[@Xaltwind][@The Irish Tree][@BurningDaisies]

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Lord Chompy Bits turned and replied with a calm, mild grin, but his eyes gleamed with interest. [color=#30D5C8][b]"What a splendid idea, Gromgard. By all means, scratch my ears. Pat my head like a good servant. Shall we [i]cuddle[/i]? I do enjoy cuddling."[/b][/color] His tone mimicked the shadow's sarcastic jabs, except the little nightmare seemed deadly serious about his offers. One could only guess what he really meant by 'cuddling'. He gracefully padded toward Gromgard, his whole body rumbling with a sinister purr. [color=#30D5C8][b]"Treats too, oh yes! I love [i]treats[/i]."[/b][/color] His tail flicked with a renewed interest as he looked up at the General expectantly. [color=#30D5C8][b]"Perhaps I can have you over for dinner?"[/b][/color] His enthralling blue eyes gleamed with malice.

Gromgard glared at the cat. [color=f1f101]"Just because you are a chapter keeper doesn't mean you're above me. I am more useful in the field than you. If you're joining my quest, I suggest you treat me with more respect, cat."[/color]

He then turned to bow to Ashara in return. [color=f1f101]"My apologies about our last meeting."[/color] He gave the cat once last glance before heading back towards his own room to ready to leave again.

Lord Chompy Bits stared vacantly at the living shadow as he complained about status and respect. He rolled his eyes. [color=#30D5C8][b]"Respect?"[/b][/color] An obnoxious chuckle rumbled out of his snout. [color=#30D5C8][b]"You speak as though you've somehow earned it. Did you believe your rank entitled you to it? [i]Hardly[/i]. Your outrage sounds more like a childish tantrum. Perhaps... beneath that shadowy exterior, you really are just a whimpering child, desperate for attention."[/b][/color] His eyes narrowed to slits, as each scathing word was enunciated with scalpel-like precision. [color=#30D5C8][b]"I'm not your nanny, dear boy, so find someone else to nurse your bruised ego. You'll get no solace from me."[/b][/color] His gaze was sharper than ever.

Gromgard froze in his tracks to return his glare back to the cat. [color=f1f101]"I have no ego to bruise. But that could explain your heartless attitude. You don't want to make enemies of your allies and you're going to do that quickly if you don't straighten up your act."[/color] Ignoring anything else Chompy had to say, he left the room to ready for the travel.

[color=#30D5C8][b]"Mmm'yes, truly enlightening. I enjoy these little conversations of ours, Gromgard."[/b][/color] Sarcasm oozed from him like a potent miasma, his eyes glazed over with boredom. [color=#30D5C8][b]"I look forward to our journey together. Perhaps you can provide more lectures for me to ignore."[/b][/color] With a swish of his tail, he sauntered off, deeper into the Chateau.

Once Ashara and Chompy Bits arrived outside, Gromgard was already waiting with 10 goblins. Like last time, he had his 5 scouts. He also had chosen a barbarian with a hammer, a dual-wielding swordsman, Gnarl with his spellbook, a fighter with a halberd and some throwing spears, and an idiot with a shield on each hand.
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