My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.215Please respect copyright.PENANAVHAigoCN7J
215Please respect copyright.PENANA7g36aKrwHb
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAUnEj2LQy5J
215Please respect copyright.PENANAidDgEsrKNw
"Haa..."215Please respect copyright.PENANApDQArv3S05
215Please respect copyright.PENANAoB8gDc1Slt
"Are you okay?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAehhuPgh7v7
215Please respect copyright.PENANAejZxiAFigJ
"Phew. Now I am."215Please respect copyright.PENANAqgZNPQ4aot
215Please respect copyright.PENANAH3PS14cCuo
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAiQP8E1NlNR
215Please respect copyright.PENANASv6zT93EcT
"W-What is it?"215Please respect copyright.PENANALU3piI0Orc
215Please respect copyright.PENANARstxR2W552
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."215Please respect copyright.PENANAidoqYRJZuw
215Please respect copyright.PENANAZxmdGZPPBz
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."215Please respect copyright.PENANAiuLknj0uSj
215Please respect copyright.PENANAVLvym22OxB
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAb2ZRsF3WnQ
215Please respect copyright.PENANAOoVZZrNnip
"Well..."215Please respect copyright.PENANAdjMz44rdGG
215Please respect copyright.PENANATqjwzVbDFl
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAW4XWYEyQWr
215Please respect copyright.PENANA9DyaztZr1G
"Come on, tell me!"215Please respect copyright.PENANAzoL0zR2rq5
215Please respect copyright.PENANAh3lqdz4cMb
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."215Please respect copyright.PENANANYLRvW4AHJ
215Please respect copyright.PENANAYIpOcbdFp3
She sighed and shrugged.215Please respect copyright.PENANAYbMQ2VJa3z
215Please respect copyright.PENANAELy7X1zjpT
"Are you feeling nervous?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAnQkwa2LzEU
215Please respect copyright.PENANA6XqPhOShov
"Of course I am."215Please respect copyright.PENANAal9j6VNJRp
215Please respect copyright.PENANASFipO7Zq0c
"You shouldn't be."215Please respect copyright.PENANAfyWnFKD4Gr
215Please respect copyright.PENANAkQTqhqfnt7
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."215Please respect copyright.PENANAkDRcPNEifM
215Please respect copyright.PENANA1NHzrgb5H5
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."215Please respect copyright.PENANAMdqjsHbEZ1
215Please respect copyright.PENANAiy9QdOpICF
"...What's that supposed to mean?"215Please respect copyright.PENANA37boOFYe58
215Please respect copyright.PENANAISObUameUd
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAEpZiQBXmLT
215Please respect copyright.PENANA7J1EOUBev8
"I think you came here a little too early."215Please respect copyright.PENANAC1KmxQMMUF
215Please respect copyright.PENANA2nXQVZhsOV
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."215Please respect copyright.PENANAGqrRIb4Ger
215Please respect copyright.PENANAA0JdfZzcUy
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAiF4FiMTVuu
215Please respect copyright.PENANAZ3VP4h7XTh
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!"215Please respect copyright.PENANAjxACvOrgzx
215Please respect copyright.PENANAl4uF4vTNVI
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAmGOuMpdaPC
215Please respect copyright.PENANAEiCgzCXBrC
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."215Please respect copyright.PENANAtDlmcJtYWp
215Please respect copyright.PENANAb5FXST6aUD
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANALCUybzMC4Q
215Please respect copyright.PENANAxiPSEdIryT
"Aren't you going to say something?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAki8Ao8nyXX
215Please respect copyright.PENANAh38oFN45Of
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."215Please respect copyright.PENANA4PrUWD1CdB
215Please respect copyright.PENANAf090bqLnha
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"215Please respect copyright.PENANA4XIB48hpWf
215Please respect copyright.PENANAOwi1C1SBER
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAEMvYWtNjjK
215Please respect copyright.PENANArjwR6YrVtK
"...I-I still don't believe you."215Please respect copyright.PENANAxmqteD2mws
215Please respect copyright.PENANAc1uZCNhH02
"Are you serious!?"215Please respect copyright.PENANApTWc0LYGRz
215Please respect copyright.PENANAPGsnNMCkoq
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.215Please respect copyright.PENANA9FUsVYycEZ
215Please respect copyright.PENANAqbbgidvmPH
"Can I at least have your name?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAQFMFJwTPJp
215Please respect copyright.PENANAR0b03acWh8
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANA8HeBXotkbm
215Please respect copyright.PENANATIAAUMZQJR
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"215Please respect copyright.PENANAVJaurn6IXP
215Please respect copyright.PENANAuY5FRZpb4A
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.215Please respect copyright.PENANAlPoh7Rk2aW
215Please respect copyright.PENANAs7VMFMYKyf
"A-Alright, I won't forget."215Please respect copyright.PENANAXNyuNoKs9D
215Please respect copyright.PENANAThJZsfByeX
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAIx4foXqztY
215Please respect copyright.PENANArDxXMOMGRK
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."215Please respect copyright.PENANAtCTPfVjWms
215Please respect copyright.PENANAoaUecBHvYz
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.215Please respect copyright.PENANAgxf2ZXULhZ
215Please respect copyright.PENANAw6PczwT5DI
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"215Please respect copyright.PENANAJRs5DH0qGF
215Please respect copyright.PENANAbLamP1ne0o
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"215Please respect copyright.PENANAwi6YbK3lsO
215Please respect copyright.PENANADadhvlbNhj
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.215Please respect copyright.PENANACUsidv7uyG
215Please respect copyright.PENANAkkmEbshHNB
"She's not very nice at all."215Please respect copyright.PENANAxd5MPXy5q0
215Please respect copyright.PENANAZIgY3aKq9r
"I suppose not."215Please respect copyright.PENANAPqSBg8wPxF
215Please respect copyright.PENANARosJhJdk4z
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."215Please respect copyright.PENANAlxn4fbutMG
215Please respect copyright.PENANAvx2185ujXJ
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"215Please respect copyright.PENANAFzFYDh8AWJ
215Please respect copyright.PENANA9W1apMBkhm
