My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.29Please respect copyright.PENANA2GeyTK0wn2
29Please respect copyright.PENANAmj42sOxIXd
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAvZtoTfVxci
29Please respect copyright.PENANAG5HZQsRnSe
"Haa..."29Please respect copyright.PENANAyFwc1QfvKJ
29Please respect copyright.PENANA0FRdMhgyFj
"Are you okay?"29Please respect copyright.PENANA272NkkcNk9
29Please respect copyright.PENANAGmLBS05w1T
"Phew. Now I am."29Please respect copyright.PENANAM0U7BG981b
29Please respect copyright.PENANA1lNNdtXopp
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANALjXfYQtyGK
29Please respect copyright.PENANAurdTDDUimT
"W-What is it?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAQ52qgSmmQ2
29Please respect copyright.PENANAFjOnOFbG3i
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."29Please respect copyright.PENANAikoh38BEf1
29Please respect copyright.PENANAnQqax1TyED
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."29Please respect copyright.PENANAkPMR9SiRG7
29Please respect copyright.PENANAGRP9aknXhu
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAcbnDMNoIi1
29Please respect copyright.PENANAA7E8RRx8Jx
"Well..."29Please respect copyright.PENANAuqrIu4lT9O
29Please respect copyright.PENANAJnl8xcTwSU
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAGsrHWce9GB
29Please respect copyright.PENANA4CnUslXsl8
"Come on, tell me!"29Please respect copyright.PENANAf1IROBjcma
29Please respect copyright.PENANAsbF6K4s9Sp
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."29Please respect copyright.PENANAiegkEClRCG
29Please respect copyright.PENANAje0YfxLxvf
She sighed and shrugged.29Please respect copyright.PENANAuVF366OXgU
29Please respect copyright.PENANAZQLbeOyNfZ
"Are you feeling nervous?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAQbIN2KyDmj
29Please respect copyright.PENANAY6hgiPCH3A
"Of course I am."29Please respect copyright.PENANA2Znj9Sc6M1
29Please respect copyright.PENANANbgOIqbinh
"You shouldn't be."29Please respect copyright.PENANACtkCcyOUzz
29Please respect copyright.PENANAuWdSDza02W
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."29Please respect copyright.PENANAzX10EW6fcU
29Please respect copyright.PENANAXJMzVBx18y
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."29Please respect copyright.PENANAF2BlJir4DV
29Please respect copyright.PENANACFVN3RcFsp
"...What's that supposed to mean?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAvlmDl5yjbq
29Please respect copyright.PENANAlUr4CvETxe
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAyRSNR5lIID
29Please respect copyright.PENANAOHsMReigT0
"I think you came here a little too early."29Please respect copyright.PENANAEMyngu5GLJ
29Please respect copyright.PENANA9vCiSlxVKV
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."29Please respect copyright.PENANAKHKGemwPNK
29Please respect copyright.PENANAz9Qq6UVEZG
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAKVPIjiOBuT
29Please respect copyright.PENANAQTmppEaUyj
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!"29Please respect copyright.PENANAUAwleNTvPX
29Please respect copyright.PENANAqtqfdrfBLj
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAEonKh58lRq
29Please respect copyright.PENANABjmsgLXuOn
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."29Please respect copyright.PENANAvfi5PdiKQ2
29Please respect copyright.PENANAK4vOQrhMep
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAVWr1rN8knt
29Please respect copyright.PENANAt1fbuRPrhr
"Aren't you going to say something?"29Please respect copyright.PENANApPgUK8Nje9
29Please respect copyright.PENANALBekMITx7n
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."29Please respect copyright.PENANAysUOK7T7fy
29Please respect copyright.PENANAr7Uk2QYsGT
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"29Please respect copyright.PENANACQ7QAkgsgU
29Please respect copyright.PENANAsvKP5iE91E
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANA9D0AF9jsZV
29Please respect copyright.PENANA8GM1PrV9VT
"...I-I still don't believe you."29Please respect copyright.PENANAzaOR7VLZxK
29Please respect copyright.PENANAIYZOYZ0B7W
"Are you serious!?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAoU888hoNPH
29Please respect copyright.PENANAADqFzmutbR
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.29Please respect copyright.PENANAVM3BJook6q
29Please respect copyright.PENANA6N5j2LH9hp
"Can I at least have your name?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAc6x1jSK4fS
29Please respect copyright.PENANAEmNMUwHGIm
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANA87IrU1uO79
29Please respect copyright.PENANA23PRpkS7Gx
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"29Please respect copyright.PENANArLDNMCHwyD
29Please respect copyright.PENANAusueFaefCl
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.29Please respect copyright.PENANAC3s18wtHXz
29Please respect copyright.PENANAb8A8xAIN7t
"A-Alright, I won't forget."29Please respect copyright.PENANARLVUQG5AwA
29Please respect copyright.PENANAdFxkcE6r3q
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAWeWoWIz1R9
29Please respect copyright.PENANAAEXUQH1R6i
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."29Please respect copyright.PENANAvJZ5svYgJf
29Please respect copyright.PENANADZJJzRZYqN
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.29Please respect copyright.PENANAOFccUNKhZF
29Please respect copyright.PENANA6o4Hoxn3JZ
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"29Please respect copyright.PENANAPMHSKDu2nL
29Please respect copyright.PENANA2HbPOjiXcX
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"29Please respect copyright.PENANAhRBaVAoWpt
29Please respect copyright.PENANALCjMurAbSr
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.29Please respect copyright.PENANA6FmiOsa2kM
29Please respect copyright.PENANAfGsXXtzipc
"She's not very nice at all."29Please respect copyright.PENANAUoxi397f9u
29Please respect copyright.PENANAvFtt59Rqxo
"I suppose not."29Please respect copyright.PENANAbrj08EXaKi
29Please respect copyright.PENANAmlmgTOguJo
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."29Please respect copyright.PENANAdqWwKDys8V
29Please respect copyright.PENANAE2lzE1sT7o
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"29Please respect copyright.PENANAu1pt0BLxG2
29Please respect copyright.PENANAdjxBqJc8Fb
