Chapter Fifty-Four - The Return

Chapter Fifty-Four - The Return

Chapter Fifty-Four - The Return

Despite everything that had happened the sun was still far from setting. It beat down on my head from above, warming me where the cooler winds from the mountains to the West sent chills down my spine.

Amaryllis wasnt better off. She had lost her thick jacket at some point and was hugging herself for warmth.

There it is, I said as I pointed off to the side of the bridge.

We had ridden on Throat Ripper for a little while, at least until we reached the bridge. At that point Amaryllis had declared that there was no way she was riding any further if it meant being jostled around by a big brute like Throat Ripper.

I didnt mind walking, but I didnt think she needed to word it the way she did. Throat Ripper wasnt a big brute, he was a very good boy.

We both paused when we were on the bridge, and I think Amaryllis noticed that I was watching her watch the surroundings because she huffed and crossed her wings again. Well? Get your things.

I fetched my backpack, but instead of slipping it on, I pulled out a blanket and held it out to her. Itll be okay, I said.

Whats that for? And what, exactly, will be okay? Amaryllis asked.

Everything? I tried.

The harpy pinched the bridge of her nose. You are a fool, Broccoli, she said. It sounded halfway between exasperated and fond. Give me that.

She took the blanket and wrapped it over her shoulders while I collected my things. Having both a spear and a shovel was growing to be a bit of a hassle. At the same time, I didnt want to get rid of either one. The shovel was a memento of my time in the Wonderland dungeon, and the spear a gift from a friend. I supposed that when I found myself a nice place to stay in, or purchased my first airship, I would have a place to store all of my neat high-level gear.

What are you standing around for? Amaryllis asked. We have ground to cover.

Right, sorry, I said.

We continued walking along the road, both of us much more alert than we had been that morning, but also a lot quieter. That is, until Amaryllis broke the silence. Thank you, she said.

For what?

Dont be a fool. Thank you for coming back, and for hatching such a featherbrained scheme to try and save me.

I dont think you should say try to save me when it worked, I pointed out.

She huffed again. Yes, well, I would have freed myself eventually. I was merely waiting for my mana supplies to be replenished naturally. Then I would teach those idiots a lesson on how to handle a nob-- a lady.

Oh, right, I didnt ask about your leg, are you sure you should be walking?

She made a dismissive flapping motion in my direction. I had enough healing points to take care of it.

Okay, good, I said. I still eyed the way she was walking for a bit, but she didnt show any signs of limping.

Why are you smiling like that? she asked.

I hadnt even noticed that I was grinning from ear to ear. It wasnt even my normal life is okay smile. This was a much bigger, brighter grin, and it took me all of a second to figure out why. Its because I made a friend.

A friend? You think that just because weve been through some harrowing experiences together and that you saved me were suddenly nest buddies?

My smile faded and I looked at Amaryllis with tears gathering in my eyes.

F-fine. I... suppose I could deign to call even someone as dumb as you a friend--get off me! she said when I glomped her from the side.

But were friends now! I rubbed my head against hers so that our cheeks squished. Oh, Ive been looking forward to having friends ever since I came here, and Im super happy that youre my first real-deal friend, Amaryllis.

Do you do this to all of your friends? No, dont answer that. Keep the sordid details, and your hands, to yourself, Amaryllis said as we started walking again. She might have made a fuss but when I held her close to my side she didnt complain, and we were soon walking in sync with each other through the swampy marsh.

What? No, thats preposterous.

Gunther hummed as he moved to the back of the easel. A skeleton was standing there holding up a platter with some paints on it and a case that had all sorts of brushes and glass jars of various pigments. You would do well to set aside what you think is correct, Miss Albatross, especially around someone like Miss Bunch here who... well, the world most certainly has plans regarding her, he said.

Plans? I asked. Like quests?

Gunther paused, hands hovering over the brushes and paints. Yes, like quests, he said. I havent had anything new to paint in some time. I hope you dont mind being my subjects. Im quite rapid with the brush and oils.

No problem! I said. Did you want to paint Amaryllis too? We could be sitting next to each other, or posing in a cool way, or hugging or something.

I am not being painted in some sort of... debauched pose. Nor am I suitably dressed for a painting, Amaryllis said.

While you are perhaps a... little dishevelled, Gunther said. His hand began moving across the entire canvas, laying down the background layer of paint. You do have a certain ferocious look. The adventuress after a difficult ordeal.

Amaryllis stood just a tiny bit taller at the compliment and I had to stifle a knowing grin. Well I think you look great, I said. Here. A bit a cleaning magic later and we were both freed of all the mud and gunk that covered out clothes. Amaryllis even passed her talons through her hair to straighten it out.

Very well. Just stand naturally, Gunther said.

Amaryllis shifted, her arms moving up, her back bending a little and all of her feather floofing out.

What are you doing? I asked.

Im getting into the proper pose for a painting.

Oh, I said. Then I hugged her. Paint us like this!

No, you idiot! Amaryllis protested. Is this how you want people to see you when they look at the painting? Some, some hug-giving harlot?

Hey! I would never charge for a hug!

Wh-whats thats supposed to mean? Amaryllis sputtered.

Youre a friend. Friends get free hugs!

Gunther sighed as he lowered his brush then moved over to place us both shoulder to shoulder. It wasnt the most active pose, but I suppose it wasnt all bad.

It was kind of awkward to just stand there, like taking a family photo, but with the worlds slowest camera. Um, can we still talk? I asked.

Of course, Gunther said, though he sounded distracted. Tell me about how your rescue went? Did Throat Ripper do a good job?

He was the best, I declared. Off to the side of the room, Throat Ripper replied with a thump-thump of his tail on the floor. I dont know if undead doggies have snacks, but if they do he deserves all of them.

Ill see what I can do, Gunther said. And the cervid, theyve left?

They did, Amaryllis answered. You might find yourself in some trouble if they decide that youre a threat.

Perhaps. Perhaps not. I am difficult to be rid of, and my home here is well-guarded. Nonetheless, perhaps I shall increase the number of patrols. Just to be cautious.

That would be wise, Amaryllis said.

They actually began to talk politics, Amaryllis questioning Gunther over his views of the laws pertaining to necromancy, and while that was interesting enough, I had my mind occupied by other things.

Sure, the day had gone... well. I might have lost a friend and I didnt, instead I had made one. But at the same time, I was left wondering just what was left in store for us in the coming days. Amaryllis near-kidnapping hadnt been a coincidence, which meant that someone had deliberately targeted my friend.

I... we would need to get to the bottom of it. Together!

What are you smiling about now? Amaryllis asked.

Nothing, I said.