Zeke smiled widely, satisfied with the progress he his team made. "Let's go back to our home everyone."
And so, Zeke's first ever expedition finally came into a close.
The way back is quite uneventful, Zeke and his boys enjoyed the serene illumination of the sunset beyond the horizon even if it isn't clear from where you're located. They walked in slow, relaxing pace as he and the boys breathe in the cool evening air.
Zeke was a few steps ahead of the boys, he heard them talk amongst themselves, topics about what to eat for later, who does who about the chores and their own tasks that needs to be done in the farm tomorrow. This goes on for a while until they finally arrive at the farm.
They left all of their rucksacks, equipment, and spoils inside the shed that is situated beside the house. Magnus took everyone's belongings then placed them neatly inside while he placed the pouches of seeds at a very secured place inside a locked cabinet. They all waited outside for him to get finished.
Once he's done, they all start to walk back towards their home, standing outside of the house Zeke could hear the sound of cicadas in the forest behind his farm. As Zeke was about to open the door, Dirk suddenly sucked his stomach in and puffed his chest out then started to talk.
"Well, it's a fresh start of the evening guys, any plans for tonight?" Dirk asked looking at everyone, stretching his arms then placing them on both the sides of his hip, "I still need to report to the Mayor, so I'll be out until nine."
"I need to follow up some things with the Guildmaster, so I'll be at the guild later, but I'll be back around half past eight," Wulfric said while checking his equipment.
"I need to go shopping for some groceries for us to eat then maybe make something for us later." Magnus promptly follows.
"Hm. As for me, I might go to Mirajane's pub later and eat there, so you guys probably shouldn't wait for me," Hawke replied while dusting off some of the dirt that got into his feathers.
Then they all looked at Zeke, "How about you boss, any plans yourself? Or do you wanna come with any of us?" Dirk asks putting him on the spot.
Zeke decided to just stay at home for now, "I'm pretty beat for the day everyone, so I better just stay home for now, and anyways I still need to reacquaint myself with the whole town, I still need to memorize the whole town by heart."
Zeke smiled tiredly at them preventing himself from yawning further. They all gave him an understanding look and Magnus even rubbed the small of his back in genuine fondness.
"Alright boss, just stay awake until I come back. I'm going to make food so we can all eat," Magnus told him before finally taking off.
The rest of them all said their goodbyes to Zeke as well, Wulfric and Dirk changed their clothes before going to their intended places.
Zeke waited for Magnus in the living room not even noticing that he is already falling asleep as he momentarily blacked out. After a while, he felt gentle taps on his knee, bringing him out from his slumber. It's Magnus, telling and gesturing him that dinner is ready, and that he should wash his hands. Zeke nodded groggily, wiping his eye and yawning tiredly.
Zeke looked at the time, it's nine already, he slept for two whole hours, and as if on cue Wulfric, and Dirk finally arrived as well. He greeted them, then all three of them went to the dining room to start dinner.
Magnus has prepared various dishes, from vegetables, to meat, to fishes, but not too much, just enough for all of them, they wouldn't want to waste any food right now.
"This is also a sort of mini celebration for the resounding success of our first expedition. So, enjoy yourselves and dig in!" Magnus said while sitting in one of the chairs.
All three them cheered in unison as they happily devoured the food that was in front of them. The dinner was fun and filled with stories of events about the expedition that just happened earlier as well as the legendary expeditions that the farmers of the past did, the boys joked around in front of Zeke. Some of their jokes he couldn't even get, so they laugh at him whenever he gave them an expression indicating that he's lost.
The evening goes on like this until it is time for bed. Wulfric and Dirk went ahead already and excused themselves for the night, Zeke tried to offer Magnus help but he insisted that he can take care of it.
"Thanks boss, appreciate the offer but I got this," he offered him a huge affectionate grin, "you should go to bed already once the food settles down, we still have a huge day ahead tomorrow."
Zeke nodded in understanding and proceeded to go to back to his room. He laid down and felt the soft comforting covers of his bed, the feeling of comfort lulled him into a deep sleep.
🐉 Draconic Realm, Ballax
"Sacerdotis Avin of the 6th army, at your service."
The red draconian kneeled at the precipice of one of the spires that stood proudly overlooking the enraged mouth of a volcano of the realm.
"Are you the one they sent?" replied an otherworldly woman voice.
"Yes, Priestess."
She looked beyond the expanse of the mouth of the ravaging volcano, seemingly seeing something beyond that the knight could not.
"I can see it. You standing beside him, the farmer, fighting alongside him, giving your utmost loyalty to him."
"The farmer?" the knight replied in confusion.
"The chosen one from realm of—realm of connection, the nexus of all worlds," she grimaced in pain, "a savior of some sort, he's the reason why you're here."
"Hm." the knight said in contemplation.
"A great impending doom is upon us Draconian, we must send aid to the ones who needs it. We cannot let this 'doom' get here, we will not survive it," she looked to him with determination, hope, and intense desperation.
"I asked the ten great houses to discuss and provide me a knight of peerless excellence and a knight of the highest caliber. You showing up here must mean that it is you."
"Yes, priestess. Anything you wish, I shall do so without any reservations."
She looked towards the volcano once again, "I hope you will be sufficient enough aid to alleviate the trials and tribulations that he will soon face. But, ruminations will have to be for another day. Come, knight of Ballax."
The clang of the knights' armor can be heard as he follows the priestess.
"Stand in the summoning mark, and child of Rhygalmoore, do not lose sight of your goal. Always be prepared, and watch your back at this new realm."
The knight nodded solemnly, knowing full well about the direness of the situation.
"Remember, don't waste any time and make haste for the farmer."
He nodded one final time before finally dissipating into thin air.
—End of Overture