My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.228Please respect copyright.PENANA92MA5iOwWt
228Please respect copyright.PENANAChsr9QDp7h
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANABKD5fVqu4U
228Please respect copyright.PENANAm7QoM3eEjD
"Haa..."228Please respect copyright.PENANAAiadUIQAaW
228Please respect copyright.PENANAZmIoobUC0M
"Are you okay?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAzKJiI6QLHT
228Please respect copyright.PENANA1XFjUGCLwQ
"Phew. Now I am."228Please respect copyright.PENANAKCHZhSh0am
228Please respect copyright.PENANAQu2VHo4v3i
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANA8KFP6loXSz
228Please respect copyright.PENANAex8MmMX5nU
"W-What is it?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAGyQx3Y48Ee
228Please respect copyright.PENANA8Cu2KZ6sud
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."228Please respect copyright.PENANAjaeHq297bs
228Please respect copyright.PENANAxQKDcrm7xy
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."228Please respect copyright.PENANALg8lBwFK3o
228Please respect copyright.PENANAlxrPA3D5Cm
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"228Please respect copyright.PENANA9gbN1sHCAm
228Please respect copyright.PENANAlrJW1faG94
"Well..."228Please respect copyright.PENANAuNaYtTloqO
228Please respect copyright.PENANAfqBxXftNfu
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAD5cVOSigGY
228Please respect copyright.PENANAQZWww3rBwQ
"Come on, tell me!"228Please respect copyright.PENANAnXsRctsYvB
228Please respect copyright.PENANARIojRfS5Rl
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."228Please respect copyright.PENANAWLHTjMkMwQ
228Please respect copyright.PENANAOU55zte0Vl
She sighed and shrugged.228Please respect copyright.PENANAdrjz9WqLUj
228Please respect copyright.PENANAhnvIS90zPi
"Are you feeling nervous?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAurbgwjQCLS
228Please respect copyright.PENANAwdjthfkBTN
"Of course I am."228Please respect copyright.PENANATKoTqzCZCS
228Please respect copyright.PENANAWgBKC9OakV
"You shouldn't be."228Please respect copyright.PENANAftFZpbRPQb
228Please respect copyright.PENANAgUitQTWEt3
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."228Please respect copyright.PENANASv9zRaCv49
228Please respect copyright.PENANAPVy1jmrH35
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."228Please respect copyright.PENANAp8xuQDPZuk
228Please respect copyright.PENANAsmKyCyTkBV
"...What's that supposed to mean?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAxyHuseKJNZ
228Please respect copyright.PENANAJbJkTH1IJo
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAfv4vOxU4Dc
228Please respect copyright.PENANAqp9boGzoMG
"I think you came here a little too early."228Please respect copyright.PENANAiNFrCfSsOo
228Please respect copyright.PENANA6vY5Lh3RB8
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."228Please respect copyright.PENANAVBgnajGCCl
228Please respect copyright.PENANAUNAVNPyfGy
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"228Please respect copyright.PENANABYRLdVFIE7
228Please respect copyright.PENANA9VLf04ncl5
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!"228Please respect copyright.PENANAMdcj962woS
228Please respect copyright.PENANAnCRn4Ut5du
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAWJLpwTfbI5
228Please respect copyright.PENANAx9l14WWiri
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."228Please respect copyright.PENANA4TWvvisllC
228Please respect copyright.PENANA4zD8zeUMk6
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANACzt527Zu9Q
228Please respect copyright.PENANAD0uUEHx5Wh
"Aren't you going to say something?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAQAXzuPTSXi
228Please respect copyright.PENANAwhnpI0HCYq
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."228Please respect copyright.PENANAYrDo1MMWCn
228Please respect copyright.PENANAcKK4mIi9MC
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"228Please respect copyright.PENANAq6VVlRYgMg
228Please respect copyright.PENANAFkYEFPbpgO
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAIVHWexiO07
228Please respect copyright.PENANAgivO2vvdwC
"...I-I still don't believe you."228Please respect copyright.PENANA2pLNWEzsnl
228Please respect copyright.PENANACf1mqq5VYc
"Are you serious!?"228Please respect copyright.PENANA3svLwoKczD
228Please respect copyright.PENANAsGhqqImhfR
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.228Please respect copyright.PENANAjDNZwPQrAS
228Please respect copyright.PENANAx8O3tmS4MW
"Can I at least have your name?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAfV2kpaMA9e
228Please respect copyright.PENANAAF3bGjpyrF
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANALgp1AlXFRn
228Please respect copyright.PENANAyMu7CUwidc
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"228Please respect copyright.PENANAbZrSd3E4L7
228Please respect copyright.PENANAKr0EOQXgPd
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.228Please respect copyright.PENANA2Q3yOczqoX
228Please respect copyright.PENANAx7FlCmIeNL
"A-Alright, I won't forget."228Please respect copyright.PENANA3RR9LKJ1g3
228Please respect copyright.PENANAH7lMCuTBR5
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAsoaEyrtQgW
228Please respect copyright.PENANACppGjLh1Ep
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."228Please respect copyright.PENANADQrbcGUIHY
228Please respect copyright.PENANArspoKc99io
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.228Please respect copyright.PENANAyLlVZhQ77B
228Please respect copyright.PENANAxIsRZBqgZy
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"228Please respect copyright.PENANA8zKmxA9r3I
228Please respect copyright.PENANAGG529ieKsZ
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"228Please respect copyright.PENANA2ANzuvTicY
228Please respect copyright.PENANAXLNb5waJcX
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.228Please respect copyright.PENANAmB3uChzFGu
228Please respect copyright.PENANAyH2WPDTM9i
"She's not very nice at all."228Please respect copyright.PENANAVaJc6Y0G21
228Please respect copyright.PENANAXrdm8iEqoI
"I suppose not."228Please respect copyright.PENANApp4G2SIMZf
228Please respect copyright.PENANAx0J0kbN4qT
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."228Please respect copyright.PENANA7NTD3ns8SI
228Please respect copyright.PENANAeoiQqRS3uL
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"228Please respect copyright.PENANA34Lm9nyeG6
