My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.33Please respect copyright.PENANApxShB21bRc
33Please respect copyright.PENANA6tSjRIljtA
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANALzXeuf7hgL
33Please respect copyright.PENANASg0GhrM0ru
"Haa..."33Please respect copyright.PENANABkXyn1Z9cw
33Please respect copyright.PENANA69qNI6Bp8D
"Are you okay?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAdUJYMVHuCn
33Please respect copyright.PENANAUn3Uw2nlgt
"Phew. Now I am."33Please respect copyright.PENANA6AsxJzjefc
33Please respect copyright.PENANAtBIbqE5i36
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANA17NjczmesN
33Please respect copyright.PENANANnHlez4G4R
"W-What is it?"33Please respect copyright.PENANABUtbdotPCH
33Please respect copyright.PENANAnPBwkaf0WC
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."33Please respect copyright.PENANAI8ljO95QMm
33Please respect copyright.PENANA7dzeRDQ3VV
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."33Please respect copyright.PENANA1tyZMXaa4g
33Please respect copyright.PENANAUxA7xgZw7x
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"33Please respect copyright.PENANA6QhNbH8Vdz
33Please respect copyright.PENANAgsHmOG49Fy
"Well..."33Please respect copyright.PENANAAep5S9Rw1F
33Please respect copyright.PENANABw4zgYakkz
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAL7kB6jzNaR
33Please respect copyright.PENANAW6lVg8Bk2I
"Come on, tell me!"33Please respect copyright.PENANAoMazQHoP7Z
33Please respect copyright.PENANA98k1heMpqX
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."33Please respect copyright.PENANAKO82AiG7RV
33Please respect copyright.PENANAUvLqbnZdOf
She sighed and shrugged.33Please respect copyright.PENANAWR8jL2682i
33Please respect copyright.PENANANWKkUAzFnV
"Are you feeling nervous?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAwLXzssjQOf
33Please respect copyright.PENANA5XfcPBVeB1
"Of course I am."33Please respect copyright.PENANAY4ECLS9VxE
33Please respect copyright.PENANAr6XAMzP4Se
"You shouldn't be."33Please respect copyright.PENANA7IACtVVGY0
33Please respect copyright.PENANACo2qgg88Vr
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."33Please respect copyright.PENANAEguaSq4ndK
33Please respect copyright.PENANAV918ZKEKRh
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."33Please respect copyright.PENANAMkMz2fwlpu
33Please respect copyright.PENANAcXn7Rmfvpj
"...What's that supposed to mean?"33Please respect copyright.PENANARPMOxY4qIc
33Please respect copyright.PENANAakVPEBkM8O
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAfMlVR1otSF
33Please respect copyright.PENANA05af4bzMjt
"I think you came here a little too early."33Please respect copyright.PENANAiRrGOv131y
33Please respect copyright.PENANAU3sVWIPZE1
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."33Please respect copyright.PENANAxKLxvhwUvk
33Please respect copyright.PENANAiMpfQm7AHK
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAeu3aeKV9J7
33Please respect copyright.PENANAOHbKjf4NYY
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!"33Please respect copyright.PENANAsYsBMCSEra
33Please respect copyright.PENANA1KdP18crLR
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANApRg1AXEyoE
33Please respect copyright.PENANAAk0CFY6EeG
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."33Please respect copyright.PENANAun9kJTtlWx
33Please respect copyright.PENANAl7war5yLJ5
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAZSQ0k7BAAS
33Please respect copyright.PENANAwmyaGBxTx9
"Aren't you going to say something?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAfUWPJCEM9F
33Please respect copyright.PENANAWdGLoLil7Q
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."33Please respect copyright.PENANAgOOTKCaV7n
33Please respect copyright.PENANAHPWGgdN4gQ
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"33Please respect copyright.PENANAgA3IFYWWLo
33Please respect copyright.PENANAcxfjJWfm8n
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAZWxzNqf7mg
33Please respect copyright.PENANAlxIRyEDwfO
"...I-I still don't believe you."33Please respect copyright.PENANAHw9IaSStua
33Please respect copyright.PENANA1QAbDMSBot
"Are you serious!?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAtcVAYKFFSx
33Please respect copyright.PENANAS4FfV56rfI
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.33Please respect copyright.PENANA8qXcQDU8v0
33Please respect copyright.PENANALZeLD5eti1
"Can I at least have your name?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAsLW5eDikun
33Please respect copyright.PENANASlytDeTfei
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAqWkeXkfeRz
33Please respect copyright.PENANABE5a8pKNQl
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"33Please respect copyright.PENANAhSumSbUMka
33Please respect copyright.PENANAOE4So07Hjv
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.33Please respect copyright.PENANA3sNwEOJepR
33Please respect copyright.PENANAFWMTyMSTuA
"A-Alright, I won't forget."33Please respect copyright.PENANAN0gbCrf7CJ
33Please respect copyright.PENANAUjqgSwMe2T
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAxuQqVRqS3l
33Please respect copyright.PENANAEfO2Uiy5c4
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."33Please respect copyright.PENANAk8errIJiWA
33Please respect copyright.PENANA5GkKukDchu
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.33Please respect copyright.PENANAjTxoa4I7m6
33Please respect copyright.PENANAuhA5XRJkhK
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"33Please respect copyright.PENANAEzJo7yIja0
33Please respect copyright.PENANAgA0lCfPss4
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"33Please respect copyright.PENANA5XXmh7O1a7
33Please respect copyright.PENANAstdVzu4pwp
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.33Please respect copyright.PENANABEYzOjIUGh
33Please respect copyright.PENANAdXYYPYRJUm
"She's not very nice at all."33Please respect copyright.PENANAh1wow0vyQG
33Please respect copyright.PENANA2xyRFpR12v
"I suppose not."33Please respect copyright.PENANA84JFoVXkpM
33Please respect copyright.PENANAVfvjL7poxh
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."33Please respect copyright.PENANACuV0HC8KRE
33Please respect copyright.PENANApOgV7bkppx
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"33Please respect copyright.PENANAAEx2oxymfD
