My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBVPqDY42Z
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡng1njJikb6
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrrqhlToR7
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7WI7YY3s8
"Haa..."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7jvw1WLSL
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pjHKgaQeA
"Are you okay?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBgmTLYtAD
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGUkhlYLP5
"Phew. Now I am."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvTMZoVAMh
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERibzpUoiN
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHJwibLSmO
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AUgQmup8p
"W-What is it?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUAJbxUDjy
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNILLfdoNvt
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7JpXVaoBg
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVz3UeVYhs
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSSVWp6v70
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPulmkP43Lg
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Te8nS27bN
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjHaRflJra
"Well..."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3FZFrdJ5d
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFGeeFV21a
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7aA4N5xpY
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0jzwgSJps
"Come on, tell me!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuv9yp2mQrm
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6hpoG78vl
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa32hhS2mTe
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJZSWUMReA
She sighed and shrugged.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjqEiaf22b
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXKlKKtC80
"Are you feeling nervous?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8RWGBQOzo
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyVqDZ8sdL
"Of course I am."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqg5GOj0gri
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDTQ8pOYp0
"You shouldn't be."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAE2huvH4OR
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vVGu2pTm2
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBRBJ1W358
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaN9RmOb0nV
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdC0T2ygx1E
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDedFNg3OS
"...What's that supposed to mean?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6WpTPqaJk
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eRpLEHoL6
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAN8dpkqnCr
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOLe7csbBY
"I think you came here a little too early."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOmrJWf5vl
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJK0470Oh0
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGwDErCKGu
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrYOTP8vVo
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡil0Xvm6INm
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KyUizJuOy
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!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkgYkhpA8c
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVH4qpoMy9
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8EYTJWJBM
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpsA1R7JID
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6fGs4OWuT
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBIdtTT3FX
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEY7WDOeFWt
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnyDDkJDWl
"Aren't you going to say something?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTHUzylD12
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11P24BPZ2K
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqHyWoitxr
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6upF7cQOO
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nYE6zSpnX
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFiH5LSgad
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aa8i2wvW2
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16yOqnmyzb
"...I-I still don't believe you."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqjM5h5zvK
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQ43IgdE9Z
"Are you serious!?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzr9VUwN2ec
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgOPm7rWQq
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJPzCmSWm6
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsBKQG9xmf
"Can I at least have your name?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibaPI3XyxC
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnllxi5mRh
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAkERmb99q
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpAoiW6Qpx
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdnV6nbKmA
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKnijmE9il
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAfNe57pra
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7OehQEY1K
"A-Alright, I won't forget."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKLZUnQ5oh
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2FRw84YdN
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAyS7pHRH3
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVd0CSWjtwu
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtBCjd2die
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXpBdztNQN
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRpMHMjy4C
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNhOk2X2ao
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1p4L6CGBK
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhyYG4YC2k
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANQUmt1dBK
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBtMQuSMCw
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PAPxI2lRR
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHfZVFvSof
"She's not very nice at all."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UY91cmqxm
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJ4RckIEmV
"I suppose not."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxK862cc54A
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MSB1djTKM
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtyhUpwqY6
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFfO3IP7es
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZi7oCDEJD
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Wby8LOVxy
**SMASH**351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DFDW36vos
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBF81K1NAc9
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZlX7sK2mQ
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHw73PjUPBk
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPP0cbZOJJ
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0GoWMb1Fj
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhzw9IRFm0
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaScREFcdX
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiXuJZ2Zav
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTI5fZBA4e
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3YRkttYZ2
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OyuVKX2j2
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutBP9thS6N
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDIJ0SG1cr
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIFA4WAP3F
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTM1WtqSODZ
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYKcXsunZR
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiF3JqSVbz
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkbD8BeVZv
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnSgLuPVq6
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCE3IMxGPtx
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuItWN7Lxq
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraWELopUBv
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT10uzpt4GN
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFfqoQnz5e
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlpXG4GxgI
"No, not at all."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UMIyoYCzs
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgojh6zO3Z
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdCMghuUmw
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYunnjqB5Zi
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYR6iUb7k3
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHKLk8kEsf
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwhaGKnqEq
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpKpdRBqTn
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNmtSBmasw
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Q3i19TlUP
"Is she our teammate?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWma1kNEUt4
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3xeLQ46PF
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjU7fgOB6b
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBwfLGVk6m
"That so? Lemme test the waters."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSw7t1ZWC56
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmWBqfvq0S
"You'll regret it."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXVBUcMDKQ
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzCvk3wx85
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xKPf7PdDT
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8IzAHrCuB
"...Wait."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvYdjqWSNm
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDR0LXkzjDa
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRqytth0CZ
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLemawUPUk
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7Ne7TbORd
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5ruc2Fz7N
"A little? Just a little?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8tSZqYckx
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXACUndnmH
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVhSSAIXRU
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFCtnaZceD
"I met her five minutes ago!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIkRJm9ZZ1
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBV4QWDTuo
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVNqE2hrlz
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQCgmdRERN
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGsFvJPH71
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZymoRbcp5
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTBdfI8urn
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZG6RZa7NAQ
"Really?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bALLw15k7
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4NjGxPYbC
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlId8VApJT
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeSy8XxhZt
"What do you mean 'really'?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIODKWL5oY
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ofJyju5Lg
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw09yrywuXb
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXzvrlnN9C
"--!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa91Y13VdMm
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgH40gliGV
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqX2byP8TT
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0p9myFzsai
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64iKxe4LsP
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptdQLLBUvB
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGxD8dQV4U
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrLEGMxzLt
**SMASH**351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezwTuk8rmx
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkv43ejNicV
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpipXmhQef
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnMHsUpKKv
My jaw dropped yet again.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISugH6m5iX
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2OoOUGcYH
"ROY!?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBm5dMYHp5
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMDwDhT47k
–
–
–
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWeNJg3rkS
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAsVNtRHtl
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEJ8LjxgsQ
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmzsVl0J0G
"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."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUBi1eXMQ2
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPA0lk5Ufw
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."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1VLHAonz4
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJ7E1I10Ki
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvyXcC45cT
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzzvmOCuNW
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKCY2E4VpJ
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YGvPraipX
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyg0JGAm652
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeCA9XIgja
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNRdYQMmD0
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTS8org0kv
"R-Right."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡas5OGuYcRT
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhpLEDMYeZ
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–351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZ0P2R0zz7
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeg2wyset3j
"Ack!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gDdk0CkcQ
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolJvSQHYlh
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYREtl1q5c
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDn7uC35m1S
"F-Flinty, what was–"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOnQ7IhM5C
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBElLRQt7S2
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOVY6VIvRs
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgbDR7Sx0y
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUL1rogWUk
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJVc92c5F1
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1qIXhn0Ok
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HpAHujAxy
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb30e0kW2f1
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2TFD9DaG0
"No, I'm not just saying it."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6pk3x55lf
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RMc5eYfz2
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeo8cirM7B
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxI09DanJE2
"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."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBWGtSzOaD
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyn2gzV7m5
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlZFDMs00u
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSIoDjkzta
"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."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfnhr9rk0N
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21xTwHPeUC
"I–"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3B18tdNNnh
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbN6EGxjVu
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXMrdr5P8m
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOCIEL6O7z
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCY9zVp8AjG
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWrbeqKBwO
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–351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETRbQkH9VR
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uaWvRLzOw
And yet...351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6zAkf3bBW
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4OhWJgTNA
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvY2Z0BnZsg
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnX6CqDlWKA
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2nDNxg0o2
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRshC4izC7X
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKd6drvKRLe
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PkXdN7WKD
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaD8Lyij2y
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8fHFOMSyB
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuCk7vmuR8
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2V3Mx57eQ9
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GbHSQ7m0p
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbI7SbpmoI
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1YYQJp8ck
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LoPXtGK1g
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QlQYSSHNR
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNHBBD1ByH
"O-Okay."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9SnlvTFI4
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFyzGAVhSM
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygDeHOjSeH
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPID8bw9AIG
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHNYLbQ4DL
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpmr3pIRKM
"Okay okay, fine."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbw70kZOuok
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LvOrqhBD6
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUwfSfN1PN