228Please respect copyright.PENANAzESc14NYnz
**SMASH**228Please respect copyright.PENANAOE9rX8jxpV
228Please respect copyright.PENANAJlvBEVuXVV
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANA5Vk9VnTHWO
228Please respect copyright.PENANALz7jJdoqNs
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.228Please respect copyright.PENANAEO5974kTmw
228Please respect copyright.PENANAsD1ufLJMGU
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"228Please respect copyright.PENANA9XyMwTWN1l
228Please respect copyright.PENANAGv4zios2az
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.228Please respect copyright.PENANA2adOv83gUO
228Please respect copyright.PENANADibIOm1Ois
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"228Please respect copyright.PENANA5igTg4cH1m
228Please respect copyright.PENANAAo9hFihEN4
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."228Please respect copyright.PENANAqzrb6rgvWH
228Please respect copyright.PENANAfktWvS57dy
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.228Please respect copyright.PENANAUk6lwRaIeq
228Please respect copyright.PENANAHfyeRymYwj
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."228Please respect copyright.PENANAcQmJHYNnb4
228Please respect copyright.PENANAERIwJRXu2T
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAFVvB3cIuYa
228Please respect copyright.PENANA71PsQAMsny
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.228Please respect copyright.PENANAju7duidcAY
228Please respect copyright.PENANAQFu1NxJymP
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"228Please respect copyright.PENANA5xatF3iO2l
228Please respect copyright.PENANAy0gJtv4RnJ
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAONTkn3mRRu
228Please respect copyright.PENANApWIQTZ955o
"No, not at all."228Please respect copyright.PENANAcMPQ2K2evh
228Please respect copyright.PENANAMLIwVE5Sii
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"228Please respect copyright.PENANAPdl1CipuyB
228Please respect copyright.PENANAH4OZDjOJUM
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.228Please respect copyright.PENANA1axe0vWVq3
228Please respect copyright.PENANArxHA5ma70A
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."228Please respect copyright.PENANADePkOY8YPv
228Please respect copyright.PENANAnH7SbWwL4Z
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.228Please respect copyright.PENANAmmskudJCmO
228Please respect copyright.PENANArAYlwmdPlp
"Is she our teammate?"228Please respect copyright.PENANA0pLoC6OK7d
228Please respect copyright.PENANALqybudyXhp
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."228Please respect copyright.PENANADZpCR7BGXd
228Please respect copyright.PENANAUJbGiYzy4k
"That so? Lemme test the waters."228Please respect copyright.PENANAqGuSiLlMGM
228Please respect copyright.PENANAkNgUXrm9CS
"You'll regret it."228Please respect copyright.PENANA6utZCqx3WM
228Please respect copyright.PENANAO5Z48B0svC
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAdaxeWysHGy
228Please respect copyright.PENANA7UL5zIpE6g
"...Wait."228Please respect copyright.PENANABWq5fXqHu0
228Please respect copyright.PENANAlvqeYjcKEL
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!228Please respect copyright.PENANAVv06C356ZQ
228Please respect copyright.PENANABOyqk9dDWw
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."228Please respect copyright.PENANAfNh33YxJcc
228Please respect copyright.PENANAjm5NR93sEo
"A little? Just a little?"228Please respect copyright.PENANABURAkLTtrt
228Please respect copyright.PENANACQpIYJxrHM
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."228Please respect copyright.PENANAaVXjr1X1bX
228Please respect copyright.PENANATNon35ihF5
"I met her five minutes ago!"228Please respect copyright.PENANA2vNmCagRPH
228Please respect copyright.PENANAePCCIVipbx
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.228Please respect copyright.PENANAAXDP177rto
228Please respect copyright.PENANAZT7FLQOw1X
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."228Please respect copyright.PENANA3Bv4pTyMWx
228Please respect copyright.PENANAiNAn33hN03
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."228Please respect copyright.PENANAI5vIP8tFjy
228Please respect copyright.PENANAFdByfFrjei
"Really?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAQZcM8dRRoM
228Please respect copyright.PENANAfViqNl2Wkv
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.228Please respect copyright.PENANAsz7sopnYtp
228Please respect copyright.PENANAaCTdhqajkx
"What do you mean 'really'?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAmFiG5pm23Y
228Please respect copyright.PENANAIXBF7FfRRz
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"228Please respect copyright.PENANA636NOGgWlh
228Please respect copyright.PENANAvo2ukHJqqG
"--!"228Please respect copyright.PENANAEmKHc3HJpV
228Please respect copyright.PENANAs1v23d8KQC
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAkXoKNpUxyu
228Please respect copyright.PENANAG24VZlmdkC
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."228Please respect copyright.PENANAV8MoOozwli
228Please respect copyright.PENANA92bmO9pYxS
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."228Please respect copyright.PENANA84qQHEjP01
228Please respect copyright.PENANAkT2H5s6XXY
**SMASH**228Please respect copyright.PENANALM9NvdX8ZL
228Please respect copyright.PENANAQb4RZ1lBhw
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAItcnOBfg6u
228Please respect copyright.PENANAfYQtaGV8Ve
My jaw dropped yet again.228Please respect copyright.PENANAx039OTZiZm
228Please respect copyright.PENANAiVEzaHUpPS
"ROY!?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAjdMorFBNKX
228Please respect copyright.PENANAwrQvNF5X5p
–
–
–
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAjpxRuOawdP
228Please respect copyright.PENANAt46pXZfzAb
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAnXDKbH0X7R
228Please respect copyright.PENANAFltRsXAv94
"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."228Please respect copyright.PENANAttjyteKrQy
228Please respect copyright.PENANAnej8c546J3
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."228Please respect copyright.PENANAa47vBvxneK
228Please respect copyright.PENANAIKpY6tBQXF
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAFCjUZI1Tve
228Please respect copyright.PENANARddJ3CITaO
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANASM9l6HA0a1
228Please respect copyright.PENANAdGce6H8MW9