**SMASH**29Please respect copyright.PENANA17rTJbHVjm
29Please respect copyright.PENANAH8TuWMmRk7
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAN8SsVdOrbi
29Please respect copyright.PENANAeSzSyXcowr
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.29Please respect copyright.PENANAZxnjnkQ2fm
29Please respect copyright.PENANAc8eGNkLw0T
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"29Please respect copyright.PENANAd0sCXDJKng
29Please respect copyright.PENANAES2vAKAD9L
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.29Please respect copyright.PENANANaGaX6OKKf
29Please respect copyright.PENANAU8RWkkM7Ul
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAZSWFtvVhYR
29Please respect copyright.PENANAn1GGqmzNCT
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."29Please respect copyright.PENANAXM6r1qC1lc
29Please respect copyright.PENANA2a2pMTmArr
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.29Please respect copyright.PENANAb762RtYPvC
29Please respect copyright.PENANArEnEdP6hMt
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."29Please respect copyright.PENANAELzyUUTaoy
29Please respect copyright.PENANAFdi9sZLnBt
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"29Please respect copyright.PENANA4KossnPtGT
29Please respect copyright.PENANAXtHv3PTEgl
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.29Please respect copyright.PENANAQNdSpNDaOq
29Please respect copyright.PENANAeUJRf1sf78
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"29Please respect copyright.PENANARDGPHDwlmM
29Please respect copyright.PENANA3QLiunEhCd
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAPxw1cyBdSA
29Please respect copyright.PENANAAtqC3QQoDe
"No, not at all."29Please respect copyright.PENANAbeQQEv20l2
29Please respect copyright.PENANACpYsEak172
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"29Please respect copyright.PENANACt7YsClWGo
29Please respect copyright.PENANAMHedGkuzkE
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.29Please respect copyright.PENANAKQ3EsqE0EF
29Please respect copyright.PENANAqIjGer0WKw
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."29Please respect copyright.PENANA3CLNFp26SE
29Please respect copyright.PENANAFFFE8q2bHd
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.29Please respect copyright.PENANAiFIJ0XsqFr
29Please respect copyright.PENANAUvyrWhV4JO
"Is she our teammate?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAjtUyvx3fgL
29Please respect copyright.PENANAwPxA8Dn8is
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."29Please respect copyright.PENANAjrSTEYWcou
29Please respect copyright.PENANAjqgj9Wb9T6
"That so? Lemme test the waters."29Please respect copyright.PENANA0mfjtGUaQs
29Please respect copyright.PENANAcwUAzQ5WsR
"You'll regret it."29Please respect copyright.PENANAGERfgnvTtn
29Please respect copyright.PENANAbcvOoZs26I
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAXwWKldnxx1
29Please respect copyright.PENANAPS8dIUu3y2
"...Wait."29Please respect copyright.PENANA0uBovgE9Ej
29Please respect copyright.PENANAUmgkb4EJgg
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!29Please respect copyright.PENANAKYqMiKURsw
29Please respect copyright.PENANAtXgOTEwE6N
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."29Please respect copyright.PENANAPdYH0ASdUp
29Please respect copyright.PENANAlMrYVi9qcR
"A little? Just a little?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAr9NPoc3H4U
29Please respect copyright.PENANANaKunr1MM0
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."29Please respect copyright.PENANA0FBgEmlDVg
29Please respect copyright.PENANABjU4sPO1k5
"I met her five minutes ago!"29Please respect copyright.PENANAyZjHMo7HJp
29Please respect copyright.PENANAHi9f3qoiQI
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.29Please respect copyright.PENANA6PcZOqlL3q
29Please respect copyright.PENANAAinUsnc2ET
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."29Please respect copyright.PENANA1dnd7oxQfd
29Please respect copyright.PENANA2UBl3NMxai
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."29Please respect copyright.PENANAIU09eJJeOp
29Please respect copyright.PENANAx6VGGjF6Gp
"Really?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAyWOwmppstH
29Please respect copyright.PENANA5Ocq17h7w2
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.29Please respect copyright.PENANAfm3a6qBa5p
29Please respect copyright.PENANAZIqiyng2A5
"What do you mean 'really'?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAIFgEpeTKRi
29Please respect copyright.PENANA013s1muWsQ
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"29Please respect copyright.PENANASTTAuhnDkg
29Please respect copyright.PENANA9de42Noo8B
"--!"29Please respect copyright.PENANAMZCc9aivMa
29Please respect copyright.PENANA9E5ImtZvYP
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANArrrVTD3SFU
29Please respect copyright.PENANAg7VNBcoqKz
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."29Please respect copyright.PENANA5yVaUeY3NF
29Please respect copyright.PENANAMtf9t4av1s
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."29Please respect copyright.PENANAt5OW5bfuwK
29Please respect copyright.PENANAoxR34HgY2F
**SMASH**29Please respect copyright.PENANAOfnnc9CgMJ
29Please respect copyright.PENANAyoCL67PioE
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAy7bZMGywrN
29Please respect copyright.PENANAgVfebGLldH
My jaw dropped yet again.29Please respect copyright.PENANAwXSWkt5JrF
29Please respect copyright.PENANACX8UzTBo4O
"ROY!?"29Please respect copyright.PENANADTUsIqh7qm
29Please respect copyright.PENANA7B7LPNdbRW
–
–
–
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANA7hYQ8f9qNL
29Please respect copyright.PENANAKXPvReXxS9
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAB6j5LfrQGH
29Please respect copyright.PENANABysysj643V
"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."29Please respect copyright.PENANAUxLmNqRlg3
29Please respect copyright.PENANAn2G6iBMswX
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."29Please respect copyright.PENANA2QwUWuZR0u
29Please respect copyright.PENANAW5fGbVDq1T
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAIj3cpwnRbH
29Please respect copyright.PENANABYdsXzSBEN
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAG6aebkwU1P
29Please respect copyright.PENANA1AYfmhuUTX
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANA1CpwDJTAe6
