My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.195Please respect copyright.PENANAZCDLx89WhG
195Please respect copyright.PENANAm5htlsmCpi
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANA3PNvz9Aadh
195Please respect copyright.PENANA6tobEFkiwI
"Haa..."195Please respect copyright.PENANAvCSzslNkYs
195Please respect copyright.PENANAKsFpbLBSFV
"Are you okay?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAajpEvXHigv
195Please respect copyright.PENANAsAHAQ5cbD8
"Phew. Now I am."195Please respect copyright.PENANAO4q7bZvupM
195Please respect copyright.PENANAQb8FI49MXj
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANA4yBhEjI8DS
195Please respect copyright.PENANAYXqjkf6S32
"W-What is it?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAXVmafsN8Gq
195Please respect copyright.PENANAcQBXD3XTGu
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."195Please respect copyright.PENANAq1rermyFOZ
195Please respect copyright.PENANAg12xhDiVUF
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."195Please respect copyright.PENANA0a5DRxP0Hh
195Please respect copyright.PENANA3f3FrPaRG3
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAxOB7TT3lg8
195Please respect copyright.PENANAHtqQGIfzkO
"Well..."195Please respect copyright.PENANA9WQ8lwGjMy
195Please respect copyright.PENANAA8V0Ehaabm
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAJovE1mkWFH
195Please respect copyright.PENANACBmsuwtXXR
"Come on, tell me!"195Please respect copyright.PENANAEdTVIJjM8E
195Please respect copyright.PENANAQyBPkbwF4C
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."195Please respect copyright.PENANApr1mWAXrQM
195Please respect copyright.PENANAXcFNnSRMMv
She sighed and shrugged.195Please respect copyright.PENANABrmjMwXHXD
195Please respect copyright.PENANA8w4EHNb4xm
"Are you feeling nervous?"195Please respect copyright.PENANATyZRBIfObp
195Please respect copyright.PENANAUa6KhkOkur
"Of course I am."195Please respect copyright.PENANAn4yl0NeeVA
195Please respect copyright.PENANAd9R9VndOXw
"You shouldn't be."195Please respect copyright.PENANAuwTkGMefIX
195Please respect copyright.PENANApTOi6URoH6
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."195Please respect copyright.PENANABhRZrgUaPD
195Please respect copyright.PENANAfr4rr9QkmK
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."195Please respect copyright.PENANADCslEWpWiN
195Please respect copyright.PENANAg75GDbbg6F
"...What's that supposed to mean?"195Please respect copyright.PENANATP2dNt18W8
195Please respect copyright.PENANAC5MXhSrzim
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAchDKjBIWZI
195Please respect copyright.PENANA0i3GdQY3sU
"I think you came here a little too early."195Please respect copyright.PENANAYahtwQuHfq
195Please respect copyright.PENANApQN2ZdH7UN
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."195Please respect copyright.PENANAEnuJn1K631
195Please respect copyright.PENANAguS3jIgDZE
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAYbhiWlGzYD
195Please respect copyright.PENANAA5AxkSI1Gw
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!"195Please respect copyright.PENANAaOaOBShrrj
195Please respect copyright.PENANAmTIQFSGLTj
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANA9YX4EIbLBF
195Please respect copyright.PENANAMSIcl1zDh1
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."195Please respect copyright.PENANAvdnmJQIpIc
195Please respect copyright.PENANAAnVcEiboWM
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANA5ZaPfoy0W4
195Please respect copyright.PENANAK9B7wpCKMK
"Aren't you going to say something?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAXhlgvYqXL4
195Please respect copyright.PENANAlPgVTRfhH8
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."195Please respect copyright.PENANABS8fVUAeWH
195Please respect copyright.PENANAtQOwEHJOkv
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"195Please respect copyright.PENANAovENgVUbiK
195Please respect copyright.PENANAtEzVqW3jDg
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAKkfRJU7CPH
195Please respect copyright.PENANAn4rfhLjiUl
"...I-I still don't believe you."195Please respect copyright.PENANACcIrZipC7j
195Please respect copyright.PENANAFFU41zPh0j
"Are you serious!?"195Please respect copyright.PENANA9c177LoF2P
195Please respect copyright.PENANAW38oZpOONI
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.195Please respect copyright.PENANAQ2hftKOeHF
195Please respect copyright.PENANAy8AcHcWQbi
"Can I at least have your name?"195Please respect copyright.PENANADgX84N5BbH
195Please respect copyright.PENANAlihoum4f5F
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAXillo9YcUn
195Please respect copyright.PENANAErWYQRJ0AE
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"195Please respect copyright.PENANAKo3pDqqTOP
195Please respect copyright.PENANAIHkA45nwAq
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.195Please respect copyright.PENANAidc3JKDmv5
195Please respect copyright.PENANAz1NOcZrLZ9
"A-Alright, I won't forget."195Please respect copyright.PENANA7QhK3WqN2Y
195Please respect copyright.PENANAk848W0VfNT
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAzfRHI4ehG4
195Please respect copyright.PENANAkNPLpr10EM
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."195Please respect copyright.PENANAGTXtGH48AD
195Please respect copyright.PENANAHlMsZsbMfl
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.195Please respect copyright.PENANA4hLs2xZMDH
195Please respect copyright.PENANAs6udpjRQ3X
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"195Please respect copyright.PENANA0deq0jVVRf
195Please respect copyright.PENANAoEsmCjP6q2
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"195Please respect copyright.PENANAJUGtQcI9mi
195Please respect copyright.PENANAaw2uOgaa6p
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.195Please respect copyright.PENANAMsGXS5iuK0
195Please respect copyright.PENANABAwPcs5N8h
"She's not very nice at all."195Please respect copyright.PENANAxIova88RPP
195Please respect copyright.PENANATN2TmSfNEf
"I suppose not."195Please respect copyright.PENANAcaF9RRmLwu
195Please respect copyright.PENANAoIV8gVF3qf
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."195Please respect copyright.PENANAEJS71P52tN
195Please respect copyright.PENANApBtXEqzo2F
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"195Please respect copyright.PENANA2VdwLVOQep
195Please respect copyright.PENANArxBtbM3jQq
