My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7wBkrwnHR
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtyPC5vGnk
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52jQkaxsf5
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhuGAnBgIj
"Haa..."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53WWwweXJP
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbETIg3VBd
"Are you okay?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4oZHVbqOB
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4K5vCkK03b
"Phew. Now I am."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiK81FkM3hA
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1wCfAzvxL
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNB6Ls1q8Jg
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMhyC5ALjC
"W-What is it?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dkqZrOLX4
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTepRCxt66D
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8maDY2YTq
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnEAyJ5rRb
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJH94VvC9O6
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9voSDmvemi
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19ftpLiIPQ
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9WqCqmeYH
"Well..."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTa7CLs8OMw
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ7Kk4kS2p
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZS2U7g2frY
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqql0k4jyFM
"Come on, tell me!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsEuiwGFIN
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1D8UQE18gk
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iVN6V2MWx
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6PIkRuvxS
She sighed and shrugged.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3WPylSXYf
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22DPdXW7Ok
"Are you feeling nervous?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWpzEuIg7N
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYiBGbeFga
"Of course I am."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98l6P1cce0
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WE06u4IGE
"You shouldn't be."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mSvJbEFiL
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDH7YSMeEH3
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DkJVpl49e
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7Lj7rrf06
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74sn5Z0Y1A
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0hZpIZRQT
"...What's that supposed to mean?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFTs5AScUj
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6jIm4UfP3
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzGVKIn9NE
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mEEy05vBv
"I think you came here a little too early."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobgSKi1TlV
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGU72397BBJ
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4UvVW4IUO
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNncYWyLcg5
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXc0p8uypfz
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgszRcjMwbm
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!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1sEO6KHDF
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpd8GhgzuM
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIikspf2Rb
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3OZD4RkfK
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoez2sIiC8
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovyzbqbfRE
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBHbuhHw4g
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtefiHEovB
"Aren't you going to say something?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevh0nn55vg
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCMuxm2gkn
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53OajtRmp7
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpE6nR52t8
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkm4YRuzXvz
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkk5vPTebFc
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eHyRyxdym
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6yIissRB1
"...I-I still don't believe you."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFoHWaGlcz
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mUvE55mWW
"Are you serious!?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkRXzLmhgn
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBiZEd1A1s
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zqngjVJtS
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZnHnlaRUp
"Can I at least have your name?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6w7SQjdQm
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuf7ALDa2X
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG72fIfDKgM
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE74Z8FFChq
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07fZIXlsNw
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM08SCvD3uG
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yJAtMP1ND
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTFEcDcH9B
"A-Alright, I won't forget."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiGuJFIbZN
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTziN5LKKX
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2epV7JEWdT
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLagTuxuul
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGqjklQNxa
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLfrkmwQIF
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqN90yealS
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFT9va3k8Wm
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0C0amGZT4V
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWUpROgSOM
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIit3jNqRo
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmJUnChhSi
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZGsCBk2iD
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqu4n59xWC
"She's not very nice at all."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFU49RA9vO
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9JNZeYDyU
"I suppose not."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjC4HFYws1i
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSADXPY7k1D
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUj54BjNYo
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhNgxsVT8X
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cjpLOq3ff
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutQyWQ16Mm
**SMASH**350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyj8GnBQlUg
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlMbGTeTju
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiH3C8wVmaE
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ979iVvWHjt
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCNyfOccAY
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtE1fgLYsT
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweMzNawePn
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22aIZfbLkw
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3ukCKJcKy
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQh4RM4LRz
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFkvc8P3Tj
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6huiaKHRqE
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyazz0U7TE
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4LQg6Qkjl
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqjVFSf05I
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaay4bFZ2V
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndBAPRWcDC
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJz2Qg01W2
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bDidG3spB
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNW4oHetiE
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD57mVlRiYz
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVF3ZcLNxa
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRH0U3OgcPT
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmmsACWHfh
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzfpX4jIOW
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1Fm10lOVv
"No, not at all."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkHfsHJSDt
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvP9E9xFgv
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKyOYOJJZI
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVT2VAars3
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrU7w6VAKA
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbbKVefvMp
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SJGbzqTeC
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo18iS26kyT