**SMASH**215Please respect copyright.PENANA1hGtWoxfv9
215Please respect copyright.PENANAaMF1TaOSNc
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAnxPREs1p4X
215Please respect copyright.PENANAqNWLmJFhxZ
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.215Please respect copyright.PENANATUqPtO4QSK
215Please respect copyright.PENANASTvZ1fS9nA
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"215Please respect copyright.PENANARJ1b53jZ5r
215Please respect copyright.PENANAodpLQuOCh9
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.215Please respect copyright.PENANAUMDFlyhpOt
215Please respect copyright.PENANA4FX5sOcLMb
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAYun1j6c9gQ
215Please respect copyright.PENANAZRmYWvXOJe
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."215Please respect copyright.PENANAVjIyR8uUSh
215Please respect copyright.PENANAPTLzLw4Gkj
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.215Please respect copyright.PENANAGGWLjZ4TNn
215Please respect copyright.PENANAZzWt6aRehB
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."215Please respect copyright.PENANAdS6WlyME7a
215Please respect copyright.PENANALsNEDDOvyB
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"215Please respect copyright.PENANA9kHDAjyWJ5
215Please respect copyright.PENANAjdqIKKQdIn
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.215Please respect copyright.PENANA3VdJ1sv3Vt
215Please respect copyright.PENANAnCSbLhOiYm
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAeMDIGeHAm1
215Please respect copyright.PENANAxGWKjGBNKn
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAyBqPaAc3MP
215Please respect copyright.PENANAGcxVgsuVWd
"No, not at all."215Please respect copyright.PENANABMJKcdqbmv
215Please respect copyright.PENANAiMw13B685j
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"215Please respect copyright.PENANAC2rMAYz9z5
215Please respect copyright.PENANAyPZ9nQXMt3
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.215Please respect copyright.PENANAczo2HdgCQb
215Please respect copyright.PENANAaCwPf2pAyz
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."215Please respect copyright.PENANAy87DzJwmtL
215Please respect copyright.PENANAWz8hHNKpXS
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.215Please respect copyright.PENANAVvAwFJAxJ4
215Please respect copyright.PENANA1PVJoPFQbS
"Is she our teammate?"215Please respect copyright.PENANA6WufuAAZ2t
215Please respect copyright.PENANAVaBYLzEgx5
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."215Please respect copyright.PENANAlRByFMOMv5
215Please respect copyright.PENANAbrcY4K3DPH
"That so? Lemme test the waters."215Please respect copyright.PENANA0zJDQCYhSb
215Please respect copyright.PENANAT5BKp3vWTJ
"You'll regret it."215Please respect copyright.PENANAElQ8xHkpXH
215Please respect copyright.PENANAFLLPV5LDO7
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAnXcm6sWLbj
215Please respect copyright.PENANAtxV6DzWwaa
"...Wait."215Please respect copyright.PENANA2OZgO5U5j3
215Please respect copyright.PENANAxaeTUKSO6L
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!215Please respect copyright.PENANAKOwl8yJCWm
215Please respect copyright.PENANAISPYR9nlxH
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."215Please respect copyright.PENANA4FMOdupk9b
215Please respect copyright.PENANALUjBr84mLQ
"A little? Just a little?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAPupuBXp6E2
215Please respect copyright.PENANAZwbEz22Fse
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."215Please respect copyright.PENANAwEK9i21irf
215Please respect copyright.PENANAWVDaFCDXvi
"I met her five minutes ago!"215Please respect copyright.PENANARxbSmKQiRR
215Please respect copyright.PENANAOQkYv8qNKL
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.215Please respect copyright.PENANAvdt34Kinh7
215Please respect copyright.PENANAlhlb2CY2aR
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."215Please respect copyright.PENANAh8N2x5v61x
215Please respect copyright.PENANAhqSkZji4Vq
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."215Please respect copyright.PENANAvu4VEEQY2U
215Please respect copyright.PENANA0kZZSP7uxb
"Really?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAFnVNA11RbT
215Please respect copyright.PENANA0nAtxgaT4A
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.215Please respect copyright.PENANAlpJ4d5Q6sU
215Please respect copyright.PENANA6hw060TieM
"What do you mean 'really'?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAMbx4QQ7jpm
215Please respect copyright.PENANANiK007qemX
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAo1qrQq8aIk
215Please respect copyright.PENANAuDCcN0HQVu
"--!"215Please respect copyright.PENANAWzMXf9TWuP
215Please respect copyright.PENANAztm9t0n24b
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAJM6s28VrMD
215Please respect copyright.PENANA4QIbwpAEYB
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."215Please respect copyright.PENANADNRSqg7d0A
215Please respect copyright.PENANAnc0aDqO0iN
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."215Please respect copyright.PENANAgtHWdepBM3
215Please respect copyright.PENANA7k0xrZI7kQ
**SMASH**215Please respect copyright.PENANAcnWjOgX8yC
215Please respect copyright.PENANAz7tALjzbQh
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAJwpcHCW1By
215Please respect copyright.PENANAPbDrYEuGPx
My jaw dropped yet again.215Please respect copyright.PENANA0mO3LFQKDs
215Please respect copyright.PENANAHAmTyYpeUs
"ROY!?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAaZPE4HP9T7
215Please respect copyright.PENANApBb9NjZFna
–
–
–
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANADHp2QmnM1N
215Please respect copyright.PENANAa0GgHOBc7A
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAxS6fk3HMVZ
215Please respect copyright.PENANATKbd71ByA0
"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."215Please respect copyright.PENANAhAy6QNS14Z
215Please respect copyright.PENANArdQuwFjhiK
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."215Please respect copyright.PENANA5rR7oT6Kgd
215Please respect copyright.PENANA2JrbBmGyDX
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAGutPevQK9Q
215Please respect copyright.PENANAKVcCLBNIPj
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAMP1KqHL7FF
215Please respect copyright.PENANA9e0udNJJGF
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAL2LYPNT4OX
215Please respect copyright.PENANASUkECgweHc
