My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.32Please respect copyright.PENANA3Vcig17V8N
32Please respect copyright.PENANADTC6xEZAT2
The air inside the guild did nothing to ease the tension. Aside from the creaking of the wood, and the soft sound of pen on paper from the receptionist, the room was silent. I was beginning to regret showing up early, even if it was a proactive and intelligent decision.32Please respect copyright.PENANAPj0E4DST3S
32Please respect copyright.PENANAjezSToTLXU
"Haa..."32Please respect copyright.PENANALsBnN7wQSL
32Please respect copyright.PENANAdtfF5BN5ey
"Are you okay?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAq9Fdi4xAlX
32Please respect copyright.PENANAq1MVdL4Vjy
"Phew. Now I am."32Please respect copyright.PENANA3klvGd4Nce
32Please respect copyright.PENANAxfI7NKBXqi
Flinty was sitting on the stool beside me. Hearing her speak calmed me immensely, but then she snatched my wrist and the anxiety came crawling back.32Please respect copyright.PENANAWeblG5glw7
32Please respect copyright.PENANA8eptxQ4bHz
"W-What is it?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAdBBXoV7uKm
32Please respect copyright.PENANAwUf3qeRa5b
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."32Please respect copyright.PENANAVmehYauyJ9
32Please respect copyright.PENANA2hZzcvXwHw
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."32Please respect copyright.PENANA6qi5vbx7Ue
32Please respect copyright.PENANAxaTh4C6qfq
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA0EoighW4jz
32Please respect copyright.PENANA9rc86zDQdY
"Well..."32Please respect copyright.PENANABQQosVWkPs
32Please respect copyright.PENANAVKoIEKw34s
I didn't tell her about the mission from last week, nor did I have any intention to, so I just returned to silently perching in the guild.32Please respect copyright.PENANAqHvLQgN4GU
32Please respect copyright.PENANAUUkpMEPWq6
"Come on, tell me!"32Please respect copyright.PENANA7meYzdKb8O
32Please respect copyright.PENANAMPttUULexM
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."32Please respect copyright.PENANAjTJtH8giFx
32Please respect copyright.PENANAbmPnkVmrhm
She sighed and shrugged.32Please respect copyright.PENANAbu1U2TXHd1
32Please respect copyright.PENANAojAXWYdZOe
"Are you feeling nervous?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA1ikda6Dd4f
32Please respect copyright.PENANAyjfaqQ8QxT
"Of course I am."32Please respect copyright.PENANAp8AyhdOaso
32Please respect copyright.PENANAD2fjAPVdgi
"You shouldn't be."32Please respect copyright.PENANAEfXvlH1hzS
32Please respect copyright.PENANAE9IFw0Y64v
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."32Please respect copyright.PENANAcPHVrURxaS
32Please respect copyright.PENANAE0syOQk7Mu
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."32Please respect copyright.PENANAct3xzdmAwp
32Please respect copyright.PENANAX2bTIuRyTp
"...What's that supposed to mean?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAQdLawDajWN
32Please respect copyright.PENANAkpsPa3EDDf
I sighed and dropped my head, staring at my knees. I thought about putting my finger in my mouth again. Instead, I continued to wait, staring at the door in anticipation for the teammates whose identities I didn't know.32Please respect copyright.PENANAOV7R1g9fH2
32Please respect copyright.PENANAf5chm3Vn3i
"I think you came here a little too early."32Please respect copyright.PENANAR3Bh0urDZu
32Please respect copyright.PENANAJ8ecCokmzi
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."32Please respect copyright.PENANAONNmf8KfaU
32Please respect copyright.PENANAWd3VEDiNDl
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAKdkodaZcct
32Please respect copyright.PENANAVr8ic01h51
My cheeks turned rosy. I nodded and kept staring at the door, trying my hardest to keep my gaze away from her.
"Hey, wait, why isn't the Tea Mage here to see me off–"
**SMASH**
The guild doors suddenly flung open. I was hoping I spoke my complaints into existence, but instead of seeing a stuck-up middle-aged man, I saw a girl around the same age as Victoria. Her red hair was tied into a small ponytail, and she had what looked to be a rapier by her hip and a dagger on the other side.
She made eye contact with me, and I shuddered; something about her almond-shaped eyes unnerved me. She narrowed them and then stomped toward the receptionist's desk. They talked about something, the girl made a face of disbelief, then she begrudgingly trotted to Flinty and me.
"Hi, I'm Flinty!"
The girl glanced at her and then looked at me with her arms crossed.
"Are you two seriously my teammates?"
"No no, I'm not working with you two. Kenny is, though. Anyway, it's nice to meet–"
"Gah, are you serious? This little brat is working with me?"
"Brat!? You're hardly older than me!"
She flagrantly pointed at me. Her irritation morphed into ire when I made my comment.
"So what! At least I'm old enough to think for myself, and do taxes or whatever! You just came out of the womb!"
"What the hell are you saying!? Is this any way to introduce yourself to a teammate!?"
"Of course it isn't, which is why I'm talking to you like this!"
I looked over at Flinty, making my bewilderment known from my expression. She looked upset herself, but from the shrug she gave me, I could tell that she wanted no part of this.
I didn't either. This girl was rude and unnecessarily hostile. So I just crossed my arms and looked the other way.
"See! You're admitting to it by shutting up!"
"Admitting to what? I'm your teammate whether you like it or not. If you don't believe me, you'll find out soon enough."
"Hmph! We'll see."
I stuck my tongue out to her. She stormed away and sat at one of the tables
"I don't like her," I muttered.
"Yeah, she's really rude. I think she should apologize."
"I'd rather we don't speak again."
"...But isn't she your teammate? You'll have to do it again eventually."
"That's–"
A good point, I wanted to say, but couldn't squeeze it out of my mind. I sighed and rubbed my temples.
"At least try getting her name."
"Why don't you do it? You're better at handling these things than I am."
"How is she supposed to apologize to you then?"
"I don't care about an apology!"
"Of course you do! You wanted one from the prince, remember? You totally care about whether people apologize or not!"
"...Darn it."
She saw right through me. I didn't want to get up and talk to her, but logically speaking, it was the best course of action.
I groaned as I glared at the girl. She didn't return any looks. She looked like she was about to fall asleep. A perfect excuse to not talk to her presented itself, and I–
"Ack!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAmTq5HLQFPK
32Please respect copyright.PENANAmSyMTNMrqL
Was smacked by Flinty.
"Go!"
"G-Goodness, when did you get so bossy?"
"I-I'm not bossy! I'm just trying to help."
"Fine, I'll do it."
