45.2. Emotions and Stuff
What are we even doing, anyway?
I turned to her half an hour later. We were now passing by street rchants [Traders] people selling their wares and goods, shouting and clamoring to be heard over all the noise.
What do you an?
The Human glanced back at , holding a necklace up around her neck.
Does this look good?
That looks like a red rock wrapped in tal.
Its a ruby pendant. But do you like the way it matches my hair?
Edithe raised the jewel up slightly, putting it just next to her fiery locks. I nodded slowly.
I yes. I think it looks kind of nice?
I wasnt really sure how to articulate it, however I thought it was pleasing to the eye. She grinned, turning back to the rchant.
Ill take it.
She returned to monts later and looked at inquisitively.
So, what were you saying again, Salvos?
What are we doing? Weve just been walking around doing nothing.
What do you an? We are doing sothing.
Which is?
Relaxing. Spending a girls day out.
Edithe paused as I cocked my head, confused. She averted her gaze slightly.
Plus, Ive got to teach you a few things about being a girl.
--
Guys like those two earlier are quite common. Many n think that just because were won, they can push us around. You cant let them do that.
Of course if they push , Ill punch them back!
No. Not that kind of pushing. Its the kind where they make you do what they want to do. Youve got to stand your ground and do what you want instead.
I cocked my head.
Huh.
She sighed.
I can see how this is kind of confusing for you. Of course it is. But youve got to know how to protect yourself as a girl. Not as an adventurer and not as a fighter. As a Human woman.
But Im not a Human woman.
Still, Id rather you not do sothing stupid or sothing youll regret in the future. You probably wont ever care for it this is more for my own conscience, I guess.
Edithe mused to herself as we sat on the edge of a fountain. I could feel so light droplets trickling onto my face from the constant splashing of the water. Nodding, I smiled.
I think I can understand what youre saying. Its like Lucerna when I t him, he was trying to make Haec and I do what he wanted us to do. He didnt care for what we wanted at all!
Thats not exactly right. But close enough.
She giggled. Not annoyed, not angry. She seed happy she was enjoying herself. I looked at this and I felt my lips curling up. I found myself laughing with her, not really sure what she found so humorous or entertaining, but finding it nonetheless.
After a mont longer of just staying there, relaxing, Edithe spoke up.
So, Salvos, what will you be doing?
What will I be doing?
Yes. You cant really get to where you want to go for the foreseeable future. So, what now?
I didnt even think to respond.
Ill level, of course.
Edithe shook her head, muttering under her breath.
I dont know why I expected anything else.
I grinned and she chuckled.
Well, if you really do want to level, theres still the Silkfalls Crevice Dungeon. Its not that far, and its a place you already know. It wont be too dangerous for you, plus it's still a good place for you to earn levels.
I nodded slowly as she continued.
Ive spoken around. Talked to adventurers. It seems like that while not a lot of adventurers are swarming to tackle this newfound Dungeon, a few high Silvers are trying their luck. You could probably team up with them if it gets too dangerous.
I raised my head up and down and stopped.
But why would I team up with them when Im with you, Daniel, Mistshard, and Druma?
The Human woman sighed. She looked over at as her gaze shadowed over. She chewed her lip hesitantly, but eventually spoke out.
Salvos Ill be leaving in a few days.
Leaving?
I cocked my head.
To return to my company. The Valiant Drears. Ive already accomplished what I was sent here to do by them and more. But now, with the Iron Champions Company threatening us or at least, Stephen did I need to go back. Tell them about what happened with him. Just in case the company really tries sothing.
I stared at her, not really processing what she was saying.
I wasnt really sure how to tell you this. Honestly, telling it to Daniel was pretty easy. Were both adventurers, so he simply took it as it is. But you? I wasnt sure how youd react.
Wait but why?
I blurted out, mind racing. Shes leaving? Arent we companions? Why does she have to go?
Why cant you stay?
I told you. Im needed back ho. And my team is dead. I have to go back. Talk to their families. Their friends. And we need to grieve. Together.
I opened my mouth and Edithe hugged . I flinched, reflexively reaching out to push her back. Then I stopped, slowly embracing her.
Im sorry, Salvos. I know its sudden. And I know you wouldnt want to co with . Its more weird Human stuff you cant possibly understand. But I have to go. Return ho.
Let follow you!
I sputtered, not even knowing what I was saying. Edithe cocked her head.
Are you sure about that? Itll be full of boring Human stuff. We wont be fighting, or leveling, or doing anything in particular. Therell be lots of sleeping and lots of eating. I dont think youd like that.
I uh, nevermind.
I slowly deflated. She sighed, grinning.
Thought so.
Slowly, the Human woman let go of . I spoke up first.
I good luck.
Edithe blinked. I hesitated, but managed to continue.
Going back its tough. Takes a long ti. So, good luck.
She looked at , perplexed. Then her eyes widened, and a reassuring smile ford on her face.
Its not like your whole ordeal. Its very simple. Ill be back in less than a month, dont worry.
Are you sure?
Of course. Im more worried about you anyway. Just focus on yourself. Dont jump into a Lair of Centinels because you think you can take them all. If theres a Level 70 or 100 Centinel they can get dangerous.
I lifted an arm up.
Ill only do it if I know I can take them.
That does not inspire any confidence in , but I do trust you. So Ill take your word for it.
I smiled. But I still felt uneasy.
When will I see you again?
Whenever you want, Salvos. Just co visit at the Valiant Drears headquarters at Viechester. Its a large city west of here in the Sunre Republic not the Capital, since thats where the Rising Veterans are located.
The Sunre Republic?
Yes. Salvos youve only been in the Mortal Realm for a few months. And youve mostly stayed around Falisfield. But this place is much bigger than you can imagine. Go explore it, and find a way back to your friend. Well et again in the future, I promise.
I nodded, looking at the red haired woman one more ti. She had the pendant she bought around her neck and it really did suit her. She shook her head and chuckled.
Anyway, thats enough of that for now. Its not like Ill be leaving imdiately. Its still a few days. I need to go to the temple and send a relay ssage back first
--
And yet, a few days ca quickly. It passed like the wind carried by the breeze not like an unmoving, static rock. It ca and went, and so did Edithe.
Daniel and I bade her farewell. She left through the gates of Hazelbury with Mistshard by her side. I had already spoken to Druma the [Yaksha] hadnt evolved yet, but he was close. I hoped he would be a Greater Spirit the next ti I saw him.
And as for [Elental] she nodded my way and I nodded back. That was more than enough for the two of us.
I watched as Edithes figure disappeared as the night did with the sunrise; she waved at us on the back of a horse, until she was no longer in view. I stayed there by the gates until it was noon, and Daniel returned to usher away.
Shes gone, Salvos. Co on, lets go.
For now.
I spoke softly, following the Human man as he led away from the city gates and the staring guards.
But Ill et her again. Just like how Ill et Haec again. I know it.
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