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."215Please respect copyright.PENANAekwiCQ32px
215Please respect copyright.PENANAKir2Wvlslc
"R-Right."215Please respect copyright.PENANAhqG4wjWtGh
215Please respect copyright.PENANAr0hMqC6pFz
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–215Please respect copyright.PENANAwisTLAnAUO
215Please respect copyright.PENANAEwnGszgjyG
"Ack!"215Please respect copyright.PENANAtpQ3eTkYIZ
215Please respect copyright.PENANAMsAjjD52Wn
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.215Please respect copyright.PENANARs1rBbHnfR
215Please respect copyright.PENANAuHSHbMjWVn
"F-Flinty, what was–"215Please respect copyright.PENANANUEz58MyVZ
215Please respect copyright.PENANAzF96pOGCq7
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"215Please respect copyright.PENANAfWywmEsNH0
215Please respect copyright.PENANAKhq45D4W6N
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAaiFZ5uRguL
215Please respect copyright.PENANALW41WIujmt
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."215Please respect copyright.PENANAigP2RXuPzc
215Please respect copyright.PENANAQyfKSBQdTs
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"215Please respect copyright.PENANAhHyeKhEp88
215Please respect copyright.PENANA63DmYaPOTx
"No, I'm not just saying it."215Please respect copyright.PENANAfSxtScu70Z
215Please respect copyright.PENANAnsCGmHblf1
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.215Please respect copyright.PENANAizwHUGuNrD
215Please respect copyright.PENANASs6EdsP6DO
"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."215Please respect copyright.PENANAoArWI71LBI
215Please respect copyright.PENANAtCXgxqB28D
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANADki8yw1X59
215Please respect copyright.PENANABDE5KL5knW
"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."215Please respect copyright.PENANAIDD7gxNOdd
215Please respect copyright.PENANAVS9qoyNz4y
"I–"215Please respect copyright.PENANAFrENS6O4wd
215Please respect copyright.PENANAwGJnojwY9M
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"215Please respect copyright.PENANA7N21LBnG3h
215Please respect copyright.PENANA7vmecnsJpu
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAEHpLnLyYwU
215Please respect copyright.PENANASlabxVy28K
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–215Please respect copyright.PENANAjH9aS1eTYn
215Please respect copyright.PENANAj7BsCAQSTi
And yet...215Please respect copyright.PENANALYhQ7xYduH
215Please respect copyright.PENANAYS77noXTdp
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."215Please respect copyright.PENANAXzeReD6UoH
215Please respect copyright.PENANAvGm1dFFH9t
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.215Please respect copyright.PENANAcOPZicoddo
215Please respect copyright.PENANAbPlwBxoQsO
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"215Please respect copyright.PENANA1w7cOdWFlr
215Please respect copyright.PENANAdi2zwu84VL
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.215Please respect copyright.PENANAi8TNxAIquE
215Please respect copyright.PENANAm3TEOoIAU6
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"215Please respect copyright.PENANA86pxIKccz1
215Please respect copyright.PENANAHGUKMX40yn
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."215Please respect copyright.PENANAfr8qTYuc61
215Please respect copyright.PENANA9Ud7AyydVY
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"215Please respect copyright.PENANA4BhXGQV8sW
215Please respect copyright.PENANAKsHV12OlUD
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"215Please respect copyright.PENANA07NvaFs9hI
215Please respect copyright.PENANAU1kaNjRi2P
"O-Okay."215Please respect copyright.PENANAVEF6Dk20Ps
215Please respect copyright.PENANADI9jEdRL4J
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.215Please respect copyright.PENANA3DcqO0FxZp
215Please respect copyright.PENANAxCwxv3taOh
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."215Please respect copyright.PENANAkPt7z38GaC
215Please respect copyright.PENANAqKBfjGGNEX
"Okay okay, fine."215Please respect copyright.PENANAOLupUtDgAe
215Please respect copyright.PENANAopWGQgDS1m
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAug3dcoHC34
215Please respect copyright.PENANAVR3EOsVSYA
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."215Please respect copyright.PENANAFdzsdnWIqx
215Please respect copyright.PENANAhvu86vLPvn
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.215Please respect copyright.PENANAEkst4Hcpju
215Please respect copyright.PENANA0U8T6KDHoo
–
–
–
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAOi3yI33ZJh
215Please respect copyright.PENANAdPIFpH5E1e
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAgpx7dK3K0d
215Please respect copyright.PENANARUVUODM0Br
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANANqy8nEX9US
215Please respect copyright.PENANADexGrPS5SB
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAw6useYl41O
215Please respect copyright.PENANAnlIVjVZCyV
"Huh...? What did you say?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAHSUAkBPNGN
215Please respect copyright.PENANAb0IOdWIsiu
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.215Please respect copyright.PENANAkysQOU4qrs
215Please respect copyright.PENANATue7E8zum0
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAT4wKFeQrih
215Please respect copyright.PENANAi8fd9IbBI5
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."215Please respect copyright.PENANA2vCiwdOJfR
215Please respect copyright.PENANAFehuDxxRp5
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAwYreVQiyHH
215Please respect copyright.PENANArPPP9TW4fi
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"215Please respect copyright.PENANANoYKl3duP3
215Please respect copyright.PENANAPVO9NKIKDD
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."215Please respect copyright.PENANAmPZ9hpieSp
215Please respect copyright.PENANAEs4ENFKd4c
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."215Please respect copyright.PENANAhEDpy6QteC
215Please respect copyright.PENANAmFX0qcYdVB
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."215Please respect copyright.PENANAnn3NHCYr2c
215Please respect copyright.PENANAbQD5ZUIFEV
"Note?"215Please respect copyright.PENANADNlNyJEYiV
215Please respect copyright.PENANAqV8Y5S6g5q
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAkadYrljrAe
215Please respect copyright.PENANAsNH66O6xtB
"What does it say?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAOraBjQw9bd