I hopped off the stool and walked towards her, rubbing my shoulder on the way. I stood beside her in silence for a few seconds and she said nothing. I imitated a cough into my fist. She opened one of her eyes and glared at me.32Please respect copyright.PENANA7c6BCVLtGm
32Please respect copyright.PENANAnwoReogQM1
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."32Please respect copyright.PENANAqp0wdrOhaG
32Please respect copyright.PENANAfiLQ7oIFgM
Three times did I want to stop talking and walk away, and two times did I reconsider sticking my hand out, but I did so anyway. She looked at my hand for an uncomfortably long amount of time. I was growing increasingly annoyed.32Please respect copyright.PENANANikg7F5ULi
32Please respect copyright.PENANAXT5pk14gFM
"Aren't you going to say something?"32Please respect copyright.PENANADT1zjGy5ig
32Please respect copyright.PENANAY9P1QxhWqH
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."32Please respect copyright.PENANAw7W1Sb1Tsc
32Please respect copyright.PENANAKBQIylWFwj
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAs33oLo1zy5
32Please respect copyright.PENANATxU9qwJqaW
I pulled out my card and showed it to her. I didn't actually know if we had the same mission, but I was willing to bet on it. She skimmed over the details and pulled out her own. Her eyes suddenly opened wide, and a smirk plastered on my face.32Please respect copyright.PENANAwSlhLXFOLS
32Please respect copyright.PENANAZ34qbwPJHo
"...I-I still don't believe you."32Please respect copyright.PENANAHMeJwdyJJC
32Please respect copyright.PENANAKCXY5X7xzF
"Are you serious!?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAzfSQhQQ0ET
32Please respect copyright.PENANA1YstNXzg1f
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.32Please respect copyright.PENANAvrYFXKfRpt
32Please respect copyright.PENANAlAb6AvPn4B
"Can I at least have your name?"32Please respect copyright.PENANATXOxXl7oZr
32Please respect copyright.PENANA7xY6nGEz4c
Sweat beads formed on her as her gaze switched between me and her card. It was obvious that she knew she was wrong, and yet, she refused to admit it.32Please respect copyright.PENANAkJ01hXp3xf
32Please respect copyright.PENANAQd2fdGB9Fe
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"32Please respect copyright.PENANA2aeJ2fukSC
32Please respect copyright.PENANAnhIPW110XC
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.32Please respect copyright.PENANAV5CCf8TZtK
32Please respect copyright.PENANAqATzVz9k44
"A-Alright, I won't forget."32Please respect copyright.PENANADz92U9fG1c
32Please respect copyright.PENANA80ii1yTBjU
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"32Please respect copyright.PENANABhe9n8ozHQ
32Please respect copyright.PENANAlk3qNt8t8q
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."32Please respect copyright.PENANAv9a0A25L7d
32Please respect copyright.PENANAwXIMkTAqRK
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.32Please respect copyright.PENANAJNlvE0KeXv
32Please respect copyright.PENANAvANDrVNk6z
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAIphDzBT6GG
32Please respect copyright.PENANAZtgt3UNvbt
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"32Please respect copyright.PENANA54tp4yANZD
32Please respect copyright.PENANASMNrzutgAw
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.32Please respect copyright.PENANA1cvre7ItzY
32Please respect copyright.PENANAZuVKoyMnZ3
"She's not very nice at all."32Please respect copyright.PENANAJNVv4lJF1c
32Please respect copyright.PENANA4JGLQECniY
"I suppose not."32Please respect copyright.PENANAF5FtQOgV6D
32Please respect copyright.PENANAYJAKThzF0G
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."32Please respect copyright.PENANAioiQ33ytLp
32Please respect copyright.PENANAmpwHshmOfn
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"32Please respect copyright.PENANAYnU6mjfLNR
32Please respect copyright.PENANAzn8HHVy1IN
**SMASH**32Please respect copyright.PENANAzV05Pmre46
32Please respect copyright.PENANAUGBKd2q4It
The door flung open yet again, revealing a tall and fibrous figure. Once he stepped outside of the blinding sun's light and into the guild, all of his features became distinguishable.32Please respect copyright.PENANAt5MYUUUfba
32Please respect copyright.PENANAtFze30K6kp
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.32Please respect copyright.PENANASR6LtikltG
32Please respect copyright.PENANACFqmmkXE7J
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAELeWus3WGx
32Please respect copyright.PENANA9OTFLaTXge
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.32Please respect copyright.PENANAmqwOEorbS5
32Please respect copyright.PENANAl9dYxcfNZD
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAKb9aP28QtE
32Please respect copyright.PENANANbsuuRJc7z
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."32Please respect copyright.PENANAs4uYYe6eYI
32Please respect copyright.PENANA9QZopVoqmJ
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.32Please respect copyright.PENANAypS9BEjKPb
32Please respect copyright.PENANAZgQ9MMPpzQ
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."32Please respect copyright.PENANA3J77o40dCD
32Please respect copyright.PENANAwyQgpozLxo
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA2JGqeIe1ER
32Please respect copyright.PENANAt7r0GjSKHx
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.32Please respect copyright.PENANAjbvmbSG9aM
32Please respect copyright.PENANAuASZaHcrXS
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAtPawn13Rmn
32Please respect copyright.PENANAFHrHdm21DO
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA8JvXxmL2Z5
32Please respect copyright.PENANAV174yYOnBH
"No, not at all."32Please respect copyright.PENANAidkbrKW4tj
32Please respect copyright.PENANA1sG9u36635
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"32Please respect copyright.PENANA5YU7ktA0jP
32Please respect copyright.PENANA3mTeH4JNUI
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.32Please respect copyright.PENANAH4GsNpiokV
32Please respect copyright.PENANAjIrH6A8b8e
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."32Please respect copyright.PENANAH2esOxO3li
32Please respect copyright.PENANAN2UsrGdUeG
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.32Please respect copyright.PENANAjEQUxCoFUa
32Please respect copyright.PENANAPqx8EIdIqT
"Is she our teammate?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAzh4rpEs98K
32Please respect copyright.PENANAF2M3YHwfFV
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."32Please respect copyright.PENANAShF2wQedXc
32Please respect copyright.PENANAB7qLg2XXYc
"That so? Lemme test the waters."32Please respect copyright.PENANAaODWISLkBz
32Please respect copyright.PENANApodP1Ip04O
"You'll regret it."32Please respect copyright.PENANAIhVYtOoFUU
32Please respect copyright.PENANAj3OMD9byrW
I leaned back and watched the impending catastrophe unfold before me. Juke greeted Rover, she mentioned something about him looking strong which Juke rebuked, they shook hands, exchanged names, and Juke walked back to me.32Please respect copyright.PENANAf2FPu75oxS
32Please respect copyright.PENANAsJIJTWGYq6
"...Wait."32Please respect copyright.PENANAT6llhVBw3c
32Please respect copyright.PENANAEN9M9XBdQb
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!32Please respect copyright.PENANA8I0wgDPgr9
32Please respect copyright.PENANAyvVn80TNAs
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."32Please respect copyright.PENANAqg216Xhncx
32Please respect copyright.PENANAE5oapE8IQL
"A little? Just a little?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA2ODqiWHbV5
32Please respect copyright.PENANAEAjEQWqSme
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."32Please respect copyright.PENANA2nKdIFICPL
32Please respect copyright.PENANAKSXEfPM0Mi
"I met her five minutes ago!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAZvGGWHeJ55
32Please respect copyright.PENANA4R1PCAFYmg
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.32Please respect copyright.PENANANbJAxL9grT
32Please respect copyright.PENANAkAGICbd8Bd
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."32Please respect copyright.PENANApC3yK9JAaE
32Please respect copyright.PENANA0KlUSz4Kkb
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."32Please respect copyright.PENANA3APZ6gQ3Zw
32Please respect copyright.PENANAdI77FRfWm1
"Really?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA4JLMwXBA3c
32Please respect copyright.PENANAi0X4Rq0TNz
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.32Please respect copyright.PENANAwighSHbeU3
32Please respect copyright.PENANA3StdSwT5v5
"What do you mean 'really'?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAcszuyz4ZDR
32Please respect copyright.PENANANeunR5K2FJ
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"32Please respect copyright.PENANANLntJnK2dn
32Please respect copyright.PENANAjjCZEYJs8U
"--!"32Please respect copyright.PENANA8HTZHsL6UB
32Please respect copyright.PENANAMFdJD4zk5E
I understood the underlying message of her words. I thought about it myself, and she was right. I wasn't feeling nervous at all. Though, frustration wasn't a preferable alternative.32Please respect copyright.PENANAkJLu504H5Z
32Please respect copyright.PENANALcvLSY5WD7
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."32Please respect copyright.PENANAbg01RaEFNy
32Please respect copyright.PENANAMpxOoSItB3
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."32Please respect copyright.PENANAyKEPdHEIhH
32Please respect copyright.PENANAhNUribOx5S
**SMASH**32Please respect copyright.PENANAmK6TtcWefV
32Please respect copyright.PENANANkozGor9FW
The guild's doors swiftly opened for the third time. The figure there was tall, and his apparel made him unrecognizable, even when he stepped inside. Everyone's attention was fixed on the man. He scanned the room and nodded to himself as if this was the reaction he wanted. Then, the man took his head off.32Please respect copyright.PENANATNB27T8Zst
32Please respect copyright.PENANAx2Af1hcK9R
My jaw dropped yet again.32Please respect copyright.PENANALZFG9q8IO4
32Please respect copyright.PENANAnJJq4NCC4Q
"ROY!?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAfbYDTZnXO1
32Please respect copyright.PENANAYPo2TXb8oq
–
–
–
Certainly, Roy's visit was a surprise. I thought for a moment that he would be joining us on our mission, but he immediately called me a fool for even thinking that.32Please respect copyright.PENANAJvFdEbmMFt
32Please respect copyright.PENANAHPrNNmvMUc
Roy was responsible for handing us our cargo and carriage. Juke held a package in his hand, and we were also given a map of the city we were visiting. Roy didn't say much afterward, he was simply standing and waiting for us to leave. Considering my impression of him, even this much consideration was a shock.32Please respect copyright.PENANAK6sE2xGm9e
32Please respect copyright.PENANAEUAlKNKIDA
"Alright, the cargo's packed, and the carriage is full of a bunch of food. Should last us a month if we don't waste it all. Water's up in the air, though."32Please respect copyright.PENANA2sqtg9n2Ef
32Please respect copyright.PENANAsjOThhkGsa
Juke exited the carriage after a quick inspection, rubbing his helmet at his assessment.