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pR1VCMdPs
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0W59LWvOO
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvU0YM3tuC
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡint1DB47da
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYjxeIbzSV
–
–
–
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6rcVxEN5R
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFy7xl9Rq50
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yZtrCGaqI
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiizsZBMsXP
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDeiuPgYfo
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6JuNeoeio
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXZUABYiFg
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCjL0a6ZNr
"Huh...? What did you say?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaMjMZfdjk
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPicYWg8F0
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DTJchjlRt
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChSoS1hWIb
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHyYHub92w
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeraWqHWWb
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWl8AcH81r
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLNj2Vh0le
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06zoj5yQAi
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdav8Xb0Rc
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIeGlWpLlj
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyQ133BObK
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XZLq5ovdu
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hDVxaHLva
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxXhCUU87N
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXijgHjRJc
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6d15yN3sTt
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApCYV6PosK
"Note?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEmeidqbc4
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaYtR2PhJs
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEJDknAucJ
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgkMe6QYkR
"What does it say?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuo1VBjPf0
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXYl7K03Tt
"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."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQMyFYuGdW
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngqn8m9ftb
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKo4g1pglU
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHBRzkEJo0
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYwLYk6Kpw
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0vWVYEM6n
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6If1XNqt2
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbZpN124hl
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWG6gCtENm
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaqX9Vd8pk
Juke sighed and put the paper away.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRRSwlGwm2
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpATtcwnfI
"So, how's about a story?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3AjvLq3h3
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwIssQ4Xp3
"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?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxdJWe6ved
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaZZhTOShu
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvbJ4VLXFk
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbVIyTixMn
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cIWUTWOsr
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfqSiPAZpB
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhsdI3YgXq
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkL8YGeCPhX
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjT8d7g9eeJ
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQ9bK9KOqz
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdAAI3F9b0
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5bNr34lrL
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKD23SmXIPf
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UEA6VPiuF
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZMKzehDi2
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCTuE7LOMr
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNSCvpAN9u
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zyGCIhpJS
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OWj2kzoWS
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhft976Fgsy
"Seriously? You have to be lying."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsr3QJfayrT
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjRFHZ5m5g
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6jS2ceOJr
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UoZAH8Iys
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7WE5D4EQJ
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrx6W9wx3D
"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."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tSxXQW4Iv
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeU78fnqfe
"Like what?" I asked.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioSFpfGhAI
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10moz7yto9
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ645IqasU5D
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwS3SNwHaB
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NafXJYnFz
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOeSrmVEgm
"...Stardust?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV72s5VxolI
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTct9cWMCN
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80104A1xAm
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvLxalV5JP
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gQKjsV9u9
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhKhaXxf2B
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9b8wnGvCem
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lhqp8B5R2
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHqFs5DIX7
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuD8ujJAKg3
"...The what?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGoKguPOxu
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dLeRFekDt
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOmIKTx51u
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEkN90dYne
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfrsW2x0cI
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdc9iH0vDz
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYD6m7OOzlc
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuIW6MYKWP
"Of course I do!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8nBDy4Qti
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8rsQOLWI5
She pumped her fist.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyAsy7Z2Q7
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRbB65Z0CX
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjzmXuHuYY
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTy6eQINci
"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."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOrcVL8zJW
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQBF9s8QnZ
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTe3vrDtW9U
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnLYmTGFp5
"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–"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4a3gpRVCQ
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpD2oX14u4X
"I already know this."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkXqhqCFl3
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAhiVMMhtD
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1ffYpC4bq
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0B8v1dTMgB
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdE6LJBKe8C
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI19bR31ftY
"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."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5z3rH6Pu5
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCiy42qZGv
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZABgAstaO
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNnPL8BPIC
"Eh? Why?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVnhGcTNcA
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmi33bTwSX
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTh3Qy94WN4
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5Ch9lD0dy
"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–"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVckNaRPG4
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYRlUlNhTo
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3WOJ1PoWW
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaGT5A27FO
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BMRYsLjIa