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YKR23IMad
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVxDanVgIP
"Is she our teammate?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyGXjLQ22e
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRF3Yrxu1qW
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsRIueOwQb
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lWVOmrKZF
"That so? Lemme test the waters."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWNS9a12wE
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmursJTNeC
"You'll regret it."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqD0XZCLja0
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacs0KoNYnI
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hsnpVFJPX
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vpAM98KRG
"...Wait."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0UhiTXwiP
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iha7rispj
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUKRCyi0DM
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmrLuMYgGE
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Uj8SH3uFf
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOGhsJsFpu
"A little? Just a little?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrTMdWhEJK
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibflMAhxNe
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQPslvQiNy
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBySYbICWH
"I met her five minutes ago!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVIuBzwg5I
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLeA364ad4
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pdKE7tNEM
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYl4idbNao
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkNL8KgnmL
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHxtnxUVPs
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwppgiNrGt
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEcOsXqH1z
"Really?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvVK2sYz6V
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxh7bM1QBrE
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCU99duIMf
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYTahrclde
"What do you mean 'really'?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyKyDsv0Kr
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJTA5dPhXr
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXDCHOzEj3
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsYwUUa4cf
"--!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbonMMhji7H
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGx7yOszPA
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs749kHOQEb
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cAJPrNJa4
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEwtTdrBeo
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUMZvGu281
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKt52t8A8IR
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaICmNudArU
**SMASH**350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI36HSU74DO
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHn8Sfn1lR
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZWcuvGR8a
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0Rwvqp4BX
My jaw dropped yet again.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrVDRgY1mc
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rLfvb0i26
"ROY!?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFNtLTLBzU
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkbIieuTDs
–
–
–
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8a0GjEE5m
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcyPaqNET5
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35ygERntaL
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdPjZbDUpB
"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."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgx7bmadRhU
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcwFQB6Pye
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."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXf1IH0btkS
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFHLWK2ZlS
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMShokRhm7
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMessRr4QZ
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8gYb6c6hm
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKml09b0Vd
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7evjGZS8VT
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnh4iTyE7h
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31rGw8jhV8
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdImDu4VQO
"R-Right."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlu7Puo4gbw
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcXKPmAjuj
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–350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQKVEBKkxI
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1a9TYfPO0Y
"Ack!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSA9TDMB9O
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWdsfoefuo
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LpD8l9kY0
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIGI1t0BTA
"F-Flinty, what was–"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxg6Ivf1uQK
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqMReBDKvc
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5y57pAPTeS
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EgnQqudVN
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaxWuxAUHE
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1UeWDDBXW
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58MSE0RffK
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXpZ2X3LCc
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzvEX5wZkh
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCArhBVwEb
"No, I'm not just saying it."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2EkKtbRCD
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxdsimAVqS
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbMqyBzTow
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcGdxE64Ih
"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."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIIyffSr0s
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUPlI4varF
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8TOeyB05l
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9K6WuSR8JG
"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."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHdV20P6vy
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsEUhHHoHS
"I–"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6F3ECjAOx
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqAUs7jwlN
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjc29xwUvAv
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWyZnnAXpv
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEvPGPXxhN
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLMoJ7Bys0
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–350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2W5oO3NJit
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0ORagF5d2
And yet...350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5SyqJmER1
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiCt0gViHO
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCN70yZZRB
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KYmwlrGyK
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hwDkBVrrP
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFNnUUoH60
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFSjSeZFwb
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygLTIdj8FG
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpr6ygOlgBO
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJ88l1LcsC
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyiwQWcHRs
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIQ2uVNvZW
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9Gkj9KuvX
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSj1gU70Iq
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2udV1RYBfj
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxEZnbSytJ
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtZwHM9vPX
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0rJ1YjSK2
"O-Okay."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqpP8FXN1j
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84fG8O9lXU
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpoBIsxXrh
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mCaHIAdaC
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcfOagWGGd
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77qbNR5o3b
"Okay okay, fine."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXRFkTsi4R
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluOVWhpggI
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaXT5TgFDQ
