My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.190Please respect copyright.PENANAXPvrhPrm4a
190Please respect copyright.PENANARAvsPBvqFy
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANA6SFI7VDaqw
190Please respect copyright.PENANAOnDfVl9rQz
"Haa..."190Please respect copyright.PENANAM1SQHeIvdm
190Please respect copyright.PENANAXAfBbp8ZXo
"Are you okay?"190Please respect copyright.PENANA3LQjrKNU1m
190Please respect copyright.PENANA8SEr1js9EG
"Phew. Now I am."190Please respect copyright.PENANAHoyHz23Mbj
190Please respect copyright.PENANA3Qe5SHxWEF
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAoXVAjAAQGP
190Please respect copyright.PENANAdZ2sBjhjWF
"W-What is it?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAW4yAT70kfB
190Please respect copyright.PENANADD2r4Tf0ow
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."190Please respect copyright.PENANALr3Adalof0
190Please respect copyright.PENANApa1W2PBcmL
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."190Please respect copyright.PENANAu6tKW4jKOM
190Please respect copyright.PENANAl4MRcS7CdY
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"190Please respect copyright.PENANA5hXao7H345
190Please respect copyright.PENANAXvvVghFSzk
"Well..."190Please respect copyright.PENANA4P6A2qwz9c
190Please respect copyright.PENANAh4tPo2tDLg
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAZOdEuiKH55
190Please respect copyright.PENANA3xesrWh5OP
"Come on, tell me!"190Please respect copyright.PENANAtgRs86nUKX
190Please respect copyright.PENANAcTv8BkjuLj
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."190Please respect copyright.PENANAduXJDfwk8P
190Please respect copyright.PENANAp47PGBE1HP
She sighed and shrugged.190Please respect copyright.PENANAhKI8kVBTRA
190Please respect copyright.PENANAOQFWCfpA3l
"Are you feeling nervous?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAy1y85zCyHQ
190Please respect copyright.PENANAHuZev1FLBO
"Of course I am."190Please respect copyright.PENANAkc3ZuiitZX
190Please respect copyright.PENANAc8kfn2W7mU
"You shouldn't be."190Please respect copyright.PENANAy52vsYkCcw
190Please respect copyright.PENANA3v2zEk5gDx
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."190Please respect copyright.PENANA1O29LTw684
190Please respect copyright.PENANAW4uEvzp2sH
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."190Please respect copyright.PENANAI1ArlRAqad
190Please respect copyright.PENANAiCZnEGzb7Q
"...What's that supposed to mean?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAlHuHNrWIdJ
190Please respect copyright.PENANAiIPyg5QuqQ
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAFkHNtewPZy
190Please respect copyright.PENANAwB3zbs5qnG
"I think you came here a little too early."190Please respect copyright.PENANAQOmZOXYFuM
190Please respect copyright.PENANAO0Z4RERcG7
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."190Please respect copyright.PENANAXlyX8bGlgf
190Please respect copyright.PENANA7wpHEmJ3j5
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAzdT26bULwy
190Please respect copyright.PENANAM6FkWVqfkh
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!"190Please respect copyright.PENANAhHJ2MDSA5A
190Please respect copyright.PENANAPq4XSwwahu
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAt9iVatUeN6
190Please respect copyright.PENANAVnmDpjksBW
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."190Please respect copyright.PENANA3zijVwMcDm
190Please respect copyright.PENANAz0zhdzGLgQ
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAggubUVe4jz
190Please respect copyright.PENANAbYIYtjzCQB
"Aren't you going to say something?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAa5bq0I3NkB
190Please respect copyright.PENANArOkXtsebun
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."190Please respect copyright.PENANALH5ittSXu8
190Please respect copyright.PENANA2R84fyDcmN
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"190Please respect copyright.PENANAni1w0sC3RG
190Please respect copyright.PENANAjWmN8ZnatC
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAnLvkYwOjnU
190Please respect copyright.PENANAyC5rO8mPbt
"...I-I still don't believe you."190Please respect copyright.PENANAEWfH7XIqtx
190Please respect copyright.PENANAKX8kNg4e1o
"Are you serious!?"190Please respect copyright.PENANANnLDbtF8IR
190Please respect copyright.PENANA3BygbTacEe
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.190Please respect copyright.PENANAXaU0VxqtRK
190Please respect copyright.PENANAN1kWLvwHqN
"Can I at least have your name?"190Please respect copyright.PENANATCCJPKlozz
190Please respect copyright.PENANAJSo0xf3ap7
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANA1R7UEOvZOn
190Please respect copyright.PENANAUTvZiYUv2G
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"190Please respect copyright.PENANA7tiAa0aVTn
190Please respect copyright.PENANABeqZyFMjzV
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.190Please respect copyright.PENANAogVOWcdVmx
190Please respect copyright.PENANATNvwgUArjt
"A-Alright, I won't forget."190Please respect copyright.PENANAg6WsrctnVP
190Please respect copyright.PENANAkLJCUnXhWA
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAlq4L49GeDL
190Please respect copyright.PENANA2URZRzHPOW
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."190Please respect copyright.PENANAQjNcuqPiEh
190Please respect copyright.PENANA1GzBfrNWyb
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.190Please respect copyright.PENANAmZvcA5p61D
190Please respect copyright.PENANAlRIpE8ZQnd
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"190Please respect copyright.PENANAb77KNWaSCs
190Please respect copyright.PENANA9VdIe8JP3X
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"190Please respect copyright.PENANAmcOzGGdrW9
190Please respect copyright.PENANAejxAR5zD0J
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.190Please respect copyright.PENANAQvvGdGY0Fq
190Please respect copyright.PENANAXRxJT9RK6N
"She's not very nice at all."190Please respect copyright.PENANAlROiVZ65mm
190Please respect copyright.PENANAPmAnaatStY
"I suppose not."190Please respect copyright.PENANAliWXydqo9B
190Please respect copyright.PENANADEBAHR05Ea
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."190Please respect copyright.PENANAdyYF9AR8B0
190Please respect copyright.PENANAXxph5WU5nQ
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"190Please respect copyright.PENANAHHNfMQY517
190Please respect copyright.PENANA5z7bBozXSh