215Please respect copyright.PENANAy4sS5NULyg
"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."215Please respect copyright.PENANAc7N4aATyKS
215Please respect copyright.PENANAz1L540FtMB
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."215Please respect copyright.PENANAzXPS1gP0z5
215Please respect copyright.PENANAonsDOean87
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAmmEDtajo65
215Please respect copyright.PENANADUSIpaIRde
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."215Please respect copyright.PENANAzrAXw9uJ5d
215Please respect copyright.PENANAkzpdpHznJC
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."215Please respect copyright.PENANA2iYUtf8YNP
215Please respect copyright.PENANAELPT6bDAQG
Juke sighed and put the paper away.215Please respect copyright.PENANATz60ubJwDg
215Please respect copyright.PENANAiraBrjqEba
"So, how's about a story?"215Please respect copyright.PENANA2b0Zuaf3a4
215Please respect copyright.PENANAfFhlJbftOZ
"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?"215Please respect copyright.PENANA8OhSLFAbEW
215Please respect copyright.PENANARuo766l58R
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."215Please respect copyright.PENANAOX9CH7ZHLD
215Please respect copyright.PENANAyHlt0aiIpg
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.215Please respect copyright.PENANAnOKIaSqiiP
215Please respect copyright.PENANA6nXX9hkQpn
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."215Please respect copyright.PENANATeWk6TPBne
215Please respect copyright.PENANAB2HfTZo6X0
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."215Please respect copyright.PENANA0NikBoEtmv
215Please respect copyright.PENANA1k8KjlAYKc
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"215Please respect copyright.PENANASLGbN5ISuf
215Please respect copyright.PENANA0DRfPSo5Wq
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANA40MzuaNRAz
215Please respect copyright.PENANAeuOW6andEn
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."215Please respect copyright.PENANAcXuJfWRcT9
215Please respect copyright.PENANAnZMCvEPsep
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"215Please respect copyright.PENANAMreUzDPstk
215Please respect copyright.PENANA85hfAtNZr7
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"215Please respect copyright.PENANAxBNXI1y7m6
215Please respect copyright.PENANAGW56BRnl70
"Seriously? You have to be lying."215Please respect copyright.PENANAn7sV2czXi5
215Please respect copyright.PENANA4BB040yf18
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."215Please respect copyright.PENANAoFDoFNsPya
215Please respect copyright.PENANAeRnTyrXJ5X
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."215Please respect copyright.PENANAKgBJGzCYsy
215Please respect copyright.PENANAp8vI79eS1V
"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."215Please respect copyright.PENANAR824B1fLx9
215Please respect copyright.PENANAmOvmdfJGb2
"Like what?" I asked.215Please respect copyright.PENANAXI1BTV8L6R
215Please respect copyright.PENANALol67FWrd5
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAHiFcV8NJUL
215Please respect copyright.PENANAYu9o62ToC7
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.215Please respect copyright.PENANAAZOHMwY2Dx
215Please respect copyright.PENANA1DgYnRchSa
"...Stardust?"215Please respect copyright.PENANA4vJOhonIvw
215Please respect copyright.PENANAB9KADJMlmv
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAa1c6iBe6VA
215Please respect copyright.PENANAhPdBCUCcB8
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.215Please respect copyright.PENANApaoz5zqVRO
215Please respect copyright.PENANAtVA5UA0vJs
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAB1MKdfzUEM
215Please respect copyright.PENANA5K37kE0MuI
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"215Please respect copyright.PENANAcIvzYNXmnn
215Please respect copyright.PENANAU7MNHu2bPc
"...The what?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAM8lL9UNnk2
215Please respect copyright.PENANAblNjr5q5pb
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAgCQPSl8dml
215Please respect copyright.PENANA4dOaJqYjeH
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."215Please respect copyright.PENANACIDkbxYt3g
215Please respect copyright.PENANAQvnvZwF8el
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAsh2iQUrrBA
215Please respect copyright.PENANAxP8yTxmfzY
"Of course I do!"215Please respect copyright.PENANAeLc0p4a0xH
215Please respect copyright.PENANA9FvaFkLWyD
She pumped her fist.215Please respect copyright.PENANAfBq9uWOz7k
215Please respect copyright.PENANAjCTyq0GX9Z
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAo5sCeB5dDU
215Please respect copyright.PENANAima4OW5MZm
"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."215Please respect copyright.PENANAEnWniZthwe
215Please respect copyright.PENANAFYo1IUEMBe
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.215Please respect copyright.PENANATWARtkvQ7E
215Please respect copyright.PENANAD719iJ2CyS
"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–"215Please respect copyright.PENANATLSl6s2gMU
215Please respect copyright.PENANAmj5A44ihm2
"I already know this."215Please respect copyright.PENANAuWIWpoyDZD
215Please respect copyright.PENANA2bkSklgnBd
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"215Please respect copyright.PENANAilG0YX5pHm
215Please respect copyright.PENANAUaOAneDHky
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."215Please respect copyright.PENANA7DfnRUcLU1
215Please respect copyright.PENANAOFncX9a4Ia
"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."215Please respect copyright.PENANA1BTcpU2Wl4
215Please respect copyright.PENANA6hRXsarQi1
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."215Please respect copyright.PENANA6LKj6gva8T
215Please respect copyright.PENANAim8KjMyedg
"Eh? Why?"215Please respect copyright.PENANA3WzXNyFyfx
215Please respect copyright.PENANAEXmXKCAy2e
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.215Please respect copyright.PENANA3VcgJyWq48
215Please respect copyright.PENANAQSSyk6jAWH
"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–"215Please respect copyright.PENANAdKhuvgQnsZ
215Please respect copyright.PENANAhDNdkdTjvz
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.215Please respect copyright.PENANAnGPwZMI5h5
215Please respect copyright.PENANAFuIweNs4b5
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAODFCBKMS8H