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVhq4S5AsR
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdISIQVSc45
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvRJiaboK6
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRgecUfWXi
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGDKtLMenp
–
–
–
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSBWcK9Fw3
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrLlxYug4u
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLATqRPdkvA
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gZOqoWFml
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJQKwYcE2U
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSnnvtzxyH
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeG39utltic
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EKTZKIa71
"Huh...? What did you say?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeP3lCKSQxy
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5DP4JqThT
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf90GswyoUA
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPW9153Oddv
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPTVVqwitq
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJPA32xItM
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHTSQsEanl
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpnaoGFWXJ
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlPWCvMdiF
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5Oz6r5umH
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1pQ7Egjtg
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3VXnaWa2h
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZWDoa6hZQ
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93giEeA2fO
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2xTqxu6mO
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XZGOQxp1t
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjtB6fytbr
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqmAGx8pHy
"Note?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeceBlJkhOh
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcPzJyERle
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9O4Y5hoc0Y
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1bwLF74Rc
"What does it say?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7qOVOky4R
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30esYSYIlH
"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."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TbJpmN352
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJkJ9s0w4f
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVBeYaHE8U
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauEP4oZ0BT
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTLg7G7gGW
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCGbgooPOm
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAC4u2rO6CC
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8sLKLt1yA
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViXh2Vd479
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgfkJCcymh
Juke sighed and put the paper away.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy70cfq7ezS
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFE4k7YaNaF
"So, how's about a story?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0GEf2W4MR
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aX8MxKmS3
"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?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYcpBAcoqZ
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNx6yzYH0N
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZPl3OFJ6M
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfSVc87jJm
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91WFMVt0xe
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2AUefMRAG
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IVmPdBeDP
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5X84uCfy5A
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWmsFM9rcF
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDByNu575S
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOy8UT1iiCV
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXq2R5BbqB
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3212967qdI
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16c7sjcfNb
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvgcZ2U5gg
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcn9xo5RdVB
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2ylTekufz
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtsxtodK9J
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHe6Q2QsDt
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcvsyDbEtM
"Seriously? You have to be lying."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68f483uEGl
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53XMHDHACI
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW11MSGocuR
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2QJBhcdCD
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvirrfJTwa
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoTx5KaXvL
"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."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAYjwTYPI2
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK30VMT3ac3
"Like what?" I asked.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlsiYAAAkw
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98RKa6NrWo
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQmGY9ImLz
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjt5JC8VX8Y
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQivxQThcz
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KWBmc2vyx
"...Stardust?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4faCWXH3c
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5EbwZ3icJ
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBOJ2apMsM
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68PQNqlvNd
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXrLPhEWF5
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrJXkm9XQw
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmU3AGKXyW
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkLUAO1VZ6
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTDWRZ5VCI
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfg8jTaxWv
"...The what?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPHgYY1spq
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBkt6OpTSR
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TsDa0Ogdh
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuRYtuJF9s
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutn4Yg6y0e
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ153EYGLTzL
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuZhh9Y7zG
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGj83dHDmKp
"Of course I do!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDoRV5sJQS
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zpsSTD5W8
She pumped her fist.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkBAc0Vhb9
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLh36JoVcE3
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMnADt0WSk
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDpU0YTFVN
"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."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMUT9QuGp8
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6LkI7pJOd
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1z8mkugRwz
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzKruhbBC8
"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–"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI26uuJCv4Y
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBmxhSajMR
"I already know this."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOu6m9ENp9
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaI7hI6j9s
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NUhUvLzTX
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhq03TNZBga
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YCVXxBYmi
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhAkqxQbCo
"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."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwjxucyy1D
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkci863emmZ
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYa8YtHKe2k
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCaCQam555
"Eh? Why?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiYpcMxnbY
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJzEDKakYy
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypRP0Tt8X5
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUVmTatl8t
"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–"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgS26exjj7r
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuvpWau6xP
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡav2NQAnTg5
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AHXz7cCYp
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIc9rEFZnL