**SMASH**190Please respect copyright.PENANAglq3lkVOMh
190Please respect copyright.PENANAuuqcXSUymX
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANA4JbG6zFYxE
190Please respect copyright.PENANAZuofLxizHM
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.190Please respect copyright.PENANAj7fyMUrMDg
190Please respect copyright.PENANA9U6bos3OHz
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"190Please respect copyright.PENANAfD7BA5s3pX
190Please respect copyright.PENANAAhxggrUkia
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.190Please respect copyright.PENANA4SJH7ZEy41
190Please respect copyright.PENANAUdDwroOdPE
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"190Please respect copyright.PENANATRt885GRF4
190Please respect copyright.PENANAAqo37uRZoW
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."190Please respect copyright.PENANALJWzkancHE
190Please respect copyright.PENANA8Dc9QBqD4Y
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.190Please respect copyright.PENANAAlRqPoPEWj
190Please respect copyright.PENANACdCe03kETH
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."190Please respect copyright.PENANAB8YZK4Xnbn
190Please respect copyright.PENANA30Zg8pSyDi
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"190Please respect copyright.PENANA8wst8xsq4n
190Please respect copyright.PENANAkM5qQNLndV
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.190Please respect copyright.PENANALitRzhDlhA
190Please respect copyright.PENANA4tGk7BsJp4
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAIVav4Y1vDj
190Please respect copyright.PENANABtL2zmTin5
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAHbgfZEFH3K
190Please respect copyright.PENANACQppTShBUm
"No, not at all."190Please respect copyright.PENANAOtI959TzSV
190Please respect copyright.PENANADOpuXb4j2l
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"190Please respect copyright.PENANAe6j7lsvEH5
190Please respect copyright.PENANA8yMSsYZe6s
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.190Please respect copyright.PENANAC8aUsUwcry
190Please respect copyright.PENANAq2b97YQbTn
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."190Please respect copyright.PENANASX9EosdbDb
190Please respect copyright.PENANALbGWYFvcrr
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.190Please respect copyright.PENANAwhWJWxVYVb
190Please respect copyright.PENANAuXcEeDtkLl
"Is she our teammate?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAKeA8gGNF5o
190Please respect copyright.PENANAMVR7NOz9zq
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."190Please respect copyright.PENANAK0FUlfghn5
190Please respect copyright.PENANAVrvuJJ8V6X
"That so? Lemme test the waters."190Please respect copyright.PENANATWWku2xalz
190Please respect copyright.PENANAJIeHDNUX9k
"You'll regret it."190Please respect copyright.PENANAdJ6hHjglpa
190Please respect copyright.PENANAUf8sE9F2HA
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAuv8wmuMqbm
190Please respect copyright.PENANAjRD14vQZda
"...Wait."190Please respect copyright.PENANAtZ23CPRyiV
190Please respect copyright.PENANA8L8Cgh5pTj
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!190Please respect copyright.PENANAbUexheM06V
190Please respect copyright.PENANAawGeVnkMhO
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."190Please respect copyright.PENANAPTMEYs1VYC
190Please respect copyright.PENANAfeyR3q7Rbz
"A little? Just a little?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAHwH7oFfe9P
190Please respect copyright.PENANAPsjqCRuulZ
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."190Please respect copyright.PENANAv9bftoQQd8
190Please respect copyright.PENANAFeWOHefdgu
"I met her five minutes ago!"190Please respect copyright.PENANAFtHgMbtk9A
190Please respect copyright.PENANAM6Rm9Ledv6
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.190Please respect copyright.PENANAZC0Hu9syVw
190Please respect copyright.PENANAYMOyzmHJ3Z
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."190Please respect copyright.PENANA9YmN0tzcPD
190Please respect copyright.PENANAYR0mvJQWzC
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."190Please respect copyright.PENANAhNVXQytPdJ
190Please respect copyright.PENANATZzytnU0Ul
"Really?"190Please respect copyright.PENANApcz1WBX5x4
190Please respect copyright.PENANADNUI6ZLOuq
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.190Please respect copyright.PENANA5a6FALFXPa
190Please respect copyright.PENANADLUCkKYGN3
"What do you mean 'really'?"190Please respect copyright.PENANA9LB89lt4UZ
190Please respect copyright.PENANAFBevuOOP3D
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAjk6LIDXVzv
190Please respect copyright.PENANAZ65pTgMSSI
"--!"190Please respect copyright.PENANARtHcxfT3om
190Please respect copyright.PENANAOt1sohpJrG
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANApL8oxbBkkp
190Please respect copyright.PENANAk5aUvxMWKZ
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."190Please respect copyright.PENANADbeG08JJuz
190Please respect copyright.PENANArDTacUKxWz
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."190Please respect copyright.PENANANwWuFVRwsr
190Please respect copyright.PENANAfD99bFXcY1
**SMASH**190Please respect copyright.PENANA3hoghsDnc0
190Please respect copyright.PENANAFwGkygdelx
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANA07zqNH0qDb
190Please respect copyright.PENANAiH3XYU5DtV
My jaw dropped yet again.190Please respect copyright.PENANAF0UBSTtnna
190Please respect copyright.PENANA7kpmLai6b6
"ROY!?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAoBx9SvNPWt
190Please respect copyright.PENANAViwYRRqZYV
–
–
–
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAeFEH4ee215
190Please respect copyright.PENANA0K1cVqsLuo
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAHqRy5vX6Ag
190Please respect copyright.PENANAkvODnlMvV6
"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."190Please respect copyright.PENANApmp8uf0qkc
190Please respect copyright.PENANAwoE1iyePHS
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."190Please respect copyright.PENANAQRUCX2LRkK
190Please respect copyright.PENANAVLXeqAMl4t
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAxVO4obecPa
190Please respect copyright.PENANArckOgbV0Jh
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAml54DKlQg6
190Please respect copyright.PENANA20pHq3iOYr
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAqNkTWCedYA
190Please respect copyright.PENANAHi5wTgDWBJ