33Please respect copyright.PENANAWj5Uaa3bF3
**SMASH**33Please respect copyright.PENANA9dzb2jPjOF
33Please respect copyright.PENANAVopZB2EX8F
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAyjjh2tYj5t
33Please respect copyright.PENANAsUyEMqLOdp
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.33Please respect copyright.PENANAjdxs0yHN6W
33Please respect copyright.PENANAHySrUsVGFo
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"33Please respect copyright.PENANAb5LwF7ox3k
33Please respect copyright.PENANAkvIkvKNeFs
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.33Please respect copyright.PENANAUDHpZ0i9Qc
33Please respect copyright.PENANAHWV1DfNgj2
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"33Please respect copyright.PENANApAs3WMXrFC
33Please respect copyright.PENANAgOt41oFM17
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."33Please respect copyright.PENANAfzrJnmvKZV
33Please respect copyright.PENANA2fAI3TYpoj
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.33Please respect copyright.PENANAUjW8aoUs6B
33Please respect copyright.PENANABZ9JGPvwwJ
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."33Please respect copyright.PENANAQoDfdGwlug
33Please respect copyright.PENANAuf6yehCBoK
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAbD5WrRpwgi
33Please respect copyright.PENANAvbtK1YHgQq
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.33Please respect copyright.PENANAEqMf7WL4l7
33Please respect copyright.PENANA8LR6z31Q7Z
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAv3ZUJlmFkG
33Please respect copyright.PENANARHeqcfwHz0
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAheFqCBWPWA
33Please respect copyright.PENANAdlbYKroLPK
"No, not at all."33Please respect copyright.PENANAQ8Z1sifUa6
33Please respect copyright.PENANAS5IIq22wzv
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"33Please respect copyright.PENANAzrazvLKpDP
33Please respect copyright.PENANAQfHMtnbglD
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.33Please respect copyright.PENANAFe4bhcUCC0
33Please respect copyright.PENANAQBq7kXWnRI
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."33Please respect copyright.PENANANmQswE5s8Q
33Please respect copyright.PENANAreA5ack8aQ
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.33Please respect copyright.PENANAkWjWacLuXE
33Please respect copyright.PENANAqmqUislnvL
"Is she our teammate?"33Please respect copyright.PENANA2hM6MROJHR
33Please respect copyright.PENANAnkn0Nxm5wf
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."33Please respect copyright.PENANA6AacbDflM3
33Please respect copyright.PENANAinPbLQoK70
"That so? Lemme test the waters."33Please respect copyright.PENANAcQSXcUw9GU
33Please respect copyright.PENANAOLBid99RB3
"You'll regret it."33Please respect copyright.PENANA2W1ctKl9zT
33Please respect copyright.PENANAXjhH2V0bfe
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAxduy8gpSBi
33Please respect copyright.PENANAfqQRRYFzAg
"...Wait."33Please respect copyright.PENANAYmeIMr6WlD
33Please respect copyright.PENANAOXKBRYScuY
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!33Please respect copyright.PENANA7UVYOukGvp
33Please respect copyright.PENANArIgKaYegg7
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."33Please respect copyright.PENANAX0XJikJsPz
33Please respect copyright.PENANAA3mZMFEBHE
"A little? Just a little?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAO7LD96MdcR
33Please respect copyright.PENANAiM9BtSjEgW
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."33Please respect copyright.PENANAwoWblLq52j
33Please respect copyright.PENANAuZKRq7cpsi
"I met her five minutes ago!"33Please respect copyright.PENANAKjyqhnxxj5
33Please respect copyright.PENANAEPV96rR0IN
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.33Please respect copyright.PENANAN1sclAZ1qP
33Please respect copyright.PENANADJHQ2NIGvA
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."33Please respect copyright.PENANA8a1TIdwokI
33Please respect copyright.PENANAcdfwWtyY9m
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."33Please respect copyright.PENANAeRi3M8yMe9
33Please respect copyright.PENANAi1OxrA3ImU
"Really?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAOjek2bht9w
33Please respect copyright.PENANA6MZJSopYbA
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.33Please respect copyright.PENANAYm2qo4fkCm
33Please respect copyright.PENANAcHxKDar0aM
"What do you mean 'really'?"33Please respect copyright.PENANA85LG3LF1nM
33Please respect copyright.PENANAp2sxRFZVE6
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"33Please respect copyright.PENANA1vPl4rcEop
33Please respect copyright.PENANA3dgOoVHjfO
"--!"33Please respect copyright.PENANAYv38VGOfHe
33Please respect copyright.PENANAbkM65gOcvu
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANApMsPrt2WiS
33Please respect copyright.PENANATnH1GBH96S
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."33Please respect copyright.PENANAFlbe1HUVGi
33Please respect copyright.PENANAJdZ2AzQuTo
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."33Please respect copyright.PENANAsiIUknOZaW
33Please respect copyright.PENANAubb1jR6Zbq
**SMASH**33Please respect copyright.PENANAhHW8rxpEGa
33Please respect copyright.PENANAuBps4Zc6Y0
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAee61xdXNLT
33Please respect copyright.PENANAv0TcfyXJtj
My jaw dropped yet again.33Please respect copyright.PENANABYg5WjnJPp
33Please respect copyright.PENANA5sM5PV3GnC
"ROY!?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAphCbYRbcoB
33Please respect copyright.PENANARjzHczrzNd
–
–
–
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAXYbIHgaxoJ
33Please respect copyright.PENANAzjs7D4Jowd
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAsgphtu7cox
33Please respect copyright.PENANAs0duDlK9Ht
"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."33Please respect copyright.PENANA4GrvhxcpWj
33Please respect copyright.PENANATcpwqrpHZ6
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."33Please respect copyright.PENANA1Ueyz7cAS1
33Please respect copyright.PENANAxBxZJ42KG8
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAxpMHaLpbL5
33Please respect copyright.PENANAx1qpJ6aWtu
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAh72qWL16aB
33Please respect copyright.PENANAtvnm5V51DL
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANARtgH6osjWZ
