Four months after the ogre defeat, spring
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The kids, adults, and beastkins of all types gathered as they chased each other among the crowd looking for new foods or games. It was all new and exciting, something never done before! so many unknown new things was overwhelming for the kids as they ran and played, trying to explore all things at once!
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Nina watched the kids playing blissfully free, a smile blooming and tail wagging involuntarily, before it all just stopped with her thoughts. She was doing better, but really, she was just there and not happy.
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Her brother wolf never tried to find her; even after all this time, they still felt distant, and it was unfair… Maybe this dance will help with that as she watched as the mayor stood on a wood platform made for this event, getting ready to give a speech.
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He wanted them all to attend and be rewarded for the victory. Everyone refused but Len. Even now she was the hero, and the people embraced it right alongside her, happy to have a legacy they could grow, something they could say with pride was theirs.
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A small tug on her tail startled her, and she turned to slap whoever thought it was ok to touch her like that but was surprised to see a small child staring up at her wide-eyed, still holding the tip of her tail.
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“Danny!" A woman grabs the boy's hand and gently smacks it while crouching down to the child's level. "That rude son let go of her tail. What did I tell you about respecting others?”
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She faced me after chiding the child, looking up at her with worry. “I’m sorry; he’s young and still learning. He’s not used to beastkin and tends to think it’s ok to grab tails.”
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Nina wanted to be upset; she still missed her brother, but the young child's innocent eyes made it so she could not help but want to smile, so she leaned down close and reached out her hand, taking his.
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“It’s good you’re curious. My younger brother loved magic and was always seeking things, too. Just remember we’re human, too, so you can’t just randomly touch, ok?”
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He stared for a moment longer before speaking with a confused face, “But I, um, dun hav a tail?”
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She wanted to nuzzle his face for trying, even as the mom was still worried her child was too much, but she kept smiling, happy Nina was not upset.
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“We’re all different. Some have fur, some have tails, but we're all the same, and we all can be family, so be a good little brother, ok?”
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The child nodded, happy with the answer. She stood, rubbing his head, and addressed the mother, “I saw some kids running and playing nearby looking for food and games. They’re a little older, but they might let him join if you try.
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“Thank you. I was wondering where all the other mothers with kids were. It was a bit overwhelming and exciting. My husband is doing guard duty, so he won’t tend till later, and I was a little lost again. Thank you for being so kind.”
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She started pulling the boy away, who never stopped staring. “Come, Danny, let’s find some kids your age to play with and leave the nice lady alone.” She waved goodbye to the child as he finally lost focus, being pulled, and his eye wandered once more in the sea of people.
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“TEST—test this thing does what? Are you sure? They can hear me?”
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It was only then she started to notice the crowd getting quiet, and she wondered what was going on. She knew it was the mayor's voice, but he was never that loud to be heard among crowds.
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It seems the mayor was finally giving that speech now that Len was near him on the stage and he was holding a metal tube? But anytime he spoke near it, his voice would boom if he was not careful.
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“OK, ok, I got it. You need to work out volume control, though. How am I supposed to give a speech?” It seemed he was arguing with someone on stage near the metal vase that boosted his voice. Only half the conversation reached the people, as the other speaker was further back, and they did not know what he said, but from the nervous look, even from this distance, from the man trying to calm the mayor, it was not hard to guess.
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The mayor's finally balance, the distance needed for a voice that did not boom.
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“Good people, we have been through much!”
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“We suffered countless monsters, from random things the hunter guild hunted and defend us from, to things we needed our heroes for from boulder monsters to ogre beasts. They are our heroes who were able to defeat them!”
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Applause and cheers came from that, and it was more noise than joy to me, but I was thankful nobody turned to me with that speech. It seemed since Len and Mayor were the focus, we were left to be in peace…
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“My niece, er… the hero Leena, who led the team to victory many times! Has always returned victorious, so it is with that we must honor those who would be like our heroes with this new tradition, but before that, she wishes to give a speech before you all enjoy this new spring dance tradition”
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More cheers as the mayor waited for it to settle and to let his niece say her piece.
