My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.194Please respect copyright.PENANA519zYg3WNg
194Please respect copyright.PENANAS4AVmmmt2Q
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAy3lddO4FdF
194Please respect copyright.PENANANwQWfSwEmY
"Haa..."194Please respect copyright.PENANAvppwXQRHtR
194Please respect copyright.PENANAIEk1XGROPT
"Are you okay?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAWLQxWJPxuP
194Please respect copyright.PENANA4JFODTKHOW
"Phew. Now I am."194Please respect copyright.PENANAAizdhKQAeS
194Please respect copyright.PENANAz0tGZBG30O
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANASIejjC8Hk0
194Please respect copyright.PENANA46rPxOrVwF
"W-What is it?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAMp7UsER7Dj
194Please respect copyright.PENANAs3DJjypVrM
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."194Please respect copyright.PENANA8pnIIhiwAW
194Please respect copyright.PENANAbRGcKiFQXo
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."194Please respect copyright.PENANAGQOgK4heIc
194Please respect copyright.PENANAg8UI3kyBBW
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAYpiMMIZ8YZ
194Please respect copyright.PENANA4ioj7Ak3Bz
"Well..."194Please respect copyright.PENANA5iZWlHkCBC
194Please respect copyright.PENANAmjmE0glYZC
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAsHFHdjzbz7
194Please respect copyright.PENANAbCuVAc6GHw
"Come on, tell me!"194Please respect copyright.PENANA51Mbt2Q0s3
194Please respect copyright.PENANAHMtUHpHH8S
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."194Please respect copyright.PENANABOXpviAatY
194Please respect copyright.PENANAFkNa7REPAa
She sighed and shrugged.194Please respect copyright.PENANAfptQ3dNcpW
194Please respect copyright.PENANAHszl6r6UtB
"Are you feeling nervous?"194Please respect copyright.PENANA1U2uhALCfE
194Please respect copyright.PENANANRwN77xOWg
"Of course I am."194Please respect copyright.PENANAbvyHkjPmch
194Please respect copyright.PENANArvHFytxm4R
"You shouldn't be."194Please respect copyright.PENANAh8OaITNBrM
194Please respect copyright.PENANACBQJPZCH0O
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."194Please respect copyright.PENANAxGTzBL7b7Z
194Please respect copyright.PENANAnjRI8mB1Hn
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."194Please respect copyright.PENANA0mHVk5dhOV
194Please respect copyright.PENANAkOhcacBwA2
"...What's that supposed to mean?"194Please respect copyright.PENANA1uObmqDQby
194Please respect copyright.PENANAXHwtWg8mwz
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANALyuKofiKG7
194Please respect copyright.PENANAHVKog7vnz9
"I think you came here a little too early."194Please respect copyright.PENANAfHHFEVIsPb
194Please respect copyright.PENANA0Bb2VA6xfW
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."194Please respect copyright.PENANAiDCrF9ane6
194Please respect copyright.PENANAoxfhDP9oCm
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"194Please respect copyright.PENANARJGWxXHAXB
194Please respect copyright.PENANAnYw4LMWQi7
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!"194Please respect copyright.PENANASr8fsPk08U
194Please respect copyright.PENANAqsW743Ccsr
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANA8gSbJHc2mN
194Please respect copyright.PENANAkwLcJfQdJw
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."194Please respect copyright.PENANAwP4NIuMEOs
194Please respect copyright.PENANAyTSQvzNacV
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAFoZVeSsb2C
194Please respect copyright.PENANA4ZNFeWJa7y
"Aren't you going to say something?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAohBwux7WxM
194Please respect copyright.PENANA0RN3zXejqo
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."194Please respect copyright.PENANAcFnLZyjHy5
194Please respect copyright.PENANALKZiwkGOkX
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"194Please respect copyright.PENANAmNXXeqBsv0
194Please respect copyright.PENANA6NcwvYhVba
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANA2xv6qkyIJc
194Please respect copyright.PENANABbE8dcJGlP
"...I-I still don't believe you."194Please respect copyright.PENANAnkCkjwDQIW
194Please respect copyright.PENANAB78J2GZNnE
"Are you serious!?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAIVRTPXJaLn
194Please respect copyright.PENANARhoXmBD6zp
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.194Please respect copyright.PENANAyOqZpHCwa3
194Please respect copyright.PENANASfvRHNHV90
"Can I at least have your name?"194Please respect copyright.PENANA4NCCq2x7Pn
194Please respect copyright.PENANArKg9sRTHq3
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAaxsYqmRxTO
194Please respect copyright.PENANAHBWrufUg9c
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"194Please respect copyright.PENANAjIhr2mijJQ
194Please respect copyright.PENANARKw5bLgDPZ
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.194Please respect copyright.PENANAZhaM4htypm
194Please respect copyright.PENANAY6B5x9ymnZ
"A-Alright, I won't forget."194Please respect copyright.PENANARbmvyyEqjC
194Please respect copyright.PENANAU1NHQJeZS7
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAYAsOiv84Uc
194Please respect copyright.PENANAfOm32AFQ80
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."194Please respect copyright.PENANAEoDtesHzJo
194Please respect copyright.PENANAJKmKe7QvBE
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.194Please respect copyright.PENANAdy1kdLQ5ul
194Please respect copyright.PENANAoxUdZmVle4
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"194Please respect copyright.PENANAJaryP41TyZ
194Please respect copyright.PENANAtAhQMOSMKF
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"194Please respect copyright.PENANAAjq2fa5uPq
194Please respect copyright.PENANACJNeRw5HN7
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.194Please respect copyright.PENANAKEDcJ3x9dp
194Please respect copyright.PENANAOpmIT9UwUx
"She's not very nice at all."194Please respect copyright.PENANAyaq5Y00sOw
194Please respect copyright.PENANA6L8PTPWi2R
"I suppose not."194Please respect copyright.PENANA48RhWp275G
194Please respect copyright.PENANAfMxPPTBhqL
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."194Please respect copyright.PENANAFQGaDGwm8D
194Please respect copyright.PENANA9YXoevTSJi
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"194Please respect copyright.PENANAI8SNTw4a1u
194Please respect copyright.PENANAElNWnHCarj
