As he left, closing the door behind him, he went to where the kids were waiting.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYI5TO6Ghg
It was a large bunk room with lots of beds. There were random gray robes resting or working in random spots, but he focused on the kids.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuvhLfoiqc
They were playing near a chest at the foot of a bed. He knew that was their chest—the church gave everyone a place to keep personal things. He'd never thought about that before.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVn6jUGQJz
As he got close, he could hear Rock practicing a few notes with the flute, and Ziala was happy with her doll.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMSCWKqGuF
It was then, belatedly, that he knew they were happy. Even in the church.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6T5xwSnh6
They hated it because he did.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEGxhs7xM0
The Bishop was right. He dug them into a pit and complained there was no way out. Yet those who followed him were just happy to be included.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4Qefswa2B
No wonder they saw him as a boss, not a brother. He didn't act like family but a leader, telling them how to live.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KuPjmXaUB
Resolute, he spoke as if everything that happened was the plan all along. "Listen up. I worked out the details like I said I would."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82E0rtWbOp
"Now we just need to play our part and do what is required."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNf5nkKavuH
They both got serious. Rock spoke first. "The plan?"363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdyRMqHBje
Ziala looked expectantly also.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEG6nMw2ukF
"For you two, grow up."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaHMucDnEs
"Learn to be free where you can, and do your jobs required."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJf1jRlQXN
"For me, I got to train in a guild hall for a couple of years, then fight in a new dungeon."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKX0DYq0vEa
"Till debts are paid. After that, we decide how we live—rat and debt-free."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4mPNQOawy
They both got excited at the free part. But as they thought about it—363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhN82aNaZlj
"So... everything goes back to the way it was before we ran away?" Ziala asked, unsure.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWShLCXRZdx
"Kinda," he said carefully.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLkSfaKHqk
"What I did, I will never take back."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZ3yJUSLn8
"It healed both of you."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBhkeHp6dH
"Isn't the church controlling us?" Ziala asked, still unsure.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaozLn1cVZ
"The church—" Arlin started, then paused.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtLqvNggkt
"The church was never evil."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOTCl5fFAi
"They just made a bad choice. Like me."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxjOfkVW3f
"You kids just got in the crossfire, and now we're cleaning up the mess."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZ7n2lLL7a
"Crossfire?" Rock asked.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUNZwZjxNY
"Aha. It means people fighting, and other people that didn't start the fight or add to it still got pushed into the fight."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAd6VHj8Sma
"So just victims," he said, saddened.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyTPYxdikS
"Okay, boss," Rock said, then went back to staring at his flute.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuAGW7ykda
Ziala stared for a bit and asked, "You're not going away forever, right?"363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeaCbnJhgN
"No," Arlin said. "Just temporarily. So use that time to learn and grow."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFBT1ozKVX
She nodded.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmj1ngpUyL
A priest walked up near them. "It's good to see you kids again." He beamed while speaking. "I feared the winter would hurt you, but you all seem well."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPV837KGDX
"Let me know if you need anything. Dinner is, as always, the same time."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgtNUe1CrE
Arlin nodded, and so did the kids.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXV22I3yCjy
A random gray robe wandered about with a concerned face. "Arlin?" the gray robe said to the room.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDzsAmwuDY
"Yes?" he said, unsure. All of them looked at the gray robe.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzsr9lyBq9
He turned and bowed. "The Bishop wanted to give you a letter to help address the guild to assist you."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5u5ImHLavT
He handed him the letter.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSflRykAGuP
Arlin felt bitter. Even now, he'd been carried with more debts.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRNsDGxDDI
"Thank you."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUrpxmvf9I
"What's that for?" Rock asked, wondering.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTq1zNJk5v
"It's part of my training. I have magic."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cMu40T2yb
"But lack skill. If I'm ever going to fight in dungeons, I need more training."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64cEEjrNuY
"Oh," Rock said.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCn6kBJanUA
Arlin smiled. "While I get better in dungeons, you practice the flute so I have music to look forward to. Okay?"363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeeoNDJkOU
Rock smiled and said, "Okay, boss."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQsKVXvVKc
"What about me?" Ziala said.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvAhT0CTCB
"Whatever you want," Arlin said, sounding dismissive.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgBDegnNQF
"That's not fair," Ziala said, pouting. "Why do you give Rock a job but not me?"363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmt6szWI78Z
"Hmmm." Arlin thought. "Well, if you want to help, I'm not the smartest, and every boss needs a good informant."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXpCEMjXHA
"That has all the info they need."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjoU1uV3qG
"If you do that, we'll have fighting power, music, and be able to take over the world!"363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjDsySqIkZ
"Wow," Ziala said, amazed. Rock too was amazed and felt his flute was as big a deal after that statement.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8FTCGGDWh
The priest cleared his throat near them. "It's good to dream, but let's keep them simple for now."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxBuPKYOzn
"We already have a good king, and I don't think we should be plotting to overthrow him just yet."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkEthy53ok
Arlin agreed. He needed to watch what he said. But they were kids, and nothing was wrong with dreaming big. He didn't push it. Instead, he gave a slight nod and looked at the letter, wondering what info it said.
Tanya,363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdI4EOwqcSN
It is me, Bishop Oliver. I know we spoke in the past about this issue many a time, and you wanted no part in it. But as a favor from an old friend wanting to do good, I ask—please reconsider and help your child.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RzpVts8d8
It can be temporary, and the training will help them grow. All the kids made it back safely. I also know you watched from the side to oversee their safety.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBlKccNRo5
But Arlin is lost and needs a stronger hand than my own. He wants to challenge the dungeons, and I fear if left alone, we will mourn his loss versus praising what we gain from his adventure.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4CQj2Shga
Please consider the long-term versus the short-term inconvenient nature of my selfish request.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOL4CrRiwKd
I know I'm forcing your hand in a matter you wanted to walk away from, yet I feel it would be best for you both.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpPDJ3YJYJ
P.S. Since I know Arlin could not help but read this, trust me when I say we all have a past, and don't judge her for hers. We all loved you, even if not the way you wanted.
Arlin rolled the note back up, lost in thought. Wondering if it was true. If he had a mom that just let him go. And why.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOlVvzl3hy
"You okay?" a low voice asked, breaking him from his self-reflection.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq67ocR0L7b
He saw concern in Ziala's eyes. Even Rock looked troubled.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaMHXyOHF6
So he smiled. "Nothing but good news," he lied.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQH4dLkjoC
"It was just a letter to get me training and had me a bit concerned if I was good enough."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MFRKezosh
Rock reassured him with conviction. Ziala, still holding her doll close, spoke also that she would also train and be good enough to help him in his adventures.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbDFaWyk9P
He genuinely laughed. They'd already lived in the streets. They'd already found a way to keep living, even if a bit crooked.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnhGDH9f2o
They had proven they could survive. But now he was just getting in their way to live.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7XNsWWmFi
He leaned low and hugged both kids while telling them, "Instead of goodbye, it's just a delay till we meet again."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5hXz4uCIz
"A tomorrow, even if that tomorrow is a ways away."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEGSyRq1XS
"We'll all wake up later in life and adventure then. Okay?"363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLdYZjRtEw
Ziala was sad, crying. Rock tried to show indifference, but both felt like they were losing him.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGzjdOuC7u
"You were willing to trust me in the street."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfG9YNVecC7
"Now trust me now while you're here safe," he said, reassuring.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOuxUX7o38
As he broke away from the kids, both the gray robe and the other priest were awkwardly waiting. For what, he wasn't sure.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4daxnXc2I
The priest noticed the moment was done and cleared his throat. "When you're settled, children, we need to set times for study and chores. We do believe in freedom."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9ALFLhQ6O
"But responsibility doesn't go away, not even for kids."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJ9GOAukjj
The gray robe priest took that as a cue that he also had more things to do and bowed and left.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfD6B6ynPBB
The kids sighed, put away their treasured objects, and left with the black robe to help where they could.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCctMccZmL
Arlin watched them go. He wanted to give them a better life, but it seemed all he did was lead them by the nose on his misadventure.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKo8sY7d9Bw
Maybe this letter will be a better tomorrow.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYgNXEykIw
