Chapter 58: Distance Between Two
Meanwhile...
Raeger sat at the table and looked over all his recipe cards scattered out in front of him. Occasionally he'd take a piece of paper and scribble down what he needed if he lacked anything to make the recipes. "Phew..." he sighed as he took a breather. Roxy giggled as she sat across from him. "It sure is a lot isn't it?" she admitted. "It always is but it's nice to know that everyone appreciates Granny's and my cooking," Raeger confessed with a smile. "If you make anything with all of your heart it'll be delicious. Well, at least that's what Granny says." the red head chuckled softly.
"I wish that worked for me. All I can make is burned...well everything..." Roxy blushed embarrassed. "Oh well, everything takes practice. For instance, it's just as hard to learn magic if not more. Though I rather enjoyed cooking actually. I even have a small restaurant that I opened. Though after my parents died there was no one to take over as Guild Master for the previous one so for the sake of the village I accepted the position. Though if I were to voice my opinion on the matter I'm not the best man for the job in all honesty." Raeger sighed.
"Not everyone gets to choose who they are or who they will become. Trust me I know. When I was told that I was a faerie it was terrifying. I didn't know what was going to happen or how my life would be from that moment on. But thanks to Bloom and the others I found that inner strength and courage that I needed. So as long as you keep looking forward and try your very hardest I know you can get through the tough times. I believe in you Raeger..." "...Thanks, Roxy..." Raeger murmured as he offered a smile as their eyes locked. Gently Raeger placed his hand over the faeries.
"So what is it exactly you were thinking of making for Bright's party?" Roxy asked. "Hmm well, I was thinking stuffed mushrooms for the appetizer...a souffle for the main course and for the dessert a strawberry short cake with strawberry cream frosting...trying to keep it as simple as possible. I'm sure the royal chef will be catering the event as well. But I'll be providing the main courses." Raeger told Roxy. "So...we have the number of guests...and divide them by the amount of food that will be provided..." Techna began as she started to crunch the numbers. "OH NO NO! You can't have a party with just food! You need decorations too! I'm thinking color coordinated...pink...no maybe some white and blue's..." Stella mulled over as she looked at her patterns. Roxy only lets out a groan.
"And it was such a nice atmosphere too..." Roxy pouted before they all paused as Joey came out of Flora's room and took a seat on an empty chair. "How's Flora doing Joey?" Stella asked worriedly. Joey only shook his head. "She won't stop cryin...I dun know wat ta do..." the blonde frowned biting his lip. "Give her some time Joey..." Raeger murmured softly. "Love is a fragile thing...all you CAN do to be there for her..." the redhead told him. "But that's just NOT good enough!" Stella cried.
"Raeger's right we should just let her be..." Techna agreed. "Maybe that's ok for some people but Flora isn't one of them." Roxy disagreed. Raeger sighed as he took a moment to think. "Actually I am in need of some ingredients that I can only get at the next town over...why don't you see if Flora wants to go with you, Joey? It might help to get her out of the house. "I think that sounds like a great idea!" Roxy exclaimed. "We can handle things here." "...Are Ya sure?" Joey questioned. "Yes. Go and see Flora." Raeger offered a smile before he squeaked as the blonde gave him a tight hug. "Tanks Raeger! I owes ya one!" he exclaimed and hurried off to Flora's room tripping over his untied shoelaces afterward. "GAH!" all of them made a face before Joey finally made it to Flora's quarters.
Flora sat at the end of her bed as she wept. Tears trickled down her rosy cheeks. It hurt so badly. After everything that she had been through. Helia always made her believe in herself. She thought with him that she could overcome everything. The one who gave her so much courage. And now. What was left? Just emptiness. "Flo..." came Joey's voice before the door slowly pried itself open. "Joey..." Flora murmured softly as the blonde sat down beside her on the bed. "I'm sorry..." Flora softly apologized. "For wat?" Joey questioned surprised.
"Everyone especially you have tried so hard to cheer me up...and all I can do is sit in here at feeling sorry for myself..." Flora sobbed. The blonde shook his head. "Dats not yer fault Flora...nothin ya need ta feel bad about. But it might help if ya get outta here for a bit...ya know?" Joey suggested as the faerie sniffed and wiped her eyes. "Raeger needs some groceries and I could use some company." Flora thought for a moment. "You mean...go with you?" "Yep!" the blonde grinned. "Ah! Dat is if ya want ta...I won't force ya or nothin." A soft smiled crossed Flora's lip before she nodded.
"I'd be happy to go with you...thank you Joey..." she murmured. Joey stood up and offered Flora his hand before she got to her feet. The faerie carefully took his hand as he helped her up. Softly Flora hugged Joey and rested her head on his chest. Gently the blonde held her in return. "No matta what you may tink...I like ya Flora...just da way ya are." Flora sniffed and smiled more. "Come on let's getta move on! Dose groceries ain't gonna buy themselves!" Joey grinned before he hurried out of the cabin with her.
"And there they go..." Roxy murmured softly watching them. "Alright, girls we better get back to work..." "...Uh Roxy..." Raeger spoke up before Roxy looked around. "...Where did Stella and Techna going?" "...Oh no..." Roxy groaned as she realized they both were nowhere to be seen. "I think it's safe to say that they followed after them..." the Guild Master sighed. "Yeah...I wouldn't put that past, Stella..." Roxy admitted. "So while Flora and Joey get the groceries what should we do in the meantime?" the faerie of animals asked.
"Hmm...good question...how about we pay Bright a visit? It is HIS birthday we're planning...I'd like his input on what my thoughts are for the courses..." Raeger suggested. "Hey, I'm up for it if you are!" Roxy offered a smile. This was great! She'd get to spend time with Raeger alone after all. Well for the most part anyway. He was so cute and when he smiled it was like heart skipped a beat. But it was just her luck she had a crush on a cook when her skills were less than stellar. "Thanks, Roxy. You have no idea how relieved I am to have a helping hand!" "I'm happy to help Raeger." Roxy smiled before Raeger turned towards his grandmother as she finally emerged from her bedroom.