**SMASH**195Please respect copyright.PENANAC4AUcFbDQT
195Please respect copyright.PENANAxiXYdsFeBz
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANA732jmeocg0
195Please respect copyright.PENANA0BQKcdX4JK
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.195Please respect copyright.PENANALO0qVgp2VW
195Please respect copyright.PENANAIXqC96GmSV
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"195Please respect copyright.PENANA5qxuLdGNFn
195Please respect copyright.PENANAzspai2G2Gy
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.195Please respect copyright.PENANA9rVYlgfwxU
195Please respect copyright.PENANAinI0Yn8lEg
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAXF29Bjdofj
195Please respect copyright.PENANALdD6c3JXfj
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."195Please respect copyright.PENANAofkRwZBQeo
195Please respect copyright.PENANAmIkrYjElHg
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.195Please respect copyright.PENANABPgtTjNVOB
195Please respect copyright.PENANAjSnCOdiC4O
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."195Please respect copyright.PENANAfSxmavSg5m
195Please respect copyright.PENANACPgWPm51Nw
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAPf2RNwtRhz
195Please respect copyright.PENANAmUIDvGIssf
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.195Please respect copyright.PENANAPr5XboN9V1
195Please respect copyright.PENANArx60mDGoco
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"195Please respect copyright.PENANA0qrUuGeKdJ
195Please respect copyright.PENANA624PTedDVu
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"195Please respect copyright.PENANA8byUk4zCjm
195Please respect copyright.PENANA5sXMyaHiGn
"No, not at all."195Please respect copyright.PENANACXxjDlqBOP
195Please respect copyright.PENANAT6Wsxn6mLb
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"195Please respect copyright.PENANAHeK8j8eWu1
195Please respect copyright.PENANA8jA3Xm75Ds
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.195Please respect copyright.PENANA6G1qFStsI1
195Please respect copyright.PENANA9H9h1m0Cxh
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."195Please respect copyright.PENANAA0l7SxLIRQ
195Please respect copyright.PENANAZLcx7NiXhb
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.195Please respect copyright.PENANAZtg4Qxv5Jo
195Please respect copyright.PENANAc6P6VjbwdY
"Is she our teammate?"195Please respect copyright.PENANA28qE01dsLb
195Please respect copyright.PENANAINne67NFN1
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."195Please respect copyright.PENANALmRxoynKgt
195Please respect copyright.PENANAd9jsBqXCLb
"That so? Lemme test the waters."195Please respect copyright.PENANA6OLmMKCeSW
195Please respect copyright.PENANAUU5BbPvQlE
"You'll regret it."195Please respect copyright.PENANAbbEjqUoobp
195Please respect copyright.PENANAlx5aBDd60N
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAD22c0UAivK
195Please respect copyright.PENANA5QGKvdubY2
"...Wait."195Please respect copyright.PENANAFxMxHJDSxe
195Please respect copyright.PENANAOLe9O9ggpW
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!195Please respect copyright.PENANAaBlq4j9nJd
195Please respect copyright.PENANAJ76E5jDvGR
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."195Please respect copyright.PENANAvvr8K0Xduq
195Please respect copyright.PENANADfCGU7Srju
"A little? Just a little?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAFMT26FL618
195Please respect copyright.PENANAklRub65c06
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."195Please respect copyright.PENANAg5K90AbzDC
195Please respect copyright.PENANAvsxQRlkGgK
"I met her five minutes ago!"195Please respect copyright.PENANAKZKx5cK9wm
195Please respect copyright.PENANAwtUh5O8sfi
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.195Please respect copyright.PENANAF9Aqe9oAGJ
195Please respect copyright.PENANAlwEr9f5DJL
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."195Please respect copyright.PENANA3svQ21vww2
195Please respect copyright.PENANAEjWMOU5aHl
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."195Please respect copyright.PENANAHrINX43snB
195Please respect copyright.PENANASHqYCA8vtH
"Really?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAb31qPfxW4y
195Please respect copyright.PENANAfqbgg6yypr
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.195Please respect copyright.PENANAUsMYwu58fN
195Please respect copyright.PENANAWItRsKOaGg
"What do you mean 'really'?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAg2oN9PKsZQ
195Please respect copyright.PENANAg4x6hOX2S5
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAyVx8YLZ1RU
195Please respect copyright.PENANAuOFp37R78T
"--!"195Please respect copyright.PENANAgCxm21xgwT
195Please respect copyright.PENANAXBm9xDYXPK
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAzGgiJck9Xm
195Please respect copyright.PENANAKqlVOpi6fx
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."195Please respect copyright.PENANABG7jOUXezZ
195Please respect copyright.PENANAvFmJX1fhx3
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."195Please respect copyright.PENANA2XMmoplqSa
195Please respect copyright.PENANALEQ8IobnVB
**SMASH**195Please respect copyright.PENANAqmM0CssIQL
195Please respect copyright.PENANAplPM320CwM
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAXsKWINJwzF
195Please respect copyright.PENANArBxMhuzjwc
My jaw dropped yet again.195Please respect copyright.PENANAeRpjF11kyc
195Please respect copyright.PENANAuSAsDpnc4q
"ROY!?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAAbhZRkvWh7
195Please respect copyright.PENANAQDENQKb9lR
–
–
–
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANANBxUbwSW71
195Please respect copyright.PENANApI8ADF2iiL
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAfuYFCbxJGD
195Please respect copyright.PENANAS1T3l8v2hD
"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."195Please respect copyright.PENANAWls6Z2yOsd
195Please respect copyright.PENANAC3K2D699QR
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."195Please respect copyright.PENANAYRhpdf8XgP
195Please respect copyright.PENANAaovLRIM55A
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAGZXAdwIgLe
195Please respect copyright.PENANAzeiqY3TLN5
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAlOpF08rxVO
195Please respect copyright.PENANApcIVHw0vYg
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAeFbJhgPCFB
195Please respect copyright.PENANANJq9ink41R
