Chapter Seven: Speech Is Silver, Silence Is Golden
Since the day of the great burning, the entire village seemed to be seeped into a melancholy affair. After all, most of the residents here had kin in Helgan. I too was swept along with the dour mood; mind preoccupied that events were truly kicking in gear.
What does this mean for me?
I scrapped the bone methodically across the leather hoisted on the tanning rack. Alvor was at his usual spot at the forge, hammering away. Next to him seated at the grindstone, was the Redguard who was gliding the blunt edge of a sword against the wheel.
Wide fingers maneuvered the blade accordingly and corded biceps shifted smoothly with the change of every angle. With a final swipe, the man drew his back and raised the weapon to the eye.
I caught the glimpse of pressed lips twitching upwards at the corners. With a small satisfied nod, the man transferred the honed blade onto the rack. As he reached for another sword in the unpolished pile, his eyes locked with mine and I quickly duck my head behind the leather.
"You really know your way around a forge." Alvor piped as he came over to appraise the Redguard's efforts. "Couldn't have sharpened it better myself." The blacksmith said happily while sweeping a finger gingerly across the edge.
"Resourceful of you to lug all those discarded weapons from Helgan. It was an unfortunate situation but I appreciate a man who understands the value of waste not, want not."
After putting the poor souls into the restful dirt, the guest over the span of a few days turned up with a plethora of weapons all salvaged from the ruined town. Chipped war axes, swords with broken hilts, bows that required restringing…
I boggled at the sack that he thumped heavily onto the ground every time he came back.
Cue my task with the making of leather strips for the rewrapping of the sword grips.
Ever since the debacle of our first meeting. It seemed that the man deliberately distanced himself. If we were eating the communal dinner with the family, he made it a point to sit at the furthest edge of the bench from me.
When asking him to pass over a dish, the Redguard just slid the plate over the table without taking his eyes off his food.
Speaking of food…
I clapped a hand to my forehead. Hadvar's lunch!
I threw the tools onto the rack and dashed into the house.
"By the gods woman! Where were you?" the Nord grouched as I bustled around the cooking area. "I'm famished!"
"Sorry, sorry…" I mumbled apologetically while easing Hadvar into a sitting position. "Got carried away with the tasks."
Hadvar pursed his lips but made no other comment. Seeing his disgruntled face, I decided to tease him.
"How bout I make it up to you by feeding ya?" I grinned, dug a scoop of broth and held the spoon to his lips. "Say ahhh!"
"Give me the bowl you imp!" Hadvar groaned and I did as he told. Wasting no time, he dug in with relish.
Man…He wasn't kidding when he said he was hungry.
I took care to put myself out of the way of flying specks.
"Well, your appetite seems to be good. Feeling better?"
"Yes, much. Though my legs seem not able to sustain my weight for the time being." Hadvar wiped a hand across his mouth before answering. "Wish my body will hurry itself up, I've got to get back to the regiment. But someone needs to inform Jarl Bulgruf at Whiterun of Riverwood's predicament."
I stiffened at his words.
"And who…might that be? Did er…your buddy the Redguard…"
"Oh him? See that knapsack over there?" Hadvar pointed with the spoon and I stared at the bulging bag.
"He's leaving? So soon? But…what about his wounds?"
Hadvar snorted. "With so much staring you've been doing at the man you mean you've not noticed? His burns have long scabbed."
"Really? I mean… he's always covered his forearms with those linen wraps, how am I supposed to – wait." I dithered off, raising my brows. "What are you implying?"
The Nord gave a teasing smirk. "I can 't count the times your eyes just trail after his back… Got a little something for the Redguard?"
My mouth snapped with a sharp click.
Oh no…this Nord did not.
I snatched the spoon from Hadvar's lips and angled the edge to his jugular.
"A girl can't help but feel wary of someone who had their hands around their throat. I dare you to say what's on your mind. Go on…"
Hadvar's adam's apple bobbed. "Alright, I'm sorry. No need to get testy. Just pulling your leg."
Scooping up a cube of meat, I plopped the spoon back into his mouth, closed the man's jaw and petted his cheek. "Of course." I smiled saccharinely. "Now concentrate on your meal."
We lapsed into silence peppered by chewing. The thought of the Redguard leaving stirred a sense of anxiety in me.
His appearance couldn't be a coincidence, right? I can't possibly stay at Riverwood forever. What's my next step? Is he someone that I should keep tabs on?