"I can make water with magic," I replied, "it shouldn't be an issue."32Please respect copyright.PENANA0mxhpNnRBg
32Please respect copyright.PENANASpzxgk6l4D
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAbopnmPvUVN
32Please respect copyright.PENANAy3Ie2VGyoQ
Once Juke asked the question, Rover immediately stomped towards and entered the carriage. I looked at the carriage's steps, partially in sympathy, but more so because I was cringing at the prospect of riding with her.32Please respect copyright.PENANAK6JQljLRUX
32Please respect copyright.PENANA1TdA4N2cIQ
Also, it didn't help that the entrance to the very thing I've been losing hair over was standing right there. I did not doubt that, once I entered it, it would galvanize me into staying put, and something about that terrified me.32Please respect copyright.PENANAi6HcWsYYGs
32Please respect copyright.PENANASAIMIEnmEW
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."32Please respect copyright.PENANAOH1Hvcu1kI
32Please respect copyright.PENANAiHuUPVC1LZ
"R-Right."32Please respect copyright.PENANAFHb7L9T2KA
32Please respect copyright.PENANAOCO1ljSGxH
Juke entered the carriage, leaving me alone. I gulped and took a step forward, pulling my finger to my mouth and clasping it with my teeth–32Please respect copyright.PENANA8Is5wCibTo
32Please respect copyright.PENANAIkzdEwhgXP
"Ack!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAzFEJckF5WC
32Please respect copyright.PENANAbEaA31Ax4r
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.32Please respect copyright.PENANARXN0xKOdPI
32Please respect copyright.PENANAT2bIIBbObj
"F-Flinty, what was–"32Please respect copyright.PENANALGdIeobPr8
32Please respect copyright.PENANAzzuATf6Vdx
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAomGUIbiaoS
32Please respect copyright.PENANAHOhZ6PMHDU
I was expecting a frown or a scowl, but instead, I was greeted with an assuring grin and a thumbs-up. I was baffled and at a loss for words, and I still had my finger in my mouth.32Please respect copyright.PENANAFvhE7bMnTy
32Please respect copyright.PENANAdDHIeStNqV
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."32Please respect copyright.PENANAhTvqwoul7D
32Please respect copyright.PENANAdJydecrVfh
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"32Please respect copyright.PENANACVlUeTGdVO
32Please respect copyright.PENANAuVZ1vU5Sxp
"No, I'm not just saying it."32Please respect copyright.PENANAwOJ8oyuUFb
32Please respect copyright.PENANAafpFPG0uuI
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.32Please respect copyright.PENANAWNX7bnmIYa
32Please respect copyright.PENANARIlsYm26qY
"I don't get why you're so nervous, but I think you should have more confidence in yourself. I mean, you're Kenny, aren't you? You always manage to do amazing things, y'know."32Please respect copyright.PENANAA8jwH5eUt6
32Please respect copyright.PENANAqnQQLv98s3
I wanted to refute her words, but I couldn't find it in me to do so. They were too, joyful, and too much like her.32Please respect copyright.PENANADKxbnfOhyt
32Please respect copyright.PENANAEyDro8Pvz9
"Even if you meet someone big and bad, even if you have to fight the likes of Hard-Bringer, I'm sure you'll be fine! You're tough, and you're a good person, a-and even if you get scared, you've got friends with you; friends who can fight and who you can rely on."32Please respect copyright.PENANA50gemJbhkI
32Please respect copyright.PENANAcBk9prpTex
"I–"32Please respect copyright.PENANApZE2yeN63W
32Please respect copyright.PENANAp4ADIUc2Rm
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAg5vbGn2Lrv
32Please respect copyright.PENANAVPbiTnI12l
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAvojeUEf5Oi
32Please respect copyright.PENANATFVjIdjwMI
I repeated some of her words, digesting them as I stared at the ground. I didn't agree with her assessment at all, not one but. And yet–32Please respect copyright.PENANAR7o2dLylBq
32Please respect copyright.PENANApWchbxpIrg
And yet...32Please respect copyright.PENANAeKmiLQnbDT
32Please respect copyright.PENANAZbxRPSiaME
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."32Please respect copyright.PENANAHqzCeq0h0C
32Please respect copyright.PENANARN9zrOJX0B
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.32Please respect copyright.PENANAezpwwX8fjs
32Please respect copyright.PENANAouucPhnOz6
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAq35lCgnqtW
32Please respect copyright.PENANAbxTiKM6Sbz
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.32Please respect copyright.PENANAnNNDlVpreR
32Please respect copyright.PENANA23DywGbkrc
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAWvTgTHJenA
32Please respect copyright.PENANAU7YdyKpbux
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."32Please respect copyright.PENANAIQP5r12q9E
32Please respect copyright.PENANAJzMFkIlBWw
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"32Please respect copyright.PENANA3liAaoCv9X
32Please respect copyright.PENANAcjMfvNJ2Pg
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"32Please respect copyright.PENANA86ALN9nuDX
32Please respect copyright.PENANAQUY85D2lqR
"O-Okay."32Please respect copyright.PENANA9iqnaNdMFi
32Please respect copyright.PENANAYJ6JG5FPF8
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.32Please respect copyright.PENANAKl7oyGOuld
32Please respect copyright.PENANAlVOTAIqwSf
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."32Please respect copyright.PENANAaDV5OiFZfq
32Please respect copyright.PENANA1DZTPNc1F1
"Okay okay, fine."32Please respect copyright.PENANALygfhP3Teh
32Please respect copyright.PENANAKFxzgNGXSI
I ran up the stairs of the cart, peering my head over the threshold at Flinty and waving at her. I entered the carriage and sat beside Juke and opposite Rover.32Please respect copyright.PENANAgjpqqcXB8q
32Please respect copyright.PENANAQalxAsigKu
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."32Please respect copyright.PENANAywKT2AG2Q8
32Please respect copyright.PENANAorHnlxyyBy
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.32Please respect copyright.PENANAY5eEo3g64b
32Please respect copyright.PENANAn4VgSNOq9x
–
–
–
The wheels against the paved trail provided a comfortable amount of drone to the ride. It removed the silence and made the experience of looking out the window far more delightful. Though, I wasn't the most qualified envoy of such information. No, that was Rover.32Please respect copyright.PENANAfTaNGAjqam
32Please respect copyright.PENANAIuV7SfGV3X
She was on her knees with her head sticking out the window, taking in the sights and making gleeful noises like a child. Considering her age, it wouldn't be unfair to call her one. It was equally expected as it was surprising.32Please respect copyright.PENANAkZYikyX8T1
32Please respect copyright.PENANA7aChWOyga8
Truthfully though, I could care less about the enjoyment she experienced from the ride. The reason why her giddiness was welcoming was because I didn't have to talk to her. And because I didn't have to talk to her, I was enjoying the quiet ambiance of the ride, my eyes closed as my head was turned to the ceiling.32Please respect copyright.PENANAdIK1L5uWzV
32Please respect copyright.PENANAkt6RgLGXOX
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAG6KgSfjhan
32Please respect copyright.PENANA471bB72b4h
"Huh...? What did you say?"32Please respect copyright.PENANASpiBnLOhIC
32Please respect copyright.PENANAA2MMIwB0iC
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.32Please respect copyright.PENANAKYwqzw49gn
32Please respect copyright.PENANAhZMWI98wa5
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAsxXojTAIDO
32Please respect copyright.PENANAtmPrRX8D8T
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."32Please respect copyright.PENANAFbyLjgV4wb
32Please respect copyright.PENANATzl74gXof3
I looked turned my head and looked into the back of the carriage. All our food and resources were stored there, as well as our package. I couldn't see the map, but I was certain that someone had it on their body.32Please respect copyright.PENANAGzZC9vTxV1
32Please respect copyright.PENANAjdsDrdposq
