As he left, closing the door behind him, he went to where the kids were waiting.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVH68dM1Fnp
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYh2FtXEK2R
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhN7eJ5MPi
As he got close, he could hear Rock practicing a few notes with the flute, and Ziala was happy with her doll.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8kAmdD8zm
It was then, belatedly, that he knew they were happy. Even in the church.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfljYIb86fM
They hated it because he did.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WYR8SjDka
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYkHO3HdPx
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgptMLIgNDC
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."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJDiyfr9t0
"Now we just need to play our part and do what is required."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWTrgdjMoo
They both got serious. Rock spoke first. "The plan?"388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPiTuv0h6M
Ziala looked expectantly also.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQp2e2T7Bzc
"For you two, grow up."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVQ9OaIXam
"Learn to be free where you can, and do your jobs required."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2016p7rOX
"For me, I got to train in a guild hall for a couple of years, then fight in a new dungeon."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsvnYn9u5n
"Till debts are paid. After that, we decide how we live—rat and debt-free."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNp8oRToSXi
They both got excited at the free part. But as they thought about it—388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2JQsFMMf5
"So... everything goes back to the way it was before we ran away?" Ziala asked, unsure.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5JwNX1H21
"Kinda," he said carefully.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxildCbZbvh
"What I did, I will never take back."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKshL6nOG6
"It healed both of you."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSm6fWQ6fv8
"Isn't the church controlling us?" Ziala asked, still unsure.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUNBgxSLKc
"The church—" Arlin started, then paused.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEM5RSxJ5I
"The church was never evil."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMh4S1qh9He
"They just made a bad choice. Like me."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRW8wrMPkB
"You kids just got in the crossfire, and now we're cleaning up the mess."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXfdMdf5Qe
"Crossfire?" Rock asked.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RGIaSZHTR
"Aha. It means people fighting, and other people that didn't start the fight or add to it still got pushed into the fight."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcqlR95Asu
"So just victims," he said, saddened.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRyfcHkqm3
"Okay, boss," Rock said, then went back to staring at his flute.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEdix9bUnh
Ziala stared for a bit and asked, "You're not going away forever, right?"388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIaVO5bVkM
"No," Arlin said. "Just temporarily. So use that time to learn and grow."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqdUvhULwj
She nodded.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy21zhUSEZu
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."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CPoRHzKek
"Let me know if you need anything. Dinner is, as always, the same time."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSTfSKNW2t
Arlin nodded, and so did the kids.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9Tx77RNhL
A random gray robe wandered about with a concerned face. "Arlin?" the gray robe said to the room.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIypTz8Kx6
"Yes?" he said, unsure. All of them looked at the gray robe.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtksllQqKmP
He turned and bowed. "The Bishop wanted to give you a letter to help address the guild to assist you."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFkSb8Bmsd
He handed him the letter.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4TDk3u297
Arlin felt bitter. Even now, he'd been carried with more debts.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSTSa9w0VM
"Thank you."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8ZVqopLOb
"What's that for?" Rock asked, wondering.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy70MIWEZXH
"It's part of my training. I have magic."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdrB3JueV5
"But lack skill. If I'm ever going to fight in dungeons, I need more training."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7aL7nPujc
"Oh," Rock said.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cdKQoTBeB
Arlin smiled. "While I get better in dungeons, you practice the flute so I have music to look forward to. Okay?"388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54gPGrRWDe
Rock smiled and said, "Okay, boss."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyutO4jehk7
"What about me?" Ziala said.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaD0UQH973
"Whatever you want," Arlin said, sounding dismissive.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4RzqCgmyw
"That's not fair," Ziala said, pouting. "Why do you give Rock a job but not me?"388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsptUjqv74
"Hmmm." Arlin thought. "Well, if you want to help, I'm not the smartest, and every boss needs a good informant."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ojz6bxvi3
"That has all the info they need."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3tCfX1XC7
"If you do that, we'll have fighting power, music, and be able to take over the world!"388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHa0tYsMLHi
"Wow," Ziala said, amazed. Rock too was amazed and felt his flute was as big a deal after that statement.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfwq8kBhOC
The priest cleared his throat near them. "It's good to dream, but let's keep them simple for now."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9Q1qRvDHR
"We already have a good king, and I don't think we should be plotting to overthrow him just yet."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jumjtdurQ
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,388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCjERazM2f
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDiTzLL06S
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dRGf82UAr
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlyKBGytr7
Please consider the long-term versus the short-term inconvenient nature of my selfish request.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuBjuCRpki
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpwjktUc0C
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwtfTvYs04
"You okay?" a low voice asked, breaking him from his self-reflection.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyM0SiHQ1hN