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANArtf7qa4r8C
228Please respect copyright.PENANAL79mjA9Q9w
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."228Please respect copyright.PENANA19Tl0knRkn
228Please respect copyright.PENANAZrhHoa5iqE
"R-Right."228Please respect copyright.PENANAAM0DPiXCtr
228Please respect copyright.PENANAaOyZMxyJUU
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–228Please respect copyright.PENANAQZpGs4oDCj
228Please respect copyright.PENANALX5jztKxCq
"Ack!"228Please respect copyright.PENANA9CKoIv6y3q
228Please respect copyright.PENANAKeXSbJjesd
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.228Please respect copyright.PENANAyoXKzzRJXc
228Please respect copyright.PENANAJythASj2Ve
"F-Flinty, what was–"228Please respect copyright.PENANAPmpP40j8Hz
228Please respect copyright.PENANAb9M5ZzgjgT
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"228Please respect copyright.PENANA44D2T7udFN
228Please respect copyright.PENANAV7bK75Qkyf
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAa384swUhza
228Please respect copyright.PENANAFuZ9jliLox
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."228Please respect copyright.PENANApTEYqEwoKz
228Please respect copyright.PENANAdWlHr07gec
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"228Please respect copyright.PENANAF3ktJljbyI
228Please respect copyright.PENANAnBcc38isIK
"No, I'm not just saying it."228Please respect copyright.PENANAwEpj2Sz6gv
228Please respect copyright.PENANAle1EfHe0wv
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.228Please respect copyright.PENANAggDJPR8bt5
228Please respect copyright.PENANAWsqcB7IS1k
"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."228Please respect copyright.PENANAeP7TS5sPEU
228Please respect copyright.PENANAkYs4edSDLP
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAsPmdp3tfta
228Please respect copyright.PENANAaJfZDmz88E
"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."228Please respect copyright.PENANA80aAHlOYrY
228Please respect copyright.PENANAPFJRx95SMR
"I–"228Please respect copyright.PENANAh4G11505Yf
228Please respect copyright.PENANA7b7UJwipzZ
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"228Please respect copyright.PENANAeVEAiXTsBe
228Please respect copyright.PENANAlC9dthq6Oe
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAqi8H3mCIlX
228Please respect copyright.PENANA3zDotAwvxp
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–228Please respect copyright.PENANAyhqTutXHl0
228Please respect copyright.PENANA5SEtrgu25y
And yet...228Please respect copyright.PENANASX1n2lt5hP
228Please respect copyright.PENANAhZunTsG1DJ
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."228Please respect copyright.PENANApPcmuXUM5g
228Please respect copyright.PENANAi8NuDp4ox4
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.228Please respect copyright.PENANAGvJa2psZpI
228Please respect copyright.PENANAKhFArigpTi
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"228Please respect copyright.PENANASZeBuILQcC
228Please respect copyright.PENANABaeY6IdCbB
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.228Please respect copyright.PENANAijAjTmYHhs
228Please respect copyright.PENANAlL9szlW6sy
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"228Please respect copyright.PENANADQj5BJmTxA
228Please respect copyright.PENANAWjIzJhC2FK
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."228Please respect copyright.PENANArg1jsZWMnH
228Please respect copyright.PENANAKREtCHv0vd
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"228Please respect copyright.PENANAvH4OJbyzZ7
228Please respect copyright.PENANA74P2DHn8l1
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"228Please respect copyright.PENANABSfRlJ5bQK
228Please respect copyright.PENANAjoqvE0wjrx
"O-Okay."228Please respect copyright.PENANAbh5y5pMaf1
228Please respect copyright.PENANAkXtzjKZJRm
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.228Please respect copyright.PENANAozKNiVaDu1
228Please respect copyright.PENANArvRFgVWSuY
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."228Please respect copyright.PENANAmwvp4pQr7c
228Please respect copyright.PENANAp6k1Z3Z0UK
"Okay okay, fine."228Please respect copyright.PENANA1XL6kEROJm
228Please respect copyright.PENANAJ2lCjJ8we0
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANA1mFJUgr1o5
228Please respect copyright.PENANAiVSclQFB2Q
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."228Please respect copyright.PENANA5Uzf9cxcrL
228Please respect copyright.PENANArwCQZMP7Hy
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.228Please respect copyright.PENANAxTqQBvaU2L
228Please respect copyright.PENANAZ8y5LzdNUn
–
–
–
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAKlGnO03SRE
228Please respect copyright.PENANAywAMu1uffm
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANA5z9tlAUV5Z
228Please respect copyright.PENANA0EfdJZlmob
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAnSx3D97Atg
228Please respect copyright.PENANA5t7V4eDfiB
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"228Please respect copyright.PENANA5qNxuAWQgu
228Please respect copyright.PENANA7lJltFhb52
"Huh...? What did you say?"228Please respect copyright.PENANADGgh7CVA9L
228Please respect copyright.PENANA5uFtd7K29P
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.228Please respect copyright.PENANAvR029DVkuM
228Please respect copyright.PENANAipz897hzHm
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"228Please respect copyright.PENANANnk33xYVJx
228Please respect copyright.PENANA5QKKmpSE6E
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."228Please respect copyright.PENANAIhS0FWVoOk
228Please respect copyright.PENANATZqN25tIOx
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAFqhzjC7ixI
228Please respect copyright.PENANAw05Pdmdkc4
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAMg2YqApLlf
228Please respect copyright.PENANAmV63LhllNs
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."228Please respect copyright.PENANAs9ZtNs8ct6
228Please respect copyright.PENANA1d9ZGrjjiH
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."228Please respect copyright.PENANAUGjxeRJsgx
228Please respect copyright.PENANA8mQgzAhOHF
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."228Please respect copyright.PENANAiW3fgmL3Yl
228Please respect copyright.PENANA1Yyi34Sch2
"Note?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAFMxlujAkV1
228Please respect copyright.PENANA023MTOcTA1