The day was getting late, and he wasn't being forced out. Yet he still had the money, so he chose to go stay at an inn. He wanted to get used to his new life, and this would be the start.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlEL9ysLNO
Lest he encourage more bad choices.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUMu5oll2Y
The trip to the inn was a quiet one. The random crowds passed him by with indifference, as much as he showed them the same.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqo97uf03ZM
When he made it to the inn, the keeper remembered him from before and greeted him warmly. He even asked where the other two were.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYdm6lMLaC
He said they were safe in another place, and he was the only one getting a room tonight.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPLfbIJepz
The innkeeper didn't pry and offered him a meal with the room, which he ate with no real enjoyment.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoM0gMeEt6
The random voices carried news—some he knew, some new gossip—but all just mundane info now that he already had plans.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyEfoA7vja
The room was plain, a simple affair, but it was enough. He slept, focusing on tomorrow.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8Y3tjfdR6
As he slept, dreaming of shadows—which normally was a comfort—but now as they covered everything, he could find nobody to stand with.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnj7oDfVLm
He was alone.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAVrroGmGG
He awoke, annoyed that even free and able to do what he wanted, he still felt trapped. But he focused on his end goal.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwP98dIExvN
It helped, even if it wasn't what he wanted.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lK7dOFjMW
A new person was at the counter, greeting guests. They still offered him a meal for the road, which he was grateful to take.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTCwFQeEwV
He looked around as he ate the gruel. He was surprised—even now, the inn had business. It seemed this was a place of a lot of business, no matter the hour.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqTdvvSM7x
He'd never officially tried to join the guild hall, but he knew of it. It was the first place he'd gone trying to find a cure for Ziala before meeting Tommy in the past.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZesnyEbC9
It was a very large building, which was surprising, as most of the place was blocked off. He guessed a lot of things went on behind doors.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LgQ0LY0wZ
As he entered, there were a few lines and people lounged at random tables. But he wasn't too sure where to go, so he picked a random line and waited.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS56Ldnoyvs
It went surprisingly quick, as those before him were no-nonsense and knew their business and moved along.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSY53hZdXFM
The person helping him when he was next was a well-dressed older man who asked, "How can I help?"363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNv8sUcTc3
"I'm supposed to see Tanya. I have a letter as proof."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjT7yrpDuEv
The man didn't move and smiled. "Not that I don't believe you, but I need something more to tell her than that."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXev0HWVW7
"Though I suppose the letter will suffice if you don't know yourself," the man said casually.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARbaz6OZLu
Arlin replied, "I think it will be training."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohg4RuCQ4W
"Requested by the church to help me."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvwB1w2Pwm
"Really?" the man said, surprised.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcIveGYx1d
"An honor, I'm sure." He hesitated. "You said requested?"363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFP5yWapi4p
"I don't want to be rude, but temper expectations."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrC61LBpBaw
"She tends to deny anything she didn't volunteer herself."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwXEpfXDd7
"Either way, come along. We'll see her and find out!"363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZENAjTLnD
Arlin wasn't sure if he was encouraging him or letting him down gently.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwctDT6GcUG
Remembering the words in the letter about how she was potentially his mom, it seemed he needed to choose carefully how he addressed this.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJ4wPXmfky
The man guided him to a stairway that led to a second floor. It was the first door on the right and was already ajar.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9rdEluFtn
The man still knocked and waited.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFfMNTpIg1
"I know it's you, Terry. And I take it you have news for me?"363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5HfS42fRO
A female voice spoke.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wMTNA12rJ
"I do," he said.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquVqxKs6QT
"Your insight is scary at times."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XzqpmaBtd
He heard a female nervous laugh. "No. This is just my past catching up. It's why the door is open."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsHnQBaEi4
"Well, are you going to enter, or do you like talking to a door?"363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YD6SPeERE
Arlin wasn't sure what to do, but Terry opened the door with indifference, as if this was a common thing.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSd6zuSiorJ
