p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="9db0e326e1ac2b7004a7f8224b41a32a"Ed didn't remember much of the trip back to the Boar's Smile Inn, his feet had been moving without his mind really giving them permission. Quila had flagged down a farmer with a wagon full of hay that seemed like heaven to the weary adventurer's as they climbed in and settled against the crinkly straw./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="0183811929299f9cab6c78ad8ab3059d"Olly had almost instantly fallen asleep, her body finally giving up as her head lolled and ended up against Ed's shoulder. He didn't mind anymore, didn't feel his heart race the moment she touched him. Instead, she was warm, and it softened him up like butter as he molded his own body to frame against hers as they slunk into a deep sleep. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="042db5493970ae997df0e19465ecc8c1"It was only when the wagon stopped and Quila nudged him with her bow silently as not to wake up the two Duer's that Ed opened his eyes. The Aarakocra motioned for him to follow her as her tiny bird frame lifted up Nole like he was a sack of cotton and made her way into the Inn. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="47898514129b7e6648e4d8ee72cd795c"Ed got the hint that he was to carry Olly, his arms scooping her up and carefully making his way out of the wagon to follow Quila. Olly didn't stir in his arms the whole way up the inn stairs and into their room, her breathing even as her eyes remained firmly closed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="5e40e3b82b019b0319e0e469ee769aba""Lay her in the bed next to Nole, they need to be near each other to heal better. Don't ask me why" Quila directed him as he walked towards the bed and gently laid Olly down next to her brother, the two of them looking like matching paintings side by side. He could sense something as he put them next to one another, a connection he wasn't invited to as they seem to go limp in bed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="56cba218a692f7c4e115df240daf99e7""Now, you should rest" Quila said taking her position in the corner of the room with a stool in her claws. Her gaze focused on the Duer's with golden eyes as her clawed feet kicked up to balance herself./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="357dbe1f4a34f53f8256f1d6547dc247""I want to be here when she wakes up" Ed said looking down at Olly. He didn't like leaving her, not just yet after everything./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="08e3f64198f4ef6fb8715168ab03f676""She won't wake for a while Cleric" Quila said with a smile across her beak "Best to be rested and well so she won't worry about you when she does wake."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c643fea5351c8745a3b421f77102802a""You'll watch her?" Ed said a bit worried that Quila would grow bored or cooped up and leave the two alone without protection./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="51f042fb1f19401c8099144c9834356e""Like I always have" Quila nodded at the human./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="f3e73630e167f9224b9c3b2300c8244f"Ed nodded, satisfied with her answer as he made his way to wash and rest and hopefully find something to eat. Olly's nourishment beads were great on the road, but when the human Cleric wanted more than anything was a pint of ale and a turkey leg to match./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="172ad015bf00f8d8959c9b6ba768cdde"It wasn't long before a few hours passed, Ed had washed himself and found food downstairs in the pub part of the inn, even snuck in some sleep as well, but as he walked back in the room and saw Olly and Nole still asleep he looked at Quila with a worried twist in his face./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="21f4bb69826e71a8c39b0e3b2f9fa8b2""It's okay" Quila chirped at him "When I said she wouldn't wake for a while, I meant it. Her and her brother need to re-coup from all the energy they spent down there. Celestial energy doesn't just rebound like magic, it takes effort and a lot of it. They'll be like this until they are restored."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="72699b616ef5d035d5af43e4d4880240""You've seen them like this before then?" Ed said finding a comfortable chair to rest himself on, still staring at the sleeping Duer's./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c4bfa7019eb0d37f561ff34ee649f5e1""A few times" Quila said looking over at the two like the Cleric "Olly more than Nole. He was just a baby when I stayed at Arrowmoor Keep."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="78b17bb1de8404ecedb2658070cb9320""You've been friends for a long time" Ed smiled "I wish I had that kind of companionship growing up. Your loyalty is commendable."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="dddb9c3f2cf4341a6e89cf34ac5d3564""You misunderstand" Quila said "I owe my life to Olly. Before, I was nothing but a pet, made to do tricks and for entertainment only. I was never loved or cared for like the Duer's treated me. The first time I was given an embrace was by her" Quila said nodding over to Olly "The first time I ate with a family was at Arrowmoor. The first time I touched grass, Weylyn Duer held my hand like I was a child taking my first steps. We aren't companions, she is my family. I would have been down there with you if Olly hadn't instructed me not to."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="81e1af6955b85b2c99de19519888dfce""I'm sorry for taking your bond so lightly" Ed nodded "I can see why you are so dedicated to them."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="eb1cf1645573d46175c59d45021bf9a2""I don't seem to be the only one Cleric" Quila said looking at him pointedly. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c7ca5f61255b09a2cf26b0e99453f1b7""I guess you got me there" Ed smiled "It's hard not to want to lay down your life for someone like them."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="34a56b96bced16ed1964c0080e11109e""She cares for you too" Quila said flatly "You may deny it but anyone else can see it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="2c17d1a8310ba165e2af4c68592ff3aa""We are just travel companions" Ed said with a slight blush./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="86af2477d6ebf5eecf468ca9d7c69f0e""And I'm an owlbear" Quila said sighing "So, what will you do now?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="781fa2255976b3702a635cad59c4643d""Now?" Ed smiled "I have no clue. I usually go where the wind takes me."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="7d8010aee831d004a93ec23df002af7b""Would that wind be blowing up towards Silverymoon?" Quila hinted "Because I know that's where she is headed. Arrowmoor Keep is beautiful in the summer."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e745edd6876f35597463e95b11e3bc27""I don't know" Ed said "I don't want to step on anyone's toes."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e17510897954e989344d82de0ceb03df""You mean you don't want to step on Peren's toes" Quila said with a laugh "I'm sure pointy ears has been steaming mad this whole time, but you really won't let him stand in the way of your path now will you?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="6e3a5ff2426ec3374318ce00c715bcc9"Ed didn't answer her, knowing the it was complicated. If he stayed behind, it was easier. He could go on his own way again and Olly Duer would just be another chapter in his book. He could continue to be the Cleric and live his life by himself according to Pelor's word./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="ee6812a426e7e7fe07d97d062a1f873a"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""But she could be the whole book, if you would just-"/em the voice said in his head as Ed realized Valor was still strapped to his hip, Ed's hand resting on the staff absentmindedly. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="2d6060ff122e4e460842faf29c9991cc""It's not up to me" Ed thought back quickly./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e711e995d98d685d3966813139ac054b"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""As you keep saying"/em Valor celestially rolled his eyes em style="box-sizing: border-box;"" But Cleric, she obviously is the light to follow, if you would only listen-"/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="a2375530bd24997023c7c6b93225fbe6""em style="box-sizing: border-box;"I/em will listen to whatem style="box-sizing: border-box;" I say/em!" Ed suddenly said out loud, a little frustrated with both the Solar and the Aarakocra badgering him. He didn't want to face these feelings, he wanted to just keep things the way they were with him just being with Olly. He realized though that without knowing about the Dawnstar or Valor, Ed just looked like he shouted at the air./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="6b1e615606be72c40e2bb0fbb284808e""I apologize" Ed breathed out "I just...I need to think."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="48a7a06d996a31ffae421b6ccbae0373"Quila nodded at him as he exited the room, not even wanting to look at the sleeping Olly anymore, fearing more emotions would arise in him. Ed rushed downstairs to the bar, his mind racing and his head thumping with all the thoughts that seemed to never cease against his skull. He needed space to breathe, to think, the wind wasn't picking up and his path wasn't clear in his soul anymore./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="9f0eedb0ec827f743e9931091654d6d1"A few hours passed before Ed felt the distinct twinge in his mind when the Solar finally spoke up./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="15bd81569e9f185ee93b29e9610b8ea0""em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Why do you run from this?"/em Valor said in his head once again when Ed finally settled at the bar downstairs for a bit, his hands gripping a pint of mead, taking long sips to stifle his rapid heartbeat./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="b0560ae510df392fd7adb629592cf73d"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""Because" /emEd thought back, happy that he could communicate without actually saying the words em style="box-sizing: border-box;""I really don't know if she wants me. I was a tool through all of this, a use to her. Now that the quest is over with, Olly won't need me anymore."