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===
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Len listened passively as Uncle gave his grand speech. She was mildly amused by him arguing with the inventor of the voice boom. It was quite creative; it used a wind gem and what looked like a hollow vase-like jar. But it allowed the voice to carry, and they put it on an adjustable rod so the mayor could stand near it and speak.
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Now that he was done, they raised the metal vase higher for her, and she was grateful. Seeing so many faces among the town was a bit intimidating; to see them all standing and staring at you? Was different.
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So she pulled on the light for comfort and glowed once more. She heard more than saw the awe as the whispers mixed "hero" and "light blessed" among the crowd as she spoke.
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“Those who stood and fought beside me did so as heroes, yes, but also as people. So I ask you to remember them for what they gave, but know they seek peace.”
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“I Will be here to lead the next group of heroes when the day comes, so until then, enjoy the festivity, food, drink and dance be free.
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A cheer erupted through the crowd, understanding at least that much—she was a hero and would still lead them for years to come. She walked away with that, her uncle frowning; as she got closer, he spoke.
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“Why did you do that? They would love you either way; yet there's no need to downplay what you all have done.”
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She shook her head. "They need to know the cost of what they gave. I ignored it; they should not.”
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She saw his face morph from concern to soured; this was not how he wanted her memory to be led, and he was looking for the right words…
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“I don’t care; I’ll still blast them if they don’t honor you,” her uncle finally said when he could speak. Making her smile.
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“Uncle, I’m fine; we all are now, and my friends just want peace, so let them have it.”
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He looked at her with concern and patted her leg. "You can’t do it all alone. Look what happened to my friend Tanya. I fear the same for you….”
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As if led by those words, a cheerful voice broke their moment.
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“Nonsense, Arlin. She’s the hero; of course she will be happy to talk. And the mayor, my friend, why are you so nervous?”
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She saw Tanya Arlin's mother, full of joy, pulling Arlin, led by Ziala, next to her as they came to wish her well.
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“Len, that was a good speech.” Ziala nodded and praised her. Near the platform the crowd was much smaller, mostly staff getting things and food going.
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“It was more to keep them off of Arlin and the others; I did not have much to say.” I tried downplaying it, not liking the attention.
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“But you’re the hero? You should be proud; I am of my son!” Tanya spoke with surprise at her not seeking glory.
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“I told you, Mom, it was a battle, not some major victory…” Arlin spoke, looking flustered by her side; it seemed even now he was having trouble adapting…
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“Well, I want to help. Can I make something?” Tanya still felt filled with joy.
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“Well, I suppose they always need more to help with the food; there’s a lot being made and served,” the mayor said carefully near her, not trusting she would not get grabby. He was more careful with her now that she liked to do that…
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“Will you help me?“ Tanya asked the mayor, shocking him?
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“What, why?” He looked at her to see if she was mad, but she looked back puzzled and tilted her head.
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“I thought we were friends, and that’s what we do? We want to give back, no?”
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Ack, the mayor was caught off guard but tried to recover… “Only if the other guild members do it too! I’m not working for free…”188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkkUmELEym
Ziala spoke up. “I don’t mind helping; I was going to anyway. I think Len’s dad is too, and her mom, though I can’t speak for Coby’s dad; he might be overseeing defense…”
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That surprised me. I was happy they were helping, but what did Ziala mean when she said she did not mind helping? he said to the council members.
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“You’re on the council, Ziala?” Ziala looked over at me surprised before speaking.
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“I told you no?”
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“You should have a daughter. Why wouldn’t you?“ Tanya injected before I could respond. “She took over for me as guild master. I don’t want it anymore; I’m happy helping other ways.”
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I nodded slowly. I thought it was temporary and did not think much beyond it, kind of lost in my own way…
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“She’s good, and she doesn’t get in my way, so I never complained when it happened,” her uncle spoke up from her side when she looked to see what he meant. Ziala interjected, clarifying Uncle's point.
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“It was made permanent about a month ago. I am still training and going slow, but it is official.” Her uncle said nothing more; it seemed he was still annoyed he would be helping with cooking.
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As all the excitement was dying down, Arlin watched Leena, wondering if this could be his chance.
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===
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She still glowed the same as the first day he saw her; he even loved her speech protecting them and letting them be free. Nobody really bothered him except his mom, and he even got better at controlling his shadows. Before, everything was just their own will in darkness that he guided; now he could will it more to happen with less effort and more precise control.