"Hey Hadvar? Did the man said where he's heading off to?"
Lifting his gaze from his meal, Hadvar thought for a moment. "Well, he didn't mention a particular hold. But I did ask him for a favor to stop by Whiterun and warn of the threat of dragons."
"So, he agreed?"
Hadvar's brow furrowed. "Wasn't keen at first. Agitated. But I mentioned the possibility of a reward and that there are carriages to other holds available at Whiterun and that kind of mollified the man to agree to run the errand for me. But funny thing is… he just gestured and pushed paper and ink into my hands …"
A cold weight plunged in the pit of my stomach.
"Hey Hadvar…" My voice faltering. "You ever seen your friend speak?"
The Nord's tawny eyes snapped to mine and widened in realization.
"Oh. OH! Dibella's Tits!"
"Mmm…Yeah." I coughed awkwardly. "Maybe I can accompany him."
"Perhaps that's for the best." Hadvar sighed, dragging a hand down his face.
Gravel and scorched earth crumbled with my every step. It reeked. The taint of ash with afternotes of copper wafted in a miasma.
There amongst the graves, one stood out. Significantly shorter in length as compared to the rest, resting on top of the mound was a wooden toy sword.
I shut my eyes. The image of a boy with his father surfaced, bright eyes in wonder as he took in the carriage of prisoners rolling by.
Was it him?
Kneeling, I placed a single red mountain flower beside the sword. I couldn't help evoking the streaks of blood splattered next to a ravaged wall etched with distinct claw marks. Putting my palms together, I bowed to the row of graves three times.
For whatever it is worth. I am sorry…
Guilt crept like a vine across my chest. If only I could have given them some warning. But then again, will it even be taken seriously? With this turn of events, it jarred into me, how much of the storyline from the game is truly going to happen?
Hefting the basket further up my elbow, I clambered back to my feet and headed towards the facsimile of the town's gate, taking deliberate care not to look back. The echoes of screams and faces warped in torment dogged my retreat.
I never want this to happen again. Not if I can help it…
I tottered down the path in a brisk walk. Hoping to head back to town by midday. A rough shout broke through the clearing and I froze.
Ears prickling, I listened as the sounds of a scuffle broke out at the front. Creeping closer towards the source, I peeked over the bush.
Two men were brawling right out in the open. A Dunmer laying vicious punches at a large Nord who was trying to deflect the blows with no apparent success. An opening saw knuckles kiss the man's jaw and it threw his face to the side with an anguished grunt.
Savorn Red Mouth?!
I watched in horror as the Mer's kick lashed out at Savorn's knee. There was a resounding crack and the man screamed, toppling to the ground like a felled tree.
As the attacker reached towards his belt, I took off running.
Aw Hell Naw!
Sprinting towards the skirmish, I drew my arm back and hurled the basket into the Dunmer's face. As he reeled from the distraction, I barreled into him with full force. Taking care to knock the knife from his grasp.
I scrambled up and rushed to Savorn's side. Hefting his arm over my shoulder, I tried to lift him up but stumbled under his weight.
"Get up you stupid bastard!" I hissed. "Run!"
"Can't!" The man wheezed. Eyes scrunched tight. "My leg…something's broken!"
"Ta Ma De!" I spat. Doubling my efforts, I yanked harder. Forcing the Nord to his feet with a pained groan. Gripping the man's waist with my free arm, I staggered forwards. Trying to gain as much distance as I could before the Mer recovered.
We made a few meters before a sharp yank at my ponytail threw a pained cry out of me and I was dragged backwards.
"You little bitch!" The Dunmer snarled as he tugged harder. Eyes watering, I locked both my hands over his grip in my hair, bent and kicked at his groin. It connected with a dull clang, eliciting a yelp and I was released.
I twisted around panting and saw the asshole hunched over but still standing.
Fucker's wearing a codpiece!
Enraged blood red eyes locked onto mine and he charged. Too quick and too direct to dodge, I was shoved to the ground. I heaved as long garland fingers locked at my throat. The pressure astounding and I felt as though air was about to burst from my ears.
Scrabbling at the grip, I gathered the fury broiling in my gut, focused it down my arm into my right fist and decked the Mer.
The fire ball exploded into his face, igniting his entire head in flames. But instead of letting go, the hold on my windpipe tightened and I choked; eyes wide in horror as the flames receded and absorbed into ashen skin.