29Please respect copyright.PENANAHQIOH5iTkD
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."29Please respect copyright.PENANA3g369SSxv7
29Please respect copyright.PENANAqll1r6OsBU
"R-Right."29Please respect copyright.PENANASo60YMAJuP
29Please respect copyright.PENANAPM8vLeMIqN
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–29Please respect copyright.PENANAUCgNm8lu8I
29Please respect copyright.PENANAn62fuV4w64
"Ack!"29Please respect copyright.PENANALlvOyMyhHR
29Please respect copyright.PENANATHm9xKWLD7
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.29Please respect copyright.PENANA6MYT7yw01J
29Please respect copyright.PENANAM4VZLiLpc1
"F-Flinty, what was–"29Please respect copyright.PENANADuCHDoa10J
29Please respect copyright.PENANAiZYpvZBCgJ
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"29Please respect copyright.PENANAKJ6Lu9OYjd
29Please respect copyright.PENANAIEYaNJvGkG
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAhynubnkseR
29Please respect copyright.PENANAu9rfeO1We1
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."29Please respect copyright.PENANAnI8FVe7WIs
29Please respect copyright.PENANAXOpM0LwXY6
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"29Please respect copyright.PENANAIEw1txaa6M
29Please respect copyright.PENANAInYGMDH7Kz
"No, I'm not just saying it."29Please respect copyright.PENANAFJ8wqPcRzz
29Please respect copyright.PENANAaYwPUNhFLH
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.29Please respect copyright.PENANARcV8a5joIK
29Please respect copyright.PENANApc9qcjpD5V
"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."29Please respect copyright.PENANACE0UgsZnnr
29Please respect copyright.PENANAjgek4J9bFX
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAOAfw8ZkWs7
29Please respect copyright.PENANADePaxtrIbf
"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."29Please respect copyright.PENANA3ycZrpkF9x
29Please respect copyright.PENANAKJbwLHEGGC
"I–"29Please respect copyright.PENANAjqHENM2ZU9
29Please respect copyright.PENANANZ2Vdw1LNR
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"29Please respect copyright.PENANAiHdHuOzEFj
29Please respect copyright.PENANAhBYcEjPWgo
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAMZzl76ILCZ
29Please respect copyright.PENANAPcSZbRbY7G
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–29Please respect copyright.PENANAGU0FsmmvJS
29Please respect copyright.PENANA3NGrWlp3TL
And yet...29Please respect copyright.PENANABR0mXmKGOk
29Please respect copyright.PENANArnZrU6bb88
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."29Please respect copyright.PENANAnePgvDvQw2
29Please respect copyright.PENANAaezzs6Vp8d
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.29Please respect copyright.PENANAlqXD2axtZF
29Please respect copyright.PENANAxwHDJGGrWT
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"29Please respect copyright.PENANAi8TfRUr2KY
29Please respect copyright.PENANADnCS65YCm5
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.29Please respect copyright.PENANAV4dESeZ4Nx
29Please respect copyright.PENANA3f4q5lLd7y
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAn6xwngznho
29Please respect copyright.PENANAaFteIG1HJT
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."29Please respect copyright.PENANArwzNRRSYwP
29Please respect copyright.PENANAFE8lAnxMpk
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"29Please respect copyright.PENANAGkI7mWUwxb
29Please respect copyright.PENANAoSgzeNMmAZ
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"29Please respect copyright.PENANAxsmgYQu8qO
29Please respect copyright.PENANA6V8Ts28pgq
"O-Okay."29Please respect copyright.PENANAd7qTqq5hkK
29Please respect copyright.PENANATSe0ZhoGIz
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.29Please respect copyright.PENANAez7Dsm1Emp
29Please respect copyright.PENANAL94qM2xCXi
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."29Please respect copyright.PENANAr3UHcFwJJa
29Please respect copyright.PENANAk71RQ3za7o
"Okay okay, fine."29Please respect copyright.PENANAJ20cAldkgp
29Please respect copyright.PENANAAElyrFdxc7
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAyNPodPGIsZ
29Please respect copyright.PENANAooslPrK3aJ
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."29Please respect copyright.PENANARD0jTS7D4b
29Please respect copyright.PENANADqCIuSMY1C
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.29Please respect copyright.PENANAQPWZW7NBsw
29Please respect copyright.PENANArtlkMDj2Sc
–
–
–
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAZagpfq4P8M
29Please respect copyright.PENANAi0ScNSiMFT
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAsML0Nomp7f
29Please respect copyright.PENANAoH5NuopG04
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANANTDR11aanu
29Please respect copyright.PENANALEpQh4JjPv
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAp1aAbYLlGC
29Please respect copyright.PENANAJujILXudRV
"Huh...? What did you say?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAqGxYk36hYT
29Please respect copyright.PENANAQUiYe1gBME
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.29Please respect copyright.PENANAoOqO2tKBnx
29Please respect copyright.PENANA0UVFtsn84R
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAZVbIf8umJj
29Please respect copyright.PENANAzxjMBaHGvn
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."29Please respect copyright.PENANAMqSbBxVAMe
29Please respect copyright.PENANA168MXU8Lmc
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAq5TkY28MHn
29Please respect copyright.PENANAAgXg0GVWMq
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAWBwH9JpY1V
29Please respect copyright.PENANAxCzTZEgvLF
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."29Please respect copyright.PENANAM6wMW7FNVx
29Please respect copyright.PENANAbHOPBAgkU8
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."29Please respect copyright.PENANAemODQ3tfb6
29Please respect copyright.PENANArNrSfIpPtK
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."29Please respect copyright.PENANArLVEId5S8b
29Please respect copyright.PENANA5fyIYOxEHl
"Note?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAwtkzX2vMxO
29Please respect copyright.PENANABwVtzC8zfy
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANA8zwMgqB5gt
29Please respect copyright.PENANAPUn8Otw4g5
"What does it say?"29Please respect copyright.PENANA2YXG0NbGah