The place was lavish, which surprised him. He thought she'd be more humble, but it seemed she liked nice things. Even her clothes were fine silks with many colors.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1b4kWLKOAm
She was smoking a long, thin pipe. The smoke around her looked like a mist.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDniyFArtV
The smell was unpleasant, but it also calmed him a bit.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaPPQy4AQm
She had long white hair and deep red eyes.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6COXRur5U
Surprising him—was she not his mom then?363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0u5RqXMk2
"Don't be so surprised," she said, looking away while inhaling more smoke and gently blowing it out.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4RHJXXPwP
She looked at him again and smiled, watching him. "It's a form of mana herb that's good for stress, so I like it."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNNXlrP1GA
"It does have minor side effects."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTX1jxmyqUl
He nodded slowly. What did she look like before? My mom?363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75pEVB7jSw
Not sure how to follow up on that, Terry walked past him to the sitting woman and handed her the letter, did a short bow, and left.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MbP7Ny2kW
As he was closing the door, he said, "Good luck with your past, mistress."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkrXbJJz4A
A book flew and hit the door.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyMre9bVLi
Arlin was surprised, feeling out of place. He picked up the book to hand it back to her but read the title before he did:363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rVOLmQTRj
The Dangers of Dungeons Beyond Level Four, by the Guild363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpolTXOVQW
He knew a little bit about dungeons. They got harder the deeper you go, and nobody solo should go beyond level three. He'd never known how deep they really went.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPHGpnwqOV
He walked the book to her and sat it on the table. She ignored him and read the scroll.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwLtEHPyw9
He stood awkwardly till she spoke. "Sit, child. It will be a minute."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsPpBZyXAH
"Even if I do read quickly, I won't speak hastily about this matter."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKll4N3Qw8c
He looked around and saw few places to sit, so he chose a bench to the side versus the chair in front of the desk. He didn't want to be so close to an unknown outcome.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRpnOXSZkr
She didn't look at him, but he saw her with a sad smile all the same. "Wary of me?"363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7bLgx6S5x
"That's out of character for you."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfjUWiPFYk
"All reports I ever heard have you running headfirst into bad choices. So why the change now?"363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYniSqqgDBt
He wasn't sure he was supposed to answer if it was an idle thought she mused out loud, as she never looked at him. But he figured if she was his mom, he would be honest.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wnVX2czbG
"I was forced to make those choices in the past. Now I can choose."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41OHdsUXDC
She gently laughed at that while placing the paper down.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxDwu7egiA
"You were not forced to take kids into the streets and make deals with a man."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qZbnZogqu
"Who loves money more than people. And now seeking help from others."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWg6woQFyw
She kept randomly smoking that pipe even as she said those words.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6BqTZfs2T
He blushed slightly at being called out. He didn't know what she knew, but the casual way she spoke of his past when she was never there did bother him.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllOdsMpCM0
He sighed at that and got up to leave.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wyKMkngiX
As he went for the door, she scoffed. "Just like that?"363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7klCe41sM
He refused to listen and tried the door. It would not open, no matter how hard he pulled. It was confusing, as there was no lock.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAM2Sl1jxx
Magic, he thought.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2s9p20NKVr
"So I'm a prisoner now?"363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuVV8A7D5I
"No," she said casually.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qufiJJoIS
"You are my son."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡln5z9S7Vzy
"But are begging for favors."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrM4t3ST0sz
"And been very rude."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTbPmgPGYD
"For no reason. Care to explain why?"363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZP5DB7fJ01
He faced her then. She still was relaxed, treating this as a game.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIqdExok3u
"Because you don't take me seriously?"363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOC86YGHM2
"And you abandoned me."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LR7eIAk6W
"Is why I'm leaving," he said, annoyed.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMW4Iv0PVJJ
"Yes, I came as a request to help me grow."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpJpIBPvdF
"But I already have two masters telling me I owe them."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oNrgQcKdj
"I don't want a third from a woman who left me."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBvn8JgZvd
