LaQue

Journey [SporkoBug & LaQue]

A sense of dread suddenly filled his stomachs when the forest went quiet. Did he make a mistake? He didn’t have a lot of people that he could call friends. Chance was one of the very few and he was afraid this would push him away. He was ready for Chance to say no when Chance suddenly fell into his arms. It made his heart skip a beat his butterflies to fill his stomach. “I...” Haki was at a loss for words. He couldn’t believe what Chance was saying.

“You are an amazing person. You are the first stranger to have shown this much kindness to me in my entire life,” Haki said then pulled Chance into a tighter hug.

Suddenly a large explosion of magic radiated through the forest causing the trees to glow. The leaves turned into a bright blue while the bark became a pale white. “Just in time,” Haki said. Now it dawned on him that he didn’t know to dance. Sure he had seen it many times in the past but never bothered to learn. It didn’t occur to him that he would need it one day. Hesitantly, he let go of Chance and held out his hand. He hoped that a past Druid knew how as he sifted through the millennium of memories.

He managed to find nothing and admitted defeat. “Um, I’m not particularly good at dancing. Do you know by any chance?”

---

Adrian quickly opened his arms to catch Nessa. He smiled at her and took a dancing pose as soft music began to play. While his hands are intertwined with her he wouldn’t be able to speak but knew that Nessa could understand him. Slowly, he swayed to the beat of the music while staring deeply into Nessa’s amber eyes. Until now he didn’t notice hoe beautifully her eyes were. They glowed a glisten under the light giving them a mesmerizing quality.

Until now, he didn’t allow himself to get close to anyone else fearing he might lose them. It would be all too common in his line of work but Nessa was different. He wasn’t afraid when he was with her. The exact opposite in fact. She made everything so much more vibrant and alive. All the doubts he had before was gone. All he could focus on was this single moment.

Journey [SporkoBug & LaQue]

Haki continued to throw pebbles into the forest while listening to the many conversations going on around him. While it wasn’t in spoken words, the plants and animals were communicating and he could hear all of them. It was a calming sound but it wasn’t always like that. When his powers first manifested, those voices drove him crazy to the point of abusing alcohol. It made the voices stop and everything to be quiet. He left those habits a long time ago but he would occasionally look back to remind himself of how far he had gotten.

While listening to the conversations, he didn’t notice the griffins or Chance until his voice broke through his thoughts. “Chance!” Haki yelp in surprise. He quickly jumped to his feet causing him to drop the bunny in his hand. It landed safely and scurried away.

“H-Hi Chance…” Haki could feel the heat rising to his face and the pounding of his heart. He didn’t know why chance would be here until he noticed the griffin watching them from behind the tree. It made him go quiet for a moment. “Chance…” It was hard to find the right words to express what he was thinning until he remembered something he picked up earlier that day. Carefully, Haki reached into his robe and took out a crystal rose. It was translucent and was surrounded by a light green halo. He then stood up and walked over to Chance. He reached out, grabbed Chance’s hand, and helped him onto his feet.

“Chance I have only known you for a little while but you are more important to me than anyone…even Adrian.” Haki held out the rose for Chance. “There is a tradition here Du'vir where you ask the person you loved to a dance with a rose. So Chance will you share a dance with me?”

---

“I'm okay just thinking,” Adrian said. He was about to take a bite of his food when music suddenly started playing, and the street burst to life. Petals of flowers began to rain down from the sky as people left their homes and head off towards the city center.

Adrian smiled then suddenly stood up. “Come I have something to show you!” Adrian signed. He took Nessa’s hand and urged her to get up from her seat. Smiling, he guided her out of the store and into the crowd of people all heading to the same place. After a small walk, they reached the city center where a large tree and hundreds of people stood. All of them waiting for a once in a lifetime event. Unlike any other year, this year’s festival was different. The tree at the center of the city was grown by magic and would react to the high magic in the air causing a spectacular sight.

Adrian continued to walk until they were at the center of the square and next to the tree. At its root was a large garden of roses with dozens of colors. Carefully, Adrian picked a rose from the bush and showed it to Nessa. Then like clockwork, the tree began to glow. Its bark turned a bright white. Its leaves a pale blue. “Nessa, will you share a dance with me?” Adrian asked along with everyone else under the tree’s canopy.

Journey [SporkoBug & LaQue]

Haki sat down against a nearby tree and began to throw small stones into the river. The quiet sound of splashing water began drawing the attention of nearby critters who came and invested the sound. They immediately noticed Haki and came to greet him. Most animals, though not capable of speech, can understand Druids and thus community with them. This coupled with the ability to calm down any animal no matter how dangerous makes then a beacon for animals. "Hello there little one," Haki said while handing a squirrel an acorn.