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."190Please respect copyright.PENANA2HWfvfFm8o
190Please respect copyright.PENANAJzGygXhQeL
"R-Right."190Please respect copyright.PENANAV8x3nbays9
190Please respect copyright.PENANA2090GwVIbD
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–190Please respect copyright.PENANAfo1l7gQym5
190Please respect copyright.PENANAnFBW4B1m0G
"Ack!"190Please respect copyright.PENANA2xMk1BIeRw
190Please respect copyright.PENANAMmpUcji1Tt
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.190Please respect copyright.PENANAn8lN5Bs7ED
190Please respect copyright.PENANAX5kgKciOyG
"F-Flinty, what was–"190Please respect copyright.PENANATgm0RwGvJW
190Please respect copyright.PENANAMBcLosIRJj
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"190Please respect copyright.PENANAPFeE9wHBd1
190Please respect copyright.PENANAybXFfwSjTZ
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANApuMv3GNEma
190Please respect copyright.PENANAODenFLuqCi
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."190Please respect copyright.PENANAOjy0bbDOZg
190Please respect copyright.PENANAQ08vgocJ8q
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"190Please respect copyright.PENANAcZ2bpD1bhm
190Please respect copyright.PENANAPoAeMi5Ixs
"No, I'm not just saying it."190Please respect copyright.PENANAGCXVBj5JkT
190Please respect copyright.PENANAGdPwLQ5gXW
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.190Please respect copyright.PENANAJuOsJP4600
190Please respect copyright.PENANA1B5Tb0SHcF
"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."190Please respect copyright.PENANAgvZP0hCGnH
190Please respect copyright.PENANAn3K4Ma4Cte
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAfA3dSLFYeB
190Please respect copyright.PENANA07MhaOZUa5
"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."190Please respect copyright.PENANAch7VNuHQxa
190Please respect copyright.PENANA5sdUOh4Gqr
"I–"190Please respect copyright.PENANA2JwlQ6pSjg
190Please respect copyright.PENANA1ANPqMrnpw
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"190Please respect copyright.PENANAl3qtthO45R
190Please respect copyright.PENANAhtFQf0UHLw
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAb8iPNAQGC0
190Please respect copyright.PENANAefWYdaVve2
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–190Please respect copyright.PENANAC0MUcfc2K2
190Please respect copyright.PENANA2mP9Lfjsuo
And yet...190Please respect copyright.PENANAtIa3B4nIP4
190Please respect copyright.PENANA9xn6dqb3bt
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."190Please respect copyright.PENANA9PdQgElxMV
190Please respect copyright.PENANAhy5yg2RBoG
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.190Please respect copyright.PENANAblZmk652WE
190Please respect copyright.PENANA8c9pL85mjI
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"190Please respect copyright.PENANA20NS2Nghwf
190Please respect copyright.PENANAyWY03MUo9w
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.190Please respect copyright.PENANAOvviqzrWK0
190Please respect copyright.PENANA1JK91QzUsu
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAZ12gQFcxPp
190Please respect copyright.PENANAjXwTuc7b1o
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."190Please respect copyright.PENANAQi8rXGTPfT
190Please respect copyright.PENANATRKZdrZW9O
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"190Please respect copyright.PENANAfcLMri3ilq
190Please respect copyright.PENANAkr2otriF64
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"190Please respect copyright.PENANA5jFVFFLNqJ
190Please respect copyright.PENANAv2OsaaIJJE
"O-Okay."190Please respect copyright.PENANAUHKi7595lN
190Please respect copyright.PENANAcclhdhEgiQ
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.190Please respect copyright.PENANAVdefNIXAuU
190Please respect copyright.PENANAMu3yr2Q3ci
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."190Please respect copyright.PENANAwPBtBTeUx0
190Please respect copyright.PENANAZPzRxPMsDg
"Okay okay, fine."190Please respect copyright.PENANAGAFHCtPWiE
190Please respect copyright.PENANAzaEIUun3OS
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANATtYKOnqhGF
190Please respect copyright.PENANAgTtK95IA1r
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."190Please respect copyright.PENANAaVfOnbmMMn
190Please respect copyright.PENANApO36EfiKEt
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.190Please respect copyright.PENANAe3lssEtWE6
190Please respect copyright.PENANAEIfHjjSScP
–
–
–
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAQA31YSvDiA
190Please respect copyright.PENANAeUGo9C6FVH
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANARdyfhqRsCP
190Please respect copyright.PENANABJoN8o04jf
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAgiiNVbI88p
190Please respect copyright.PENANAid0Q0G8ZoO
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAD9WRbDGkjf
190Please respect copyright.PENANAuS6y5ug87A
"Huh...? What did you say?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAu7MY0YijZY
190Please respect copyright.PENANARz163l8fD6
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.190Please respect copyright.PENANAEM7UTxXEoq
190Please respect copyright.PENANApq6v5evsXp
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAa1QBafemWZ
190Please respect copyright.PENANAbAmUXoM2FM
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."190Please respect copyright.PENANASQmkbvl4G4
190Please respect copyright.PENANAsiVNMQYiMB
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAer0UpWGaD6
190Please respect copyright.PENANAGEDVSj7hfV
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"190Please respect copyright.PENANABpTCFdGI8H
190Please respect copyright.PENANAmquBnzeC9W
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."190Please respect copyright.PENANAJv9LyAh7tX
190Please respect copyright.PENANAUBQ1qpOhe4
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."190Please respect copyright.PENANAaSdiT8NfAZ
190Please respect copyright.PENANASinLM8CIJL
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."190Please respect copyright.PENANABbCrbZ6wrw
190Please respect copyright.PENANAuZNGX7HIsV
"Note?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAKJdERMSmEi
190Please respect copyright.PENANAtiQOYgV5i6
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAPFsi4wp67f
190Please respect copyright.PENANAZt2Oqktcau
"What does it say?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAtPL5P0vBLj