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He hated his mom and sister dragging him out here, but now that he was here and near Len, he was happier. Ziala saw his looks and blessed him with a favor.
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“Come on, Mom, let’s get the mayor and do that cooking you want.”
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“YA!” Tanya exclaimed excitedly but reached for Arlin. “But what about my son? Won’t he join us?”
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He grimaced; he loved his mom, but she was definitely too loving, and he wanted time alone with Len, and she was ruining it…
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“Let him visit Leena; they have not had a chance since all the excitement, and it’s a dance; they should get a moment.“ Mom frowned at that.
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“Ok, be good, son,” and turn, waving bye to all of us before reaching down to grab the mayor, who had long since learned to watch and blast her with air while also using it to run off, which she happily gave chase to, followed by Ziala giving him a sly wink.
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He hoped Len's keen eye missed that detail, as he would lose his edge knowing she was being played to get them alone…
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“She’s definitely happy,” Len said beside me among those thoughts. I remember in the past when I heard that I said it was a lie, but now?
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“Yeah, she is, and I’m happy for her too.”
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The music started playing, and everyone was gathered and enjoying the party. Watching everyone pair up and practice different moves to flow in the dance made him nervous. When he tried to watch Len, she seemed fine.
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As if it was no big deal, he breathed in slowly and out and extended his hand, risking it all for once.
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“May I have this dance?” She giggled a cute laugh and glowed, warming my heart.
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“Sure, why not,” she said back, and all I felt was that I won.
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Everything just kind of washed away as we moved to the rhythm of the music. The song had us dance close but not touching, but that's ok; it's a start. I can get closer with time. Our voices got lost among the crowd even when we were in our own space, so we had to move closer, making me happy.
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That was till I saw where we really stand with what I said next after the music quieted down.
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“We’re free, and we never have to fight again. Isn’t that great?” I expected to hear a happy yes and have her embrace me, saying how she always wanted to get closer and did not know how; she was just waiting for me to make my move.
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So why was she looking at me as if I said something wrong?
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“Arlin I want to keep hunting; I won’t stop.” My smile slowly faded, and the confusion slipped. That wasn't the word I expected. Why wasn't she happy we were free…
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“Why?” I had to know I only half listened to the speech. Did she explain it then?
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“I trained to fight, and the gods trusted me with the light. I don’t want to stop… I just want to be better.”
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And just like that, he knew, really knew.
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They always can be friends, but nothing more. He would not fight, and she would not stop, and one day if she was his lover, they would have to choose to face a beast, and it would divide them just like now…
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The ogre's endless rage forcing him to hide in shadows. Nothing is working. Panic is building. He blinks, and there is the light still glowing unbroken. even when he was.
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When the day comes, he knows who will fight and who hides in shadows…
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“Ok, Len.”
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“Thanks for the dance; it was fun,” he said in almost a whisper.
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“It was fun for me too. I want to try to find Coby. Stay safe, ok?“ Len said cheerfully,
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“Yeah.”
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I watched her go among the crowd as a nice song started, and if the gods wanted to mock him, it was a slow one, but maybe it was for the best; he did not want to be close to her now, not when her light will hurt, knowing he will always be darkness…
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===
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Terra flared the flame in her mana; passion running high, she was getting flushed watching her prize dance with another woman. Even if it was Len, it still burned her up inside. That was her prize!
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Yet Len left, and now Arlin was alone, looking defeated, retreating into darkness. Blink, and all you see is shadows, and you never know a man was once there.
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But she refused to blink, she refused to look away, and she won't run. She mastered her forge and smashed past that fear and held those scars with pride, and if she had to, she expected this would be a new one too.
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It will hurt if after all this time he still rejects her, but she had to try, and if nothing else, she gets a dance, something she could hold on to.
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She's been practicing trying to talk better with the lens's help, so here goes nothing. She worked her way closer; he never even noticed she was there, but as the slow music played, she figured now or never as she burned a little brighter.
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“Arlin, may I have this dunce?” He jerked at her voice, and she grimaced, so close to saying it right….
