My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.197Please respect copyright.PENANACR8fgi9JgL
197Please respect copyright.PENANAg4c4rxnvDk
The air inside the guild did nothing to ease the tension. Aside from the creaking of the wood, and the soft sound of pen on paper from the receptionist, the room was silent. I was beginning to regret showing up early, even if it was a proactive and intelligent decision.197Please respect copyright.PENANAyohemDtIHJ
197Please respect copyright.PENANAQSDnPULLLL
"Haa..."197Please respect copyright.PENANAIpeJafPYzI
197Please respect copyright.PENANAMCxgd3BMbm
"Are you okay?"197Please respect copyright.PENANALHODZuLP2h
197Please respect copyright.PENANAkPTgnk6dCg
"Phew. Now I am."197Please respect copyright.PENANAxmlj4Dt4FZ
197Please respect copyright.PENANAeLCjd3jSCY
Flinty was sitting on the stool beside me. Hearing her speak calmed me immensely, but then she snatched my wrist and the anxiety came crawling back.197Please respect copyright.PENANAfiqhsD6pw0
197Please respect copyright.PENANArSc3VsN9QX
"W-What is it?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAFtDXbfe3rf
197Please respect copyright.PENANA04JCkp0yMS
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."197Please respect copyright.PENANAJetFkMLxyv
197Please respect copyright.PENANAbjQTpCUKM2
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."197Please respect copyright.PENANAwu5UzwXWkL
197Please respect copyright.PENANACeI6Uj5xyi
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAdzhUTrz6Yi
197Please respect copyright.PENANA1xRURfmZoa
"Well..."197Please respect copyright.PENANAoMEsGljbMM
197Please respect copyright.PENANAjsjvPhLsRe
I didn't tell her about the mission from last week, nor did I have any intention to, so I just returned to silently perching in the guild.197Please respect copyright.PENANAf256EH8RVK
197Please respect copyright.PENANAIcmQ3eCcR8
"Come on, tell me!"197Please respect copyright.PENANA9fzC60kg8G
197Please respect copyright.PENANAtBCDDH1bCj
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."197Please respect copyright.PENANARGbWR9eoHx
197Please respect copyright.PENANAxAHKwSAth8
She sighed and shrugged.197Please respect copyright.PENANAyKm7uZPzkh
197Please respect copyright.PENANAj6fpQ90YDa
"Are you feeling nervous?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAzoK3dEcro3
197Please respect copyright.PENANAMaKTm14gCS
"Of course I am."197Please respect copyright.PENANAn88YrE3IJs
197Please respect copyright.PENANAa8UijLQVMv
"You shouldn't be."197Please respect copyright.PENANAYWnjlOZJ2P
197Please respect copyright.PENANAgUuail37uc
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."197Please respect copyright.PENANAf7Doq9TjhN
197Please respect copyright.PENANAihZ0Vb12FG
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."197Please respect copyright.PENANANjIBF31FUZ
197Please respect copyright.PENANA5fxE9sm3yH
"...What's that supposed to mean?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAEhGthVnyO0
197Please respect copyright.PENANAEOOjzmSMsj
I sighed and dropped my head, staring at my knees. I thought about putting my finger in my mouth again. Instead, I continued to wait, staring at the door in anticipation for the teammates whose identities I didn't know.197Please respect copyright.PENANABBnENzuUHd
197Please respect copyright.PENANAi1J8baIbEQ
"I think you came here a little too early."197Please respect copyright.PENANALZC4JTC71R
197Please respect copyright.PENANA9d8Swtgdx5
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."197Please respect copyright.PENANA1wMQmQpONF
197Please respect copyright.PENANAJgtX0jzwg3
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"197Please respect copyright.PENANApMPhpMgbiL
197Please respect copyright.PENANAqIJ6Oftrt4
My cheeks turned rosy. I nodded and kept staring at the door, trying my hardest to keep my gaze away from her.
"Hey, wait, why isn't the Tea Mage here to see me off–"
**SMASH**
The guild doors suddenly flung open. I was hoping I spoke my complaints into existence, but instead of seeing a stuck-up middle-aged man, I saw a girl around the same age as Victoria. Her red hair was tied into a small ponytail, and she had what looked to be a rapier by her hip and a dagger on the other side.
She made eye contact with me, and I shuddered; something about her almond-shaped eyes unnerved me. She narrowed them and then stomped toward the receptionist's desk. They talked about something, the girl made a face of disbelief, then she begrudgingly trotted to Flinty and me.
"Hi, I'm Flinty!"
The girl glanced at her and then looked at me with her arms crossed.
"Are you two seriously my teammates?"
"No no, I'm not working with you two. Kenny is, though. Anyway, it's nice to meet–"
"Gah, are you serious? This little brat is working with me?"
"Brat!? You're hardly older than me!"
She flagrantly pointed at me. Her irritation morphed into ire when I made my comment.
"So what! At least I'm old enough to think for myself, and do taxes or whatever! You just came out of the womb!"
"What the hell are you saying!? Is this any way to introduce yourself to a teammate!?"
"Of course it isn't, which is why I'm talking to you like this!"
I looked over at Flinty, making my bewilderment known from my expression. She looked upset herself, but from the shrug she gave me, I could tell that she wanted no part of this.
I didn't either. This girl was rude and unnecessarily hostile. So I just crossed my arms and looked the other way.
"See! You're admitting to it by shutting up!"
"Admitting to what? I'm your teammate whether you like it or not. If you don't believe me, you'll find out soon enough."
"Hmph! We'll see."
I stuck my tongue out to her. She stormed away and sat at one of the tables
"I don't like her," I muttered.
"Yeah, she's really rude. I think she should apologize."
"I'd rather we don't speak again."
"...But isn't she your teammate? You'll have to do it again eventually."
"That's–"
A good point, I wanted to say, but couldn't squeeze it out of my mind. I sighed and rubbed my temples.
"At least try getting her name."
"Why don't you do it? You're better at handling these things than I am."
"How is she supposed to apologize to you then?"
"I don't care about an apology!"
"Of course you do! You wanted one from the prince, remember? You totally care about whether people apologize or not!"
"...Darn it."
She saw right through me. I didn't want to get up and talk to her, but logically speaking, it was the best course of action.
I groaned as I glared at the girl. She didn't return any looks. She looked like she was about to fall asleep. A perfect excuse to not talk to her presented itself, and I–
"Ack!"197Please respect copyright.PENANAwScbtGPK70
197Please respect copyright.PENANAUlR2cDonP8
Was smacked by Flinty.
"Go!"
"G-Goodness, when did you get so bossy?"
"I-I'm not bossy! I'm just trying to help."
"Fine, I'll do it."
