A familiar scene covered the world. The blinding, hostile red hue - only birthed from the blood moon - shrouded a dense wood in dreadful darkness. Sparks and embers alike rose from the endless canopy of trees, created from a smoldering fire that had doused a small village in ash and cinders. This had not been accidental, as bandits dashed around - on horseback or on foot, ruthlessly cutting down the innocent inhabitants; laughing gleefully as buildings collapsed around them. Strangely, a few animalistic growls erupted from around the furious flames; several bandits shuddering in sudden pain and discomfort as bones crackled and morphed.
Far from the devastation, three people desperately sprinted away and into the overbearing woods. One of them was a tall and lean adult male, sporting a milky white ponytail, while two children ran behind him, seeking safety. The elder child firmly grasped the youngest's hand, her long black hair fumbling in a mess through the wind, while younger blonde boy's legs pushed to keep up.
'Ngh! They're already daemons,' the man thought to himself, beads of sweat easily showing off his anxiety.
A quick shout suddenly alerted him, as the two stumbled and lost their balance, falling roughly into the stone trench they ran through. Assessing the situation, the man did not hesitate to pick the exhausted two up, and rush off into the dense foliage. Coming upon a great oak with a wide berth that would be efficient for cover, the man hurriedly pushed them inside and began to instruct the oldest sibling. "You hide here, Velvet. I'm going back to help Celica," he explained, attempting to adopt a serious face for the two.
The black-haired girl, now known as 'Velvet', responded with a meek nervousness, "I'm so scared... Arthur, please..." she cried, struggling to peer into his icy blue eyes.
Reaching off to the side, Arthur allowed a comforting smile to spread across his face, as a fresh red apple weighed in his hand. "You'll be just fine with these," he stated, placing the fruit into her tiny palm, "Celica enchanted them herself. They'll give you the courage you need to survive." Arthur calmly said.
"They will?"
Grabbing another to place into the hands of the silent boy, he continued, "Sure they will. Now, have I ever lied to you?"
Velvet timidly shook her head, while her brother trembled at her side; tears welling up.
"I'll come back for you once Celica is safe." The man had his statement paused when the youngest child lunged into his arms, "It's scary, but don't give into fear," he sternly looked to the eldest, "Don't give in to fear. Don't despair... no matter what!"
"I won't. I promise," the child answered with suprising confidence, "After all, I'm Laphi's older sister and your student!"
Arthur smiled at her answer, and gently laid 'Laphi' back on the ground with a comforting gesture. Eventually, he stood up, and sprinted off into the wilderness in Celica's presumed direction.
Despite her earlier claims, Velvet and Laphi could not quell their heightened breathing as they peered out into the dark. The crimson glow was ominous, and amplified the terror of the intimidating trees and snake-like roots. It felt as if something would jump out at any moment from the skeletal flora.
Suddenly, a horrific feminine scream rang out.
Laphi's hazel eyes once again pooled with frightened tears, while Velvet looked out, as the scream was all too familiar. "Celica!?" she worriedly exclaimed, the two tiny figures stumbling out into the open trench. She stared outwards in the shout's direction, the boy joining her in their terrified gazes. Upon looking out, an abrupt glowing golden spiral shot out from afar, brimming in molten energy as it snaked towards the sky. Unfortunately, they had no time to comprehend it, as freakish groaning resonated from the dead foliage behind them. From the bushes, out limped one of the heartless and savage bandits that had ransacked their town. But, something was off.
His pale hands firmly grasped his temple in extreme pain and irritation, scratching at the tender skin that pulsed with his blood flow. Deranged eyes shook and glazed over, as a burning feeling spouted from within him. Unknown to him, withering darkness began to flow out of his body as the effect took its toll. He roared as animalistic fur sprouted from his very body, and horrendous canines seperated his gums. It was the boiling anger in the glowing ruby eyes that signified what became of him.
He had transformed into a daemon, and this werewolf had the siblings right in its sights.
Velvet and Laphi could only scream and rush away from the beast while it ripped through its garments with ease, sight only focused on escaping the blood-lusting monster. Their steps were harsh against the rock-hard floor, as they already out-paced the unintelligent daemon, quickly searching for the only one who could protect them. Eventually, they came upon the a ruined ritual ground, where countless pillars and gates had weathered and collapsed. In the middle of it all, was the white clothed paladin who had left them before.