33Please respect copyright.PENANApjwlu2kbwp
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."33Please respect copyright.PENANAXCLPve6kbs
33Please respect copyright.PENANAJjsiDtK0No
"R-Right."33Please respect copyright.PENANA5PLCBrtW43
33Please respect copyright.PENANA8APZSTVrcH
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–33Please respect copyright.PENANADnrqpHF0KR
33Please respect copyright.PENANAyVCzEoML9m
"Ack!"33Please respect copyright.PENANAtejiK5hVgy
33Please respect copyright.PENANAlfbAgMVaEH
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.33Please respect copyright.PENANAFaXjPAQQVu
33Please respect copyright.PENANAe1DxqsebzC
"F-Flinty, what was–"33Please respect copyright.PENANA2g7WBifvnf
33Please respect copyright.PENANAbc0qPHXijx
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"33Please respect copyright.PENANAZeWNuKvC9Y
33Please respect copyright.PENANASB1bk951tV
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAi5JxiOCp4L
33Please respect copyright.PENANA825ER3Wjjp
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."33Please respect copyright.PENANAlzug8KWWM0
33Please respect copyright.PENANAt3mhFkw3BJ
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"33Please respect copyright.PENANA0Ofys4ghmn
33Please respect copyright.PENANAxG1KdDjt4D
"No, I'm not just saying it."33Please respect copyright.PENANA2ub9DgV9Um
33Please respect copyright.PENANArDjmdQJcuO
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.33Please respect copyright.PENANAT9oQ63LKAt
33Please respect copyright.PENANAZA2tQJzS8e
"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."33Please respect copyright.PENANAHSI2Yd0qTk
33Please respect copyright.PENANAqPgDahMU9R
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAJRacmshO9D
33Please respect copyright.PENANA3uC4p0B6k2
"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."33Please respect copyright.PENANAR0L2PvwffE
33Please respect copyright.PENANAWq0A9P0yMB
"I–"33Please respect copyright.PENANA60hZNDRxsW
33Please respect copyright.PENANA9b5dkKhgfm
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"33Please respect copyright.PENANAhdlnfqkjIa
33Please respect copyright.PENANAgKjtRAsZK9
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"33Please respect copyright.PENANApZil2najyL
33Please respect copyright.PENANA9lxlynXtnq
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–33Please respect copyright.PENANAfk7ecFgZBC
33Please respect copyright.PENANAuX0CiKRnmR
And yet...33Please respect copyright.PENANAeJzBO3P6Bb
33Please respect copyright.PENANAdTHooHPei5
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."33Please respect copyright.PENANAOcioKlwK2W
33Please respect copyright.PENANAz0cXr9PWQq
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.33Please respect copyright.PENANAvXZLNFHtb5
33Please respect copyright.PENANAdQXgQr7pK1
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"33Please respect copyright.PENANAmb5KuiUIvY
33Please respect copyright.PENANAqUuruUcBe4
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.33Please respect copyright.PENANAovt8j7f5Ou
33Please respect copyright.PENANAWucqeYr83s
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAt5M6KnKYTA
33Please respect copyright.PENANAtn8NnZ3bvq
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."33Please respect copyright.PENANAiLNYkITGoo
33Please respect copyright.PENANAXJwUeSD5iE
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"33Please respect copyright.PENANAiR0IkWN5Y8
33Please respect copyright.PENANA0OItKcW4TX
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"33Please respect copyright.PENANAGxZGuhhOGE
33Please respect copyright.PENANALWpUv3BmbG
"O-Okay."33Please respect copyright.PENANA1nqJ3ruuGg
33Please respect copyright.PENANAnXVTBhw6yz
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.33Please respect copyright.PENANAMZgn2Ck4I2
33Please respect copyright.PENANAdv8PrcBCIo
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."33Please respect copyright.PENANAx77u3xagts
33Please respect copyright.PENANAvh9ckRqNj9
"Okay okay, fine."33Please respect copyright.PENANA6MV8NDimvZ
33Please respect copyright.PENANA8RAAnJ6lil
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAVtMEUeV8vR
33Please respect copyright.PENANAjALl5qCFAT
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."33Please respect copyright.PENANAwcKtjppcp3
33Please respect copyright.PENANADktI278hEm
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.33Please respect copyright.PENANAXhvXoQ7JM5
33Please respect copyright.PENANAH2mUDD3IeT
–
–
–
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAyzx2M6DI4u
33Please respect copyright.PENANAJaDZVJeaFM
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAd2VmoCGHFS
33Please respect copyright.PENANAauwQL0GZlo
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANANErKLsXfZr
33Please respect copyright.PENANAtS6Sy4Yevn
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"33Please respect copyright.PENANADMcrH4c5B2
33Please respect copyright.PENANA5oda3UjK34
"Huh...? What did you say?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAJ12lDzlruw
33Please respect copyright.PENANAcRCa34AtUg
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.33Please respect copyright.PENANARQ3sjYVJsB
33Please respect copyright.PENANAzHAZXBfmcN
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAmJTRhd32bD
33Please respect copyright.PENANAlP9elmPQWf
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."33Please respect copyright.PENANAHAZGJgiBne
33Please respect copyright.PENANAbZe4GM3rwj
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAer1PZKyMu7
33Please respect copyright.PENANAdjJy45ooiN
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAZ6KszwBoTh
33Please respect copyright.PENANAClbB12qcFA
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."33Please respect copyright.PENANATmqxbrpR9J
33Please respect copyright.PENANA9Nq8Pu5QAR
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."33Please respect copyright.PENANAD3PhR9koUz
33Please respect copyright.PENANAt18feZwO1E
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."33Please respect copyright.PENANAcGBhWuyGbI
33Please respect copyright.PENANAVLzcBKQ6qT
"Note?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAtzsBVyXIMP
33Please respect copyright.PENANAgMngIJXoZ9
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAQsHlrYNo5R