215Please respect copyright.PENANA7IOeoJTg1r
"That's cuz I met her."215Please respect copyright.PENANAIug4GYt63R
215Please respect copyright.PENANAvBr1Q02NMY
"WHAT!?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAUY3GJDoX2q
215Please respect copyright.PENANA9Xs9zPE3CU
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAs7j9D5d1gt
215Please respect copyright.PENANAbVkvyleBhF
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"215Please respect copyright.PENANA8x6kjZ2nvN
215Please respect copyright.PENANAykYvVDt8q5
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"215Please respect copyright.PENANAav0YoqhJK8
215Please respect copyright.PENANA1iuOZ4W8zn
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."215Please respect copyright.PENANAYeeO0ZPUx9
215Please respect copyright.PENANAWdDVH5XEXK
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."215Please respect copyright.PENANAPCR3DOBkWf
215Please respect copyright.PENANAjTXkacFqqj
"You're kidding."215Please respect copyright.PENANAN8PktlKfgx
215Please respect copyright.PENANAkNh7QMXeGc
He shook his head no.215Please respect copyright.PENANALD0kpN6FH1
215Please respect copyright.PENANAwqdx7sbCeI
"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."215Please respect copyright.PENANAv2g7tbV7G7
215Please respect copyright.PENANAWwBwCA34nf
"You're making this up," I said.215Please respect copyright.PENANAhH1yRgBFsr
215Please respect copyright.PENANAzlvakC2O3N
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAe2Hp4cN4Cx
215Please respect copyright.PENANA6sqjT452ot
Juke shrugged.215Please respect copyright.PENANAFe5wkRsbj2
215Please respect copyright.PENANA6XkTzkSC7m
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."215Please respect copyright.PENANAZkIiQ8IFsQ
215Please respect copyright.PENANAkL7eWEaR5Z
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.215Please respect copyright.PENANABhDqS7xJSd
215Please respect copyright.PENANAYww4R6QrjB
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."215Please respect copyright.PENANAi4iIeG11Dk
215Please respect copyright.PENANAdPLXGVMlwh
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."215Please respect copyright.PENANAOTrV494im6
215Please respect copyright.PENANA3XW2EF45Yb
"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.215Please respect copyright.PENANARrjgkQLrS0
215Please respect copyright.PENANAjdxQHCeD7e
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.215Please respect copyright.PENANALxcv78tLwJ
215Please respect copyright.PENANAmnKnpmxISs
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAzmzlG2RaIk
215Please respect copyright.PENANAg8ZCuAEVSX
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANA0e3U7sAKyV
215Please respect copyright.PENANAUNKq8o88zC
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAgq3Z48uL6I
215Please respect copyright.PENANA0fJkpTa4Oo
She pointed a finger at him.215Please respect copyright.PENANASqeTGPBmGE
215Please respect copyright.PENANAzBaFfYHm61
"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!"215Please respect copyright.PENANA9eMGuQIy8o
215Please respect copyright.PENANAIgMSgpLeeK
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."215Please respect copyright.PENANAPYj5CJ0Y8H
215Please respect copyright.PENANA9qiRPji5wE
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"215Please respect copyright.PENANAV2sGCAaJdX
215Please respect copyright.PENANAoBEKoOvxBx
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.215Please respect copyright.PENANAbqJLrJhGhS
215Please respect copyright.PENANArTbZzHdUig
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."215Please respect copyright.PENANAxbvPKxnWzq
215Please respect copyright.PENANAd9yuuSUBNt
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."215Please respect copyright.PENANAC2T4EhFzDd
215Please respect copyright.PENANAstXkEXLgpr
"--Ngh! You guys...!"215Please respect copyright.PENANAejmoMvDfIk
215Please respect copyright.PENANApNHdLE7xZ1
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.215Please respect copyright.PENANAf6jTdxQtbC
215Please respect copyright.PENANAtl6Eeu2ldI
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."215Please respect copyright.PENANA6NRvfj3WRg
215Please respect copyright.PENANA5PLQ5Y146c
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANA5zav9Vou7W
215Please respect copyright.PENANARM1gY8wcnN
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAkj5HxFcC8y
215Please respect copyright.PENANA6Wl3VujDGT
"Ya look like you have something to say."215Please respect copyright.PENANAIb5fRBoLca
215Please respect copyright.PENANAYvYtqM9WNX
"W-Well..."215Please respect copyright.PENANA9b5ieRULUV
215Please respect copyright.PENANALG78pqdKpp
She turned her head away.215Please respect copyright.PENANAUEvbSIPAZu
215Please respect copyright.PENANAVPCyYQ2lgK
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."215Please respect copyright.PENANArTvCnfFz9Z
215Please respect copyright.PENANAgK944vZc7c
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAxmwAwcTZfx
215Please respect copyright.PENANAIVmQmsV5zy
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."215Please respect copyright.PENANAXMfEcid2Dd
215Please respect copyright.PENANAWSpuDGQgZV
"Mhm, I told you so."215Please respect copyright.PENANAKNSyZdx52h
215Please respect copyright.PENANAnPjEOudIsM
–
–
–
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAd4b4SyVwmu
215Please respect copyright.PENANAmg3f0J1ONq
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAdieFjcWhPy
215Please respect copyright.PENANA9TG7cdzRXD
"...So why am I not getting any?"215Please respect copyright.PENANALaaWBfKWRk
215Please respect copyright.PENANAfZz389Arxu
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."215Please respect copyright.PENANAZ74l0oIckS
215Please respect copyright.PENANAD5GWqASK8Q
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–215Please respect copyright.PENANAgBJ6mZuSfX
215Please respect copyright.PENANAnBgxmpbbe0
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAyFRzdhpjOc
215Please respect copyright.PENANADMTznW51N2
"Eh?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAMiLXanLGYC
215Please respect copyright.PENANADOZwsU0hpM
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANA2i3dXH01mp
215Please respect copyright.PENANARvz9dTBKiG
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.215Please respect copyright.PENANALpjjOfS8En
215Please respect copyright.PENANATDgTCqMg62
