"No, actually, I don't. Not right now," Gantlos spoke matter of factly. He turned to Duman and gave him a serious look, "you're doing it again."
"Doing what?" Duman questioned with a defensive tone.
"That thing where you try to have sex so you don't gotta face whatever's bothering you. We're centuries old, don't do that teenager crap," after being scolded by Gantlos, Duman sank back, returning to his original form.
They sat in silence before he spoke, barely audible, " sometimes I just don't feel ever useful. Like you guys could do everything without me. Like you guys would be better off without me… I'm not really useful for much…"
Gantlos huffed, "Is that what this is about? Self-pity?" He asked as he sat down on the bed.
Duman looked up, surprise and hurt flickering in his eyes. "I don't know… maybe."
Gantlos sighed, retracting at the harshness of his words "Look, Duman, your skills are more important than you realize. Your ability to shapeshift… it's not something to take lightly. I didn't mean to upset you, but it seems like you're insecure about nothing ."
"But I feel like I'm always in the shadows, never at the forefront," Duman admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
Gantlos shifted uncomfortably, his tone still brusque but with a hint of earnestness creeping in. "Being in the shadows doesn't make you any less important. In fact, it often means you're the most crucial. You can go where others can't, see things others miss. That makes you irreplaceable to us,"
Duman's eyes began to brighten, a spark of hope rekindling. "You really think so?"
Gantlos rolled his eyes slightly, as if annoyed by the need for reassurance, but his words were firm. "I know so. You are a very good wizard, Duman. Your shapeshifting is not a lesser skill—it's a rare gift. And you wield it with great prowess."
He stood up, his stern demeanor returning but with a small, reluctant nod of approval. "Remember, we are a circle. A team. Every member, every ability, is vital. Including yours."
Duman straightened up, a newfound determination in his eyes. "Thank you, Gantlos. I needed to hear that."
Gantlos nodded curtly, placing a hand on Duman's shoulder for just a moment before pulling away. "We're in this together, Duman. Don't forget your worth. Now, let's get back to the others, I'm sure Ogron's not all too happy with us ruining today's plans,"
"You don't… ya know, like me more in that form, do you?" The question was innocent enough, but struck a nerve to Gantlos. He responded by walking over to him and gave him a kiss on the forehead.
"I would love you in any shape you chose to take, and if you ever make me say something so poetic again I will ring my own neck "
Duman chuckled and turned to leave, just as they were heading out, Anagan and Ogron met them in the hallway.
"I am so sorry Duman," Anagan said, he seemed out of breath, " I never meant to make you feel like your power is a joke. It's a very cool, strong power. I was trying to lighten the mood, and I did awful at that. Please forgive me."
Ogron simply stood behind him, arms crossed, looking at Duman, as if an answer from him would seal whatever fate he had, or had not planned for the speed runner.
"It's all well, we can move past this and besides, I don't need you to tell me my powers are cool, I already know."
"Someone got a confidence boost," Ogron chimed pleased.
" Yep! Gantlos gave me a pretty good peptalk,"
"Well, now that we are all feeling so exceptional, everyone is going to train until they drop. Just as a precaution to make sure we are prepared for our next attack," Ogron beamed and walked away, the others groaned, especially Anagan. I wonder what happened on that walk?