"Naïve S'wit!" Thin lips distorted in a sneer. "Fire against a dark elf? Pathetic!"
Shit! How can I forget that Dunmers are fire resistant?!"
"Let her go Arvel!" Savorn yelled. I could hear him crawling. "It's me you have bones to pick with! Take on someone your own size!"
"Shut up! You filthy n'wah!" The Mer bellowed. "I'm sick of being under your boot! You don't get to tell me what to do!"
Arvel shifted his ire back towards me. "Poking your nose into others' business is asking for trouble. I hadn't forgotten your little spill that gave me a good hiding from that Nord!"
He leaned closer, lips a mere breath from mine. "As I said before, we should have killed you and emptied your miserable pockets."
"Coward!" Savorn screamed.
"Wait your turn!" Arvel shot back. His gaunt features morphed into a deranged grin. I struggled harder, kicking and scratching like trapped prey.
"I'm going to enjoy watching those pretty lips turn blue…"
Black spots were starting to creep from the side of my vison. My mouth gaping open and closing like a fish out of water. I continued to scratch and claw feebly.
Ca…Can't…Breathe!
As I thought I was done for, a shadow fell and the Dunmer was pulled off.
I took a wheezing breath. Gulping down sweet, sweet air into my deprived lungs. Each drag, heaven and hell.
I groped for my spectacles, pushing them up my nose before shaking my head in a bid to clear it.
The Redguard?!
The man was dodging punches from Arvel, darting spastically but with hands held up as though waiting for the right opportunity. When the Dunmer stepped into range, Red struck. Weaving the crook of his right elbow over Arvel's head, he looped and executed a chokehold.
"Hrukk!" A garbled splutter escaped the bandit. He pawed at the corded bicep but Red didn't relent even when blood drew from clawed nails. Instead, the man doubled his efforts, leaning backwards to create more pressure against the elf's windpipe.
As he did so, a long slim pendant dangled from the cover of his tunic. Arvel's eyes bulging with strain, locked onto the trinket. He gripped it, wrapped the chain around his hand and snapped it off. Red fumbled for the pendant and that was when the bandit stole a leaf out of my book.
Flames erupted into Red's chin and engulfed his face; causing him to fling his hands upwards. Arvel twisted out from under and fled down the path.
By this time, I had gotten back to my feet. Head swiveling from the fleeing Dunmer, back to the collapsed Nord and Red frantically slapping his face.
Screw this! First thing's first!
I rushed over to Red, unhitched my apron and smacked frantically at the remaining flames. The man had done a rather good job of extinguishing most of it but there were still embers glinting in his singed dreadlocks.
The Redguard snatched the cloth off with a snarl and barged in the direction of the bandit.
"Hold on buddy!" I croaked, latching onto the back of his tunic and was shot a glower.
"Savorn's injured! I can't lift him on my own."
A dismissive shrug. Then Red jerked his head, clutching the broken chain, his meaning loud and clear.
"I get that you want to chase down that bastard! But look, he had a whole head start before you! Who knows where he'll be by now?"
Liar…You damn well know where that Wang Ba Dan is heading.
"I know where."
We whipped to where the Nord was sprawled on the dirt. He managed to prop himself up on his elbows before his strength gave out and faceplanted.
I gently rolled Savorn onto his back. Taking care to steady his rapidly swollen knee. "Whoah, take it easy, big guy."
The Nord's face was chalk white, beads of sweat dotted his upper lip and mustache. Fumbling, he pushed a small leather journal into my hands.
"Poisoned…Arvel…Plans…"
"Oi!" I tapped the man lightly on his cheek. "Stay with me! And…He's out."
Shaking my head in exasperation, I flipped the journal open and stared dumbly at the foreign text.
What the hell are these?
I continued to riffle through the pages, brow tightening further before a bolt of realization came to me.
Have I honestly been blundering around unaware that I've been talking in another language? Did the Divines grant me the ability to talk but not write?
A snort of disbelief shot from me.
Wow…Talk about a shoddy job.
Pinching the bridge of my nose, I held the journal to Red. "Here. Find out where that fuckwit's next stop is and you can cut him off or catch up."
He made no move to take it and I peered at him in confusion. "What's wrong?"
Red shuffled and rubbed the back of his neck; eyes veering to the side. Finally, he mimicked the action of opening a book and shaking his hand.