29Please respect copyright.PENANAjKgWuN54Nd
"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."29Please respect copyright.PENANAO8C2uV5JAM
29Please respect copyright.PENANA21XxkH5JJb
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."29Please respect copyright.PENANA9Rmsysr8lk
29Please respect copyright.PENANAcKKk0ZhoXv
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"29Please respect copyright.PENANA4ERFrayRF1
29Please respect copyright.PENANAY2pbSoZEKd
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."29Please respect copyright.PENANAFtzUmz2YGD
29Please respect copyright.PENANAbHW3pdEN6c
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."29Please respect copyright.PENANAHgjfbD8Q4d
29Please respect copyright.PENANACg6oSxdLj2
Juke sighed and put the paper away.29Please respect copyright.PENANAaMQWM6E11h
29Please respect copyright.PENANANrHGR1tKkG
"So, how's about a story?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAf1GIE6AcYy
29Please respect copyright.PENANAurtjl4BJC5
"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?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAm0dxWCFxHt
29Please respect copyright.PENANAF5TBphSpse
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."29Please respect copyright.PENANAI3WbnS42TD
29Please respect copyright.PENANA3GuHZAud7b
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.29Please respect copyright.PENANAnPLFhVVCKB
29Please respect copyright.PENANADF9UQrOuXu
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."29Please respect copyright.PENANAdcIpBXCKJJ
29Please respect copyright.PENANA8uTu5WH77W
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."29Please respect copyright.PENANA09JotcpvOu
29Please respect copyright.PENANAXYfJBaF9Sy
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"29Please respect copyright.PENANARTbDGSqgDj
29Please respect copyright.PENANAeu0JwMdG22
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAw4GgfI45Jo
29Please respect copyright.PENANAcoXExyQpQC
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."29Please respect copyright.PENANAYz3jV6NmvN
29Please respect copyright.PENANA2VfDD5DNWK
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"29Please respect copyright.PENANAD0NFWyAIa9
29Please respect copyright.PENANAyxVbyphLRt
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"29Please respect copyright.PENANAl5ixFZESUx
29Please respect copyright.PENANAIthO4CrpTr
"Seriously? You have to be lying."29Please respect copyright.PENANAOzddZtDxYx
29Please respect copyright.PENANAxRXzil5qXZ
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."29Please respect copyright.PENANAQSDoK7Ozts
29Please respect copyright.PENANAxrMGWKg8No
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."29Please respect copyright.PENANA65k5GzPzc8
29Please respect copyright.PENANAycxdAMi2sY
"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."29Please respect copyright.PENANAnLfnBG5Eh8
29Please respect copyright.PENANAcLWu9ebo8u
"Like what?" I asked.29Please respect copyright.PENANANqlKfjkJMI
29Please respect copyright.PENANAP04J9STwgO
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAgbussWcXK0
29Please respect copyright.PENANAiPCums8Em0
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.29Please respect copyright.PENANAmkeg3SQObC
29Please respect copyright.PENANAw8myQzzbe9
"...Stardust?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAOmNo8IAsac
29Please respect copyright.PENANAAu13Ii2tXA
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"29Please respect copyright.PENANA1xjt8n53nd
29Please respect copyright.PENANA9KXdwTX7hp
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.29Please respect copyright.PENANAwLXUejUHGp
29Please respect copyright.PENANAr5u3Zd8Hyj
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"29Please respect copyright.PENANACfJw8yflzG
29Please respect copyright.PENANATg7KP7X4l8
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"29Please respect copyright.PENANAHy2QsoDheG
29Please respect copyright.PENANAjpwRw54nhS
"...The what?"29Please respect copyright.PENANA4dZPIsbsV9
29Please respect copyright.PENANAQ2M7bpjGCr
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAbidL3vWw0K
29Please respect copyright.PENANA8YBF8Ehl8T
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."29Please respect copyright.PENANASYsQfanwhi
29Please respect copyright.PENANAR0hWEwvXSt
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAYWSfBoXvak
29Please respect copyright.PENANA8NWt6juEGH
"Of course I do!"29Please respect copyright.PENANAVVRzS5XpYF
29Please respect copyright.PENANAJGtjeYPwhY
She pumped her fist.29Please respect copyright.PENANANCm1exbDMH
29Please respect copyright.PENANAkzHXTmkCNt
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAyIUrsCID7w
29Please respect copyright.PENANA4g174hGUb4
"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."29Please respect copyright.PENANAJiDUxQ2fYJ
29Please respect copyright.PENANAC2idVcz4Qw
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.29Please respect copyright.PENANA8udMXhLDvb
29Please respect copyright.PENANAwDV1qNRNp5
"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–"29Please respect copyright.PENANA0j0vGJ74qn
29Please respect copyright.PENANA0EPD90BZ0O
"I already know this."29Please respect copyright.PENANA4HWQYQKins
29Please respect copyright.PENANASeBmHV3aFP
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"29Please respect copyright.PENANA5TsbbdSCuq
29Please respect copyright.PENANACr63HrU9f3
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."29Please respect copyright.PENANA1FPw9CjtJu
29Please respect copyright.PENANA7yOv6XTVrQ
"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."29Please respect copyright.PENANAvj1LwXVR2W
29Please respect copyright.PENANA3iB36zywvE
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."29Please respect copyright.PENANAhoS9q9MPbN
29Please respect copyright.PENANAZ34b2a6cg1
"Eh? Why?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAJhnBKdqpea
29Please respect copyright.PENANAMov2ZPpGEq
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.29Please respect copyright.PENANAeeC4QYE9Yk
29Please respect copyright.PENANAW32sGBAAFF
"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–"29Please respect copyright.PENANA2EtPgmZ7wd
29Please respect copyright.PENANAzJoEVlK4Db
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.29Please respect copyright.PENANAKZ0KGD0m2O