190Please respect copyright.PENANAk1CMIpltWH
"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."190Please respect copyright.PENANAdP1M28p7SX
190Please respect copyright.PENANAcBznlYP4Fw
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."190Please respect copyright.PENANAbVutq7mFlP
190Please respect copyright.PENANA4AeGhApJkL
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"190Please respect copyright.PENANA1gHRJQpf2b
190Please respect copyright.PENANAFq4Q9OcQyx
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."190Please respect copyright.PENANAqrNjBut0tC
190Please respect copyright.PENANAh7FTbvAVhE
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."190Please respect copyright.PENANAYaV4tjo9I7
190Please respect copyright.PENANAhh1rBHNRer
Juke sighed and put the paper away.190Please respect copyright.PENANAWzCkqI93s7
190Please respect copyright.PENANA97mkHuF5PV
"So, how's about a story?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAAKlN60nmXG
190Please respect copyright.PENANAT5USdguZkz
"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?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAzIp16xmylt
190Please respect copyright.PENANA9j1Y2MMFev
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."190Please respect copyright.PENANA8S5bfStzfy
190Please respect copyright.PENANASH4RPWh6QY
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.190Please respect copyright.PENANAprFyd78DlI
190Please respect copyright.PENANA9K6hhk5xCG
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."190Please respect copyright.PENANAcwQnxLb793
190Please respect copyright.PENANAyPQ1haFSf3
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."190Please respect copyright.PENANAMCQ4pZ6KkV
190Please respect copyright.PENANA7bG82W2FGy
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAAkwjyrWAap
190Please respect copyright.PENANAeVu9T39Rsy
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANATsKPEEDLGb
190Please respect copyright.PENANA9w79tmb38w
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."190Please respect copyright.PENANAmvEZWmf1LA
190Please respect copyright.PENANA3Hdyh1ckUw
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"190Please respect copyright.PENANAO2iNmjshWt
190Please respect copyright.PENANAbST0VtAfaE
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"190Please respect copyright.PENANAWDN7ejQgZ6
190Please respect copyright.PENANA1OztxbIVMh
"Seriously? You have to be lying."190Please respect copyright.PENANAo74Xw4rdWL
190Please respect copyright.PENANA8Tb5ndc6x5
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."190Please respect copyright.PENANAwGTqVYngD9
190Please respect copyright.PENANAYO7A4FsKJ8
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."190Please respect copyright.PENANAZV0HDUutfX
190Please respect copyright.PENANAWKEHpn9gBZ
"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."190Please respect copyright.PENANATKGPgjQRG7
190Please respect copyright.PENANABaTpRRg6dP
"Like what?" I asked.190Please respect copyright.PENANAUh5oLvcr9v
190Please respect copyright.PENANAc1rmOFSCjk
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAnVhiUZCzIT
190Please respect copyright.PENANAHr4Y3XBmfT
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.190Please respect copyright.PENANAMtw8UzZYB6
190Please respect copyright.PENANAkvz60ys8vU
"...Stardust?"190Please respect copyright.PENANALWgiU1p07r
190Please respect copyright.PENANABp60f25bFK
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"190Please respect copyright.PENANADlG0Jjucyy
190Please respect copyright.PENANAIQnZeDkS9f
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.190Please respect copyright.PENANAfGmxDS7HrP
190Please respect copyright.PENANAXNvp8N6ybw
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"190Please respect copyright.PENANA9wO6LJWq3p
190Please respect copyright.PENANAwDlMhvHf3i
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"190Please respect copyright.PENANArGVWVxJIjy
190Please respect copyright.PENANA4xGkxMMikc
"...The what?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAsoS3fy9Fva
190Please respect copyright.PENANAKJ6cbXrIN4
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANA2gjArzKEez
190Please respect copyright.PENANA6aLj9JeRw9
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."190Please respect copyright.PENANAxj9N8Sdu6N
190Please respect copyright.PENANAIfRnvjg9dd
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAxsYYzKZDgE
190Please respect copyright.PENANAKgeTaprLjM
"Of course I do!"190Please respect copyright.PENANAXj2M9sQN04
190Please respect copyright.PENANA6nfcV6BRef
She pumped her fist.190Please respect copyright.PENANAH27EnHrnb3
190Please respect copyright.PENANAfJuKGIGbmz
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAazTnQ6M79l
190Please respect copyright.PENANAPTogsUTV5A
"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."190Please respect copyright.PENANAyqiuonNyA3
190Please respect copyright.PENANAgTtHigMIuD
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.190Please respect copyright.PENANAMPWlpZmhmM
190Please respect copyright.PENANAYdMAFtsAG4
"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–"190Please respect copyright.PENANAUsEj4rFqiC
190Please respect copyright.PENANAb2Hhvkj5Mx
"I already know this."190Please respect copyright.PENANAN9PyT8nD1R
190Please respect copyright.PENANA1kmdzIo67v
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"190Please respect copyright.PENANAQFvtMacmai
190Please respect copyright.PENANApcINgPeMmg
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."190Please respect copyright.PENANAWRX22V1aJ9
190Please respect copyright.PENANAqt631mV4Ob
"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."190Please respect copyright.PENANAqpXg2pDOAR
190Please respect copyright.PENANAB1V5o099hB
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."190Please respect copyright.PENANAtJHka3jzdu
190Please respect copyright.PENANAo0w5pM5AlA
"Eh? Why?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAzbn0ekfI4u
190Please respect copyright.PENANAQs8sre0GMU
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.190Please respect copyright.PENANAU9Jpug89Nz
190Please respect copyright.PENANAP5VfrXEeI3
"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–"190Please respect copyright.PENANAbeC6n3GESZ
190Please respect copyright.PENANA7auNAtqJyw
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.190Please respect copyright.PENANAixLE0AWDX8