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAw36qAOMT6Y
32Please respect copyright.PENANAZnkkP41T8V
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."32Please respect copyright.PENANA2yxIO95qyC
32Please respect copyright.PENANAoZdz88YFtw
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."32Please respect copyright.PENANAF5jXHRUrlK
32Please respect copyright.PENANAoCiRfez0tK
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."32Please respect copyright.PENANA2SDvmwfF79
32Please respect copyright.PENANAZQVAJJsfBF
"Note?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAEXkPZ4Q0x1
32Please respect copyright.PENANA2gEamaRcnN
I turned to Juke who now had a piece of paper in his hands. It was... glistening, and though I couldn't tell what made it so, it likely served as protection from damage.32Please respect copyright.PENANAzVeBTznQd7
32Please respect copyright.PENANAxDVYxyUFKU
"What does it say?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA6xK5NvFVpu
32Please respect copyright.PENANAq6bWMTbdE4
"It's just using the royal name and all that. Kind of like a free ticket to a play, only for whatever this 'Communication Tower' is."32Please respect copyright.PENANAjICAfVjwbQ
32Please respect copyright.PENANAYA8cfLsP0M
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."32Please respect copyright.PENANAuT18va2sUh
32Please respect copyright.PENANAQwgynljBCm
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAEBWSx7dA19
32Please respect copyright.PENANAZpYkBi2elI
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."32Please respect copyright.PENANAzTfS4SmKEk
32Please respect copyright.PENANAjjZMgBrqnp
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."32Please respect copyright.PENANA7jABot0XZq
32Please respect copyright.PENANAITaJHe2yVt
Juke sighed and put the paper away.32Please respect copyright.PENANApInaXz4o80
32Please respect copyright.PENANAupuhzxPdKz
"So, how's about a story?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAH8Z08uahQs
32Please respect copyright.PENANAyKrf4uvFTD
"Why are you asking a child for a story? Aren't you, what, in your forties? Don't you have something more interesting to tell?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAFeJMgzCDV7
32Please respect copyright.PENANAn5MHTYKjWa
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."32Please respect copyright.PENANAdFyjFME1vw
32Please respect copyright.PENANA0jgCA8yp7a
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.32Please respect copyright.PENANApg05L5lTq0
32Please respect copyright.PENANA7JfLnXEsfc
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."32Please respect copyright.PENANAioETflElO6
32Please respect copyright.PENANAq9NFVD9VkH
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."32Please respect copyright.PENANAVBjzVkFavT
32Please respect copyright.PENANA428lO43dOZ
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAmuQQNOYOYt
32Please respect copyright.PENANAKpnJnURTAZ
A new voice entered the conversation, and who else could it be but Rover? She perked up at the word 'story' like a puppy who was offered a new toy. She had a sparkle in her eyes that she tried to hide immediately after asking her question.32Please respect copyright.PENANAKNELm1cUmT
32Please respect copyright.PENANAlYwKvHyX4B
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."32Please respect copyright.PENANA2qZgOzoTR0
32Please respect copyright.PENANArGRmDEDiW6
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAMD0ws43TUs
32Please respect copyright.PENANA7vPgJSnNbB
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"32Please respect copyright.PENANAh3FFfpgI6I
32Please respect copyright.PENANAkGBRrliWCD
"Seriously? You have to be lying."32Please respect copyright.PENANAh10BJyMhY7
32Please respect copyright.PENANAh3DEkgTIbA
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."32Please respect copyright.PENANAJkFHz9TqIa
32Please respect copyright.PENANAo3cfwenBfZ
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."32Please respect copyright.PENANAicDcUGPdZ2
32Please respect copyright.PENANAHqwowsmcSM
"Nah, I ain't got anything like that. I'm a weak guy, so I don't have any crazy feats or big battles. I got some other stories I can tell ya, though."32Please respect copyright.PENANAzeeFiyupx4
32Please respect copyright.PENANAzSKfYHLUGE
"Like what?" I asked.32Please respect copyright.PENANAorAUr16T1W
32Please respect copyright.PENANAIJs0lGQanA
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAuCicgW3My3
32Please respect copyright.PENANAcgfPdYivNq
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.32Please respect copyright.PENANAj7G3kEer8T
32Please respect copyright.PENANA2RouCO4wS3
"...Stardust?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAkRpmCU6qGT
32Please respect copyright.PENANASZCPkBh6Zi
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAOgbxhEvQqN
32Please respect copyright.PENANAKKyoxQqJBn
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.32Please respect copyright.PENANA0DGM51CbZM
32Please respect copyright.PENANA5yyVgpHsW0
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAhFBXJ3Yg2Z
32Please respect copyright.PENANAeayuYmLoaF
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAJ5Cwa2L2Oi
32Please respect copyright.PENANAWIznth0ZCP
"...The what?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAkvuTHk87kW
32Please respect copyright.PENANAeMZmT3WCuk
This was the first time I've ever heard of this. Rover seemingly grew tired of making miffed and shocked expressions, because she sat down right across from me and cleared her throat.32Please respect copyright.PENANA8vbJVs4Dg5
32Please respect copyright.PENANApYTEBo5wBp
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."32Please respect copyright.PENANAHyudfTdba3
32Please respect copyright.PENANAJWFCZ42tGh
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAH6VPsJVEe0
32Please respect copyright.PENANA5a2mCBLi81
"Of course I do!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAUMSRXQ9pOo
32Please respect copyright.PENANAhgFU0rxVLl
She pumped her fist.32Please respect copyright.PENANAYdPNrvg3G6
32Please respect copyright.PENANAdbbDrlN6D9
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAirvzjmhwJi
32Please respect copyright.PENANA1axcsjHEbe
"Sorry, Juke, but this is more important than one of your fairy tales. I can't stand by and let such an uneducated brat remain uneducated."32Please respect copyright.PENANAwjgqca8hGu
32Please respect copyright.PENANAtzsm4hCFJA
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.32Please respect copyright.PENANAOQgGBZRUXJ
32Please respect copyright.PENANA43mAhLARYR
"Alright, so here's how the story goes: long ago, the humans in the Flatlands got tired of being treated badly by all the other races. So, they built ships and traveled the seas to–"32Please respect copyright.PENANAkVoS2ylqRD
32Please respect copyright.PENANASU7O9U0eht
"I already know this."32Please respect copyright.PENANABJSe075ktM
32Please respect copyright.PENANABPQiA64BQF
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAcBa7ekm0hY
32Please respect copyright.PENANAt5VIzxjL6w
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."32Please respect copyright.PENANANt2zQr6hxZ
32Please respect copyright.PENANAw74PI7wn1h
"Arg, well, there were twelve ships in particular, and the captains of each were total legends. Stardust in particular was known for being super powerful, but also a total pacifist. She's awesome."32Please respect copyright.PENANAIgaQmSxpRa
32Please respect copyright.PENANAifVaBmZYAj
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."32Please respect copyright.PENANAR8CEeHQWdU
32Please respect copyright.PENANAkWQRG885wq
"Eh? Why?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAj2yKoV9UU2
32Please respect copyright.PENANAzG75HLC06w
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.32Please respect copyright.PENANAUW1zRBDAWN
32Please respect copyright.PENANAzQ6kPGVMYe
"Anyway, point is, she's a big deal. She's probably the strongest human to have ever lived, and some say she was the strongest even back in the Flatlands. So, Juke–"32Please respect copyright.PENANAO1DIHmVpot
32Please respect copyright.PENANAvjsTopcYtV