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAYKDtQJrHZb
228Please respect copyright.PENANAKgJGntC66M
"What does it say?"228Please respect copyright.PENANA0xMmLwvYAZ
228Please respect copyright.PENANAQbky0kx9W4
"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."228Please respect copyright.PENANAaIDenX6wiC
228Please respect copyright.PENANAHJbDdu1aPy
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."228Please respect copyright.PENANAge0IxRbxqK
228Please respect copyright.PENANALpNwDyunQG
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAkeeCqbPLfS
228Please respect copyright.PENANA4Kigr7yOgE
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."228Please respect copyright.PENANACvEHjdgj6E
228Please respect copyright.PENANAubeuDO1Z5v
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."228Please respect copyright.PENANAondbvmU7U6
228Please respect copyright.PENANAMl4Bh5g4jQ
Juke sighed and put the paper away.228Please respect copyright.PENANAtJJJa45Wxa
228Please respect copyright.PENANArcuqti2r5u
"So, how's about a story?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAW7QgAMz7X7
228Please respect copyright.PENANAnACqDQrvjN
"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?"228Please respect copyright.PENANA2dbvMrGPu5
228Please respect copyright.PENANAgOzo1wDtUT
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."228Please respect copyright.PENANAdXyoU7GDEi
228Please respect copyright.PENANAVP4g579wLB
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.228Please respect copyright.PENANAu5qQaZZbjw
228Please respect copyright.PENANABzO5eIiyTh
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."228Please respect copyright.PENANAxealXGhrQa
228Please respect copyright.PENANAm0KlhkScye
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."228Please respect copyright.PENANAzrvxQShAMD
228Please respect copyright.PENANAyvNczTRgKx
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAmZg58BijG4
228Please respect copyright.PENANAyN0eQoHFbP
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAaBrJ3Np3Qd
228Please respect copyright.PENANAvbWxy3JU1F
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."228Please respect copyright.PENANAU1Q6OlinOV
228Please respect copyright.PENANAYpTU68zEqk
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"228Please respect copyright.PENANAvNdnpT9EBg
228Please respect copyright.PENANAdteab4tQW4
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"228Please respect copyright.PENANAmLS0PeWQAe
228Please respect copyright.PENANAXe9oxofyGO
"Seriously? You have to be lying."228Please respect copyright.PENANA5gTr8gATaG
228Please respect copyright.PENANAf4Sl57xcNE
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."228Please respect copyright.PENANAQJ9G8hABou
228Please respect copyright.PENANAWEp8if8iR1
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."228Please respect copyright.PENANAMOoBTKaHI2
228Please respect copyright.PENANAt5DlNefMp2
"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."228Please respect copyright.PENANA5yjUfLyae6
228Please respect copyright.PENANA6HmlyRKRIw
"Like what?" I asked.228Please respect copyright.PENANAJCf3qX1T5I
228Please respect copyright.PENANAwgK1FA0ZdU
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAuzAFKmiAWf
228Please respect copyright.PENANAyQLDErhyDb
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.228Please respect copyright.PENANA5lZanCs9v8
228Please respect copyright.PENANAwodyar4dZD
"...Stardust?"228Please respect copyright.PENANA96QPaoT34D
228Please respect copyright.PENANAGNRB3nmMkG
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"228Please respect copyright.PENANApReJkPpvuV
228Please respect copyright.PENANAxpamd8pjiJ
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.228Please respect copyright.PENANAiyzyjF1xTo
228Please respect copyright.PENANAq1T8iJO8Dr
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"228Please respect copyright.PENANACpSWO0KeXS
228Please respect copyright.PENANAfMvhzL89NR
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"228Please respect copyright.PENANAZkaOxNpW8Q
228Please respect copyright.PENANAcYBeiHERwK
"...The what?"228Please respect copyright.PENANADLFg1uLFSf
228Please respect copyright.PENANAeku3WnB9GD
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANA52eREGjQNS
228Please respect copyright.PENANAwvy6UQ9YJy
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."228Please respect copyright.PENANA64Zw8GfLQk
228Please respect copyright.PENANArcHBrBpys2
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAbhJD1Tbz34
228Please respect copyright.PENANAMm9QvTm0l3
"Of course I do!"228Please respect copyright.PENANAyEiu6kd5pj
228Please respect copyright.PENANAKWPMA9Gsjq
She pumped her fist.228Please respect copyright.PENANABBClfSCEio
228Please respect copyright.PENANAJ9V3LzB9WP
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"228Please respect copyright.PENANA7f9VX5WFZ6
228Please respect copyright.PENANAgXZMNfWJgJ
"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."228Please respect copyright.PENANAYSD8BLeg6R
228Please respect copyright.PENANAa1HwlcfCv3
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.228Please respect copyright.PENANAKHO08Ej7u2
228Please respect copyright.PENANAplk0ggJy2E
"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–"228Please respect copyright.PENANAAT9pw5ofMx
228Please respect copyright.PENANAyOZcyX1EFQ
"I already know this."228Please respect copyright.PENANAKLdHdLqY7v
228Please respect copyright.PENANA7WYnnb0bW6
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"228Please respect copyright.PENANAHY4EVMZi6m
228Please respect copyright.PENANAOnjBxZSDHt
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."228Please respect copyright.PENANAgTMOYRw1Eu
228Please respect copyright.PENANAQTFAEFi21o
"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."228Please respect copyright.PENANAstOeo1pJC1
228Please respect copyright.PENANAVJdLFCgebl
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."228Please respect copyright.PENANAvEhF9dFozE
228Please respect copyright.PENANASo0pU6rJTR
"Eh? Why?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAvpCSXJ6Uho
228Please respect copyright.PENANAaXKbBN8caJ
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.228Please respect copyright.PENANAm8aermGRmY
228Please respect copyright.PENANAUF1bQ7DegO
"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–"228Please respect copyright.PENANA7iyeepEauX
228Please respect copyright.PENANA2aF9Yn1cDq