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHb05PxvmJ
"That's cuz I met her."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYc5HZrgqo
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2hQ9DipX5
"WHAT!?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59gmfmDGi3
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IQV5EKxtg
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlSxUuwgRz
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAL1ccjKEM
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCqBERStcd
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9M9DTzv4GN
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQKkJTrUs3
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfQ9xvAwdD
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7Q7vZgdyF
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZyKeUllnB
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15yqRBPnWP
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sxKqv9gE6
"You're kidding."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3gUhShzPK
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcXJcn82vv
He shook his head no.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivuhCUTuRD
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnFusRJHEO
"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."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrRNd7EHsZ
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUT0WjZBCwY
"You're making this up," I said.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZ0Luy7D3A
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0fEgzaHyd
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZ0PaQKaIX
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjsuaycrpr
Juke shrugged.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5p1PKNr6x7
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41TdcOxoBE
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AjZWt6wgw
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClcl0kDHNz
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUIlM8WVtr
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtHXzQFhaS
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PbzCfMtb3
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXp0N4mpS5
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlkEbTqw1F
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wGSOaGmXQ
"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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkJMOITt8o
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOB7nkcU7N
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNq1Af5c3a
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaloq5tm3Wd
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6WxkBXgRX
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQGFsoQTJx
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4rPHSnBng
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eTGyQGnkb
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaSXdY2gbW
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5f1SovY3cq
She pointed a finger at him.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFUwz8itvZ
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1dJvHB1xq
"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!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmPX9NsJt4
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIScP6bsAL
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMsonGPAOm
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcqz9L1TOi
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFapWaUFSp0
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgJiA0l5bQ
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpbsqfGNEy
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2tNOFvOeE
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1BScdXs3n
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcn8UcmVjsA
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrh9QgCsJ4b
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53udWUFO2i
"--Ngh! You guys...!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZckSEZy5zN
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNk9Re9QY5
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrnjvX4xNz
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcMu2XlK0o
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP08leERLZw
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3zo1woUF1
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mEZh4L5fz
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIaUQcwLwt
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwr8Q0NUNJB
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXlXdcAtva
"Ya look like you have something to say."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBJ7E4D8cT
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrt0YCpqPHM
"W-Well..."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFVeOxUHqj
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BsOqs0O8L
She turned her head away.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsO0q8WY09K
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZ43hEdbTU
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmI4Qf1U8g
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqggtq4rdPu
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lPfwuhJGX
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklKtDVkiaV
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDHUsxwBj2
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcJXFGpX70
"Mhm, I told you so."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiKUwzQzNY
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjTuceT3NN
–
–
–
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIj6J4DgH54
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39dypLcmZT
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5xZlXyVTL
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0ZtMP3617
"...So why am I not getting any?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8EaAvwTZV
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRca2r3Mag5
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."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBjCxYY0aX
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxoWPaR65T
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–350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3vk8Ic8Ay
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEfdLaGDjS
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwCzKnlJwh
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtu0QZQq1hD
"Eh?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaaDcd4aOU
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMDMaVVRKL
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqdt0Fh6X0
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomFUuLfvBQ
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmF72uAOro
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8VjdRrSmD
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNazpN019p8
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFZT0qNgR4
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSBGUEYJpF
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5E6vTmb27
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaCuxW2LUd
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKgRgTc3nW
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9xMyk0UaS
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ69RAin5W6
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJBGLYCri9
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IAVvCJMml
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡln0rDmkGaO
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPOXFTqFFe
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLz5FAkV0B
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xmZ9WWJ75
"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?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r8tspAYuM
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cJrBoWEyG
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpMAu2vPZc
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMqdlvcVn4
"A jungle? What elevation?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBS2YEoOJq
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTTxAyeX3B
He shrugged.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjkjBySVLy
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbCm4cQm7Z
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uLpry4yzM
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4YsBaEwCg
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRnNpsJ75C
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64bK8Jujdh
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxE1d2TypFE
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3R3qeHJjZ
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkOjYvvR5A
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsvpaIofqB
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hUfLyf0aH
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZh8DHAnRKA
"Why?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3qI0MYtef