Oh. That's juuust dandy…
I racked my brain and smacked my fist into my palm. "Rayati!" Yes! She'll know what to do!
I snuck a glance back to the out cold Nord.
Don't know if the fates are kind Savorn, or is it karma that I can repay your love for her good deed.
"You wouldn't have a cure disease potion with you, do you?"
Red just stared at me before deliberately sticking his hands into his pockets and flipping them inside out.
My lips quirked. "Right…Okay. We'll make a pit stop at Rayati's. She's a friend of mine." I tore up the now dirty apron and snapped a couple of branches. "It's just around the corner. Now get over here and help me splint this leg."
"What have you gotten yourself into this time, ya big horker?" Rayati chastised softly while dabbing away at the sweat on Savorn's brow.
Though it wasn't far from the huntress's camp, the journey wasn't a pleasant one for us three. Between Red and I, we barely managed to haul the Nord's dead weight back and though we tried to be gentle, the man still groaned with every roll and jolt.
Throwing myself back into the pile of furs, I grabbed a bottle of ale, took a sip and regretted the burning pain that followed. There mirrored in the reflection of the bottle were reddish finger marks blossoming on the pale column of my throat.
What the hell is it with all the choking! I ain't into that shit!
With adrenaline no longer in effect, the soreness was starting to kick in. Wincing, I laid my palm along the marks and tried to envisage a healing light. There was a slow budding within and I gathered it upwards and outwards into my palm.
Unlike fire magic where the base was throbbing, unwieldy, this other mana was akin to a flowing river. Where it is difficult to grab hold or contain. Hold it too tight and it seeps out like an overfilled bowl. Hence, I tried redirecting the flow to where I wanted it to go.
My palm glowed softly, a mere glimmer before it brightened considerably. A refreshing tremor eased over my bruises and I gave a soft sigh of relief. But suddenly the soothing was paired with an ache that overtook the good feeling and the light flickered off.
I blinked at the weirdness and prodded my neck, hissing at the pressure but found it slightly better than it was before I made the attempt.
Hmmm…Needs work.
Something cold brushed against my skin and I yelped, snapping around.
Red held a small bottle of healing potion in one hand and a wet cloth in the other. He quirked a brow and shook the items at me.
"Thanks…" I hesitated briefly before uncapping, taking a gulp and grimacing as it went down.
"Hurt?"
The single word uttered was low, grated, a rusted hinge swinging from lack of use.
I stilled, eyes widening in disbelief.
"You can talk?!"
My reaction caused an annoyed pursing of lips. Red raised his head to the sky, exhaled a long lingering tired sigh before nodding. He grabbed the potion, splashed some onto the rag and pressed them over my bruises.
"Easy does it pal!" I hissed squirming but Red clamped a hand over my shoulder holding me still. As the man continued to tend to my wounds, I raked my eyes over him.
Those steely grey orbs that I once was pinned under had softened to the down of a cygnet. Curiously, surrounding the iris was a thin round band of wine-red, which made the man's direct gaze even the more entrapping…
I scanned his face for signs of burns from the previous attack but was surprised to see none, just the dark of soot splattered across skin. Ah no, I was wrong. Not quite unscathed. There high on the side of his cheek, near the right ear was a burn. But it was shallow, first degree. Lucky.
"Alright. I'm good." I stopped his administrations, took the cloth and rubbed against Red's face. "Your turn. Let's get that nasty ash out."
With a sniff, Red stiffly allowed me to rub off the soot but soon his frame relaxed as I drew calming circles. I had to stand to be comfortable but it wasn't a hassle. I gave a small smile when he was clean. Dampening a fresh cloth with potion, I applied it to Red's cheek. There was a twitch in the man's jaw but he remained motionless.
Just to be thorough, I swept upwards towards his ear. At the edge, it tapered significantly at the ends…
A hand shot out, circling my wrist and pulling it sharply away. Tension rolled off of Red, his expression stony. Taking care to loosen my wrist, I pushed the cloth into his grip.
"How bout you take care of this and I'll get started on the scratches on your arms?"
I kept my stance relaxed and after a brief moment, Red gripped the cloth and continued. Eyes deliberately veered to the side.
"So…got a name or can I just keep calling ya Red?" I asked while wrapping the bandages.
"Aza..." his mouth opened and closed. A pause. "Azason."
