[ He hurries along with Aspen at the next sequence of noise: the rattle of a branch when it's struck, the pop of the seedlings opening, and the harpies bellowing out a series of deeply offended screeches and squawks.

Dimitri would deny it, but there's a faint amusement in his eyes. It's a better mood than bloodlust, at least. ]

I was born blessed with strength. [ Stated without arrogance, and followed naturally by self-deprecation. ] And not much else, I'm afraid. If you'd asked me to cast a spell instead, it'd be a much... sadder performance.

[ magic hard :( ]

I can protect you, but I doubt brute strength will regain this lost lantern. [ The dark bleariness of these woods promises that there's more than just harpies. ] Where to even begin looking for it...?