The Dryad's Loyalty

Chapter 5: Settling In

Bowser walked across the black streets of the Darklands, still carrying Hazel on his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, and occasionally waving to his subjects, who'd all stare in curiosity ad the unknown person.

Hazel didn't really enjoy being stared at, but eventually had to come to terms with it and simply went back to looking at the environment, occasionally fanning their face as the hot climate really wasn't for them.
"This... is all really cool I'll admit- but how do you guys deal with... living at the base of a volcano?" they inquired, wanting to know more.

Bowser looked down at them "Oh? Well, nothing too fancy, I just ordered my royal advisor and some other magikoopas cast a powerful barrier spell, that way we don't have to worry about eruptions and the like" he explained, still quite proud of that decision. If only it could also keep the Mario brothers outside of his kingdom it would've truly been perfect.

"That's- very handy-" the dryad muttered, eventually falling silent again as the two approached the huge castle, and though the sky was mostly obscured by a thick layer of ashes, Hazel could tell nighttime was approaching already. 

Bowser easily pushed the big doors open, and was greeted by many worried servants, all asking if he was okay, and expressing their relief in seeing him come back safe and sound, until someone noticed the thing, or rather, person, that he was carrying on his shoulder.
The koopa king finally put Hazel back on the ground, lifting them up by their little mantle and placing them on the floor.
"This is Hazel, a brand new addition to the troops"

"Oooh" the guards all said in unison, inspecting Hazel, until a paratroopa got a bit too close and the dryad lost their patience.
"Hey, back off! I'm not some kind of exhibit!" they said, pushing the winged koopa away. "And I'm NOT a new addition to your troops-" they doubled down, glaring at Bowser, who simply ignored them.

"S-sorry sorry" the paratroopa quickly apologized "It's just that... I've never seen your kind around here"
The other guards all nodded and mumbled in agreement.
"Like- you look human... but you also have wings so-"

"They're a Dryad." a voice suddenly spoke up, and soon, someone materialized in the great hall, with a puff of colorful smoke, circles, triangles and squares.
It was an old-looking magikoopa, wearing a classic blue robe. He fixed his glasses with his tiny clawed hand, before teleporting right in front of Hazel, looking at them and then turning to the king.
"Your grouchiness, where did you find them?" he asked, squinting his eyes.

"An oak forest, where else? We fought a really obnoxious prince, and now they're here." he recounted "But anyway, it doesn't matter, actually, Kamek, now that you're here... lead them to the servants' quarters, will you?" Bowser ordered, crossing his arms. "They gotta start getting acquainted with the rest of my troops"

The magikoopa sighed and nodded slightly, not wanting to ask any questions for now "As you wish, Sire... meanwhile, you should really head to the little prince's room, he was really worried since you weren't coming back and has refused numerous times to go to bed" he added, pointing his scepter towards the big koopa.

Bowser's expression briefly went from tough and bossy, to one of genuine concern "I'll go right away-" he muttered, rushing off into one of the many hallways of the castle.  

With that out of the way, Kamek shooed the guards away and faced Hazel "Follow me, this way" he said, already bee-lining to some location unknown to them.

Feeling like this might've been a good time to make their case known, Hazel spoke up "Y-you're Bowser's royal advisor right...?" the dryad asked as they kept up with the old magikoopa on foot.

"A sharp one aren't you?" Kamek commented "Yes, I am... why do you ask?"

"Well- I promised Bowser I'd repay him for helping me out with... that prince he mentioned, who was threatening my forest. But I never thought that serving in his army would be an option! I-I'm not a fighter, I just want to have a peaceful life... but he dragged me all the way here against my will-" they tried to explain as the magikoopa sped up "Y-you're basically his right hand man, yeah? Isn't there anything you can do to change his mind?"