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.32Please respect copyright.PENANAqfJXcdgLgA
32Please respect copyright.PENANA8xvSVfKDYv
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAUFwLzdv8xs
32Please respect copyright.PENANAd21PsrW3JZ
"That's cuz I met her."32Please respect copyright.PENANAMH20Ft7DeX
32Please respect copyright.PENANAl9BUDuyU9b
"WHAT!?"32Please respect copyright.PENANArVNGyrwPJD
32Please respect copyright.PENANAwavqW8H8kL
I nearly saw her eyes bulge out of their sockets. But, I had a question I needed answered before I teased her for her stupid reactions.32Please respect copyright.PENANAdJklV4RBt8
32Please respect copyright.PENANA5biAa8ypSX
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAEq3lLfpngS
32Please respect copyright.PENANAfH3TSnF7RO
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAMQoOMt8qd3
32Please respect copyright.PENANALMrTsC0NL0
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."32Please respect copyright.PENANAol7St40nOq
32Please respect copyright.PENANAtgKPvWVpy3
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."32Please respect copyright.PENANAVcWbqj6Lf3
32Please respect copyright.PENANAmEA5O1yg5i
"You're kidding."32Please respect copyright.PENANAOhnWoLafOe
32Please respect copyright.PENANA4GZCRHDHvR
He shook his head no.32Please respect copyright.PENANAJx8ETppoqX
32Please respect copyright.PENANAVUVJr2XE1r
"The way I met her was crazy, I tell ya. It was eight years ago, at the Sextet Rivine. The woman was battered and bruised, hanging on the edge by grabbing onto a tree. It was windy that day, so she was flailing around like a flag. It was hilarious."32Please respect copyright.PENANAgZrktFarzv
32Please respect copyright.PENANAF0akLjTFWw
"You're making this up," I said.32Please respect copyright.PENANAUzBAoCQDWS
32Please respect copyright.PENANAWQpSCFyuUb
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAhVLZEHdrH0
32Please respect copyright.PENANAb9OLEaxWeQ
Juke shrugged.32Please respect copyright.PENANA18h1eBopyP
32Please respect copyright.PENANA3TiqXDVnUi
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."32Please respect copyright.PENANA9rBpjKXvj1
32Please respect copyright.PENANAdKHf5COv6s
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.32Please respect copyright.PENANAaeXMX6Qaoa
32Please respect copyright.PENANA1wd9p93r65
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."32Please respect copyright.PENANA933uyaph9d
32Please respect copyright.PENANALj4yGykO4A
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."32Please respect copyright.PENANAnV7UizBTeX
32Please respect copyright.PENANA9LXaXwMMpk
"Fair enough," I let out under a defeated breath. I was sure now that the job of telling a tale was bestowed upon me, so I needed to think of what part of my life to disclose and a way to divulge it without sounding insipid.32Please respect copyright.PENANAUe0MzbqGpL
32Please respect copyright.PENANAx609vAtYWL
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.32Please respect copyright.PENANA794qFQRxMQ
32Please respect copyright.PENANAKqkB4e1BwI
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAeu6bQNnGEv
32Please respect copyright.PENANAYQNJseXyCT
Rover was livid and spewing spit as she clamored. She quickly calmed herself and sat back down, but her gaze didn't turn any kinder.32Please respect copyright.PENANAQc0XwQga4Y
32Please respect copyright.PENANApVl3HuPGlR
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAL0BtFtPFgg
32Please respect copyright.PENANA98YCqVNnOL
She pointed a finger at him.32Please respect copyright.PENANAgAlo3vThQd
32Please respect copyright.PENANA8SS1g4Tbxr
"You're lying! You have to be lying! I don't care who you are; if you meet one of the twelve founders there's no way you won't walk out feeling like your life changed!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAIapCgE4vrl
32Please respect copyright.PENANAoOWj0ESvQ3
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."32Please respect copyright.PENANACqE8DhifT6
32Please respect copyright.PENANA8A1Md1ggqt
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"32Please respect copyright.PENANALvfSUuMtoY
32Please respect copyright.PENANAn87wYP0qQ7
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.32Please respect copyright.PENANAeuIvcGoVUb
32Please respect copyright.PENANAL7uC9EHj6C
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."32Please respect copyright.PENANAMe2Zwi6s9l
32Please respect copyright.PENANAkntMgLERcs
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."32Please respect copyright.PENANAfNL0jPMfHK
32Please respect copyright.PENANAbheLdAQ4qt
"--Ngh! You guys...!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAUMD8roJoh2
32Please respect copyright.PENANA8OGHSeD9Mv
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.32Please respect copyright.PENANABGiwBTiE8X
32Please respect copyright.PENANA1AdqnXSBmF
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."32Please respect copyright.PENANAwqhrkm9KDr
32Please respect copyright.PENANAFLrGchVDHI
Her voice died down. She put her face in her hands and sighed. I would've guessed she began crying if she didn't lift her head back up and glared.32Please respect copyright.PENANAswTSVHI5iR
32Please respect copyright.PENANAkzlrXAxWIB
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAM09J516vdR
32Please respect copyright.PENANASJm1d2kVTc
"Ya look like you have something to say."32Please respect copyright.PENANAE8Vngiw9nd
32Please respect copyright.PENANAcmUAJOMHlv
"W-Well..."32Please respect copyright.PENANAQ3TFjfWDcS
32Please respect copyright.PENANAVrJL4mTwfW
She turned her head away.32Please respect copyright.PENANAlQkeujpibq
32Please respect copyright.PENANAk4QOwj6Au2
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."32Please respect copyright.PENANAsge3OpiA3E
32Please respect copyright.PENANAcj67KWKbaM
I absentmindedly blinked at her. She tossed her gaze between us and the carriage wall a few times before sticking with the wall. Juke and I turned to face each other at the same speed and time. We both shrugged.32Please respect copyright.PENANATBNQ9BG7Ii
32Please respect copyright.PENANAzf51fmNQqW
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."32Please respect copyright.PENANARzDB0Ybs0s
32Please respect copyright.PENANAv1VrPZUk4r
"Mhm, I told you so."32Please respect copyright.PENANAQyqd44JbnN
32Please respect copyright.PENANAZHpInHYFs3
–
–
–
Snap, crackle, pop. The fire ate at the wood with a snap, crackle, and pop. I couldn't avert my eyes. Stock still, I basked in the warmth, one arm lazily hanging on the top of my knee.32Please respect copyright.PENANA65HqzoJZI1
32Please respect copyright.PENANA2qbBlWqqes
The coachman Dennis held a stick over the fire. A fish was crudely pierced through it. It wasn't part of our original supply; it was something that, for whatever reason, Rover took the liberty of catching. She held a fish-covered stick of her own. The two looked quite happy cooking and admiring their upcoming meal. Rover had even brought spices from the forest.32Please respect copyright.PENANAQlHI3VPXod
32Please respect copyright.PENANA68qJTKQygh
"...So why am I not getting any?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAZzLQ2y2EoG
32Please respect copyright.PENANAbUawgkdmZK
It wasn't just me. Juke wasn't brought a fish either. When he asked why, Rover simply responded with "Go get some fish yourself, you fraud."32Please respect copyright.PENANAzgw6wc07pP
32Please respect copyright.PENANAkQSovQUhS0
It was obvious that, despite her apology, she held some type of grudge against Juke. So, her motive was clear, but that simply begged the question–32Please respect copyright.PENANAadXSvzwm7j
32Please respect copyright.PENANAmWjyFAIBV8
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA6kUHnZPiIO
32Please respect copyright.PENANAt9sLl2LmeZ
"Eh?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAuXYv2hEUo8
32Please respect copyright.PENANAk0uigHd7ih
Rover looked up from her food and at me. She was visibly irritated. At this point, I was convinced it was just her normal face.32Please respect copyright.PENANAOV3IeqdMvW
32Please respect copyright.PENANAEhCK8nr0W9