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She saw him calmly look around as if wanting to run, and she would not chase; it would break her, but she would leave him be if he rejected her now. Instead, he looked with a bit of a sad smile and said the words she longed to hear.
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“Sure, why not? And you do look pretty in that dress.” The flame roared within her at those words, and if she was not careful, she would faint.
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She hated that she towered over him, but she loved him all the same, and if it did not bother him that she was taller, she would still love him the same. His touch was slow and awkward, as if afraid she would burn him, but she could not hold back, being so close, and embraced him.
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The thunder in his chest matched hers as they awkwardly tried to step into a rhythm. It was messy and clunky, and if anyone looked, they would probably laugh, but she was happy.
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Slowly the tension eased, and she felt at last they were just there for a dance just for them. “I don’t want to fight anymore.” Arlin spoke from her chest, surprising her.
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What was with that declaration? Letting her know where he stands? Did it matter he was talking to her? “I agree, I’m dun too,” she replied, hoping it was the right words…
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“Len's going to keep fighting.” She tensed at knowing what prompted it, but if she wanted to win, she had to know he had a heart too; she just needed to mend it.
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“She’s not wrong.”
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“But neither are U.“ She wasn't sure if that was the right words… but heard him laugh. Was her voice that funny? She was hoping she was talking better….
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“Yeah, you’re right, we can walk a different path; nothing wrong with that.” We? Did she hear him right, or was she assuming too much? Yet he was holding her, not shifting away in a mist, not looking at her with annoyance….
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He was listening to her as she did him…. Stay calm; let him feel like he's winning too.
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“I like you how U are, Arlin.” Her cheeks were burning saying that, and it kind of slipped from her lips. She was trying to play cool, and that was what she said….
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“I kinda like you too.” Arlin replied simply, as if the words were no biggie.
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That's it. It's light out. This has got to be a dream. There's no way this is the same man she's been chasing for so long. Was it? All it took was months and getting beat by a monster?
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Still worth it.
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She would not push; she would not demand more. She would take it slow, just like it took time for her scar to heal. She knew he felt something beyond a rebound of a wounded heart, and she would help mend it and watch it grow like the ember of flame it was.
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===
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She watched the big girl dance with the shadows, man.
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They both were honored heroes, and Arlin, she thinks, was his name, and the big girl was, uh… TERRA! Yeah, she was happy she remembered, but that was not who she wanted to find…
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She was hoping to catch Leena, the main hero, after her speech, but shooing away the boys and fighting through the crowd took her longer than she liked, and she lost her chance.
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She could use the wind to try and see; she tried talking to Coby to learn how better, but he was always busy, and she was stuck behind the counter most days…
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She only had vague reports of others who learned of it as a skill; it is not unheard of but rare, as most never tried or said they could not overcome the vertigo and sickness.
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She knew well that feeling when she finally was able to use the wind to see and threw up a second later, embarrassing herself, so she did not really try much since she was hoping Coby would teach her and hoping to get just closer, period.
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She tried to sense mana in the wind, but it was in vain; too many bodies blended in a mass of form caused her wave of sickness, making it a bad choice to use the skill. She did not want to throw up anywhere near her new dress!
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She brushed her curly hair back, thinking… If Len is not here, she is probably doing like me and scouting…. For her family?
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Maybe…. Or maybe Coby!
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It was worth a shot; at the very least, she could use her to help hopefully find Coby…
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Pushing through the crowd was starting to get exhausting, she thought. Mixing into the crowd, she saw a light glow, maybe? She took a chance and went for it…
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Bless be the gods, her gamble paid off; only one person chose to shine with a light, and it was who she was looking for!
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She finally managed to push closer; she was talking to a pretty foxkin who was looking aloof even among the crowd and not able to hear the talk. She knew the girl was not happy; maybe she got rejected by a boy she liked. Gods, she hoped she did not have the same fate, but she really needed Len's help, so she took a chance at offending her.
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The foxkin notice her first. Hey, I know her… That, uh… NINA, that's the whole team! Well, minus Coby, wow, she met all the heroes tonight; that's amazing. Leena turned to see what caused Nina to scowl beyond looking annoyed; before now Nina was calm, but now she was turning hostile….
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“Sorry, sorry, really I am, and I hate how I make myself known to the heroes, but have you seen Coby?”