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.228Please respect copyright.PENANAfxVZOyFDVO
228Please respect copyright.PENANAnT13MTKjO7
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"228Please respect copyright.PENANA8bAvwIB9cA
228Please respect copyright.PENANAv5vX3EPXuR
"That's cuz I met her."228Please respect copyright.PENANAMrtR7MXK3o
228Please respect copyright.PENANAF0Soj9nUKt
"WHAT!?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAxbxqxdDID8
228Please respect copyright.PENANAifHnjOPuit
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAmnE1BB6Els
228Please respect copyright.PENANAijoynlIuoJ
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAatcFyq4MhD
228Please respect copyright.PENANAiWYx66EEO3
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"228Please respect copyright.PENANAmK8NtkFbdM
228Please respect copyright.PENANAJBtkGtoaBe
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."228Please respect copyright.PENANAmPGkaYA0kf
228Please respect copyright.PENANAVO17pI6wDB
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."228Please respect copyright.PENANAukIhyxijqB
228Please respect copyright.PENANA7nGgRgl7Kj
"You're kidding."228Please respect copyright.PENANAwGhQffGBOq
228Please respect copyright.PENANAnO006vW4ps
He shook his head no.228Please respect copyright.PENANAaf164SauCQ
228Please respect copyright.PENANANBEIKyjQJp
"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."228Please respect copyright.PENANAoMIJJqRkGd
228Please respect copyright.PENANAezTGfen8Fz
"You're making this up," I said.228Please respect copyright.PENANAMipKWXnwCG
228Please respect copyright.PENANAkEXJmV5MtG
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAw1kN2fpUpA
228Please respect copyright.PENANAdzLXFpqls0
Juke shrugged.228Please respect copyright.PENANA5msmLci31t
228Please respect copyright.PENANAw3B8GzXZZ6
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."228Please respect copyright.PENANA1JgxYdcu0n
228Please respect copyright.PENANAH3n3sVNZP9
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.228Please respect copyright.PENANA16PfARowUY
228Please respect copyright.PENANA6G01RUPX6q
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."228Please respect copyright.PENANA8wyER8FwHa
228Please respect copyright.PENANAb2Zdskz46P
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."228Please respect copyright.PENANABDhmCmTIrK
228Please respect copyright.PENANAOX8dzF6wa8
"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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAQIbGAy6CP8
228Please respect copyright.PENANA0Sv3td1pW2
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.228Please respect copyright.PENANAVOucjgdcNd
228Please respect copyright.PENANAlGZ9BlnZJe
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAgyEelw29Q3
228Please respect copyright.PENANA9JgF3Vg3mL
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAJ3C02qHZza
228Please respect copyright.PENANA3diw3kSsDX
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAyMnm5FeEN5
228Please respect copyright.PENANARqFpNaqccD
She pointed a finger at him.228Please respect copyright.PENANAebLoz6aFpR
228Please respect copyright.PENANAzmxlRMpjeH
"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!"228Please respect copyright.PENANAzaBqE3Wf4I
228Please respect copyright.PENANAMk0TCSk3xe
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."228Please respect copyright.PENANADMvYzHkrGj
228Please respect copyright.PENANA5yEa3dFjNs
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"228Please respect copyright.PENANAi6qG5qna5M
228Please respect copyright.PENANA8lUDZMwxEC
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.228Please respect copyright.PENANAITgzLyaUZF
228Please respect copyright.PENANAvImDMnQRnl
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."228Please respect copyright.PENANAJ7rqytTpz8
228Please respect copyright.PENANAVgznHfYzCU
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."228Please respect copyright.PENANA6OXT6OeWmk
228Please respect copyright.PENANAm2uwWNfxco
"--Ngh! You guys...!"228Please respect copyright.PENANAs54Avo13Bq
228Please respect copyright.PENANAaFfUPBvLQD
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.228Please respect copyright.PENANAEGFcGwiuw2
228Please respect copyright.PENANAKLs6izc9VJ
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."228Please respect copyright.PENANAqaMRw0AYgj
228Please respect copyright.PENANAu3TAowZ1V4
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAu6QVeXxBWN
228Please respect copyright.PENANANHXmbLnXmx
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"228Please respect copyright.PENANA1ITz9gwyJc
228Please respect copyright.PENANAIaDH3LZ0k0
"Ya look like you have something to say."228Please respect copyright.PENANA0ce9id0GY0
228Please respect copyright.PENANApTdsC6KR6T
"W-Well..."228Please respect copyright.PENANAuDz6yGAPNg
228Please respect copyright.PENANAJxEv54sqVf
She turned her head away.228Please respect copyright.PENANAxZCVUtNwZR
228Please respect copyright.PENANAmvabcex0Kx
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."228Please respect copyright.PENANAg2qbrkE2Y6
228Please respect copyright.PENANAH5poA6rLhx
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAfV2Mx8T5VH
228Please respect copyright.PENANAYnkK8YNmNX
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."228Please respect copyright.PENANABaP5AYMtfF
228Please respect copyright.PENANAGInGJMVxgz
"Mhm, I told you so."228Please respect copyright.PENANATQb2DvbwVi
228Please respect copyright.PENANAyN3OZSsnZd
–
–
–
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAaSj2B6dval
228Please respect copyright.PENANAw9fU1syCIe
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAVFMmQoDEFP
228Please respect copyright.PENANAT8mUv4E1cr
"...So why am I not getting any?"228Please respect copyright.PENANA2Naf0hVb3E
228Please respect copyright.PENANAephd5nGnDh
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."228Please respect copyright.PENANAjLb6aPNODQ
228Please respect copyright.PENANAU1hXbWaR1b
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–228Please respect copyright.PENANA9Y2FRVFPjj
228Please respect copyright.PENANAHgGue35av1
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"228Please respect copyright.PENANANLoy0a7WfR
228Please respect copyright.PENANAe4qlo0EoMH
"Eh?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAEFDrwH6oov
228Please respect copyright.PENANAJDuwW2HJR1
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAbcom5rb1XY