I hopped off the stool and walked towards her, rubbing my shoulder on the way. I stood beside her in silence for a few seconds and she said nothing. I imitated a cough into my fist. She opened one of her eyes and glared at me.197Please respect copyright.PENANArfmyCeIjF9
197Please respect copyright.PENANAP3s6Rm67Yo
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."197Please respect copyright.PENANAeihgNT43eq
197Please respect copyright.PENANA0yuY76WfBB
Three times did I want to stop talking and walk away, and two times did I reconsider sticking my hand out, but I did so anyway. She looked at my hand for an uncomfortably long amount of time. I was growing increasingly annoyed.197Please respect copyright.PENANAHCmrV69i9j
197Please respect copyright.PENANAHUEaHP00dw
"Aren't you going to say something?"197Please respect copyright.PENANA8Xif8H3T4g
197Please respect copyright.PENANAsq6W6BxBGp
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."197Please respect copyright.PENANAhvZOialB2h
197Please respect copyright.PENANAxphMOvUnQK
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"197Please respect copyright.PENANAUIAshtniul
197Please respect copyright.PENANALmdv1Lckq9
I pulled out my card and showed it to her. I didn't actually know if we had the same mission, but I was willing to bet on it. She skimmed over the details and pulled out her own. Her eyes suddenly opened wide, and a smirk plastered on my face.197Please respect copyright.PENANAfez17lb2hi
197Please respect copyright.PENANAvwqDOlMK8P
"...I-I still don't believe you."197Please respect copyright.PENANARs3w7tlfwL
197Please respect copyright.PENANAxT1Eth1wdb
"Are you serious!?"197Please respect copyright.PENANA7HcDCAIJCN
197Please respect copyright.PENANAvLyy25pQOz
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.197Please respect copyright.PENANA0d6GoM43Xr
197Please respect copyright.PENANA11THC4f2jC
"Can I at least have your name?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAqZE5MDsQlu
197Please respect copyright.PENANAPAonmKhpcz
Sweat beads formed on her as her gaze switched between me and her card. It was obvious that she knew she was wrong, and yet, she refused to admit it.197Please respect copyright.PENANAzoVK5F0SaF
197Please respect copyright.PENANAAT4hRQwXEp
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"197Please respect copyright.PENANAITGMmftU9j
197Please respect copyright.PENANABVOn5OhQfz
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.197Please respect copyright.PENANAiPSAlBfMcx
197Please respect copyright.PENANAXwvP2ymDOu
"A-Alright, I won't forget."197Please respect copyright.PENANAEuc3vKDahX
197Please respect copyright.PENANAzR8ufvhBJX
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"197Please respect copyright.PENANA8sdXxVj1lc
197Please respect copyright.PENANAuaZlIjR6vq
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."197Please respect copyright.PENANAVmLBaEi48X
197Please respect copyright.PENANA4P0Xn2bVaW
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.197Please respect copyright.PENANAF4Qw1OPeVA
197Please respect copyright.PENANA2AgD5z6d9t
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"197Please respect copyright.PENANA68ObV4xGKX
197Please respect copyright.PENANAHKcj1ZM6bb
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"197Please respect copyright.PENANAdIcJCSpTaL
197Please respect copyright.PENANAYpcaBUvtXk
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.197Please respect copyright.PENANA2SGhYjgg8r
197Please respect copyright.PENANA33aNPaPXjz
"She's not very nice at all."197Please respect copyright.PENANAx26PClvevp
197Please respect copyright.PENANA50Yu8kVTrT
"I suppose not."197Please respect copyright.PENANAOIs8UXIqez
197Please respect copyright.PENANAJh1kTPn8GI
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."197Please respect copyright.PENANAllJj6ZbMnd
197Please respect copyright.PENANAsn09VblCeG
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"197Please respect copyright.PENANAe9pMS8hzA0
197Please respect copyright.PENANAd3CShLgGKL
**SMASH**197Please respect copyright.PENANAfJtSuULokV
197Please respect copyright.PENANAaltKJSyrBD
The door flung open yet again, revealing a tall and fibrous figure. Once he stepped outside of the blinding sun's light and into the guild, all of his features became distinguishable.197Please respect copyright.PENANA1JL0IHQ1k6
197Please respect copyright.PENANAePTxMZ6oka
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.197Please respect copyright.PENANAyG2e85tXZF
197Please respect copyright.PENANALIQQpAHBDL
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"197Please respect copyright.PENANAHsA9WMs1Dz
197Please respect copyright.PENANAk3o0QUkQv6
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.197Please respect copyright.PENANAS1Iv5BDmcj
197Please respect copyright.PENANArBpSf1qrz2
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"197Please respect copyright.PENANA8RJ1ycnMTR
197Please respect copyright.PENANAsYYmGIqmGw
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."197Please respect copyright.PENANAyED4jiF6nf
197Please respect copyright.PENANAVibZlbMNVo
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.197Please respect copyright.PENANAZvy81i7y9v
197Please respect copyright.PENANA3gf8JERwJi
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."197Please respect copyright.PENANApo4Qv9oaRd
197Please respect copyright.PENANA0kWlmzEM4T
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"197Please respect copyright.PENANA6K9sbGPoSX
197Please respect copyright.PENANAWDM51s96Ug
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.197Please respect copyright.PENANAUc6G5qQQhA
197Please respect copyright.PENANAGHGagOaVMe
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAMeV9KnzHXJ
197Please respect copyright.PENANArMYlHrtetD
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAJxC5mNxCOm
197Please respect copyright.PENANA3LhBZSVJa9
"No, not at all."197Please respect copyright.PENANALL6TCKz7a0
197Please respect copyright.PENANANPPRBVNGO2
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"197Please respect copyright.PENANANYAPee2PPE
197Please respect copyright.PENANALUwASlYMP0
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.197Please respect copyright.PENANAfDgvEJb6oE
197Please respect copyright.PENANAHkkUCvqbjX
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."197Please respect copyright.PENANAJXsd5RQhPc
197Please respect copyright.PENANAJ7FwYXBPVO
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.197Please respect copyright.PENANASiZpihdkaa
197Please respect copyright.PENANAAzB235MFBq
"Is she our teammate?"197Please respect copyright.PENANADu7EpUWag7
197Please respect copyright.PENANAxgJ7mPqjhn
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."197Please respect copyright.PENANAi7m5mWVZk4
197Please respect copyright.PENANApakXvwrNzI
"That so? Lemme test the waters."197Please respect copyright.PENANALBgArUTYxS
197Please respect copyright.PENANAaKttSSjXWr
"You'll regret it."197Please respect copyright.PENANAG4yUtIFg0h
197Please respect copyright.PENANAF6QKCltKU4
I leaned back and watched the impending catastrophe unfold before me. Juke greeted Rover, she mentioned something about him looking strong which Juke rebuked, they shook hands, exchanged names, and Juke walked back to me.197Please respect copyright.PENANALB6EM6waOM
197Please respect copyright.PENANAM0ssW26cIz
"...Wait."197Please respect copyright.PENANAcsfhqQoPdP
197Please respect copyright.PENANAikRw7Uf6NG
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!197Please respect copyright.PENANAufDBH9XZJP
197Please respect copyright.PENANAGCHmPFQXdw
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."197Please respect copyright.PENANAlz0m80O791
197Please respect copyright.PENANAJ9xJnQ27Hw
"A little? Just a little?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAzeLoETNwDn
197Please respect copyright.PENANAcYWonCQmme
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."197Please respect copyright.PENANAsooMRbFvF6
197Please respect copyright.PENANAuK6wWAo1sj
"I met her five minutes ago!"197Please respect copyright.PENANAHpnRy8XCVC
197Please respect copyright.PENANAUAauv2D0Gw
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.197Please respect copyright.PENANAG0bFErciI1
197Please respect copyright.PENANAOu08yV3rk2
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."197Please respect copyright.PENANAFK7Z2OhWy7
197Please respect copyright.PENANAPnJlisCm21
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."197Please respect copyright.PENANA6bspWsDHwT
197Please respect copyright.PENANA5PgfgyyrVH
"Really?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAqPUFIa8gPO
197Please respect copyright.PENANAkuIaN5Xozs
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.197Please respect copyright.PENANAG1DckJZNgI
197Please respect copyright.PENANAtiJUVRpky9
"What do you mean 'really'?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAIjPH7ZP3HV
197Please respect copyright.PENANAc6yhDTK49Q
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAX6gKOEZsCl
197Please respect copyright.PENANARaXZRbVwNO
"--!"197Please respect copyright.PENANAvTl6O9eQWD
197Please respect copyright.PENANAQVs6gbf6WZ
I understood the underlying message of her words. I thought about it myself, and she was right. I wasn't feeling nervous at all. Though, frustration wasn't a preferable alternative.197Please respect copyright.PENANAgbI1gpuph4
197Please respect copyright.PENANA0dds4axh46
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."197Please respect copyright.PENANAF0SaiXrDbH
197Please respect copyright.PENANA2tLOVjTLpx
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."197Please respect copyright.PENANAmdXzhmzioZ
197Please respect copyright.PENANA21SHEubefx
**SMASH**197Please respect copyright.PENANAZodn3V2i2t
197Please respect copyright.PENANAveDYBO4yDv
The guild's doors swiftly opened for the third time. The figure there was tall, and his apparel made him unrecognizable, even when he stepped inside. Everyone's attention was fixed on the man. He scanned the room and nodded to himself as if this was the reaction he wanted. Then, the man took his head off.197Please respect copyright.PENANAMihoblkcci
197Please respect copyright.PENANA9UUnPpDXKC
My jaw dropped yet again.197Please respect copyright.PENANAhPOvbhycNC
197Please respect copyright.PENANAN07jn6ltmD
"ROY!?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAi54n5GGNn4
197Please respect copyright.PENANAgqY20HjZeL
–
–
–
Certainly, Roy's visit was a surprise. I thought for a moment that he would be joining us on our mission, but he immediately called me a fool for even thinking that.197Please respect copyright.PENANAWHsBFFtgct
197Please respect copyright.PENANARCXGC9rXP5
Roy was responsible for handing us our cargo and carriage. Juke held a package in his hand, and we were also given a map of the city we were visiting. Roy didn't say much afterward, he was simply standing and waiting for us to leave. Considering my impression of him, even this much consideration was a shock.197Please respect copyright.PENANAYuAUQfELii
197Please respect copyright.PENANAdiN2z8KZRB
"Alright, the cargo's packed, and the carriage is full of a bunch of food. Should last us a month if we don't waste it all. Water's up in the air, though."197Please respect copyright.PENANAMeTmK21NrF
197Please respect copyright.PENANAidnCgDdoSU
Juke exited the carriage after a quick inspection, rubbing his helmet at his assessment.
