Growth

They stayed there for a week at Emotion’s insistence. Sen was hardly chased during this time, which Bard found a bit unfair, however, Emotion said that it was because he needed to move and exercise more to be able to work through his emotions. She complimented Sen on keeping them moving as a whole, but had her promise that if Bard got into a rut again, she would have him move a bit more. Bard wasn’t sure he agreed with it. He liked what she had done. Emotion said that would be something they would need to figure out them.

A few days later, she handed Sen her token and Bard was eager to head to their next destination.

“Say hello to Father for me!” Emotion said in parting.

“Is that who we are going to next?” Sen asked. Bard confirmed it.

As they made camp that night, Sen had him sit next to her.

“It was hard to speak over the wind, so I waited,” she started. Bard took that as a cue to listen. “I was wondering. What is Father like?” she asked.

“Oh. Well… let’s see,” Bard said as he looked up at the dark sky. “First, he’s not like your dad or your grandfather. I mean, they sort of have some qualities that remind me of Father, but not exactly.” Sen seemed even more curious and eager, so he continued.

“Father was strict some days, but that was when I was being a danger to myself and those around me. Otherwise, he was strong and gentle. Compassionate and present. He wandered the woods with me, always within my sight, but allowing me enough space to explore. He protected me from the storms and elements, and made sure I was well-fed, something I took for granted till I started to work with the Catfolk.”

“He sounds wonderful,” Sen said and then looked down as she sighed. Bard waited while she thought. “I’m grateful we get to meet him, but I worry if he isn’t going to give me a token…”

Bard paused and then thought of how her dad reacted to her saying they were pledged, and he smirked. “I’m not worried.”

“Really?”

“Sure. He isn’t the kind to hold grudges or prejudice. And even though I never saw a Dryad in his wood, he made sure to teach me Asternum, saying I would need it some day. I have to wonder if he figured something like this would happen,” Bard said calmly. Sen became really quiet after that.

Bard decided to tell her stories of his adventures he got into while In Father’s woods. She laughed at his antics and cried when she learned he had lost some animal friends. Kai came over and nudged him a bit.

“I know. You’ve been there for me ever since,” Bard said, rubbing the head. He looked Kai up and down as the large wolf laid down behind them. “Have you gone through another growth spurt?” Bard asked, and Kai’s head raised as he looked himself over. He seemingly shrugged as if he didn’t know. Bard smirked.

“That means you can carry more stuff now,” he said, and Kai growled and then whimpered. “Also means you’ll be eating more again. Seriously.”

“How can you tell? He’s so big?” Sen asked.

“When he lays down. Well… I can see that he’s taller.” She looked at him confused. Bard stood and raised his hand. “See. I can tell that I can’t reach the top of his back when I do this. Before, when I met you, I could barely place my hand on there, but now.” He moved his hand over, and it didn’t go to the middle of Kai’s back, far from it.

“And you could tell that from where you were sitting?” Sen asked as he sat down beside her.

“Sure. Kai’s been a part of my life for a while now, so I notice these things,” he said.

“Then, what about me?” Sen asked.

“Well, I’ve always noticed the changing of your hair. Though your spring and summer colors aren’t too different, but they are there. And you have gotten a bit taller, just not by much,” he said, looking at the top of her head.

“Impressive,” Sen said softly.

The two finished for the night and headed to bed.

As the morning mists settled in, Bard rose and noticed Sen sleeping soundly. It was a rarity to see her asleep. He stayed there and listened to the sounds of the wood, enjoying her presence. He was so close to home now, and it felt so nostalgic. It was still early summer, so perhaps he could afford to spend a bit more time with Father than with the others. The idea was certainly tempting. And Sen’s people and Defender were closer now that they moved more north. Despite all that now in their favor, he wasn’t in control of Elder Pathfinder nor what they might encounter when they try to get home. Maybe, one extra day wouldn’t hurt.

Sen stirred a bit and then settled back asleep. Bard stretched as he rose, and he began to fix breakfast. The sounds and smells roused Sen, and she joined him when the work was nearly done. They ate a hearty meal and then departed with plenty of sunlight. The sunstones were absorbing the sunlight as usual, and not much out of the ordinary happened as they traveled.

This was the normal status for the next few days. Bard shared a bit about his childhood as they drifted to sleep. She was mostly curious about the nature of Father, and Bard felt there wasn’t much he could do except have her experience it herself. As he lay down to rest, Sen reached over and reached for his hand. He was about to speak when he realized she was pretty much asleep at that point. Her eyes closed and her breathing deepened. As he stared for a bit longer, he felt grateful that she had been hasty in her decisions, even if he found them a bit overwhelming. He stared into the sunstones and felt their glow calm him before he closed his eyes and slept.

Hello! We once again have reached an end of an Arc/Book. Poor Bard. He really isn't in tune with his feelings. This hit him pretty hard. Ready for Arc/Book 7? Just two more elders left and then they can head back to Sal Shefa. Anyone else excited to meet Bard's Father? And will Bard finally be able to realize how he feels towards Sen? 

-Laurel R Call