228Please respect copyright.PENANAaakZyg1uPa
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.228Please respect copyright.PENANAdjer9iJhoQ
228Please respect copyright.PENANA0d0CVj6HgS
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAPGdlbI8QbK
228Please respect copyright.PENANAjTXFHAEEPp
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.228Please respect copyright.PENANAJeWJMQa8DR
228Please respect copyright.PENANA24MGRCOaL6
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"228Please respect copyright.PENANAKy3ibNRvO8
228Please respect copyright.PENANAorAb6jlFt2
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."228Please respect copyright.PENANAyAj24U2M8A
228Please respect copyright.PENANAiVK7Q5v86B
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."228Please respect copyright.PENANA8axPeW9Svd
228Please respect copyright.PENANAVE7Cw2KdiB
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANA16NG5OFTyf
228Please respect copyright.PENANA5BOLPpqBv7
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAcNKySIpxFw
228Please respect copyright.PENANAx7UwdKt7DD
"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?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAKSaZWCvWiC
228Please respect copyright.PENANAn5yzQmpxGl
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."228Please respect copyright.PENANAJdzrnv3siY
228Please respect copyright.PENANAtAuCTEtHzR
"A jungle? What elevation?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAd2xSadO9Ii
228Please respect copyright.PENANAAlXWfbRSjx
He shrugged.228Please respect copyright.PENANAeU0FE6MdpS
228Please respect copyright.PENANAJKn2C5DfgK
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."228Please respect copyright.PENANA4HjMylfloE
228Please respect copyright.PENANA6jt618uHaI
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."228Please respect copyright.PENANAQRV9y4x8Jd
228Please respect copyright.PENANAkCEOfjV1Y9
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAvM18SSeaE0
228Please respect copyright.PENANAaIzIUpXUEx
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAdSlPi9TdWL
228Please respect copyright.PENANARpOwOPztxP
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."228Please respect copyright.PENANAg0acvvlibq
228Please respect copyright.PENANA3bRt1JH2Rf
"Why?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAL91XiDdOuE
228Please respect copyright.PENANAcdo16Mxdc0
"..."228Please respect copyright.PENANAdfssv3tM9o
228Please respect copyright.PENANA0BBO5LUByN
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.228Please respect copyright.PENANApIHrY4HYM4
228Please respect copyright.PENANAc8EZKeDKGZ
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."228Please respect copyright.PENANAySwIXu5qyP
228Please respect copyright.PENANADrBwMb4n3o
"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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAmWzmYKPkF7
228Please respect copyright.PENANAFw5ScHzvm9
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."228Please respect copyright.PENANAp3u8bFBVm7
228Please respect copyright.PENANA67eJMmSaEx
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAfAtQLJkvhW
228Please respect copyright.PENANA5ti8WzTzvy
"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."228Please respect copyright.PENANA2PYPPCQgLZ
228Please respect copyright.PENANAzzJh4iL7dm
"..."228Please respect copyright.PENANA9C6WimBalw
228Please respect copyright.PENANAyspKJqFGvH
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAVJQsnUaH63
228Please respect copyright.PENANAl62xsktQkA
"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."228Please respect copyright.PENANAk3riMQSHyK
228Please respect copyright.PENANAf836lKproP
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.228Please respect copyright.PENANAZYg0GebfVB
228Please respect copyright.PENANAu3qwfpzOCy
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."228Please respect copyright.PENANAbbfOolHw1v
228Please respect copyright.PENANAtGWP1JwXb5
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAe5wAUWDfiL
228Please respect copyright.PENANACxZx2KWery
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANA4oBPqJPD6a
228Please respect copyright.PENANA15NIWbdzkV
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"228Please respect copyright.PENANA3KVuQDrJXc
228Please respect copyright.PENANAz9FVJ2Fyy9
"TALBOT!?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAA6Ih1SQxz5
228Please respect copyright.PENANAnAitcG7JVa
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAT7FnRtj1SQ
228Please respect copyright.PENANA9GkqsMm22q
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."228Please respect copyright.PENANA0JClv6Lwm3
228Please respect copyright.PENANAAvJny68YAm
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"228Please respect copyright.PENANA7cXtzEDQfL
228Please respect copyright.PENANATCB6hLPOlw
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAABIlc1tYns
228Please respect copyright.PENANAWYeI0YnHcP
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."228Please respect copyright.PENANAQapqg97Gwa
228Please respect copyright.PENANAvWY3HWVD4C
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.228Please respect copyright.PENANA1pZ0x3c2cl
228Please respect copyright.PENANAmRPryK0L7y
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."228Please respect copyright.PENANAzIcylVH5Rr
228Please respect copyright.PENANA3ZnloMT4BP
"Are ya kidding me?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAzlLRt9Phvt
228Please respect copyright.PENANAk1PybmS5a2
"That's so lame!"228Please respect copyright.PENANAFoAvK3dWrG
228Please respect copyright.PENANAD1LJ0guzvd
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while228Please respect copyright.PENANACsRj5Q1If2
228Please respect copyright.PENANA3MprTXlLU8
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."228Please respect copyright.PENANA5uA6QkayMp
228Please respect copyright.PENANAvtBdexxjvW
"What's that supposed to mean?"228Please respect copyright.PENANA8HivmVQNEM
228Please respect copyright.PENANAYKrBxLUVg6
"Nothing."228Please respect copyright.PENANA1eko2fQZV9
228Please respect copyright.PENANAq46wP2osV2
She returned to chowing down on her food.228Please respect copyright.PENANAe1LGQhvDwQ
228Please respect copyright.PENANAZlF7RhjGlc
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAiyd4FbWfK5
228Please respect copyright.PENANAqRaNBg3yIU
"Well..."228Please respect copyright.PENANAEUyXmZcVIN
228Please respect copyright.PENANANHpF2MD471