"Arthur, help us!" the girl cried out.
She was too young to realise the horror of the scene before them, as Arthur stood still - sword drawn - and alone, with the giant blood moon directly staring him down. Mocking him for his failure.
The final scene of her dream was something she had never witnessed before, and it was of a child-like figure that hung lifelessly off of a sword she knew all too well.
Velvet's shaken golden eyes shot open in sudden fatigue.
The hole was dusty, enclosed and uncomfortable. The only source of light, was through the grated trapdoor that was far out of her reach. Nevertheless, the familiar sight sufficed for the only thing she did all day. It suddenly opened, and down came a muscular figure shrouded in fur and wolfish features. Those burning red eyes searched the area cautiously, until it caught sight of the figure opposing it on the other side of the hole. Readying it's claws, it was not prepared for a gleaming black and red claw to wrench out of its binds as she charged.
Her legs struck fiercely, and danced across its desperate guard, each strike leaving it wide open for her demonic appendage to tear out a part of its flesh. As she fought, her wild black hair molded around her like a shawl. The werewolf could do nothing as the figure sprung into the dense air, and came down like a jumping spider - sending the daemon into the ground.
"On that day the world began to change."
She fearlessly stalked towards the downed beast like a lurking predator, before her claw reached out and drained its very essence from its being.
"Men and beasts possessed by evil spirits. Hunting and killing anyone they could."
The creature's life faded from its eyes, as it became energy for its killer, her claw gulping down every bit and shining with thirst.
"But even in the depths of despair, only two things matter to me."
The daemon disappeared with a disgusting squelch as it was eaten alive, the darkness inside becoming her meal for the evening.
"The taste of blood-soaked flesh... and revenge upon one man."
"Laphi! time to wake up."
"Ah... Okay..."
The young boy pulled his covers back slightly and looked up to see his older sister, looking down on him with her kindest smile. "Morning!" Velvet kindly exclaimed, placing one hand on her waist.
The girl had changed quite drastically from her past, and while she kept her dazzling aurous irises, glossy pale skin, and long messy black hair - although now combed into a braided ponytail - she now held a shapely and mature figure. Her eyes were accented by charming shadowy eyelashes, while her face was striking, but still gentle, and spliced by feathery bangs that curved over her features. To display her simple work life, she adorned a simple maroon tunic, with an efficient brown belt across her waist, and black pants with dark leggings. Interestingly, she also bore greaves and a strange metal vambrace on just her right arm.
To summarise, Velvet was quite naturally beautiful - and lucky.
However, 'Laphi' was not too pleased by her abrupt appearance. "I told you to stop calling me 'Laphi'. I'm not a little kid anymore," he groaned in annoyance.
As the boy rose up from his bed, their genetics were apparent; as he shared Velvet's soft skin and golden eyes. However, unlike his sister, Laphi's hair was shoulder-length and of a shining blonde. He was wearing a grassy green tunic, and didn't sport any armaments that his sister did.
Velvet was simply amused by his exhaustion of her teasing, "Grumble-grumble, huh? You must be feeling good," she gently appraised, as she checked his exposed forehead. "Hmm... Bit of a fever, I'm afraid. At least the new medicine's supposed to come today." Velvet kindly reaffirmed, patting him on the head slightly harshly, "Until then, you stay in bed, got it?"
"What? Aww, but I wanted to go to the cape." Laphi exclaimed, mildly irritated.
Velvet, being the stern sister she was, simply wagged a finger in front of him and pushed herself forward slightly, "Sorry. You'll have to wait."
"Can I at least read a book?"
She firmly glared at him disapprovingly.
Suddenly, the front door behind them creaked open, and a voice echoed from its entrance, "Don't trouble your sister, Laphicet," the strong voice jokingly warned.
"I didn't mean to..."
Turning to the speaker, Velvet saw the only other person she could call family, "Arthur! Done chopping firewood?"
The man in question had barely changed from the past event, still adorning his exalted white clothes and professional ponytail, the only difference being a dark oceanic blue cape he wore over his right shoulder that coated that corresponding arm; hiding the limb that was strung in a leather cast. "Yeah. Enough to last us through winter," he confidently responded, "But there's something else I need to take care of. Sorry, but medicine money'll have to wait a bit."
Velvet strutted forward, not disheartened in the slightest, "I can earn it myself, then. Bring down a few prickleboars, and I'll have plenty to offer in trade."