/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3aaacd437c776ad74d726b73490ddd6c"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""You give yourself very little credit Alphonse"/em Valor said with a tsk in his voice em style="box-sizing: border-box;""You belong next to her."/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="646e360ac82dd41c222aa1c7430f47c4"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""But she won't ever really belong to me"/em Ed thought sadly "em style="box-sizing: border-box;"That ribbon around her throat is proof of that."/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="0c6301c17a44f773e9e0a0e0e20e713e"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""Spellbonds aren't permanent. It is merely a shared bond. I would daresay you're heart overcomes that kind of magic" /emValor countered em style="box-sizing: border-box;""They can be broken."/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="bd5978ad6e2a64af177f2c8645a77ee4""em style="box-sizing: border-box;"With higher magic than I have currently"/em Ed sighed to himself em style="box-sizing: border-box;""Another think I lack to actually help her."/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="dc30cc5e4021445f5a5ad3b971f158b9"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""You need to have some confidence in yourself boy"/em Valor hummed em style="box-sizing: border-box;""You are the son of Pelor, you are capable of doing great things if only you believed the sun runs through your veins as everyone else does."/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="10d99055c71970b435378a458ec3cd45""Maybe" Ed breathed out loud before taking another big sip./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="1e42e431a82a130dec0a27c0ef4a8b51"Another few hours passed thankfully silent except for the patrons around Ed that hustled and bustled to their own quests and rest. He looked at the time and saw night had come finally, his body moving automatically to the stairs and back up to the room./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="a10d84d06ea930653832fd6510874877"Quila remained seated at her post, although her dead stare out the window made him realize inside was not the female bird's favorite. She looked tense and tight, her eyes looking up at the twilight sky with such aa yearning he couldn't imagine being trapped for as long as the Ranger had been./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="89444385c5ea5f73fdaf34b0eb9668d3""I can take over Quila" Ed said motioned to the window "If you need to get some air."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3cb1a04c314fdcefc4b353bfff7c4200"Quila nodded at him thankfully, stretching herself up from her position and opening up the window. Ed watched her crouch out the window sill and the dive out, her wings opening up and taking her off into the night sky. Ed sighed as he watched her, wondering what it must be like to fly, when he remembered Olly's wings sprouting in the darkness of the cavern, the way it had been like the sunrise itself.../p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="0e2572115e798cb55d45b2973edb06a2"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""If she was able to break through the magical cap to sprout her wings"/em Ed thought to himself em style="box-sizing: border-box;""Then Peren truly never had control of her magic. She could break the spellbond..."/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="ec7eeeabe30aa23b7be0e24d4292525e"As he turned to look at the angel, her sleeping frame reminded him that she had her own choice to make, he could never try and persuade her otherwise. It wouldn't be right.../p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="bb0b2a7b5f22d3291d371287235ab469"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""If Olly wants to break the spellbond"/em Ed sighedem style="box-sizing: border-box;" "She will have to do it herself, despite how I may feel..."/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="34d730adc1362c45a252ba9f93dd6128""Quila?" a grumble came from the bed as Olly lifted her head momentarily with a groggy expression./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c89460e00d7ff2a87a62bfd4730dbf0c"In a instant he was there beside her, pushing her gently back into the bed so she didn't strain herself./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="7464441816bf9b040dd2c3f244cd103c""It's okay, I'm here" Ed said soothingly as Olly seemed to relax at his voice./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="84272ca321713d0be3c06677a6a6e407""Is Nole okay?" Olly asked as her eyes still tried to force her back into sleep./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c0509c7bf0d478d0f0098475c0547457""He's fine. Everyone is fine" Ed smiled and brushed some hair from her face "You can rest."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="850441fd7b727dffb00877938e44f418""Is Ed okay?" she whispered as sleep overtook her again "Tell him thank you..."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="fc1a44869012abb76a0c1010979c24a7""I will" Ed shook his head as a light snore escaped the angel, her body going limp once more. Ed gave a breathy laugh before settling back down in the corner of the room where Quila had been./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="b5bc3d5a2c3441d5021eb9856181de06"Tomorrow he would have to make a choice, either go his own way, or go the way Olly went./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="04318503a042ea6f2a225527f4294894"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="826ba85afbfe0d4f9457aeab2c09aa5f"The sunlight that ripped through the window made Olly stir awake, her body paying up on that promise that she would be hurting from all the fighting she had done the past few weeks. Her arms felt like they had lifted weights for days, her legs a little bit like jelly as she tried to balance on them only to fall back in a huff to the bed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="09b90849ae74e1ae81602d99aa07d2a4""Finally!" Nole said hitting her with a pillow from the edge of the bed "I've been up for hours. Quila said we had been knocked out all day and night."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="f2e0f92599e296bf90e7a14924bcfc03""Sounds about right" Olly grunted as she sat up on the edge of the bed, her head hanging to stop the thumping inside "Where's Ed?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="55ac1eaa4fd88d06c3f77b5ecbd0903e""Out getting transportation" Nole said as he walked over to the window to look out of it. He looked more than refreshed, his body bouncing and humming with energy as his bright white eyes took in the world from above. Olly was happy to have her brother back, his constant upbeatness just like when he was a child. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="33db4696ad11861844613c77871f6594""We need to go home" Olly said looking at her brother "Mother and Father need to see you. I promised I would deliver you safely."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="79296f3a6ca659d9ed416f14f2a4f56d""Will you stay though?" Nole said worried now, his freckled face twisted as he looked over at his big sister "We've missed you. Brienne and Mari won't stop talking about how you haven't been home in four years. There are recruits that need training and Father...Father needs you. If only for a little bit!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="5bfea09aeaf73013f7ea73f7b47a7580""I'll stay for a little while" Olly nodded "But I have to keep moving after a bit, Peren is out there still looking for me. It's hard to explain, but the longer that I'm away from Peren, the more different I feel. I've never sprouted wings before, Peren always stopped me before I got to that kind of power. I feel strange... Stronger somehow..." she said flexing her hands as she stared down at them./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c474b7c9a1729afe799953e4ae463165""You should just let Father handle him" Nole said with a furrowed brow, his smile turned completely upside down "He wouldn't let a hair on your head get touched..."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="a8ca53d8d85d6b7dda91b62067625ee9""Father needs to stay out of fights he can't win" Olly said fast without thinking of the words./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="fe94732ef77e9253928b6af0c5716469"Nole looked a little defeated, the image of their father torn between the siblings. In the young Duer's mind, their father was still the fearsome warrior he had known as a child, despite his leg, but to Olly she had seen her father vulnerable, had seen his blood shed. She wouldn't risk Peren's magic on her own father with his constitution, she wouldn't dare.../p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3043a8fb25a43b058f14800578cae2cd""Is the transportation for all of us?" Olly suddenly asked thinking about the future journey they were about to go on./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="d77fc10b48e2d30bef4dfbfb5688e8c7"Nole shook his head then with a sad look for another reason Olly couldn't quite put down "No" he said "It's just for us."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="bc70872a9b38f76b0e4887ce6e1297a5""Oh" Olly said quietly before getting up from the bed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="501b53d6bc1d117e92600e5d5a398678""The Cleric should be waiting downstairs when you are ready to leave, to say goodbye..." Nole said going for the door "I have to get my daggers sharpened for the journey. Waterdeep has some of the best blacksmith's around."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="da084135e9365dd52eecd51033f3e8b8""Alright, don't wander far" Olly said a little fearful to let him go out when she just got him to safety "I'll wash and then be down for the journey."