33Please respect copyright.PENANAtlOyGqcuyU
"What does it say?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAcKMT67mzbQ
33Please respect copyright.PENANALYDxhjNKkF
"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."33Please respect copyright.PENANAT6FRnyyOYH
33Please respect copyright.PENANAv0NTAAYyip
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."33Please respect copyright.PENANAoUZFIlACXw
33Please respect copyright.PENANAsearo79UDC
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAOHzsdsx6S3
33Please respect copyright.PENANAaYMwGV3q9k
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."33Please respect copyright.PENANAtLEkKjqZ7x
33Please respect copyright.PENANA93U7tEdP2n
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."33Please respect copyright.PENANAR4IOFQrNPi
33Please respect copyright.PENANAttqtFtBytG
Juke sighed and put the paper away.33Please respect copyright.PENANAnvKyXyxFVj
33Please respect copyright.PENANABc5PbPnPKQ
"So, how's about a story?"33Please respect copyright.PENANA69WvP7tGOA
33Please respect copyright.PENANAVKsNWZ8pG6
"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?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAhfrmV7X5d9
33Please respect copyright.PENANApYA2mzaLUW
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."33Please respect copyright.PENANAtEffESOhwU
33Please respect copyright.PENANA5sX3gXwVES
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.33Please respect copyright.PENANAOAskJdAIXw
33Please respect copyright.PENANAvUOA8FY2fD
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."33Please respect copyright.PENANAhNEX2RvrGD
33Please respect copyright.PENANAkbRaZLoaBk
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."33Please respect copyright.PENANA5TadO0pCev
33Please respect copyright.PENANA1pRi7QjtTg
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"33Please respect copyright.PENANA0onTuKNokk
33Please respect copyright.PENANAFVwRTxc4N0
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAWvCw1O5xIq
33Please respect copyright.PENANAqlHpd55Z6D
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."33Please respect copyright.PENANA4xdqfcZmk4
33Please respect copyright.PENANAZlEepvAd0K
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"33Please respect copyright.PENANALT3d2PgL50
33Please respect copyright.PENANAIDWv17Ryvo
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"33Please respect copyright.PENANA0d2FCXvhT3
33Please respect copyright.PENANARujxEXNTQx
"Seriously? You have to be lying."33Please respect copyright.PENANAfZM8GHpYTu
33Please respect copyright.PENANAaPvolchdrO
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."33Please respect copyright.PENANA3KkkBL9z08
33Please respect copyright.PENANAgrnAXP01cM
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."33Please respect copyright.PENANAAExqYWevHT
33Please respect copyright.PENANActH0QOJX2H
"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."33Please respect copyright.PENANAxIryK1q3Gp
33Please respect copyright.PENANA9da4n8nF5U
"Like what?" I asked.33Please respect copyright.PENANAKjS90ZBA8e
33Please respect copyright.PENANAztK8qnSMdM
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAln5Mz0P68X
33Please respect copyright.PENANAA2w79Owkxu
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.33Please respect copyright.PENANAeKHvHYLSl2
33Please respect copyright.PENANADEHZb2gcvY
"...Stardust?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAS9G2nTVfTB
33Please respect copyright.PENANA3DTLZgEccm
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"33Please respect copyright.PENANA1UfhW2Q5Ns
33Please respect copyright.PENANAlMRgkHkAb8
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.33Please respect copyright.PENANA1khj6KzZKi
33Please respect copyright.PENANAElJXsrFZ2q
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAYI40FRq5BE
33Please respect copyright.PENANAYNsyZwpluc
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"33Please respect copyright.PENANAjF5q46eFAT
33Please respect copyright.PENANATOBHIGj6Qa
"...The what?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAvExHaaW8u0
33Please respect copyright.PENANALhzGSstrak
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANABb8nD3ACtg
33Please respect copyright.PENANAUvTCp5tsjX
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."33Please respect copyright.PENANA2pXvrCq9T9
33Please respect copyright.PENANAZPupg89p6K
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAhLLWvl9XzQ
33Please respect copyright.PENANABOmh6XmYEi
"Of course I do!"33Please respect copyright.PENANADeoVkAJrLT
33Please respect copyright.PENANAFxUC7htS5u
She pumped her fist.33Please respect copyright.PENANAxyYWfYIPvy
33Please respect copyright.PENANAd7DGEWtFux
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"33Please respect copyright.PENANA7usMThXgqJ
33Please respect copyright.PENANAUOWnrvXvFH
"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."33Please respect copyright.PENANALDDggErNb2
33Please respect copyright.PENANAkZWsTQPoDO
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.33Please respect copyright.PENANAKrKtzrFxCc
33Please respect copyright.PENANABOUjXJ156H
"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–"33Please respect copyright.PENANAbXEuJxOQwr
33Please respect copyright.PENANADA2twqDOwS
"I already know this."33Please respect copyright.PENANA0PK22Kcv36
33Please respect copyright.PENANAW8jbpqmcCr
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"33Please respect copyright.PENANA4r6psb5ugA
33Please respect copyright.PENANAz0Sx7ogEyK
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."33Please respect copyright.PENANAtAugeyng73
33Please respect copyright.PENANAUngnXBQj0h
"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."33Please respect copyright.PENANArEVX0gqXvF
33Please respect copyright.PENANAgzw4PnvVSy
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."33Please respect copyright.PENANAs5AJlCIVJ7
33Please respect copyright.PENANALQrvXy1Ihp
"Eh? Why?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAJfJUFvsdLf
33Please respect copyright.PENANA5UQr7GkOuK
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.33Please respect copyright.PENANA2JTCjcoK7K
33Please respect copyright.PENANABnxo6PRbuc
"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–"33Please respect copyright.PENANApeiJPwh0CH
33Please respect copyright.PENANAADkHC26w1M