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."195Please respect copyright.PENANADkGgXpT3kY
195Please respect copyright.PENANA6KZ8OyhpJl
"R-Right."195Please respect copyright.PENANAz0Y191H5fX
195Please respect copyright.PENANA6BSnDif1KX
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–195Please respect copyright.PENANAZ50lfx4PvZ
195Please respect copyright.PENANAwJL6krwKZb
"Ack!"195Please respect copyright.PENANATr7AaPzDur
195Please respect copyright.PENANAUxhsL0fR03
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.195Please respect copyright.PENANAkmoE6PaUJZ
195Please respect copyright.PENANAlMmKnwcQ6v
"F-Flinty, what was–"195Please respect copyright.PENANAME4xtOxfHm
195Please respect copyright.PENANAoDip6jXSLW
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"195Please respect copyright.PENANA7KRY50rdWy
195Please respect copyright.PENANAUiGPCgkIOS
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAZiY49EWVhs
195Please respect copyright.PENANAmo53YAuyOC
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."195Please respect copyright.PENANA9NJReiuzlA
195Please respect copyright.PENANAX2dQ7Gjcah
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"195Please respect copyright.PENANAchuBIQuSzC
195Please respect copyright.PENANAIac6cuzVPh
"No, I'm not just saying it."195Please respect copyright.PENANA2MUpeZGYZo
195Please respect copyright.PENANASREV2djZmv
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.195Please respect copyright.PENANA022H338b9x
195Please respect copyright.PENANAC1Fj5wgip8
"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."195Please respect copyright.PENANASyWsiH8oL1
195Please respect copyright.PENANAc2mknNG6AV
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAplbYxMGdHn
195Please respect copyright.PENANA0owxyxQABu
"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."195Please respect copyright.PENANAJJYBZRQxeg
195Please respect copyright.PENANAOEg6QvKew6
"I–"195Please respect copyright.PENANAQmoYQsMRJ9
195Please respect copyright.PENANA0ZQ8d1DZ04
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"195Please respect copyright.PENANADrxuRqaBG6
195Please respect copyright.PENANA3f8bnqSK0R
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"195Please respect copyright.PENANA84P6tJbW9T
195Please respect copyright.PENANA9aUmBhpLP8
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–195Please respect copyright.PENANA8Lr5BqJOwp
195Please respect copyright.PENANACbEbyo6QvS
And yet...195Please respect copyright.PENANA2XcHfDvSrq
195Please respect copyright.PENANAkYj92GkxTe
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."195Please respect copyright.PENANAcivF8FdLTV
195Please respect copyright.PENANADjjEMSdpws
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.195Please respect copyright.PENANAoCRSi3fqZx
195Please respect copyright.PENANAAlEpB99USv
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"195Please respect copyright.PENANAfcv1hhbfQx
195Please respect copyright.PENANA5x7e2cIXfj
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.195Please respect copyright.PENANAjotvU88zhx
195Please respect copyright.PENANAtQPGxMjR9Y
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAsc7G3gdqAi
195Please respect copyright.PENANAj9CsvuYWjb
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."195Please respect copyright.PENANAZA3mvA8apo
195Please respect copyright.PENANAjVOoLm8rwn
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"195Please respect copyright.PENANAo29j1MK5ir
195Please respect copyright.PENANAWpNopf1iw7
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"195Please respect copyright.PENANAo06SsqwvpW
195Please respect copyright.PENANA8hltTl3v29
"O-Okay."195Please respect copyright.PENANA5hsZWT9PT1
195Please respect copyright.PENANA3Di8kVNPaQ
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.195Please respect copyright.PENANAMiIUQvfB2S
195Please respect copyright.PENANAhPLLQckC8X
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."195Please respect copyright.PENANAHT1btuHRc0
195Please respect copyright.PENANAeClnKlbsYM
"Okay okay, fine."195Please respect copyright.PENANAGARO1cstB9
195Please respect copyright.PENANA3dypkMMP2x
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAqBp6VFiILG
195Please respect copyright.PENANAstkTADk8rS
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."195Please respect copyright.PENANAj10qH1xkaM
195Please respect copyright.PENANAadp4NDWz6c
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.195Please respect copyright.PENANAGRGBU1EMun
195Please respect copyright.PENANAifpJDe5Dqa
–
–
–
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAGjW0jQfxES
195Please respect copyright.PENANAmlHHexDxSG
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAbDvqv6RM9Z
195Please respect copyright.PENANA8H1zxAx13T
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAcalsfRFYaz
195Please respect copyright.PENANABDuMxZHItX
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAmQeIeN5s2Y
195Please respect copyright.PENANATiyPRz2Gpq
"Huh...? What did you say?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAJQC2oMeSv9
195Please respect copyright.PENANAZHmuSRORRc
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.195Please respect copyright.PENANAqLLa3GpcIb
195Please respect copyright.PENANACiqDqcKVHs
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAr3p6CcA5Rc
195Please respect copyright.PENANAv8R3IFMr4W
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."195Please respect copyright.PENANAS0QhEkOCbU
195Please respect copyright.PENANAB8NM5Xpggc
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAF4EI4xefMH
195Please respect copyright.PENANAj2y59abgax
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAJMZFPu6KdK
195Please respect copyright.PENANAKQYoQxk8E9
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."195Please respect copyright.PENANAk5m3TN7ivQ
195Please respect copyright.PENANAp5r8PWbldi
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."195Please respect copyright.PENANAFLveGXgRwZ
195Please respect copyright.PENANA46lxkhuowq
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."195Please respect copyright.PENANA5VEuzJeymf
195Please respect copyright.PENANA6bTPgwwvaR
"Note?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAcZePi1vtWH
195Please respect copyright.PENANAP5pHaxxSUi
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAq2xFgsGExr
195Please respect copyright.PENANAVHeVK7lZam
"What does it say?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAj63GUW9x9q