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="6965417369f31bcd1d7f159fe97676ad"Nole nodded before exiting, happy to go off on his own for a bit before spending the week it would take to get to Silverymoon with his sister./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="358830760b82fafeb8122b580f145c43"Olly peeled her clothes off and walked into the washroom undisturbed. The hot water felt great on her skin as she renewed herself. She admitted to herself that she was sad that Ed would not join them. She had grown very fond of the Cleric, had cared about him in a such a short time that it scared her. She was never one to expose herself, thinking admitting feelings was like revealing an open wound. She was vulnerable with him, and that frightened her more than an ancient dragon./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="a6062d17401f275d3ff3a8b9916a92fb""But I don't want him to leave" she said quietly to herself, just so that the words escaped her mouth./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="5fc3d71a7d3f658b506473f9d8f266fb"It was true, it wasn't so much a desire, but a need now. Going back to Silverymoon made her chest warm, but something kept nagging at her in the back of her mind, words she would not say even though they remained repeating inside./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e3d997ffd675034c621cacc4cc77b38a"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""It's not home without him.."/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="fe02b4f9d090fa3fad292a52255ab7f4""Nonsense" she said to herself "A month doesn't make a lifetime. A few weeks with someone is not basis enough to lose yourself over" she heard the words of practicality, but didn't believe them. No, she knew the truth, just didn't want to admit it. She had grown closer to the Cleric than she had with anyone she had known before. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="34cc6f049f3f760e8718c96ec7312f77"He knew her, he saw her for all that she was, all that she could be, and his faith was relentless. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="dbd1c9fa9277006d01c60518d984a1ba""He's made his decision" Olly said although her voice broke with a small cry hearing herself say them. She moved through the motions of cleaning herself and drying off, leaving her long hair loose instead of the usual braid she put it back in. Hopefully the journey home would be peaceful, even if it was a little sad./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="6533cf63a118aa626e3fba02b0e76e9f"When she made her way down to the tavern and bar she noticed Quila outside with Nole, both of them talking to the Cleric who had dawned traveling clothes, his vestments in full view now as his shield was strapped to his back./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="0a805a7b82ab551dfbdf3a82694d7802"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""I guess he really isn't coming with us"/em Olly thought sadly as she took a deep breath and steadied herself to walk outside and join everyone./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="fc25bfa1032a018100d5ae634af03c66""There she is!" Nole exclaimed as Olly smiled shyly at the group, Quila's face covered by a sash now as Ed watched her closely trying to gauge how she was./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e8f2283d9d54e1cec89ab640a66dfc21""Thank you for finding us a way home" Olly said looking at the wagon that had built in seats in the back, a comfy ride as long as it didn't pour down rain on them./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="620869066dfe81232c5c7cf7a904e75a""I'm sorry I couldn't get a carriage" Ed said rubbing the back of his neck "I didn't have enough coin and Waterdeep is expensive."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="f64c7419b7409565cecad533dd875eb0""It's perfect" Olly said trying to comfort him./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="930b8cd9891dcfac2db95ecdf523e6a3"Quila saw the look between the two and discretely pulled Nole to the front of the wagon to talk to the driver. Olly blushed and silently thanked her friend, not sure if she could say what she needed to say in front of an audience./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="98624bf05637eb5a3624b73eddeaa1a2""Ed" Olly started "I just want to thank-"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="ca5e4258c74bbcb2ea17cb69ac531a98""There's no need" Ed cut her off, unlatching the back of the wagon "I did what anyone should have done."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="691e490941f4c7fde6be0c909760f138""You did more than anyone ever has" Olly said trying to hold back tears in her eyes, she needed to be strong for this parting, even if it was one of the hardest she had even been through. She hated this, hated how cold Ed was acting towards her, that friendliness he showed to strangers passing through. She expected more, she guessed. More warmth that they had shared previously, but now, it seemed as if everything in the past was nothing more than a fever dream. Now, she was just a means to an end./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3a8619123047935c69a45a6df1ba125c"Ed offered his hand to Olly, his eyes refusing to meet hers, and although she hardly needed it, she took it just to feel his touch once more before they parted ways./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="2d3e5ef830925f2e8b55df88305140cf"Nole jumped up into the wagon from the other side, his body settling in as he tried to ignore his sister saying goodbye to the Cleric./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="0410ec1531a7e7987a0d628c1df4770a"Olly looked down at Ed from the wagon, his eyes avoiding hers as he locked the gate to the wagon, his white hair shining bright in the afternoon light./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="4a607876bfd44569c538684d0b4697d9""Goodbye Edric Alphonse" Olly said trying to hold the emotions in her voice "You have a debt with the Duer's of Arrowmoor Keep. Call on us if you are ever in need."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="1583a71c21cdf8c13d177ec3ede4686e""So long angel" Ed said smiling at her finally, his eyes looking up into hers with the same pained silence she was holding in herself. It made her freeze, seeing that he was holding back something. She wished he would cry out for her, to say that she should go with him instead. But she knew what feeling chained felt like, and she wouldn't let the son of Pelor be stuck to her side./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="5c451621ed7e6c19a19c45a19993e431"The crack of the driver's whip sounded in the air as the wagon took off down the street, Olly still looking into Ed's eyes as they drove away, the Cleric standing as still as a statue the whole time, watching them disappear in the crowded street. He felt like something was tearing on the inside, like his muscles were being pulled apart from his body all at once. A deep pit in his chest started to hollow out, and he looked down at the ground just to tear his eyes away from Olly's disappearing form in the crowd./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="8024b84c966694accd0dc6dd4893d88c""You must be the stupidest human I've ever met" Quila said as she brushed by him, her shadowy figure like the wind itself she moved so smoothly. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="2d0d5976f3297920e13e491663782bfa""That's rude" Ed sighed and looked up at her "What do you mean by that?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="9530bf14d33fa5649a4b6ae6bfa5b082""You two obviously are crazy about each other" Quila rolled her eyes as she adjusted her bow to her back "If I cared about someone like that, I sure as all nine hells not let them run away in a wagon."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="1086d32892b4c93bbef6cb9cd8acb71b""What am I supposed to do? Chase after her? And then what?" Ed said exasperated "Follow her to Silverymoon and introduce myself as her new lover and maybe get in a fight or two because of it?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="9b1ea697537bd2b98c3613038eb7cfb9""Well, it's not a bad start" Quila smiled as she exposed her wings "But the choice is still up to you. Better hurry with it though, you might lose them forever in a couple minutes."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="87ce28c11ec14c90ba1034706a56cc87" Ed stood there as the Ranger took off into the sky, her wings blinding out the sun for a moment before rocketing off into the clouds. Ed looked back to where the wagon had disappeared and felt his heart start to race. Thoughts came and went like lightning, but he had to stay steady./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="5f72419d6a33b97136a85fe510cf47a6""Stick to the plan" he growled at himself before turning around and walking in the opposite direction. He would find a tavern and drown himself in ale until the next morning, that way it was too late for him to try and catch her. His feet stomped into the stone road, determined to follow his own advice./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="f87369d7533e148d6a88604bcf7bcd0f"Ed found himself walking a good distance before the celestial inside his relic piped up. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="0e42ccffa3b59af80e2bef0520b44231""em style="box-sizing: border-box;"I never thought I'd see the day that a Alphonse turned coward"/em it said angrily in his ear. Not the kind of annoyed angry, no Valor was not amused by anything that was happening right now./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="b4d667c662306aa115e8c4b11ae0b829""I'm not a coward" Ed said out loud, not caring who heard him now. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3cc94ad7c5d5eadeb104f825aada1707"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""You are" /emValor said again more sternly em style="box-sizing: border-box;""You are running away from what your heart is telling you. Any fool would tell you that you are making a mistake."/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="358dabd90bc1e583aa215f637c08da52""And how would you-" Ed started./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="eae5982ce97871bb78f2dec02553d05f"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""Because I have seen your fate Cleric" /emValor said now quietly, a statement that made Ed halt in his tracks./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3c382f1ff643fda67459ed266d25ce92""You have seen my future? How?" Ed said unsure if the Solar was telling the truth or if he was just trying to goad Ed into his own plans. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3f08f542dc4a9a7ae198934dfb667fa8"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""I'm a Solar Alphonse, I have seen things in the world that would make any mortal tremble. I have seen your destiny, and she is a part of that"/em Valor said with nothing but truth in his tone, Ed knowing that he was the one that was lying to himself em style="box-sizing: border-box;""If you don't turn around, you'll regret it the rest of your short life. And believe me, it's a short one without her."/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3cd48f63758c2df7f7e2dbed56a300f8"Ed stood and thought about Valor's words, thought about his own feelings in his heart./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="39b7f535d2bae1ac3b6cae82ab84570f"What should he do...?/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="b9ff83b38000f27e548374c257914034"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="37e492d455fb7378f56f51fddce0aab7"The wagon hit a bump as Olly and Nole went out of the city of Waterdeep and into the forests of the Trade Way, the road now dirt but at least even enough for it to be a smoother ride. Nole settled into the corner of the wagon, his lanky legs taking up space as the two of them were the only passengers. The driver, a Kenku named Getgoing didn't speak to them, except for the occasional squawk./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e276284b2cecd54a2494541d66cd5407""What do you keep looking for?" Nole finally asked as Olly's gaze was focused on the road they were leaving behind instead of the road ahead./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e6f3260504ea518f74beddbb1af6a5bf""Nothing" Olly sighed and turned away, settling herself in her own spot "Just hoping I guess."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="bc204bbb7e0a3b470cd7907614c80423""Hoping Ed would turn up?" Nole asked with a serious tone for once./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="ef1e8669f373ee945cb0aa01ec6c3f3d""Maybe" Olly said hesitantly "It's hard to explain."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c68c6f27df0597ee8c7cec4b69de7e99""I think I can" Nole said now smiling "But you won't like it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="354a18a3f33ab5660bfebfc6c30e90ce"Olly gave him a pointed look and shook her head "I just, I thought" she began trying to find the words "I thought maybe we had something."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="600e311c1dbb222d268eb85e0d771e8c""You really like him huh?" Nole said not happy that his sister was truly sad "He seemed like a good person. I could see it glowing around him."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="d26e0a4fd50e4c029a8447ad80e22127""He is" Olly said as her eyes stared at her hands, the last thing that had touched Ed "He's one of the best..."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="8a54462f0dcd04d7b91f1c4ad9d829d9""Allana" Nole said sitting up, his arms crossed over his knees "Why did you leave Peren? Did it get that bad?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c23e1e39b262c9a11a160258ee4e3c5a""Worse" Olly said shaking her head "For a long time."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="1dd077f62e0acd1ea10619f0aa613e07""Why didn't you just come home?" Nole asked as his brow furrowed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="6d3c3ee227847c81aa2856a523112fd2""Because" Olly said with a few tears in her eyes now "I was ashamed. I wanted a story like Mother and Father's, one that I could tell my own children someday, that's always been my dream. To be great and in love like them. But with Peren, it had turned into a nightmare" she said trying not to cry to her brother "I was so lost. I wanted out so bad but it had already been too late" she said pointing to her neck where the ribbon was sealed tight against her skin "This was supposed to be a proposal, instead, it's a collar."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="79911abb9a67b4e9ed61a00f35eefdff""I hate him" Nole said a bit angry now "I won't let him near you."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="7712eb951909004fb6f1f2d1f81b10e3""You don't need to do anything" Olly said "He's far away somewhere I'm sure. I can't even feel the magic anymore with this thing" she said tugging at the ribbon "The longer I'm away, the longer I think the magic will fade." /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="d6c19b31d54e00e0e8e0db097bc1f20d""Good" Nole said sighing now himself, his worry apparent for his big sister "It will be good for you to go home then."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="f5f4471b2b705761f75efb6e9a1fc484""Yea" Olly said with a sad smile "I'll enjoy it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="d28afe553aaf65bc11a8e2267992d329"The road now opened up to a beautiful forest, trees lush on either side as the sweet summer air blew through with a cool breeze against the Duer's skin. It was there on the wind that Olly's ears picked up a sound desperately trying to reach out against the air./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="b833700ff61e9b3eeaf7618158f7eaf9""Wait stop!" Olly cried out as she stood up on the wagon, her hands placed on the railing as she listened with such intensity Nole thought to grab his weapons./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3ae504df0a55f9c38b5cd287bf5e3a30""Wait!" she heard on the wind, her hands opening up the door of the wagon and stepping out./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="4f8b468b67138be007a0b988f3482804"Then, over the crest of the hill, Olly saw a head full of white hair bouncing against the sunlight, two jade eyes and a bright smile following it. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="32ef878f2adf1108a7e072f0535b87fe""Olly!" Ed shouted as his hands waved at her as he stopped to breathe on the crest of the hill, but Olly's feet were already moving towards him, the ground below her picking up speed as she raced to him, her arms opening wide. Ed watched Olly come at him, his own feet now moving again despite his tired body aching against the motion. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 30px 0px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; position: relative;" data-p-id="3b9a8f7d65d32d0421d20b0b120460e9" data-media-type="image" data-image-layout="one-horizontal" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="91e00ffeedac32e4d52a06451ccaad0f"Like an unstoppable force, the Cleric and the Angel collided into each other's arms, Olly holding herself so tightly against Ed she thought she would break him in half. Ed didn't mind it, he wanted to do the same and crash her against him, his fingers in her hair and his face buried in her neck just to inhale her wildflower scent. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="6242f5388fe284a9e8fa5042890f8c40"Finally thought, the two unstuck from each other as Olly still stayed in Ed's arms, her moon eyes glowing up at him with the brightest of smiles Ed had ever seen from her. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="add1bbc52b2358855b344262767225d4""You came back!" Olly said wanting to crush herself against him once more./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="37ca6f2a53cf7bd7c8c02f3e1e8e6645""I had to" he said staring down at her, unable to stop the words now coming out of his mouth. The whole way he had run, unsure whether he would catch the wagon, but he would have run forever if it meant having this moment with Olly./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="5b617e4e6f8fc574a5df274ef13c98d3""Why?" Olly asked, needing to know just to steady her heartbeat./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="ab86d9313a54935f2b993b08fa35d902"Ed took a deep breath, not knowing if this would be the right time to tell her "I came because-" he started but felt choked up as he tried to speak "I came because, well...Olly, you've fought your entire life. I think it's time maybe that you won something for yourself."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3f2e7a23a570aad1e52a2f4517266233"Olly started to tear up, not knowing she needed those exact words said to her, but the Cleric continued on, choosing his words carefully./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="27f1d90828c230a77ab6742975bf4685""After everything" Ed said "I can't go back... Not now, not after meeting you. I'm yours Allana Duer, my place is right next to you."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="bb485cc75047c86d8a64e5244b2ab6fe"Olly didn't know what to say, only felt the need to take his hand in hers, her smile bigger and bigger as she turned to the wagon. Nole stood in the wagon, a separate smile than her own, but no less happy than herself. She took Ed's hand and led him with her to the wagon, not caring what it looked like, only needing him next to her. Ed followed, his smile almost hurting his cheeks as he followed easily, her grasp on him equally tight to his own./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="2cabc72de7a14b75dfd254e1d8ffb7a0"He made his choice, and it was Olly. He would follow her through darkness and peril, because life wasn't worth it if it wasn't with her now. It scared him, thrilled him even, to be dedicated now to something other than his god, but somehow it felt...right./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="7f6b5adcd05f59e4508cf487159ed44b"Olly settled down on the bench of the wagon as Nole confirmed to the Kenku driver that they could continue, the crack of the whip heard as the horses clopped along the road once again./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="dd238ec6225759404cc0ba1aebaebb2d"Ed didn't move from Olly's side, his frame parked next to hers, their hands still clasped together and the younger Duer smiled to himself, happy that all was right again in the world./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="8d2040c3b496cb55859f782c4ddef945"Now, despite the trip to Silverymoon and whatever lay next, the Cleric and the Angel were partners, their destinies weaving together like threads of a cloth./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="0183811929299f9cab6c78ad8ab3059d"Olly had almost instantly fallen asleep, her body finally giving up as her head lolled and ended up against Ed's shoulder. He didn't mind anymore, didn't feel his heart race the moment she touched him. Instead, she was warm, and it softened him up like butter as he molded his own body to frame against hers as they slunk into a deep sleep. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="042db5493970ae997df0e19465ecc8c1"It was only when the wagon stopped and Quila nudged him with her bow silently as not to wake up the two Duer's that Ed opened his eyes. The Aarakocra motioned for him to follow her as her tiny bird frame lifted up Nole like he was a sack of cotton and made her way into the Inn. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="47898514129b7e6648e4d8ee72cd795c"Ed got the hint that he was to carry Olly, his arms scooping her up and carefully making his way out of the wagon to follow Quila. Olly didn't stir in his arms the whole way up the inn stairs and into their room, her breathing even as her eyes remained firmly closed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="5e40e3b82b019b0319e0e469ee769aba""Lay her in the bed next to Nole, they need to be near each other to heal better. Don't ask me why" Quila directed him as he walked towards the bed and gently laid Olly down next to her brother, the two of them looking like matching paintings side by side. He could sense something as he put them next to one another, a connection he wasn't invited to as they seem to go limp in bed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="56cba218a692f7c4e115df240daf99e7""Now, you should rest" Quila said taking her position in the corner of the room with a stool in her claws. Her gaze focused on the Duer's with golden eyes as her clawed feet kicked up to balance herself./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="357dbe1f4a34f53f8256f1d6547dc247""I want to be here when she wakes up" Ed said looking down at Olly. He didn't like leaving her, not just yet after everything./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="08e3f64198f4ef6fb8715168ab03f676""She won't wake for a while Cleric" Quila said with a smile across her beak "Best to be rested and well so she won't worry about you when she does wake."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c643fea5351c8745a3b421f77102802a""You'll watch her?" Ed said a bit worried that Quila would grow bored or cooped up and leave the two alone without protection./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="51f042fb1f19401c8099144c9834356e""Like I always have" Quila nodded at the human./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="f3e73630e167f9224b9c3b2300c8244f"Ed nodded, satisfied with her answer as he made his way to wash and rest and hopefully find something to eat. Olly's nourishment beads were great on the road, but when the human Cleric wanted more than anything was a pint of ale and a turkey leg to match./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="172ad015bf00f8d8959c9b6ba768cdde"It wasn't long before a few hours passed, Ed had washed himself and found food downstairs in the pub part of the inn, even snuck in some sleep as well, but as he walked back in the room and saw Olly and Nole still asleep he looked at Quila with a worried twist in his face./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="21f4bb69826e71a8c39b0e3b2f9fa8b2""It's okay" Quila chirped at him "When I said she wouldn't wake for a while, I meant it. Her and her brother need to re-coup from all the energy they spent down there. Celestial energy doesn't just rebound like magic, it takes effort and a lot of it. They'll be like this until they are restored."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="72699b616ef5d035d5af43e4d4880240""You've seen them like this before then?" Ed said finding a comfortable chair to rest himself on, still staring at the sleeping Duer's./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c4bfa7019eb0d37f561ff34ee649f5e1""A few times" Quila said looking over at the two like the Cleric "Olly more than Nole. He was just a baby when I stayed at Arrowmoor Keep."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="78b17bb1de8404ecedb2658070cb9320""You've been friends for a long time" Ed smiled "I wish I had that kind of companionship growing up. Your loyalty is commendable."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="dddb9c3f2cf4341a6e89cf34ac5d3564""You misunderstand" Quila said "I owe my life to Olly. Before, I was nothing but a pet, made to do tricks and for entertainment only. I was never loved or cared for like the Duer's treated me. The first time I was given an embrace was by her" Quila said nodding over to Olly "The first time I ate with a family was at Arrowmoor. The first time I touched grass, Weylyn Duer held my hand like I was a child taking my first steps. We aren't companions, she is my family. I would have been down there with you if Olly hadn't instructed me not to."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="81e1af6955b85b2c99de19519888dfce""I'm sorry for taking your bond so lightly" Ed nodded "I can see why you are so dedicated to them."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="eb1cf1645573d46175c59d45021bf9a2""I don't seem to be the only one Cleric" Quila said looking at him pointedly. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c7ca5f61255b09a2cf26b0e99453f1b7""I guess you got me there" Ed smiled "It's hard not to want to lay down your life for someone like them."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="34a56b96bced16ed1964c0080e11109e""She cares for you too" Quila said flatly "You may deny it but anyone else can see it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="2c17d1a8310ba165e2af4c68592ff3aa""We are just travel companions" Ed said with a slight blush./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="86af2477d6ebf5eecf468ca9d7c69f0e""And I'm an owlbear" Quila said sighing "So, what will you do now?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="781fa2255976b3702a635cad59c4643d""Now?" Ed smiled "I have no clue. I usually go where the wind takes me."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="7d8010aee831d004a93ec23df002af7b""Would that wind be blowing up towards Silverymoon?" Quila hinted "Because I know that's where she is headed. Arrowmoor Keep is beautiful in the summer."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e745edd6876f35597463e95b11e3bc27""I don't know" Ed said "I don't want to step on anyone's toes."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e17510897954e989344d82de0ceb03df""You mean you don't want to step on Peren's toes" Quila said with a laugh "I'm sure pointy ears has been steaming mad this whole time, but you really won't let him stand in the way of your path now will you?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="6e3a5ff2426ec3374318ce00c715bcc9"Ed didn't answer her, knowing the it was complicated. If he stayed behind, it was easier. He could go on his own way again and Olly Duer would just be another chapter in his book. He could continue to be the Cleric and live his life by himself according to Pelor's word./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="ee6812a426e7e7fe07d97d062a1f873a"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""But she could be the whole book, if you would just-"/em the voice said in his head as Ed realized Valor was still strapped to his hip, Ed's hand resting on the staff absentmindedly. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="2d6060ff122e4e460842faf29c9991cc""It's not up to me" Ed thought back quickly./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e711e995d98d685d3966813139ac054b"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""As you keep saying"/em Valor celestially rolled his eyes em style="box-sizing: border-box;"" But Cleric, she obviously is the light to follow, if you would only listen-"/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="a2375530bd24997023c7c6b93225fbe6""em style="box-sizing: border-box;"I/em will listen to whatem style="box-sizing: border-box;" I say/em!" Ed suddenly said out loud, a little frustrated with both the Solar and the Aarakocra badgering him. He didn't want to face these feelings, he wanted to just keep things the way they were with him just being with Olly. He realized though that without knowing about the Dawnstar or Valor, Ed just looked like he shouted at the air./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="6b1e615606be72c40e2bb0fbb284808e""I apologize" Ed breathed out "I just...I need to think."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="48a7a06d996a31ffae421b6ccbae0373"Quila nodded at him as he exited the room, not even wanting to look at the sleeping Olly anymore, fearing more emotions would arise in him. Ed rushed downstairs to the bar, his mind racing and his head thumping with all the thoughts that seemed to never cease against his skull. He needed space to breathe, to think, the wind wasn't picking up and his path wasn't clear in his soul anymore./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="9f0eedb0ec827f743e9931091654d6d1"A few hours passed before Ed felt the distinct twinge in his mind when the Solar finally spoke up./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="15bd81569e9f185ee93b29e9610b8ea0""em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Why do you run from this?"/em Valor said in his head once again when Ed finally settled at the bar downstairs for a bit, his hands gripping a pint of mead, taking long sips to stifle his rapid heartbeat./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="b0560ae510df392fd7adb629592cf73d"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""Because" /emEd thought back, happy that he could communicate without actually saying the words em style="box-sizing: border-box;""I really don't know if she wants me. I was a tool through all of this, a use to her. Now that the quest is over with, Olly won't need me anymore."