He stared her down with those words. She may be his mom, but he could make it on his own. He had this long.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthuaDjThHx
She slowly emptied her pipe to the side, refilled it, and lit it to draw on it once more.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1IdWUGn6q
She slowly blew out the smoke while watching him with curiosity but also indifference to his plight.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxC3iXJOqK4
"I followed your life since you were at the church. You know that?" she asked.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxW7uR1duTR
He was mildly surprised but not caring. He'd been there his whole life, so she watched him from the side. Why would he care?363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiOPhlwD47
But she went on. And what she said next did chill him.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUi3kiGAmXE
"They wanted me to take you back in and raise you."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4W4DfANiY
He didn't know how to feel, hearing her say that. They could have been a family. He was hurt but understanding. He was a nobody.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOb3nnCTHw
"I was young and scared," she said.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTgfVqHDah
"Still trying to run the guild."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxagYvqOl27
"And I thought, 'I still have a few more adventures in me.'"363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73SetCCTRW
"Why would I want a kid to hang off me?"363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2dOAYzIbU
"The Bishop was loving and safe."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHx1ZORpWBe
"You couldn't ask for a better home."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQn2UQphii
Arlin didn't agree but said nothing. Perhaps she was right, and he'd feel just as trapped with her. But still, he listened. Sooner or later, she'd let him leave.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPDYejkE5X
She saw he wasn't listening, so she sighed. "The Bishop came to me every month."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyEIzsqUXI
"Because you kept being rebellious."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAY15jkRaD
"Not happy with your lot in life."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfPFkjfh5x
"Thinking there was something more."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG29kyAvHRX
"I always refused. My stance did not change."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgPYD9wNCN
"Why does he fixate on me."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5aoRYcbAd
"When I already abandoned you?"363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDN9rgyVb4
"But even as the years went by, nobody came to adopt you."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtq9xmph0UE
"I wondered why. You were not a bad child. Just misunderstood."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqR6knSiMad
"When you got your darkness powers, I felt a bit of pride knowing you were something special."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBF5br7c5c
"I thought it was the gods' way of showing the world you had worth."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Q9sGHjCW9
"I thought it would calm you down and you'd seek wisdom and grow."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwQWzL41oZ
"So imagine my surprise."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡau3xhG2uQg
"When instead I learn that first chance you get."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDmCoTQpt9
"You take orphans into the streets."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeIxclkgEX
"To try to secure potions and raise them like—" She hesitated before saying the next part but did. "Like rats."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUj5AMTJD0
He laughed darkly. "You speak with concern."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvYR6Y7ktE
"Yet this is the first time we've really met that I can remember."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPsc7sFjF4
"And I don't recall you trying to stop me in the street."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RXrJTRFhV
"Anymore than the church did. So I did."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87FhcchPY0
"What I had to and survive."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xisQtgJsb
"No," she said bluntly.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrB1dYKpHL
"You made a series of choices faster than we could counter them. And we did not force you back."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7M1lEKkHG7
"As we wanted you to see your life was not better alone versus what we gave you."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILU6PHNLmo
Still angered, he retorted, "So even you would let those kids suffer for the weakness? Spend their childhood weak and begging for the gods' mercy to bless them?"363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZdTmLIWTX
She sighed. "No. We were in talks with Tommy to secure more potions, as he doesn't like making them."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4RlAkE21J
"The first potion you got, he made for us as a deal to give him more herbs."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiLZCRiCRR
"But then you interfered, and he made the deal with you instead of us. And then used it against us."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvqNMftN0P
"He then forced on us a new deal to ensure he never pursued you kids, even when you never could pay your debts."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafaC1oUcs3
Arlin was surprised at how much deception and how many layers of debts did he have just trying to be free.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6m0Lh4Fxf3
Defeated, he asked, "So you helped me with some debts." He tried to downplay it.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87mU0LIaFf
"I owe you and will pay it back."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUtd1TGkw9