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Leena looked thoughtful, and Nina went back to being aloof, making me relieved. Guess she's just having a bad day?
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“I’m looking for him too, but may I ask why you need him? Did something happen?” Leena asked calmly.
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“Aha, well…. You see… um, I kinda wanted to dance with him…” I hated feeling out of place but really needed help and really did not want to lose this chance with Coby.
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But seeing both their surprise made me worried. Did he already have a girlfriend? Gasp, was one of them his girlfriend? Got to play it cool….
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“Uh, is he with his girlfriend? I never had a chance to learn if he did. I won’t try anything if he does.”
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Nina shrugged, and Leena spoke instead. “He never mentioned any girls, and he’s like family to us, so we do talk, but he tended to focus talks on hunting. I'm having trouble finding him in the crowd and found my sister instead.
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Sister? A beastkin… Uh, big world, good for them.
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“Can I follow you looking for him? So far no luck for me either….”
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Nina said she wanted nothing to do with it and wandered off, surprising me, but Leena agreed easily enough. It was only after a few frustrating minutes of feeling like we were just mixing into a sea of people that Leena surprised me with insight.
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“I bet they’re outside the crowd, watching closer to the gates,” of course! They were helping the guard; they would rotate so all would get to be among the crowd through the night, but Coby would take one of the first shifts!
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“That’s smart. I don’t know why I did not think of that!” I told her I was proud of her insight.
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“Nonsense, you would have your hunter after all.” I beam at the nice words.
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The south side was a bust, but it was mixed with hunters and guards, which belatedly I already knew. I had seen the reports and got permission to not be a part of those shifts, thinking myself clever and that I would get more time with Coby….
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I assumed he would join Leena for the speech, and I could meet him then, but as with all things in life, it was never that simple….
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West Side, and he was there but with his dad…. And I lost my drive… Leena saw me slowly and wondered why I hastened….
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“I, uh, went out of my way to be let off watch duty so the hunter leader will wonder why, and I don’t want it known it was because of Coby, at least not like this…
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I started to feel defeated, so close and yet so far, a bust that went nowhere. Maybe another time… When a hand gently touched my shoulder, “I will talk with him; just wait over there.” She pointed near the edge of the dance crowds and left.
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I watched from the side while they talked, unaware of what they said. A random boy tried to get a dance; she politely said she was waiting for her date, but thanks anyway—a mild lie. She was waiting for someone she wanted to date.
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Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Leena point in her direction, and she tried to play it off like she was wandering nearby, and Coby started walking her way as Leena stayed behind and talked with the hunter leader, making her nervous. Now that he was coming, she wasn't sure how to act or what to say; she was losing the confidence that made her so bold.
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“Hey, it’s been a while.” It was Coby smiling, and it all just melted away.
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“YEA, uh, yea… Sorry, loud crowds excite me.” Gods, that was lame…
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He laughed. “Me too. That’s why I was trying to get away for a bit. I was talking with Dad. How was the dance, by the way?”188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9ks3ng6bx
“Dunno, nobody asked me yet,” I lied. I had like ten guys hound me… He looked surprised, then skeptical, as if calling my bluff, but smiled and extended his hand.
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“Then may I be the first to have your hand and dance?”
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“You’re such a charmer.” She could not help but laugh and take his hand. It was not a slow dance but one full of life as they twirled around each other. It was fun, and she could swear she felt the wind pulling around them, dancing as one with them. It felt like a union of blessing as they discovered new things.
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“I’m sorry, by the way.” He broke her joy with an odd statement?
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“Eh.”
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“Why?” Did something go unexpectedly? Was he about to leave? Oh no, he did have a girlfriend….
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“I never asked you name; I always just assumed there’d be another day, and by the gods, months passed, and everything just kind of went away.” She laughed, so relieved it was just something small like that.
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“Mom hated winter, so when she had me, she always wanted to remember warmer times, so she named me June, saying I would always brighten her day, knowing summer wasn’t far away when June was there.”
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“I know it’s lame, but I like it,” June said. He smiled, listening to her.