He saw concern in Ziala's eyes. Even Rock looked troubled.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBp2CfpOpo9
So he smiled. "Nothing but good news," he lied.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhPaD5zRO0
"It was just a letter to get me training and had me a bit concerned if I was good enough."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbPOEDhFWn
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblNradNtQy
He genuinely laughed. They'd already lived in the streets. They'd already found a way to keep living, even if a bit crooked.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchOEIOvhtt
They had proven they could survive. But now he was just getting in their way to live.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1AbdnJXEt
He leaned low and hugged both kids while telling them, "Instead of goodbye, it's just a delay till we meet again."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGqdDOLvEB
"A tomorrow, even if that tomorrow is a ways away."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD252as5kf9
"We'll all wake up later in life and adventure then. Okay?"388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWLrs78FQ1
Ziala was sad, crying. Rock tried to show indifference, but both felt like they were losing him.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUQjFNJyyE
"You were willing to trust me in the street."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgf2O3cf4V
"Now trust me now while you're here safe," he said, reassuring.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCd7nomtS3
As he broke away from the kids, both the gray robe and the other priest were awkwardly waiting. For what, he wasn't sure.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kMP8tk4nI
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."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcy3ALIDjB
"But responsibility doesn't go away, not even for kids."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9JhpVzOev
The gray robe priest took that as a cue that he also had more things to do and bowed and left.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX88gfSBTZX
The kids sighed, put away their treasured objects, and left with the black robe to help where they could.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpeADoVObD
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTINrDciXA8
Maybe this letter will be a better tomorrow.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeq6kvWDoB
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQqdpTQerp
Lest he encourage more bad choices.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DFHdZIURf
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAl6KelFud
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfvjB2Mu66
He said they were safe in another place, and he was the only one getting a room tonight.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiz6oyo7ucT
The innkeeper didn't pry and offered him a meal with the room, which he ate with no real enjoyment.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVF1LmgRdS
The random voices carried news—some he knew, some new gossip—but all just mundane info now that he already had plans.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLAFPNMyjd
The room was plain, a simple affair, but it was enough. He slept, focusing on tomorrow.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dhFsYuGDk
As he slept, dreaming of shadows—which normally was a comfort—but now as they covered everything, he could find nobody to stand with.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIhHxYLGCp
He was alone.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPut9v2vtl
He awoke, annoyed that even free and able to do what he wanted, he still felt trapped. But he focused on his end goal.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDY2UX2jjDP
It helped, even if it wasn't what he wanted.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuEy8iuKRt
A new person was at the counter, greeting guests. They still offered him a meal for the road, which he was grateful to take.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbc4vV0blF
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxeVP6qgNR
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6Zg8UbXtX
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4ne8Ge5AJ
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakbnFJtxdg
It went surprisingly quick, as those before him were no-nonsense and knew their business and moved along.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwFLLtXpGC
The person helping him when he was next was a well-dressed older man who asked, "How can I help?"388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCopW46lg6M
"I'm supposed to see Tanya. I have a letter as proof."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ulUndrbaW
The man didn't move and smiled. "Not that I don't believe you, but I need something more to tell her than that."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8Yr4zr1ZP
"Though I suppose the letter will suffice if you don't know yourself," the man said casually.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5FBJBRgxx
Arlin replied, "I think it will be training."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1JHR0yFZL
"Requested by the church to help me."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLJtlj7Qsg
"Really?" the man said, surprised.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6ruvF4F71
"An honor, I'm sure." He hesitated. "You said requested?"388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQLe5Gzkxw
"I don't want to be rude, but temper expectations."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8Q17QHaQo
"She tends to deny anything she didn't volunteer herself."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLsFolQf3t
"Either way, come along. We'll see her and find out!"388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjcqikEn5w
Arlin wasn't sure if he was encouraging him or letting him down gently.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPWmyMsIQK
Remembering the words in the letter about how she was potentially his mom, it seemed he needed to choose carefully how he addressed this.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXc6bqdWK0
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGBVpzRouB
The man still knocked and waited.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaYa7xMTGt
"I know it's you, Terry. And I take it you have news for me?"388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbE4buCzQX
A female voice spoke.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5m5SlmKu8
"I do," he said.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhrfMBtkl1
"Your insight is scary at times."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnLQnXgFUp
He heard a female nervous laugh. "No. This is just my past catching up. It's why the door is open."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiq7WXpWPFy
"Well, are you going to enter, or do you like talking to a door?"388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9RfLTF9KX
Arlin wasn't sure what to do, but Terry opened the door with indifference, as if this was a common thing.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EcKgTTJfc
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJtEFmJBKW
She was smoking a long, thin pipe. The smoke around her looked like a mist.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIP2Ssubg7j
The smell was unpleasant, but it also calmed him a bit.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfxOudLpWk
She had long white hair and deep red eyes.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLwaEHUnQ6
Surprising him—was she not his mom then?388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebapJKcfXj
"Don't be so surprised," she said, looking away while inhaling more smoke and gently blowing it out.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrPDGjiBcV
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."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JGNBac4hE
"It does have minor side effects."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGBq1jw18V
He nodded slowly. What did she look like before? My mom?388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmy8saGoWg
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9TKcC6JEq
As he was closing the door, he said, "Good luck with your past, mistress."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzseNMGdZpZ
A book flew and hit the door.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMKpwJcknH
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:388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH13V78QaJd
The Dangers of Dungeons Beyond Level Four, by the Guild388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFx3nzB45F
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWisZaw8DB
He walked the book to her and sat it on the table. She ignored him and read the scroll.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fApW59DPW
He stood awkwardly till she spoke. "Sit, child. It will be a minute."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKvlax8HLb
"Even if I do read quickly, I won't speak hastily about this matter."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1FgROhQbA
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZeH5Y3w8u
She didn't look at him, but he saw her with a sad smile all the same. "Wary of me?"388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3s7bb31xeR
"That's out of character for you."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCFmEhrLKV
"All reports I ever heard have you running headfirst into bad choices. So why the change now?"388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGlRBmVl5K
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0do9DYRrBj
"I was forced to make those choices in the past. Now I can choose."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhcG7jn37K
She gently laughed at that while placing the paper down.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIz4vaba7w5
"You were not forced to take kids into the streets and make deals with a man."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSGvUEklo8
"Who loves money more than people. And now seeking help from others."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55RoMcJpui
She kept randomly smoking that pipe even as she said those words.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WuMBQNMJV
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDtbhDvDFi
He sighed at that and got up to leave.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIh7d0NXSz
As he went for the door, she scoffed. "Just like that?"388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVX4aTAaLla
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5fY9Nw6XK
Magic, he thought.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEIaHg8HPV
"So I'm a prisoner now?"388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJQu8wtig0
"No," she said casually.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WEPm6tED5
"You are my son."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotJjlf34wq
"But are begging for favors."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovI8ftkQL6
"And been very rude."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43uJ7I8qZf
"For no reason. Care to explain why?"388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNErky5bETD
He faced her then. She still was relaxed, treating this as a game.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1WzwzAEAS
"Because you don't take me seriously?"388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRqfDJEHjE
"And you abandoned me."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSUHsW6Jij
"Is why I'm leaving," he said, annoyed.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnKdfDMsmw
"Yes, I came as a request to help me grow."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpuwrbjziw
"But I already have two masters telling me I owe them."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOfST80kAc
"I don't want a third from a woman who left me."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzMyc4UzbA
He stared her down with those words. She may be his mom, but he could make it on his own. He had this long.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcX4v7WoNRH
She slowly emptied her pipe to the side, refilled it, and lit it to draw on it once more.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEjA2FsiXS
She slowly blew out the smoke while watching him with curiosity but also indifference to his plight.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Dx1Jxz5L1
"I followed your life since you were at the church. You know that?" she asked.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQANcLRcSpV
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?388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwu1sH2Ichx
But she went on. And what she said next did chill him.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquxJQOu2bX
"They wanted me to take you back in and raise you."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3lc1sNmUq
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSYN98Ydnz
"I was young and scared," she said.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjb5Pl1ISz4
"Still trying to run the guild."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOn4wfYNhQ
"And I thought, 'I still have a few more adventures in me.'"388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rniaXxqEa
"Why would I want a kid to hang off me?"388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk397n4mUxe
"The Bishop was loving and safe."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92ect9h1nK
"You couldn't ask for a better home."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH98WoFa9rN
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEuFjxdKOz
She saw he wasn't listening, so she sighed. "The Bishop came to me every month."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUMYxKwqBE
"Because you kept being rebellious."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvcwVOxqeE
"Not happy with your lot in life."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSZ4m5vyvB
"Thinking there was something more."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkF4Y5eASC
"I always refused. My stance did not change."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHPzavrIsQ
"Why does he fixate on me."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99nfWM2aXw
"When I already abandoned you?"388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySIrOcmGGn
"But even as the years went by, nobody came to adopt you."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRlvuW2ZRr