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrOZq9Jkii
"That's cuz I met her."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9oMnDG3a8
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5e3t2AbMf
"WHAT!?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiMbKhz5vx
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9vT0Akzqa
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcCVUD2iMo
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9R6MUsDbW
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFj6DoGWmZh
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2GQm9J6PG
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQfqTBmhuk
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfv6cUaAQvR
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4kpxwh6QJ
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2C6eagKf7
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXr3zTLLgHZ
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmAFcNiSJL
"You're kidding."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxFjOlogoP
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVcQTzfTdq
He shook his head no.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20tQ5W30C0
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOgZUDuv2p
"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."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dxabhokbx
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxHq7RIFO7
"You're making this up," I said.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UKtqoCVEC
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbisCy36bn
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMQC9B6HJD
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydOaQf3ON1
Juke shrugged.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtfu262qIx
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAh6thrXka
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJmu5Xwq18
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr95NrWESs7
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOXSlawsmN
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoN2LjI7S9
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRss7NcvOi
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvN2kLRxAW
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu08z0gor9j
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymiQEcUw2D
"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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJcuYERXRr
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfYWiShAcK
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtfhFOjpF5
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBno8IJgCLF
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1A7L7lLDN
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2ZciArLlP
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcR4X25CP4b
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEavCyfUVx
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4XJq3dWPT
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSAJnNbuxz
She pointed a finger at him.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgFhkFRgoz
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaBpUqVgKC
"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!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVH6YRN4cp
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqXihN8slN
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFK4kYbhzK
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDr5sS29SaA
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0olhIE6Gk
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhCcWHSE9L
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtqwf8zl85
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIuSmngrwX
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6W5seOsEgP
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9WxPgVQAM
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7cWlxDxeF
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaUdxsae1w
"--Ngh! You guys...!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcbIzYah2y
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAl7iaE5FN8
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxdduNl1Q9
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQFIsCgIdo
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6zJ1KFejI
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28n24Cn6H6
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoOXys4HrZ
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDPEnzzDL2
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ811N7et6vR
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURYG7oRjxl
"Ya look like you have something to say."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQT2uBeyWl1
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMsbstUzno
"W-Well..."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTBfWDCubg
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2RmtHQobE
She turned her head away.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jg1Tr5mvw
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnljORhyw5L
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibNllKbRoC
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl04pK0Hrm7
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKJtjq3QL0
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qzXXJaTFM
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGz6NAqYrPH
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0TcMF6Ocu
"Mhm, I told you so."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGw2N0CBc9q
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvC5bvqIkUL
–
–
–
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyGmdCPlkz
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JMvPVgcfj
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygQMXtjA1x
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgNSXzcj1M
"...So why am I not getting any?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEo5JdqtXc9
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECpxvphZ7o
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."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnck5xrcFW
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8JL8VVTyF
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–351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXu24CmVng3
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNCZIJc7O9
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESTCA00TMv
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZk9SvJD7J
"Eh?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82qBATVjBm
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQ4m32OQ8i
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXXznpODz7
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJPzo1yFvO
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzwcccbkTp
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhsUqjhRCa
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmfRenQlIv
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkl3WVzbvNx
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNcP2PB1gD
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigWGJlIOR7
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoUG6nXek4
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiF4uEXBxNI
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArXMfUftfr
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWnfAicM74
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoahGHJcYO1
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsy0LyFUHD5
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NGtdWNyt1
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvRbWhnTgY
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjH9xgraow
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqTYINff1T
"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?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm901BuReQE
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DW401AXED
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjEPRaRao3
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDT9dlfk3J
"A jungle? What elevation?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9RD6S3QoJ
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnIZhkR0z7
He shrugged.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIr56EQ2uM
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1bBWOQATQ
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznmdHOxvD3
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohLsWDCHqF
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTOUFVs9rQ
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyRxnXjzPM
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjrKB3qOfz
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzFrGdZTvv
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQDjJoIBgz
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkUIZ13roT
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2wQ2mVf1x
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrg0Wvlgzo
"Why?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tuCY1Rvkg