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“It’s not lame; it’s a pretty name for a pretty girl.” She blushed. This was going better than she hoped! And wasn't sure what this meant for their future but was happy it was going so well, at least for now…
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===
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In the distance, mixed in with the crowd, Wolf watches his friend, who he loved like a brother, meet and dance with a girl he never even knew was a thing. He wonders how long they have been dating or if this is a new thing.
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“I think it’s nice,“ Teva’s voice sounded from his side. He was also watching; she was wearing a very lovely deep blue dress. It made her white hair and tail stand out more. She had her hair done in a braid; it was finally long enough to style it. Her eyes shone with a glow full of warmth.
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The music shifted to a slow dance once more, and they embraced. Long since knowing each other's touch, a unity they both wanted as they sway happily with the song.
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Yet Teva still surprised him by bringing up Nina…
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“You should still try to talk to her; at least for me, she won’t listen to me if it’s you she wants to see…“ Teva asked gently.
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He did not flinch; he did not grumble. It was something he wore himself down long before thinking about…
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“I know… but it is not the same.” He replied coolly.
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“Why?”
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“She… does love me like family, but she needs attention I can’t give.”
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“And it gets harder and harder for me to accommodate without it feeling forced, and she knows that, so she leaves…”
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“I’m happy with her as family but not with the attention she wants from me…”
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“Did you tell her that? Or are you just assuming she knows?”
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“I don’t want to tell her I still care about her as a sister, and she doesn’t need me to hurt her for wanting to be loved.”
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“So you ignore her instead?” That did make him pause, breaking the flow of the dance.
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“Sorry, Wolf, that was rude. I overstepped,” she tried clarifying.
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“No, you’re right. Don’t be afraid to talk; I want you too.“
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“Truthfully I wish I could be more open with her, but I just feel like since the lie, we just grew more distant, and I’m not sure what has any meaning.”
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“Like what happened to us?” He knew she was talking about before she came back, how hard she fought just to be part of his life, and how even to her he was indifferent…
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“Sorry, that was cruel of me. You deserved better, but it was a lot for me back then.” Wolf explained why he was distant in the past.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6T7aUhzhh
“Nonsense, wolf. I was no better, especially to Nina, in my past; that’s why I feel she deserves better.”
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He knew it was true; he would talk to her tomorrow or the next day when things settled and try to mend bridges. They have been apart too long, and he did little to change that.
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Holding Teva and talking about things like this, it pained him to know once more he would go home alone. It always felt like she was distant too; even now, holding her so close, he feared he would lose this one thing he found he wanted…
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“Hey Tev…” he asked carefully, afraid of what would happen next.
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“Yea,“ she looked up at him upon his chest, both no longer caring what song played, wanting to be close.
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“I don’t want you to go home anymore.” He paused briefly before clarifying his desire. “I want… you… to live with me.”
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She smiled, reached up slowly, and gently gave him a kiss. Slow, deliberate, unspoken words were told through the touch upon his lips. They danced slowly like that, both knowing tonight would be the night they spent more than just a night together, and it would change who they are.
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===
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Nina was excited she finally found her brother mixed in with the crowds, but as she saw him with Teva and how they moved, how they danced, and the final gentle kiss, she knew she had no place with him—maybe she never did—so she knew then she could not stay.
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The last thing she wanted to lose was her family, but the only one she really wanted she never could have. She did not care Teva was his lover, but she did care it meant he did not have time to love her as family. She had enough emotional distance people in her life; she did not need more….
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===
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The magic in the air stirred; the players had their dances, and for the first time in centuries, the fairy came back to this forest. They watched carefully among the crowd, curious about the dance, careful not to be seen or caught. They wanted to see the child the gods blessed with balance so strong it could shift mana itself. That was supposed to be a rare gift only for fairies, or so they thought, but the sea faces all look the same to them, so they enjoyed the noise and random games humans played.
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They had time, and they would watch and find him till they settled among the lake; it would be safe enough. They would risk staying around there; maybe the gods would bless them with insight into where he was, but till then, they listen to the music, wondering if he could truly shift mana and change their fates.
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It was an ending for all but also a start of new fates. The story was told, but at the same time it went on for all; some found hope, some found love, others felt things were only destroyed, but all could dream, at least for this one night, not knowing what tomorrow would bring with the light.
ns216.73.216.179da2
and then Add to home screen.