"On your own?"
"Arthur's first maxim! 'Plans must be solid, and reactions flexible'," the girl easily recited, arm raised in earnest.
Arthur was quickly amused by the young woman's confidence, and relented; "All right. I shouldn't doubt my student's abilities. Sorry to put you on the spot," the man briefly apologised.
Laphi decided to pitch in with his own, "I'm sorry, Velvet."
Soon overwhelmed by everyone's apologies, Velvet reprimanded them kindly, "Whoa, hey. What's everyone apologising for? We're a family, right?"
"Right. I'll see you later." Arthur soon turned to be in his way.
Now set a task for the day, the she turned to Laphi and explained some things to him, "I whipped up some porridge for you, OK? Be back by evening." Velvet smoothly relayed, hands daintily positioned behind her back, as she nodded to a steaming pot of food.
"Thank you. Be careful, Velvet."
Turning back around, she briefly looked over their warm little home they lived in. It was a sweet cottage, made out of hardwood and decorated with various items - such as baskets, pots on shelves, and boxes full of resources. Loosely hanging off the ceiling, were a bunch of different clothes and tarps, all left to dry. A small but neat kitchen was positioned to the side where breakfast sat, and next to it were a trio of rooms respectively; Velvet's, Laphi's and Arthur's. Above her head, was the open attic, where she usually placed a lot of other supplies, such as ingredients. Laphi was never allowed up there, though, what if he fell?
Anyway, being careful to not trip over the old carpets under the dining table, Velvet prepped herself to head out into the village of Aball.
Exiting their cosy home, Velvet allowed the warming sight to please her eyes. The sun was a soft and soothing orange, that cast a delicate gold over the beautiful foliage decorated with flowers. It gave off a natural delightful, aromatic smell that lifted the tensity on her shoulders. Just ahead of her, gated in stone, were two large perfectly sculpted rocks, with an individual mound of dirt presented with a pair of pretty pink plants.
These were gravestones.
Making a mental note to check on them later, she focused on the task at hand. 'If I'm on the hunt for prickleboars, I better try the Tranquil Woods outside of town,' the girl thought to herself, reminded of the times in the past she had to do so. 'This is for Laphi's medicine, so I can't mess this up!'
Traversing down the carefully paved pathway, the mild crunch of leaf-covered soil and wonderful song of the neighbouring wildlife brought her peace of mind. The path coiled around natural hills of fallen leaves; arched trees casting a protective shield from the shining rays as autumn leaves floated away through the sky. Only a few steps away from coming into view of the town, Velvet got lost in a particular thought as she neared and couldn't help voicing it aloud. "Come to think of it, Arthur hasn't requested his favourite dinner in a while," she wondered in slight sadness, "There's been so much going on, and the village always has him out hunting. Maybe he's just worn out?" she theorised, worried for the state of her brother-in-law. Velvet suddenly snapped her fingers as her mind began to work; "That does it. I'll cook him up some prickleboar stew, just like Celica taught me. That ought to pick him right up! A healthy portion of nourishing meat cures fevers and weariness alike." Now having a plan in mind and a brightened mood, Velvet came upon the central part of the village of Aball.
Unwilling to tear down their surroundings, the village people seemed to sprinkle their little homes throughout the jutting trees and flourishing plant life - pathways being intruded upon by strong roots. The townspeople were simple and happy, going about their day as normal; each working to live through the coming winter. However, two downcast adults, seemingly parents, were shovelling groups of the amber leaves from the pathway to their home. Seemingly focused, the man almost jumped when Velvet daintily tapped his shoulder.
"Hey Weylan, are you and Maria doing okay?" she asked kindly.
Weylan didn't even turn to face her, as he sighed and began to speak about what was on his mind, "...Ever since the Opening seven years ago, this world's really gone crazy. Famine, freezing weather... and worst of all, this daemonblight that's turning people into monsters," he sorrowfully recounted.
Maria pitched in on the horrid occurrences happening around the world; "I can't believe that people can really turn into those... things. It's a nightmare..." His wife worriedly thought.
Velvet, similarly concerned about the growing phenomenon, wanted to learn more, "Does no one know what causes daemonblight, or how to heal it?"
"No," the man despairingly answered, "What we do know is that when people turn into those monsters-- I mean, 'daemons', they gain incredible strength and attack humans on sight."