"But we're done here."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MESTCc0KW
"It won't work with us having history."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaW3RfxDj9
She gently laughed at that. "Child, that was just the start!"363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgnmoksBFe
He wasn't sure how to reply and kept listening.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbB3dESVgWl
She went on. "You went to the streets stealing."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABTZZvukRH
"Which we paid back with interest."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4qVAyKEwc
"Tommy did not care what or where you stole."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbobLo2pyb
"But to keep it contained."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQJtFig30r
"We told him to tell you to keep it in the poor areas."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisdr4r2Ue8
"It was easier to control."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiE6ldiofLP
"And they were much more understanding."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiooZ5N6JT7
"That's why that last theft was a bit costly."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76AProVGD3
"And while I'm proud of your methods."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwo7LigcON
"It doesn't change what you did was wrong."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLzBY7xNhC
"And cost us."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2pk2n4XQj
She finished while breathing in some smoke to blow out slowly.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4l9jueWegE
Arlin had no words to counter that. She hadn't even gotten to the second potion and the new deal with that.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCUP6Ivkpj
So he left the door and sat in the chair in front of her.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMfCgXtazy
He was trapped.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gghKCF7iJ
She smiled at him, slowly puffing on her herb pipe.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlofkkpO2L
After a few moments, she frowned, sighed, blew out smoke, and said, "Three random kids is too many and more trouble than it is worth."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZrqRYbi0q
"But I can concede that denying you."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI87YczUiCL
"My child."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLCLBlE6PK
"Even after years of waiting for answers."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9K4VXvf31
"Was selfish."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sxWSjFb9h
"But in that regard, it seems we are the same."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNYXJ87CX5
"Both wanting things our own way versus the better of others."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Z1tOY3igM
Arlin laughed at that. "Yeah, such a great mother to me."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHu5arbbURp
"That is helping me even now," he said bitterly.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsT5lcNqfp
"I owe you nothing, child."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68qBZl58uz
"And I'm sorry the gods dealt you a bad hand."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HKXmaDYXO
"But I do feel you can benefit from me."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlW6GY4dsZ1
"Regardless of our past, perhaps."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVoPSxUEpW
"I shouldn't have been so open about your past."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3UC3VfELO
"Or what I knew."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjC853Y2ffU
"But I fear secrets grow with resentment, and I was trying to balance the scales, so to speak, by letting you know where we stand and how we got there."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffz0nZTBRR
Arlin listened, tears in his eyes at the frustrating truth. So sure he was he could be defiant and proud.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2sNf7HXe4
But still he was seen as a child, and nothing.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHHbCSSJES
He wanted to go his own way.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7e9FdQfbeg
After a moment of silence, Tanya spoke once more.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ365fbUX0pw
"I cannot baby you or carry you, child."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65zhTEVv1F
"No matter how much anyone wished."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQbZM7SZOx
"But I can give you something you wanted from the start."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8y4tvWV9V
"Strength and the ability to choose."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaPFTs8E2V
"Not just to escape, but to truly be free—even from me."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uzYFvOQs5
He nodded at that. It felt like empty words, but it was why he was here, even if he didn't want to be.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhBrQ4YaQq
"So where do we start?" he asked resolutely.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YTX2pxae4
She smiled, though he didn't look up to see it.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5fLxCaA20
"So easily you're swayed. Unlike me."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXv6yzBm92x
"I liked that about you."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrlXsB8jPk
"Always pushing forward for what you want, even when it leads to defeat."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMht0VWz2E
"You kept pushing forward."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mzssDjBx3
"Naively, but always forward."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0gMwxegWi
"So what really changed?" he asked, wondering.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzrsoxFC3x
"Going from not caring to accepting the letter with me?"363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjpLR6uii8