190Please respect copyright.PENANAnE2KP76rOU
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAULGPdrP3ho
190Please respect copyright.PENANA28GZIwK5pL
"That's cuz I met her."190Please respect copyright.PENANAdCkjKSr5YT
190Please respect copyright.PENANAN772WjvMRH
"WHAT!?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAhRmTbLDupB
190Please respect copyright.PENANA5J3TFwA2XU
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAhzbjTYyvnM
190Please respect copyright.PENANAw9ySxn7San
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"190Please respect copyright.PENANApLIndmkPjM
190Please respect copyright.PENANAxbyK60ARXQ
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"190Please respect copyright.PENANAUK1gHn8gej
190Please respect copyright.PENANA8ROpc79WaO
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."190Please respect copyright.PENANA6SVvo0rHwT
190Please respect copyright.PENANArxn5Ime7pO
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."190Please respect copyright.PENANAWroKKmw0hY
190Please respect copyright.PENANAWlrvaHoUjt
"You're kidding."190Please respect copyright.PENANAtBitezLujO
190Please respect copyright.PENANAQtOINVGpAe
He shook his head no.190Please respect copyright.PENANABVYTowKoew
190Please respect copyright.PENANAS9huQDaZ4F
"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."190Please respect copyright.PENANAdFAJ036Qct
190Please respect copyright.PENANAY0l3jzmEbm
"You're making this up," I said.190Please respect copyright.PENANAoHt4Q2ROqw
190Please respect copyright.PENANAmTUgq4jQIg
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAEFEnKLt9ON
190Please respect copyright.PENANAvKekJMC02e
Juke shrugged.190Please respect copyright.PENANA0CvVnI4qjh
190Please respect copyright.PENANAxSkT7IBdes
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."190Please respect copyright.PENANA6CWt9nL9x8
190Please respect copyright.PENANAejB8dIvy5K
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.190Please respect copyright.PENANAvMI9ZPKaes
190Please respect copyright.PENANATOg8dq5ZyX
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."190Please respect copyright.PENANAQykFQE8TiV
190Please respect copyright.PENANAtmy8iMcxgM
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."190Please respect copyright.PENANAGg3RrxCugv
190Please respect copyright.PENANAtUgX8RTp3y
"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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAu02vQz1cM9
190Please respect copyright.PENANAjLjqNGBxNy
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.190Please respect copyright.PENANAcZXyEHCdbH
190Please respect copyright.PENANAHE0WZTTm3U
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAICKh31uLS9
190Please respect copyright.PENANAqQ0hoTf6kw
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAqDBIQauf1W
190Please respect copyright.PENANACFj1VftBls
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"190Please respect copyright.PENANACFHEP4BMUD
190Please respect copyright.PENANALpbjgiSfrE
She pointed a finger at him.190Please respect copyright.PENANATJqqCkE0wg
190Please respect copyright.PENANAT8VQJMi0Dp
"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!"190Please respect copyright.PENANAWuJzZqPYv7
190Please respect copyright.PENANAEF3vgbr9tG
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."190Please respect copyright.PENANAj9MQlK9Boi
190Please respect copyright.PENANA7ijpEQdFMg
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"190Please respect copyright.PENANAt2pCCv3yhb
190Please respect copyright.PENANAQfHAzxypKN
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.190Please respect copyright.PENANAMkeUeeXrdU
190Please respect copyright.PENANA1YwoDGRRnn
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."190Please respect copyright.PENANAFrN27pjrEP
190Please respect copyright.PENANAKjSfhn01Xp
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."190Please respect copyright.PENANAx8Zn8xqERJ
190Please respect copyright.PENANA4sMeBrddce
"--Ngh! You guys...!"190Please respect copyright.PENANAMjgfvV7KL3
190Please respect copyright.PENANAJ0IBFS4XoY
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.190Please respect copyright.PENANAyhk4SHwZwV
190Please respect copyright.PENANArnyBE5xKqW
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."190Please respect copyright.PENANAcNiHya7s6s
190Please respect copyright.PENANAFVHR56RVto
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAiMM6AQKGFY
190Please respect copyright.PENANAlG7AiB8aWZ
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"190Please respect copyright.PENANADQLdMWD5Z2
190Please respect copyright.PENANAAy2nea3Oei
"Ya look like you have something to say."190Please respect copyright.PENANAIyeXtB2RY5
190Please respect copyright.PENANANPYNBc5jNG
"W-Well..."190Please respect copyright.PENANALFM0wpoTcI
190Please respect copyright.PENANAKtSXeMFJMx
She turned her head away.190Please respect copyright.PENANAct5Vj8cwPP
190Please respect copyright.PENANAP0dz7AUM3r
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."190Please respect copyright.PENANAsTOtZGYjXl
190Please respect copyright.PENANAuQsUhFssOG
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAJl6PN24sLm
190Please respect copyright.PENANAF41iSF5vs4
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."190Please respect copyright.PENANAYMFty2qUTe
190Please respect copyright.PENANAnyk8Oq1Rhc
"Mhm, I told you so."190Please respect copyright.PENANAObGkR8fEvK
190Please respect copyright.PENANACMsDBJ4IsS
–
–
–
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAiE4KmBZGki
190Please respect copyright.PENANALUWb3Q8qbf
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAsWbQUSBpPE
190Please respect copyright.PENANASZ2R7KtXXH
"...So why am I not getting any?"190Please respect copyright.PENANA9U9Ky9GVLW
190Please respect copyright.PENANAG6BYvPnsBt
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."190Please respect copyright.PENANA8XmWSOKkJ8
190Please respect copyright.PENANAogoNXdiAsv
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–190Please respect copyright.PENANAs5jQPH627O
190Please respect copyright.PENANA87xMChnuKY
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAx62yJNB3uO
190Please respect copyright.PENANArv14Jpw83n
"Eh?"190Please respect copyright.PENANA4eWuXzcAso
190Please respect copyright.PENANAM3aQ6qydOD
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAk1qAMHMLDL
190Please respect copyright.PENANAaWlz4uPDF8