"..." Velvet did not speak, her mind befuddled.
"Whoever named it the Opening, named it right. It's like someone opened a portal directly to hell."
"Come to think of it," Weylan began, "Celica died during the Opening, didn't she? It might be a good thing she died when she did. She didn't have time suffer through all of this," he bluntly spoke without thinking.
Velvet silently gasped, as her eyes narrowed in disbelief. "... It's 'good' that my sister died? How can you say that?!" the woman angrily demanded.
"S-Sorry... I didn't mean it that way..."
Maria was also not too happy with her husband's words, "You're a real idiot, you know that? Sorry about him, Velvet."
The black-haired girl stalked away with a shake of her head, understanding but still upset. To knock her out of her mood, a decently-sized labrador bounded over to the girl and began to rub its head against her leg. She couldn't keep her frown, and petted the canine while a familiar child ran over, "Misty, stop that!"
The child was one of Laphicet's friends, Lily, most likely here to ask about the sickly boy.
Velvet let out an amused laugh, and looked up at the young girl; "Don't worry about it, she means well." In response, Misty panted before backing up to the child's side.
"So, Velvet. Is Laphicet feeling better?" Lily questioned naively.
"No... Not yet... He needs a little more rest... I think," she vaguely answered. Truth be told, he wasn't getting better, and Velvet felt bad having to tell this poor girl every day with a half-lie.
As good-hearted as ever, Lily didn't pry and gave her best wishes, "Aww, too bad. Tell him I'm looking forward to hunting beatles with him again when he's better."
"Right, got it."
"Laphicet's illness sure is persistent." A new voice came in. The girl's mother had appeared beside her, mildly concerned with Laphicet's constant sickness.
Velvet, with an agitated tone, spoke; "Yeah, that fever still keeps coming back, like clockwork. The medicine always helps a little bit, but still..."
"That sounds terrible. Let me know if there's anything I could do to help," the mother kindly offered.
"Thanks, but we'll be fine. At least we've got Arthur to take care of anything that needs muscle. And, before he came, Celica raised me and Laphi all by herself. So, now I have to do my best too!"
The other woman chuckled at the sudden similarity she saw, "You sound just like your sister. That optimism must run in the family."
Velvet was taken aback by the abrupt compliment, "I do? That's nice of you to say."
Nodding, the mother turned and took Lily by the hand, heading back over to their home.
The golden-eyed soon-to-be huntress was quick to get back on track, now entering the market area of the village. 'I better stock up on a few things before I go into the forest,' she thought to herself, not willing to underestimate the savagery the prickleboars were capable of. 'I don't have a lot of money to spare, but like Arthur always says, "Battles are won and lost with the preparations made before the first strike".'
Approaching the General Shop Keeper, he was quick to recognise the unique looking woman. "Hey, Velvet! If you need hunting supplies, come to me! ... Not that there's anywhere else to go, mind."
Knowing exactly what she needed, Velvet already brought out the required Gald and stated what she needed, "Hey, Enzo. Just one 'Apple Gel', please," she politely requested, sliding a single golden coin onto the wooden desk.
Enzo quickly turned around to address the resources he currently held, and began grabbing a few objects from their respective baskets. In just a few seconds, he produced a small leather bag and handed them over to the smiling girl. "Pleasure doing business with you, Velvet. Be careful out there!" he positively wished.
Just as she was about to turn back around, she noted how the bag held two gels instead of the one she had paid for. All she recieved when a questioning eyebrow shot up on her forehead, was a thumbs up. Shaking her head with a small grin, Velvet continued on her way up the path to the Tranquil Woods.
"The daemonblight is a punishment, sent to us by the Empyreans for forgetting the old prayers..." an elderly voice croaked as the girl casually walked past.
Noticing the speaker, Velvet audibly sighed upon seeing one of the Village Elders off the beaten path and resting next to one of the stone walls. Deciding to settle her rantings by pushing her on, the girl questioned a specific topic in her rambles, "Who are the Empyreans?"
"The four Empyreans created the world... The one Empyrean shall bring it to peace," the Elder recited. "Be afraid... When contradiction permeates this world... the time of suppression will be upon us..."
Velvet, now mildly creeped out by the conspiracy, urged to take care of the woman; "Are you okay? Want me to take you home?"
"No! Don't treat me like a child!" the Elder aggressively replied.
"...All right, then."
