>>6346883Okay, perhaps more like it takes me an 30 mins to an hour to create a post. I totally over-estimated my speed. Honestly, the writing part takes the longest usually.
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The passkeeper's eyes widen. "Master Vault! Please forgive me!"
"Quit your groveling. I shall deal with these outsiders. This will be a private matter of my own. Do you understand?"
The metal-shelled man forces a smile, doing his best to replace his fear. "Yes, Master Vault."
"Excellent." The fellow in the pointy hat motions to you. "Please, continue on. I will ensure that no one troubles you further, so long as I am with you."
You're not really sure what to say at the moment. You can safely conclude that this person is indeed a magic-user as well, and likely a powerful one. It's probably best to simply keep moving along. You nod your head. "Thank you very much."
Catching up with Arne and Sabina, you all make your way through the town with Master Vault quietly following behind. People watch your group as you move along, but it seems due to the presence of the strange and influential magic-user they don't let their eyes linger for too long.
Mandevilla gently touches Sabina's arm. "Are you all right?"
The girl nods. "I wasn't hurt. He was just forceful."
The enchantress simmers, but before she can speak out in anger, she sighs. "I don't want to hold any resentment, for your sake." Sabina grabs Mandevilla's hand, keeping it until you all reach their home.
The house is humble, but to you it feels like a mighty and warm fortress compared to the nest. Your brother seems to agree.
Arne and Sabina tremble with excitement. Arne has had the water skin in his arms for the entire journey, hugging to it as if his life depended on it. "Please, come inside!" The siblings open the door to their home, and rush in.
"I shall wait here, and when you are finished with your business, I would like to have a word with the both of you." Master Vault gestures to you and the enchantress.
You nod. "I don't see why not." You turn back towards the door, stepping foot inside the home along Mandevilla. "I've never been inside a human's nest before," You say.
The woman laughs. "We call these buildings houses. I haven't been in one since I was a girl." She slides her hands along the doorframe and the edge of the wall. "I usually rely on the plants to help me see in the forest. Can you guide me? For me, it's as if there is no light in here." She grabs on to your arm, and you follow Arne and Sabina to a room in the back.
Arne stands over a middle-aged woman in a bed. Her eyes are closed. "Mother? Are you alright?" He shakes her gently. "We have something for you. We brought some friends as well. Please don't be mad..."
Martha, the mother of Arne and Sabina slowly opens her eyes. It seems she has become so weak it takes effort to keep them open. "My love..." Her voice is so faint. You can feel that her spirit is but a quiet flame. "Where... did you go? Are you hurt?"
(2/3)