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAE60RPgMTg1
228Please respect copyright.PENANAhJi238zp8J
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAK6Z4lSN436
228Please respect copyright.PENANAGhfzdG3vig
"...No."228Please respect copyright.PENANAbjwQYZ6KqV
228Please respect copyright.PENANAhDPbjiPuFA
"Eh? Why not?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAfNektUSAum
228Please respect copyright.PENANAckw8p9nzXU
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAwwJGjxh4PF
228Please respect copyright.PENANAzDUPAW23Dv
"Huh!? What'd you say?"228Please respect copyright.PENANA1LkmUQzjut
228Please respect copyright.PENANAXZeLcnct5L
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.228Please respect copyright.PENANA5JzhQlRwR6
228Please respect copyright.PENANATZYVa4e9Jf
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAqYR05jMXsr
228Please respect copyright.PENANA5A4mffejP8
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAo4e9f543Dh
228Please respect copyright.PENANA4gZXUwBVda
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.228Please respect copyright.PENANA7S0pUzHb3k
228Please respect copyright.PENANAQ2L1gPcW9J
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."228Please respect copyright.PENANA8qyqUtKglq
228Please respect copyright.PENANAHIemx5tJ3s
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."228Please respect copyright.PENANAItQrhndRKc
228Please respect copyright.PENANAaFHwttcNUO
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAhMeaQl2I6R
228Please respect copyright.PENANAZhQI0pN6UV
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."228Please respect copyright.PENANAN0cwFmzWzW
228Please respect copyright.PENANAT5aQwlt7Yj
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAiqnkmklhjZ
228Please respect copyright.PENANAtYRnLEUXRU
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."228Please respect copyright.PENANA4HpgH8sgIg
228Please respect copyright.PENANAxtwKp0QsgY
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.228Please respect copyright.PENANAoa4j2vDB2U
228Please respect copyright.PENANA4TmdX7nXLD
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."228Please respect copyright.PENANAn8rb4phPSV
228Please respect copyright.PENANAQ1DLn6Kuea
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANArEWniJi5i3
228Please respect copyright.PENANAJloNkcFD3I
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"228Please respect copyright.PENANA66CwVeeQNs
228Please respect copyright.PENANAgeRjLtvb5P
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAu8Lb5O2FOw
228Please respect copyright.PENANAcFyThYuO2x
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"228Please respect copyright.PENANAOWtqz0JOT0
228Please respect copyright.PENANAR9bav8mNs7
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."228Please respect copyright.PENANAtnuMlAXRSD
228Please respect copyright.PENANATW99ec31sF
"Custom design? Well..."228Please respect copyright.PENANApAA0dL7gWL
228Please respect copyright.PENANASOqPsax1tc
She turned her head away.228Please respect copyright.PENANATOAabh7Nq0
228Please respect copyright.PENANAnlwc5BNZ5d
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."228Please respect copyright.PENANAAlgpGBwwGv
228Please respect copyright.PENANA2nfzI1eIRn
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.228Please respect copyright.PENANAfgj3W9eDHf
228Please respect copyright.PENANAru95xXfJch
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."228Please respect copyright.PENANAeckqiYMdgt
228Please respect copyright.PENANABLtRIkmX2g
"Oh, this?"228Please respect copyright.PENANA6NSzG3jrnI
228Please respect copyright.PENANAxneTZAUTtO
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.228Please respect copyright.PENANA8nHoT30Cpd
228Please respect copyright.PENANARTyu01Jq5r
"I stole it!"228Please respect copyright.PENANAyh5nvESB4I
228Please respect copyright.PENANANu20B6ljlp
"No surprise."228Please respect copyright.PENANAK1MchDWzX0
228Please respect copyright.PENANA7sGpCeQXg6
"I ain't surprised."228Please respect copyright.PENANA9MTLgP2lVE
228Please respect copyright.PENANABcdv1oYOe1
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.228Please respect copyright.PENANASFfI8dxJxk
228Please respect copyright.PENANAzEckc3XaXL
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAIraKAZNE13
228Please respect copyright.PENANAohmairByRi
"No."228Please respect copyright.PENANAlZOn9d9uWL
228Please respect copyright.PENANAw2tYjyBSpI
"Not really."228Please respect copyright.PENANAewRi9exshA
228Please respect copyright.PENANAia7pTqqtKQ
"Ah... you two are lame!"228Please respect copyright.PENANALuq5r10Lrx
228Please respect copyright.PENANABkUBVKTdEQ
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAnj53WKH2CS
228Please respect copyright.PENANAB6AcVp8BAA
"..."228Please respect copyright.PENANAgAXEUE8wza
228Please respect copyright.PENANAn7suaHcsJf
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAqsQTLPClgP
228Please respect copyright.PENANACqKaW7oB10
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAqRfEV3dCvh
228Please respect copyright.PENANA8Jln3YJ0zj
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."228Please respect copyright.PENANAtpu0iokK8Y
228Please respect copyright.PENANAJ1u5oxW7BM
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."228Please respect copyright.PENANANqvdExCf4g
228Please respect copyright.PENANAVy0SXdgV0f
"I-I see... I suppose so."228Please respect copyright.PENANAh3LAo2sOhP
228Please respect copyright.PENANACnnfBXnv2k
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"228Please respect copyright.PENANA7O790hQNj9
228Please respect copyright.PENANAmslHWfQacr
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.228Please respect copyright.PENANAWGl1nJeitV
228Please respect copyright.PENANAbQVSEpIEKo
"Did you have to word it that way?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAh57kb7ERv4
228Please respect copyright.PENANAVSWO0x4kti
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."228Please respect copyright.PENANAhE0ZwsMRrI
228Please respect copyright.PENANA6zOO3Rl12p
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."228Please respect copyright.PENANA4LBce76pFk
228Please respect copyright.PENANAqUTlP82qoy
"Ya got it, boss."228Please respect copyright.PENANAPmdwmbTSAx
228Please respect copyright.PENANApWvPD2Yd02
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAhgTlN43GID
228Please respect copyright.PENANA3oSqRtPoTX