"I can make water with magic," I replied, "it shouldn't be an issue."197Please respect copyright.PENANACvPivVz72n
197Please respect copyright.PENANADWX5f9XK90
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAWoiBijGjfO
197Please respect copyright.PENANASqZ0w4EU2F
Once Juke asked the question, Rover immediately stomped towards and entered the carriage. I looked at the carriage's steps, partially in sympathy, but more so because I was cringing at the prospect of riding with her.197Please respect copyright.PENANA76MhEevr2P
197Please respect copyright.PENANAF7T92VuuAo
Also, it didn't help that the entrance to the very thing I've been losing hair over was standing right there. I did not doubt that, once I entered it, it would galvanize me into staying put, and something about that terrified me.197Please respect copyright.PENANA1XWan1Bm0Z
197Please respect copyright.PENANAeKMFIiBAU8
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."197Please respect copyright.PENANAQoCA3I3SdN
197Please respect copyright.PENANAUsoeevHdIV
"R-Right."197Please respect copyright.PENANAXFDhe0KdrM
197Please respect copyright.PENANA3wzoI7qWjo
Juke entered the carriage, leaving me alone. I gulped and took a step forward, pulling my finger to my mouth and clasping it with my teeth–197Please respect copyright.PENANAWoQ5nBAoYX
197Please respect copyright.PENANAZfk5ObbV2X
"Ack!"197Please respect copyright.PENANAlezzEbrG9x
197Please respect copyright.PENANAdSf9o9YKuv
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.197Please respect copyright.PENANAYb7sRJtCpT
197Please respect copyright.PENANAYY8Eh5yIHG
"F-Flinty, what was–"197Please respect copyright.PENANAQoOqBWU3du
197Please respect copyright.PENANA4WXMSMVdiM
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"197Please respect copyright.PENANAZNBFse5T2F
197Please respect copyright.PENANAUZkLqpRw9d
I was expecting a frown or a scowl, but instead, I was greeted with an assuring grin and a thumbs-up. I was baffled and at a loss for words, and I still had my finger in my mouth.197Please respect copyright.PENANAtXYM9wIT8a
197Please respect copyright.PENANAtORmMROfjd
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."197Please respect copyright.PENANABCxetpAG91
197Please respect copyright.PENANA9jIs27N5Jg
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"197Please respect copyright.PENANAsUPe8U1EzN
197Please respect copyright.PENANAubXIPCZHe7
"No, I'm not just saying it."197Please respect copyright.PENANAEqYPOMAZr9
197Please respect copyright.PENANAKZqWUuhpLU
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.197Please respect copyright.PENANAH9y6HPPKDF
197Please respect copyright.PENANA9Vdl4zPMKR
"I don't get why you're so nervous, but I think you should have more confidence in yourself. I mean, you're Kenny, aren't you? You always manage to do amazing things, y'know."197Please respect copyright.PENANAStX66xqHih
197Please respect copyright.PENANAAYQJozqjb8
I wanted to refute her words, but I couldn't find it in me to do so. They were too, joyful, and too much like her.197Please respect copyright.PENANACcyUhJCPqE
197Please respect copyright.PENANAJKjlbHrh4E
"Even if you meet someone big and bad, even if you have to fight the likes of Hard-Bringer, I'm sure you'll be fine! You're tough, and you're a good person, a-and even if you get scared, you've got friends with you; friends who can fight and who you can rely on."197Please respect copyright.PENANABJRWqOxG5U
197Please respect copyright.PENANAO1jbsrowc1
"I–"197Please respect copyright.PENANASVesFQEiPK
197Please respect copyright.PENANApGIUXfdT7x
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"197Please respect copyright.PENANAO9STGHemwh
197Please respect copyright.PENANAFk7sbbtKJg
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"197Please respect copyright.PENANA0L8g3HJ82v
197Please respect copyright.PENANAKTPDqlTF5D
I repeated some of her words, digesting them as I stared at the ground. I didn't agree with her assessment at all, not one but. And yet–197Please respect copyright.PENANAyDI2PaeYhI
197Please respect copyright.PENANAlNZzOn6ENM
And yet...197Please respect copyright.PENANARNYX7ezMKS
197Please respect copyright.PENANAMrDhImdeaL
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."197Please respect copyright.PENANAYjzsVoRJ2W
197Please respect copyright.PENANAKN64TBqIhB
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.197Please respect copyright.PENANApsr4CtNVPB
197Please respect copyright.PENANARrMFqAjOWx
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"197Please respect copyright.PENANA4h5xbev9Va
197Please respect copyright.PENANAAR3GIgOIpy
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.197Please respect copyright.PENANA5OAT2gnqdH
197Please respect copyright.PENANAHz4raPmXmf
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAtDzjdoNkIW
197Please respect copyright.PENANAelC4qMRojp
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."197Please respect copyright.PENANAOhw0l44jFv
197Please respect copyright.PENANAeyhoxoxphS
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"197Please respect copyright.PENANA4k9A1BxXys
197Please respect copyright.PENANAfJ0J3HTcHC
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"197Please respect copyright.PENANAm9diK4JZ4L
197Please respect copyright.PENANAl8ATFrwPHS
"O-Okay."197Please respect copyright.PENANAbszuMPhV3n
197Please respect copyright.PENANAdRrvu7yZ1Q
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.197Please respect copyright.PENANASn2OOs8nmM
197Please respect copyright.PENANAkV4TddjzG3
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."197Please respect copyright.PENANAINNkWD6LWu
197Please respect copyright.PENANA0AtBbwdRhg
"Okay okay, fine."197Please respect copyright.PENANAbnkShffofm
197Please respect copyright.PENANAajwPcZNjJc
I ran up the stairs of the cart, peering my head over the threshold at Flinty and waving at her. I entered the carriage and sat beside Juke and opposite Rover.197Please respect copyright.PENANADxPTXfW1Ia
197Please respect copyright.PENANAuQx4xqgwz5
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."197Please respect copyright.PENANAmGVKsPXuan
197Please respect copyright.PENANA2kPYFLgidw
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.197Please respect copyright.PENANA9vXJ6pJDy3
197Please respect copyright.PENANAKIM3ZpAuqc
–
–
–
The wheels against the paved trail provided a comfortable amount of drone to the ride. It removed the silence and made the experience of looking out the window far more delightful. Though, I wasn't the most qualified envoy of such information. No, that was Rover.197Please respect copyright.PENANAZxLY8VBl6S
197Please respect copyright.PENANAg789q7fXQZ
She was on her knees with her head sticking out the window, taking in the sights and making gleeful noises like a child. Considering her age, it wouldn't be unfair to call her one. It was equally expected as it was surprising.197Please respect copyright.PENANAg4BPahitng
197Please respect copyright.PENANANcvq7VLTVp
Truthfully though, I could care less about the enjoyment she experienced from the ride. The reason why her giddiness was welcoming was because I didn't have to talk to her. And because I didn't have to talk to her, I was enjoying the quiet ambiance of the ride, my eyes closed as my head was turned to the ceiling.197Please respect copyright.PENANAzbJ7yh7Pii
197Please respect copyright.PENANA617kbmlGcJ
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAglRnDpt6ht
197Please respect copyright.PENANACeug5T2yve
"Huh...? What did you say?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAb14KLA0GxM
197Please respect copyright.PENANArj0IgNz9B6
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.197Please respect copyright.PENANAXKdTIcCuCt
197Please respect copyright.PENANAOkBJhcLQXA
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"197Please respect copyright.PENANA6ODlrcG8Bf
197Please respect copyright.PENANADCDY9HUa3P
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."197Please respect copyright.PENANAH9FXNcc42v
197Please respect copyright.PENANAY9jDpYJXfj
I looked turned my head and looked into the back of the carriage. All our food and resources were stored there, as well as our package. I couldn't see the map, but I was certain that someone had it on their body.197Please respect copyright.PENANAjpzBHIzwjh