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1MHxKQnMa
"..."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvqVfIa5yB
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwOUsGVCyR
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH43btfV03S
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmJpvXLXd1
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1vP9Ec6XT
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DJbLPNwnV
"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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4yQ2h9T7u
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLQV79pgqw
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4WbZf7ndi
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfWsWfOynI
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDikXVQ2vN
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfW7rffADm
"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."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN79uAmO9vV
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZb8J0pHGPc
"..."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTIvVFkLr0
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN182fD6R8F
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXm57u8uWA
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpsaVnl9or
"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."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCky8SWt4ST
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFvYRfsvNx
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArtdtIgsuD
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8M1Cz65GJ
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IcLyZe7T2
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77KCZLkgDa
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EMliSsfdd
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPWVdpWYpc
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qOhEoRfiQ
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuM6ZCsQgV
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbE8m6Qo6q6
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqwZlhGsu6
"TALBOT!?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtuWpT1pmF
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VFYDzmgmH
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzlTuKH9W5
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxj4FnB2MZ
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfperp8fOL
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ036mRDYaMF
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6246KOIjc
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JxDCSi286
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUj3qvkIVgM
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkS7pA1kIcA
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBxurZFm6o
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjmlSExE8s
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAw6XzmZmNg
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVtYJGys28
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lN4oXSMlw
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjmS43IiNT
"Are ya kidding me?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo18l3rurmk
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxs0nyTGED
"That's so lame!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIk9IIqzDi
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJUEOwHmkO
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7U2frlR3oM
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgr0vKx2CN
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaif0ngyFNv
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAteBW8vPZF
"What's that supposed to mean?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUxYHtXo4p
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfqAmlewyH
"Nothing."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MEWpyK6WR
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HZM7gCnaP
She returned to chowing down on her food.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOv1uOq4p8
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkJCwWAyLC
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOUN6QAq3i
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDea1Sx656A
"Well..."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC24At2Wtm8
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXP2IBen6r
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vIiwj2idr
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWS5rdmppxA
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41UWaYodBy
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHsiJnQdOu
"...No."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YAGQ5UsqP
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrum0Ebkthf
"Eh? Why not?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcODWppd3v
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAvjwAlJdj
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXL6AVDdXm
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkQEXGAkze
"Huh!? What'd you say?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4e8ugJVPRH
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnHjGFQyoU
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipdFjy3xMx
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidvhxQxf4N
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdkOpvDP1i
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbbLXuRvlA
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjEb2SZ83r
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYr4iyuVVo
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXrtPI4npz
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsumBVLSuV
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbqT3b5l51
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodmqEdn2aQ
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShW2sz1wxQ
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNGqvJ129E
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6qxsiN3zd
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6LvaHwDfE
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc82NUqtG06
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEc1qbo51b
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFH5YJDfPv
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Fm5YFWpkG
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYBDx9Wy5n
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYS9FkQg5V0
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MaehlTcfN
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvV274oS6zo
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aTeX5qs5c
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPQ5qAAVTH
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbyeREQNUA
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKAiL1utvw
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3Hj7oWWci
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKC0H2w93Lq
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRP0quCiSXn
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYefJYJr3OO
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDH1AeeNU8p
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNAAB4N9h1
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLrGQ91rhU
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sWBDsz7SM
"Custom design? Well..."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQLrlVdknz
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZzH067Ker
She turned her head away.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPHgl1GAOg
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYt97Gk4RV
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToCRwx1slX
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWp8u1ZupB
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQ8iQVHTrc
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBv0dPrwILu
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzbgalQGOz
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwT6l7wu0MA
"Oh, this?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hWsWAZvXl
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkOflVSNiF
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NcHGlBlvb
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN51SelxYRM
"I stole it!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGtlPNbC99
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4FtlVJLgp
"No surprise."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIIl4LwrvC
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjFT7gr64k
"I ain't surprised."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJiPuEerBT
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9K1yWi8jX
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQWKLQwNe3
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmndYH6cCk7
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguvBA5iweW
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIVdmnAzdf
"No."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfWk2dgFmI