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.32Please respect copyright.PENANA11ErJ6MrqJ
32Please respect copyright.PENANAncta1oaMOy
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA8IszYTzrEG
32Please respect copyright.PENANATJ16MJENHK
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.32Please respect copyright.PENANArPFR7kCuRl
32Please respect copyright.PENANAcr8cjNG6X5
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAN9sBtHzAyh
32Please respect copyright.PENANAxCyU7qZo1c
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."32Please respect copyright.PENANAy0ugTu1QvD
32Please respect copyright.PENANA8UjcJfbw2v
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."32Please respect copyright.PENANAWFCPIUnXji
32Please respect copyright.PENANAhwg1j5X0Y1
Juke handed me what looked to be a fruit. It wasn't one that I recognized, but what truly surprised me was that I was holding a piece of fruit at all.32Please respect copyright.PENANALBfrdfjEpZ
32Please respect copyright.PENANA6vtacvVb1S
Though, when I looked at the environment around me, and when I considered the miles upon miles of forest we'd passed throughout the day, holding a fruit in my hand was far less stupifying.32Please respect copyright.PENANAUKIr88GT4i
32Please respect copyright.PENANAYUGVyq7kiv
"At least I know where all of these fruit are coming from. Who knew there were such flourishing plains and forests right beside a badlands?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAJivhdZn1fc
32Please respect copyright.PENANALpfspnRDRn
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."32Please respect copyright.PENANA2Tk5PFJzMl
32Please respect copyright.PENANAMxv534nngx
"A jungle? What elevation?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAuhfppmBxmV
32Please respect copyright.PENANAttbrtVZrTy
He shrugged.32Please respect copyright.PENANAjHKyFXv77x
32Please respect copyright.PENANAXZJATr51n5
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."32Please respect copyright.PENANAijIflqu67j
32Please respect copyright.PENANANtiZIgz7ZM
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."32Please respect copyright.PENANAXiLBuGyutx
32Please respect copyright.PENANARsaH0uH6bn
I took a bite out of the fruit. It was sweet, but the sweetness was rather dull. It made for a fine part of my meal, though.32Please respect copyright.PENANAgckagmStkw
32Please respect copyright.PENANAXQ9qZXIjys
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA0hliLI4xXk
32Please respect copyright.PENANApMMDxfLwqT
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."32Please respect copyright.PENANAaYykdhf4C3
32Please respect copyright.PENANAcsnhFTnegL
"Why?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAjNTWJ5ELHy
32Please respect copyright.PENANA4o9o5UGOVL
"..."32Please respect copyright.PENANAmvG5zH7avc
32Please respect copyright.PENANAy3kVn5n1zJ
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.32Please respect copyright.PENANAsZf1lbgpqg
32Please respect copyright.PENANA1lzjLxUfFw
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."32Please respect copyright.PENANAvQFaa1jfyK
32Please respect copyright.PENANARrRR7o2kcX
"Hpmm? Shu aup!"
She began eating louder, staring into my eyes as her teeth tore through her food. It was gross, but I didn't have a chance to chide her.32Please respect copyright.PENANAlQudQ59VWR
32Please respect copyright.PENANA8YZoHucZAl
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."32Please respect copyright.PENANAVJe6HqbatX
32Please respect copyright.PENANAUxvII3JLbk
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA2Sx8zqyN4G
32Please respect copyright.PENANAqM7fdviHlM
"Nah, it ain't anything like that. I guess I know why I started; it was to avenge my family. But after a while, I dulled down, became unsure of why I even move around anymore, but I still do."32Please respect copyright.PENANAy6FaGVXv4D
32Please respect copyright.PENANABp4wynsaVZ
"..."32Please respect copyright.PENANAZqKmMzn6J5
32Please respect copyright.PENANAXSk4A3JDCE
I didn't know what to say. His situation was unique, and in some aspects, beyond my understanding. Still, his somber tone of voice made me feel guilty for not doing anything. I thought that I could've at least consoled him over his loss of family, but he didn't look remotely upset about it.32Please respect copyright.PENANA52t73G0RGA
32Please respect copyright.PENANAKZx1iQEaCb
"My final answer's that, I'm looking for an answer. Not just to why I'm even moving, but to a question that's been plaguing me for a while."32Please respect copyright.PENANAmc7E5pwmp8
32Please respect copyright.PENANAXDJ62YY2rt
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.32Please respect copyright.PENANA84vjTczhDS
32Please respect copyright.PENANAW4HB1uiGWB
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."32Please respect copyright.PENANAspZnSYOgOu
32Please respect copyright.PENANAn5JjN1x678
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"32Please respect copyright.PENANApllgLup0Ek
32Please respect copyright.PENANACF6jKUA1xF
The sudden yet welcome shift of focus caught me off guard, so I needed to think of a good starting point for my story. I found it quickly, but I feared the reactions I'd receive for saying it.32Please respect copyright.PENANAqOhuKfmiEZ
32Please respect copyright.PENANAv2GceSIyRA
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"32Please respect copyright.PENANARQPG6ndKyZ
32Please respect copyright.PENANA6TZ4web6To
"TALBOT!?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAxMgE19yo7e
32Please respect copyright.PENANAzC031UKQ6u
I sighed. If Juke was having a drink, he would've spat it all out. It wasn't just him; the whole camp threw astonished gazes in my direction.32Please respect copyright.PENANAv2yvsNjoj8
32Please respect copyright.PENANAezEnjktfA4
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."32Please respect copyright.PENANApHVCKyFqzw
32Please respect copyright.PENANAdqkUgp6oKB
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAv9WHAMaZOz
32Please respect copyright.PENANANpCxuYzZL9
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAydBQ5ehJsi
32Please respect copyright.PENANAZ1Hm4E1tM2
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."32Please respect copyright.PENANARF2oynkSFt
32Please respect copyright.PENANAzQEQUkwXGJ
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.32Please respect copyright.PENANAFAtynEBh9T
32Please respect copyright.PENANABhQXUGjYwd
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."32Please respect copyright.PENANAPJuPCjmslZ
32Please respect copyright.PENANAXx2dWBWN3o
"Are ya kidding me?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA0WDf8ErBfW
32Please respect copyright.PENANAZrnzj4c4Pu
"That's so lame!"32Please respect copyright.PENANA3nEIKA05L6
32Please respect copyright.PENANAfLMFrAZQxl
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while32Please respect copyright.PENANAWnUJB9Xnz8
32Please respect copyright.PENANA8vro64Pvxa
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."32Please respect copyright.PENANAfRgA2c3GXx
32Please respect copyright.PENANAJI2xV6X3G4
"What's that supposed to mean?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA6bYENtLobQ
32Please respect copyright.PENANA08xo2bvbkV
"Nothing."32Please respect copyright.PENANArZ6o6UPmTL
32Please respect copyright.PENANA8RsvCRkgsi
She returned to chowing down on her food.32Please respect copyright.PENANAyAVzVPeu4y
32Please respect copyright.PENANAPUre4vwOE6
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAgkZwyNwuKJ
32Please respect copyright.PENANAFdSFrnh2ER
"Well..."32Please respect copyright.PENANAyTU62oIrRO
32Please respect copyright.PENANAjet3K3kxFt
I told a rough recount of the events from there. Everything ranging from my meeting with Flinty and the prince to the wrongdoers I helped stop in the forest in the Green Zone. I didn't believe that I told it compellingly, but Juke sounded quite pleased, and surprisingly, Rover had a slight sparkle in her eye.32Please respect copyright.PENANAOC7yz6UexK
32Please respect copyright.PENANAbYTdWnIkQI
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA9uabf6q2P6
32Please respect copyright.PENANAaXmPJgYhzl