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.33Please respect copyright.PENANAiATccMtRe6
33Please respect copyright.PENANAtEBmJv6FSL
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAXB4UIfAElP
33Please respect copyright.PENANA4pq1FJ7zhz
"That's cuz I met her."33Please respect copyright.PENANAUa95irhpYr
33Please respect copyright.PENANATA0Cxj6GVN
"WHAT!?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAituQJCdWgF
33Please respect copyright.PENANAfRMHbnwf9P
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAwcRjSAYzJY
33Please respect copyright.PENANA4QmFQL31NW
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAXKpieHmmhs
33Please respect copyright.PENANAt9E81FAoFX
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"33Please respect copyright.PENANAaif7b0Nrmk
33Please respect copyright.PENANAPNYVh65j3a
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."33Please respect copyright.PENANAC6EI9eVmd7
33Please respect copyright.PENANAxMgV1bMSKt
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."33Please respect copyright.PENANAQhvIN40c1V
33Please respect copyright.PENANAz41kauYY6n
"You're kidding."33Please respect copyright.PENANAk8iJseF5eR
33Please respect copyright.PENANAiPannQswAa
He shook his head no.33Please respect copyright.PENANAWr5waaSo68
33Please respect copyright.PENANAgMHpwujbTS
"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."33Please respect copyright.PENANAb9mHk5C2Eb
33Please respect copyright.PENANAVOpGij6M5V
"You're making this up," I said.33Please respect copyright.PENANA2fnVEBfHLJ
33Please respect copyright.PENANAFSLaXiMkc0
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAhNQPjyg1MW
33Please respect copyright.PENANADjJkEK17fp
Juke shrugged.33Please respect copyright.PENANAhs8fmRQiSa
33Please respect copyright.PENANAcBTsr2AH9u
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."33Please respect copyright.PENANAbKH9bRdLEO
33Please respect copyright.PENANAapZfMeO6zw
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.33Please respect copyright.PENANAh1cOv0s568
33Please respect copyright.PENANAVeflwAPzcH
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."33Please respect copyright.PENANAd9V6bIJu8q
33Please respect copyright.PENANALnxMdgENnc
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."33Please respect copyright.PENANAQIly5gdYa5
33Please respect copyright.PENANAu4UfqYxNlU
"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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAvwbQvVI4Xi
33Please respect copyright.PENANAMfbiBXA2fg
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.33Please respect copyright.PENANAHiGW3SH4mk
33Please respect copyright.PENANAlnGaktYs5e
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAn9vRhFYoXQ
33Please respect copyright.PENANAJB2SG4mkdN
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAszmckxtOXS
33Please respect copyright.PENANAkMtHDbEWil
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAFsfms7Iu8x
33Please respect copyright.PENANAQVWFbUqNY4
She pointed a finger at him.33Please respect copyright.PENANAwa2j1FAbdn
33Please respect copyright.PENANA6i21SJ64ef
"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!"33Please respect copyright.PENANAMdkVrYGisn
33Please respect copyright.PENANAiKse3mW2tA
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."33Please respect copyright.PENANAgFwEtFvF0Y
33Please respect copyright.PENANAxHVK7gxdCU
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"33Please respect copyright.PENANArumbGqbGLI
33Please respect copyright.PENANA3khRIWDuxo
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.33Please respect copyright.PENANAOnMaKEizvw
33Please respect copyright.PENANA6sL2qkFowh
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."33Please respect copyright.PENANAQyxtvPT3FV
33Please respect copyright.PENANAwUKzNIbMBv
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."33Please respect copyright.PENANAxM6tSN8NBi
33Please respect copyright.PENANApsDHxttwAi
"--Ngh! You guys...!"33Please respect copyright.PENANAyf2TcsYQLS
33Please respect copyright.PENANA4Q8aXopfL4
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.33Please respect copyright.PENANA4zqhfUMXcL
33Please respect copyright.PENANAYXWzjPCgUO
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."33Please respect copyright.PENANAd6q1CrdhEg
33Please respect copyright.PENANABXILdWpz68
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAJixfyuPrJZ
33Please respect copyright.PENANA6uMt2f6ux2
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAApQVyVvCzd
33Please respect copyright.PENANAXSDC6wkhUh
"Ya look like you have something to say."33Please respect copyright.PENANAvqnojMP4m6
33Please respect copyright.PENANAhhTwaCuDA1
"W-Well..."33Please respect copyright.PENANAbMChaIXBiV
33Please respect copyright.PENANAvdR2asVaAK
She turned her head away.33Please respect copyright.PENANAEDDu88a8j1
33Please respect copyright.PENANAz18P1cRIAT
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."33Please respect copyright.PENANAItc2jEPA74
33Please respect copyright.PENANAS3r7Y84IPo
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAj8IVIqYOzE
33Please respect copyright.PENANAbvruVArDH0
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."33Please respect copyright.PENANAi0QoZIu21a
33Please respect copyright.PENANAtAVFKwqr4V
"Mhm, I told you so."33Please respect copyright.PENANAaDxbuj4GUP
33Please respect copyright.PENANAo5amKMXnZW
–
–
–
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAegPqlaXMgr
33Please respect copyright.PENANAJp3ADe3kqy
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAQUu59GqAD8
33Please respect copyright.PENANA2Zgh6W1ihY
"...So why am I not getting any?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAXZnCEc0CK4
33Please respect copyright.PENANAmKMkil4ltC
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."33Please respect copyright.PENANALi3ok6jnLP
33Please respect copyright.PENANA8xxMjuNJ70
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–33Please respect copyright.PENANAIHmx4TbtHk
33Please respect copyright.PENANAqOBOtPRlw5
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"33Please respect copyright.PENANA7YpGEnJxFw
33Please respect copyright.PENANA3l7TdSDeuY
"Eh?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAXJjnX1FAwV
33Please respect copyright.PENANAIraDKqL9At
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAgCbdy1CVuJ