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnH52tMvL4
"Not really."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNj7BcrGLRG
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCExoF1uq7u
"Ah... you two are lame!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDZOuhaerx
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjO4CNE7VJ
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPG6S5WP597
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqYJ8g4wH9
"..."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUbkIb91SY
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMurYr6abfP
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8bfpNFa1I
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbpMGKNNoI
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1x8atoRody
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKEJtAbjKX
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnKWk4KI7b
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaHCzfCbT8
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYeWZ9YPEr
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQva0MfZPh
"I-I see... I suppose so."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYesrir732
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhmwSXVa7S
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAUfSzfaL4
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOHCPuS1Qv
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz95WAHKjRL
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7QbblXaWy
"Did you have to word it that way?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAhkEYotpw
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTQPLj6J63
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2SM3Fhi0f
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuaSsPAYYa
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4g2yEhWzi
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ag7A2NhDc
"Ya got it, boss."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7VZG6P0po
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡti0FIMrgRK
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8tpTvvYSm
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0eDWC55Lg
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRmO3aY3gO
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDbVmBmLuY
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡko8mkpzjGY
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZcc6vbHl9
"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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvUmmX5exe
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSZpe5v1Av
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzu3t48eUy
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fVJEmgjhV
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiUda1ZZCL
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YXJOk8OOT
"...Well, alright. What is it?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCsgFhlmD8
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JRzwCp0at
"I... I wanted..."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ902k4vQhuG
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eRsTvQP7y
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BAt4Lz2wE
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU24e4anbdW
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1qeE35s4W
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofsFOA4qQw
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHrkQ2BKok
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsDITBJEI4
"Where's this coming from?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNR21Qwyl9
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDy6nXZSSp
"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?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagYOSuMSEH
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNiJMLe7EG
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyqlUCPVWS
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6k1ylYENH
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWOgAq5AHl
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4KAMpF6B5
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJhmSuue0t
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKlMvsDiSK
In that light–350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vdyDRJOHQ
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhGnjwGYwu
"Alright, apology accepted."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpqpaFG3vm
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldYhKwafIC
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKQ5NLy7rA
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAryXLLyeS
"--only on one condition."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SsmgvtP5r
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnnzXJuS7z
"Eh!?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6u2iAa4Opx
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhQIucqdLk
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkF0cO06Coe
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVjaYrtQtF
"That's right."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwv7HaibMx
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXqhiSMEei
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIWZdIr67P
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHEP2JvE4a
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eSAW5q7rs
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBhY1xXJaA
"He sounds like a priss."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9S0MUoXyEg
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1ohLsUNg0
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXEWrw84gb
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIvHVCDDUH
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRjLQHZUXI
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuGp39d47A
"Fine, what's your condition?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBZvoRRAI0
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodLTAXwoOg
I pointed a finger at her.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBs50v2DVwE
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6j4otuIRYz
"We need to get along from now on."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanj3S9WZam
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUrtrqL7dA
"...Huh?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2JS9tRcZd
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iLY5WJt4j
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JKj2j8wIZ
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqKtRAbB0a
"...Ha, that's it?"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2ejKtNa3y
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8T4yWgeKk
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidLnXwJg2d
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxyg52ufpN
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4nZzLCRVc
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUV105QC7P
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhAD02aBL3
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MImoTwcJa
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHEXvAHo5K
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVx2uSzUlBe
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYGdkcwcm1
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzIkacMOnj
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fDa4qfE3b
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQ3rCNk27H
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriWV4eqSCE
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0UUaiqvyQ
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaZ94AZdx8
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDzjGeFJXu
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDfCWFbflv
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsSWzOjZsJ
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmyHTsPydJ
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRDm524NR4
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOJt4Nb57j
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoJM46cK2h
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbknnT0EI5t
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkU3V3e6ojc
"What a weirdo, seriously."350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHYPBRtavY
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfR1Hobsgpf
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9xyZu1pi1
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nPvzFCJdA
–
–
–
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RSIkfydIR
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4TaZoVNW5
"You guys! You gotta see this!"350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYleIZttFj
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgMScgGhIn
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.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmj6pftSKF
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTk6ASOXEo1
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.
and then Add to home screen.