195Please respect copyright.PENANALPzHwaJO3p
"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."195Please respect copyright.PENANAUolHNeGZxY
195Please respect copyright.PENANAopj1iYTlX4
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."195Please respect copyright.PENANAq7tbtLLZ8g
195Please respect copyright.PENANATRUCFnZYjW
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"195Please respect copyright.PENANA62kDRoC6WG
195Please respect copyright.PENANAyBQLHHvTI6
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."195Please respect copyright.PENANA0KHT7Ahlcm
195Please respect copyright.PENANAA7uYXxVo3L
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."195Please respect copyright.PENANAkMNAOxhQf8
195Please respect copyright.PENANAYiC2F6kj3U
Juke sighed and put the paper away.195Please respect copyright.PENANAQoti2Mcmfn
195Please respect copyright.PENANATiyJzI9gN1
"So, how's about a story?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAHvXNf6muOY
195Please respect copyright.PENANAUAMk2jWW2V
"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?"195Please respect copyright.PENANALXbSBPKySL
195Please respect copyright.PENANA7C7QLtaiAw
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."195Please respect copyright.PENANAA0zU7zWTnM
195Please respect copyright.PENANABJfyPAGFKD
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.195Please respect copyright.PENANAyc8hiO2ejX
195Please respect copyright.PENANAb4A77wmp6B
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."195Please respect copyright.PENANAg6WMOV20uu
195Please respect copyright.PENANAbBWOHiob74
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."195Please respect copyright.PENANAY9I6jLQQ1f
195Please respect copyright.PENANAhrmk6iGFkN
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAxGrx71x90R
195Please respect copyright.PENANAhwmdyQhrM4
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAjaHfniFSGs
195Please respect copyright.PENANAtpGPOnL9pP
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."195Please respect copyright.PENANANej7LSfUwa
195Please respect copyright.PENANAFG4rg0hzdh
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"195Please respect copyright.PENANAq03U2RU9pX
195Please respect copyright.PENANAeeWZtDihlH
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"195Please respect copyright.PENANAPSVX8YgMYs
195Please respect copyright.PENANApbfXh9SOAd
"Seriously? You have to be lying."195Please respect copyright.PENANAzAxSZUtmIk
195Please respect copyright.PENANARqwByxsEz8
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."195Please respect copyright.PENANAplidKBVFZT
195Please respect copyright.PENANAfBg9QH0Ez3
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."195Please respect copyright.PENANAAca4i9QqDg
195Please respect copyright.PENANAjmPc26283f
"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."195Please respect copyright.PENANAg4XGdPUBn7
195Please respect copyright.PENANAYf0XisfxF1
"Like what?" I asked.195Please respect copyright.PENANAtLT3QFiQu6
195Please respect copyright.PENANAlqWHaWpLXt
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAzrjI4upjvp
195Please respect copyright.PENANAB2B4BZCfKF
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.195Please respect copyright.PENANAVPvxm8pHqO
195Please respect copyright.PENANAjGADS4FXOW
"...Stardust?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAkeaCz1mAav
195Please respect copyright.PENANAZF3NWdUuAl
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAcJcR9qRlb3
195Please respect copyright.PENANA32lQNU101h
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.195Please respect copyright.PENANApdPSM4n3zd
195Please respect copyright.PENANAbYnnZNwyFf
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAg9s4ZeDkZM
195Please respect copyright.PENANA8JcNJwIfN0
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"195Please respect copyright.PENANAJ4hwoBn5RL
195Please respect copyright.PENANAZ5Xp0qnM3d
"...The what?"195Please respect copyright.PENANATQDw7f3SYc
195Please respect copyright.PENANATqVKKbSkHq
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAFp6HztXqni
195Please respect copyright.PENANA6C8eZc9GNL
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."195Please respect copyright.PENANAHEslrJv8kl
195Please respect copyright.PENANAtmrr12grqO
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAjBXT6WQEdu
195Please respect copyright.PENANAiPDVPKWYsW
"Of course I do!"195Please respect copyright.PENANAGev6Tjnztu
195Please respect copyright.PENANA1gQjoqb9sq
She pumped her fist.195Please respect copyright.PENANALcBxVym7GQ
195Please respect copyright.PENANAvqSTEZXz0V
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAMzmwUrpmae
195Please respect copyright.PENANAQ7LtXnxNpP
"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."195Please respect copyright.PENANAZupwwwv64b
195Please respect copyright.PENANA08L1TrOJRV
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.195Please respect copyright.PENANAt87Uk37zth
195Please respect copyright.PENANA3EItLhGhVG
"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–"195Please respect copyright.PENANAexfJpAWQSf
195Please respect copyright.PENANAr4lcL0H5GB
"I already know this."195Please respect copyright.PENANAwJkZftl7gL
195Please respect copyright.PENANA4GOJ5MtHNx
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"195Please respect copyright.PENANAiczd2U7bBj
195Please respect copyright.PENANAYRwt2lMaIz
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."195Please respect copyright.PENANABG3oyKhwrM
195Please respect copyright.PENANAgkMOipm6PQ
"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."195Please respect copyright.PENANAP86s12mHxx
195Please respect copyright.PENANAnGi0iRDhhK
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."195Please respect copyright.PENANAda6E4mgIEM
195Please respect copyright.PENANAttWBjePFco
"Eh? Why?"195Please respect copyright.PENANA8ILuge64Je
195Please respect copyright.PENANAKpTYolyEvM
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.195Please respect copyright.PENANAys2Y1097bP
195Please respect copyright.PENANAJOAiKd2XNk
"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–"195Please respect copyright.PENANAZSNN3Giw26
195Please respect copyright.PENANA6dh6u5joOv
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.195Please respect copyright.PENANAgqoOozyqeb
195Please respect copyright.PENANASGUNH7JmMZ
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAplc0SAkvxY
