"Ah, is that all."<br/><br/>More puffing.<br/><br/>"Well, when you're warm enough, I'll get you something to wear and you can be on your way.  You'll not want to go into the Tulgey Wood, though.  Best to go around, if you can.  That means the Towerlands, which you passed through on your way here.  You'll want to be careful, though, because the Knights are feisty.  Some of them don't quite believe that there's been a change at Court."<br/><br/>+++<br/><br/>Meanwhile, in the Court of Roses...<br/><br/>A familiar green-haired cat-girl lay at the feet of an icily beautiful woman with long black hair, an outfit that looks like a steampunk domme's lingerie, and a perfectly predatory smile.<br/><br/>Another woman, a mature beauty clad in a loose robe, cat ears poking through her unruly ash blonde hair, stood beside the younger one, head demurely bowed as the Queen pronounced her decision on some matter or other.<br/><br/>"Your kitten has done well.  We consider your debt paid in full.  As was our arrangement, we grant you safe conduct out of our realm and exile ever-after on pain of a return to that state which is so painful to you.  You are dismissed...and take your child with you.  She will share your exile until we change our mind."<br/><br/>The MILFtastic cat-woman flinched, mumbled thanks, and stooped to drag the unconscious and battered young woman with her.  Already having dismissed them, the Queen turned to one of her Court...another cat-girl, clad in something slinky and revealing.<br/><br/>"Start with the Towerlands.  Bring her to us.  She is not to be harmed, but may be molested as your agents desire."<br/><br/>"I hear and obey, Oh Supreme One."<br/><br/>"Use her as you wish, that she may be more pliable to our intentions."<br/><br/>"Indeed."  Bowing low, the slender Siamese cat-woman backed out of the Courtroom before hastening to dispatch her Clan on their new mission...<br/><br/>+++<br/><br/>Soon, the old Badger presented Karen with a simple homespun peasant dress.<br/><br/>"'Tis not much, but should serve you better than your old clothes."