"...No."32Please respect copyright.PENANARoHS9usWfb
32Please respect copyright.PENANAOOpylu6eQo
"Eh? Why not?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA0voNBRJBWh
32Please respect copyright.PENANAL8ZlrqWhAq
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAgrsQ11tOEH
32Please respect copyright.PENANA02h3l2mVvd
"Huh!? What'd you say?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAdfjpON29W9
32Please respect copyright.PENANAr83t1cdLjg
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.32Please respect copyright.PENANAxTkRj2G3X9
32Please respect copyright.PENANAqWUy687nav
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAsofm4SU9Ci
32Please respect copyright.PENANAHc7YlSA4bM
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"32Please respect copyright.PENANANJqFMAy2t0
32Please respect copyright.PENANAgoPXow1TW4
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.32Please respect copyright.PENANAR3ljaMiisl
32Please respect copyright.PENANAa5hqmk3l7u
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."32Please respect copyright.PENANAlX7n6msDu0
32Please respect copyright.PENANARRuxnGG5bR
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."32Please respect copyright.PENANAa91VupRYdR
32Please respect copyright.PENANAdErV8neWTT
He simply nodded to my response, which made me doubt that he even acknowledged what I said and left the rose tint on my cheeks. I furrowed my brows and bit on my finger, but it did little to recollect myself.32Please respect copyright.PENANAodj7RfZCPH
32Please respect copyright.PENANARUxLawQMai
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."32Please respect copyright.PENANAz3FcC7C2Xn
32Please respect copyright.PENANAEwl1s2ThWs
Rover spoke up all of a sudden, putting her treasured fish to the side. It was a perfect excuse to flush away the shame, so I gave her my attention.32Please respect copyright.PENANAI4GmQQYYql
32Please respect copyright.PENANAnImiMTnDdV
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."32Please respect copyright.PENANAS3PwaCzvOM
32Please respect copyright.PENANA3KopuE1CSf
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.32Please respect copyright.PENANAFFhpN24u8i
32Please respect copyright.PENANAnEjg7iIAD8
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."32Please respect copyright.PENANA0rX3M4bnM0
32Please respect copyright.PENANAOXtBwUhl4w
She paused, putting a finger to her chin in hesitation. I thought of making a derisive remark, but I couldn't get anything out without being a stuttering mess.32Please respect copyright.PENANA9qUZuZ8dTT
32Please respect copyright.PENANAixJdeQPR7G
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"32Please respect copyright.PENANApjstaB845E
32Please respect copyright.PENANAUbBn9T2L9i
The tale Rover proceeded to narrate was less a story about a mission and more about a dual of hers. I learned numerous things about her character during her recounting; for one, she was every bit intolerable as I believed her to be, but she also had a rather unusual taste in weaponry. She told of using her rapier, yes, but the weapon in the opposite holster was a dagger designed for parrying. I'd never heard of such a tool before, so I asked her to show it to me. It was unremarkable save for the elongated and thick crossguards, but that was the whole point, according to her.32Please respect copyright.PENANAkyxL2pRp4S
32Please respect copyright.PENANAjv7p7Iqikq
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAwF77N4F35w
32Please respect copyright.PENANAEquz7k6CVP
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."32Please respect copyright.PENANAqBMDHwoCN6
32Please respect copyright.PENANAysyabysb8K
"Custom design? Well..."32Please respect copyright.PENANAeFVeZoGeyZ
32Please respect copyright.PENANAiJlahFymPv
She turned her head away.32Please respect copyright.PENANA9AyJeM3dyU
32Please respect copyright.PENANAY9MXOkGGmt
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."32Please respect copyright.PENANA8RBXFx2UVn
32Please respect copyright.PENANADh5xR4jDvR
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.32Please respect copyright.PENANAAY6pW3YhgC
32Please respect copyright.PENANAo7I0YJbILi
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."32Please respect copyright.PENANA4Y4gd8x6kU
32Please respect copyright.PENANAdRb4keqcpX
"Oh, this?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAgWK1kydVxf
32Please respect copyright.PENANAm6H0Dq0xpj
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.32Please respect copyright.PENANA30DWrFq2J2
32Please respect copyright.PENANAhunakujEbQ
"I stole it!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAsUUw585Ysr
32Please respect copyright.PENANAVhL942geai
"No surprise."32Please respect copyright.PENANAm2r3nnbw9I
32Please respect copyright.PENANA7iMJ8ygEoe
"I ain't surprised."32Please respect copyright.PENANA6njZSWWHVY
32Please respect copyright.PENANA0LiYnjRFyg
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.32Please respect copyright.PENANAZnpTT0mw0z
32Please respect copyright.PENANAo2UU5OCl0V
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAslv73TOm8B
32Please respect copyright.PENANAyFzLseX3lN
"No."32Please respect copyright.PENANA29fVazUSLg
32Please respect copyright.PENANAZnWJx94uqW
"Not really."32Please respect copyright.PENANAvMuR3YII5I
32Please respect copyright.PENANAP4AGd23UyA
"Ah... you two are lame!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAH1gnOL57Rl
32Please respect copyright.PENANAtKZl9iEqIn
She put her dagger back in her holster and snatched her fish, gnawing at it as she glared daggers at us. I pulled food from our rations, taking a piece of bread and corn. Though they were bland, I ate them in silence, letting the ambiance of the fire add a piquancy no sauce or spice could provide.32Please respect copyright.PENANA9uudeIPqya
32Please respect copyright.PENANAb7l7bTN1ro
"..."32Please respect copyright.PENANAbf3PbpuPeC
32Please respect copyright.PENANAVsIrKTt45Z
This situation was nice. It was surprisingly nice. Even though Rover was a volatile beast, I would be lying if I said she didn't make the campfire feel complete.32Please respect copyright.PENANA0ee0wEn41M
32Please respect copyright.PENANA4ZGFXT0ZdU
After we ate, we packed up for the night. I snuffed the fire out with water magic and Rover took the burnt wood elsewhere. Juke brought all the food back inside the carriage, bringing blankets, pillows, and perturbingly thin mattresses outside. No– the lattermost was just thick blankets.32Please respect copyright.PENANAFl7L6j1CKN
32Please respect copyright.PENANAm7sF05eFBD
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."32Please respect copyright.PENANAW0fjUvhi8h
32Please respect copyright.PENANAvUJUFUJ1gi
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."32Please respect copyright.PENANApWl37fxNiP
32Please respect copyright.PENANATcifTB0moz
"I-I see... I suppose so."32Please respect copyright.PENANAb8oWNrlsqa
32Please respect copyright.PENANA0bLs8m88c4
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAn9S4ZqKnUY
32Please respect copyright.PENANAIyVP0Xcb8j
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.32Please respect copyright.PENANAb1gohMIpEE
32Please respect copyright.PENANAnrTrNZKPL7
"Did you have to word it that way?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAqHCUfAOR4X
32Please respect copyright.PENANAdJep2NWX5H
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."32Please respect copyright.PENANACBdypGKapK
32Please respect copyright.PENANAVW3B8Iyyq0
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."32Please respect copyright.PENANA1ON93jf5KX
32Please respect copyright.PENANAi4mdp1ict0
"Ya got it, boss."32Please respect copyright.PENANA9CESUnTzt2
32Please respect copyright.PENANActGK9Ky68B
Juke put his faux mattress and pillow on the ground and tucked himself in for the night. He fell asleep at astoundingly quick speeds, which made me put his combatant status into dubiety.32Please respect copyright.PENANAjkGMHrFth0
32Please respect copyright.PENANAmvGEU6lxMf
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."32Please respect copyright.PENANAhAIbNoHmUM