29Please respect copyright.PENANA7VRpbSTL4W
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAzkbDSruMh3
29Please respect copyright.PENANA8GebXWUILh
"That's cuz I met her."29Please respect copyright.PENANAeg8cApSWvQ
29Please respect copyright.PENANA8AbmJ0rPIr
"WHAT!?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAxfCFSSPeEq
29Please respect copyright.PENANAk43cYMEwWr
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAEN5BD9eiD5
29Please respect copyright.PENANA9XFqjnNQRm
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAF41jwpVQkG
29Please respect copyright.PENANAaPPwWKifEg
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"29Please respect copyright.PENANAwNZ4SwzmVX
29Please respect copyright.PENANAtn94QGQhWl
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."29Please respect copyright.PENANAq8GGffoiNV
29Please respect copyright.PENANA8wBVIihhc4
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."29Please respect copyright.PENANA4aetyLGRp3
29Please respect copyright.PENANARfnqoNMOBy
"You're kidding."29Please respect copyright.PENANAgqx4eObWgw
29Please respect copyright.PENANAlY8NlB0JiZ
He shook his head no.29Please respect copyright.PENANAMQRVPzAqbx
29Please respect copyright.PENANA7qK9nlAOdO
"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."29Please respect copyright.PENANAIMHUJEpNRy
29Please respect copyright.PENANAuXynSrBkgN
"You're making this up," I said.29Please respect copyright.PENANAvMqbiGq0SB
29Please respect copyright.PENANA8xNjN80ZwZ
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAp2JzLILwSJ
29Please respect copyright.PENANACO2eZC7Cvj
Juke shrugged.29Please respect copyright.PENANASZYaDvdhgJ
29Please respect copyright.PENANAIrenzmjCIY
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."29Please respect copyright.PENANAyLFZnEF9zK
29Please respect copyright.PENANA3Tk9vraZwF
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.29Please respect copyright.PENANAzraAZji0ba
29Please respect copyright.PENANA3UCvX2tTDB
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."29Please respect copyright.PENANAVgoRqlQT0S
29Please respect copyright.PENANA4XD7WexbcT
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."29Please respect copyright.PENANAdOY3Gq6kV0
29Please respect copyright.PENANA714JbT0VLQ
"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.29Please respect copyright.PENANA2qRz5ULUNl
29Please respect copyright.PENANAQtYtJnTMBN
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.29Please respect copyright.PENANA1Ads4oVMSB
29Please respect copyright.PENANArG0Ue3xsjS
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAO7Y4u84OpH
29Please respect copyright.PENANAAHvhpThbZc
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANA3psGi1RJGK
29Please respect copyright.PENANAiJuci7CRBz
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"29Please respect copyright.PENANA6Nb3cCcqTW
29Please respect copyright.PENANAxD9PNhAyfE
She pointed a finger at him.29Please respect copyright.PENANAJC1E8kQdGJ
29Please respect copyright.PENANAuVxSrpSCDk
"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!"29Please respect copyright.PENANA5FugjWBMph
29Please respect copyright.PENANAndBVCQ5YDi
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."29Please respect copyright.PENANAT9Xm5RCHVD
29Please respect copyright.PENANAmINdWOB7RM
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"29Please respect copyright.PENANAoOpsWXONSz
29Please respect copyright.PENANAHdWJDUhVS2
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.29Please respect copyright.PENANAQmjL6Z05Xc
29Please respect copyright.PENANAfnGdmG7VSQ
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."29Please respect copyright.PENANAlgiKM4dvEY
29Please respect copyright.PENANAnLZJcmHyMZ
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."29Please respect copyright.PENANArbpdCo9jYM
29Please respect copyright.PENANAm3M2ljZezr
"--Ngh! You guys...!"29Please respect copyright.PENANAW01lphM4w4
29Please respect copyright.PENANA1J1SQGcEAx
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.29Please respect copyright.PENANADP3vDWnn6O
29Please respect copyright.PENANAsAMydnOAvi
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."29Please respect copyright.PENANAznWp98DmEz
29Please respect copyright.PENANABc4JkZEINv
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAQSRPZVAG0r
29Please respect copyright.PENANAeEzgWJZdPL
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"29Please respect copyright.PENANARiseoHnION
29Please respect copyright.PENANAm3i145HL5l
"Ya look like you have something to say."29Please respect copyright.PENANAO0iPTskeYN
29Please respect copyright.PENANAX5egHyj4mi
"W-Well..."29Please respect copyright.PENANAFBO1rGO2FS
29Please respect copyright.PENANA9xctNGFHwa
She turned her head away.29Please respect copyright.PENANA67bAHMO7sM
29Please respect copyright.PENANArZSprKk2yw
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."29Please respect copyright.PENANAMdShj9UtF5
29Please respect copyright.PENANAYdxsfwRAFE
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAo580I1q6Mn
29Please respect copyright.PENANAVczHry1o5g
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."29Please respect copyright.PENANAsffYt9EEFH
29Please respect copyright.PENANAFj1gfDIUx5
"Mhm, I told you so."29Please respect copyright.PENANApcNiFchYrb
29Please respect copyright.PENANABVI14J5J9k
–
–
–
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAFW9UrAMPNi
29Please respect copyright.PENANAyEFC7vKXoW
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAGSeX6lnb5C
29Please respect copyright.PENANAc3TIkQUgNS
"...So why am I not getting any?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAOiFpNEQPIY
29Please respect copyright.PENANAgBDCRulkCg
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."29Please respect copyright.PENANAi6tzVsxVLw
29Please respect copyright.PENANAR7Q9FsT1xg
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–29Please respect copyright.PENANAOkmXkWQHvG
29Please respect copyright.PENANAClH4pnc6Pe
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"29Please respect copyright.PENANA0Plm5xyM2U
29Please respect copyright.PENANAitS6dfQLmE
"Eh?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAlgKFP28hwk
29Please respect copyright.PENANAfjM7VrJI6S
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAhOd7eNv7wH
29Please respect copyright.PENANAUXCbHX3v0k
