*Bryna's POV*
"Anyways, Wyatt, the tallest blonde is Dean. He's the ruckus king, acause he enchanted the ruckus queen." I said, "And the other two blonde men are Alexander and Alexion. The ladies are Sylvia and Sienna. The belt man is Haril, he's a funny man. You all, this is Wyatt, his wife, Violet and their kid, Ruby. They came to live here."
Dean gave a sarcastic bow and said, "Welcome to our overly rambunctious town. It shouldn't be, isn't normally, but is today."
In thieves cant I said, "Snapt marks." I grinned widely. It meant captured targets. I was letting him know what they are without making them uncomfortable.
"Huh?" Ruby asked, tilting her head.
"Hm? It's a game I play with Dean. He's the ruckus king, so acourse I gotta play it." I said. "You may be welcome to play it, too, later."
"*Well then, I'm glad it wasn't for nothing.*" Dean replied in thieves cant.
"Mmhm. Which places are available? I wanna help them get acquainted with who they should know and such the like." I asked the adults.
"We have some lovely places available in the lower parts." Dean said.
He told me the directions to the ones available, and I led them down. With the Alexion and his family following, too. Much to my embarassment, my enthusiasm led me to nearly tripping down the stairs. I haven't kept track of how many times I'd fallen down these steps... any steps.. But I Bibs had put carpet on his stairs to help me not fall down them, if that says anything. The only reason I didn't fall down them was Wyatt had caught me this time. Sometimes Thomas keeps me from falling down them, too. And it's not every time. It's just more than I appreciated.
Once at the bottom of the steps, Wyatt set me down, and said, "Careful there."
"Stairs are my arch nemesis." I grumped.
"They are quite treacherous, yes." Wyatt agreed.
Vivian said, "Don't tease her."
"I would never tease a child about being unbalanced..." Wyatt said. "Ok, maybe a little."
"Bryna really does fall down stairs a lot." Sienna commented, "Hope you grow to enjoy living here. If you need anything you can ask any of us or Sarial. She's usually behind that door in the distance."
"But she is magic. There is no telling where she could be." Thomas said.
"So none of you have put a bell on her?" Wyatt asked.
"Hm. A silver bell wouldn't hurt." Alexion said in a thoughtful tone. "But most bells are put of the question."
"Does she dislike bells?" Wyatt asked.
"It's more like Alexion, Mother, my little brothers and I dislike them." Sienna said. "In turn, there are none here in town or Undertown City."
"How do you tell what time it is?" Wyatt asked.
"Sun positioning, or several analog clocks throughout the area." I said.
"What is an analog clock?" Wyatt inquired.
"Hmm. I'll show you. It'll be easier that way. Are there none on the other continent?" I asked him.
"Maybe.. somewhere.. but we stay out of towns. Don't trust strangers much." He replied.
"Oh. Well, you can trust the people you've just met. They've been my good pals for the last five years." I said. "And you can probably trust me. Sarial and Mills are great people to trust, too. And the bestest one to trust is Jaime. Acause he just won't talk to people. He's a cutie tot."
"It's a lot of names to remember for now.. I am sure we'll remember learn them eventually." Wyatt said.
"It's ok, there's lotsa time." I smiled at him and said, "We'll have to head down the next stairs to get to the place you can call yours."
He put his hands out, "Would you like me to carry you? I know they're your arch nemesis."
It was not a mature decision, and I knew I was at the age where people don't carry you around anymore, and that I'd outgrown being carried... but I accepted the offer immediately, reaching up towards him in response. He lifted me and carried me on his hip, like if I was a toddler.
Thomas smiled and said, "Cute." Before leading the way down the stairs, since he knew this town and city as much as I did.
Vivian carried Ruby so she wouldn't be jealous. I was very embarrassed with myself. Wyatt didn't make a single complaint while carrying me. It made sense because he's a direwolf. His strength class was much better than my own. My mind slipped into a simple fantasy of being their daughter and wondering what that would be like. I was even a little disappointed when he set me on the ground.
