Chapter 152- The Fox Receives a Warning

Chapter 152- The Fox Receives a Warning

[Keeno POV]

I slowly started to regain consciousness as I felt a rather uncomfortable rocking sensation. Opening my eyes slowly, I tried to sit up, but my body felt extremely sluggish. It was like I was moving through water while tied to weights.

{Oh? Already up?}

‘Sort of? I don’t feel awake, or at least my body doesn’t.’

{Just give it a bit longer. You burned through a lot of Divinity bringing Eblana’s sister back.}

‘Was it enough to keep my core from exploding?’

{It would have already if it wasn’t.}

‘Well, that’s good.’

I closed my eyes again and ever so slowly the weight on my body lessened.

‘...’

{What is it, Keeno?}

‘I almost felt like I was at home again...I know I was kind of high on Divinity, but did I really start Fimblventr?’

{Remind me what that was again. I know you told me about it before, but I can’t remember the details.}

‘Basically, never-ending winter until the end of the world. I doubt the world is gonna end though, though the people here may feel like it is for a while.’

{Oh right. Fun...Cataclysmic winter aside, I’ll let the others know you’re up. That Margaret lady needs to speak to you.}

I nodded my head slightly. Around a minute later I heard the ruffling of cloth and someone stepping into whatever I was riding in.

“Lady Okami?” (Margaret)

I lazily flicked a tail in acknowledgment.

“Are you alright? The others said you were awake, but I can leave you to rest some more if you need.” (Margaret)

“I’m awake. Sluggish, but awake.” (Keeno)

“Then feel free to just listen. I need to explain to you what’s going on in regards to us getting you to Lokir. The person we are guarding is someone of high social standing and has the pride and arrogance usually associated with that. The story we are going with is that you and your group are adventurers who are coming to Lokir to join our knight order. Regarding our charge...he is...has, a very difficult personality. He will say things to you that will more than likely make you upset, and that’s only IF he doesn’t take an interest in you. Unfortunately, you WILL catch his interest. What I’m trying to ask is...please do your best and hold off from doing anything drastic until we reach Lokir. After that we have a myriad of ways to convincingly disappear him.” (Margaret)

“That doesn’t sound very knightly.” (Keeno)

“We follow more of a bottom line than any formal knightly oath. As long as we don’t cross that line, basically anything goes. Biggest thing we try to avoid is causing unjust harm to innocents.” (Margaret)

“Hmm. Surprised you want to help me then. While it’s not like I want it to, what I’m doing is one of the most life changing, potentially harmful things to innocent people.” (Keeno)

“Let me rephrase myself then, unjust and unnecessary harm. Me and most of my order believe what you are doing is just and necessary. There are a few decenters and some still on the fence, but they won’t do anything to impede you either.” (Margaret)

“You’re much more lax than I thought you were.” (Keeno)

“It’s just the situation. He’s quiet since he isn’t used to such cold.” (Margaret)

Margaret shivered a little and tried to hide it. Hearing that I smirked a little.

“Heh. Well, if I’m going to dislike this guy as much as you say, then he better get used to being messed with.” (Keeno)

I slowly and steadily increased the heat around me. Margaret kept her stoic expression, but I could see she relaxed very slightly.

“My family and friends are the only ones allowed the privilege of being this close to me to stay warm, and I am and plan on continuing to think of you as a friend. Seeing as you know more of my secrets than most normal people and probably have a good idea regarding what I want you to become in the future, feel free to relax. Hehe. All facades are meaningless in the face of Death and all plans are laid bare under the Sun. May my presence be as welcoming to you as the warmth of hearth at home.” (Keeno)

“I didn’t take you for a poet.” (Margaret)

“I dabble. I wouldn’t call myself a professional, and most of the ones I’ve written shall never be shown to other people, but it’s fun.” (Keeno)

“Do that when you are able to really move again. None of us want to deal with this guy, so that sounds like the best plan of action...and throw a silence Rune in the mix as well.” (Mostima)

“Alright.” (Keeno)

{Oh right, Keeno, one day we’re going to need to figure out some fun things to do when we mix Runes and Magic. I can’t wait to research with you!}

“Hehehe. It’s going to be so much fun.” (Keeno)

While Ama and I were starting to fall into our own little world, Pram moved over and started to snuggle next to me.

“Freya, come here.” (Pram)

Freya looked a bit reluctant but gave in after Pram gave her a pleading look.

“Ehehe. Just like back home. The cold, the closeness, the warmth. All we’re missing is the fireplace.” (Pram)

“I was telling Ama that earlier. It’s so familiar that I’m starting to miss it again.” (Keeno)

“Mind if I join as well?” (Mostima)

“Come on.” (Keeno)

Mostima moved over and joined the puddle. I moved my tails and wrapped them around all of us like we were all in a group hug.

“All we’re missing is Ama and Fia.” (Keeno)

“And the others. Red, Emma, Fafnir, Ortilinde, Eblana.” (Pram)

{Fu and Moco.}

“Yeah...I have a new goal now, when this journey is over, we’re going to have a party where we’re sitting around a hearthfire, telling stories with all of us, my Valkyries, and any other friends we make along the way while telling stories and just having a good time.” (Keeno)

“That sounds like fun.” (Pram)

“Yeah. I can’t wait for that.” (Freya)

“I’ll provide the drinks.” (Mostima)

{And I’ll set the scenery. Keeno, you want to be the one to provide the ambiance?}

“Hehehe. Gladly.” (Keeno)

“Don’t turn it into some kind of horror situation.” (Pram)

“...Fiiiiinnnneeee.” (Keeno)

Pram and Freya started laughing at my answer while Mostima had a warm smile. We continued to chat while the sound of hail hitting the cloth roof of the wagon provided a comforting atmosphere and that blessing from the Goddess of Music started up a soft tune that lulled all of us to sleep.

Chaos Realm:

Luna: ...What is he doing?

Atmos: Still prepping for those two dragons to meet.

Luna: When I said that I was making a joke, but if he took it this seriously, I guess I might as well help.

Atmos: He told me to tell you just wait. He’s almost done.

Luna: Define almost.

Atmos: Like I know, I don’t know rituals like this.

Luna: ???

Atmos: ??!!??

*A bright flash of light covers the room completely*