His feet were unbearably sore. Every step was a struggle, and he knew how much of a problem it was going to be once he got the server tower back on. Was he wearing a ridiculous amount of armor? Probably, but its better to have your armor break before your aura. The two guards watched as Dove crested the hill, slowly, heaving and steaming the whole way.
"So, have a nice walk out there?" Snarked the guard Dove had come to know as 437.
"Yeah." Panted Dove. "Can't wait to keep walking."
The guard known as 432 unlocked the door behind him and opened it. "What kept you?"
"Hill."
"Ah." With that, the two resumed their post.
Dove stumbled in the room, accidentally interrupting a civil conversation between Penny and Mr. Skink. The two went silent, as Mr. Skink looked pleased to see him. "Welcome back Mr. Bird. How did it go?"
Dove dropped the ring and bell on the table. "I did your favor." With that, Dove fell backwards onto one of the seats.
"I see." Mr. Skink picked up the ring, holding it to the light as he analyzed it. "Thank you."
"So, why'd you have me do it?" Wheezed Dove. "Just because?"
Mr. Skink set down the ring and hummed. "Somewhat. I just didn't like him."
"Wait, doesn't that mean you've had to have met him before?"
"Take it as you will. You have his file." Mr. Skink paused. "Or at least most of it." Mr. Skink pulled out a single page from the desk and slid it across. "Here is the missing page. Read it at your leisure." Dove reached for the page, and his eyes glazed over the pages. "Aren't you forgetting someone?" Reminded Mr. Skink.
"Welcome back Dove." Gently prodded Penny. "Glad to see you again."
"Good to see you too," panted Dove. "Just give me a moment."
"While he's recovering, do remember what we talked about, Penny. I hope you enjoyed our time together as much as I did." Gently smiled Mr. Skink.
"I will. Thank you for your hospitality. Best wishes, Mr. Skink." Sincerely responded Penny.
"And with that, I think now would be a good time for me to pick her up and leave." Dove paused as he lurched from his seat. "If that's fine with you, Penny."
"That is quite alright Dove. We are already saying our goodbyes." Calmly stated Penny. "However, thank you for asking."
Dove simply grunted as he strapped the server back onto his back, Mr. Skink smiling, watching, doing nothing to help. "Welp. Mr. Skink, I hope I never see you again."
Mr. Skink sipped from his thermos. "Understandable. Safe travels."
Dove closed the door behind him and started slogging his way out of the divot where the cabin was. It was a few minutes before anyone spoke again.
"How are your feet holding up?" Asked Penny.
"They're… not great." Dove panted. "Still not fully used to it."
"Understandable." The sun dove its course through the sky, and the two pushed through the dimming sky.
Dove broke the silence. "You waiting for an apology?"
"No. I understand more about why you did what you did." Explained Penny. "I do not fully agree, but I understand. I appreciate the thoughts behind your actions, even if they actions were unkind."
Dove took a swig of his canteen to wash down whatever it was that welled up in his throat. "Thanks."
"No problem." The two enjoyed the silence for a bit. There was something wholesome about the sunset reflecting off of the snow. "You going to rest soon? I would not want you to overexert yourself."
"Maybe. I'm just walking."
"To where?"
Dove stopped and shifted his angle a bit. "You ever see the ocean, Penny?"
"From afar, but not in person." Penny admitted.
"You want to see it?"
"I think so."
"I bet you would love it. Russel did."