He had to know what she got out of this game.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCtEfNCMD2
She went to draw on her pipe, but it was empty once more. So she frowned, sighed, got up to a shelf, and poured herself a drink.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6amQcdif4B
Before swirling the drink a bit, she sipped it lightly and looked into the distance.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoS9smjeGE
"The truth of why I wanted nothing to do with you, child."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMcqlrSvro
"Or anyone, really."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXQWXGph5z
"Is when I was an adventurer."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjiC8Rt3BX
"I was very idealistic. The only limit was oneself, much like you in that regard."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfK0ZhgUFOr
"Well, that truth led me to beastkin tribes and how they view things."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN70M7fgaSX
"They were very much in favor of abandoning those without magic."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOcdA65FyT
"Or unworthy of their time."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5Zcx3plaa
"I hated it, so I tried helping them find a home."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFcK8V9IWn
"Even though I found others to accept those types of kids, like the churches or different tribes."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZwqSOOgqd
"I did not like them looking at me with love and hope."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJXkyI0QAX
"When I didn't want to be a mother."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jGDDgtyZ5
"I wanted adventure. So it killed me a little more every time."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oB2xdfDu3
"Well, one of those adventures escaping my life led to your birth."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMQGUPSW6a
"And I trusted the church versus being able to raise you."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WSHWDKKQV
"Oliver overseeing the church never understood."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiKMPYmHkV
"So I lied. I told him I was much too busy with work."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pGJ9JsQKC
"So he persisted, thinking your age was the issue, and kept me informed about you as you got older and caused trouble."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAx364hAzy
"I had my own team track you and keep you safe."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJneO6Ck2v
"This went on for a while. Years, in fact."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpiZu6mjaV
"The cat and mouse. And you never knowing."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDalvE0irV
"I was the cat while you wandered for cheese."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdft5g4ndo
She amused herself.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmcOMJT9zI
Arlin just listened.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhydnJrGtTr
She sighed and offered him a drink. He refused, so she downed her glass, watching him once more.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVcOjuj696
"I'm old, child, despite my looks."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3leLzckTB2
"Magic does wonders," she smiled.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3sK2XtvPY
"But it doesn't help the mind."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZp0onCw4f
"I do feel after all this time, I should be involved."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHbI76e6XG
"At least a little bit more. If not as a mother."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxsrQvckZ8
"Then as a teacher. Help you live and break free of the life you feel chains you."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeh2ZrHORTi
He was happy to hear that. So no games, just life choices catching up, much like his. He understood, at least a little.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWmEgtD5L8
He'd tried to push his desire on the kids, and now, despite the promises made, he wasn't sure what was real anymore.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCKgBL6y7E
He felt like a child playing adult. And that was only after so many real adults pointed out to him that he was acting like a child.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2dKDHfIN6
"The dungeons can be cruel, and your skills can also be worth their weight in gold," she spoke, breaking his thoughts.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5ZdJ34VdC
"Darkness magic is very powerful if used right, even at level one."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYmQE14oM1
"People tend to believe you are limited in what magic can do."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5rXYbx7GK
"But the real limit is how far you're willing to push."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4x4ndRYox
"Your element to be more."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7xalCer9R
"People hear a number and give up if not blessed level two or more."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMf7V9BOjZ
"Masters make the magic matter, not a number."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡut0Z635UlN
"I will have a room made for you."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH566tT4RN6
"We can start training in a few days after you settle. We will work out the details in time."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYJOEfUeL1
"Perhaps you will never like me."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjICwJ8YT9
"Which is fine."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrw0Ni7HGIu
"But you will learn how to master darkness, and that will be enough."363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qTAEgAyeo
"What you choose from there is what will make you an adult or a still child that never grew up."
363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxBk6Yjkjf
and then Add to home screen.