"I'm Charmaine."
I watched his features scrunch up, lips shifting and twitching with effort to form around the words. But I schooled my expression placidly in encouragement.
"Cha..cha…min" it came out in a halted exhale.
"Eh…Close enough." Finishing the last knot, I continued. "Tell you what. You can call me Min. And I'll call ya Aza. How's that?"
"Min." The word rolled off his tongue a little stronger and I flashed him a thumbs up.
"Once again, thanks for save back there. Thought I was a goner. Might have bitten off more than I can chew."
Aza gave a derisive snort and he gave me a look that explicitly conveyed - Fool.
He got to his feet and moved to my side. Angling a hand to the top of my head, he brought it parallel to the middle of his bicep. Aza then indicated the distinct size difference with a flourishing sweep before looking at me pointedly while tapping the side of his temple.
"Tch. I know I'm short." I huffed. "Not to change the subject. But you jumping in at the right time seemed too much of a coincidence…" I narrowed my eyes. "You following me or something?"
Aza rubbed the back of his neck. He shifted and shrugged.
Oh no. You're not getting off that easy.
I crossed my arms. "Try. Go on…I can wait."
Aza blew a stray lock out of his face. He pantomimed the striking of a hammer against an anvil. Jabbed two fingers to his eyes and then swiveled them to me.
It took a moment to sink in. "Ah, Alvor asked you to keep an eye on me?"
Aza drew a big grin and clapped his hands together as I hit the nail on the head.
Really…Well he's an expressive one for sure.
"Hey you two!" Rayati strode forwards, face stern. "Savorn's up. You can have a word with him but make it quick."
Aza and I followed dutifully behind the huntress who brought us into the tent. The Chief was propped up on the bed roll and he lolled his head over as we entered.
"All tucked in?" I piped, sitting cross legged near the man.
"Cozy as a wolf curled in its den." Savorn gave a pained chuckle. "Thanks again friends. I'll be dead in a ditch if it wasn't for your intervention."
The Nord skimmed over me. "Now I see how you managed to face off a bear by yourself." Shaking his head in wonderment, Savorn continued. "The mammoth sized balls on ye lass!"
I gave an awkward cackle. "Hey. I can't claim all the credit." I jabbed Aza's elbow. "This guy did most of the work."
"You two know one another?"
I looked up at the Redguard and shrugged. "Ehhh…Sort of."
Aza raised a brow at my answer but didn't refute.
"So what the heck happened back there? You couldn't take on that Dunmer?"
Savorn groaned at my blunt question and sank his head back into the pillow. He dragged an arm over his eyes.
"Never should have let that filthy Mer into our ranks." Shoulders shaking, the man took a shuddering breath. "Poisoned…they're all gone."
Savorn's Adam's apple quivered as he swallowed audibly. A glistening track snaked its way past his cheek and clenched jaw.
Something barreled past and knocked me off balance. I steadied myself against Aza's forearm as Rayati snatched Savorn's arm from his face.
"You're lying." The huntress accused hollowly. "Menzer? Votara? What about Kurrbash?"
Each name was met with a shake of the head.
"Surely that grizzled Orc made it out! He's the toughest!" Rayati's voice grew shrill, fringed with forlorn hope.
"Weakened. Didn't stand a chance. Stabbed through the heart."
Rayati knees gave out and she slumped into Savor.
Grief resonated thick and tangible in the confined space in the tent. Aza and I mutually remained silent and let the couple have their moment.
But I knew that there is a time for sorrow and a time for action. The more we dally, the further the shit stain walks free. And I am not a hundred percent sure that this whole fiasco follows the main quest line… After all, there certainly wasn't a fist cuff in the script…
"How did you managed to escape if all others have failed?" I asked quietly.
"It was the bastard's turn at cooking. Took a bowl and went to fill in at guard duty. I wasn't hungry and only had a few sips of the broth." Savorn wiped at his eyes. "When I returned back to base, there was no one left standing. Tivale was the last one conscious, he used his final breath to tell me of the elf's treachery."
The Nord's large palms twisted at the covers. "I took off after him. And damn if he wasn't true to his blasted moniker. It was all I had to catch up. But by then I could barely keep on my feet due to the nausea."
"And you're stable now?" I pipped in. "Hey Rayati. You got a cure disease potion?"
"Way ahead of you lass." The huntress interjected. "Doused him with two bottles."