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.29Please respect copyright.PENANAgE7OZB2Du0
29Please respect copyright.PENANAMSBa9WZWLY
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"29Please respect copyright.PENANA89v8hW1D8O
29Please respect copyright.PENANA5qqkJU5ULY
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.29Please respect copyright.PENANAuAOjqS1tXq
29Please respect copyright.PENANAUFzfdyRkEI
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"29Please respect copyright.PENANAZWPfHAH2uB
29Please respect copyright.PENANAFWFHnNg2eB
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."29Please respect copyright.PENANAcKyqKm5u2J
29Please respect copyright.PENANAZVWAFOf8A8
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."29Please respect copyright.PENANAUt9N9Sf6Io
29Please respect copyright.PENANAPuNljR2Mv4
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANA6JVMXKarAy
29Please respect copyright.PENANAWLn28Lc21U
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANABNpml4FRjW
29Please respect copyright.PENANATbtBzDgd2d
"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?"29Please respect copyright.PENANA5Vr3BUgsTm
29Please respect copyright.PENANAfxnhAW70ko
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."29Please respect copyright.PENANAtF2kkPY8Ix
29Please respect copyright.PENANAixSJ1sqvVr
"A jungle? What elevation?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAAtHfcn0RA2
29Please respect copyright.PENANAWBpLvUTy3C
He shrugged.29Please respect copyright.PENANAFVjz6LbWpy
29Please respect copyright.PENANAwzJLDI33VE
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."29Please respect copyright.PENANA0ZOv5Tkxwi
29Please respect copyright.PENANAZZ3DRq79Xw
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."29Please respect copyright.PENANA8Y6TTNV9LJ
29Please respect copyright.PENANASBAnYO4hCd
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAv3IX3CAuET
29Please respect copyright.PENANAjRomVW5i7e
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAEif4PdTDwm
29Please respect copyright.PENANA1Jj7Lgj6P2
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."29Please respect copyright.PENANAM7sSOCf0Z3
29Please respect copyright.PENANA4PbdXeGK4J
"Why?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAn1Kmq98NW6
29Please respect copyright.PENANAfCc6fAXH8G
"..."29Please respect copyright.PENANAIBQO4cavsz
29Please respect copyright.PENANADfTnFpxULv
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.29Please respect copyright.PENANADR50FWWg0e
29Please respect copyright.PENANAI43IWyAPp6
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."29Please respect copyright.PENANADlYfHuqEju
29Please respect copyright.PENANAuR91d7USfV
"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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAIvjYvmCbHD
29Please respect copyright.PENANAxgW8IK1lXG
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."29Please respect copyright.PENANAnmsEcBDb5o
29Please respect copyright.PENANA8I0OdJDjqA
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAa48twRoFUk
29Please respect copyright.PENANAMkVQYHt3ni
"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."29Please respect copyright.PENANAYM0JaB63xr
29Please respect copyright.PENANAOsr5Tjz1zP
"..."29Please respect copyright.PENANAVP1UZTx5N1
29Please respect copyright.PENANAP7OsTDwGKk
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAkTGppVcCoL
29Please respect copyright.PENANABwfvEUwJLL
"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."29Please respect copyright.PENANAI8fKMWEJdh
29Please respect copyright.PENANAjfi4fneGS1
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.29Please respect copyright.PENANAfsqeNUrdLh
29Please respect copyright.PENANABtI2iNBoDk
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."29Please respect copyright.PENANAhvCpZtYs11
29Please respect copyright.PENANAmlmcXaMKyK
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAJdZucUBmDJ
29Please respect copyright.PENANAWarrCJmcN3
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANA5RL4PfQFSo
29Please respect copyright.PENANAWMOEqbM1ig
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"29Please respect copyright.PENANAjvCIv3yAhi
29Please respect copyright.PENANAQ8mJGSVhZO
"TALBOT!?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAK4Si2u4RGq
29Please respect copyright.PENANAXgZeZgqZpU
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAgSbQnk7izP
29Please respect copyright.PENANA7sOtCLmeW2
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."29Please respect copyright.PENANAx1i6bX2BLA
29Please respect copyright.PENANABBFk8ETFma
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAm85LD9agt1
29Please respect copyright.PENANAtksYN6zZj6
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAVjcQJqXGV7
29Please respect copyright.PENANAaTaB8jUM78
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."29Please respect copyright.PENANAmPQJCipHHT
29Please respect copyright.PENANARxXBiaFshx
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.29Please respect copyright.PENANAF3OkZHdWnv
29Please respect copyright.PENANAI1AXdxT5uI
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."29Please respect copyright.PENANAuSz8q6qgdi
29Please respect copyright.PENANAKmppZbWTGJ
"Are ya kidding me?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAK0O2CScFjQ
29Please respect copyright.PENANAkPj4e8WCnV
"That's so lame!"29Please respect copyright.PENANA0mhECAvWST
29Please respect copyright.PENANA4VANZ3oRnd
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while29Please respect copyright.PENANAh7C0jsHkWz
29Please respect copyright.PENANAFr5f60gnPZ
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."29Please respect copyright.PENANAM2r0x0STYc
29Please respect copyright.PENANAGdYImCET9V
"What's that supposed to mean?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAk6a2pcEOPK
29Please respect copyright.PENANAVrsa81EtCY
"Nothing."29Please respect copyright.PENANAUGvc8nsSYO
29Please respect copyright.PENANAYKFSMOoBX3
She returned to chowing down on her food.29Please respect copyright.PENANAARQmyRUb7A
29Please respect copyright.PENANADCJCfdhzi4
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAbYlRZtX0Gn
29Please respect copyright.PENANAW6Be7RriZC
"Well..."29Please respect copyright.PENANA3ESXBLiF21
29Please respect copyright.PENANAmsRY5bV6au