197Please respect copyright.PENANAbI2ATAjYzX
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"197Please respect copyright.PENANApLk2079S0q
197Please respect copyright.PENANAnh4J9oKOt2
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."197Please respect copyright.PENANAgjywEHyr4j
197Please respect copyright.PENANAJqXe38rYrf
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."197Please respect copyright.PENANAqIWp4NybhG
197Please respect copyright.PENANAd33ZaNSsn6
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."197Please respect copyright.PENANAiMBLx1ny8Y
197Please respect copyright.PENANAlPLxkz2wNJ
"Note?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAlp1X6YTuh1
197Please respect copyright.PENANAtUjMG9ub4r
I turned to Juke who now had a piece of paper in his hands. It was... glistening, and though I couldn't tell what made it so, it likely served as protection from damage.197Please respect copyright.PENANA9D1fntRoG3
197Please respect copyright.PENANAryfGII2YyR
"What does it say?"197Please respect copyright.PENANA7aqMhxVBbI
197Please respect copyright.PENANAZ3uZ6MG6ca
"It's just using the royal name and all that. Kind of like a free ticket to a play, only for whatever this 'Communication Tower' is."197Please respect copyright.PENANAwqL78yKMwI
197Please respect copyright.PENANAezRwkYRZRq
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."197Please respect copyright.PENANA28U7Fw96NK
197Please respect copyright.PENANAB2OoA5lKtr
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"197Please respect copyright.PENANADbOd2kfxCA
197Please respect copyright.PENANAvaVhBQ24hB
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."197Please respect copyright.PENANAcci9QcHgzV
197Please respect copyright.PENANAcpKcBrgZna
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."197Please respect copyright.PENANAYYWdk18LCY
197Please respect copyright.PENANACHq5pRDXIB
Juke sighed and put the paper away.197Please respect copyright.PENANAELJ2YBkzPD
197Please respect copyright.PENANADBlWJwrKjO
"So, how's about a story?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAyCqQQognj3
197Please respect copyright.PENANAurdgyoScSL
"Why are you asking a child for a story? Aren't you, what, in your forties? Don't you have something more interesting to tell?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAWXBRrqJY5H
197Please respect copyright.PENANAGIammG8gBx
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."197Please respect copyright.PENANAfGeOZlnnFX
197Please respect copyright.PENANAU2hY07ugbO
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.197Please respect copyright.PENANAeNiNMV8WZ7
197Please respect copyright.PENANAaf0m9LGJjQ
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."197Please respect copyright.PENANANA3XtmFAAi
197Please respect copyright.PENANAB7S371q3et
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."197Please respect copyright.PENANAJgJUfCRZg9
197Please respect copyright.PENANAVNztdj3rgf
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAMpXjoBMs1m
197Please respect copyright.PENANAYnm2IEu1sM
A new voice entered the conversation, and who else could it be but Rover? She perked up at the word 'story' like a puppy who was offered a new toy. She had a sparkle in her eyes that she tried to hide immediately after asking her question.197Please respect copyright.PENANAzr6m0LYRRw
197Please respect copyright.PENANAqXvbI5P4Ue
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."197Please respect copyright.PENANAsqSB3ZnOfW
197Please respect copyright.PENANAAslSIEAbkh
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"197Please respect copyright.PENANAdaDqd6AIvh
197Please respect copyright.PENANA1SqTwaqr69
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"197Please respect copyright.PENANAag7zUvc1Fs
197Please respect copyright.PENANA1LhJJlFpK0
"Seriously? You have to be lying."197Please respect copyright.PENANAinUPKteeXW
197Please respect copyright.PENANAreSfyGE8fR
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."197Please respect copyright.PENANA5km9Eb4HUx
197Please respect copyright.PENANAJUT56S5tbd
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."197Please respect copyright.PENANAD9hjnT6KuD
197Please respect copyright.PENANAdRZxUfwBTp
"Nah, I ain't got anything like that. I'm a weak guy, so I don't have any crazy feats or big battles. I got some other stories I can tell ya, though."197Please respect copyright.PENANAt4f6Ut47co
197Please respect copyright.PENANATOCPkEsz0F
"Like what?" I asked.197Please respect copyright.PENANAqDt4JEz5kS
197Please respect copyright.PENANAreJ1ICMFof
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAg13SxumTt1
197Please respect copyright.PENANA61a7Y7gshQ
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.197Please respect copyright.PENANA2Ijlrz2FLh
197Please respect copyright.PENANAbh9YoESdDg
"...Stardust?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAysn9iHEoJi
197Please respect copyright.PENANAGxNjgkztAn
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAK6T4cTAC0a
197Please respect copyright.PENANA2b8i2wXeMM
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.197Please respect copyright.PENANAjtQCDwtp86
197Please respect copyright.PENANAyMtkxtFStt
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"197Please respect copyright.PENANA0u88cMwL2T
197Please respect copyright.PENANAjT3I1Owi9A
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"197Please respect copyright.PENANAzD8QrXPQAB
197Please respect copyright.PENANAR8iztoOf0E
"...The what?"197Please respect copyright.PENANANRXsDxwLQC
197Please respect copyright.PENANAQZRUERSmBD
This was the first time I've ever heard of this. Rover seemingly grew tired of making miffed and shocked expressions, because she sat down right across from me and cleared her throat.197Please respect copyright.PENANAZcKAzvkAou
197Please respect copyright.PENANA3zphEDa6Ef
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."197Please respect copyright.PENANAVjz9cRocC0
197Please respect copyright.PENANANTU619O8RI
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"197Please respect copyright.PENANA0nlyJRkh5p
197Please respect copyright.PENANAmxCIdQE2Jb
"Of course I do!"197Please respect copyright.PENANAvTBbSKWdDJ
197Please respect copyright.PENANAQFKJ1UDeVC
She pumped her fist.197Please respect copyright.PENANA7zUn5TNuqZ
197Please respect copyright.PENANAaQJ0dXqXXF
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAWHKyMWAnAy
197Please respect copyright.PENANAaycVWn1HaH
"Sorry, Juke, but this is more important than one of your fairy tales. I can't stand by and let such an uneducated brat remain uneducated."197Please respect copyright.PENANAdLVcuKYc0G
197Please respect copyright.PENANAQPGmO9eM7g
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.197Please respect copyright.PENANAxLIRxsSbpM
197Please respect copyright.PENANA6FrRoCjVzX
"Alright, so here's how the story goes: long ago, the humans in the Flatlands got tired of being treated badly by all the other races. So, they built ships and traveled the seas to–"197Please respect copyright.PENANA7HKGoWiAP3
197Please respect copyright.PENANAuv8QDSsukX
"I already know this."197Please respect copyright.PENANA1p8LIbs0cI
197Please respect copyright.PENANAWhSamgQ2NL
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"197Please respect copyright.PENANAPqWMDiBsAu
197Please respect copyright.PENANAVqHiSeHRnD
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."197Please respect copyright.PENANA2XjHLEX3MR
197Please respect copyright.PENANAgsMh1ZQI5S
"Arg, well, there were twelve ships in particular, and the captains of each were total legends. Stardust in particular was known for being super powerful, but also a total pacifist. She's awesome."197Please respect copyright.PENANATSm7OoMXux
197Please respect copyright.PENANAAdMzD5Do35
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."197Please respect copyright.PENANAdnrxswRVT4
197Please respect copyright.PENANAEjXnCrv0IJ
"Eh? Why?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAsuQt4mLYbs
197Please respect copyright.PENANALZWm4Ng7s2
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.197Please respect copyright.PENANArij8I1wYLl
197Please respect copyright.PENANAq4KSbtSl05