"Cool." I took out the journal. "Now, perhaps we can crack a few eggs from this. It's Arvel's right?"
"Yeah."
"How on earth didja get your hands on this in the midst of a fight?"
Savorn wiggled his fingers. "I'm not just a simple bandit Chief you know?"
"Colour me impressed." I scrunched up my lips in amusement. "You gave this to us before conking out. Read it please?" We're not versed in the written word."
Rayati grabbed the journal. "Let me. I want to know that betrayer's every sin. And how much fold to repay."
She flicked through the pages, eyes growing larger in shock at every turn.
"Don't keep us in suspense here." I chimed in.
"Hang on." Rayati cleared her throat.
xXx
The time has come. After tagging along this bunch of useless bandits for so long, I've finally located the famed Golden Claw. That fool Lucan Valerius had no idea that his favourite store decoration was actually the key to Bleak Falls Barrow.
I just got to break in and grab it and I'm off to get to the Hall of Stories and unlock the door. The legend says there is a test that the Nords put in place to keep the unworthy away, but that "When you have the golden claw, the solution is in the palm of your hands."
Problem is keeping this whole lot from the treasure. I guess a little extra flavouring in the communal pot will do the trick. Got to make sure the other group in the watch tower near the Barrow receives their share too. Hope they like their final meal. Heh.
xXx
"Filth!" The huntress flung the offending journal.
"At least we know where he's heading." I turned to Aza. "We should head back to the Riverwood trader. With luck we'll be able to catch him there."
I sincerely doubt those odds…
"If not, we'll track him down at the barrow."
Aza nodded and made to leave. Rayati pulled me back. "Charmaine, A word."
The Redguard paused at the entrance. "Go on, I'll be out soon." I gestured with my chin and Aza exited.
I directed my attention back to Rayati who's brow was furrowed. "Yeah, what's up?"
"Are you really heading after Arvel too?" The huntress bit her lip before continuing. "Your friend…he's seems familiar but I can't put my finger on it…"
"Rayati, Your point?" I asked softly, trying to steer her back on topic.
The woman gave a small shake of the head. "What I'm trying to say is that the man looks like he can handle himself. A mercenary perhaps?"
I gave a little shrug. "No idea."
The huntress tsked in annoyance. "Focus girl! Look at yourself!" She gestured to my neck. "Let the Redguard handle Arvel. Do you even think you should run head first into battle? You can't even wield a weapon well!"
I winced at the harsh truth.
"I'll be careful." I assured. "I owe Aza. He got something stolen during the fight. I'm just gonna provide him directions and support."
"I know a thick-headed bull when I see one." Rayati sighed at my stubbornness. "If you're going to go traversing into the Nord Ruins, you've better be well prepared. No idea what monsters you might face in those caverns. I'll scrounge something up for the two of you."
"Got any pants I could borrow?" I swished my crumpled skirt.
"Might be a tad large for you."
"I'll take them. Beggars can't be choosers."
Rayati went to pack and I turned to the reclining man. "I guess that its then."
"I wish you all the best, girlie." Savorn quirked a tired smile. "Still not sure how I can repay you."
"Wait till I'm back. I'll think of something. But a start will be giving back me gold."
The Nord gave a low chuckle. I let the man first have his fun.
"No, seriously. I do want it back." My voice flat as I stared him down.
The chief shuffled awkwardly as he took in my words. I loosened my shoulders and joked. "You're lucky I ain't charging you double."
That got me a snort. I twitched a smile and got to my feet.
"Get better, Savorn. And maybe think of another career eh? Stick close to Rayati too. She cares about you.
"Yeah. I hear you."
I saluted and lifted the tarp. "Peace out!"
Ta Ma De – Chinese. Translated literally, it means "His Mother's". Used as "Fuck!"
Wang Ba Dan – Similar to SOB in Chinese. Shameless.
Note:
Man, this chapter really wringed me out. Was supposed to be even longer but I was like…eh…this seems like a good place to put a bookmark.
Oof, coming up with the title was like pulling teeth. (ー ー;)
But then it hit me straight across the face. It was right there. Hope ya'll like the little pun.
Hmm… Seems we're finding out more about our elusive boi eh?
Let me know whatcha think, throw me a bone and I'll bury it into my stash of plot points. You can never have too many.
See ya'll on the flip side! ( ̄▽ ̄)V
Yuria
