Hiking the Wilds 2

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They walked on the mushy ground at the edge of the treeline, the bright brook calmly burbling to their right, deep shadows of the dense forest to the left.

"This is like a dream. Can we walk on the stone instead of this mushy ground? It's right there."

"Are you dumb?"

"Not a chance. It's not safe."

"Why not though?"

"Wet feet."

"It's a Wild land. Where there's rock, there can be water in a moment. You'll be soaked, and that is if you didn't fall or slow us down."

"Why's that an issue. The water is so shallow. And nice."

"Right now it is. It gets deeper. Walking with wet shoes is the worst. Why would you want that?"

"I'll take them off, of course. And roll my pants. There's solid ground there."

"Nope. There's one rule to adventuring - if it feels good, it will probably kill you. You'll be a sitting duck in the water.

"No, worse. A duck would kill him."

"Right."

"But-"

"I won't save you."

"Yeah, we won't have a chance, since we would be separated."

"Nevermind. It was just a thought."

"Why am I always stuck with the stupid and the stubborn?"

"Hey!"

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"What? Did you forget the first time?"

"Shut up. You'are a Dummy."

"Yeah Dummy, listen to her."

"My name is Tommy."

"Not anymore. You're Dummy."

"I could be worse. Want to know how Dagger got her name?"

"You wouldn't dare.."

"Because she.."

The girl twisted so quick, and jumped up, her hand extending. "Noo...."

She was a blur, her hands flashing past Lester's guard, though he parried all her striked. He was about to continue speaking, when he noticed the glint from a corner of his eyes, and pushed Dagger away. The switch from goofy to business made Dagger stop and turn around.

A spot of light kept appearing and disappearing from their view, like a signal.

"Is that from the water?"

"Unlikely. It is getting closer. Get ready."

It really was getting larger, until Dagger muttered something and sat down on her haunches, relaxed.

"Heh."

Soon, the figure in the distance became clearer. Light periodically reflected off of the edge of the shield as Fatty ran to them with long leaps. Right next to the stream. On the hard rock. With his shoes off.

"Isn't he..."

"This lardass..."

"..."

As Tommy made to head out, Dagger held the two back at the edge of the canopy.

"Follow my lead."

They hid behind the trees, jumping out at the last second, for which they almost got clubbed by the charging boy who was spooked by their appearance. Fatty conducted himself well though, dodging the three, also avoiding falling into the water as he grabbed onto a stem to arrest his momentum and swing him back to them. Dagger couldn't keep the smug smile off his face.

Tommy was smiling too, a grin of vindication, short-lived.

"Don't smile, Dummy. Unless you can copy that move." Dagger said, pointedly staring at Fatty.

"What was that for anyway", Fatty huffed.

"What if I was a bear?"

"A club would have smashed you."

"Joyo, we've discussed this. It's vulnerable out in the open."

"I wanted to hurry, Lester. Not because it's so nice out today."

They two gazes sharpened, so Fatty quickly added,

"Anyway, we are going to be rich. I found a whole bunch of Raegarberries. Come, come."

Turning around, he ran back up before anyone could say otherwise. The same way he came. On the rocks. The three shared a look, Tommy's expectant, Dagger flat, and Lester resigned.

"It really is nice though."

"Agh.. Our best scout agrees, so we can safey follow. Still, keep your eyes open."

Tommy was already taking of his shoes.