**SMASH**194Please respect copyright.PENANAaFsJUo7xrQ
194Please respect copyright.PENANAPsuScs38ON
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANApxYro5vJjs
194Please respect copyright.PENANAyBw4r79V4F
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.194Please respect copyright.PENANAV985tCKVzb
194Please respect copyright.PENANApVGJRk9CVv
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"194Please respect copyright.PENANAlIUHcguGNy
194Please respect copyright.PENANAsjvhYiVgLD
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.194Please respect copyright.PENANAzBcqLBio1U
194Please respect copyright.PENANA9eaueB1eq3
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAnaFrVztKhF
194Please respect copyright.PENANAte1Mug0DKz
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."194Please respect copyright.PENANAgZ3CMz4UYA
194Please respect copyright.PENANAs9onsWH9lb
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.194Please respect copyright.PENANAuqqkMjkotT
194Please respect copyright.PENANAeLRSexbAsO
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."194Please respect copyright.PENANA8HCZLystWB
194Please respect copyright.PENANAWnlIx22k6P
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAC5CkbdKIzv
194Please respect copyright.PENANAzjXbcevnrs
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.194Please respect copyright.PENANAmQjTHpzZS6
194Please respect copyright.PENANAyRif0ndg10
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAbuQs3tgf9d
194Please respect copyright.PENANA2oI53FdRbA
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAu0j85DzbGX
194Please respect copyright.PENANA8jxfVYcSA8
"No, not at all."194Please respect copyright.PENANAry4YY1vogA
194Please respect copyright.PENANAntTzAVuqU3
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"194Please respect copyright.PENANAdNaAaVukgR
194Please respect copyright.PENANAlNCWZKaQeu
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.194Please respect copyright.PENANAqd09QOTcxn
194Please respect copyright.PENANA5n8fFQOPjd
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."194Please respect copyright.PENANAS4UXVTcue0
194Please respect copyright.PENANAj4IQ5i6uUe
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.194Please respect copyright.PENANASeHOxTAWUk
194Please respect copyright.PENANAyTWJOirKg8
"Is she our teammate?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAvMAI568w9T
194Please respect copyright.PENANATeGwv7uui4
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."194Please respect copyright.PENANA9ahkDevqy2
194Please respect copyright.PENANAOEPFCTYDx3
"That so? Lemme test the waters."194Please respect copyright.PENANA7B2VYtE7Lj
194Please respect copyright.PENANAxkWWNJvhuP
"You'll regret it."194Please respect copyright.PENANArotwUlj9p8
194Please respect copyright.PENANAFVIE6OgCJD
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANATCrkWRG55w
194Please respect copyright.PENANANgKsIsE7Ee
"...Wait."194Please respect copyright.PENANAa5XbPi6h8a
194Please respect copyright.PENANAR23sj8oBKz
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!194Please respect copyright.PENANAh1g3CXfLDE
194Please respect copyright.PENANA585fglw2Wd
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."194Please respect copyright.PENANAsxiYFOfF16
194Please respect copyright.PENANAl5wk8yVdKr
"A little? Just a little?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAAzUUpNMKQc
194Please respect copyright.PENANAxQ1xmo3GWj
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."194Please respect copyright.PENANANXkGwu6k6k
194Please respect copyright.PENANA5zW8dqrW0F
"I met her five minutes ago!"194Please respect copyright.PENANA1rr991T1ei
194Please respect copyright.PENANAnH9jSXNsOj
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.194Please respect copyright.PENANAosJbZ8lyzG
194Please respect copyright.PENANAaWr2LeYj0c
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."194Please respect copyright.PENANAZ36wS8zDPj
194Please respect copyright.PENANADtMEpakBmL
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."194Please respect copyright.PENANAHe0gRc6PFe
194Please respect copyright.PENANAWn1xsy8Pm9
"Really?"194Please respect copyright.PENANA6szsjL64Qe
194Please respect copyright.PENANA9UlCQ9IBKm
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.194Please respect copyright.PENANA56OnmgyLtH
194Please respect copyright.PENANAG7idtfZvhy
"What do you mean 'really'?"194Please respect copyright.PENANArHMFfskGf5
194Please respect copyright.PENANAQUfDSYYmLA
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAr0p7A9EmMU
194Please respect copyright.PENANAfIrK8ccgj0
"--!"194Please respect copyright.PENANAj1wWJEFaOM
194Please respect copyright.PENANAmYFg2eJ1s0
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAw7QPPtrJCy
194Please respect copyright.PENANAaYHGIjmbtY
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."194Please respect copyright.PENANAsnNPQrJueH
194Please respect copyright.PENANAJA4EPXZ5sU
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."194Please respect copyright.PENANAlR5n8M0cdL
194Please respect copyright.PENANAYtSLXVOykr
**SMASH**194Please respect copyright.PENANAT70xeyjyY4
194Please respect copyright.PENANA6ujE1hCaUG
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAnyr1o7E00O
194Please respect copyright.PENANAGV5kZh923S
My jaw dropped yet again.194Please respect copyright.PENANAxGRgnhBocP
194Please respect copyright.PENANAGPZQjJrXQL
"ROY!?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAMz2lO29Ggh
194Please respect copyright.PENANA399CW9y9LR
–
–
–
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAQAFS1k5SrL
194Please respect copyright.PENANALK577cKTvt
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAOvIqyTEux8
194Please respect copyright.PENANA1RsIDVskWQ
"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."194Please respect copyright.PENANAxe6p3dFvFy
194Please respect copyright.PENANAiXKS6ESFNC
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."194Please respect copyright.PENANA47tKy7NkRq
194Please respect copyright.PENANA6N8a2cURzH
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"194Please respect copyright.PENANADlfEps1CIg
194Please respect copyright.PENANAGouHaV53pl
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANADjxsKbXY6l
194Please respect copyright.PENANAv2vz6djcwQ
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAI6frkSwmLV
194Please respect copyright.PENANAul7WsSVLKS