/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3aaacd437c776ad74d726b73490ddd6c"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""You give yourself very little credit Alphonse"/em Valor said with a tsk in his voice em style="box-sizing: border-box;""You belong next to her."/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="646e360ac82dd41c222aa1c7430f47c4"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""But she won't ever really belong to me"/em Ed thought sadly "em style="box-sizing: border-box;"That ribbon around her throat is proof of that."/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="0c6301c17a44f773e9e0a0e0e20e713e"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""Spellbonds aren't permanent. It is merely a shared bond. I would daresay you're heart overcomes that kind of magic" /emValor countered em style="box-sizing: border-box;""They can be broken."/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="bd5978ad6e2a64af177f2c8645a77ee4""em style="box-sizing: border-box;"With higher magic than I have currently"/em Ed sighed to himself em style="box-sizing: border-box;""Another think I lack to actually help her."/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="dc30cc5e4021445f5a5ad3b971f158b9"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""You need to have some confidence in yourself boy"/em Valor hummed em style="box-sizing: border-box;""You are the son of Pelor, you are capable of doing great things if only you believed the sun runs through your veins as everyone else does."/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="10d99055c71970b435378a458ec3cd45""Maybe" Ed breathed out loud before taking another big sip./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="1e42e431a82a130dec0a27c0ef4a8b51"Another few hours passed thankfully silent except for the patrons around Ed that hustled and bustled to their own quests and rest. He looked at the time and saw night had come finally, his body moving automatically to the stairs and back up to the room./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="a10d84d06ea930653832fd6510874877"Quila remained seated at her post, although her dead stare out the window made him realize inside was not the female bird's favorite. She looked tense and tight, her eyes looking up at the twilight sky with such aa yearning he couldn't imagine being trapped for as long as the Ranger had been./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="89444385c5ea5f73fdaf34b0eb9668d3""I can take over Quila" Ed said motioned to the window "If you need to get some air."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3cb1a04c314fdcefc4b353bfff7c4200"Quila nodded at him thankfully, stretching herself up from her position and opening up the window. Ed watched her crouch out the window sill and the dive out, her wings opening up and taking her off into the night sky. Ed sighed as he watched her, wondering what it must be like to fly, when he remembered Olly's wings sprouting in the darkness of the cavern, the way it had been like the sunrise itself.../p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="0e2572115e798cb55d45b2973edb06a2"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""If she was able to break through the magical cap to sprout her wings"/em Ed thought to himself em style="box-sizing: border-box;""Then Peren truly never had control of her magic. She could break the spellbond..."/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="ec7eeeabe30aa23b7be0e24d4292525e"As he turned to look at the angel, her sleeping frame reminded him that she had her own choice to make, he could never try and persuade her otherwise. It wouldn't be right.../p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="bb0b2a7b5f22d3291d371287235ab469"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""If Olly wants to break the spellbond"/em Ed sighedem style="box-sizing: border-box;" "She will have to do it herself, despite how I may feel..."/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="34d730adc1362c45a252ba9f93dd6128""Quila?" a grumble came from the bed as Olly lifted her head momentarily with a groggy expression./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c89460e00d7ff2a87a62bfd4730dbf0c"In a instant he was there beside her, pushing her gently back into the bed so she didn't strain herself./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="7464441816bf9b040dd2c3f244cd103c""It's okay, I'm here" Ed said soothingly as Olly seemed to relax at his voice./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="84272ca321713d0be3c06677a6a6e407""Is Nole okay?" Olly asked as her eyes still tried to force her back into sleep./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c0509c7bf0d478d0f0098475c0547457""He's fine. Everyone is fine" Ed smiled and brushed some hair from her face "You can rest."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="850441fd7b727dffb00877938e44f418""Is Ed okay?" she whispered as sleep overtook her again "Tell him thank you..."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="fc1a44869012abb76a0c1010979c24a7""I will" Ed shook his head as a light snore escaped the angel, her body going limp once more. Ed gave a breathy laugh before settling back down in the corner of the room where Quila had been./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="b5bc3d5a2c3441d5021eb9856181de06"Tomorrow he would have to make a choice, either go his own way, or go the way Olly went./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="04318503a042ea6f2a225527f4294894"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="826ba85afbfe0d4f9457aeab2c09aa5f"The sunlight that ripped through the window made Olly stir awake, her body paying up on that promise that she would be hurting from all the fighting she had done the past few weeks. Her arms felt like they had lifted weights for days, her legs a little bit like jelly as she tried to balance on them only to fall back in a huff to the bed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="09b90849ae74e1ae81602d99aa07d2a4""Finally!" Nole said hitting her with a pillow from the edge of the bed "I've been up for hours. Quila said we had been knocked out all day and night."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="f2e0f92599e296bf90e7a14924bcfc03""Sounds about right" Olly grunted as she sat up on the edge of the bed, her head hanging to stop the thumping inside "Where's Ed?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="55ac1eaa4fd88d06c3f77b5ecbd0903e""Out getting transportation" Nole said as he walked over to the window to look out of it. He looked more than refreshed, his body bouncing and humming with energy as his bright white eyes took in the world from above. Olly was happy to have her brother back, his constant upbeatness just like when he was a child. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="33db4696ad11861844613c77871f6594""We need to go home" Olly said looking at her brother "Mother and Father need to see you. I promised I would deliver you safely."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="79296f3a6ca659d9ed416f14f2a4f56d""Will you stay though?" Nole said worried now, his freckled face twisted as he looked over at his big sister "We've missed you. Brienne and Mari won't stop talking about how you haven't been home in four years. There are recruits that need training and Father...Father needs you. If only for a little bit!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="5bfea09aeaf73013f7ea73f7b47a7580""I'll stay for a little while" Olly nodded "But I have to keep moving after a bit, Peren is out there still looking for me. It's hard to explain, but the longer that I'm away from Peren, the more different I feel. I've never sprouted wings before, Peren always stopped me before I got to that kind of power. I feel strange... Stronger somehow..." she said flexing her hands as she stared down at them./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c474b7c9a1729afe799953e4ae463165""You should just let Father handle him" Nole said with a furrowed brow, his smile turned completely upside down "He wouldn't let a hair on your head get touched..."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="a8ca53d8d85d6b7dda91b62067625ee9""Father needs to stay out of fights he can't win" Olly said fast without thinking of the words./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="fe94732ef77e9253928b6af0c5716469"Nole looked a little defeated, the image of their father torn between the siblings. In the young Duer's mind, their father was still the fearsome warrior he had known as a child, despite his leg, but to Olly she had seen her father vulnerable, had seen his blood shed. She wouldn't risk Peren's magic on her own father with his constitution, she wouldn't dare.../p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3043a8fb25a43b058f14800578cae2cd""Is the transportation for all of us?" Olly suddenly asked thinking about the future journey they were about to go on./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="d77fc10b48e2d30bef4dfbfb5688e8c7"Nole shook his head then with a sad look for another reason Olly couldn't quite put down "No" he said "It's just for us."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="bc70872a9b38f76b0e4887ce6e1297a5""Oh" Olly said quietly before getting up from the bed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="501b53d6bc1d117e92600e5d5a398678""The Cleric should be waiting downstairs when you are ready to leave, to say goodbye..." Nole said going for the door "I have to get my daggers sharpened for the journey. Waterdeep has some of the best blacksmith's around."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="da084135e9365dd52eecd51033f3e8b8""Alright, don't wander far" Olly said a little fearful to let him go out when she just got him to safety "I'll wash and then be down for the journey."