To cover up my conflicting emotions, I jumped at Thomas and bit his shoulder with a playful growl, saying, "Not cute anymore, huh?"
He frowned at me, as if angry, and said, "No.... Adorable." Then he took off running.
"I'm faster'n you!" I said, chasing after him.
"You're a cheater!" He called back at me as I about caught up to him. He was very good at dodging, and did so masterfully.
It took me a minute to remember I was supposed to be guiding Wyatt's family to their home. So, I doubled back and smiled guiltily at them and said, "Sorry, I may have memories of an adult's lifetime but I still have the impulses of a child. It's this way." I waved to them and led them properly to the home they were permitted.
"It's alright. Even kids with adult memories should still be kids." He replied.
"That's what Miss Addy and Sienna keep saying." I said. "But my childishness is embarassing sometimes. Like I had to take naps until I was almost nine or I'd just fall asleep."
"That's called a growing body." Wyatt insisted.
"Our kind does a lot of growing in their youth. We're considered adults at fifteen." Vivian said.
Thomas had walked back up to us, and I opened the door to the home. "It makes sense, I guess."
Vivian stroked my cheek affectionately as the three went inside to check out their home. I explained about how they can go to the Mess Hall upstairs and have what they cook for dinner, or they can shop for their own supplies. There luggage was light, and I told them about how Bit's and Bobs has all sorts of things they could need for settling in. Then I found where the analog clock was and I taught them to read it, even going as far as to fetch some clock worksheets from the school for them.
Thomas and I spent several hours with them before we left. I decided to add them to my growing list of things I'll need to keep tabs on. Which included stopping by Sarial's office, though I figured I'd do that tomorrow. I decided I'd play with Thomas, like a kid, instead. We went back to Dueling Rivers and spent the time running around and having fun like normal jobless pre-teens. Though, perhaps we were a little immature for our ages, still.
He went home for dinner the same time I did. The most unusual thing occured when I reached Kershka. He was covered in many little spiders. He smiled and greeted me, though continued talking to the many little friends he had. Once they'd dispersed, wondering off to the house and other places, we went inside. I chattily told them what me and Thomas got up to. Including the near fall down the stairs that Wyatt kept from happening. I'd enjoyed teaching them things about the town and about the clocks.
I shifted to wolf form after dinner and rough housed with Kershka. He was great at playing the game with me, he never got too rough and didn't get annoyed if I accidentally nicked him. He just likes playing with critters. I also got to cuddle up to him after the play, until he was ready to sleep. Then I returned to human form and went upstairs for bed. I intended to make plans for what I'd end up doing tomorrow. I also tried to make decisions for what to do with Thomas.
The marriage conversation hadn't felt resolved at all. I was honestly concerned over it. I realized I was a girl that was consistently around him. I understood where he would possibly grow feelings for me since I was so close to him and affectionate with him. And then I thought about my previous crush on Tilton, though it was centuries ago. He'd only seen me as a child, and I'd known that. It had still been painful and I'd always sought for him to see me as the young woman I'd became.
I'd died with him only seeing me as that child he needed to protect and a friend that he cared deeply for. Then I realized, I was treating Thomas as a child. I hadn't changed my mindset towards him even though he was growing. I would need to change my behavior towards him. My distress over the marriage conversation was due to my realization that I just saw him as a cute little boy. I didn't treat him like an equal even as I tried to. I acted much like a wolf with him and his animal connection allowed him to bond with me in a manner I needed. Wolves need packs.
I had needed Thomas, and his loneliness lead him to needing me. I wasn't sure if he did like me past what our loving friendship was. But I'd have to sit with him and have an honest conversation with him. And I'd have to accept it if he didn't want to be friends with me anymore if I hurt him enough. It would be a hard conversation, I was sure. Maybe I'll take him hunting tomorrow and we'll see how that turns out. But I was going to show Cassae and Lael around first.