"Anyway, point is, she's a big deal. She's probably the strongest human to have ever lived, and some say she was the strongest even back in the Flatlands. So, Juke–"197Please respect copyright.PENANAWY5Zgm1jY5
197Please respect copyright.PENANAVs3n94W4bD
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.197Please respect copyright.PENANA10sjg25HiY
197Please respect copyright.PENANA5ikXcLaVOI
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAWLp0ZM84XJ
197Please respect copyright.PENANAlUF3CmNZqi
"That's cuz I met her."197Please respect copyright.PENANAGeYi7GLVNh
197Please respect copyright.PENANAqBj0aiygxt
"WHAT!?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAFUE4apOj1d
197Please respect copyright.PENANAK7iEv2J9xO
I nearly saw her eyes bulge out of their sockets. But, I had a question I needed answered before I teased her for her stupid reactions.197Please respect copyright.PENANA3SgZhelO6m
197Please respect copyright.PENANAA8r9nANDD0
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAFJEwD4NTp1
197Please respect copyright.PENANAqXZJSRDzk6
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"197Please respect copyright.PENANAiFmaIIJK1H
197Please respect copyright.PENANA1CAX2fl5BX
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."197Please respect copyright.PENANAsKmyHCMQr3
197Please respect copyright.PENANA2g1SpPgdM5
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."197Please respect copyright.PENANAuoBFwSSJrS
197Please respect copyright.PENANAHKiULf87mR
"You're kidding."197Please respect copyright.PENANAIWUbwXTkkx
197Please respect copyright.PENANAmrc1RgJ6MT
He shook his head no.197Please respect copyright.PENANAXHcWhNyes0
197Please respect copyright.PENANAuoVPNMgG0x
"The way I met her was crazy, I tell ya. It was eight years ago, at the Sextet Rivine. The woman was battered and bruised, hanging on the edge by grabbing onto a tree. It was windy that day, so she was flailing around like a flag. It was hilarious."197Please respect copyright.PENANAUaR07HCi1S
197Please respect copyright.PENANAad8aMB73LQ
"You're making this up," I said.197Please respect copyright.PENANADIS3cEnfWn
197Please respect copyright.PENANA1TU5Q5X5ON
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAQnc7PkhG9u
197Please respect copyright.PENANAYwuCQRiQQG
Juke shrugged.197Please respect copyright.PENANAJXOKGPEGgJ
197Please respect copyright.PENANApVyHbu3H4B
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."197Please respect copyright.PENANAMGmjFN0yog
197Please respect copyright.PENANA2cpSztkyNi
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.197Please respect copyright.PENANArxRAC08ZJ2
197Please respect copyright.PENANARctIhUfTip
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."197Please respect copyright.PENANA4b1XTQLiqm
197Please respect copyright.PENANACDXREZE85H
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."197Please respect copyright.PENANAu7EF5oddYu
197Please respect copyright.PENANALNV3qyKAg7
"Fair enough," I let out under a defeated breath. I was sure now that the job of telling a tale was bestowed upon me, so I needed to think of what part of my life to disclose and a way to divulge it without sounding insipid.197Please respect copyright.PENANA7prad6BJe8
197Please respect copyright.PENANAJimzdXcW7g
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.197Please respect copyright.PENANAmlyVKTnNYA
197Please respect copyright.PENANAp9bwzRZ3Bf
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"197Please respect copyright.PENANATm1Etbspoy
197Please respect copyright.PENANAGut6BsR38l
Rover was livid and spewing spit as she clamored. She quickly calmed herself and sat back down, but her gaze didn't turn any kinder.197Please respect copyright.PENANAdx6CS20hb3
197Please respect copyright.PENANAPoBSBZK1yQ
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"197Please respect copyright.PENANA5BN5opdao1
197Please respect copyright.PENANATuaXF3KDjS
She pointed a finger at him.197Please respect copyright.PENANAsbTdhCMNiZ
197Please respect copyright.PENANAr2svvSpSIa
"You're lying! You have to be lying! I don't care who you are; if you meet one of the twelve founders there's no way you won't walk out feeling like your life changed!"197Please respect copyright.PENANAByyoxHPeqR
197Please respect copyright.PENANAZ5fUxKcLjI
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."197Please respect copyright.PENANAXwcwEbpIoV
197Please respect copyright.PENANAQjmRWZaFAX
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"197Please respect copyright.PENANArciYXqx9tb
197Please respect copyright.PENANA6ZTgrRkZ02
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.197Please respect copyright.PENANA48Vbh4axv8
197Please respect copyright.PENANARJogRl9HdP
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."197Please respect copyright.PENANAf0r95qDqXh
197Please respect copyright.PENANAe3hkJcOCY7
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."197Please respect copyright.PENANAZJ15xmOl5q
197Please respect copyright.PENANAfI793K7SXk
"--Ngh! You guys...!"197Please respect copyright.PENANAVSw4s91K42
197Please respect copyright.PENANAUDDBKJ2UXS
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.197Please respect copyright.PENANAtYzx3GEd8n
197Please respect copyright.PENANA8OLzosTVKG
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."197Please respect copyright.PENANAux081Wz48z
197Please respect copyright.PENANA1egApa5DFd
Her voice died down. She put her face in her hands and sighed. I would've guessed she began crying if she didn't lift her head back up and glared.197Please respect copyright.PENANA6UhbxtUsL4
197Please respect copyright.PENANAzmF1KykPEt
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAwxZwkKBjPk
197Please respect copyright.PENANAP3JDQL8Edt
"Ya look like you have something to say."197Please respect copyright.PENANAbqbrIipR7i
197Please respect copyright.PENANAFkPhw00Kqs
"W-Well..."197Please respect copyright.PENANAFD6h0ufmGv
197Please respect copyright.PENANAc7SFQIZZc0
She turned her head away.197Please respect copyright.PENANAtI6BKfBkHa
197Please respect copyright.PENANA76XHJRLRE6
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."197Please respect copyright.PENANAx6OJpUnRH6
197Please respect copyright.PENANAZ7CO5UA6Zl
I absentmindedly blinked at her. She tossed her gaze between us and the carriage wall a few times before sticking with the wall. Juke and I turned to face each other at the same speed and time. We both shrugged.197Please respect copyright.PENANAqtuTwoZQgg
197Please respect copyright.PENANA4CGh3oufKv
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."197Please respect copyright.PENANAtDkZnOS1GN
197Please respect copyright.PENANAY2tcCKG8Nj
"Mhm, I told you so."197Please respect copyright.PENANA2wBf1kqXRz
197Please respect copyright.PENANAn50HnpUVzX
–
–
–
Snap, crackle, pop. The fire ate at the wood with a snap, crackle, and pop. I couldn't avert my eyes. Stock still, I basked in the warmth, one arm lazily hanging on the top of my knee.197Please respect copyright.PENANAVLC3jtvWdW
197Please respect copyright.PENANAhaxdZOJenE
The coachman Dennis held a stick over the fire. A fish was crudely pierced through it. It wasn't part of our original supply; it was something that, for whatever reason, Rover took the liberty of catching. She held a fish-covered stick of her own. The two looked quite happy cooking and admiring their upcoming meal. Rover had even brought spices from the forest.197Please respect copyright.PENANA2WrfIm1hhF
197Please respect copyright.PENANAv6wNViwYwF
"...So why am I not getting any?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAxyC3TRscKf
197Please respect copyright.PENANABKEs8aoM2C
It wasn't just me. Juke wasn't brought a fish either. When he asked why, Rover simply responded with "Go get some fish yourself, you fraud."197Please respect copyright.PENANAVcu8vVZzat
197Please respect copyright.PENANAR1X6E9GIi4
It was obvious that, despite her apology, she held some type of grudge against Juke. So, her motive was clear, but that simply begged the question–197Please respect copyright.PENANAdaS4yDFrpG
197Please respect copyright.PENANATf6xM4xASB
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"197Please respect copyright.PENANANNIRkUP2y0
197Please respect copyright.PENANAMhZeAGLOt1
"Eh?"197Please respect copyright.PENANA1Kl1bsLFh8
197Please respect copyright.PENANAnOdld6Xlit