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAH0YcVfC4Wk
215Please respect copyright.PENANAPi9Bj49AqJ
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.215Please respect copyright.PENANAoi4jKGpigF
215Please respect copyright.PENANAui3gQIPbQF
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"215Please respect copyright.PENANA2oiUnWWh6f
215Please respect copyright.PENANAUNgp3v08eb
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."215Please respect copyright.PENANALgZn9ovSpf
215Please respect copyright.PENANAK6xouJPa7X
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."215Please respect copyright.PENANAuzvZcHOiao
215Please respect copyright.PENANAlhHjrx3TPe
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAZFMWqKCUq3
215Please respect copyright.PENANA1BACzLEaG7
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAmiUd9OAzgN
215Please respect copyright.PENANAxqrLukPjZW
"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?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAEOEjd7M5nN
215Please respect copyright.PENANASflloXEzL8
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."215Please respect copyright.PENANAzaAlZZpOs1
215Please respect copyright.PENANAxmMP1fg1HP
"A jungle? What elevation?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAxOWIsuwRsO
215Please respect copyright.PENANA1ni0UCihLU
He shrugged.215Please respect copyright.PENANAnplISqPTeI
215Please respect copyright.PENANAd1TZRnB6nT
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."215Please respect copyright.PENANALIgoyZzBXR
215Please respect copyright.PENANAiTm5b7El2Q
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."215Please respect copyright.PENANAJaSv0N2A3J
215Please respect copyright.PENANAw932bzt97S
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANA4dN0UouCNB
215Please respect copyright.PENANAvD6c0mseVx
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"215Please respect copyright.PENANA86lgI40piW
215Please respect copyright.PENANArf6PbfunhO
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."215Please respect copyright.PENANAJ8Ed48nQMo
215Please respect copyright.PENANAH5jQJROJTC
"Why?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAJ03qHXnMlz
215Please respect copyright.PENANAI5rqVtrVZ0
"..."215Please respect copyright.PENANAbVMCdsqonC
215Please respect copyright.PENANAjvkmLRSNnz
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.215Please respect copyright.PENANA3Rxk0nf30p
215Please respect copyright.PENANAcGOEomRCo6
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."215Please respect copyright.PENANA7F2C8kGoak
215Please respect copyright.PENANAzAVF5QPAzq
"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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAOuOQqfXkZU
215Please respect copyright.PENANA01fB4j8PE7
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."215Please respect copyright.PENANA6FabdYg1Z8
215Please respect copyright.PENANA5FpeCvz0YT
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAGpNpNDjQ9W
215Please respect copyright.PENANAzJSP21BC84
"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."215Please respect copyright.PENANAOCjZEtOpSR
215Please respect copyright.PENANABiJ0j7qr7G
"..."215Please respect copyright.PENANAaE4inGUgKO
215Please respect copyright.PENANAcMP3FWaVyW
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAjKu2YFBM4E
215Please respect copyright.PENANAMdhwOi3XXe
"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."215Please respect copyright.PENANAMVGeX3XvUv
215Please respect copyright.PENANAcim828TTg5
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.215Please respect copyright.PENANA7uDkMS9tv3
215Please respect copyright.PENANAwl2PimMMge
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."215Please respect copyright.PENANAPQMWB0KFW4
215Please respect copyright.PENANA6CrR5icOgr
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAXHOWrt08Va
215Please respect copyright.PENANAdwnKNIMcmw
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAteF19k3xTM
215Please respect copyright.PENANAhyrurTCHDw
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"215Please respect copyright.PENANAw9rsyu7HKo
215Please respect copyright.PENANAjyBg7rEx3b
"TALBOT!?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAPK1iEYrFcB
215Please respect copyright.PENANAK04tNp2o3c
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAx0Uz2UvzLx
215Please respect copyright.PENANApS3PjRAg54
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."215Please respect copyright.PENANA698j1z7bSk
215Please respect copyright.PENANAObYFbfn2E1
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAPXeBGUeO0L
215Please respect copyright.PENANAqVE385scYh
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAUK8ZnwxTLo
215Please respect copyright.PENANAsZZfFPWlfZ
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."215Please respect copyright.PENANAymsbzxCNJb
215Please respect copyright.PENANAFd7uSncd15
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.215Please respect copyright.PENANA5AfMdn5ToX
215Please respect copyright.PENANATL4XKicprc
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."215Please respect copyright.PENANAcMoGwCqscd
215Please respect copyright.PENANAXNyy1Si8SR
"Are ya kidding me?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAmjnzu6YUHw
215Please respect copyright.PENANAXJaXENQHfx
"That's so lame!"215Please respect copyright.PENANA20IMYhFsU2
215Please respect copyright.PENANA1Ity3HY5id
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while215Please respect copyright.PENANA9FuLoI7jf5
215Please respect copyright.PENANAqIoJwUhk1Q
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."215Please respect copyright.PENANA3t2m8ELlun
215Please respect copyright.PENANA9oDj37Voff
"What's that supposed to mean?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAiANy0ZNLvu
215Please respect copyright.PENANA5LoUvwkCKg
"Nothing."215Please respect copyright.PENANAqbR0T5dtCg
215Please respect copyright.PENANA2jThkI4zMp
She returned to chowing down on her food.215Please respect copyright.PENANAXK1lrg8ZAu
215Please respect copyright.PENANAUJanexPQDz
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"215Please respect copyright.PENANArnc2bQRqbm
215Please respect copyright.PENANAY36GoSvsx7
"Well..."215Please respect copyright.PENANA69C9uaFQ7M
215Please respect copyright.PENANAQuAJkce6Gj
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAFHvLJzCaS7
215Please respect copyright.PENANAApbtZK6tik