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAc0yuadnyaD
29Please respect copyright.PENANA3Axr7ipSP1
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAgci0XwNQN5
29Please respect copyright.PENANAbX05mXiixS
"...No."29Please respect copyright.PENANA00qogJe8MP
29Please respect copyright.PENANAQVWY9T0sbF
"Eh? Why not?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAwqgml9JBXT
29Please respect copyright.PENANAJh9wOz9shh
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAd4nR1f7WR5
29Please respect copyright.PENANAiujy75tE4Y
"Huh!? What'd you say?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAUHP0cv7t7r
29Please respect copyright.PENANAsfsKmNUgA8
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.29Please respect copyright.PENANAlG8PeTF754
29Please respect copyright.PENANArSCbRmH9O3
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAwZOjN7kwxk
29Please respect copyright.PENANAVbdnE1YVWC
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAuuepZdHaUA
29Please respect copyright.PENANAADezWkmZnf
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.29Please respect copyright.PENANAekrMv2IXkm
29Please respect copyright.PENANA9JSJWIm6t4
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."29Please respect copyright.PENANADsncCCHIFo
29Please respect copyright.PENANAeKo77nhNYf
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."29Please respect copyright.PENANA1JQ67hfKW7
29Please respect copyright.PENANAwyOtRwBvD0
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAlR9DIJhzKr
29Please respect copyright.PENANA7zBIPIuQTx
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."29Please respect copyright.PENANAUxeaZ47pDf
29Please respect copyright.PENANA1I4K9vhwGG
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAp2GC5eDvDt
29Please respect copyright.PENANAHdUhSQpfeI
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."29Please respect copyright.PENANA70xokG8s4d
29Please respect copyright.PENANA5M8Ura13oM
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.29Please respect copyright.PENANA58LS4NVkut
29Please respect copyright.PENANA5VDPpJsnFH
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."29Please respect copyright.PENANAk66q1PuxH0
29Please respect copyright.PENANA1vGamtLgkm
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAtn7mQIp4Hh
29Please respect copyright.PENANAoVeDQb1fQT
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"29Please respect copyright.PENANAPXwGNLF87i
29Please respect copyright.PENANAjKHzdVoJ7K
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAh6wP2MZpOn
29Please respect copyright.PENANA3Ys7vckM5S
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"29Please respect copyright.PENANAwg6Q3EjlJA
29Please respect copyright.PENANA6zegRABZXe
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."29Please respect copyright.PENANAsh0z9nPztZ
29Please respect copyright.PENANA8ZTIUE5S2T
"Custom design? Well..."29Please respect copyright.PENANAAepgmKfkVK
29Please respect copyright.PENANAtIE04zM1AQ
She turned her head away.29Please respect copyright.PENANAlztCq4J9lH
29Please respect copyright.PENANArFIYSpF9He
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."29Please respect copyright.PENANAxovYqLHMk6
29Please respect copyright.PENANAnyvB9a8rgY
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.29Please respect copyright.PENANAR0Hqnoq0ld
29Please respect copyright.PENANAXy5btX4nOL
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."29Please respect copyright.PENANAfSmduuEpmD
29Please respect copyright.PENANAeWs7crRxXb
"Oh, this?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAPD4z5FFzX0
29Please respect copyright.PENANAARIyJjMXpu
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.29Please respect copyright.PENANAJw0cdGIQM1
29Please respect copyright.PENANAgrtINqkahb
"I stole it!"29Please respect copyright.PENANACSBA1WZOj8
29Please respect copyright.PENANAcFehFK01f8
"No surprise."29Please respect copyright.PENANAvM3ODlidI4
29Please respect copyright.PENANAY5K1Igiuqg
"I ain't surprised."29Please respect copyright.PENANA1P9tRb1Pfa
29Please respect copyright.PENANA4MhTlW2ZlQ
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.29Please respect copyright.PENANA2VWqShmPfG
29Please respect copyright.PENANAr4mPZgliNk
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAjNtK1la6nj
29Please respect copyright.PENANAM7uKuBWhyk
"No."29Please respect copyright.PENANA809RkOMgaE
29Please respect copyright.PENANAWyXVchoxIJ
"Not really."29Please respect copyright.PENANAoIeHeMr1t4
29Please respect copyright.PENANAKLvBK2Vu2a
"Ah... you two are lame!"29Please respect copyright.PENANA6hkHqQhmtw
29Please respect copyright.PENANA4inz2jtjYP
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAXxSoWkXcbp
29Please respect copyright.PENANARQ4xBtQV37
"..."29Please respect copyright.PENANAMUmmMMEQRU
29Please respect copyright.PENANACITDPHPolH
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAUFVtOTjOAM
29Please respect copyright.PENANA5EpFFpHq9Z
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAgLg0sTUupa
29Please respect copyright.PENANArbgcpnkuP6
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."29Please respect copyright.PENANAlzvnnri4VC
29Please respect copyright.PENANAowpGVeNZT5
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."29Please respect copyright.PENANAPr0XbAjDN1
29Please respect copyright.PENANA7uWUtlbiEz
"I-I see... I suppose so."29Please respect copyright.PENANA5x7iVzJklo
29Please respect copyright.PENANAEmeXIhXa4J
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAm9u4ckB3oa
29Please respect copyright.PENANA9uCCM8thLb
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.29Please respect copyright.PENANA7Dp6ohc3Q8
29Please respect copyright.PENANAYxJZYxqgny
"Did you have to word it that way?"29Please respect copyright.PENANA2u4RuheRnP
29Please respect copyright.PENANAwnFC1oFWSQ
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."29Please respect copyright.PENANANrgzpyJj09
29Please respect copyright.PENANAeGA3r19Eu5
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."29Please respect copyright.PENANAaGTIKzxCTl
29Please respect copyright.PENANAg7K9y68pS4
"Ya got it, boss."29Please respect copyright.PENANAcjDEEVWrNU
29Please respect copyright.PENANAqNItaSzSJt
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAi6Q8brObZa
29Please respect copyright.PENANAIvKy6kHN9E
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."29Please respect copyright.PENANAbV1fjq5DaO