I'd fallen asleep while obsessively thinking over this. In the morning we had breakfast like usual, though I was more thoughtful than usual. It was fine. I told Bibs what I intended to do for the day. Well, most of what I intended to do. I didn't bring up the conversation I intended to have with Thomas. Instead, I focused on my intent to show Cassae around and such. Bibs mentioned she'd stayed at Tilton's last night and I grinned and pointed out that she is a beautiful lady after all. Very reliable to be looking after her brother, too. I didn't think she had to.
Once I left the house for the day I headed towards Tilton's house and ran into Cassae and Lael. She told me Tilton would make tea when she came back. Knowing Tilton, that meant he expected her to come back to his place tonight, but she didn't sound like she intended to. I could easily clear up a miscommunication if there was one, Tilton always was stiff with his words. He could cause offense to someone just by saying 'Hello'. Thomas joined us while we were on the way. I was taking her to the Blacksmith's when Lael took interest in the Mushroom Lady. After she traded feathers with Lael, we went to Balnur.
Balnur actually ended up establishing her as a type of partner. She just had to finish up the started expansion to the building and collext a few more things. And pay rent on it, though, if he keeps half the price to her sales, that probably wouldn't be a thing. It was an odd thing to offer, and showed she wasn't fully understanding of finances. She sold him the glaive made by her late father. I couldn't blame her, but I wondered if it made her sad.
When we stopped by the vakery she bought the Elven Pillows for us, I declined and she apologized once I explained. It was an non issue to me. We went to Tibin's next. She inquired about glass things. She seemed to make up her mind then. Thomas and I showed her the town and took her to Hearthstone Town. I introduced her and Lael to Alexander, and his family. Sylvia quickly showed interest in her sword, even passing it to Alexion. Alexion was directed to take Cassae to Sarial, and he did so, after Thomas and I said we'd watch Lael. Alexander was singing songs of Adventure for Lael in Elvish.
When Alexion and Cassae came back out, Lael had been playing with the other kids. Alexion told Cassae something and she laughed in response. It was a charming laugh. The two sat and had a short conversation that eventual led to Sylvia and Sienna saying they'd babysit Lael for her. We ate lunch with them, too. Then we went and visited Vincent while Lael slept.
He checked out her weapons, then armor, and ended up asking her for a specific sort of armor. One that'd be perfect hidden beneath a coat, removable via the coat being taken off. Adelaide requested a Glassteel mask be made for herself. She bought a few kits, silk, and a kiln from Vincent. I thought she'd need a bag, but she revealed she had a ring that could store things in another dimension for her. Her husband who was dead had gifted it to her. I felt bad for her, her parents and husband were all dead. But maybe that was a good thing.
Once we headed out the store, upstairs and out the town's entrance, I attempted to persuade her to return to Tilton's place. I figured since he had some sort of interest in her that would be a great way to give him a chance to kindle something between them. What it'd be I didn't know. But I took Thomas hunting with me after she agreed to think about it. We headed Southwards, just for a change of pace.
After we'd been hunting for an hour or so, I looked at Thomas. "Let's have a chat, shall we?" I said.
"Okay. What about?" Thomas asked.
"..." I hesitated. I wasn't sure how to begin the conversation. "I have been treating you only as a kid." I said finally.
"And? I kinda am. Probably will be for a while. Or atleast act like one." He said.
"I feel like your changing a bit." I said. "Changing isn't a bad thing, though it can be confusing."
"A lot of things can be confusing. But that's ok. It's just life." Thomas said.
"And if I snuggle you, your cheeks won't flush red?" I asked him, placing a hand on my hip.
"Naw, they probably will." He said.
"You're.. forming different feelings." I softly accused. "Different from how it's been."
"Yep. But that's just change. Also a part of life. It's full of change." He said. "I hope it's not a bad change."