Back at the city, the two griffins circled the inn searching for Chance. Once they saw him appear on the side of the building, they dove down and snatch him off the building. They were careful to not hurt chance and to keep up their glamor as to not be seen by anyone without magic. once they got a secure hold on Chance, they flew off into the distance towards the direction of Haki. being Haki's familiar, they can sense his distress and knew Chance can help.

After a short flight, the griffins dropped Chance off in a nearby clearing to where Haki was sitting. They do not approve of Chance but knew that Haki did so they could make an exception. So they block Chance's escape and push him towards the direction of Haki, who did not know that Chance was here.

---

Adrian continued to drink his tea while occasionally poking at his. "I agree that some memories should never be forgotten, but they will never stop being painful. The pain is what drives me to do better, so it should never be forgotten," Adrian signed.

"I'm sorry I brought up old memories. Let's change the subject. Have you been enjoying the festival?" Adrian signed.

Journey [SporkoBug & LaQue]

“I....” Haki wiped the tears off of his face and though bout his next words. Hesitantly, he put down his drink and got up. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to cry. I I’ll be in the forest if you need me.”

Haki didn’t want to leave as seen in his reluctance to move towards the door. He wanted to be by Chance but also want to clear his head. Eventually, his legs began to move and he disappear though the door. Once again, he changed into his smaller form and escaped out of the building. Then a short run later he was outside the city and on his way to the forest.

He knew his way through the forest even though it was his first time. This made it was easy for him to find a small stream hidden from prying eyes. It was a perfect place to clear his head away from the noises of the city. From what happened in the cave, his feeling for chance, and his pact to take down the Lich, he had a lot of think about. But all he could focus on was Chance.

---

Images from his past began to flash in his mind. He was at a loss on what to say. Nessa’s story as so similar to his own that it didn’t sound plausible. Slowly, Adrian reached out and grab Nessa's hand, squeezing it tightly. “I’m sorry,” He sign.

It wasn’t his attention to bring back old memories making him feel horrible for doing it. He knew what it was like to lose someone you love. The feeling that the world is ending and that it would be better to join them. Everything changes and distort. “Well—”

The woman from the counter walked over to them and set down their order. “Please enjoy,” she said then walked away.

Adrian started at the pie suddenly losing his appetite. “Here why don’t we have a bite.” He moved the plates over to Nessa and began to sip on his tea. He didn’t know how to move on from so he just stayed quiet.

Journey [SporkoBug & LaQue]

“You don’t have to tell me Chance,” Haki said quietly as he stared at his drink. It swirled around his hand for a long moment before he took another drink. It tasted sweet and bitter as he swallowed but felt nothing. He had forgotten what being drunk felt like. His body was naturally resisted to it rendering alcohol nothing more than strange tasting water. Looking down at the pint of beer, he wielded it down once again but this time he added magic to his palm. The beer glowed a dim green before dispersing. He then took another chug and immediately felt a burning in his lungs and a sudden dizziness. The feeling only lasted a few moments before disappearing. He sighed then looked up at the ceiling.

“Chance what am I to you?” Haki asked suddenly. Tears began to form at the corner of his eyes but he quickly wiped them away. “I have so many feelings towards you that I can’t hope to understand. It’s so confusing and frustrating. You are the most amazing person I’ve ever met and and...”

He couldn’t hold back the tears any longer. They began to fall and drop into his beer like tiny raindrops. His mind race to rationalize what he felt but couldn’t. He was angry. Angry at himself that he can’t even say why he wanted.

---

Once everything was paid for, Adrian sat down at a nearby table and looked into the streets. It was quiet and peaceful which was something he was not used too. His eyes constantly dart around scanning for any sign of danger. He quickly noticed his behavior and cursed at himself to stop. There was someone more important to focus on.

Adrian turned to look at Nessa and nervously fidget with his ring. He wasn’t very good at conversations and didn’t know how to start one. “Nessa, what made you became an adventurer?” Adrian asked then immediately regretted it. Was this to personal? Straightforward? What would Haki do?

Journey [SporkoBug & LaQue]

Haki couldn’t help but steal a glance as Kip was Changing. He noticed himself staring and quickly diverted his gaze. Hopefully, kip didn’t notice him looking. Once Kip was fully clothes, Haki refocused his attention onto to Chance. He worried about his eye as Chance answered him. No one would be okay after everything that happened. Especially chance since it was his people that died in that cave.

“Chance I’m here for you if you ever need anything,” Haki said. He took a sip of his beer then leaned back against the bed. He started at the ceiling and thought about what had happened in the past few days. His time in the fairy realm was longer than he wanted and now that he was out he didn’t know what to do. Sure he had to discover who this lich was but what was he to do till then. He felt as if he had no purpose.

---

Adrian smile and walked up to the counter. He knew exactly what he wanted which was a piece of their apple pie. It was rare for him to be able to eat something like this. More often then not a quest would take months to complete where they would have to eat what they can forage. Though Haki did make some good food, it was rare to get to eat sweets. “Can you order for us? I would like a piece of apple pie,” Adrian sign to Nessa. He didn’t have his notebook with him so it would be difficult to order something.