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.190Please respect copyright.PENANAJwABLa0Usy
190Please respect copyright.PENANAonmMZGmnxM
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAmE0EBBrGih
190Please respect copyright.PENANAicDPjlir8X
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.190Please respect copyright.PENANAG3nKI9znjv
190Please respect copyright.PENANAhpalMGkUko
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"190Please respect copyright.PENANAoQ3GOd38Lp
190Please respect copyright.PENANAGJ2A83AOdB
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."190Please respect copyright.PENANAOloz30YGAV
190Please respect copyright.PENANAnZi16R5uYs
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."190Please respect copyright.PENANA3dzRQjXVhJ
190Please respect copyright.PENANArBj0fxe8ol
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANABPBinJ6CPk
190Please respect copyright.PENANAC8lXW9cuFN
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAnwRPKdMD3x
190Please respect copyright.PENANAyo5qfw8273
"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?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAmhlNUFwBwl
190Please respect copyright.PENANAH8qUOPRAHt
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."190Please respect copyright.PENANA2R66Evzsen
190Please respect copyright.PENANAlepLH1VE7Q
"A jungle? What elevation?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAqVZtqnxqTp
190Please respect copyright.PENANAnTXhhz6KmP
He shrugged.190Please respect copyright.PENANAQdEHPVawlP
190Please respect copyright.PENANAOBEL3YvY5Y
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."190Please respect copyright.PENANA2BVLFBmJq9
190Please respect copyright.PENANAWT04qJAF8B
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."190Please respect copyright.PENANATJvw2zVGq3
190Please respect copyright.PENANAavUv1qzMQ1
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAxd1gWMSL98
190Please respect copyright.PENANArwXdN5JxsE
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"190Please respect copyright.PENANA4gVYEMd4dx
190Please respect copyright.PENANAwbUxqkxdfm
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."190Please respect copyright.PENANAS8HzK9WZEU
190Please respect copyright.PENANAP5wklPZajI
"Why?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAHJYGJ1TWl6
190Please respect copyright.PENANAh81Kp52tVQ
"..."190Please respect copyright.PENANAVXICDE8nZW
190Please respect copyright.PENANA2W8aB5zc2Y
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.190Please respect copyright.PENANAhiDtG0Um5k
190Please respect copyright.PENANA53nFVMB8t0
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."190Please respect copyright.PENANAqKCQAv7Jg9
190Please respect copyright.PENANAQiNxItm1UP
"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.190Please respect copyright.PENANASnany3Kn8X
190Please respect copyright.PENANAETWxmxYGsy
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."190Please respect copyright.PENANAADWWCsZzNq
190Please respect copyright.PENANAiBmHWUREMa
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAEQPBVwUUfE
190Please respect copyright.PENANAOFPg3VdUxS
"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."190Please respect copyright.PENANAmI7HOBffqD
190Please respect copyright.PENANAnvyjb1hqTG
"..."190Please respect copyright.PENANArGJ2ZQtzIw
190Please respect copyright.PENANAgOyXBLNQIi
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANA2C4JTgLpR8
190Please respect copyright.PENANAUTKPOWlmdc
"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."190Please respect copyright.PENANAWPRdOMp4MK
190Please respect copyright.PENANAdujWPYFs8c
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.190Please respect copyright.PENANA1TKbvGqQz7
190Please respect copyright.PENANAgLaKjJ8pQX
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."190Please respect copyright.PENANAsLQGRAiEoC
190Please respect copyright.PENANAUTLAhjyIVU
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAu0UPq0whlv
190Please respect copyright.PENANASmRJfeJt6J
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAtfCSk8fVPm
190Please respect copyright.PENANAwvOaxFRr90
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"190Please respect copyright.PENANA43pfdr2jCU
190Please respect copyright.PENANAJujAgAQbBD
"TALBOT!?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAYiakQR1MnY
190Please respect copyright.PENANAEH16NEJesY
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANA6ySIsvg0bs
190Please respect copyright.PENANAtLblOJiwMQ
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."190Please respect copyright.PENANA1V3xDpiF78
190Please respect copyright.PENANAbF73dLHjXQ
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"190Please respect copyright.PENANANqKo7Ruji2
190Please respect copyright.PENANANmiVXuU8U7
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"190Please respect copyright.PENANA8Q15QmFCqD
190Please respect copyright.PENANA0fInPNGUGK
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."190Please respect copyright.PENANAlpbS0bSpPv
190Please respect copyright.PENANAexCzOFhAVZ
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.190Please respect copyright.PENANA9wGB0aZfVA
190Please respect copyright.PENANAGk7xWp1rfs
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."190Please respect copyright.PENANAQ7l96bdfaF
190Please respect copyright.PENANAMUpBEU5q6F
"Are ya kidding me?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAWKYAMczUyo
190Please respect copyright.PENANA89UZh1McoQ
"That's so lame!"190Please respect copyright.PENANAnDrmTPca8b
190Please respect copyright.PENANAiURjBqC6AN
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while190Please respect copyright.PENANAleiv2awcml
190Please respect copyright.PENANAYHVWnDwcSj
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."190Please respect copyright.PENANAzUI2Meb9v3
190Please respect copyright.PENANAQeu3kJkpAo
"What's that supposed to mean?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAOQOtx9OR4X
190Please respect copyright.PENANAu0koDJjaCo
"Nothing."190Please respect copyright.PENANAfuw4zI8ZEd
190Please respect copyright.PENANABXcPpCVXtL
She returned to chowing down on her food.190Please respect copyright.PENANAqeazX3AQMh
190Please respect copyright.PENANA27SgMX2oRJ
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAHlNd9oWPYB
190Please respect copyright.PENANAdbU95QVeJI
"Well..."190Please respect copyright.PENANAHj9M4JznKZ
190Please respect copyright.PENANALlvlkZCxFv
