The trio took a deep breath, releasing their synchronized "Aah"s at once.
"Aah, the smell of fresh air!" Oswald said, grinning.
Around them, birds sang under a blue sky, the wind carried the leaves with it.
Percival opened the map, its edges crinkling in the passing breeze.
"We should rest before the third cave."
He rolled the map up, looking at the two of them.
"Let us return to the kingdom, the path from this cave is straight."
The long trudge to the kingdom began. Aelindor turned to Oswald, tilting his head.
"Thou didst avouch that thou didst keep watch throughout. Wherefore didst thou not take thy rest?"
Oswald gazed slightly upward.
"Y'know, after a huge battle, I've always… passed out cold. You all have to carry me every time. I mean, nothing wrong with that, I just—wanted to rest with you guys and not you resting around me."
"Heh. This is not a matter for complaint. We do this out of friendship and in recognition…" He looked at Oswald, smiling. "…of a debt that cannot be repaid."
"In sooth, thou hast spoken aright. That debt beyond all reckoning bindeth us fast unto thee."
Heh.
He turned away, eyes glistening.
What is this? Naruto?
"Ahem. Hey, man, look." He met their gazes. "Whatever debt you think there is, I relieve it. No debts."
"Hahaha. That is purely metaphysical. I doubt it can be alleviated, my friend."
Damn it, he's correct.
"Well, I am grateful for having you guys with me, despite the risks—like the battle in the cave behind us."
That's the truth, but…
He gritted his teeth. The mask is getting the praises. His hands balled into a fist.
Tch! I hate this!
They continued through the forest, the thought of the mask—the character he was playing—boiling his blood.
* * *
An hour under the skyscraper-height trees, Oswald squinted, pointing ahead.
"Is that… a door in a giant tree?"
Percival followed his finger, spotting the very door embedded in the huge tree ahead.
"Heh. Wow uh, I guess we found our place of rest."
Percival turned to Aelindor, seeing his widened eyes.
"It… appears that you are familiar with this place. This should simplify matters."
Oswald leaned forward, peering at Aelindor.
"He does?"
He does! This DOES make things easier.
Oswald walked to Aelindor's side.
"Hey, whose house is that?"
Aelindor blinked profusely, composure returning.
"Yon is the house of mine own companion of childhood, whom I have not beheld these many a century. Therein dwelleth a mother with her daughter."
Childhood friend's house, huh. A mother and daughter, huh. Me anime plot senses are tingling.
The trio neared the treehouse, its perimeter dotted with flowers. Oswald gestured at the door.
"Good luck, friend."
After a deep breath, and adjusting his bowler hat, Aelindor walked to the door and knocked using a knocker.
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
He walked a few steps back.
Oswald heard a woman call out in Elvish. Approaching footsteps got closer and closer until the door opened.
An elven woman with the signature long ears, black hair, and a wrinkled face wore a long dark-brown dress, a brown cloth draped over her hair.
Her eyes widened at the sight of Aelindor, and she called out his name—but that was all Oswald could understand, as the rest of the exchange was in Elvish.
Guess that's how they felt when I was talking with the bear. Kinda… awkward.
"We shall discourse anon. For the nonce, I would make known unto thee the friends who stand behind me."
He gestured at Oswald.
"That is Oswald, a kindly and bounteous friend, and eke a swordsman of no small skill."
"Nice to meet you." He bowed.
No small skill? What a complicated way to say I'm a skilled swordsman.
Aelindor's hand switched to Percival.
"Lo, yon is Percival Montclair, a nobleman and captain, and eke a friend most steadfast."
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
The woman smiled and gave a nod.
"Thou art right welcome. Pray, step within."
They stepped within.
This takes "treehouse" to a whole new level—literally.
Aelindor stayed behind to catch up with the mother, while Percival and Oswald went to rest in the guest room.
* * *
ns216.73.216.247da2
and then Add to home screen.