"It's not something I'll avoid you over. But it might end up being painful for you. I don't want to hurt you." I told him. "So I'll start treating you differently so that I'll stop thinking of you like you're just a cute kid."
"Ha! Called me cute." Thomas grinned.
"I've always called you cute, Thomas." I said.
"Yes, but I figured at this moment in time it'd be funny to bring it up." He said.
"You know I don't currently return your new feelings, right?" I asked him.
"That's ok. Thomas wasn't sure about these feelings in the first place." He replied.
I gave him a hug and said, "I love you, Thomas. You're my best friend. If you need to talk at any point, feel free to. You won't burden me, ok?"
"Thomas will keep all his emotions bottled up forever now." He said with a big grin.
I pinched his ear and said, "That's not healthy Whelp."
He poked my forehead and said, "I already do that, so," He blew a raspberry at me.
"You're more honest than I am." I agreed. "It makes sense that your feelings would alter. I'm around you a lot. There aren't really people our age around that pay us any mind."
"Nope. Too many of them are busy doing.. I don't even know." He said.
"Working various jobs or studying." I said. "Samara is close to our age. Oh, and Ruby."
"You've talked to Ruby more, is she fun?" He asked.
"Yeah. But lonely. She just plays with her dolls and behaves, or helps Vivian around the house." I said.
"Then she needs an adventure." He said.
"Think so?" I asked.
"Well, she sounds bored." He said. "I know I would be."
"She was really scare of the Girallon that attacked." I told him.
"Then we just won't go after Girallons. Or just a really good game of hide and seek." Thomas replied.
"It's good to make more friends." I smiled. "I wonder if Mr. Cat Face is still in trouble."
"Probably. He's probably made it worse by now." Thomas said.
"I hope not." I said, "Is there something else you want to talk about between us?"
"Technically Thomas didn't even want to discuss that in the first place. So now it's up to you to pick a topic." Thomas said.
"Well, if you didn't say anything and I started dating someone else, wouldn't that have bothered you?" I asked.
"Yes, but it woulda been my fault." Thomas said.
"Well, guess you don't gotta worry bout that yet... How long has it been that you started to change towards me?" I asked.
"I think since the marriage talk." He answered.
"Oh. Yeah, makes sense." I said, then decided to tease him, "Daddy said he knows a coupla good boys he could set me up with."
"Yeah. Daelyn's probably one of 'em." He said.
"Ehh. Cat's and dog's don't mix." I laughed.
"Aw, it'll break his pea pickin' heart, I'm sure." Thomas said.
"Hardly. We're just friends." I said. "I could always make Daddy uncomfy and ask who he was talking bout."
"I'm not sure if that would make him uncomfy. Bibs is pretty good about just being comfortable." He said.
"That makes me really curious to see if I can make him uncomfy." I replied, thinking about it.
"How would you do it? What's your plan?" He asked.
"I don't have one yet." I answered. "What do you think?"
"Mm-mm-mm." He hummed that he didn't know.
"Hmm. Think your mom'd come up with something?" I asked.
"I think if Mom wants to make someone uncomfortable she'd just show them her teeth." He pointed out.
"Good point. Maybe Alexander?" I tilted my head.
"He probably could." He said.
"We can ask tomorrow. Let's finish our hunt. I hope to find a fat boar or a bear." I told him.
"If we find a boar, mayne we can make bacon." He said. He loves bacon.
"We could. And crispy pork belly." I said.
"Yep. Boar it is. Gotta find a boar." He replied.
"Too bad we don't have any sweet corn. Tilton always said that attracts boar best." I noted.
"If we're careful, we can cheat and I can just fly us." Thomas said.
"Are you sure?" I asked. "I can cast Pass Without a trace. It lasts an hour."
"Well, what do you wanna do? Walk on the ground or fly?" He asked.
"What if I get scared?" I asked.