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAODIgclNQ5p
190Please respect copyright.PENANAf3Mlv1voWF
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAZkzCmhHVca
190Please respect copyright.PENANAjkGENCLp1V
"...No."190Please respect copyright.PENANAIFqoELieH2
190Please respect copyright.PENANAeZdtQ4uQPO
"Eh? Why not?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAg30LUPACCr
190Please respect copyright.PENANADrcziFwKRN
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAOqbJvk0Vho
190Please respect copyright.PENANAL16qtcqbSJ
"Huh!? What'd you say?"190Please respect copyright.PENANA3H9mP4AsES
190Please respect copyright.PENANAHeX7KOptb9
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.190Please respect copyright.PENANAcyCguV1OGR
190Please respect copyright.PENANACVp2cdvchc
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAvyVLNoSJKi
190Please respect copyright.PENANA6NrDqsyPwV
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAE1nMqAWwLD
190Please respect copyright.PENANAn1quXJxl08
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.190Please respect copyright.PENANAfVYyQsCEwA
190Please respect copyright.PENANAY3xNnOoXwA
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."190Please respect copyright.PENANA1mhY0hXE7n
190Please respect copyright.PENANAOumX7xw8ut
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."190Please respect copyright.PENANAwXsDrvaz5U
190Please respect copyright.PENANA5pH60ASNOG
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAMjpu0VA5Ge
190Please respect copyright.PENANA31Th4wOtR5
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."190Please respect copyright.PENANAUcHPQ9yX3R
190Please respect copyright.PENANArmocghnj0V
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANA5ReaATl6s5
190Please respect copyright.PENANAB73Joz9fbS
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."190Please respect copyright.PENANArySyV7ENGp
190Please respect copyright.PENANAhFwdEFRU5Z
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.190Please respect copyright.PENANArZE425TTNC
190Please respect copyright.PENANAgqxnUgoQXm
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."190Please respect copyright.PENANAW0rMH6KH6w
190Please respect copyright.PENANAxxt0pG7qA2
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANADGaC1R78WT
190Please respect copyright.PENANA47WsTlA1Zm
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"190Please respect copyright.PENANAblBzAhK78N
190Please respect copyright.PENANAvEpKkO293r
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAjr3jDQSe5y
190Please respect copyright.PENANA79SlI2esSX
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"190Please respect copyright.PENANAiXwoXJgE94
190Please respect copyright.PENANAX48dcIjU57
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."190Please respect copyright.PENANADUR48F1m2a
190Please respect copyright.PENANAztiLj2DoUU
"Custom design? Well..."190Please respect copyright.PENANAe7HHQYCNCb
190Please respect copyright.PENANA23Zqk57yKN
She turned her head away.190Please respect copyright.PENANA7f9hCA4QaB
190Please respect copyright.PENANADOP3KBX8dO
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."190Please respect copyright.PENANA3nzXBdE7JG
190Please respect copyright.PENANAYvmYg3ojjF
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.190Please respect copyright.PENANABBF168QWCs
190Please respect copyright.PENANAh8mSm2hQ0B
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."190Please respect copyright.PENANA8sp5OmNJqf
190Please respect copyright.PENANA6J5Y9NdWMW
"Oh, this?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAja8VLIDYvV
190Please respect copyright.PENANAkul593wyNf
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.190Please respect copyright.PENANAGePGhzHvnz
190Please respect copyright.PENANAHFs47t5en8
"I stole it!"190Please respect copyright.PENANAlBvLyRzJF4
190Please respect copyright.PENANAEjSKfEa64n
"No surprise."190Please respect copyright.PENANAGdJIQPu3Dk
190Please respect copyright.PENANARNHIilWt4x
"I ain't surprised."190Please respect copyright.PENANAb9wmgsaguc
190Please respect copyright.PENANAV7owNoGLM6
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.190Please respect copyright.PENANASccZsZr3Is
190Please respect copyright.PENANA2fXIenhgrD
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAuNJCbTLUvl
190Please respect copyright.PENANAwgdQXftmR0
"No."190Please respect copyright.PENANAiehK5rsO6T
190Please respect copyright.PENANA72sNrsi9pi
"Not really."190Please respect copyright.PENANAxzpXjQwlju
190Please respect copyright.PENANAlwTtWftisY
"Ah... you two are lame!"190Please respect copyright.PENANAlhXGj261HY
190Please respect copyright.PENANA9xYnHABMml
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAZNgJBLOmvr
190Please respect copyright.PENANAOzU2AQNwsc
"..."190Please respect copyright.PENANAxXGJEWhQF1
190Please respect copyright.PENANAbmApEaukm6
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANA00JLW1DDGS
190Please respect copyright.PENANARm7uVWBwFj
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANA4Zm3QTz6SQ
190Please respect copyright.PENANAVn0G21qZaj
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."190Please respect copyright.PENANAgIO6V4HHY5
190Please respect copyright.PENANA5Gb5mMWLP3
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."190Please respect copyright.PENANAz8ad87av6m
190Please respect copyright.PENANAjTXCVGhfjQ
"I-I see... I suppose so."190Please respect copyright.PENANAoR1dEmJKCV
190Please respect copyright.PENANAaMz21oQPlM
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"190Please respect copyright.PENANA1ILYfwmde8
190Please respect copyright.PENANAWCl0w1ZZXn
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.190Please respect copyright.PENANAzKAPbIJ4bt
190Please respect copyright.PENANAmFV3wpH8ae
"Did you have to word it that way?"190Please respect copyright.PENANADur3yKhZyn
190Please respect copyright.PENANAyhuCOfFi4v
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."190Please respect copyright.PENANAhOdCyCrlVp
190Please respect copyright.PENANAl5lX5VWLKP
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."190Please respect copyright.PENANAaFYpBDITSf
190Please respect copyright.PENANAzSohL7OQU4
"Ya got it, boss."190Please respect copyright.PENANAWu0hZzGgVb
190Please respect copyright.PENANAIFb9pRi6cu
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAKAe4yWlafI
190Please respect copyright.PENANAGIkiMFUzm4