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."194Please respect copyright.PENANAYPW1zpiise
194Please respect copyright.PENANA6pOCnD1lwv
"R-Right."194Please respect copyright.PENANANPxJIbxkkt
194Please respect copyright.PENANABHBp9JNrSg
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–194Please respect copyright.PENANAMQgP8PQQlK
194Please respect copyright.PENANA6i8wWr1zGK
"Ack!"194Please respect copyright.PENANAyivL16pBla
194Please respect copyright.PENANAlfBuaOuq0l
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.194Please respect copyright.PENANA6pkvYBY4b1
194Please respect copyright.PENANA1NdixMJswG
"F-Flinty, what was–"194Please respect copyright.PENANAN99RyHuLoi
194Please respect copyright.PENANAzbEOZaXROH
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"194Please respect copyright.PENANASIQOnyQ216
194Please respect copyright.PENANAZqM3TCDHwh
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAqbQS2ZkghY
194Please respect copyright.PENANAt0IF2khQwd
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."194Please respect copyright.PENANAFtdUoDxCfn
194Please respect copyright.PENANA91EhFDPUml
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"194Please respect copyright.PENANAMCW3Ro78BE
194Please respect copyright.PENANABzflJ5K6xl
"No, I'm not just saying it."194Please respect copyright.PENANAou8T4cWEpI
194Please respect copyright.PENANAzlVKABWJ5i
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.194Please respect copyright.PENANAhY4mr18tZR
194Please respect copyright.PENANAmH2fiEdtWO
"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."194Please respect copyright.PENANAORa9YvGG41
194Please respect copyright.PENANAdZPloZeuof
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANA4D2RDF1Twu
194Please respect copyright.PENANAS0mibf6faZ
"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."194Please respect copyright.PENANA4oK1ln6zY1
194Please respect copyright.PENANAuMyWNfBfOG
"I–"194Please respect copyright.PENANAf8g86twB2l
194Please respect copyright.PENANACrEQphoocg
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"194Please respect copyright.PENANAbnRVCTtuic
194Please respect copyright.PENANAiGLgeE94qQ
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAPXTX4hjJms
194Please respect copyright.PENANAqGZBaeEe9C
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–194Please respect copyright.PENANA45pdXgw3Xb
194Please respect copyright.PENANAdUzejIYN9X
And yet...194Please respect copyright.PENANAPVC5RaWucP
194Please respect copyright.PENANACi8vvJ0e0J
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."194Please respect copyright.PENANAeq3CtcuyEC
194Please respect copyright.PENANAwIWGU0LKNv
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.194Please respect copyright.PENANAOofXaXMWaT
194Please respect copyright.PENANAtCR4oSIA5J
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"194Please respect copyright.PENANAG1y9pRtRMU
194Please respect copyright.PENANAVCYwxSFnOe
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.194Please respect copyright.PENANArOmF7Os4i8
194Please respect copyright.PENANAyboRqV7QYY
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"194Please respect copyright.PENANASqHU7tlbV2
194Please respect copyright.PENANAzfrWR40yut
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."194Please respect copyright.PENANA09oKw8tjiM
194Please respect copyright.PENANAaMecI3ILkw
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"194Please respect copyright.PENANAjJl1fJoQwU
194Please respect copyright.PENANAte4yf7SItR
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"194Please respect copyright.PENANAnTevgZY2eK
194Please respect copyright.PENANAQtMMkZ6l5S
"O-Okay."194Please respect copyright.PENANA3mooVDcMbT
194Please respect copyright.PENANAzKgNkxV3Kq
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.194Please respect copyright.PENANABmzg1MA8OL
194Please respect copyright.PENANAT2V8bNbW6K
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."194Please respect copyright.PENANAoeE0QxieGe
194Please respect copyright.PENANAFdYcL94Qcl
"Okay okay, fine."194Please respect copyright.PENANAf1g5soBnlT
194Please respect copyright.PENANAbV1pyxM9O5
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAF5NYZA48PY
194Please respect copyright.PENANArWG4s8gIef
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."194Please respect copyright.PENANAlrJdqtJEoB
194Please respect copyright.PENANADzq9Ogfxqp
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.194Please respect copyright.PENANA8jdURhT2j0
194Please respect copyright.PENANAWdcQ7DklOA
–
–
–
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAOaWY2Kq0s2
194Please respect copyright.PENANA5oogSldDBa
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAwF15q60MwH
194Please respect copyright.PENANAzT74R5S7vp
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANA7XfyrIPneK
194Please respect copyright.PENANA03DsTEMMbB
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"194Please respect copyright.PENANANIOV60uIR3
194Please respect copyright.PENANAh8zpCLbIkU
"Huh...? What did you say?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAttglwRuANf
194Please respect copyright.PENANAF3UhP593hP
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.194Please respect copyright.PENANAn7WBUBDD0t
194Please respect copyright.PENANAZ5z38QsEIu
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAj1KgHyXF97
194Please respect copyright.PENANAKIeOam0lpn
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."194Please respect copyright.PENANAf2CCHIzTTA
194Please respect copyright.PENANAtxvc89FTUK
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAoTHMDfheR2
194Please respect copyright.PENANACAxB1SQuZM
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAdXUiAovMqI
194Please respect copyright.PENANACCXkgfkejC
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."194Please respect copyright.PENANAW0jeLzlke0
194Please respect copyright.PENANAbJEpJ7donq
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."194Please respect copyright.PENANAkHp7lhMCX5
194Please respect copyright.PENANAzH7cS9CtWQ
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."194Please respect copyright.PENANAMLoHFknbrg
194Please respect copyright.PENANA2Plvx1nUzd
"Note?"194Please respect copyright.PENANA8PGzJ3OaGm
194Please respect copyright.PENANAUwMg8KhxMm
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAwuVU0C7gN8
194Please respect copyright.PENANATw84wiwunn
"What does it say?"194Please respect copyright.PENANATpTiYBbf6A