"I wondered why. You were not a bad child. Just misunderstood."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnA15vJMWM
"When you got your darkness powers, I felt a bit of pride knowing you were something special."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXFqa4HTxX
"I thought it was the gods' way of showing the world you had worth."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLf8I4jxBU
"I thought it would calm you down and you'd seek wisdom and grow."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ583rpJ1QPt
"So imagine my surprise."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPAlDwMjIi
"When instead I learn that first chance you get."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTfPxmY4vf
"You take orphans into the streets."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvfZL61HNU
"To try to secure potions and raise them like—" She hesitated before saying the next part but did. "Like rats."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyvOHfThN1
He laughed darkly. "You speak with concern."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiaDJCNKvc
"Yet this is the first time we've really met that I can remember."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecgTvr6YLY
"And I don't recall you trying to stop me in the street."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWxe3Rrprj
"Anymore than the church did. So I did."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUoZejAp1b
"What I had to and survive."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17579y5az9
"No," she said bluntly.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5N9020Lwu
"You made a series of choices faster than we could counter them. And we did not force you back."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIBEGfDSth
"As we wanted you to see your life was not better alone versus what we gave you."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxRedopSAr
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?"388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZUeWDH67M
She sighed. "No. We were in talks with Tommy to secure more potions, as he doesn't like making them."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVrcPfam26
"The first potion you got, he made for us as a deal to give him more herbs."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUe8mM4oYSZ
"But then you interfered, and he made the deal with you instead of us. And then used it against us."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjO0fWN8Zf
"He then forced on us a new deal to ensure he never pursued you kids, even when you never could pay your debts."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1NA7bWXdH
Arlin was surprised at how much deception and how many layers of debts did he have just trying to be free.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlWacrOdVg
Defeated, he asked, "So you helped me with some debts." He tried to downplay it.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciTuDSYbPq
"I owe you and will pay it back."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbXqcIhw1h
"But we're done here."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIkRW3ISGG
"It won't work with us having history."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnI1ahpCFxp
She gently laughed at that. "Child, that was just the start!"388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlP9tJDezt
He wasn't sure how to reply and kept listening.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64vtGVOiSc
She went on. "You went to the streets stealing."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYSIsbODu3
"Which we paid back with interest."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilVEFDOmXn
"Tommy did not care what or where you stole."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhlOhlmWcw
"But to keep it contained."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AL5gf7wOL
"We told him to tell you to keep it in the poor areas."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIR21n5jIqy
"It was easier to control."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrjybNNrKK
"And they were much more understanding."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1n7OCYGGAE
"That's why that last theft was a bit costly."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSggws7mcP
"And while I'm proud of your methods."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KpF0xlsBi
"It doesn't change what you did was wrong."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZQdPqsH1v
"And cost us."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rgAzzdvnI
She finished while breathing in some smoke to blow out slowly.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhuLsAEkgQ
Arlin had no words to counter that. She hadn't even gotten to the second potion and the new deal with that.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoP8DW0qIRM
So he left the door and sat in the chair in front of her.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCNVu4Wyfl
He was trapped.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8eL5YGTbV
She smiled at him, slowly puffing on her herb pipe.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjfwBa4KA1
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."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pHo7b6GKB
"But I can concede that denying you."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjET86wM0m
"My child."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuGaFvotai
"Even after years of waiting for answers."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqjABaTJLm
"Was selfish."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWMLhqa6ZJ
"But in that regard, it seems we are the same."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmo9yPhHYXi
"Both wanting things our own way versus the better of others."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLlElixb7u
Arlin laughed at that. "Yeah, such a great mother to me."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0anWw0WwyD
"That is helping me even now," he said bitterly.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1tCoMfx0X
"I owe you nothing, child."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7zdTnBGRP
"And I'm sorry the gods dealt you a bad hand."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxSJhjtIGm
"But I do feel you can benefit from me."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjIM3Q1Lqm
"Regardless of our past, perhaps."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYf3ltV9V4k
"I shouldn't have been so open about your past."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVN1pIjSlPV
"Or what I knew."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrATnaZK8gZ
"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."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhumOZbkJo
Arlin listened, tears in his eyes at the frustrating truth. So sure he was he could be defiant and proud.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqr4pzHYLQ
But still he was seen as a child, and nothing.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6f7N5yKGk
He wanted to go his own way.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6caDP2vljg
After a moment of silence, Tanya spoke once more.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mQn8mYRTL
"I cannot baby you or carry you, child."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0Dc7iw5qq