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."190Please respect copyright.PENANAZIo5PyCNF1
190Please respect copyright.PENANAULrrcvqZhm
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAKrrNQkglqJ
190Please respect copyright.PENANAgqVOoUjN8f
"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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAqktkKr1gGc
190Please respect copyright.PENANAtv9G6E4MID
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."190Please respect copyright.PENANAeBMBDh9nQs
190Please respect copyright.PENANAyeJllRMVvb
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.190Please respect copyright.PENANAthpt5c4JmI
190Please respect copyright.PENANA2uXy366RIY
"...Well, alright. What is it?"190Please respect copyright.PENANA5lqT5m8eiu
190Please respect copyright.PENANAUTmMPZGGf4
"I... I wanted..."190Please respect copyright.PENANACVWpUb01Ng
190Please respect copyright.PENANA6qSzDIUuA4
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAnAMHi5GhSv
190Please respect copyright.PENANApW1hZpq36U
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"190Please respect copyright.PENANAD75LQwB9hn
190Please respect copyright.PENANAWQShjJHh79
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANApDywf9cUwQ
190Please respect copyright.PENANAOzIQYhuV2R
"Where's this coming from?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAEF2yPZcIYc
190Please respect copyright.PENANAG9erpwYx3G
"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?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAjj1zsyHVIj
190Please respect copyright.PENANAUYgP2VMTDN
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."190Please respect copyright.PENANA7gI2A1FwgM
190Please respect copyright.PENANAEDvdfyKsQ5
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAYlmoJrC0cH
190Please respect copyright.PENANAaiJnZ1qw9z
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAfiGjbtXqlX
190Please respect copyright.PENANAUiyd4FVXSx
In that light–190Please respect copyright.PENANAWZyGezaDOP
190Please respect copyright.PENANACI3kpONRqh
"Alright, apology accepted."190Please respect copyright.PENANAvfgb8Jqamz
190Please respect copyright.PENANAzEa0OFAUoq
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–190Please respect copyright.PENANAtRfB798REA
190Please respect copyright.PENANAPu8c74VBw5
"--only on one condition."190Please respect copyright.PENANAjwqD33Q4pA
190Please respect copyright.PENANAsKGHWYSndc
"Eh!?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAm75IApKJCD
190Please respect copyright.PENANABbwAmPNHwb
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.190Please respect copyright.PENANAQD0vXUd3zQ
190Please respect copyright.PENANAD3BfLOVzkr
"That's right."190Please respect copyright.PENANAP6Q4v17foX
190Please respect copyright.PENANACycwviKhC8
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"190Please respect copyright.PENANASFl3RCLGyb
190Please respect copyright.PENANApiQpwCZRPx
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."190Please respect copyright.PENANAcCvvcWyHxk
190Please respect copyright.PENANAisGaAqQT8Q
"He sounds like a priss."190Please respect copyright.PENANAgGT50qWQeX
190Please respect copyright.PENANALrE2y0Y9EV
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."190Please respect copyright.PENANAs9Us4tEgr7
190Please respect copyright.PENANANUII9iis2u
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.190Please respect copyright.PENANAp4p75UNiVy
190Please respect copyright.PENANACjhK9eVMNo
"Fine, what's your condition?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAVegU9edk8g
190Please respect copyright.PENANAByN6W5UpwX
I pointed a finger at her.190Please respect copyright.PENANADgdRDZOXA4
190Please respect copyright.PENANAHXOGUAi0KG
"We need to get along from now on."190Please respect copyright.PENANAoVWRaXw5jH
190Please respect copyright.PENANA50MQobURwk
"...Huh?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAL4Elf3k7Cm
190Please respect copyright.PENANA8p0k9QZgRR
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAE0wG0N8fDu
190Please respect copyright.PENANAAD6pV8Blz0
"...Ha, that's it?"190Please respect copyright.PENANAyPSTvYQIRQ
190Please respect copyright.PENANAlVeLvNVZYr
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.190Please respect copyright.PENANAPK8dQ2jmRy
190Please respect copyright.PENANAcVQ4gICHN0
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"190Please respect copyright.PENANABy5iMeRmkm
190Please respect copyright.PENANA5anUsNNMWy
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.190Please respect copyright.PENANAvziy8bc57L
190Please respect copyright.PENANAMdSed0GwhJ
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANATy5G6W8kuU
190Please respect copyright.PENANALrjdrJ4spz
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.190Please respect copyright.PENANAsvfgvVvxpG
190Please respect copyright.PENANArRPni6JGPn
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."190Please respect copyright.PENANAKi4S8EDF18
190Please respect copyright.PENANAxQXye3xoxm
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."190Please respect copyright.PENANAUxCYPbFIpO
190Please respect copyright.PENANA3a58nRnDzI
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.190Please respect copyright.PENANAnAmnYEfwx4
190Please respect copyright.PENANAio9NYBnMCP
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."190Please respect copyright.PENANAFNfazGAmng
190Please respect copyright.PENANARWDbV8bTCj
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."190Please respect copyright.PENANAhYWMUIHkpx
190Please respect copyright.PENANAkuob8bylWB
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"190Please respect copyright.PENANA8pnNn5LUdU
190Please respect copyright.PENANADZcl6bSg8H
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.190Please respect copyright.PENANAnp4Vb6j1l8
190Please respect copyright.PENANA8vBxuko6Fm
"What a weirdo, seriously."190Please respect copyright.PENANAq7nc3EP7Gr
190Please respect copyright.PENANASbJpW0O8kk
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAXeIyQxZOSd
190Please respect copyright.PENANAcQsTkiD7i6
–
–
–
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAKrYOgUWkap
190Please respect copyright.PENANAYx1SgSDyfH
"You guys! You gotta see this!"190Please respect copyright.PENANAEmGLIqoDS1
190Please respect copyright.PENANABP4bvOlx1a
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAbVwQvYJdFE
190Please respect copyright.PENANAGLcnoAbQY7
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.