Thomas laughed and said, "See now, if you were Daelyn I'd say you'd land on your feet."
I swatted his arm. "Brat. Flying would be different."
"Ok, flying it is." Thomas said, ending polymorph. He was once again his shiny golden mini dragon self. A Half-Dragon, not a Dragonborn. "Haah. That feels nice." He sighed in relief, stretching. "Ok, you wanna ride on my back or in my claws?"
"What would be more comfy?" I inquired.
"I dunno. I've never given anyone a ride before." He answered.
"True. Guess claws." I said. "How many boar should we catch?"
"Who all are we feeding?" He asked.
"Me, you, Wren, Kershka and Daddy." I said.
"If we're feeding Mom we should probably get like eight. And a couple of bears." Thomas said.
"Makes sense. I don't think we can carry that much though. We'll have to borrow something with wheels."
"We should ask Sarial. She makes a lot of things with wheels." He suggested.
"Hmm. Okies. We can do that." I said.
We started heading back towards Hearthstone Town and Thomas resumed his human appearance. Once we reached the town, we headed directly towards Sarial's office. But I also spotted Mills and Alexander out and about. Eirwyn was on Mills' shoulders. I nudged Thomas and said "Mills and Alexander are over there."
"Wanna ask them for a cart?" He guessed.
"That, too." I grinned, grabbing his hand and heading over towards the men. "Alexander!"
"Hello, Bryna, Thomas. I hope you two didn't get up to any trouble." Alexander said.
"I am hoping you can help me get up to trouble." I grinned mischievously. And since Mills was next to him, "Oh, before I forget, Mills are there any carts not particularly being used tonight?"
"Um.. yeah.. yes, there is a materials cart that isn't going to be loaded up for the next couple of days... Why do you need it?" Mills asked.
"Unrelated to what I want Alexander for. We're gonna be hunting for quarry too big for us to carry." I explained.
"Are you after boar again? You're gonna hunt them out." Mills replied.
I stamped my foot unimpressively and pouted, "We can carry a boar or two."
"Yes, a boar or two. How many do you plan to hunt?" Mills replied.
"A coupla bear." I said.
"Ah, a couple of bears." Mills replied. Probably not believing me.
"Asides, last week there was a Girallon around, and that's too big for us to carry, too." I pointed out.
"I feel the two of you would have found a way. But, as I stated, the cart is available." Mills said.
"Yes, and now, what did you want from me?" Alexander asked."My curiosity is piqued."
"Papa, I told Momma you're bullying Bryna." Eirwyn said, poking her Dad's cheek.
"I'm doing no such thi- I was a huntsmen for a long time. I know how much of something you can hunt at a time. And these two seem to like bacon a lot." Mills defended himself to his daughter.
"Too late Papa. Momma's gonna scold ya." Eirwyn chimed.
He sighed and said, "What have you done to me, child?"
"Alexander, do you think you could give advice on how to make Daddy uncomfy?" I asked Alexander. "That's what I wanted you for."
"Oh, that's easy. Just tell him you're interested in someone and seeing them. He may not show it, but he'll be uncomfortable." Alexander said. "Bibs likes to act like he's perfectly calm in all situations, doesn't mean he is."
"Hmm. I'm only twelve." I pointed out.
"That hardly matters for you. It hardly matter for any girls and their fathers." Alexander said, then pointed at Eirwyn, "No ideas you."
"Oh, well Eos did say that winged boy is cute." Eirwyn said cheekily.
Mills reached up and patted her and said, "That's ok."
"Papa, isn't that boy gonna come tomorrow?" Eirwyn asked, patting Mills' face. "Aunty Sienna and Gamma Aunt Sylvia said they are babysitting him."
"Well, if they said they are babysitting him, I suppose they will be. Or they just really want to." Mills replied.
"What else, Alexander? Daddy said he'd introduce me to some 'good boys'." I said. Doing my best to not laugh at Eirwyn's intentional bullying.