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."228Please respect copyright.PENANAKT7xTEMyIG
228Please respect copyright.PENANAKvScqDJyF8
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAUi474A3Ono
228Please respect copyright.PENANAcdJxm8Tm7Q
"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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAYAqnx6SGT0
228Please respect copyright.PENANA7VbmLr2YwH
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."228Please respect copyright.PENANAGnFyr9U398
228Please respect copyright.PENANA7OraeteI64
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.228Please respect copyright.PENANAManaMBcxbG
228Please respect copyright.PENANAAMb4MborT3
"...Well, alright. What is it?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAw1QQGPu1rH
228Please respect copyright.PENANAEKJ1NREQk9
"I... I wanted..."228Please respect copyright.PENANAaBJnEg83Y3
228Please respect copyright.PENANAcSfyUqHRDn
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAhlDkxEzw7k
228Please respect copyright.PENANAOuZ4Gy6ju0
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"228Please respect copyright.PENANAlYLpp7sEnO
228Please respect copyright.PENANAoLfUwUhj3x
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAqd9HfCOO2c
228Please respect copyright.PENANAwRElkTnv67
"Where's this coming from?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAazcWcqIyz7
228Please respect copyright.PENANAJty6C9m21P
"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?"228Please respect copyright.PENANA3DKjM0O8i3
228Please respect copyright.PENANAUPxkipCIUs
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."228Please respect copyright.PENANAjRVZXvVBE2
228Please respect copyright.PENANAc5LAVT5bsC
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAftpYJQenzi
228Please respect copyright.PENANAqluLiffCC3
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAqnANrUHgFd
228Please respect copyright.PENANApdGU3ypeo5
In that light–228Please respect copyright.PENANAxP10MgzCaR
228Please respect copyright.PENANASV2hCZ5Ku9
"Alright, apology accepted."228Please respect copyright.PENANA9M240gpQw2
228Please respect copyright.PENANAPNdkD1JCHS
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–228Please respect copyright.PENANArDbU6h4XXH
228Please respect copyright.PENANAxxS39p7W6N
"--only on one condition."228Please respect copyright.PENANAe8ijJ7qWTt
228Please respect copyright.PENANAoHa2E19sYG
"Eh!?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAwQB7HBELID
228Please respect copyright.PENANA91whB2LIGT
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.228Please respect copyright.PENANASMLXZlkJDm
228Please respect copyright.PENANAQuh3qMFdC1
"That's right."228Please respect copyright.PENANAibyAy6Etdk
228Please respect copyright.PENANAs4qVEOWAzN
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAtPNb3RwTbc
228Please respect copyright.PENANAo1gFjKGb11
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."228Please respect copyright.PENANAeLYiQZ1MGI
228Please respect copyright.PENANAwxe2Qg1kh7
"He sounds like a priss."228Please respect copyright.PENANAfGou1FtU9D
228Please respect copyright.PENANA52tbUZARz1
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."228Please respect copyright.PENANAClFLUVxhZj
228Please respect copyright.PENANA6idA0xBVZW
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.228Please respect copyright.PENANA9AjRxF098L
228Please respect copyright.PENANAXptq1lwdxN
"Fine, what's your condition?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAso2yNpSEwa
228Please respect copyright.PENANApjQhKP4a4g
I pointed a finger at her.228Please respect copyright.PENANA9hR5OogBU7
228Please respect copyright.PENANATYnnOTl6PL
"We need to get along from now on."228Please respect copyright.PENANA4htIpYyGxS
228Please respect copyright.PENANAL09SZXmThi
"...Huh?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAag5LIfMV2q
228Please respect copyright.PENANAma5Q8i1DRm
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAC6udA5nLGM
228Please respect copyright.PENANAkICVOYY8cN
"...Ha, that's it?"228Please respect copyright.PENANAC8uCDPFiDJ
228Please respect copyright.PENANAh1KKRfktNR
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.228Please respect copyright.PENANAbarlmFi42U
228Please respect copyright.PENANADs181a7iZS
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"228Please respect copyright.PENANAMaZ6buWmhI
228Please respect copyright.PENANAQvT6SwuBjL
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.228Please respect copyright.PENANAvwhlqeOb0m
228Please respect copyright.PENANAbA0DmLulLz
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAwcK6XVWq0K
228Please respect copyright.PENANAEmbxDf1lnS
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.228Please respect copyright.PENANAXe79ZlmFYC
228Please respect copyright.PENANASOjV6rIr0R
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."228Please respect copyright.PENANAvT3VfaU0yH
228Please respect copyright.PENANAXJzntIxUcY
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."228Please respect copyright.PENANAndXpBua5kF
228Please respect copyright.PENANA2ckAW22OEy
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.228Please respect copyright.PENANAfG2iwvSO1C
228Please respect copyright.PENANAhHjHqCB96e
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."228Please respect copyright.PENANAmdI36W2c3r
228Please respect copyright.PENANAo1vQazm2o4
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."228Please respect copyright.PENANAOrx3pGMQb2
228Please respect copyright.PENANAr2bh7MOyhc
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"228Please respect copyright.PENANAuaawqzzxhu
228Please respect copyright.PENANADSqEfXYkus
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.228Please respect copyright.PENANABZ8OuIvce2
228Please respect copyright.PENANANFn3bxC3VN
"What a weirdo, seriously."228Please respect copyright.PENANAd9rSaoqzKQ
228Please respect copyright.PENANApkQXnxrede
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAfqrVoF5Lzh
228Please respect copyright.PENANAAwbTtkcCsR
–
–
–
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANArV8tdtZlgV
228Please respect copyright.PENANAOVOqvetRoR
"You guys! You gotta see this!"228Please respect copyright.PENANAG0RNuu588i
228Please respect copyright.PENANAyIljUT2w6m
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.228Please respect copyright.PENANAHJ75fZ20tq
228Please respect copyright.PENANANwQbp56Vsw
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.