33Please respect copyright.PENANAqUO549VbRk
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.33Please respect copyright.PENANALL0qB2dVos
33Please respect copyright.PENANAlOzMUk6mBV
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAilNx0MEsU2
33Please respect copyright.PENANADkqV3hjjvC
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.33Please respect copyright.PENANAnNYhrUTHHK
33Please respect copyright.PENANAyVsD6h5hPQ
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"33Please respect copyright.PENANAtbXDaFYW4S
33Please respect copyright.PENANAMWWvEeW6eO
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."33Please respect copyright.PENANA9FeK9RlwYj
33Please respect copyright.PENANAOd5cANPWnd
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."33Please respect copyright.PENANAr8AZKmdKsO
33Please respect copyright.PENANAi1WVjc03yM
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAPrO3MK5QDQ
33Please respect copyright.PENANAq3lyc7jXwz
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAGklT32yPxX
33Please respect copyright.PENANAV2exHKcduX
"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?"33Please respect copyright.PENANASyMTU7RUnu
33Please respect copyright.PENANAzzhMoZYL05
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."33Please respect copyright.PENANAfwNePzfUcq
33Please respect copyright.PENANA2exJCEpjGe
"A jungle? What elevation?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAJRZKWIHxFL
33Please respect copyright.PENANAl2u8Ck4TL4
He shrugged.33Please respect copyright.PENANAmc4cT81XLF
33Please respect copyright.PENANA8xSm9vd4h2
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."33Please respect copyright.PENANAKe7UuSwycS
33Please respect copyright.PENANANsW12wyGbk
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."33Please respect copyright.PENANAljp2QksZHq
33Please respect copyright.PENANAmnK3zySklu
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAlbJIGlm0wd
33Please respect copyright.PENANAgoVWqzgFgV
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAnh1i3xwAd6
33Please respect copyright.PENANAdRheknC8Jc
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."33Please respect copyright.PENANAkZ1jH736js
33Please respect copyright.PENANASbLCoYfurf
"Why?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAAq0rY7s3CZ
33Please respect copyright.PENANAWdLfCmyDth
"..."33Please respect copyright.PENANA1bFvgYtHiZ
33Please respect copyright.PENANAOfEb9BOGnj
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.33Please respect copyright.PENANAX1U9jDgRgt
33Please respect copyright.PENANAV8D5rrjptd
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."33Please respect copyright.PENANAEzCHNPeZs2
33Please respect copyright.PENANAxyMQbbfRVC
"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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAKdJVR3fiX1
33Please respect copyright.PENANAkBiVbjSYHi
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."33Please respect copyright.PENANACauIFdntth
33Please respect copyright.PENANAn2t6Xl00dX
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAw2zHckFUPo
33Please respect copyright.PENANARpeJ2b9tdR
"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."33Please respect copyright.PENANA45kcpyPbtp
33Please respect copyright.PENANAEWvz0MP9dn
"..."33Please respect copyright.PENANAdbQ7P3QOSE
33Please respect copyright.PENANAXRy9glAeQ5
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAGqVTPoj0ca
33Please respect copyright.PENANAYldFCwDnc9
"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."33Please respect copyright.PENANAAtp9T4XXjZ
33Please respect copyright.PENANAFsLj7eF8M2
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.33Please respect copyright.PENANAESefno4XUi
33Please respect copyright.PENANAHI4KMJji1W
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."33Please respect copyright.PENANAlUkDuAICng
33Please respect copyright.PENANABMDFRvtHAt
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAd59lWKj4uE
33Please respect copyright.PENANAOl5ndMW3P0
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANARaMCj8bejs
33Please respect copyright.PENANA3kDFTokBfI
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"33Please respect copyright.PENANAjZFtJL55dQ
33Please respect copyright.PENANAeehVIQwCGU
"TALBOT!?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAPZHJwhi6jm
33Please respect copyright.PENANAM41wMTdh9x
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAABVjdXCA8p
33Please respect copyright.PENANAKVC23Gf1bs
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."33Please respect copyright.PENANAsaCc4v7Fy6
33Please respect copyright.PENANAUod1sz4AwL
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAnTKDoB8ywG
33Please respect copyright.PENANAhJEzkQLcoI
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAHmsbnc3tM0
33Please respect copyright.PENANAXkgb5pL39p
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."33Please respect copyright.PENANA3l0l5MX10g
33Please respect copyright.PENANAkb4vbr64Ru
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.33Please respect copyright.PENANAGHL74TNpfy
33Please respect copyright.PENANAskpfj8sabT
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."33Please respect copyright.PENANAccZ5JGivqM
33Please respect copyright.PENANA18JdRWAXTp
"Are ya kidding me?"33Please respect copyright.PENANANDYvhfQsvv
33Please respect copyright.PENANAZmVKgGvZM2
"That's so lame!"33Please respect copyright.PENANAlj5CggYH1O
33Please respect copyright.PENANA2FaGqwNUal
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while33Please respect copyright.PENANAz4NusSndP8
33Please respect copyright.PENANAJ6PiPU9uQW
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."33Please respect copyright.PENANAzuUWvYrZTb
33Please respect copyright.PENANAElYNXMLK8e
"What's that supposed to mean?"33Please respect copyright.PENANA8zSQntPo6p
33Please respect copyright.PENANAIFvrDumWXR
"Nothing."33Please respect copyright.PENANAnHFzzpqUSI
33Please respect copyright.PENANAjd11xHwVYv
She returned to chowing down on her food.33Please respect copyright.PENANAfz0J8mZw1O
33Please respect copyright.PENANAMzGOeYA7Ff
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"33Please respect copyright.PENANA1J1rH1fPm0
33Please respect copyright.PENANAQ11u0KkfXz
"Well..."33Please respect copyright.PENANAHa1AX61ctz
33Please respect copyright.PENANAIB0D0ROZLJ