Rover looked up from her food and at me. She was visibly irritated. At this point, I was convinced it was just her normal face.197Please respect copyright.PENANAyH22cEP55a
197Please respect copyright.PENANA3TSZeR1tta
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.197Please respect copyright.PENANAadavrBQoKN
197Please respect copyright.PENANA6x1Xyvod3p
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"197Please respect copyright.PENANA4fFmlcwOS2
197Please respect copyright.PENANA5soLHRADyC
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.197Please respect copyright.PENANA9JaAvm16kP
197Please respect copyright.PENANAYjyUMXsiVU
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"197Please respect copyright.PENANAbU1RoMn97W
197Please respect copyright.PENANApCFCQ48LAN
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."197Please respect copyright.PENANA5zWVcFqkLq
197Please respect copyright.PENANA1tTpeaJewZ
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."197Please respect copyright.PENANAYUfKj1ycdO
197Please respect copyright.PENANAqWYNhYtLO9
Juke handed me what looked to be a fruit. It wasn't one that I recognized, but what truly surprised me was that I was holding a piece of fruit at all.197Please respect copyright.PENANABmDLZMnR5G
197Please respect copyright.PENANAavLYBXcE6o
Though, when I looked at the environment around me, and when I considered the miles upon miles of forest we'd passed throughout the day, holding a fruit in my hand was far less stupifying.197Please respect copyright.PENANAhIKQILfj7R
197Please respect copyright.PENANAH8Z9pSGC0u
"At least I know where all of these fruit are coming from. Who knew there were such flourishing plains and forests right beside a badlands?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAszihZPbIlX
197Please respect copyright.PENANAkm67iVyDvx
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."197Please respect copyright.PENANAa1EianZAi1
197Please respect copyright.PENANAj4kUQf07Vs
"A jungle? What elevation?"197Please respect copyright.PENANACq1N9qMsH4
197Please respect copyright.PENANANBYwCP3pXP
He shrugged.197Please respect copyright.PENANAipEcEbrtu4
197Please respect copyright.PENANAuhmlzlpkxE
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."197Please respect copyright.PENANALzeYmPpox1
197Please respect copyright.PENANAQWtzWEVRSb
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."197Please respect copyright.PENANAIZqzftM7bj
197Please respect copyright.PENANAyWrDwace7Y
I took a bite out of the fruit. It was sweet, but the sweetness was rather dull. It made for a fine part of my meal, though.197Please respect copyright.PENANAi9E2p0Nb6G
197Please respect copyright.PENANAXopE1pJTdi
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAhl6ypeZVCB
197Please respect copyright.PENANASH5fMvBBn8
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."197Please respect copyright.PENANAqiqvfqtXKI
197Please respect copyright.PENANAKC3X0DmKKw
"Why?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAywEekYOrZZ
197Please respect copyright.PENANAoDDwBPEmBS
"..."197Please respect copyright.PENANAQuSp5Xkpm8
197Please respect copyright.PENANAQ6SM4sRzD0
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.197Please respect copyright.PENANAIp9KfUNb6y
197Please respect copyright.PENANAqpZQOUWlxF
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."197Please respect copyright.PENANA91yYOj2QQM
197Please respect copyright.PENANASLQYUnHZ1o
"Hpmm? Shu aup!"
She began eating louder, staring into my eyes as her teeth tore through her food. It was gross, but I didn't have a chance to chide her.197Please respect copyright.PENANAhbTqNJ5Cds
197Please respect copyright.PENANA6flcvrjRmy
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."197Please respect copyright.PENANAfZUHSwOzUS
197Please respect copyright.PENANAJHFDne2xxv
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"197Please respect copyright.PENANA00Tys8Zfux
197Please respect copyright.PENANAbIXrg1jqSv
"Nah, it ain't anything like that. I guess I know why I started; it was to avenge my family. But after a while, I dulled down, became unsure of why I even move around anymore, but I still do."197Please respect copyright.PENANAZybPTmmLHi
197Please respect copyright.PENANAiOL04zAgpB
"..."197Please respect copyright.PENANAQfs0U24oPl
197Please respect copyright.PENANAqymzcWq27L
I didn't know what to say. His situation was unique, and in some aspects, beyond my understanding. Still, his somber tone of voice made me feel guilty for not doing anything. I thought that I could've at least consoled him over his loss of family, but he didn't look remotely upset about it.197Please respect copyright.PENANAqEcmbNXwbK
197Please respect copyright.PENANAAcuMHezaqX
"My final answer's that, I'm looking for an answer. Not just to why I'm even moving, but to a question that's been plaguing me for a while."197Please respect copyright.PENANAbaWPMTtRtz
197Please respect copyright.PENANAyjeIYZi6IM
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.197Please respect copyright.PENANAqg1ZBK2fZt
197Please respect copyright.PENANA0YhX3k7TOb
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."197Please respect copyright.PENANAuE3ZueW5Xd
197Please respect copyright.PENANAVY1snreSVk
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAszdtkNFNv8
197Please respect copyright.PENANAzOD1dDoHpm
The sudden yet welcome shift of focus caught me off guard, so I needed to think of a good starting point for my story. I found it quickly, but I feared the reactions I'd receive for saying it.197Please respect copyright.PENANAAJxI2edMkM
197Please respect copyright.PENANAczLwW6zIBx
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"197Please respect copyright.PENANA5dUoUO8AdA
197Please respect copyright.PENANAu9tuRprt0y
"TALBOT!?"197Please respect copyright.PENANA0H3CbJmLUN
197Please respect copyright.PENANAtj6eo66TxI
I sighed. If Juke was having a drink, he would've spat it all out. It wasn't just him; the whole camp threw astonished gazes in my direction.197Please respect copyright.PENANAfvonYoeYGM
197Please respect copyright.PENANAqPrGAo3WLn
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."197Please respect copyright.PENANAjPO9nQ4QCU
197Please respect copyright.PENANAuFj6zXpOrp
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"197Please respect copyright.PENANARTOtbJuehA
197Please respect copyright.PENANAVV5Z3TQGvL
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAMl0Vwptchp
197Please respect copyright.PENANA72OqqsF7U1
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."197Please respect copyright.PENANAfPJ81a60gW
197Please respect copyright.PENANAkRu05CbMt7
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.197Please respect copyright.PENANAjShK6ZvMLN
197Please respect copyright.PENANA2xQdEmIxYv
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."197Please respect copyright.PENANA7wvN5o47dt
197Please respect copyright.PENANAPrPvPP7MT8
"Are ya kidding me?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAB4XcaBhB7d
197Please respect copyright.PENANAN5F6R2WYpq
"That's so lame!"197Please respect copyright.PENANA8ly6z20JNF
197Please respect copyright.PENANAq3Kc9N0Lrf
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while197Please respect copyright.PENANA6J57t4zZ4p
197Please respect copyright.PENANAvU2gtiDwMD
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."197Please respect copyright.PENANAdJhrlj8AWw
197Please respect copyright.PENANAOYSS5OTnMC
"What's that supposed to mean?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAZ2uhswUzGS
197Please respect copyright.PENANAtBoNpFxC9v
"Nothing."197Please respect copyright.PENANAFcHxUsYszK
197Please respect copyright.PENANAo3JVlA0Z1e
She returned to chowing down on her food.197Please respect copyright.PENANA5iBShxvT1M
197Please respect copyright.PENANAd6heEb9sTZ
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAcGEdUmHlHJ
197Please respect copyright.PENANAWdQSg1Jmoi
"Well..."197Please respect copyright.PENANAYtU0VS4DPu
197Please respect copyright.PENANAfpuGX23qfq
I told a rough recount of the events from there. Everything ranging from my meeting with Flinty and the prince to the wrongdoers I helped stop in the forest in the Green Zone. I didn't believe that I told it compellingly, but Juke sounded quite pleased, and surprisingly, Rover had a slight sparkle in her eye.197Please respect copyright.PENANAqJBXT2V79C