Suddenly, a look of realisation dawned upon the Elder's face as she finally took in the features of the woman standing before her. "Oh, it's you, Velvet. If you're going to the cape, take care."
"Don't fall into the 'Shrine of Tranquility', right? I know, I'm not a kid."
"Of course, of course. You're thirteen now, aren't you?"
"...I'm sixteen."
Now stepping into the Tranquil Woods, the true image of nature imprinted herself in her vision. Gone were the cabins and cottages weaved inbetween great trees and transported land, and in its place were calming streams and full swaying grass expanding over the forest horizon. Velvet no longer could smell the constant cooking of food, and hear the loud reoccurring playing of children. It was just her and the soothing sound of silence.
Passing over a small log bridge to easily step over the clean stream of water, she quickly came upon a brief opening in the canopy. Dirt trails circled around it, dotted with beautiful flowers and strange but medicinal mushrooms; with the sun casting its kind smile down her remarkable unblemished features. Shaking her head, the ponytail dancing in motion, she reminded herself of her goal; travelling deeper into the forestry.
Taking the downward pathway that rounded a ginormous tree that were not uncommon in the area, she cast her gaze over to another open area, surrounded by unclimbable hillsides, and plenty of natural fruit and vegetables for animals to feast on. 'This area looks promising.' Velvet hopefully wondered, being careful to lower the volume of her footsteps. Soon enough, she noticed the slight indentations of hooves trail across the dirt and the soft sniffles and ruffling of an animal were heard. She found herself staring at the tusked snout of a hefty boar, its lime green and violet striped hide awkwardly blending in to the colourful background.
Unfortunately, while Velvet was mature, she could be... spontaneous. "There! Pickleboar!" she foolishly shouted, immediately alerting it to her presence.
It snorted and readied itself; pointing its suprisingly resilient tusks in her direction - hooves scraping the grassy soil - before charging. Shaking few stray strands out of her face, she whipped her right hand to her side, and a long blade shot out from the elegant vambrace. Not flinching at the feral charge, she immediately jumped to the side and kicked the boar's head, sending it tumbling. Before it could reorient itself, her sword dug deep into its hide and twisted, ending its life in mere moments. Velvet whistled, proud of her prowess, until another squeal caught her attention. From the foliage, another prickleboar bounded out, angered at the death of its friend. The woman inwardly sighed, before readying her wristblade again.
Wiping a bead of sweat that cascaded down her jaw, she openly talked to herself; "This should be enough to cover the medicine. I'd better bring these to the store." Velvet smiled pleasantly, happy that she could make an effort to care for Laphi herself.
Ducking under a fallen tree as she continued on, the pair of bags she carried over her shoulder barely dissuaded her - the dead boars closed efficiently in and their weight not affecting someone of her physical experience. Arthur's student couldn't be so weak as to not carry a few boars, could they? However, she wasn't continuing her hunt for more produce, there was a particular place she wished to visit.
As she travelled up the harsh incline of the next hill with a slight pep in her step, she soon set her eyes upon the cape. The historical ruins that had collapsed around the area were as interesting as ever, and the hole that sat in the middle hummed ominously, like a yawning void. Not being able to tear her eyes off the weathered architecture, she carefully made her way up the few steps and peered over the opening in the ground. 'This place isn't safe. That hole's gotten bigger. I've told them a thousand times that they ought to build a fence, but they kept saying it's 'forbidden land'," she thought to herself in confusion, placing a hand on her chin. 'Even Celica used to scare me with it. She was always, "This is a gateway to the underworld". Well, I'm too old to be falling for that nonsense!' the girl confidently stated in her mind, unaware of the potential dangers in such a world.
Backing off from the dangerous hole, she went around the destroyed ruins to what she really wanted to see.
The open and seemingly endless ocean stared back at her. It twinkled in the warming sun, the peaceful blue that reflected the sky similarly held thousands of secrets to be uncovered, and its breeze carried the whispers of a million more from across the land. "I'll take you here again, Laphi, soon enough," she delicately promised. She took in one last deep breath of its sea wind, before venturing back to the town of Aball.
Unfortunately, along the way, her travel was blocked by a sudden worrying appearance. Five boars seemed to glare at her as they stood in her way, the two filled bags of their brethren angering them further.