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoqdu1pHay
"..."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfJtbkpq1h
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSt0Vggn8Oj
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA00E1m99Vh
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ciH6KDs1v
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaLXMnuOZK
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPPpZkBoHI
"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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETemOtD7GD
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaxspkYQBT
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCzEdtJVwz
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6JLP2htm5
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBfioGfwFE
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqiZAkgglI
"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."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseydteXKzV
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWITfmhJ1UD
"..."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlT3ZdXDDU8
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡits1c6Nm3o
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5sL5FuR82
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58DMzeLXe2
"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."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISZMGpz7Ej
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWr64R1oASE
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6H2edZFz0
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPUjfdGQiZ
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18wOmwbtQH
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQYaSdmBOM
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjqZtbCiSC
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1E56ydu5P7
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12xKl8WpwE
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlmWHw8C2A
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZ6rsjKuQI
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBjqZFRSLr
"TALBOT!?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtJiNdkQYy
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlSvFlzEjl
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7YvgIOiiu
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKUWirVjvD
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNT26ij8s11
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5s5NcZB8aG
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0GMaY57sY
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qd1wDpjFW
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIYgLRnRRY
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZkW3yelUh
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrVaODut8E
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTvPcy5PWM
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡia62eYtcp6
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59fFACpMBR
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbaXhByT0r
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJx88bH6ng
"Are ya kidding me?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvojEgFqK4P
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFI8IzLCZr7
"That's so lame!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemYleSqzAb
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5RM203vW7
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJwomGoWNF
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4Y0kyTmgF
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9pRaECAXc
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8uzoVCmSa
"What's that supposed to mean?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORPY73Tn1P
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KD7axjIZN
"Nothing."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcQimhfRhn
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelT6J4WPtQ
She returned to chowing down on her food.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueRs6ySglY
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHGH2PnRfK
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YNNLhNGb2
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkt5KsbREXT
"Well..."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58ZratInd5
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmensBxy5I
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGeYIgEWc7
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHgzdMMxNE
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCluJCYLip
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMnj2XyyLg
"...No."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2gnJqrEbn
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxycwD4Wty
"Eh? Why not?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ73SWOCll8
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFXcu9zO46
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVmUE1jMZm
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6trvSUgzW
"Huh!? What'd you say?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2b1wPPoez
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgwEAfBrCR
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszlJcV2w85
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBXTKCmudz
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgp65b28g7O
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVf2TtvizB
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXK9I7geBp
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgI8KL6RZ7
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhTK4OiRO1
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6gyFvGlPh
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKkrmkhfNl
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwmRMBQXyw
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEz1Qss23l
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSGz16KSs8
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0V9jxqpZA
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcCT2u0raL
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMH8v3gnRRZ
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFxb3uAmgZ
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkRWHhPXMK
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UbGsf2egC
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCkNyv5vjS
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMp2eJri0aM
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHtWAZDxP7
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn96cD3JnKy
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3iRAyS9Dm
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowo6CAuZeC
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPKOfMTlsg
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFGNjBfToB
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwBpgFlkEI
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzUczoKvd1
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplGsF62yXf
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeshhPMU5M
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfa5BlFvjg9
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYTFfohnM3
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnSoDVaZSN
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EM6Rer9nj
"Custom design? Well..."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrXWyu3U9u
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJiwo4e1hN
She turned her head away.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3T2IF8owt
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNES5L3wnhT
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26jeMnhfrA
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTg6HDFGgDO
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WZdbmC3CV
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZy6b6nrxz7
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeVbyGZwIp
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGhpEvfBkD
"Oh, this?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6fKqxAnSX
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEo9UOCQ7Kl
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs999rOn8Ac
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNP0cKyskr6
"I stole it!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6iBIhmseD
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6S72uhOE5
"No surprise."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDvUCkdFm0
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXL5XoOarg
"I ain't surprised."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvFgSumAcZ
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJVD6fYSeA
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5fHeHeGoB
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuTNzIfXLC
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAG3C0Gwnw7
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3kP7WhuoF
"No."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4B8FyTkmB
