Parker observed the inside of his house with ease. It had been a week since the party ended and the crowd disbanded. The red dragonoid couldn't help but notice not much had changed in his abode since he left. The scrolls were still scattered throughout the house, the black cat meowed at him in angst for leaving him, even though Parker spotted the filled-up water dish, with its clean, fresh water, and the cat food half eaten. He chuckled, grinning at his mysterious stray cat, while thanking whoever took care of him.
He walked out of the house with the black cat following him. How odd! Parker picked up the cat and caressed it, doing his best to calm it. Nothing worked. The cat squirmed out of his scaly arms, darting down the square and out of sight. He sighed. Maybe they would meet again.
He closed the front door, locking it tight before walking down the stone steps and greeting a fellow dragonoid. He sighed in delight. It was good to be back.
"Parker!" Lily ran up to him. "Falkor wants to see you."
"Did he say what it was for?" Parker asked, following her down the square.
"He said it was important. He also said that you are needed for another journey, or else the journey will come to you," Lily said, hurriedly. Parker pulled her in, stunned.
"Um…" he released her, blushing, "…yeah. Lily, do you know whose been taking care of my cat? The one who keeps hanging around. It's not my cat, but still—"
"I've been taking care of him," Lily answered. "I know you've been gone, but I wanted to do you a favor." She added, kindly, "I was your maid once, remember?"
"Yes," Parker said. "Come on. We should go find Falkor." He took off down the road, looking back to see Lily follow him. He sighed, glad she was still sticking by him, even after the trance broke. Maybe he did have feelings for her. Maybe they hadn't suppressed. Maybe, when things weren't so hectic, they could date! It was a thought—
He and Lily stopped in front of a huge dragon house. Parker knocked on the door, heard a response, and opened it, discovering a whole world inside the house. There was a sparkling starry sky on the ceiling, books moved by themselves. The whole house was alive with magic and wonder. And yet, Parker found Falkor was in the kitchen, gorging down on some food. He chuckled, entering the kitchen to find Wil and Falkor in an argument.
"—I told you, Falkor, a dozen times! I don't know anything about Frodo or where he comes from!" Wil said, alarmed.
"I doubt Frodo is far away," Falkor said, laughing kindly.
Will huffed, turning to Parker with disdain. "Here. You talk to him."
"Alright." Parker chuckled again. He looked at Falkor, asking him, "Can you see Frodo?" He admitted to Wil, "I met up with Frodo back in the healer's house, in Bywater."
"Oh. Well, that doesn't have anything to do with me, does it?" Wil asked, understanding.
"No," Falkor shook his head. "But your part has just begun."
"Great! So, I am involved in another adventure?" Wil sighed, not liking where this was going.
"Not far!" Falkor cried. "Frodo is not far now."
"Let's hope you're right," Lily said, calmly.
Parker looked out the window, watching the real late afternoon sky turn dusk. A shooting star moved across the horizon, blinking out in seconds. He smiled, understanding his quest had only just continued. "Frodo, I hope you come here soon." And he meant every word.