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAdnP9goeybB
215Please respect copyright.PENANAnCM7Thulc6
"...No."215Please respect copyright.PENANAxK4wtGNpJr
215Please respect copyright.PENANA4kkHgx1gV0
"Eh? Why not?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAgvb4dy8mdr
215Please respect copyright.PENANAseRODBUjv0
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAKaeYbjnWVb
215Please respect copyright.PENANAjwo6wJpnhK
"Huh!? What'd you say?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAZCDZSQV3yP
215Please respect copyright.PENANAZG7kuurI3H
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.215Please respect copyright.PENANAZz2zAugpBe
215Please respect copyright.PENANAb54Nk0uYlZ
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAGuK5EvmEcP
215Please respect copyright.PENANAiCzVxhcnxl
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"215Please respect copyright.PENANA9vL0LrKJDa
215Please respect copyright.PENANAWOTglTnYxc
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.215Please respect copyright.PENANAQiZMtWgCOE
215Please respect copyright.PENANAf4Dt6JXCiE
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."215Please respect copyright.PENANAY7U7dAFIna
215Please respect copyright.PENANAd2ua9h6QX2
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."215Please respect copyright.PENANALMEOhOXJuQ
215Please respect copyright.PENANAFjAQKz2hgZ
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAuoABG0GCuO
215Please respect copyright.PENANAYICALbNdhl
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."215Please respect copyright.PENANAvqONizo8e5
215Please respect copyright.PENANAki2MmTtRoZ
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANA8wDuqI6UHU
215Please respect copyright.PENANA2bLAEgq77b
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."215Please respect copyright.PENANAjjohMfwRLZ
215Please respect copyright.PENANADzne2zDp0h
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.215Please respect copyright.PENANAGgOu6mC6FQ
215Please respect copyright.PENANAir9YsvgaMg
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."215Please respect copyright.PENANARDeChCzJ07
215Please respect copyright.PENANAh2fMlNikbd
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANA7CB6AgDnUv
215Please respect copyright.PENANAtW5yLylaZa
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"215Please respect copyright.PENANAG0InxESm73
215Please respect copyright.PENANArnpH7BeyLY
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANASeHxb2Xe2P
215Please respect copyright.PENANA8GjTBamvAj
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"215Please respect copyright.PENANAegGaZKF9oo
215Please respect copyright.PENANAHKREXoJgcN
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."215Please respect copyright.PENANAszKSOOum9O
215Please respect copyright.PENANAqjlsNLlzxG
"Custom design? Well..."215Please respect copyright.PENANAJj3T8gsblk
215Please respect copyright.PENANA5ce7vLXVuf
She turned her head away.215Please respect copyright.PENANAyUIZuFOWqP
215Please respect copyright.PENANAE6CUcR4QRL
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."215Please respect copyright.PENANAh3udcjPflV
215Please respect copyright.PENANAexLiN1F9Ox
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.215Please respect copyright.PENANAQIo2d7eCYo
215Please respect copyright.PENANAiwNrYc4Dj2
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."215Please respect copyright.PENANAgkJlQiiLqR
215Please respect copyright.PENANA09BjBCHWrJ
"Oh, this?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAuXmblcme01
215Please respect copyright.PENANA8KQO3vkWoo
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.215Please respect copyright.PENANAP2o1PJtecm
215Please respect copyright.PENANAe6Wx0bVlOj
"I stole it!"215Please respect copyright.PENANAfIH9XfRE4l
215Please respect copyright.PENANADUsRJAx9Pn
"No surprise."215Please respect copyright.PENANAbs68pcOzOU
215Please respect copyright.PENANA1lby0oteYn
"I ain't surprised."215Please respect copyright.PENANAVTEvqaemc7
215Please respect copyright.PENANArQTXWbjNUt
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.215Please respect copyright.PENANAl5MHDixyZG
215Please respect copyright.PENANAep59VdXbX4
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"215Please respect copyright.PENANA3mVSh9cAAt
215Please respect copyright.PENANAKFPWdUIA5G
"No."215Please respect copyright.PENANAzxave8dGJJ
215Please respect copyright.PENANAOgBQeNgnkH
"Not really."215Please respect copyright.PENANAL88yitHwKd
215Please respect copyright.PENANAisjo0qFYEI
"Ah... you two are lame!"215Please respect copyright.PENANAJ7IlrluSea
215Please respect copyright.PENANAkr6yDC6tMo
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANARYHOZcmxiS
215Please respect copyright.PENANAU3cHe7oPOY
"..."215Please respect copyright.PENANATpINEBXbii
215Please respect copyright.PENANAEePgFhqdLL
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAeK4cO2tWKU
215Please respect copyright.PENANAJBeArUhIVE
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAI606KQWNFS
215Please respect copyright.PENANAJ0MiQu39UV
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."215Please respect copyright.PENANAAcmeg2nxof
215Please respect copyright.PENANAH0r09NUvON
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."215Please respect copyright.PENANAc8q4yfJM5d
215Please respect copyright.PENANAFNRHnFlncx
"I-I see... I suppose so."215Please respect copyright.PENANA2NdWeJlrwJ
215Please respect copyright.PENANA7eaG7GT9bs
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAqQM46KVL9F
215Please respect copyright.PENANA0gc5cUg7nB
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.215Please respect copyright.PENANA80ETMSfg73
215Please respect copyright.PENANA6JNGO5rA81
"Did you have to word it that way?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAxF5aBR7Uud
215Please respect copyright.PENANADJGHKTBjKw
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."215Please respect copyright.PENANAI0CvK7lBWx
215Please respect copyright.PENANAEvnZeT3sem
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."215Please respect copyright.PENANAUxXsj8eXWU
215Please respect copyright.PENANAHwM5R4g7bI
"Ya got it, boss."215Please respect copyright.PENANA99qV7DEiar
215Please respect copyright.PENANAjn7iw0BRzk
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANA5uvNvzrDRc
215Please respect copyright.PENANAnm3M74sTTo
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."215Please respect copyright.PENANAWbxjdYTNhW