195Please respect copyright.PENANAtspstJrFml
"That's cuz I met her."195Please respect copyright.PENANAXok6ywj0He
195Please respect copyright.PENANAHlsj94ZJGL
"WHAT!?"195Please respect copyright.PENANA0GSYVQvont
195Please respect copyright.PENANAHhhXewC4t1
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAmeeU1zKg9o
195Please respect copyright.PENANAd5GzHKlD3Q
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAVpsnrZAzkO
195Please respect copyright.PENANAV8AxJEMIje
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"195Please respect copyright.PENANANqf9lLU9go
195Please respect copyright.PENANAbMy7NKnG3e
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."195Please respect copyright.PENANAKLltrE1ow3
195Please respect copyright.PENANAdamessnbQM
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."195Please respect copyright.PENANAH1ZyU6aSeH
195Please respect copyright.PENANAkZiyLvIghc
"You're kidding."195Please respect copyright.PENANAL6XQjnqMpt
195Please respect copyright.PENANAV96hpjMBJR
He shook his head no.195Please respect copyright.PENANALTlTDvJ9B6
195Please respect copyright.PENANArNLJsfLCmu
"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."195Please respect copyright.PENANABpBGqpcw4o
195Please respect copyright.PENANApPvD4v715j
"You're making this up," I said.195Please respect copyright.PENANAF9uwBGoXHc
195Please respect copyright.PENANAnXjzNQjL2m
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"195Please respect copyright.PENANA3q7t95QoOI
195Please respect copyright.PENANAmBoqKPxyUZ
Juke shrugged.195Please respect copyright.PENANAS3AaMk54KX
195Please respect copyright.PENANAbyyCNHzSLO
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."195Please respect copyright.PENANACzLfatbA0E
195Please respect copyright.PENANA9KhRdOlM1Z
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.195Please respect copyright.PENANAE0PGAg7Kg6
195Please respect copyright.PENANAMZNAqB95Rr
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."195Please respect copyright.PENANAhRlyE3XIjr
195Please respect copyright.PENANAB27VoL2k7h
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."195Please respect copyright.PENANA3FBxPsHcoT
195Please respect copyright.PENANA6EeV3Y5PSp
"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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAOvPnLJiNTt
195Please respect copyright.PENANAZsb48dWxZf
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.195Please respect copyright.PENANAdAvpQZ8K9q
195Please respect copyright.PENANAta6sbVb47G
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"195Please respect copyright.PENANA0mJPDI2grI
195Please respect copyright.PENANASwaCRvdrav
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAD49t7zcZJA
195Please respect copyright.PENANAsm1BZg4TJr
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"195Please respect copyright.PENANATsDonvMRQD
195Please respect copyright.PENANA0IIxNYpDU5
She pointed a finger at him.195Please respect copyright.PENANAnLhfMlJtmg
195Please respect copyright.PENANAIM8jGd910q
"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!"195Please respect copyright.PENANAWrrzUwqq7d
195Please respect copyright.PENANALX5BtymSc9
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."195Please respect copyright.PENANA7MNwTtIzts
195Please respect copyright.PENANAM0Bb6A1xbv
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"195Please respect copyright.PENANAGxCrprTcjB
195Please respect copyright.PENANARXUdn7cr1b
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.195Please respect copyright.PENANA0TecnAdJPH
195Please respect copyright.PENANAikog5yqD9d
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."195Please respect copyright.PENANAoKSNXzc1CQ
195Please respect copyright.PENANAldiFgCD5zB
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."195Please respect copyright.PENANAedGfBQMxFo
195Please respect copyright.PENANAI3die70PrP
"--Ngh! You guys...!"195Please respect copyright.PENANAcY1mowNZr8
195Please respect copyright.PENANAAOG7OkXPRn
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.195Please respect copyright.PENANA4RPCYxpigt
195Please respect copyright.PENANAn1PQWJ06h9
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."195Please respect copyright.PENANArrwDgvEJ3g
195Please respect copyright.PENANAVdGLRvV1u5
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAciVjWtkBhC
195Please respect copyright.PENANAAF6amJLxoX
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAivQABdoOFz
195Please respect copyright.PENANARS7zKMVNLf
"Ya look like you have something to say."195Please respect copyright.PENANAqQPMVXEXF8
195Please respect copyright.PENANAInp4779Dcl
"W-Well..."195Please respect copyright.PENANAUL4KdebY2o
195Please respect copyright.PENANADexknetd5b
She turned her head away.195Please respect copyright.PENANAg7TeW2Inzj
195Please respect copyright.PENANA5LUeknAcUY
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."195Please respect copyright.PENANACngy7wT4Zb
195Please respect copyright.PENANAXldb8x8Anu
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANABo2uPowmBv
195Please respect copyright.PENANALa5LrkXC8B
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."195Please respect copyright.PENANAtW7WOzTFxi
195Please respect copyright.PENANAjgsdu2cGLm
"Mhm, I told you so."195Please respect copyright.PENANA8upSUmRwHx
195Please respect copyright.PENANAjfmgeyQYra
–
–
–
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANA9UraNjoLX1
195Please respect copyright.PENANAIK3RFzFFYJ
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAqqaRYY7tWg
195Please respect copyright.PENANAwtqvar0pNr
"...So why am I not getting any?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAMLJZCBA9XE
195Please respect copyright.PENANAt5xKpLbff7
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."195Please respect copyright.PENANAs8PEVLypWt
195Please respect copyright.PENANA1t7anyJ0UH
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–195Please respect copyright.PENANAEIGSS6iq7N
195Please respect copyright.PENANAczb09H8sn3
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAcRbAaoBpiD
195Please respect copyright.PENANAePO705iqqM
"Eh?"195Please respect copyright.PENANALE8yzYLovO
195Please respect copyright.PENANAQ3QSLfzSYi
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAWf6M5G532j
195Please respect copyright.PENANAUmzxA8GViE
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.195Please respect copyright.PENANAhRjwfqNXX5