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAQfufXsn7X5
33Please respect copyright.PENANARMSPhgdjpg
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAHOStSRwTcz
33Please respect copyright.PENANAeyrB7FXvBL
"...No."33Please respect copyright.PENANA3DhAsY6MfF
33Please respect copyright.PENANA4zBbIehqKW
"Eh? Why not?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAqEExsbwWOC
33Please respect copyright.PENANAgRSKfJhQCh
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAb9cx7IvlQ3
33Please respect copyright.PENANACH9ZMwuqAN
"Huh!? What'd you say?"33Please respect copyright.PENANATKj2MNdn2a
33Please respect copyright.PENANAaeX7oUheWj
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.33Please respect copyright.PENANAYj6gorygjE
33Please respect copyright.PENANAU55h83g8Si
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAMxO9hlFcub
33Please respect copyright.PENANA6LNx5U5tpZ
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAfcFZMMJGq0
33Please respect copyright.PENANA0GuVKGRYdP
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.33Please respect copyright.PENANA5N0oIp93hC
33Please respect copyright.PENANAlV5CN2BOcy
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."33Please respect copyright.PENANAl8KwpnsTr6
33Please respect copyright.PENANAIPzYIVFdk1
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."33Please respect copyright.PENANAT6KgNVp8cZ
33Please respect copyright.PENANAGJ8ktcjPXp
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAL2JQJk1lTs
33Please respect copyright.PENANAIIFgOKzftd
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."33Please respect copyright.PENANA7XXxjK9bbX
33Please respect copyright.PENANAVSQg0K4tMI
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAsqSb9rpSCu
33Please respect copyright.PENANAUi1fEf7AQk
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."33Please respect copyright.PENANAVYLOdjfSQZ
33Please respect copyright.PENANAHBUhOC9I3Y
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.33Please respect copyright.PENANA1pvf3Gbn04
33Please respect copyright.PENANANv8xzrZEDX
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."33Please respect copyright.PENANAhkycI5OOR6
33Please respect copyright.PENANAAhz1LOVyoG
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAyE2DxCKXqQ
33Please respect copyright.PENANA3wfqcx8T09
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"33Please respect copyright.PENANAyMy7xg62Mk
33Please respect copyright.PENANAq24NAtMRcO
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAxuKYOTddWU
33Please respect copyright.PENANAfWzhrc1YhF
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"33Please respect copyright.PENANA0Vp7o1AA9i
33Please respect copyright.PENANAt0TwFS6XE7
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."33Please respect copyright.PENANAqTCmthasZq
33Please respect copyright.PENANA86yDQSmcPS
"Custom design? Well..."33Please respect copyright.PENANAOIKUZ4kUjX
33Please respect copyright.PENANAMJGapi9E2D
She turned her head away.33Please respect copyright.PENANAZojQ5uq7I9
33Please respect copyright.PENANAiNCN1sfwXh
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."33Please respect copyright.PENANAR2LFn8EqHj
33Please respect copyright.PENANAJZBHK8Mqzd
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.33Please respect copyright.PENANAeLAoryVsX0
33Please respect copyright.PENANAbjZkuRhpOK
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."33Please respect copyright.PENANACDwjg3L8Hm
33Please respect copyright.PENANAXgWOlM34cy
"Oh, this?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAplogB0D6TK
33Please respect copyright.PENANAZwsIQkeiqR
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.33Please respect copyright.PENANA0PSuvJP92t
33Please respect copyright.PENANAAPosqPdhar
"I stole it!"33Please respect copyright.PENANAk0B21mVeqW
33Please respect copyright.PENANAbwCnC5G9H4
"No surprise."33Please respect copyright.PENANAY0KPUoz6f4
33Please respect copyright.PENANAKSmltgc4TH
"I ain't surprised."33Please respect copyright.PENANAgTROb27NUv
33Please respect copyright.PENANA7TaCbHAWg4
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.33Please respect copyright.PENANAlM1v6kaW3h
33Please respect copyright.PENANArKjcK86U8g
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAgt5CURp5vm
33Please respect copyright.PENANAm5JH7DwQEY
"No."33Please respect copyright.PENANATh4S13sgUe
33Please respect copyright.PENANAcgG8k5vTlY
"Not really."33Please respect copyright.PENANAgPt61Ti4g3
33Please respect copyright.PENANAOtzlsOt01a
"Ah... you two are lame!"33Please respect copyright.PENANALtKIuDB4EP
33Please respect copyright.PENANAjnTtuEI9tR
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAC2u1SLl1FM
33Please respect copyright.PENANAAj1lVUB2zU
"..."33Please respect copyright.PENANAlIG6T0Czwh
33Please respect copyright.PENANAb2onDYVici
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANASo8u35Hkfy
33Please respect copyright.PENANAEiRpQHoCot
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAAZ0oQiTQzl
33Please respect copyright.PENANAoGcnLIm5Ge
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."33Please respect copyright.PENANAFnEoFFv7Vl
33Please respect copyright.PENANANmEoTSvTyI
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."33Please respect copyright.PENANA0izQ5eD9k6
33Please respect copyright.PENANAZ1PGd2B5tE
"I-I see... I suppose so."33Please respect copyright.PENANAqgKjHUWHGX
33Please respect copyright.PENANAQVk2GyB8LH
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAR3wD8rH7xM
33Please respect copyright.PENANATC3S3CHDU2
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.33Please respect copyright.PENANATave6UsMPI
33Please respect copyright.PENANATL3ixbWOCw
"Did you have to word it that way?"33Please respect copyright.PENANALFHUv3qIrF
33Please respect copyright.PENANAxicge1kaNV
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."33Please respect copyright.PENANAR9hSVmtfo8
33Please respect copyright.PENANA44VJlgoRsY
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."33Please respect copyright.PENANAyVucdwGcof
33Please respect copyright.PENANAKjARE8dXXc
"Ya got it, boss."33Please respect copyright.PENANA2AL6KP3eUA
33Please respect copyright.PENANArX8PLOIGF3
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAfG8YAd8tZU
33Please respect copyright.PENANAcgRGdAss4g
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."33Please respect copyright.PENANAYAxXPvmWWc
