Traveler’s Respite

Some time has passed since we helped that human family get to safety. We’ve been on the road ever since–barely stopping for rest to make up for lost time.

It’s approaching dusk now–there’s hardly any natural light shining the road ahead. We have to make a stop and rest for the night.

Elvina, who’s currently the one driving the carriage, knocks softly on the carriage’s wooden wall. Arin sprung up as we started to slow down. I guess we’ll be setting up camp here… wherever we are.

Arin opens the door only to be met by the sun setting followed by darkness. It’s going to be such a nuisance trying to navigate the dark to set up camp but it seems I was worrying for nothing.

Arin quickly chanted a spell that summoned a ball of light that acted as our light source. I couldn’t directly stare at it, kind of like an incandescent light bulb.

We quickly get to work and helped each other set up camp. At the side of the road, we had the carriage cover us, acting as protection from one side while we set up individual sleeping bags around the campfire. We finished setting up fairly quickly.

As soon as everything got set up, Elvina immediately makes food for us while Arin has to set up a perimeter–for our safety, it seems. Usually, his guards would take care of this thing but since they were left behind, Arin has to do it. Seems like he can be reliable when he wants to.

I, on the other hand, have nothing to do. I asked both Elvina and Arin if I could help them and they both told me the same thing, “I can handle it.” Fine, I thought. I’ll just stretch my body, I guess.

Being inside that carriage all day made several of my joints ache in agony. The roads we were traversing on didn’t seem to be all that well-kept. It’s bumpy and every now and then, we’ll run over a rock of some kind, thrusting us onto the air for a second.

I will say though, calisthenics does wonders for muscle pain. I feel like all the soreness are dissipating into the air.

Eventually, I finish doing that and have to do something else to pass the time. I guess I’ll make small talk with Elvina.

“Elvina. Are you sure you don’t need any help?”

“Yes, Naoki. I’m sure. Just sit tight, this’ll be done soon.”

I sat near the campfire to warm myself up. The aroma from the pot reached my nose–it was a pleasant smell.

“What are you cooking?”

“Soup. It seems like it’ll be a cold night. We’ll need it to keep ourselves warm.”

“It smells really good!”

“Thank you. We’ll also have bread with it.” She gave her usual smile.

That sounds like it’ll be a filling dinner. It’s a huge pot as well and there’s only three of us. I could probably get seconds.

“Where’d you learn how to cook anyway?” I asked curiously, trying to continue the conversation.

“I used to be an adventurer. I’ve learned all of my survival skills from my friends back then.”

“Oh really? When was that?” That’s definitely a surprise. I had thought that she’d been with Arin all this time.

She didn’t really give me an answer. Her smile gave a hint of melancholy–I probably shouldn’t pry further.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.”

“Oh, no, no! It’s not a problem. I just happened to remember my old friends. It’s been a long time, is all. You know, you kind of remind me of one of my old party members.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes. His name is Wilfred. He was rather simple-minded but he always wanted to help people in need. I guess seeing how you acted earlier made me see you in a new light.”

Simple-minded? I hope she still doesn’t think I’m stupid.

“I see… Elvina, is it possible if you tell me more about your old adventurer party?” I’m very interested in this kind of thing. Kind of like finding out the old hermit living on the outskirts of your village is actually a renowned hero in the past.

“Let’s see… There were five of us. Me, Wilfred, Nadia, Xan, and Emir. An elf, two humans, a half-elf, and a dwarf, respectively. We weren’t able to attain notoriety at all but we had fun travelling the world together.”

“At some point though, my mortal friends only got older and older, while I stayed the same. Eventually they all moved on, while I was left behind all alone.”

“I traversed the lands looking for purpose, but everywhere I stayed ended up in me being alone eventually. That was the case at the time until I met someone special. He saved me from my meaningless life, and ever since then, I’ve been following his lead.”

Is she talking about… him?!

“Are you perhaps talking about Arin?” I asked nosily.

“Yes. He wasn’t so much different from back then, but he was definitely way cooler before.” She blushed a bit.

“Although nowadays, he acts like a child most times and I just end up wondering where have my lovely savior gone.”

Oh my?!

“Elvina! Do you actually love Arin?”

“Huh? What makes you say that?!”

“I mean… you wouldn’t care for him all these years if you don’t, right?

“Is that really how it goes?! I like him because he saved me and he’s a respectable person. That’s all it is, okay? Anyways, let’s change the topic!”

Elvina is lovely when I tease her. She’s just the type who you want to tease more when they tell you to stop.

Just then, loud crackling of leaves is heard ahead of us–two sets of footsteps approach us from the dark.

“Hey, look who I found travelling the forest.”

It’s Arin! And with him is a familiar face and definitely a face that I want to see right now.

“Oh, Felaris!” Elvina walks up to him and gives him a hug.

“Arin told me just about everything. I’m glad you all made it here safe.” Felaris has a face filled with relief.

I walk up to them, wanting to greet Felaris too. I’m also relieved that he’ll be joining us now rather than later.

“Hey, Felaris. I’m glad you could make it.” I said with sincerity in my voice. I reach out for a handshake but he physically recoils at the sight of me.

“Huh?” I mutter.

Felaris looks at me intently,

“Oh, it’s just you, Naoki.” He said with frankness.

Ouch. Is it the clothes? It’s the clothes, isn’t it? Damn you, Arin! Making me wear unusual clothing.

I shot a glare towards Arin. We made eye contact but it seems like he’s completely oblivious as he just has a dumbfounded face on him. I can’t believe this guy!

We all went back and sat around the campfire–it’s time for dinner!

The soup was truly filling–it made me feel like I’m eating my mom’s food. The warmth it brings my stomach made the cold air dissipate. Partnering it with elvish bread filled me up even more, making me feel a bit bloated and drowsy.

Surprisingly, with how much we all ate, there’s still leftovers. Maybe it’ll be our meal for tomorrow. I certainly wouldn’t mind it.

We made a little bit more of small talk before we got ready for bed–at least the three of us did. Felaris had to go watch over the surroundings while we rest–no sleep for him.

I asked if he’s going to be fine and he said yes. Of course, I offered to switch with him but he said that it’s his job to do so. I guess he’s used to this kind of thing by now.

I wished him good night and went to my bed. I must’ve instantly dozed off as I don’t remember much else at that point. Elvina’s soup really hit the spot.