"I'm going out Granny! I'll be back later." "Alrighty take care dear." Grandma Emiko told them before Raeger took Roxy to the stable just a little ways. Inside was a horse that was an ebony black with white spots. "This is Dottie my horse. When she's not pulling the carriage I keep her in her in the stable to ensure that she's warm and safe away from all the snow." Raeger introduced Roxy as he gently petted the horse.
"Aw, she seems like a sweetie..." the faerie of animals smiled and manifested a cube of sugar in the palm of her hand. Dottie sniffed the sweet treat before she slowly licked at it. Raeger smiled. "She likes you. But then again you ARE the farie of animals." the redhead chuckled. The faerie only giggled tickled by the horse's tongue. "Yes,...you're a good girl aren't you..." Roxy cooed. "I think she likes the attention." Raeger only laughed more. Raeger carefully saddled her up and mounted her before he helped Roxy get onto the horse as well. Together he strode Dottie forward to the gateway past the ruin.
"I Raeger Guild Master Of Covenant bid you to open...AURA!" Raeger called before the gateway manifested into a portal. "Woah!" Roxy cried. "Ready?" Raeger asked. "Yeah! Let's go!" Roxy nodded before they both rode through the portal. Slowly they emerged into a world of green filled with flowers. Blowing in a vibrant breeze of colors. The sky was as blue as the ocean. Down below was a kingdom bustling with women, men, and children with Knights keeping a close watch. There was a wide market place filled with fresh fruits and vegetables. The houses were mainly enclosed with gates while the lower was just clustered houses.
In the middle, a huge white marbled fountain glistened with pure cerulean blue water rippling with the movement surrounding it. Beyond was a port for ships that were surrounded by the ocean. High up on a hill away from the kingdom itself was a black stoned castle that had been worn with age nearly a ruin itself. All of the grass surrounding it turned charcoal black. To the west of it was a tall tower that seemed as if it could reach the clouds. A solitary building that stood away from the Knight's Guild referred to many as the Mages Tower. It didn't take long before Roxy and Raeger were greeted by the Knights on duty directing their blades towards them.
"HALT! Who goes there!" the knights questioned. "At ease Sir." came a familiar voice as Prince Bright made his way over to them. "Your majesty." the knight bowed before they both departed. "My apologies. Even if one travels by Portal Key my men are constantly paranoid by outsiders." Bright apologized to Roxy and Raeger. "It's quite alright." the Guild Master assured him. "We were actually hoping to speak with you about the upcoming party." "Of course, but I am in the middle of something right now. The bakery has a bunch of leftover bread so I'm headed down to the lesser part of Aura in order to distribute it." "We'll help you." Roxy offered a smile. "Right Reager?" "Certainly." Raeger smiled in return. "You both have my sincere thanks." Bright smiled before he led them downwards away from the houses which lived in finery. Slowly a crowd of children, men, women and the elderly came forward.
Bright brought the cart over and Raeger and Roxy helped distribute the freshly baked bread making sure that everyone got at least two loafs. Smiles spread onto the citizens face as they profusely thanked them the kids hugging Bright as he laughed and hugged them ruffling their hair. "It's amazing to think that even though he's their prince that instead of sending out his servants to do this that he's actually doing it himself..." Roxy murmured softly. "That's what makes Bright, Bright," Raeger answered simply.
"THANK YOU!" they all cried at once. Bright only smiled and waved at them. "My Birthday Celebration is tomorrow. I invite you all to come as you are. I'm certain that they're will be plenty of food to go around." he murmured. "BYE! TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES!" Roxy called out before they left headed back towards the castle. Slowly the horses halted at the large Cherry Blossom tree to drink from the lake nearby. "Phew...thanks for all your help. Normally I do it myself but I can lose track rather easily of whom I've already given food too." Bright chuckled.
"It was quite the experience for us too Bright. But to see all the smiles on their faces really does make it all worth while." Roxy smiled sweetly. "Yes, indeed it does." Raeger agreed. "There was something you wish to disscuss?" Bright questioned. Raeger nodded. "Uh yes actually. I had hoped I could speak to you about my menu ideas and see if there was anything you wanted to add." the Guild Master told Bright. "I was thinking about stuffed mushroom-" "NO GARLIC!" Bright quickly blurted out before everyone paused looking at one another. Bright felt his face redden slightly.
"Uh ok..." Roxy murmured. What was THAT all about? "Um...I just...really HATE garlic..." Bright murmured flustered. Trying to hide his true reasoning. "Then I have a souffle...and for the finale a strawberry shortcake with strawberry frosting." Raeger finished. "That sounds good just try and not make it too terribly sweet. Other than that I see nothing wrong with the menu choices. Mirai was right in choosing you." Bright complimented. "I try." Raeger chuckled as Roxy walked over and looked at the cherry blossom tree above them.
"It's a favorite spot by many an Aurian...no matter how much time passes the tree always remains in bloom..." Bright began as he slowly made his way over to it and placed his hand on its trunk. "It seems very special to you..." Roxy murmured softly as Bright continued to gaze at it. "It is..." Bright murmured thoughtfully. "When I stand under it...it's like I go back in time...to a place where we once existed...together..." Bright whispered gently leaning forward with his head pressed into its bark. Roxy and Raeger only looked at each other. It seemed Mirai was not exaggerating at all. Bright was truly agonizing at the fact he was one year old and the one thing he wanted most of all would not be there to share it with him. Roxy could only hope that the others could find Xuri.
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