33Please respect copyright.PENANADRJm9zrp7R
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANA17xA4HpmuG
33Please respect copyright.PENANAM4PREoxs6Q
"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.33Please respect copyright.PENANA0te9PLke0f
33Please respect copyright.PENANAP9aIDB9Dt4
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."33Please respect copyright.PENANAPpnAHf20G1
33Please respect copyright.PENANAF2S0UP2Z2W
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.33Please respect copyright.PENANAm6MOg1Glc4
33Please respect copyright.PENANAt34QyfGLM8
"...Well, alright. What is it?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAzMSmuMG9p3
33Please respect copyright.PENANANdGPVzUt2X
"I... I wanted..."33Please respect copyright.PENANAP6qWi7iPIX
33Please respect copyright.PENANA4Nc7Ljmae3
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAwwrOeujiCU
33Please respect copyright.PENANAAuXAZz7064
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"33Please respect copyright.PENANAbETC4rkrX9
33Please respect copyright.PENANAz7tHzh423s
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAzr97ShKKAp
33Please respect copyright.PENANAokAHilS6vW
"Where's this coming from?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAf9KdcP40Rd
33Please respect copyright.PENANAUVkfIkMX64
"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?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAtNShysw6VJ
33Please respect copyright.PENANA5z4U6aiurA
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."33Please respect copyright.PENANAmK0RvPAlOi
33Please respect copyright.PENANA4qLCN1kgVC
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAwtNOtBkbtj
33Please respect copyright.PENANANaLGQs4WoT
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAQE7tPcS864
33Please respect copyright.PENANAB3GobP8WLB
In that light–33Please respect copyright.PENANAt26PhB6zt7
33Please respect copyright.PENANAe5yRWbGkFP
"Alright, apology accepted."33Please respect copyright.PENANAfMwZnmH1WA
33Please respect copyright.PENANAUBoTTKkODB
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–33Please respect copyright.PENANA0O6EE8ohZD
33Please respect copyright.PENANAlJ5zIB9iEy
"--only on one condition."33Please respect copyright.PENANA770kk3mPvZ
33Please respect copyright.PENANANWjtOWlxCq
"Eh!?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAT0noWAPUYv
33Please respect copyright.PENANAMjhpX69Z2F
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.33Please respect copyright.PENANACGQVpc62Jw
33Please respect copyright.PENANAVgWRpya54i
"That's right."33Please respect copyright.PENANAc1O8XZqlMf
33Please respect copyright.PENANAC2KGXBOrzN
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAX8dYhLpWCj
33Please respect copyright.PENANAyIVTr2P2YP
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."33Please respect copyright.PENANAJsXtkXiCvH
33Please respect copyright.PENANAEuHHpYSTre
"He sounds like a priss."33Please respect copyright.PENANAS8PfueKjX0
33Please respect copyright.PENANA55CP589PmE
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."33Please respect copyright.PENANApHUiRF7wMf
33Please respect copyright.PENANAuW3o158Aqb
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.33Please respect copyright.PENANARczviqGcT4
33Please respect copyright.PENANAj9l4DYNiGH
"Fine, what's your condition?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAXkD9jtBF1C
33Please respect copyright.PENANAf7PXjkjLOe
I pointed a finger at her.33Please respect copyright.PENANACxV27BdNLp
33Please respect copyright.PENANA7CwsCZq7Y9
"We need to get along from now on."33Please respect copyright.PENANAtxkdGIGQ6v
33Please respect copyright.PENANAdOmxhzy60b
"...Huh?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAUmmoJnz468
33Please respect copyright.PENANAdGakXiyEHO
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAURS33dySfV
33Please respect copyright.PENANAgfeIn8sy26
"...Ha, that's it?"33Please respect copyright.PENANAcVWlBxxGCo
33Please respect copyright.PENANABRq81Pz1By
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.33Please respect copyright.PENANAw1WK2DKMn0
33Please respect copyright.PENANAF2fEFl2uEK
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"33Please respect copyright.PENANAvGAlfEtfQx
33Please respect copyright.PENANAPBGUVB2mmU
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.33Please respect copyright.PENANA9Vw4ItMaxI
33Please respect copyright.PENANAwknDQoTtrU
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAzYD9Jy3Cyw
33Please respect copyright.PENANA7NfpY3snVl
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.33Please respect copyright.PENANAQ22dxPV8UK
33Please respect copyright.PENANAOnpJlHmoDD
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."33Please respect copyright.PENANAu9FkjMvuqS
33Please respect copyright.PENANAQISPXkpYLn
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."33Please respect copyright.PENANAF6gjIRzyWz
33Please respect copyright.PENANAzk8LpzN26k
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.33Please respect copyright.PENANA6woGbeJUqM
33Please respect copyright.PENANAeJA78Lok5K
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."33Please respect copyright.PENANAzI9LeCjRnv
33Please respect copyright.PENANAGZVdSYJXOq
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."33Please respect copyright.PENANAHcQA0Yh1UX
33Please respect copyright.PENANAdmMPVAVknX
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"33Please respect copyright.PENANAsWmxspjZiO
33Please respect copyright.PENANAiaohP02H0J
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.33Please respect copyright.PENANAfaUAd0MDoL
33Please respect copyright.PENANAQw7Z0CXQB1
"What a weirdo, seriously."33Please respect copyright.PENANAzrlYbL5B1e
33Please respect copyright.PENANATNvG7tdkPb
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAMDT9yFemAT
33Please respect copyright.PENANAEi44sqftHt
–
–
–
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANAscFa04YNrZ
33Please respect copyright.PENANAiXCnOmhuNv
"You guys! You gotta see this!"33Please respect copyright.PENANABwEkqhIMcy
33Please respect copyright.PENANATrJ1i1fzbd
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.33Please respect copyright.PENANADWVtSwebCG
33Please respect copyright.PENANA7DrY1tTzVJ
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.