"Wait, the boar's I hunted... Are you their--" her incredulous question was interrupted by their wrathful squeals and stomps. She placed a hand on her heart, Arthur's teachings echoing throughout her mind. "Maxim three, 'Never waver once your sword is drawn, control your feelings to control the tide of battle!'" Velvet shouted with conviction, her left hand raised in preparation while her blade appeared once again from her right. The two bags were quickly dropped to the ground as she charged.
Only minutes later; the last boar roared with hatred as it lept at the figure. Velvet, covered in marks and smudges, twirled with a practiced form - fire engulfing her blade - as a ring of flame shot out and seared the leaping boar. With a painful squeal, the hidden arte sent it flying back, collapsed onto the damaged grassland. "I did it!" Velvet cried, overjoyed at her apparent success. Suddenly, a dreadful purple haze flowed through the air. Velvet, unable to notice, shifted in shock as one of the boars she had slain got back to its feet, a powerful and dangerous feeling emanating from the animal. It rapidly lunged, this time too fast for her to move, and Velvet could only cross her arms in a hurried block.
"Seres!"
An orb of sudden blazing heat propelled from the nothingness, and scorched the savage animal - killing it for good.
Her frightened golden eyes twitched open at the familiar sound, "An exorcist arte!" she whispered, baffled at its abrupt appearance.
"Pride in anxiety. Pity for the enemy. The thrill of victory..." a familiar and resolute voice said from behind her. Arthur continued his critique, "Your emotions run too hot. That will be your downfall," he concluded, his crystal blue eyes still showing a pleased look at her progress, still shifting to one of scolding.
Velvet nervously shifted, casting her sight to the ground with her hands behind her back.
"Agreed. It's one of her virtues as well."
"Huh?" Velvet looked up, only to see Arthur looking off to the side and conversing with the open air.
"Yes, I know. But even so, she's still got to--" he stopped. Raising the elegant longsword carried at his side, he stared lovingly at the hand-made amulet hanging off of its grip.
"Arthur?"
Hearing the voice of his younger sister-in-law, he snapped out of his trip down memory lane, and approached with that same unidentifiable look he always carried. "Arthur's fourth maxim, 'Never let your guard down, even when victorious'."
Hearing his new teaching spoken, Velvet immediately memorised it in her head, "Got it!" she answered in earnest.
"In any case, this should be more than enough to buy Laphicet's medicine," Arthur stated, letting Velvet cast her gaze over the bodies she left behind. "I'll drop the prickleboars off at the shop before I head out."
Interested in his sudden departure, the woman asked him, "Head out where?"
Crouching down to one of the slain boars and examining the precise cuts in its hide, he responded vaguely, "The person I was supposed to meet is late. I don't think I'll be home tonight. I came out here to let you know. You'll have to pick up the medicine yourself."
"Right..." Velvet answered, downcast.
"One more thing," he began, "I saw a group of daemons near the village. If you're attacked, run away. Am I clear?" Arthur commanded sternly.
Despite his order, Velvet was unhappy with it, thinking herself strong enough to take them on; "No way! I-I can handle a bunch of--"
"Daemons can only be challenged by those with a talent for exorcism. That's the cold logic of the world, and no emotions can change it," he shut her down, with a similar chilling tone.
Her emotions barred again, she asked the question she'd been waiting to ask for a while now, "Do you think... I could become an exorcist?"
Arthur, not even surprised at such a question, looked to the azure sky with his eyes closed and a dead smile plastered on his face. "Why is it you think that birds fly?"
Velvet peered up in mild confusion, seeing a hawk call as it flew through the cloudless blue. "Why? ...Well, without flying, they couldn't find food..."
The expression on his face withered.
"It takes a particular innate talent to be an exorcist. Unfortunately, very few humans have it within themselves," was all he said.
"...All right." Velvet whimpered, face drawn to the ground.
"Tomorrow is Celica's memorial day. I'll be back as soon as I can." Arthur held out his hand, and a icy blue rune materialised on his palm, and the surroundings boars gleamed a similar colour, until they suddenly vanished into orbs and hovered into the exposed rune arte. Velvet blinked at the use of magic, and glanced at the two sacks of dead boars she had lugged around on her hunt.
She stifled a giggle and turned at Arthur's retreating figure, "Hurry back. I'll make you a quiche just the way she taught me."
Her brother only slightly turned his head, and with the faintest but most geniune appreciation he could show; mildly smiled and nodded his head.