Through the portal things were...odd.

They were in a forest, that much was abundantly clear. Sort of a more forresty forest than any Ammeline had ever seen before. The trees weren't any kind she recognized, but then she wasn't exactly an expert on trees. But they were more...alive, more vibrant than she was used to. The canopy was dense, the undergrowth denser, and all through it there was the sound of something chirping and scuttling in the forest, as if the life was as dense as the foliage. The air was think and heavy, almost jungle-like. And the ground was...wrong. It spiraled off in all directions, twisting, and she was sure she could see places in the distance where it curled like something in a dream or nightmare.

The only clear path was a long, twisting road through the forest. But Ammeline wasn't about to trust that, not after everything.

"Maso!" She called back. "Is this the right way?"

"Yes we just follow the road, lady Ammeline," the armored fairy said, walking along behind her. "It's safer. There are...things...in the forest."

"I'd figured that much out myself," Ammeline said dryly. "I forgot your actual name, what was it? I can't just keep calling you Maso."

"Oh, yes you can!" He said. "It's fine!"

"No really," Ammeline said. "What's..."

"You could call me anything you like really. Like...like loser. I did lose to you. Or dirt, because you put me in the dirt. Or...piggy?"

"Maso it is then," Ammeline said. "You're disgusting."

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

"Unglgngly!" The fairy moaned. "Your witch magic!"

"I'm starting to really hate fairies," Ammeline groaned, rubbing her temples. As they walked along, two hulking figures blocked their path. They wore gray pants, and were covered in blue, wrinkly skin.

"Oh no," Maso said. "Grobolgs."

"Do we fight them?" Ammeline asked. "Are they monsters?"

"Yes they're monsters, no you can't fight them," Maso said. "I didn't realize there were any in the area. If they've set up a barrier, we can't pass unless we defeat them in an intellectual discussion."

"Fairy magic," Ammeline said. "I suppose that makes them good guards."

"Absolutely," Maso said. "This could be trouble."

"Don't be ridiculous!" Ammeline said. "Ahahahahahaha! Do you think I've never met a couple of inescapable intellectual blowhards before? I hang out with rich people. In the northeast!"

She walked up to the two hulking monstrosities. Between the, in the air she could see a subtle web of glowing energy blocking the road.

"A human!"

"Who stinks of Unseelie."

"Accompanied by one of the queen's soldiers."

"Strange."

"Unusual."

"Odd."

"Bizarre. But can she discuss?"

"I believe I can gentlemen," Ammeline said, stepping forwards. "I'm afraid I don't know exactly how these challenges work, bit what exactly should we discuss?"

"Ah, she asks a good question. What?"

"Yes indeed what?"

"And why?" Ammeline asked.

"Why? What do you mean why?"

"Well because it's our fey nature, of course."

"What kind of question is that, why?"

"Why do we need to find a topic at all?" Ammeline asked. "After all, if it's your very nature to discuss things, shouldn't you have a list of topics prepared?"

"Ah but you see that's the thing. We debate anything."

"Everything."

"All things are fodder for discussion."

"But still if you're going to be making challenges," Ammeline said reasonably, "surely you should have a few set aside. This is like a duelist saying "oh I'm sorry, I just have so MANY swords, we can't fight today."

"Ah but there your example falls apart."

"Indeed, you haven't thought that one through."

"In a duel the challenged chooses the weapons. We are the challenGERS."

"Yes indeed. It should be YOUR choice."

"So I may choose the topic of debate?" Ammeline said.

"Within reason."

"Must be something we can all engaged with."

"Very well," Ammeline said. "My chosen topic is....the relative efficiency and inherent flaws of your method of posing intellectual challenges. And also, I win."

The monstrous faries stared at her for a moment.

They blinked.

With a snapping noise, the web of energy between them disappeared.

"She tricked us."

"She trapped in a tautology."

"I'm not sure that's a true tautology..."

"Come on," Ammeline said, pulling Maso along behind her.

"That was amazing," Maso said. "I've never seen anyone get by a pair of Grobolgs that fast."

"Ahahahahahaha!" Ammeline laughed. "That was nothing! You should see my uncle Freddie. He think he's an historian."

"Step on me?"

"NO!"