>>6216700>“I’ll talk to Elric and try to come to some sort of understanding. Cuthbert, as the boy’s guardian you should come along as well. The rest of you would just make things too strange. You’ll all stay behind and get things ready. I’d like for us to leave for Shangri-La sooner than later.” There was only one stop left to make before arriving in Morfis and claiming the Princess for yourself. If your brief stays in Ithaca and Hima were anything to go by, you were sure there’d be some bullshit in Shangri-La you’d have to deal with. All the more reason you had to settle this Elric situation now before things grew more complicated. Cuthbert leads you out of Hima, towards a secluded area deep within the mountains that surround the town. It is there you find Elric. The boy is doing what he typically does these days. He practices swinging his sword with full attention, not even noticing your arrival. He’s removed his shirt, and you note with some surprise that he has started to develop defined musculature. Three weeks ago he could hardly lift his rapier, and yet the person hacking and slashing before you now appeared as though he’d been practicing his entire life.
Cuthbert clears his throat in an attempt to bring notice to the two of you. Elric’s head snaps towards you instantly, eyes wide with surprise. Mystletainn is gripped tightly in his hand.
“Lord Elric. Tristain and I thought we might check in on you. I’ve brought some water and snacks. How goes your training?”
“Ahh, of course. Thank you!” Elric says with a polite smile and a bow. He walks over to the two of you and accepts Cuthbert’s offerings. You note that he receives them using only one hand, as his other is still clenching Mystletainn. “It’s good to see you both. Training is going well! I decided to wake up a little earlier this morning to get a few more swings in before we leave for our next destination.”
“So…you’ve been out here for several hours then?” Cuthbert asks.
“Huh, I suppose so. The time just flies when you’re deep in concentration.” Elric answers with a shrug. He gulps the flask of water ravenously, and in a few seconds the container has been completely drained.
>“How are you doing these days, Elric?” You ask.“Ahh, I’m doing great! Never better actually. Lately I’ve just felt so good. Like I could do anything. I think it must be all the sunshine in this desert. It’s really not so bad once you get used to it. Did you know proper exposure to sunlight is pivotal for human growth?”
>“Yep, that’s it. It’s got to be all the sunlight.” You say, never taking your eyes off Mystletainn. Was it your imagination or did it just blink at you? You always hated that stupid red glowing eye. What a tacky design.“Adeline says you performed exceptionally in the last battle.” Cuthbert says. “I had no idea you’d grown so strong. Tell me, what’s your secret?”