195Please respect copyright.PENANAELHwaSzcUs
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"195Please respect copyright.PENANANRXpbo7VBJ
195Please respect copyright.PENANAGrjiLz0vSW
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.195Please respect copyright.PENANAEvxMaPmOxC
195Please respect copyright.PENANAEDcFSuhJWt
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"195Please respect copyright.PENANAVNfc2oNSSX
195Please respect copyright.PENANAosWM0k9zTg
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."195Please respect copyright.PENANA41Otz5S250
195Please respect copyright.PENANAGfhDdvvRI7
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."195Please respect copyright.PENANAIfbBgznP5K
195Please respect copyright.PENANAnIJzWwXW9v
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANADoIZvMkjoI
195Please respect copyright.PENANAgV0dkmwTHw
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAxW7HnAOpvR
195Please respect copyright.PENANAwwWvw9r58s
"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?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAexDgqft5bV
195Please respect copyright.PENANA56iPWuHk4G
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."195Please respect copyright.PENANANKQMqA9Wdo
195Please respect copyright.PENANAxN0zN1mhqv
"A jungle? What elevation?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAVBlmnz0vIm
195Please respect copyright.PENANAkyIrr2JRKz
He shrugged.195Please respect copyright.PENANAfPJYYvyQ25
195Please respect copyright.PENANAk6n20BPN71
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."195Please respect copyright.PENANAJNsOIDyGXT
195Please respect copyright.PENANAtOREC5sF2c
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."195Please respect copyright.PENANAQeODShzBnQ
195Please respect copyright.PENANAYCNRa5ZnHU
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAncUgRFu84n
195Please respect copyright.PENANAkg2wj87BzJ
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAIyXkts6vcr
195Please respect copyright.PENANAXXaWddT8Ph
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."195Please respect copyright.PENANAZ1Zdxb4KRQ
195Please respect copyright.PENANAhczrNfrr4u
"Why?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAOkS8Wib1Ak
195Please respect copyright.PENANAWX4LQb2TZv
"..."195Please respect copyright.PENANA2DYswoT3JL
195Please respect copyright.PENANAQnWIbGHfzS
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.195Please respect copyright.PENANAgPfY1mYpW6
195Please respect copyright.PENANA52jRJ1ywzs
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."195Please respect copyright.PENANAMr7XbStm7I
195Please respect copyright.PENANAKUwuqjox66
"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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAMPOhvv2NdB
195Please respect copyright.PENANA5aAyio9GQd
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."195Please respect copyright.PENANAyYqcAsJ8Lo
195Please respect copyright.PENANAEUtO7KjLrB
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAufndMVkMue
195Please respect copyright.PENANAl93REUxAU4
"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."195Please respect copyright.PENANAkzXFY5PNri
195Please respect copyright.PENANAzS8F6d69hy
"..."195Please respect copyright.PENANAIaIn7jhujA
195Please respect copyright.PENANAseq2nJ6Fjx
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAfp39FDnph6
195Please respect copyright.PENANAYkABhs4EbA
"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."195Please respect copyright.PENANA9yykfepqI1
195Please respect copyright.PENANAd6E36LW0tD
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.195Please respect copyright.PENANA5cqUkRlJYb
195Please respect copyright.PENANAfBX0jwPGGs
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."195Please respect copyright.PENANAuGTcj0dxvW
195Please respect copyright.PENANA6AjyjSeFsc
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAnCLUXxJUIp
195Please respect copyright.PENANAfsU6pNnybA
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAv4P8mFc0xA
195Please respect copyright.PENANAnUDBtKGLxJ
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"195Please respect copyright.PENANAPe9JfOHCO3
195Please respect copyright.PENANAxhS25zPpIx
"TALBOT!?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAKc4K7JbJTJ
195Please respect copyright.PENANA4KWLxjfIWY
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAT4OY7vDVOi
195Please respect copyright.PENANAUq7uEYq6BK
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."195Please respect copyright.PENANAOGSHIxetJl
195Please respect copyright.PENANATBaQwFpsTO
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAprm3oqOsIN
195Please respect copyright.PENANAURRtrq9pfx
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"195Please respect copyright.PENANA0XBb2oXDoX
195Please respect copyright.PENANA9GmSfkOWHu
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."195Please respect copyright.PENANAUmvRTSstsz
195Please respect copyright.PENANAjIaXtGjj8l
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.195Please respect copyright.PENANA9Hq3qnCTah
195Please respect copyright.PENANA2pwHIf5V8r
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."195Please respect copyright.PENANA9t6Wh5liOU
195Please respect copyright.PENANAuJCQw09TSl
"Are ya kidding me?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAZPDMlZBHlx
195Please respect copyright.PENANA5j4O7ToY6V
"That's so lame!"195Please respect copyright.PENANAQ4kD2fT7XJ
195Please respect copyright.PENANAhqMJNn21qZ
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while195Please respect copyright.PENANAcGoyEsAZXF
195Please respect copyright.PENANAqtCuwBDPcG
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."195Please respect copyright.PENANA116EU6B3k3
195Please respect copyright.PENANAXalh3I9wqQ
"What's that supposed to mean?"195Please respect copyright.PENANA6WaHdoHII2
195Please respect copyright.PENANA16XDTB8T1K
"Nothing."195Please respect copyright.PENANAAqeFSJaDwW
195Please respect copyright.PENANASZBmSqHVZ9
She returned to chowing down on her food.195Please respect copyright.PENANAcakjZ2MIBr
195Please respect copyright.PENANAUdI7zvNG1A
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAa7owI0tza8
195Please respect copyright.PENANAiuVN7lEfEV
"Well..."195Please respect copyright.PENANAiXHPFEqOpo
195Please respect copyright.PENANAvvgVwa5WXY
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAzynihJF96O
195Please respect copyright.PENANAYtJgYIGaJK