"No matter how much anyone wished."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXVzsEdRi6
"But I can give you something you wanted from the start."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5KLz1VvYX
"Strength and the ability to choose."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ718A50FIHW
"Not just to escape, but to truly be free—even from me."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeYKL0TSvy
He nodded at that. It felt like empty words, but it was why he was here, even if he didn't want to be.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPjmDLpFa8
"So where do we start?" he asked resolutely.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BLE3jKRp6
She smiled, though he didn't look up to see it.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasOYk7Uwxs
"So easily you're swayed. Unlike me."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5ZMA43G0s
"I liked that about you."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasP222MIlh
"Always pushing forward for what you want, even when it leads to defeat."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSwtJegNyQ
"You kept pushing forward."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdD1LXwC7c4
"Naively, but always forward."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxX4rrmYlEz
"So what really changed?" he asked, wondering.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sVPS5YC3e
"Going from not caring to accepting the letter with me?"388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsal8oHfoh
He had to know what she got out of this game.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTGA84bCZ2
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUmpNSTdSr
Before swirling the drink a bit, she sipped it lightly and looked into the distance.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2ENCeepyC
"The truth of why I wanted nothing to do with you, child."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRd9VZiWJE
"Or anyone, really."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoRytsUECl
"Is when I was an adventurer."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IkKVeZhgZ
"I was very idealistic. The only limit was oneself, much like you in that regard."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArXFX98MBQ
"Well, that truth led me to beastkin tribes and how they view things."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVArBq7qZs
"They were very much in favor of abandoning those without magic."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeD7lv8Bh4
"Or unworthy of their time."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQxcpyv64e
"I hated it, so I tried helping them find a home."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwYufWkRHM
"Even though I found others to accept those types of kids, like the churches or different tribes."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7o8ySD649t
"I did not like them looking at me with love and hope."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cxKfES6B9
"When I didn't want to be a mother."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2S3l5TjQ0
"I wanted adventure. So it killed me a little more every time."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDZNNpZc1U
"Well, one of those adventures escaping my life led to your birth."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepMlZArL9u
"And I trusted the church versus being able to raise you."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sMuPs8XAZ
"Oliver overseeing the church never understood."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODIE4WCcbI
"So I lied. I told him I was much too busy with work."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGPQfka1Rs
"So he persisted, thinking your age was the issue, and kept me informed about you as you got older and caused trouble."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgHIgEnqaC
"I had my own team track you and keep you safe."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bKZVUUVsC
"This went on for a while. Years, in fact."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eTOQ1yy6v
"The cat and mouse. And you never knowing."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrEoHgtlqA
"I was the cat while you wandered for cheese."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQWbLlpdug
She amused herself.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaTBmEGZTA
Arlin just listened.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgHWCxjpYu
She sighed and offered him a drink. He refused, so she downed her glass, watching him once more.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UW85Ji1T9
"I'm old, child, despite my looks."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZAHmaq0mn
"Magic does wonders," she smiled.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4Bm40yqDD
"But it doesn't help the mind."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnNiMW12pn
"I do feel after all this time, I should be involved."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUw9tR5r8S
"At least a little bit more. If not as a mother."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAby2ngkkGR
"Then as a teacher. Help you live and break free of the life you feel chains you."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIpkZ180qF
He was happy to hear that. So no games, just life choices catching up, much like his. He understood, at least a little.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DAefKUMBP
He'd tried to push his desire on the kids, and now, despite the promises made, he wasn't sure what was real anymore.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uRasoq82m
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.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVo3GrwkLB
"The dungeons can be cruel, and your skills can also be worth their weight in gold," she spoke, breaking his thoughts.388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQJc66brE3
"Darkness magic is very powerful if used right, even at level one."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbWLVEVWLI
"People tend to believe you are limited in what magic can do."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidgl38kads
"But the real limit is how far you're willing to push."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJAgtT1DWX
"Your element to be more."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9DF9A14eO
"People hear a number and give up if not blessed level two or more."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSP7GY5FrL
"Masters make the magic matter, not a number."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8Dkn3AiQ7
"I will have a room made for you."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wriFgsxEY
"We can start training in a few days after you settle. We will work out the details in time."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXweU4prTW
"Perhaps you will never like me."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEjUMsfH6R
"Which is fine."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQndxtEzVaD
"But you will learn how to master darkness, and that will be enough."388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4uMz1y5oA
"What you choose from there is what will make you an adult or a still child that never grew up."
388Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4FfIreUPY
and then Add to home screen.