"The only other way I can think of is dress provocatively and ask him how you look. But I don't think you want to do that." Alexander replied.
"Hmm. Maybe in four years, though there would be a premise to that. I don't have the right shape yet." I told them, then my eyes widened a little as my face flushed because I remembered Thomas was right there and had a crush. "Well. I guess that'll be all, then. We got an idea of where to start. Eirwyn also did a great job of showing an example. Also, Lael is a pretty child."
"Glad I could be of some assistance." Alexander said.
"I'ma tell Daddy it was your idea." I grinned.
"Well then, it was lovely knowing you." He said.
"Papa, I wanna show my grandma's what Alex taught me." Eirwyn said, patting her dad's face again.
"Just stress that it was Alexander." Mills said.
The girl had her mother's grin, truly. "Eirwyn's naughty." I pointed out. "I should tell Sarial."
"I already did. Momma's laughing." Eirwyn scoffed at me.
"I feel I walk to a lion's den, but I feel I must be on my way." Mills said gravely.
"You can blame me." I told Mills. "See you all tomorrow."
"Oh, I'm definitely planning to." Mills said.
I grinned and said, "Alright, then." I turned to Thomas, bouncing on my heels, "Ready to go hunt? I got an idea."
"Alright, let's go!" Thomas said.
We went to collect the cart and I grinned at Thomas as we left, "In my first life there was a legendary boar that over grew and became monstrous. Do you want to hunt it?" I asked.
"Well that sounds like it'd be delicious." Thomas said.
I grinned and said, "It's a ways from here, though."
"We can get there pretty easy." Thomas said.
"Hmm. I got an idea, remember that hamd crank thing?" I asked Thomas.
"Not off the top of my head, no." Thomas replied.
"Yeah at the lumber yard." I said. "Let's go get it real quick then we can go."
"Ok. One more stop. Let's go." Thomas said.
I made it quick, even with the cart we made good time. I grabbed two of the hand cranks and a couple of additional parts and stored them in my bag. We headed into the woods with the cart and Thomas returned to his draconic form. I cast the spell, and he too me and the cart into the sky, I pointed the direction he should go and off we went. It took two hours before we reached the area that used to be my home ages ago. It was very muchly still in ruins. Before we even got close to landing, we heard someone shriek and the sound of an angered boar's shrilling.
"Sounds lile we have work to do." Thomas said.
"Yep. Do you see it? I don't." I said.
"Not yet." Thomas replied.
We hunted for it first, he dropped the cart off in town and after a few minutes, and some more shrieks, we found it. A giant ape was being mauled by Gorthok, the legendary boar. I reached out to Bibs briefly, then.
Bibs said.
We'd landed then, and Thomas remained in his draconic form and we readied attacks. As I fired an arrow, the boar charged us, wailing it's fury.
Bibs replied.
I was too slow dodging as Thomas used his breath weapon on the boar and it rammed it's electric tusks into me. I yelped as the electricity caused me to shift to wolf and back. I dropped my weapon in the process. It tried to trample Thomas then, and missed. Gorthok shrieked once more and thought he was gonna run, but I scrambles to grab and ready my bow as my form stabilized. Barely, I managed to shoot it as it fled.It collapsed, skidding some way and dying.
There were three giant apes in sight, half the boar's size. And it was easily a bit bigger than an elephant. Having fought a single giant ape in my past life with Tilton and Bibs, I knew they were nothing to play with. If it weren't for their sacrifice we'd've had a much harder time. I was sure this wasn't the real Gorthok, because it was a spirit of destruction belonging to Talos. It had to be summoned and storms were always present when he was, and though the sky was dark with heavy clouds further to the West there was no storm.
My body still felt electrified like if I was anxious and excited all at once. I decided I didn't like this feeling at all. It was disorienting and my heart was thundering like the boars hooves. I took a steadying breath to calm myself some before speaking to Thomas or Bibs. It half worked.