194Please respect copyright.PENANAfGdcFlZoWB
"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."194Please respect copyright.PENANASrsGSX5D7E
194Please respect copyright.PENANAYPrNTeXByy
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."194Please respect copyright.PENANAx5LejMhwpN
194Please respect copyright.PENANAUZ0Qrc1m6Q
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAmMcEgLT43M
194Please respect copyright.PENANAdlBMQSB9jA
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."194Please respect copyright.PENANAsFCFbdaKLP
194Please respect copyright.PENANAY0agfvuiqV
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."194Please respect copyright.PENANAzbWK61TaAZ
194Please respect copyright.PENANA58d5KEz13u
Juke sighed and put the paper away.194Please respect copyright.PENANAcOhpq341Fv
194Please respect copyright.PENANAUEKUoiJyiX
"So, how's about a story?"194Please respect copyright.PENANATrbKK0UWyM
194Please respect copyright.PENANAtrMsAsIsHt
"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?"194Please respect copyright.PENANABJE89D4LK4
194Please respect copyright.PENANAYg3y885QpZ
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."194Please respect copyright.PENANAJ22iDiqUYb
194Please respect copyright.PENANAESGAOoCSzH
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.194Please respect copyright.PENANApgVVm23DkQ
194Please respect copyright.PENANAAVv2ZlpeOe
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."194Please respect copyright.PENANAsk6v0E5AsU
194Please respect copyright.PENANAI9JzkMBJIw
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."194Please respect copyright.PENANAUxyuKoEnhe
194Please respect copyright.PENANA6pxVcWoeN7
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAoWsQBqhpQs
194Please respect copyright.PENANA3M2SpkJA97
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANA1kfP01R9dX
194Please respect copyright.PENANAbGaV0RVp6G
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."194Please respect copyright.PENANAWScBbpTwqE
194Please respect copyright.PENANAOpcUd4cApI
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"194Please respect copyright.PENANAotb06SO2Zk
194Please respect copyright.PENANA3Akk6i7QIm
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"194Please respect copyright.PENANA1LmJVufEb4
194Please respect copyright.PENANA0XivvDMtfD
"Seriously? You have to be lying."194Please respect copyright.PENANAVKC7RPjLAD
194Please respect copyright.PENANApExKYgHHnT
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."194Please respect copyright.PENANAGDjjRUsCnP
194Please respect copyright.PENANAMEgNA2dFK3
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."194Please respect copyright.PENANAim590HMzmb
194Please respect copyright.PENANAV0KSMGn7Jr
"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."194Please respect copyright.PENANAsAHbFT17Y2
194Please respect copyright.PENANANpup9euEWa
"Like what?" I asked.194Please respect copyright.PENANAQ5CTLqYLOi
194Please respect copyright.PENANAEDlQ0qeQqh
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"194Please respect copyright.PENANA8YJxc41G9G
194Please respect copyright.PENANAG6fU7PWYv0
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.194Please respect copyright.PENANAMD1yCRWh6J
194Please respect copyright.PENANAixhbg55JvP
"...Stardust?"194Please respect copyright.PENANASvjZdj0qYG
194Please respect copyright.PENANAH97oa3Grsr
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAlLEkX1QIpB
194Please respect copyright.PENANABDC7eOaMm6
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.194Please respect copyright.PENANAj46oLOlV1d
194Please respect copyright.PENANAftFkIBHUKa
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"194Please respect copyright.PENANA17WDAOHKf2
194Please respect copyright.PENANAZboGWeOlGL
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"194Please respect copyright.PENANAWX40la5Hri
194Please respect copyright.PENANAjjfYLbMcmE
"...The what?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAHhJwhUCRJY
194Please respect copyright.PENANA7V1BOY2PeN
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAo8hiwnSKlb
194Please respect copyright.PENANAguWlZ0ScVA
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."194Please respect copyright.PENANAPCLMjXmJrR
194Please respect copyright.PENANAAeiBUTUlF4
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAq3Bl2mVmhH
194Please respect copyright.PENANAvuCryv9Viy
"Of course I do!"194Please respect copyright.PENANAMALLeWxoEY
194Please respect copyright.PENANAwfpQBcRJ3J
She pumped her fist.194Please respect copyright.PENANAwSPjttEyzG
194Please respect copyright.PENANAT3XBVHXArO
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAC9zGz4SfFI
194Please respect copyright.PENANAKa1qPGEEbj
"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."194Please respect copyright.PENANAc2tcIFIkrM
194Please respect copyright.PENANABzljFShwRZ
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.194Please respect copyright.PENANAcxt4eJf82g
194Please respect copyright.PENANAT2rCTOYgXr
"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–"194Please respect copyright.PENANASIP34EoIWX
194Please respect copyright.PENANA6yYUAUi4Vq
"I already know this."194Please respect copyright.PENANAgMH4x3N8cO
194Please respect copyright.PENANA7tB774453c
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"194Please respect copyright.PENANATk9GOR3syY
194Please respect copyright.PENANArpwHpR5ji1
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."194Please respect copyright.PENANAPnb1Eg0NCc
194Please respect copyright.PENANAbLe1vH7rUd
"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."194Please respect copyright.PENANAkHNxMxPd0h
194Please respect copyright.PENANAUjZoJ3xWJn
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."194Please respect copyright.PENANA0B69szuNmT
194Please respect copyright.PENANAdyysc2D5iy
"Eh? Why?"194Please respect copyright.PENANArGHpuLQGaF
194Please respect copyright.PENANAG9wXUpnjfW
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.194Please respect copyright.PENANAAMEhMh6LOK
194Please respect copyright.PENANA3cH0V0OnOg
"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–"194Please respect copyright.PENANAUCgyXk9UFZ
194Please respect copyright.PENANAAFRaC05c9D
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.194Please respect copyright.PENANAduIv7n88d2
194Please respect copyright.PENANAUH6ITlMxVv