29Please respect copyright.PENANAcaUoqrP1zV
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANASDsynRixfz
29Please respect copyright.PENANA2U4goAtrrX
"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.29Please respect copyright.PENANA6DVfpVMRC9
29Please respect copyright.PENANAYEIobtVlbf
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."29Please respect copyright.PENANAzihePTF94T
29Please respect copyright.PENANABRvEu1t0Jk
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.29Please respect copyright.PENANAD39rzGgZsb
29Please respect copyright.PENANA8OHodhCezB
"...Well, alright. What is it?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAXGk2r3TNz8
29Please respect copyright.PENANAmQC2LBkrDC
"I... I wanted..."29Please respect copyright.PENANAmi29VjuYje
29Please respect copyright.PENANAWB83rPLMlY
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAMsjv9MBUqV
29Please respect copyright.PENANAiqLRXtj8Cl
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"29Please respect copyright.PENANAYCsziyCaNQ
29Please respect copyright.PENANAerAFV9Puy6
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAjUCyiynV4A
29Please respect copyright.PENANAbCYCtQhbFe
"Where's this coming from?"29Please respect copyright.PENANALxd6S9r1m4
29Please respect copyright.PENANAbuI8bRptat
"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?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAEsviiTgWSR
29Please respect copyright.PENANAmyJYWBQG8M
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."29Please respect copyright.PENANAoNAzPwEy2K
29Please respect copyright.PENANATrzpLAS4mZ
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANARuTOv5RstC
29Please respect copyright.PENANAHSgnZO7tXp
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANA2ntvCCg8Dy
29Please respect copyright.PENANA9oYYCfvgZR
In that light–29Please respect copyright.PENANAqHnWHX7t9W
29Please respect copyright.PENANAaPUQeOo0LH
"Alright, apology accepted."29Please respect copyright.PENANABBoLbVLlwz
29Please respect copyright.PENANAQunADGEdOQ
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–29Please respect copyright.PENANAOIFLQmNYCO
29Please respect copyright.PENANAi6CRZItG6d
"--only on one condition."29Please respect copyright.PENANAP8PPJ5Qy7U
29Please respect copyright.PENANAwUf2rscOjg
"Eh!?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAeosNEZ8CDH
29Please respect copyright.PENANAFrAd332RVu
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.29Please respect copyright.PENANA8pwHNO8SWo
29Please respect copyright.PENANAmkghMiIRtH
"That's right."29Please respect copyright.PENANAOKPIuG6SG5
29Please respect copyright.PENANAQ10IStDEeh
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"29Please respect copyright.PENANArBPdqCbIUL
29Please respect copyright.PENANAa7IzObWMHu
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."29Please respect copyright.PENANAfMZLqD8L86
29Please respect copyright.PENANAzgQktdQJIy
"He sounds like a priss."29Please respect copyright.PENANACWTFBN8Qhu
29Please respect copyright.PENANAZmgY7Gg3kq
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."29Please respect copyright.PENANAnglvtWtkIR
29Please respect copyright.PENANARuduAC7Hyk
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.29Please respect copyright.PENANAns7KMR5zHR
29Please respect copyright.PENANAyf0MsUpKtU
"Fine, what's your condition?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAUOtNJRVx0Z
29Please respect copyright.PENANAIiIFSlhL5m
I pointed a finger at her.29Please respect copyright.PENANAj7zIUeZ3HY
29Please respect copyright.PENANAfBuzdeE9yb
"We need to get along from now on."29Please respect copyright.PENANA3zPJ2R6Plo
29Please respect copyright.PENANAUvaYmBn277
"...Huh?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAjkwvwcK7c7
29Please respect copyright.PENANAeaPB63Nyea
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAh8Ly1QzG0F
29Please respect copyright.PENANApCZygPzo9R
"...Ha, that's it?"29Please respect copyright.PENANAdxYRsx1zZH
29Please respect copyright.PENANAyJbTklNHkW
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.29Please respect copyright.PENANAYSZdfuuADg
29Please respect copyright.PENANAS6QTiJxJbf
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"29Please respect copyright.PENANAwjVqJxSuBD
29Please respect copyright.PENANAREwNMdDWxn
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.29Please respect copyright.PENANAxQct7Hiahl
29Please respect copyright.PENANAktboNN7YF3
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAGgg93jfuYm
29Please respect copyright.PENANAhUDFLeGsuF
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.29Please respect copyright.PENANAhSsBsU5hRq
29Please respect copyright.PENANAJrlC3EkKQP
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."29Please respect copyright.PENANA8nx8Q984NH
29Please respect copyright.PENANAOpMys5lLet
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."29Please respect copyright.PENANAQzdjpXuk05
29Please respect copyright.PENANA091BBvF9sM
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.29Please respect copyright.PENANAGgvKOep0dg
29Please respect copyright.PENANARgqhHj0E0x
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."29Please respect copyright.PENANAZcIMukzY0K
29Please respect copyright.PENANAzoecgW3vvp
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."29Please respect copyright.PENANAiSZd2bGyNA
29Please respect copyright.PENANAo607Ooc8N7
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"29Please respect copyright.PENANAf8G7jVE4N0
29Please respect copyright.PENANA6l2GNi6gJn
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.29Please respect copyright.PENANASxPa4o0Eld
29Please respect copyright.PENANAOfUct5eUjT
"What a weirdo, seriously."29Please respect copyright.PENANAQnEDt973hc
29Please respect copyright.PENANAKzJwho2jyF
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAzQeHLvl1Os
29Please respect copyright.PENANAI7bUMQSSEC
–
–
–
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAyFwHaWK43A
29Please respect copyright.PENANAQiSjguFlmA
"You guys! You gotta see this!"29Please respect copyright.PENANATdchz6avR8
29Please respect copyright.PENANAwvPDLRolKp
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.29Please respect copyright.PENANAuOi5lgVfU5
29Please respect copyright.PENANAuOp0L5EFdw
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.