197Please respect copyright.PENANAQp2iUuwqu4
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAGbgQ3z9nm4
197Please respect copyright.PENANAN410XnHoSy
"...No."197Please respect copyright.PENANANJa4T1wabO
197Please respect copyright.PENANAaVAf8SQege
"Eh? Why not?"197Please respect copyright.PENANA9NyBDpMCKR
197Please respect copyright.PENANANI9lnsOxVM
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAuvJiqFRV9D
197Please respect copyright.PENANAAzFgkn58ST
"Huh!? What'd you say?"197Please respect copyright.PENANA0DzhHJ6AYV
197Please respect copyright.PENANAI9GTEdR4hz
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.197Please respect copyright.PENANASEAbexMaGV
197Please respect copyright.PENANACVqEJLLuLR
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAoAPc8BKOvK
197Please respect copyright.PENANAju37PcYJMa
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAGY7gv2w6Vb
197Please respect copyright.PENANA9GDtFceJ2K
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.197Please respect copyright.PENANAgt540qpN34
197Please respect copyright.PENANA5irNXeEX5u
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."197Please respect copyright.PENANAvzis6nii6t
197Please respect copyright.PENANAdXGuloWxsK
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."197Please respect copyright.PENANAKiGqjisAHN
197Please respect copyright.PENANADNP8T0JMie
He simply nodded to my response, which made me doubt that he even acknowledged what I said and left the rose tint on my cheeks. I furrowed my brows and bit on my finger, but it did little to recollect myself.197Please respect copyright.PENANAjhzIlkBAFu
197Please respect copyright.PENANAq1LQiNt6X9
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."197Please respect copyright.PENANAamnAOiHxA0
197Please respect copyright.PENANAwELvgZEzPk
Rover spoke up all of a sudden, putting her treasured fish to the side. It was a perfect excuse to flush away the shame, so I gave her my attention.197Please respect copyright.PENANAvrWVz4WdgC
197Please respect copyright.PENANAX6GIa2hwyI
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."197Please respect copyright.PENANAzDQOoSPd6S
197Please respect copyright.PENANAvEfpfSQWwj
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.197Please respect copyright.PENANAq1SWHvpCVP
197Please respect copyright.PENANAqGAaVhInZ3
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."197Please respect copyright.PENANAk08QQSxxcI
197Please respect copyright.PENANA6bPFV0s7SX
She paused, putting a finger to her chin in hesitation. I thought of making a derisive remark, but I couldn't get anything out without being a stuttering mess.197Please respect copyright.PENANAucCpwFSJVd
197Please respect copyright.PENANAC2Y3vZl7ro
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"197Please respect copyright.PENANANaCvPWFcSn
197Please respect copyright.PENANAdzZUgLYvS5
The tale Rover proceeded to narrate was less a story about a mission and more about a dual of hers. I learned numerous things about her character during her recounting; for one, she was every bit intolerable as I believed her to be, but she also had a rather unusual taste in weaponry. She told of using her rapier, yes, but the weapon in the opposite holster was a dagger designed for parrying. I'd never heard of such a tool before, so I asked her to show it to me. It was unremarkable save for the elongated and thick crossguards, but that was the whole point, according to her.197Please respect copyright.PENANAeYI1C6IRmI
197Please respect copyright.PENANA2Wy4cIx0Fw
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"197Please respect copyright.PENANA5ez3afl5IT
197Please respect copyright.PENANAQat6vLU4RJ
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."197Please respect copyright.PENANAUCYS9muQe9
197Please respect copyright.PENANARhIOa6nA1o
"Custom design? Well..."197Please respect copyright.PENANATOo0l6QTlP
197Please respect copyright.PENANAOwcrBWgtFV
She turned her head away.197Please respect copyright.PENANAnF8MMrqmri
197Please respect copyright.PENANArEuZJIpTWo
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."197Please respect copyright.PENANA0JbPYB97YY
197Please respect copyright.PENANAeOTY6aCkts
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.197Please respect copyright.PENANAmj9JCLdF7N
197Please respect copyright.PENANAV29rjvt9Vq
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."197Please respect copyright.PENANADvAUlXmPl0
197Please respect copyright.PENANA2peMRZsk6e
"Oh, this?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAuCBmOXJuLL
197Please respect copyright.PENANAUdIID9fcBw
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.197Please respect copyright.PENANA2N36i2OE7N
197Please respect copyright.PENANAkHa0yTuCEt
"I stole it!"197Please respect copyright.PENANAyMvyDHEdp9
197Please respect copyright.PENANA4vhlBqIecx
"No surprise."197Please respect copyright.PENANAGnJSuY4Bf3
197Please respect copyright.PENANAuLmRAtm3Pu
"I ain't surprised."197Please respect copyright.PENANAOczft1SgF7
197Please respect copyright.PENANA9jT1z1zu0C
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.197Please respect copyright.PENANAWl7cdk0SmE
197Please respect copyright.PENANAhOcYBA5m9H
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAlWNEXZQDx8
197Please respect copyright.PENANAv5mbAdwHHK
"No."197Please respect copyright.PENANAcDuzr5eqRO
197Please respect copyright.PENANAncKyyrPljT
"Not really."197Please respect copyright.PENANAJyE0HphddQ
197Please respect copyright.PENANAtl6s7FvOax
"Ah... you two are lame!"197Please respect copyright.PENANA5wwg7lAke0
197Please respect copyright.PENANAjXwmY1fGb0
She put her dagger back in her holster and snatched her fish, gnawing at it as she glared daggers at us. I pulled food from our rations, taking a piece of bread and corn. Though they were bland, I ate them in silence, letting the ambiance of the fire add a piquancy no sauce or spice could provide.197Please respect copyright.PENANAhreQXkpVqc
197Please respect copyright.PENANAkrRr3WtC00
"..."197Please respect copyright.PENANAL31nXgzuVF
197Please respect copyright.PENANAh7MlQX6XOa
This situation was nice. It was surprisingly nice. Even though Rover was a volatile beast, I would be lying if I said she didn't make the campfire feel complete.197Please respect copyright.PENANABZqVNoHSk4
197Please respect copyright.PENANA6V9QpS0gwW
After we ate, we packed up for the night. I snuffed the fire out with water magic and Rover took the burnt wood elsewhere. Juke brought all the food back inside the carriage, bringing blankets, pillows, and perturbingly thin mattresses outside. No– the lattermost was just thick blankets.197Please respect copyright.PENANA0cslG6646U
197Please respect copyright.PENANAgelsPBaRXL
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."197Please respect copyright.PENANAMQKG7SvDAg
197Please respect copyright.PENANAWJJdB5Wstq
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."197Please respect copyright.PENANANp5egpfQx0
197Please respect copyright.PENANAqgwpnd8088
"I-I see... I suppose so."197Please respect copyright.PENANA8JTuVFNZX7
197Please respect copyright.PENANAzY9ao5qZsg
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAf3Cm8TiGyY
197Please respect copyright.PENANASWFxA25vH6
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.197Please respect copyright.PENANAGdjwwIU5dn
197Please respect copyright.PENANA1puSgGoNtN
"Did you have to word it that way?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAnxfxQIz6c1
197Please respect copyright.PENANAsUZk1s0BSo
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."197Please respect copyright.PENANAVBEDn5iO71
197Please respect copyright.PENANAncVK0o8oJ5
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."197Please respect copyright.PENANAdYxqRUJAwz
197Please respect copyright.PENANA4F1rYAuB4F
"Ya got it, boss."197Please respect copyright.PENANAfMWEeiv3dv
197Please respect copyright.PENANAvaSURA9dEJ
Juke put his faux mattress and pillow on the ground and tucked himself in for the night. He fell asleep at astoundingly quick speeds, which made me put his combatant status into dubiety.197Please respect copyright.PENANAcXbRoOxDx9
197Please respect copyright.PENANArZFb12JEx0
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."197Please respect copyright.PENANAYjXTShrLtO