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"194Please respect copyright.PENANATmLYNNrDrZ
194Please respect copyright.PENANAncOGcxdRPv
"That's cuz I met her."194Please respect copyright.PENANAhJmcPLDFlh
194Please respect copyright.PENANApRZQ6urnW2
"WHAT!?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAIr32kmoolt
194Please respect copyright.PENANAvsCJC6wgRu
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAWkhQSElmFy
194Please respect copyright.PENANAWhIjqReCVD
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAkQgmRh7IWa
194Please respect copyright.PENANAh7Zvb16EAB
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"194Please respect copyright.PENANA4dAywthg9N
194Please respect copyright.PENANA9Uc8ttdj8S
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."194Please respect copyright.PENANAEsYMhPffki
194Please respect copyright.PENANAx9PP7exWIY
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."194Please respect copyright.PENANAuOmmp4YErK
194Please respect copyright.PENANAmIv6iM8MLC
"You're kidding."194Please respect copyright.PENANAd7d4VbWFPA
194Please respect copyright.PENANA645Vj7NreI
He shook his head no.194Please respect copyright.PENANAlRJFMdOkBa
194Please respect copyright.PENANAZjvY9sRhGl
"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."194Please respect copyright.PENANAz6Lmwip35O
194Please respect copyright.PENANA8xkTg1vTHi
"You're making this up," I said.194Please respect copyright.PENANABUGv309K63
194Please respect copyright.PENANAWttFTimEA8
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAT8J5wRctOY
194Please respect copyright.PENANAEP5H7XfdfA
Juke shrugged.194Please respect copyright.PENANAxTJ2q24i8g
194Please respect copyright.PENANA3IlKtxRicO
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."194Please respect copyright.PENANAKi7z46wu7O
194Please respect copyright.PENANAldWnEWqdJX
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.194Please respect copyright.PENANAH0HFuPuGtI
194Please respect copyright.PENANAXJQtxbSNXx
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."194Please respect copyright.PENANA3pHSGgrmF1
194Please respect copyright.PENANAVZ1TKnsE3J
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."194Please respect copyright.PENANAJlKr4OGaKv
194Please respect copyright.PENANAj9KhS5BF37
"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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAafdb5hZi6p
194Please respect copyright.PENANANT1wvwq5iX
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.194Please respect copyright.PENANA4MGdRdKdlD
194Please respect copyright.PENANAkOZbyiPg0L
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAhc2ClNZZXe
194Please respect copyright.PENANABlG0tB3rH4
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAE4woC7XcR0
194Please respect copyright.PENANA5MNr2fmDKQ
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAHRpvuow5qu
194Please respect copyright.PENANAUWsJv3EoKN
She pointed a finger at him.194Please respect copyright.PENANAFMmd5zls3P
194Please respect copyright.PENANA7eNBOtlOHP
"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!"194Please respect copyright.PENANA3qbdE2usu9
194Please respect copyright.PENANAScidTL7l9x
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."194Please respect copyright.PENANASbUNTHnRO1
194Please respect copyright.PENANAhnPgmFnhPa
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"194Please respect copyright.PENANAEhktPi9uS1
194Please respect copyright.PENANA9ORhe4LFpI
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.194Please respect copyright.PENANAbXWMK2JzrE
194Please respect copyright.PENANAGPGEME5Fvx
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."194Please respect copyright.PENANA1u1w7ibgZc
194Please respect copyright.PENANApHZtDv1bLR
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."194Please respect copyright.PENANASrxPp7uibu
194Please respect copyright.PENANA2BgeggtTnN
"--Ngh! You guys...!"194Please respect copyright.PENANAOQWp0fu9Xo
194Please respect copyright.PENANAx247scblCN
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.194Please respect copyright.PENANAcyFcMZdcvy
194Please respect copyright.PENANAumj7UjEaP3
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."194Please respect copyright.PENANAJPZSlc96eb
194Please respect copyright.PENANAzTxxtB5q9o
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAtSx1cywvnB
194Please respect copyright.PENANAco0PuOM84T
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAVYRoRzlnyB
194Please respect copyright.PENANAS8QyLvCwMn
"Ya look like you have something to say."194Please respect copyright.PENANATOekkJkcc1
194Please respect copyright.PENANAwQel9M3DMu
"W-Well..."194Please respect copyright.PENANAWAPixZnxDB
194Please respect copyright.PENANAxef4dF2Iaj
She turned her head away.194Please respect copyright.PENANAQWkTCLt5Ji
194Please respect copyright.PENANAD9qrOSzG7p
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."194Please respect copyright.PENANAUtyWoeQSat
194Please respect copyright.PENANAzBjAMm3pou
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAWrDNQYujDZ
194Please respect copyright.PENANAGBRTXGBI00
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."194Please respect copyright.PENANApQnHmBhtQI
194Please respect copyright.PENANAAM5XdhSJFC
"Mhm, I told you so."194Please respect copyright.PENANAostGen22ya
194Please respect copyright.PENANA6Q8r8ey4hh
–
–
–
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANATiF4PytUgl
194Please respect copyright.PENANArRaeI1M3C3
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAkgbvRi3DPT
194Please respect copyright.PENANAecJuXpx9kp
"...So why am I not getting any?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAur7u1izV4x
194Please respect copyright.PENANAA1ZiUB4zNT
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."194Please respect copyright.PENANAPMkPc5gLHL
194Please respect copyright.PENANASBBjQeyxkM
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–194Please respect copyright.PENANAyvTViuTgwG
194Please respect copyright.PENANAaObGAg65pk
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAZGbgxy8r4P
194Please respect copyright.PENANArweh09NyL1
"Eh?"194Please respect copyright.PENANA4ghnm4wL4O
194Please respect copyright.PENANAQkM08yCtTO
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANA0nLxeZ2Ysa
194Please respect copyright.PENANA9FOYNuzupT
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.194Please respect copyright.PENANA54MDluE8nL
194Please respect copyright.PENANAYeqRRdr0oo