Journey [SporkoBug & LaQue]

Haki watched as the stag disappear. It was strange that such a powerful spirit would agree to leave so easily. The stag did mention that taking a physical form took a lot of energy. “Um sure I’ll be right back,” Haki said.

Haki left through the door before changing back to his wolf form. The owner of the inn didn’t know he was here so it would be best to not cause a panic. Now that he was used to walking on four legs, it was easy to get around. It only took him a moment to reached the front door without being seen. Once out of sight, he changed back and began looking for some food. There were several food stands in the area due to the festival which made it easy to get what he wanted. After buying more food then he could carry, he returned to the inn. No one was at the front desk so he sneaked back inside and back to Chance’s room.

“Chance I got us some food.” In total, he was only gone for about 10 minutes. During which, he bought a bunch of pastries and several different drinks most of which were alcohol.

Haki pushed the table int he corner over to the bed where he set all the food. After grabbing a small keg of beer, he sat down near the bed and turned to look at Chance. “Chance are you holding up okay? After everything that happened…”

---

Adrian smiled as Nessa pulled him towards the door. It was good to see Nessa this happy after everything that happened. She nearly died several times due to his lack of power. It made his stomach turned everything he thought about it. He hadn’t been that powerless since he was a child where his magic was suppressed. He quickly pushed those to the back of his mind and refocused his attention back to Nessa.

He pushed the door of the shop opened reviling a small but homely cabin-like room. Near the back wall was a large counter where dozens of sweets were displayed. At the front were several small tables for two looking out into the street. “Hello welcome! How may I help you today,” a young and chipper voiced called out to them. Standing behind the counter was a short girl with long curly red hair, pale skin, and freckles.

Adrian held the door for Nessa before entering. “What would you like to get?” Adrian signed.

Journey [SporkoBug & LaQue]

“There is no one better than you Chance. You have to know that…” Haki said. His ears began to droop and his tail stopped wagging. He wanted to tell Chance how he felt but he was afraid of his response. He didn’t want to ruin their relationship. It would be much better to have Chance as a friend than none at all.

“If you are here to guide Chance than why have you not appeared sooner?” Haki asked. The Windigo was indeed a spirit but he was unsure if it could be trusted. He was also slightly annoyed that the spirit did not protect Chance. It was supposed to look after him so why did it not help when Chance was in danger?

---

Adrian smiled and scratch Ra behind the ear. He had never had any luck with animals so he was surprised that Ra had taken a liking to him. “I know a good place,” Adrian signed.

He tightened his hold on Nessa’s hand as he began guiding her out of the clinic. The streets of the city were busy with hundreds of people preparing for the festival. Not wanting to get lost int he crowed, he took a short cut between the buildings until they reached a small shop that was built into the side of a large willow tree. He had discovered the place the last time he visited the city. It was hidden behind several buildings which made it a quiet place to enjoy some sweets.

“The sweets here are some of the best in the city. They also have very good tea,” Adrian said. The moment a slight breeze brush past them, the smell of freshly baked sweets filled the air. “If this place okay with you?”

Journey [SporkoBug & LaQue]

Haki quietly listened to the stag as it talked. He understood the form of pact Chance made with the windigo. It was similar to the one he made with the entity that changed his body. He couldn't remember much of the experience and what he could remember was a jumbled mess of pain and realization. It was liked he lived through hundreds of lives as he was forced to remember all the past Druids. After that experience, he made a pact with the entity to stop the calamity that was going to destroy the world.

"Then why are you here now? Chance has been doing all he can to help his people. It is not something one person can do," Haki said slightly irritated. He didn't like that the stag was asking so much of Chance. He had suffered enough and did not need this to weight him down.

---

Adrian stared at the woman in shock. It took a minute for the question to register in his mind, and once it did, "No she is only a friend!" Adrian signed. He didn't really believe what he just said. Nessa was definitely more to him than anyone else. it was different from the bond he had with Haki. It was something more.

"oh my apologize," the woman said. She then signaled him to sit down on the bed. Once he did, she poked at in him in several spots and asked if he felt pain. The area where the arrow pierced him had the most pain. He was surprised that it missed his heart and so was the woman. if it was any slight to the left then he would've been dead.

"Looks like it is healing properly. You will only need to rest. I have to say the healer that healed you is quite talented. even with your status, we cannot guarantee that we could've done the same," The woman said. then after exchanging a few words, he was dismissed.

he walked out of the room and returned to Nessa. "the healer said I only needed to rest. Haki healed most of the major injury. And there is no need to pay. would you like to get something to eat?" His heart began to race again, and his palms began to feel sweety. Why was he so nervous around Nessa? It didn't feel right but he cannot deny the feelings.

Journey [SporkoBug & LaQue]

I'm sorry for posting so infrequently. school and work have not been giving me a lot of free time.