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"195Please respect copyright.PENANA7R9e6AYgyP
195Please respect copyright.PENANAVJrFAABlwZ
"...No."195Please respect copyright.PENANAp2WNsWXpO0
195Please respect copyright.PENANAFzFIb8qYAB
"Eh? Why not?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAUvtuaEkQd4
195Please respect copyright.PENANAfMn47DcTN2
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAdou69SS0Ux
195Please respect copyright.PENANAh1rizzFADT
"Huh!? What'd you say?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAqPHZ2SMrdV
195Please respect copyright.PENANAozEjKXp9Qz
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.195Please respect copyright.PENANAqKlTummFUh
195Please respect copyright.PENANAUY69kcku5F
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAaEuj6xZGRJ
195Please respect copyright.PENANAeGXLNuRfxk
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAP9VHfXE6cZ
195Please respect copyright.PENANAZEfYpsMr3Y
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.195Please respect copyright.PENANAtp4QTuakrm
195Please respect copyright.PENANAMEAPCeMjSj
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."195Please respect copyright.PENANA5Chw3RGw6v
195Please respect copyright.PENANA4NJAhoaNhh
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."195Please respect copyright.PENANAQWYuO1l989
195Please respect copyright.PENANAnC8jgWA6um
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAt2tA1AB5ad
195Please respect copyright.PENANApabhS8eTmp
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."195Please respect copyright.PENANAWk3JEePxa2
195Please respect copyright.PENANAJIStfg0Fuu
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAUFGGjRsoPY
195Please respect copyright.PENANAm7meOSFVQ5
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."195Please respect copyright.PENANATdveSTRpOh
195Please respect copyright.PENANAnaW8EEUjx5
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.195Please respect copyright.PENANAaJcuMISyrZ
195Please respect copyright.PENANAOEcR3ImX7N
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."195Please respect copyright.PENANAbMsSa9JAXT
195Please respect copyright.PENANA1XOFwqnK4W
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAsIFBAyAjv4
195Please respect copyright.PENANAfXE3E7wPP7
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"195Please respect copyright.PENANATVgw0wFfv2
195Please respect copyright.PENANAFa5S5Qc2S0
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAZBvKIyWcBZ
195Please respect copyright.PENANANkC8UnIQvh
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"195Please respect copyright.PENANAJ236GJgPJe
195Please respect copyright.PENANANYRr1UXAEW
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."195Please respect copyright.PENANAEo0N9mt90M
195Please respect copyright.PENANA3hzjPoyXmh
"Custom design? Well..."195Please respect copyright.PENANAYCBotTKNZf
195Please respect copyright.PENANArAWLJTTDUu
She turned her head away.195Please respect copyright.PENANAon35SewsTq
195Please respect copyright.PENANAz2Jaba4TPu
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."195Please respect copyright.PENANArKDLTloziC
195Please respect copyright.PENANAZxqOOe7gf5
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.195Please respect copyright.PENANAybpLth4pJY
195Please respect copyright.PENANA9LwCjP1CUr
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."195Please respect copyright.PENANAvkynI2NgVh
195Please respect copyright.PENANADv3I371TwA
"Oh, this?"195Please respect copyright.PENANA630kPMmT0r
195Please respect copyright.PENANAPwRD6BoweR
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.195Please respect copyright.PENANAgGSC4HxWz3
195Please respect copyright.PENANAD3r4SzWvin
"I stole it!"195Please respect copyright.PENANASBp1qRSgvZ
195Please respect copyright.PENANATJAug8vQIu
"No surprise."195Please respect copyright.PENANAaMZ39FIKzM
195Please respect copyright.PENANAMhUAoxGSms
"I ain't surprised."195Please respect copyright.PENANAwE6xhZoewb
195Please respect copyright.PENANAs6zGF3gogi
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.195Please respect copyright.PENANAIczCV8pA28
195Please respect copyright.PENANAPPEyDycuMe
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"195Please respect copyright.PENANADirlD5JyaT
195Please respect copyright.PENANASuEfLzZDPe
"No."195Please respect copyright.PENANAFnWm7ftSeA
195Please respect copyright.PENANALRJEMtPoM3
"Not really."195Please respect copyright.PENANAevYOuB4MSD
195Please respect copyright.PENANAMWwckmEeFI
"Ah... you two are lame!"195Please respect copyright.PENANAOpUEgZTPzF
195Please respect copyright.PENANA0oQK239aky
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANA2PdXSk2Zb0
195Please respect copyright.PENANAVz0shYQnmW
"..."195Please respect copyright.PENANApOMY9u9VKu
195Please respect copyright.PENANAqz26k0oaYO
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAMsS5GIosst
195Please respect copyright.PENANAmNc3Y1kpUn
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAoftSAjtt3t
195Please respect copyright.PENANAlpG5yUPye4
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."195Please respect copyright.PENANAHSyMNwkWCP
195Please respect copyright.PENANA42s3ckmu4y
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."195Please respect copyright.PENANAqJYJgVl3PP
195Please respect copyright.PENANATcxpiT7id0
"I-I see... I suppose so."195Please respect copyright.PENANAW6xuw1ROWC
195Please respect copyright.PENANAWkOkCHAepc
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAgCJBqBQjws
195Please respect copyright.PENANAIBEvurQZko
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.195Please respect copyright.PENANAwW6fm861Hg
195Please respect copyright.PENANAR6uUDYgnfA
"Did you have to word it that way?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAVbzBFyEMm8
195Please respect copyright.PENANADJvpcNplnW
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."195Please respect copyright.PENANAmA4b0eIYFi
195Please respect copyright.PENANAN6dtGPMo37
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."195Please respect copyright.PENANAxvg28dgJ9h
195Please respect copyright.PENANAzyRJm8IkwZ
"Ya got it, boss."195Please respect copyright.PENANAWvwWLwvJTW
195Please respect copyright.PENANAufyGpapFAD
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAAxAjLjssoQ
195Please respect copyright.PENANAgBWqw3Z6qo
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."195Please respect copyright.PENANAnz0IeDX9Wc
