Book One Chapter Thirty Five: Wood Elf Companion Side Quest Hook

Book One Chapter Thirty Five: Wood Elf Companion Side Quest Hook

The Chosen One seemed strangely disinclined to talk after that cryptic remark. Instead, he led them into the Forbidden Forest village, where folks had settled back into their routines. In fact, they seemed to be the exact same routines as when Qube and the others had been there last. Even the Wood Elves in charge of rebuilding several of the houses seemed to have made no progress whatsoever they just kept running loops around the village holding planks of lumber and complaining about how hard they were working!

It seemed even Wood Elves had lazy people who spent more energy looking busy than they would actually working, Qube thought with a sniff.

The ruler of the Forbidden Forest was also right where theyd left him, sitting on his frankly uncomfortable-looking throne of twisted thorns, made of similar-looking wood to the twisted thorn crown he was wearing. It probably had some deep metaphorical connection to the Forbidden Forest (when were they going to rename the place, anyway?) but Qube was rather more interested in the way he and his bodyguard were looking at Sexy Screamy Spider Lady as the Chosen One approached. Normally everyone turned to look at the Chosen One as soon as he entered a room sometimes even staring unerringly at where he had wandered off to when hed left the room. But the ruler and the bodyguard were looking between the Chosen One and Sexy Screamy Spider Lady with about as close as one can get to stern disapproval when faced with the person in charge of saving the world and his trusty hideous monster of a companion.

So, youve returned, the ruler said to both the Chosen One and Sexy Screamy Spider Lady. Sexy Screamy Spider Lady gave a very complicated curstey, parts of her equipment and clothing melding with her flesh as she moved, only to pop back out again once she was upright. As was normal. In fact, Qube wondered for the first time, was Sexy Screamy Spider Lady somehow riddled with pockets? That would explain several things. Like where her original outfit had gone when shed put on her Fireproof clothing, for example.

Yes, Father, Sexy Screamy Spider Lady said, tossing her head back defiantly.

Qube blinked. The ruler of the Wood Elves was Sexy Screamy Spider Ladys father? He must have married a giant spider that would explain the childrens faces all over the Hunter. She must have gotten them from her fathers side.

You should speak to Ruler Wefton with more respect, the female bodyguard next to the ruler scolded.

Yes, Mother, Sexy Screamy Spider Lady replied sulkily.

Qube nearly bit her own tongue in surprise. Wait both of Sexy Screamy Spider Ladys parents were Wood Elves? And the rulers of the Forbidden Forest, as well! Surely that made her some kind of Wood Elf royalty, right? Separate from the Dryad Queen, sure, but still royalty!

Had they been traveling with an incognito royal this entire time?!

Princess Sexy Screamy Spider Lady! Qube gasped. Im so sorry I was so informal with you! I had no idea!

Im not a Princess, Sexy Screamy Spider Lady said angrily.

Qube frowned. Just because Sexy Screamy Spider Lady had clearly been adopted was no reason for her not to inherit the throne! She hadnt thought Wood Elves to be so narrow-minded. She opened her mouth to say such when Sexy Screamy Spider Ladys Father spoke up.

We do not believe in Princes and Princesses, he said sternly. Qube nearly snorted in disbelief, then remembered that the ruler wouldnt have been able to see her anyway. Head Guard Alash and I rule because we are fit to rule. Our daughter must prove her worth to take the Thorny Crown and be judged fit to succeed us. While her lifetime of personal tutelage by the current rulers may indeed have helped prepare her for this trial, the Thorny Crown will not allow itself to be taken by just any

The Chosen One stepped up next to the thorny throne and tried taking the crown off of the (apparently pseudo) kings head. Ruler Wefton, with what Qube thought was a surprising amount of sangfroid, ignored the Chosen One.

Character side quest? the Chosen One asked the ruler hopefully, still trying to abstract his sign of authority.

The time has not yet come for us to recall you, Ruler Wefton told Sexy Screamy Spider Lady. But you have duties that you have been neglecting.

Okay, no character side quest yet, the Chosen One sighed.

Qube had never seen an insta-camp in action before! She vaguely remembered taking a whole armful of canvas from Mr Igmas shop, back in Cobbletown. What kind of magic was it using that would create instant fire, too?

Chosen One she turned to the Hero, only to find him looking at her, his face oddly blank.

[Sleep], he ordered, and Qube instantly tumbled onto one of the bed rolls and fell asleep.

It was fully dark by the time she awoke. The rest of the party had awoken at the exact same time, the Chosen One included. But, rather than packing up, he turned to the other three party members and began pointing at them one by one.

You. [Sleep]. You. [Sleep]. You. [Sleep]. And. one by one. Sexy Screamy Spider Lady, Sewer Bard and Definitely Bad Guy lay back on top of their bedrolls and closed their eyes.

The Chosen One rolled his shoulders as Definitely Bad Guy instantly joined the others in sleep.

Looks like I have to target them individually if I dont want the entire party to go to sleep. He glanced at Qube, then quickly looked away. Ill have to mention that. Its kinda annoying.

Qube, not understanding, gave an Understanding Smile.

The Chosen One went and sat by the still merrily burning campfire, and poked it with a stick that seemed to have been placed next to it for exactly that purpose.

Not that you would understand what Im talking about, he muttered. Or maybe you do? I dont even know anymore. He ran his hand through his hair. I guess I didnt want to know. Its not supposed to be my job to deal with this kind of problem. I just I just wanted to help a mate out. See what I could break. Try out some new tech, yknow?

He threw his stick into the campfire and moodily watched it burn. Qube hesitated. Shed never seen the Chosen One like this. She didnt understand what was wrong, or how she could fix it. Her mind whirled with possibilities, theories, ways she could maybe help him. But then she shut that part down.

He was hurt. In some way she couldnt define. So she would do what she had always done: She would be by his side.

She slowly walked up to his left side and carefully sat down next to him, tucking her feet underneath herself and primly rearranging her robes.

Timidly, she reached out and took his left hand.

Dont worry, Chosen One, she said quietly, Im here.

The Chosen One looked at their clasped hands, twisting them as he held them up to the firelight.

Its so warm, he said, with wonder and a hint of bitterness in his voice. Its almost enough to make you forget He dropped her hand.

Well, he said, turning and facing her fully. I suppose its time you and I had a talk.