32Please respect copyright.PENANAODp8c6q9Oc
I grabbed a triplet of sleeping equipment and laid it down. But, before I could lay on the blanket and pull the sheet over myself, Rover suddenly returned to the campfire. She had a pensive expression on her face, and our sudden eye contact did nothing to assuage it.32Please respect copyright.PENANATysoM5JkMg
32Please respect copyright.PENANAgV5R2n4sNG
"Is something the matter?" I asked her, which broke her out of her thoughtful expression back to her typically vile one. However, I didn't receive a noisy, vulgar rebuke.32Please respect copyright.PENANARBbwvpJBJ6
32Please respect copyright.PENANAPuyaf4ZUHz
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."32Please respect copyright.PENANAt9ixHpFJmI
32Please respect copyright.PENANANIt9MVAfkt
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.32Please respect copyright.PENANAPbXnLe6lj7
32Please respect copyright.PENANAJH7hHvpxKJ
"...Well, alright. What is it?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA1eKKL4sD2V
32Please respect copyright.PENANAovnDKzgDTx
"I... I wanted..."32Please respect copyright.PENANAeXSU8WOeHP
32Please respect copyright.PENANAiSv6bJ2Rri
She shook her head, holding it in her hand as she sat down. I lowered myself to the floor as well, expecting something serious from her.32Please respect copyright.PENANARdtxas4QCV
32Please respect copyright.PENANAEEqu5lmSNk
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"32Please respect copyright.PENANABDy4U8oiI8
32Please respect copyright.PENANAJFqNk16fAk
She began to pant after her apology as if the action took all of her energy to do. I'd be lying if I claimed it didn't undermine her apology, but that was neither here nor there. I had something different on my mind.32Please respect copyright.PENANACMAFd7j5HL
32Please respect copyright.PENANA11kE5V6MAI
"Where's this coming from?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAu8tqBOOX1J
32Please respect copyright.PENANAO7xMXNAjdN
"Huh? D-Didn't you say you wanted an apology for what happened in the guild? That's what I'm giving you! I'm apologizing! Sorry for doubting you, alright?"32Please respect copyright.PENANALy5GUwtvOY
32Please respect copyright.PENANACpDe5NwldX
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."32Please respect copyright.PENANAq8X2Zv45fu
32Please respect copyright.PENANAfheoCver5Q
I didn't say those words with the expectation that I would be receiving one, however, so I was at a loss for what to say. I was unsure if I should even accept the apology. Frankly, Rover has done more things than incessantly doubting me.32Please respect copyright.PENANAaqalOF0z8y
32Please respect copyright.PENANAyL251MMUGH
But, back in the guild, I recalled Flinty's words. Not perfectly of course, but I do remember their amiable ethos; I remembered how she mentioned that I had to get along with my comrades.32Please respect copyright.PENANAgSmKLbi1MP
32Please respect copyright.PENANAj8btMYmSte
In that light–32Please respect copyright.PENANA7YD8BLn6PC
32Please respect copyright.PENANAiclYha6zKz
"Alright, apology accepted."32Please respect copyright.PENANAqH3W46rpmh
32Please respect copyright.PENANAtah8GBdHRM
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–32Please respect copyright.PENANAFIw3wZtd3Q
32Please respect copyright.PENANArfIXRpqxXS
"--only on one condition."32Please respect copyright.PENANAt4ZCHQwOTM
32Please respect copyright.PENANA0oEks5lR9a
"Eh!?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA2rd3FG5Ktx
32Please respect copyright.PENANA8M9X3gFK7w
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.32Please respect copyright.PENANAPAdNOTm75I
32Please respect copyright.PENANAkHyfzRr2Tg
"That's right."32Please respect copyright.PENANAqmvt9igkXM
32Please respect copyright.PENANAkujxH3YRLb
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAx2R7KVwqEe
32Please respect copyright.PENANAOmRuA3NTOj
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."32Please respect copyright.PENANAgE775xp0b6
32Please respect copyright.PENANArOWiq1Usol
"He sounds like a priss."32Please respect copyright.PENANAnhfswujFqL
32Please respect copyright.PENANAHQsBgsN4yv
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."32Please respect copyright.PENANAja6D6a54SY
32Please respect copyright.PENANAQNByCmH03m
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.32Please respect copyright.PENANAH4aIi4l7Cb
32Please respect copyright.PENANAAalx2G1Ips
"Fine, what's your condition?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAEUWhbxXo13
32Please respect copyright.PENANAZ7rDlZc12y
I pointed a finger at her.32Please respect copyright.PENANASe2dvXR6HX
32Please respect copyright.PENANAr83u1RxUHb
"We need to get along from now on."32Please respect copyright.PENANAMtzUFWUeYc
32Please respect copyright.PENANALKXEFEjoJA
"...Huh?"32Please respect copyright.PENANASmWjfj3egw
32Please respect copyright.PENANAewnEOVSTFX
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA9kSAOBzNau
32Please respect copyright.PENANAqEsPxMz3ed
"...Ha, that's it?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA4oJ194zpZU
32Please respect copyright.PENANA8xHC5g7rtf
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.32Please respect copyright.PENANAnq31TCI3mW
32Please respect copyright.PENANAydKmJnIS1O
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAYMH4XWRn7o
32Please respect copyright.PENANAVuKr1ypwFI
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.32Please respect copyright.PENANApwsy2pB1fT
32Please respect copyright.PENANAL3nz7QSWug
Though she agreed to my condition, I knew it would be stupid to think we'd magically become best friends. No, we would still fight, and judging by how she was still letting her chuckles leak, she knew it as well.32Please respect copyright.PENANAJ7w1IOluTs
32Please respect copyright.PENANA2asjCBL8m5
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.32Please respect copyright.PENANAzxLw3XOzf3
32Please respect copyright.PENANA8UO7Ckb2Lr
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."32Please respect copyright.PENANAgKK0FZqXiL
32Please respect copyright.PENANA6F23o4nrnJ
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."32Please respect copyright.PENANAMtXm3U09Se
32Please respect copyright.PENANAZQkXty9kYI
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.32Please respect copyright.PENANAgbSPcTj8FK
32Please respect copyright.PENANAqVUPySMQEw
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."32Please respect copyright.PENANAQ0EjAXzZ5p
32Please respect copyright.PENANAzv3Dg7xk1K
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."32Please respect copyright.PENANAT68Fko4G0L
32Please respect copyright.PENANAUzWWhcv3Go
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAjbWgNjnOfP
32Please respect copyright.PENANAhlQLsrz3tG
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.32Please respect copyright.PENANAx5i4xKMgN0
32Please respect copyright.PENANAFNxGTgFeRb
"What a weirdo, seriously."32Please respect copyright.PENANAmM8MiOJAzK
32Please respect copyright.PENANAHGxmQwMNxm
I called it a night there, trying to erase her words from my memory and making a mental note to watch myself when I'm acting absentmindedly.32Please respect copyright.PENANA5O5b8flX3K
32Please respect copyright.PENANAQnFDlRFDKn
–
–
–
The carriage drove exceptionally smoothly today as if the vehicle itself had received a boost of energy. I relished the pleasant ride, chatting about this and that with Juke as Rover peered outside the window.32Please respect copyright.PENANASsNUcCkzZP
32Please respect copyright.PENANA8cLVwJZ6pl
"You guys! You gotta see this!"32Please respect copyright.PENANA7xnYKFUdBO
32Please respect copyright.PENANA6WTrojeGZT
She retracted her head back into the carriage, urging us to look out the same window she had. I hopped off my seat, figuring that it would be fine to humor her. So, stuck my head out the window and scouted the environments. My breath was stolen from me.32Please respect copyright.PENANA3Y9wIaYauO
32Please respect copyright.PENANANWR6ynyYDN
In the distance was a city in the middle of a gargantuan lake, and we were heading for one of the dozen bridges leading to it.