195Please respect copyright.PENANA1oAKvARqTn
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANARdyUilN82b
195Please respect copyright.PENANAQcTlbhJykb
"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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAVaYBl2F1Dz
195Please respect copyright.PENANATWUDBWH5Xw
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."195Please respect copyright.PENANAF0wrJqmWjO
195Please respect copyright.PENANA7OdoSkTYRW
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.195Please respect copyright.PENANA269COZwXXU
195Please respect copyright.PENANAS5CU6axTwe
"...Well, alright. What is it?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAT5jNrRcztl
195Please respect copyright.PENANAtfpOx5YYrx
"I... I wanted..."195Please respect copyright.PENANA1I1kuC4s9P
195Please respect copyright.PENANAUnQyWnvJ5i
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAh5FXW4FNZC
195Please respect copyright.PENANAktaEvxvipF
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"195Please respect copyright.PENANAwDxnQt0RLj
195Please respect copyright.PENANAC8YtaBY0YU
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAvp6hTSBCE0
195Please respect copyright.PENANAP0OVoO64CW
"Where's this coming from?"195Please respect copyright.PENANATCvW2vhI8n
195Please respect copyright.PENANAr1CltqcJbA
"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?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAtUdyqb8Ngf
195Please respect copyright.PENANALwIqDNqLok
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."195Please respect copyright.PENANAQV7lRAT39Z
195Please respect copyright.PENANACW10uZ8JXd
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAFq9D5F53dv
195Please respect copyright.PENANAdnw3FCzfzP
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAEjQc71VyUP
195Please respect copyright.PENANAODqOLkG99A
In that light–195Please respect copyright.PENANABGUT1HkDCS
195Please respect copyright.PENANAJYjqrF3dAe
"Alright, apology accepted."195Please respect copyright.PENANA7yQ0LCFH2m
195Please respect copyright.PENANAtIP643Jj4g
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–195Please respect copyright.PENANAXbJ4pywTdi
195Please respect copyright.PENANAmUQj6NqVwS
"--only on one condition."195Please respect copyright.PENANArDWOjeTJZm
195Please respect copyright.PENANA2YNPEYJV9o
"Eh!?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAn2mtI6Q1qT
195Please respect copyright.PENANANAdDYHooXk
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.195Please respect copyright.PENANARJUDUE4hJU
195Please respect copyright.PENANA9r8p0qZyvP
"That's right."195Please respect copyright.PENANAdY90V7uJQ2
195Please respect copyright.PENANAIct0pDaalS
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAf3j95CJliU
195Please respect copyright.PENANAVQenBYkPIx
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."195Please respect copyright.PENANAlwbHDpe6OF
195Please respect copyright.PENANA2rQRtew9ib
"He sounds like a priss."195Please respect copyright.PENANAMPBXNwutpI
195Please respect copyright.PENANA6SDW3ojQKo
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."195Please respect copyright.PENANAmHp0NK6fMf
195Please respect copyright.PENANAvhSYnviPYR
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.195Please respect copyright.PENANAFueM0J80BF
195Please respect copyright.PENANAjSGDjlXOid
"Fine, what's your condition?"195Please respect copyright.PENANA7ab02XCKLy
195Please respect copyright.PENANA66TPCVmemj
I pointed a finger at her.195Please respect copyright.PENANAp4S5ltiBIq
195Please respect copyright.PENANALpUG5jsUHg
"We need to get along from now on."195Please respect copyright.PENANAaunxE21Rqr
195Please respect copyright.PENANAVW5LfmFkJo
"...Huh?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAPP1xXbbbIg
195Please respect copyright.PENANAYWNbdsA79I
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"195Please respect copyright.PENANAvOkOCrkaje
195Please respect copyright.PENANApnrBipQOt1
"...Ha, that's it?"195Please respect copyright.PENANACXtlDEMsHP
195Please respect copyright.PENANAEqDi02Zr41
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.195Please respect copyright.PENANA50nm0kl1dq
195Please respect copyright.PENANAL4ilpP48af
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"195Please respect copyright.PENANAX6jxxVSAY8
195Please respect copyright.PENANAtQme433Mln
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.195Please respect copyright.PENANAJrK7mw8V7C
195Please respect copyright.PENANATVZal7VMi5
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAstO2gVDaPw
195Please respect copyright.PENANAA5hYCIer5x
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.195Please respect copyright.PENANA46NNlOQ71k
195Please respect copyright.PENANA4GugmUQzHF
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."195Please respect copyright.PENANAEtogsz3YPs
195Please respect copyright.PENANAQ1EyRHUQXA
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."195Please respect copyright.PENANAcxXQxRCgNi
195Please respect copyright.PENANA9KY64BrAq3
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.195Please respect copyright.PENANAUW8Ju0oKRU
195Please respect copyright.PENANA7iiRm9W6uP
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."195Please respect copyright.PENANAcXSuhCcEa6
195Please respect copyright.PENANAXsEeKfnjMJ
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."195Please respect copyright.PENANA8ZpSpHX9l9
195Please respect copyright.PENANAIQi39UBLJk
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"195Please respect copyright.PENANAcjfWsV4Rpu
195Please respect copyright.PENANAWiO2WHJTEd
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.195Please respect copyright.PENANAj1W9isip0K
195Please respect copyright.PENANADBb59lq127
"What a weirdo, seriously."195Please respect copyright.PENANAo2bNpC4o69
195Please respect copyright.PENANA61m00BZ6Ge
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAHIA2knG5wh
195Please respect copyright.PENANAQPzwS2ifSe
–
–
–
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAGjbKrifBdv
195Please respect copyright.PENANAf73hO8w41E
"You guys! You gotta see this!"195Please respect copyright.PENANAi2uZ1NkXy2
195Please respect copyright.PENANA32mzR8fIQw
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.195Please respect copyright.PENANAXBiG7hlj04
195Please respect copyright.PENANAdUBqUwc9jf
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.