so it would make sense that there weren't as many adventurers as in other locations.

The only thing that made them worried were the three locks and his sigh of relief after he closed the door successfully. Hm? Um... Ryu thought about it for a moment, but it wasn't even her task to say it out loud whatever was on her mind. We are going to share a room, sir, thank you very much for your kindness though it seems we woke you up.

Ryu turned to the door before she turned around again. Is there a reason why it's so empty here? This place seems to be as swept as a ghost town if you don't mind me saying. She shifted her stance a little as she straightened herself once again to appear proud to be with her company.

Is something wrong, maybe thieves? I mean, you were quite relieved to get back inside so please don't mind me asking, sir.

The building had been barely lit, of course there had been no need to keep a fire in the chimney due to no guests were around, some lone candles spent necessary light to keep a smooth and rustic atmosphere. The pair began to wait, hoping this place would offer them some comfort if possible, even the infinite stamina couldn't force the natural urge to sleep to disappear.