197Please respect copyright.PENANAsPhTsSGNgq
I grabbed a triplet of sleeping equipment and laid it down. But, before I could lay on the blanket and pull the sheet over myself, Rover suddenly returned to the campfire. She had a pensive expression on her face, and our sudden eye contact did nothing to assuage it.197Please respect copyright.PENANA9FAr3Ovszf
197Please respect copyright.PENANAe6o65AhZns
"Is something the matter?" I asked her, which broke her out of her thoughtful expression back to her typically vile one. However, I didn't receive a noisy, vulgar rebuke.197Please respect copyright.PENANAZI7rCoPkvp
197Please respect copyright.PENANA4QwaaXgrBA
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."197Please respect copyright.PENANASzSJWMSUJX
197Please respect copyright.PENANAZZJUf3aW6x
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.197Please respect copyright.PENANAWknsaJSunD
197Please respect copyright.PENANA90M8PhPm0N
"...Well, alright. What is it?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAGqCsCoMLXs
197Please respect copyright.PENANAbR7RQQEd4R
"I... I wanted..."197Please respect copyright.PENANArMyfZIoJqW
197Please respect copyright.PENANAKNRIR5KZ1a
She shook her head, holding it in her hand as she sat down. I lowered myself to the floor as well, expecting something serious from her.197Please respect copyright.PENANA1rozwxqFH2
197Please respect copyright.PENANASDDFUtEqQU
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"197Please respect copyright.PENANA5S9TmoqOa2
197Please respect copyright.PENANAD1qWwTEmtm
She began to pant after her apology as if the action took all of her energy to do. I'd be lying if I claimed it didn't undermine her apology, but that was neither here nor there. I had something different on my mind.197Please respect copyright.PENANAMbWXRWJEZT
197Please respect copyright.PENANAl6OiinJnz3
"Where's this coming from?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAIacLLTBjE8
197Please respect copyright.PENANAC0mJpaQixl
"Huh? D-Didn't you say you wanted an apology for what happened in the guild? That's what I'm giving you! I'm apologizing! Sorry for doubting you, alright?"197Please respect copyright.PENANA2zbOJh0U2u
197Please respect copyright.PENANAGu5u6ZPe7N
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."197Please respect copyright.PENANAt4Fn74tQq6
197Please respect copyright.PENANAuEYaNHflbY
I didn't say those words with the expectation that I would be receiving one, however, so I was at a loss for what to say. I was unsure if I should even accept the apology. Frankly, Rover has done more things than incessantly doubting me.197Please respect copyright.PENANAByFSdV71n0
197Please respect copyright.PENANACjQ39glFFF
But, back in the guild, I recalled Flinty's words. Not perfectly of course, but I do remember their amiable ethos; I remembered how she mentioned that I had to get along with my comrades.197Please respect copyright.PENANA2pZahPEvme
197Please respect copyright.PENANA3doMbcZOHz
In that light–197Please respect copyright.PENANAm26VKLSksa
197Please respect copyright.PENANAoxXZE1KRgP
"Alright, apology accepted."197Please respect copyright.PENANAMJz2Rn2PoQ
197Please respect copyright.PENANAwoLWX6j1DV
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–197Please respect copyright.PENANAEW4tP7FKBZ
197Please respect copyright.PENANAT9bduDc12f
"--only on one condition."197Please respect copyright.PENANADq1ec2K4kw
197Please respect copyright.PENANANsrOgmTVYJ
"Eh!?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAhH6xc1cgWc
197Please respect copyright.PENANAzdg9YsPUgt
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.197Please respect copyright.PENANAuXNMUVs9ZS
197Please respect copyright.PENANAPv7nACtVCL
"That's right."197Please respect copyright.PENANAkYClYOE6lW
197Please respect copyright.PENANApStfsykGyh
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAMQYJSWxns6
197Please respect copyright.PENANAL33Qa4UHJx
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."197Please respect copyright.PENANAD0eZvFASGn
197Please respect copyright.PENANAVohV3CRxfK
"He sounds like a priss."197Please respect copyright.PENANAgjPTryKm3Z
197Please respect copyright.PENANAKn4ycg15W2
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."197Please respect copyright.PENANALkiTaL0zVq
197Please respect copyright.PENANA49fNO4bM6M
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.197Please respect copyright.PENANAPxm3DMG5Pa
197Please respect copyright.PENANAIgnZY72SOK
"Fine, what's your condition?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAPRLeUEmA4D
197Please respect copyright.PENANAlx3A1mnoWU
I pointed a finger at her.197Please respect copyright.PENANA0I1SlRBjB8
197Please respect copyright.PENANAVUtzbhtLff
"We need to get along from now on."197Please respect copyright.PENANABfqEcFBJH7
197Please respect copyright.PENANALXk3IDoL7j
"...Huh?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAuyvOvd7y4f
197Please respect copyright.PENANAhMcgEkv0S7
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"197Please respect copyright.PENANAfcfCrSLqjP
197Please respect copyright.PENANALinhFO14bV
"...Ha, that's it?"197Please respect copyright.PENANA2SliOCRJMK
197Please respect copyright.PENANAnobOWvxk3c
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.197Please respect copyright.PENANAqXpXTlu04U
197Please respect copyright.PENANA0Dmhw9bieb
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"197Please respect copyright.PENANAgzR0yHV0wr
197Please respect copyright.PENANAWx6aHdw97q
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.197Please respect copyright.PENANAIYJUpA5Bvm
197Please respect copyright.PENANACFzXmoehgL
Though she agreed to my condition, I knew it would be stupid to think we'd magically become best friends. No, we would still fight, and judging by how she was still letting her chuckles leak, she knew it as well.197Please respect copyright.PENANAepNOOgaUd9
197Please respect copyright.PENANAynE3pBfbZ9
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.197Please respect copyright.PENANAZvKUYhbcfY
197Please respect copyright.PENANA9RunoN2so4
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."197Please respect copyright.PENANASa3GLidH52
197Please respect copyright.PENANAQ0ComrXyx1
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."197Please respect copyright.PENANAdE3fRvvE6s
197Please respect copyright.PENANAz32snSfXHP
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.197Please respect copyright.PENANAne7T4hr9ze
197Please respect copyright.PENANA0NHEiC1Ink
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."197Please respect copyright.PENANAlZa4ZBcREI
197Please respect copyright.PENANAxZS9ZQCHbp
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."197Please respect copyright.PENANAAAaRR0DFzW
197Please respect copyright.PENANAHOar94OgTQ
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"197Please respect copyright.PENANAaO7jTUYOec
197Please respect copyright.PENANAbaJ2V68eIm
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.197Please respect copyright.PENANAVHQHD6CDoP
197Please respect copyright.PENANAXfFFTTi1NL
"What a weirdo, seriously."197Please respect copyright.PENANAHOpkaZznD4
197Please respect copyright.PENANAiwQTax2ybv
I called it a night there, trying to erase her words from my memory and making a mental note to watch myself when I'm acting absentmindedly.197Please respect copyright.PENANAmIEL3GTsh4
197Please respect copyright.PENANAZ4LKBjWdnY
–
–
–
The carriage drove exceptionally smoothly today as if the vehicle itself had received a boost of energy. I relished the pleasant ride, chatting about this and that with Juke as Rover peered outside the window.197Please respect copyright.PENANAiMXIOXvPys
197Please respect copyright.PENANA1SvEzcsOPF
"You guys! You gotta see this!"197Please respect copyright.PENANAaIGBVfjexb
197Please respect copyright.PENANAHg9jqNSjFG
She retracted her head back into the carriage, urging us to look out the same window she had. I hopped off my seat, figuring that it would be fine to humor her. So, stuck my head out the window and scouted the environments. My breath was stolen from me.197Please respect copyright.PENANAsneqDFNKpb
197Please respect copyright.PENANAIXBqVScgBG
In the distance was a city in the middle of a gargantuan lake, and we were heading for one of the dozen bridges leading to it.