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAt85RoX59a8
194Please respect copyright.PENANAxmTsuMeDvM
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.194Please respect copyright.PENANAtwEF6JAPcY
194Please respect copyright.PENANADwlSGz52RB
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"194Please respect copyright.PENANAjbTn0ZkFVw
194Please respect copyright.PENANAkB95Ti1Qf8
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."194Please respect copyright.PENANADtxB0sCkvT
194Please respect copyright.PENANA5CmRHffNtr
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."194Please respect copyright.PENANAznyrSA2oTP
194Please respect copyright.PENANAWWemoInhLz
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAAhsByxDeqq
194Please respect copyright.PENANAYO5beAaPZr
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAb7K3347FYy
194Please respect copyright.PENANAMAxLviBIta
"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?"194Please respect copyright.PENANA0dhnzObUNC
194Please respect copyright.PENANAmkET8u5jwr
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."194Please respect copyright.PENANAqV1foMngKE
194Please respect copyright.PENANA8DR1AvFcYV
"A jungle? What elevation?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAVbdMsOj41z
194Please respect copyright.PENANATbaCyBzMOS
He shrugged.194Please respect copyright.PENANAqK2V1ODbLk
194Please respect copyright.PENANAhvXucqyjzr
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."194Please respect copyright.PENANAkR8mS9WiZ5
194Please respect copyright.PENANAxzXFnVMWmF
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."194Please respect copyright.PENANArqWvfEBswg
194Please respect copyright.PENANA4i2ZLAg3mW
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAQcH8ud3bwd
194Please respect copyright.PENANAHW3FPto7J9
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAzFHCj744xX
194Please respect copyright.PENANAaspOujnGSl
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."194Please respect copyright.PENANAxT8txszHJq
194Please respect copyright.PENANAZZbZ9SZzYe
"Why?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAvCVXTjh3lI
194Please respect copyright.PENANAg6z6qUg7WG
"..."194Please respect copyright.PENANAizqKz6yTyo
194Please respect copyright.PENANAASOxhfKBs9
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.194Please respect copyright.PENANAdnJBRKZQvh
194Please respect copyright.PENANAEeE0pafGnH
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."194Please respect copyright.PENANAhXuaRK2chd
194Please respect copyright.PENANAv3X6Cv652n
"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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAOsAEmAQCeK
194Please respect copyright.PENANAgIHBcmg6XW
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."194Please respect copyright.PENANARmMg9YqRKj
194Please respect copyright.PENANAeMsDzy63n5
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAHBm57wPJ7a
194Please respect copyright.PENANAd2e5AK9RO6
"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."194Please respect copyright.PENANA74oGrh5j6X
194Please respect copyright.PENANAk9YkZfLN48
"..."194Please respect copyright.PENANAplXbcCUBKk
194Please respect copyright.PENANArzVYevwqoN
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANA9y5RjzgeQW
194Please respect copyright.PENANAGiM2DuzzZg
"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."194Please respect copyright.PENANAfRfVmtULod
194Please respect copyright.PENANA3UDgXTF6Cg
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.194Please respect copyright.PENANAh7bnToTbQg
194Please respect copyright.PENANA0OqIN0U0I9
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."194Please respect copyright.PENANAI6uKJlmrtD
194Please respect copyright.PENANAsv85vhE7K9
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"194Please respect copyright.PENANA6KU0wcMzs8
194Please respect copyright.PENANAH6arvHfDB6
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANABcCDti7p01
194Please respect copyright.PENANAwwElaLCZs6
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"194Please respect copyright.PENANA73rrbGdzL8
194Please respect copyright.PENANAc8z4lXNR4w
"TALBOT!?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAldxgips2tl
194Please respect copyright.PENANAkquRJCm3aL
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAHULs9Nxj0o
194Please respect copyright.PENANAcOX1SuNBeW
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."194Please respect copyright.PENANAsTZFOjyUb4
194Please respect copyright.PENANAtUbZW2iA1v
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"194Please respect copyright.PENANACQXnRfi6Dp
194Please respect copyright.PENANA6FXa2swoS2
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"194Please respect copyright.PENANA0FBOBC6bjy
194Please respect copyright.PENANAVMtwJmOCH8
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."194Please respect copyright.PENANAe2MSmDi4F4
194Please respect copyright.PENANA06jhkXJguZ
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.194Please respect copyright.PENANA2T9fyA9rpb
194Please respect copyright.PENANApRC0CQx4HX
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."194Please respect copyright.PENANAUFeOnAFc70
194Please respect copyright.PENANAhCqK5a4t2n
"Are ya kidding me?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAwZZxyHC8S1
194Please respect copyright.PENANAZeTayzI3wO
"That's so lame!"194Please respect copyright.PENANAXb0KtS8FGt
194Please respect copyright.PENANAMdCndEALrR
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while194Please respect copyright.PENANAV6MZ206eRz
194Please respect copyright.PENANApkpCDo9Rdy
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."194Please respect copyright.PENANA6JqV6cWY9b
194Please respect copyright.PENANAVpioY16I39
"What's that supposed to mean?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAY2CgNc63zw
194Please respect copyright.PENANAhpuoqoa7bD
"Nothing."194Please respect copyright.PENANAFX3sfviP6o
194Please respect copyright.PENANAZje2Dxvz2E
She returned to chowing down on her food.194Please respect copyright.PENANAv3oFzPaYye
194Please respect copyright.PENANAxKLGgVVAnC
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"194Please respect copyright.PENANATVSIL8zGJt
194Please respect copyright.PENANA6dxpXXglAr
"Well..."194Please respect copyright.PENANA6KpWbnxblT
194Please respect copyright.PENANAtJg21yA9FH
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAYLPzyG7w65