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScvhq6JDXy
"Not really."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyqSPHlPCw
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCurjPt9Jab
"Ah... you two are lame!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzja9Zodtc
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiGLPJT3AN
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWRc2N3pVa
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzOj0rbGhw
"..."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbJpFPD6nF
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBWkW0O2Nq
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uIxOgSLaI
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66DyJv9pEm
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKwopxmFpA
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOrmpxevTa
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7JcYmH06E
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOA1Pg20QV
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBhmQIFoBp
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTNBOVYGuK
"I-I see... I suppose so."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMV2iRoWlOg
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVjbEa1mXl
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9RkCi73Vx
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPFQil9sT9
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL28uMKKUhx
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8dtrlWbFY
"Did you have to word it that way?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZfLh8PXFv
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScvCfrvozC
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuXmTxD1Cl
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNtTxkhz3R
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp093hInPPb
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmszqIDdSs
"Ya got it, boss."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlqqCIUcyJ
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4dtN16L57
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoDPrxImiX
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYZ6fuK6ft
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ydCJzK23Q
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnqEvwceFn
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHermAmCNg
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNJj27TKJY
"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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCUVXuaDkd
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUlV7immvb
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdAAO02gub
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfUmMtiVl9
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVna2iotpAY
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRE9QnS1xt
"...Well, alright. What is it?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8pNmgDEWM
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyotPYA1S4g
"I... I wanted..."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPcTzPeLQH
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6hChGFxN6
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwstGcmWbIQ
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0hYUT24O6
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjtuFTYUVK
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZU94fxspf
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqVXTWJl3t
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjNuy1mLkU
"Where's this coming from?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡow5eUDaY4L
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dyLitbelh
"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?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRnZIOzguu
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTKBo9b8U7
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyvRC5Vffu
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPXima3Zhm
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiU5djrBiX
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtp12MIAjae
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDNszYDf3g
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHmijPvmnW
In that light–351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57RHC8CQtz
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH48iRQq9bT
"Alright, apology accepted."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wNjYRvcnj
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytMHWReCBA
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISeQ5KzRoD
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRQIj8i02U
"--only on one condition."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLSA4YehSQ
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHxO5GMBGp
"Eh!?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRh5B3mghfQ
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55lljDN6WL
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4Ri6EdCVi
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6PgqBy24H
"That's right."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW82SVHzVKk
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3i7xbCFYg
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0m6bjchHW6
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntEVIdWK6g
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aEPOg1AFR
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYONUQZCThe
"He sounds like a priss."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQM4spvP7lb
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMrulrRnlz
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBLkVCFoWS
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGpRPhkKts
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrb1RYCWqKL
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxbHEAe3LO
"Fine, what's your condition?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0m31Znjkm
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLezovXQHcg
I pointed a finger at her.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XYvIVB18W
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDA19oHVkmM
"We need to get along from now on."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31O4ZRyoNI
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1fpg0rXUm
"...Huh?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡau8AafXjXk
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4NrCz5NJB
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt57BmHa9yq
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUhLGgNA19
"...Ha, that's it?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1WlwiazIB
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo30lTpYJAq
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQ8Rahhpph
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4V3jc5CFd6
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjjxzOF37o
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVwOsQngZI
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRuMebqZYl
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxxagRjyHZ
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFPOrVfNpD
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILKtkqVyHz
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90NrooJnLi
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCLcDR0oPn
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTW4kj3Iwh
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCjGPeutLl
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC19phPLKQL
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ583OSorPC1
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSI7UIXsgj
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJfiF5YLKH
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2u9b3Ycr3
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIixghRLZi
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡus6fFOPey9
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRntRhUuSF
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEY0MPjcDwg
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqObErVU0e
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNH2A6wlBgV
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzXRgDqMP2
"What a weirdo, seriously."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60QcK0j5zD
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ287rqDfKjp
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYKgFdcgli
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGPJw2JHu5
–
–
–
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4hCNc66oo
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80PvH8CgPa
"You guys! You gotta see this!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfhTlpYG9C
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UQkn0JsO0
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.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7msjEXJgA
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFpL280A06
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.