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="6965417369f31bcd1d7f159fe97676ad"Nole nodded before exiting, happy to go off on his own for a bit before spending the week it would take to get to Silverymoon with his sister./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="358830760b82fafeb8122b580f145c43"Olly peeled her clothes off and walked into the washroom undisturbed. The hot water felt great on her skin as she renewed herself. She admitted to herself that she was sad that Ed would not join them. She had grown very fond of the Cleric, had cared about him in a such a short time that it scared her. She was never one to expose herself, thinking admitting feelings was like revealing an open wound. She was vulnerable with him, and that frightened her more than an ancient dragon./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="a6062d17401f275d3ff3a8b9916a92fb""But I don't want him to leave" she said quietly to herself, just so that the words escaped her mouth./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="5fc3d71a7d3f658b506473f9d8f266fb"It was true, it wasn't so much a desire, but a need now. Going back to Silverymoon made her chest warm, but something kept nagging at her in the back of her mind, words she would not say even though they remained repeating inside./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e3d997ffd675034c621cacc4cc77b38a"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""It's not home without him.."/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="fe02b4f9d090fa3fad292a52255ab7f4""Nonsense" she said to herself "A month doesn't make a lifetime. A few weeks with someone is not basis enough to lose yourself over" she heard the words of practicality, but didn't believe them. No, she knew the truth, just didn't want to admit it. She had grown closer to the Cleric than she had with anyone she had known before. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="34cc6f049f3f760e8718c96ec7312f77"He knew her, he saw her for all that she was, all that she could be, and his faith was relentless. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="dbd1c9fa9277006d01c60518d984a1ba""He's made his decision" Olly said although her voice broke with a small cry hearing herself say them. She moved through the motions of cleaning herself and drying off, leaving her long hair loose instead of the usual braid she put it back in. Hopefully the journey home would be peaceful, even if it was a little sad./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="6533cf63a118aa626e3fba02b0e76e9f"When she made her way down to the tavern and bar she noticed Quila outside with Nole, both of them talking to the Cleric who had dawned traveling clothes, his vestments in full view now as his shield was strapped to his back./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="0a805a7b82ab551dfbdf3a82694d7802"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""I guess he really isn't coming with us"/em Olly thought sadly as she took a deep breath and steadied herself to walk outside and join everyone./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="fc25bfa1032a018100d5ae634af03c66""There she is!" Nole exclaimed as Olly smiled shyly at the group, Quila's face covered by a sash now as Ed watched her closely trying to gauge how she was./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e8f2283d9d54e1cec89ab640a66dfc21""Thank you for finding us a way home" Olly said looking at the wagon that had built in seats in the back, a comfy ride as long as it didn't pour down rain on them./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="620869066dfe81232c5c7cf7a904e75a""I'm sorry I couldn't get a carriage" Ed said rubbing the back of his neck "I didn't have enough coin and Waterdeep is expensive."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="f64c7419b7409565cecad533dd875eb0""It's perfect" Olly said trying to comfort him./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="930b8cd9891dcfac2db95ecdf523e6a3"Quila saw the look between the two and discretely pulled Nole to the front of the wagon to talk to the driver. Olly blushed and silently thanked her friend, not sure if she could say what she needed to say in front of an audience./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="98624bf05637eb5a3624b73eddeaa1a2""Ed" Olly started "I just want to thank-"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="ca5e4258c74bbcb2ea17cb69ac531a98""There's no need" Ed cut her off, unlatching the back of the wagon "I did what anyone should have done."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="691e490941f4c7fde6be0c909760f138""You did more than anyone ever has" Olly said trying to hold back tears in her eyes, she needed to be strong for this parting, even if it was one of the hardest she had even been through. She hated this, hated how cold Ed was acting towards her, that friendliness he showed to strangers passing through. She expected more, she guessed. More warmth that they had shared previously, but now, it seemed as if everything in the past was nothing more than a fever dream. Now, she was just a means to an end./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3a8619123047935c69a45a6df1ba125c"Ed offered his hand to Olly, his eyes refusing to meet hers, and although she hardly needed it, she took it just to feel his touch once more before they parted ways./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="2d3e5ef830925f2e8b55df88305140cf"Nole jumped up into the wagon from the other side, his body settling in as he tried to ignore his sister saying goodbye to the Cleric./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="0410ec1531a7e7987a0d628c1df4770a"Olly looked down at Ed from the wagon, his eyes avoiding hers as he locked the gate to the wagon, his white hair shining bright in the afternoon light./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="4a607876bfd44569c538684d0b4697d9""Goodbye Edric Alphonse" Olly said trying to hold the emotions in her voice "You have a debt with the Duer's of Arrowmoor Keep. Call on us if you are ever in need."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="1583a71c21cdf8c13d177ec3ede4686e""So long angel" Ed said smiling at her finally, his eyes looking up into hers with the same pained silence she was holding in herself. It made her freeze, seeing that he was holding back something. She wished he would cry out for her, to say that she should go with him instead. But she knew what feeling chained felt like, and she wouldn't let the son of Pelor be stuck to her side./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="5c451621ed7e6c19a19c45a19993e431"The crack of the driver's whip sounded in the air as the wagon took off down the street, Olly still looking into Ed's eyes as they drove away, the Cleric standing as still as a statue the whole time, watching them disappear in the crowded street. He felt like something was tearing on the inside, like his muscles were being pulled apart from his body all at once. A deep pit in his chest started to hollow out, and he looked down at the ground just to tear his eyes away from Olly's disappearing form in the crowd./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="8024b84c966694accd0dc6dd4893d88c""You must be the stupidest human I've ever met" Quila said as she brushed by him, her shadowy figure like the wind itself she moved so smoothly. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="2d0d5976f3297920e13e491663782bfa""That's rude" Ed sighed and looked up at her "What do you mean by that?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="9530bf14d33fa5649a4b6ae6bfa5b082""You two obviously are crazy about each other" Quila rolled her eyes as she adjusted her bow to her back "If I cared about someone like that, I sure as all nine hells not let them run away in a wagon."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="1086d32892b4c93bbef6cb9cd8acb71b""What am I supposed to do? Chase after her? And then what?" Ed said exasperated "Follow her to Silverymoon and introduce myself as her new lover and maybe get in a fight or two because of it?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="9b1ea697537bd2b98c3613038eb7cfb9""Well, it's not a bad start" Quila smiled as she exposed her wings "But the choice is still up to you. Better hurry with it though, you might lose them forever in a couple minutes."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="87ce28c11ec14c90ba1034706a56cc87" Ed stood there as the Ranger took off into the sky, her wings blinding out the sun for a moment before rocketing off into the clouds. Ed looked back to where the wagon had disappeared and felt his heart start to race. Thoughts came and went like lightning, but he had to stay steady./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="5f72419d6a33b97136a85fe510cf47a6""Stick to the plan" he growled at himself before turning around and walking in the opposite direction. He would find a tavern and drown himself in ale until the next morning, that way it was too late for him to try and catch her. His feet stomped into the stone road, determined to follow his own advice./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="f87369d7533e148d6a88604bcf7bcd0f"Ed found himself walking a good distance before the celestial inside his relic piped up. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="0e42ccffa3b59af80e2bef0520b44231""em style="box-sizing: border-box;"I never thought I'd see the day that a Alphonse turned coward"/em it said angrily in his ear. Not the kind of annoyed angry, no Valor was not amused by anything that was happening right now./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="b4d667c662306aa115e8c4b11ae0b829""I'm not a coward" Ed said out loud, not caring who heard him now. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3cc94ad7c5d5eadeb104f825aada1707"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""You are" /emValor said again more sternly em style="box-sizing: border-box;""You are running away from what your heart is telling you. Any fool would tell you that you are making a mistake."/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="358dabd90bc1e583aa215f637c08da52""And how would you-" Ed started./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="eae5982ce97871bb78f2dec02553d05f"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""Because I have seen your fate Cleric" /emValor said now quietly, a statement that made Ed halt in his tracks./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3c382f1ff643fda67459ed266d25ce92""You have seen my future? How?" Ed said unsure if the Solar was telling the truth or if he was just trying to goad Ed into his own plans. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3f08f542dc4a9a7ae198934dfb667fa8"em style="box-sizing: border-box;""I'm a Solar Alphonse, I have seen things in the world that would make any mortal tremble. I have seen your destiny, and she is a part of that"/em Valor said with nothing but truth in his tone, Ed knowing that he was the one that was lying to himself em style="box-sizing: border-box;""If you don't turn around, you'll regret it the rest of your short life. And believe me, it's a short one without her."/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3cd48f63758c2df7f7e2dbed56a300f8"Ed stood and thought about Valor's words, thought about his own feelings in his heart./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="39b7f535d2bae1ac3b6cae82ab84570f"What should he do...?/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="b9ff83b38000f27e548374c257914034"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="37e492d455fb7378f56f51fddce0aab7"The wagon hit a bump as Olly and Nole went out of the city of Waterdeep and into the forests of the Trade Way, the road now dirt but at least even enough for it to be a smoother ride. Nole settled into the corner of the wagon, his lanky legs taking up space as the two of them were the only passengers. The driver, a Kenku named Getgoing didn't speak to them, except for the occasional squawk./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e276284b2cecd54a2494541d66cd5407""What do you keep looking for?" Nole finally asked as Olly's gaze was focused on the road they were leaving behind instead of the road ahead./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="e6f3260504ea518f74beddbb1af6a5bf""Nothing" Olly sighed and turned away, settling herself in her own spot "Just hoping I guess."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="bc204bbb7e0a3b470cd7907614c80423""Hoping Ed would turn up?" Nole asked with a serious tone for once./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="ef1e8669f373ee945cb0aa01ec6c3f3d""Maybe" Olly said hesitantly "It's hard to explain."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c68c6f27df0597ee8c7cec4b69de7e99""I think I can" Nole said now smiling "But you won't like it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="354a18a3f33ab5660bfebfc6c30e90ce"Olly gave him a pointed look and shook her head "I just, I thought" she began trying to find the words "I thought maybe we had something."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="600e311c1dbb222d268eb85e0d771e8c""You really like him huh?" Nole said not happy that his sister was truly sad "He seemed like a good person. I could see it glowing around him."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="d26e0a4fd50e4c029a8447ad80e22127""He is" Olly said as her eyes stared at her hands, the last thing that had touched Ed "He's one of the best..."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="8a54462f0dcd04d7b91f1c4ad9d829d9""Allana" Nole said sitting up, his arms crossed over his knees "Why did you leave Peren? Did it get that bad?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="c23e1e39b262c9a11a160258ee4e3c5a""Worse" Olly said shaking her head "For a long time."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="1dd077f62e0acd1ea10619f0aa613e07""Why didn't you just come home?" Nole asked as his brow furrowed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="6d3c3ee227847c81aa2856a523112fd2""Because" Olly said with a few tears in her eyes now "I was ashamed. I wanted a story like Mother and Father's, one that I could tell my own children someday, that's always been my dream. To be great and in love like them. But with Peren, it had turned into a nightmare" she said trying not to cry to her brother "I was so lost. I wanted out so bad but it had already been too late" she said pointing to her neck where the ribbon was sealed tight against her skin "This was supposed to be a proposal, instead, it's a collar."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="79911abb9a67b4e9ed61a00f35eefdff""I hate him" Nole said a bit angry now "I won't let him near you."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="7712eb951909004fb6f1f2d1f81b10e3""You don't need to do anything" Olly said "He's far away somewhere I'm sure. I can't even feel the magic anymore with this thing" she said tugging at the ribbon "The longer I'm away, the longer I think the magic will fade." /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="d6c19b31d54e00e0e8e0db097bc1f20d""Good" Nole said sighing now himself, his worry apparent for his big sister "It will be good for you to go home then."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="f5f4471b2b705761f75efb6e9a1fc484""Yea" Olly said with a sad smile "I'll enjoy it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="d28afe553aaf65bc11a8e2267992d329"The road now opened up to a beautiful forest, trees lush on either side as the sweet summer air blew through with a cool breeze against the Duer's skin. It was there on the wind that Olly's ears picked up a sound desperately trying to reach out against the air./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="b833700ff61e9b3eeaf7618158f7eaf9""Wait stop!" Olly cried out as she stood up on the wagon, her hands placed on the railing as she listened with such intensity Nole thought to grab his weapons./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3ae504df0a55f9c38b5cd287bf5e3a30""Wait!" she heard on the wind, her hands opening up the door of the wagon and stepping out./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="4f8b468b67138be007a0b988f3482804"Then, over the crest of the hill, Olly saw a head full of white hair bouncing against the sunlight, two jade eyes and a bright smile following it. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="32ef878f2adf1108a7e072f0535b87fe""Olly!" Ed shouted as his hands waved at her as he stopped to breathe on the crest of the hill, but Olly's feet were already moving towards him, the ground below her picking up speed as she raced to him, her arms opening wide. Ed watched Olly come at him, his own feet now moving again despite his tired body aching against the motion. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 30px 0px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; position: relative;" data-p-id="3b9a8f7d65d32d0421d20b0b120460e9" data-media-type="image" data-image-layout="one-horizontal" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="91e00ffeedac32e4d52a06451ccaad0f"Like an unstoppable force, the Cleric and the Angel collided into each other's arms, Olly holding herself so tightly against Ed she thought she would break him in half. Ed didn't mind it, he wanted to do the same and crash her against him, his fingers in her hair and his face buried in her neck just to inhale her wildflower scent. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="6242f5388fe284a9e8fa5042890f8c40"Finally thought, the two unstuck from each other as Olly still stayed in Ed's arms, her moon eyes glowing up at him with the brightest of smiles Ed had ever seen from her. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="add1bbc52b2358855b344262767225d4""You came back!" Olly said wanting to crush herself against him once more./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="37ca6f2a53cf7bd7c8c02f3e1e8e6645""I had to" he said staring down at her, unable to stop the words now coming out of his mouth. The whole way he had run, unsure whether he would catch the wagon, but he would have run forever if it meant having this moment with Olly./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="5b617e4e6f8fc574a5df274ef13c98d3""Why?" Olly asked, needing to know just to steady her heartbeat./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="ab86d9313a54935f2b993b08fa35d902"Ed took a deep breath, not knowing if this would be the right time to tell her "I came because-" he started but felt choked up as he tried to speak "I came because, well...Olly, you've fought your entire life. I think it's time maybe that you won something for yourself."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="3f2e7a23a570aad1e52a2f4517266233"Olly started to tear up, not knowing she needed those exact words said to her, but the Cleric continued on, choosing his words carefully./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="27f1d90828c230a77ab6742975bf4685""After everything" Ed said "I can't go back... Not now, not after meeting you. I'm yours Allana Duer, my place is right next to you."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="bb485cc75047c86d8a64e5244b2ab6fe"Olly didn't know what to say, only felt the need to take his hand in hers, her smile bigger and bigger as she turned to the wagon. Nole stood in the wagon, a separate smile than her own, but no less happy than herself. She took Ed's hand and led him with her to the wagon, not caring what it looked like, only needing him next to her. Ed followed, his smile almost hurting his cheeks as he followed easily, her grasp on him equally tight to his own./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="2cabc72de7a14b75dfd254e1d8ffb7a0"He made his choice, and it was Olly. He would follow her through darkness and peril, because life wasn't worth it if it wasn't with her now. It scared him, thrilled him even, to be dedicated now to something other than his god, but somehow it felt...right./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="7f6b5adcd05f59e4508cf487159ed44b"Olly settled down on the bench of the wagon as Nole confirmed to the Kenku driver that they could continue, the crack of the whip heard as the horses clopped along the road once again./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="dd238ec6225759404cc0ba1aebaebb2d"Ed didn't move from Olly's side, his frame parked next to hers, their hands still clasped together and the younger Duer smiled to himself, happy that all was right again in the world./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222;" data-p-id="8d2040c3b496cb55859f782c4ddef945"Now, despite the trip to Silverymoon and whatever lay next, the Cleric and the Angel were partners, their destinies weaving together like threads of a cloth./p