194Please respect copyright.PENANAK53XAs8nCU
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAblVcRzXejC
194Please respect copyright.PENANAthqSs1ESsh
"...No."194Please respect copyright.PENANAk1zc3aFgms
194Please respect copyright.PENANACLoAZfutV1
"Eh? Why not?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAFVVR59Hz96
194Please respect copyright.PENANATvuKs9ORCf
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAjhkWsBLatC
194Please respect copyright.PENANAZhhx9Go7F2
"Huh!? What'd you say?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAT5kq9qYxJe
194Please respect copyright.PENANATvJPUtDJwW
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.194Please respect copyright.PENANABtRLlzukQA
194Please respect copyright.PENANAWEawuCpjXE
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"194Please respect copyright.PENANArANyXknLbw
194Please respect copyright.PENANAK8rg709T8u
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAHOVKQkn9p9
194Please respect copyright.PENANAukMaHz9Ne5
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.194Please respect copyright.PENANAhImdm0evp5
194Please respect copyright.PENANAYijYaoud3q
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."194Please respect copyright.PENANALHQgCm68Lz
194Please respect copyright.PENANAimXhgWOdsh
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."194Please respect copyright.PENANAGymTVKqgn5
194Please respect copyright.PENANAS6DA0RdvgF
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANA72PLlBF67r
194Please respect copyright.PENANAZjPgoFtZrw
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."194Please respect copyright.PENANAvSbjHZlcOR
194Please respect copyright.PENANA2nev5q3Om9
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAwBNlXezaGH
194Please respect copyright.PENANA7YhP0T1E4X
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."194Please respect copyright.PENANA4SDDnwQ3GI
194Please respect copyright.PENANAqsVrcj1p0V
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.194Please respect copyright.PENANAkVZHPpgnW0
194Please respect copyright.PENANAmKTrnBp08I
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."194Please respect copyright.PENANAjoo54H7rR6
194Please respect copyright.PENANA76mpkXe9o2
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANA7O9DhznGfP
194Please respect copyright.PENANAFHKm85paJF
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"194Please respect copyright.PENANA1qxa2JCu8a
194Please respect copyright.PENANATMIaVnsE0y
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAvz1hPmtco4
194Please respect copyright.PENANAL6MpVPXpzK
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"194Please respect copyright.PENANAom8QGFAFwF
194Please respect copyright.PENANADZWc84x25j
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."194Please respect copyright.PENANAo0rDHWNafI
194Please respect copyright.PENANAaOAicSozE1
"Custom design? Well..."194Please respect copyright.PENANAvL8QmTCAAK
194Please respect copyright.PENANAtGPbQHExqY
She turned her head away.194Please respect copyright.PENANAo1PeNixsOw
194Please respect copyright.PENANAYjh2HheF8t
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."194Please respect copyright.PENANAvHE4N4V2ik
194Please respect copyright.PENANAruJI7alJOH
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.194Please respect copyright.PENANAFYE7RrSYnz
194Please respect copyright.PENANA46346M0l47
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."194Please respect copyright.PENANA8tm3s5jj0A
194Please respect copyright.PENANAxEF6EVGPCH
"Oh, this?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAWDZqrhXwX7
194Please respect copyright.PENANAz3FdYqHpga
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.194Please respect copyright.PENANABHP82Fkfa2
194Please respect copyright.PENANA2FdY1rK2Tv
"I stole it!"194Please respect copyright.PENANA7FENol1eBC
194Please respect copyright.PENANALwmkAmIDCv
"No surprise."194Please respect copyright.PENANALL4wNdoduL
194Please respect copyright.PENANATBWIF38DE6
"I ain't surprised."194Please respect copyright.PENANArxYMgNNBoB
194Please respect copyright.PENANAIr0PGiojv7
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.194Please respect copyright.PENANABKrx2BLKFf
194Please respect copyright.PENANAUrdncWdTwa
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"194Please respect copyright.PENANATnNzqfJ4YG
194Please respect copyright.PENANAdnlDVEQ3MT
"No."194Please respect copyright.PENANAVYd3PBpivM
194Please respect copyright.PENANAFFwvWhxeod
"Not really."194Please respect copyright.PENANATP03YVk5NL
194Please respect copyright.PENANAxOTPl1pWGl
"Ah... you two are lame!"194Please respect copyright.PENANAVKegCso01a
194Please respect copyright.PENANA4f901RlGYL
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAwqXQrtlphM
194Please respect copyright.PENANAQl2is2EQHH
"..."194Please respect copyright.PENANAyVlOzSrWy4
194Please respect copyright.PENANAlpFxjSArEY
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANACwuZ8rDrdA
194Please respect copyright.PENANAIykgEOh8Fb
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAuKiKwEGxce
194Please respect copyright.PENANA1KchsPKgpf
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."194Please respect copyright.PENANARA3k1xH5ox
194Please respect copyright.PENANATv6vR1trQf
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."194Please respect copyright.PENANAmE7wX0v6Kc
194Please respect copyright.PENANAdFp6zd1fiw
"I-I see... I suppose so."194Please respect copyright.PENANAoXaMroCb7L
194Please respect copyright.PENANAtfwngJj4ok
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAMYajESXZvb
194Please respect copyright.PENANA9apFkCI80f
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.194Please respect copyright.PENANAgJj6iwqMg5
194Please respect copyright.PENANAYNVknBVqI2
"Did you have to word it that way?"194Please respect copyright.PENANA88TyZVI2Iw
194Please respect copyright.PENANAb7IZM2jFUa
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."194Please respect copyright.PENANAUtLKQbxZg9
194Please respect copyright.PENANAcPKxHBtWnq
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."194Please respect copyright.PENANAWSYKsqAWO2
194Please respect copyright.PENANANhvoO4JTCZ
"Ya got it, boss."194Please respect copyright.PENANAfk4uh5VWe6
194Please respect copyright.PENANA6EfxPXfq9i
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAqifKDV4HMJ
194Please respect copyright.PENANAEa0EWJS722
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."194Please respect copyright.PENANAr3ecXSmoLj