215Please respect copyright.PENANAAQdVg8TLVY
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAhQ67lkNrW8
215Please respect copyright.PENANAusZLRGtJbN
"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.215Please respect copyright.PENANACwXXFHBZFd
215Please respect copyright.PENANAzu8J1mEZXh
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."215Please respect copyright.PENANAzA7MpwvUuc
215Please respect copyright.PENANAezJY1dObfQ
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.215Please respect copyright.PENANAn9eBdDxsWW
215Please respect copyright.PENANAuHUrGMqP6R
"...Well, alright. What is it?"215Please respect copyright.PENANApRrYLefIHO
215Please respect copyright.PENANAg2cni5IgNf
"I... I wanted..."215Please respect copyright.PENANADGbUroYyOI
215Please respect copyright.PENANAIBc2V5Hkrc
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAqLOHntCx7G
215Please respect copyright.PENANAkmXDArLBV0
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"215Please respect copyright.PENANA2JCeGxOqgc
215Please respect copyright.PENANAMqxwUcNqjb
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAtFqxUyeYx5
215Please respect copyright.PENANAOcgiSTRE4C
"Where's this coming from?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAfZ4aVwAHV5
215Please respect copyright.PENANAOleE3a0Gwf
"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?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAvmPoNj843C
215Please respect copyright.PENANAvorZLNio7J
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."215Please respect copyright.PENANAMAOZUleH9Y
215Please respect copyright.PENANA7wmTkyPQvv
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAJ92Uy3EhJg
215Please respect copyright.PENANAectzN55ik2
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAFzcMYHwPV3
215Please respect copyright.PENANAjkacnwr7eB
In that light–215Please respect copyright.PENANANEuw4wYqwS
215Please respect copyright.PENANAlJQmrMJAHp
"Alright, apology accepted."215Please respect copyright.PENANArlMk7vDBTN
215Please respect copyright.PENANA1Fi1CTw1os
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–215Please respect copyright.PENANARgYGBsApLg
215Please respect copyright.PENANAC0IKJawtgH
"--only on one condition."215Please respect copyright.PENANAfGMSTs7Hg0
215Please respect copyright.PENANAtVZdr3F38C
"Eh!?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAcMu0vBL6aj
215Please respect copyright.PENANAWL6KX4mnlt
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.215Please respect copyright.PENANAPzFN4bl5rF
215Please respect copyright.PENANAzgwKDlIzCW
"That's right."215Please respect copyright.PENANAbgwVMN2Hpy
215Please respect copyright.PENANAQrhFZ6ZMq9
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAZttNUpUS46
215Please respect copyright.PENANAveRomRzteR
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."215Please respect copyright.PENANAdXghmbuSj2
215Please respect copyright.PENANAftnSoucxfr
"He sounds like a priss."215Please respect copyright.PENANA771hNsRg1p
215Please respect copyright.PENANAyxBlJEvJgX
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."215Please respect copyright.PENANAIGQscxqvKH
215Please respect copyright.PENANAEMZ8hUAJma
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.215Please respect copyright.PENANAQwgiiSLB8M
215Please respect copyright.PENANAdXXf6SzmY3
"Fine, what's your condition?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAnWWP338WfK
215Please respect copyright.PENANAzuqZL76tLg
I pointed a finger at her.215Please respect copyright.PENANAUhUs3Vsb7t
215Please respect copyright.PENANAXewNkHWuoF
"We need to get along from now on."215Please respect copyright.PENANAn8cE8QJUqP
215Please respect copyright.PENANAdSZ0HpVJxi
"...Huh?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAQZ8zH19OKg
215Please respect copyright.PENANAheSoNAJXLe
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"215Please respect copyright.PENANA5DF8GCd15C
215Please respect copyright.PENANA73fr6NaZbI
"...Ha, that's it?"215Please respect copyright.PENANAKHWqIhF7fR
215Please respect copyright.PENANAWdvc1qyw8h
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.215Please respect copyright.PENANAfsURTx1c5h
215Please respect copyright.PENANAdrj6HcgBP0
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"215Please respect copyright.PENANA1cKxhsPFmw
215Please respect copyright.PENANAlQMHXQmADb
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.215Please respect copyright.PENANAUrBiCVz397
215Please respect copyright.PENANAofR1MQhQUQ
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAoOpAy1e9OG
215Please respect copyright.PENANAE0iIbOFJd2
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.215Please respect copyright.PENANAU4hMookba6
215Please respect copyright.PENANAatEtt6t9YA
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."215Please respect copyright.PENANAPdtqov36MR
215Please respect copyright.PENANAKuI8OFjA2b
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."215Please respect copyright.PENANAFF1Xpjw5WN
215Please respect copyright.PENANAYsrLlOOddJ
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.215Please respect copyright.PENANAnxlHOjJbRy
215Please respect copyright.PENANAwsIrOm5Zu4
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."215Please respect copyright.PENANAGQTCJ9qizp
215Please respect copyright.PENANAv6Jyf9zUFU
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."215Please respect copyright.PENANAAmkDlhh6zu
215Please respect copyright.PENANAaD4o6IT3Xn
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"215Please respect copyright.PENANAbPKpbIXmDS
215Please respect copyright.PENANAQSjkcUfY7h
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.215Please respect copyright.PENANABQdQ2SxyuM
215Please respect copyright.PENANAgUqdf4poMh
"What a weirdo, seriously."215Please respect copyright.PENANAjt4yRcNbvo
215Please respect copyright.PENANArpkSYg2GrD
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAhaVRGlaeM1
215Please respect copyright.PENANAwK9aI0ULFe
–
–
–
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAEcp9VWMpQM
215Please respect copyright.PENANACQbT7aWKXc
"You guys! You gotta see this!"215Please respect copyright.PENANAU6MDGZVXOb
215Please respect copyright.PENANAWxvuHQVs2e
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.215Please respect copyright.PENANAugwCFYMbvg
215Please respect copyright.PENANAw5Fvz4yI1r
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.