194Please respect copyright.PENANArfym8Gvsq3
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANADIbCahRTTJ
194Please respect copyright.PENANAVHyuy0k9E8
"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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAiDBaCdtuul
194Please respect copyright.PENANAgsnYaD6ns6
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."194Please respect copyright.PENANACuA0uUBVUx
194Please respect copyright.PENANAc9TJ3eACcG
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.194Please respect copyright.PENANAyxH40AleVO
194Please respect copyright.PENANALKXBO41E6o
"...Well, alright. What is it?"194Please respect copyright.PENANA3rIvKIj5Gn
194Please respect copyright.PENANAzdF06wst5N
"I... I wanted..."194Please respect copyright.PENANAUOYxu9BZgi
194Please respect copyright.PENANA2eCIM6gIG5
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAUnfEucDnRi
194Please respect copyright.PENANARjOy0kNReL
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"194Please respect copyright.PENANA9Bj0hVeUrW
194Please respect copyright.PENANABxAnTUlY9k
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANA1c0DBvwCc7
194Please respect copyright.PENANADLehR6SGRa
"Where's this coming from?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAWPtNILQ2F5
194Please respect copyright.PENANANldICciLc0
"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?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAYWwPw8cA8J
194Please respect copyright.PENANA4n6kEK0lWj
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."194Please respect copyright.PENANAK7Uh6Mffdc
194Please respect copyright.PENANASzsVJrewKq
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAA8dc5RPrjH
194Please respect copyright.PENANAV6Il6wbOmz
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANACeRTwaiL7d
194Please respect copyright.PENANAgW9rDuJup2
In that light–194Please respect copyright.PENANAQcIiUMroVU
194Please respect copyright.PENANApOtTh93PGj
"Alright, apology accepted."194Please respect copyright.PENANA983ImxdJNu
194Please respect copyright.PENANAj3Lb7haK2D
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–194Please respect copyright.PENANA628fFaW282
194Please respect copyright.PENANA4Mcz3DzNJf
"--only on one condition."194Please respect copyright.PENANALvKCWyWrXu
194Please respect copyright.PENANAA0CtA7ZzYy
"Eh!?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAQhQmoBDlCX
194Please respect copyright.PENANA2DqLJDXdLI
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.194Please respect copyright.PENANAqgt6GVZymu
194Please respect copyright.PENANARmVJSAMh8R
"That's right."194Please respect copyright.PENANA9QLrzrIi8m
194Please respect copyright.PENANAJOqZB2g5id
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAUh5MYb4QVC
194Please respect copyright.PENANA2EHgFUDWYB
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."194Please respect copyright.PENANADhT1wo3TaY
194Please respect copyright.PENANAxVvZ4cWqio
"He sounds like a priss."194Please respect copyright.PENANAuLQHiPhRfP
194Please respect copyright.PENANA0WnbqXYRVJ
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."194Please respect copyright.PENANAhHpuYaNysN
194Please respect copyright.PENANAtPI2jcSSJ4
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.194Please respect copyright.PENANALrpXMHzA1s
194Please respect copyright.PENANA6qsPHzvB94
"Fine, what's your condition?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAPQTpQtKWtW
194Please respect copyright.PENANA5GoY1sHMPV
I pointed a finger at her.194Please respect copyright.PENANAbGaXrau9AZ
194Please respect copyright.PENANA6L1gRcglEn
"We need to get along from now on."194Please respect copyright.PENANAPhNEKhUWJE
194Please respect copyright.PENANANQb7JidHSF
"...Huh?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAJgDPme2tOR
194Please respect copyright.PENANA5VfRV3OV1w
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAxAiexPPg0i
194Please respect copyright.PENANADAC5KW9NhO
"...Ha, that's it?"194Please respect copyright.PENANAG5ejD1KoHy
194Please respect copyright.PENANA2KAAAlE1FD
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.194Please respect copyright.PENANAcmksqgY69a
194Please respect copyright.PENANA3P0PL6Lxcp
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"194Please respect copyright.PENANATLJ2mAReVU
194Please respect copyright.PENANAU20GjI9yZ5
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.194Please respect copyright.PENANAdttP5Z92p4
194Please respect copyright.PENANAsrASn9V4jE
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAyDsW1RUPX4
194Please respect copyright.PENANAquns4cfwhE
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.194Please respect copyright.PENANA9k0KMe2ySH
194Please respect copyright.PENANAlAA7Tdsgkb
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."194Please respect copyright.PENANAPUieVrLewN
194Please respect copyright.PENANAFpmOxlzFzi
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."194Please respect copyright.PENANACkgHE9V2E6
194Please respect copyright.PENANAwpmDq4NROr
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.194Please respect copyright.PENANAEJqTw8jXhh
194Please respect copyright.PENANAR09I6kfgcU
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."194Please respect copyright.PENANAyeLtCjLQvj
194Please respect copyright.PENANAGkMNebDk3Z
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."194Please respect copyright.PENANARFPCFLmD9G
194Please respect copyright.PENANAafX3vF5eit
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"194Please respect copyright.PENANABS2sbULh2m
194Please respect copyright.PENANAYRH4iAvUCz
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.194Please respect copyright.PENANAn3UHSObDRG
194Please respect copyright.PENANAcZim8ld0EJ
"What a weirdo, seriously."194Please respect copyright.PENANAjGTbLqvv2v
194Please respect copyright.PENANAducXyccDWm
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAIHUHVGhlRq
194Please respect copyright.PENANAQCtmu9UAa7
–
–
–
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAKe7uQzMG0x
194Please respect copyright.PENANATlxbdVKkPY
"You guys! You gotta see this!"194Please respect copyright.PENANAbFRhnBJMj4
194Please respect copyright.PENANAUG4Rt9SfNB
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.194Please respect copyright.PENANAktUgbPY28I
194Please respect copyright.PENANAwWPgeFy9oZ
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.