Estes stood with his arms crossed, silently observing the trio as they made their preparations. "Don't take unnecessary risks. If you sense you're in danger of being exposed, don't hesitate to abort the mission and return."
"Yeah, yeah," Xavier grumbled.
Sasha, adjusting a bag over her shoulder, nodded in agreement. "Sure thing, Estes. Don't worry, we'll be careful."
Vex responded with a nonchalant grunt.
Estes sighed, accepting their assurances. "Very well. Good luck, the three of you. Do not let me down."
After the brief farewell, the trio set off on their next mission. Estes had full faith in their abilities, however, he couldn't help but worry about his closest friends. He hoped they would return safe and with good news.
His gaze returned to the sleeping form of Mani, bundled in a bunch of blankets. Her relaxed expression brought a smile to Estes's face. Despite everything she had gone through—according to Sasha and Xavier—he could still tell the Mani he knew before was still there somewhat. He returned to her side, patiently waiting for her to wake up.
***
Mani's eyes snapped open, panic overtaking her expression as she looked around.
"Wh–Where am I?" she asked, her gaze locking on Estes. "Tes? A–Are you... real? The real one?"
Estes nodded with a sympathetic smile. "Hey there. You're safe, Mani. We're in a forest, and yes, I am real."
Mani's breathing gradually slowed, and she took a deep breath. "I... see."
Estes was about to speak, but Mani interrupted him with a sudden hug. She threw herself into his arms, her arms wrapping tightly around his neck.
"Tes... I knew you'd come... I'm so ashamed to admit I doubted you in the end," Mani confessed in a surprisingly calm tone.
Estes held her tightly, and a shaky breath escaped him. "Mani, I'm so sorry it took so long."
Mani's composed exterior crumbled, and she fell apart. The sensation of his arms wrapped around her confirmed his presence, and the overwhelming relief engulfed her, triggering uncontrollable sobs. His worries increased tenfold since she only rarely broke down like this.
He held her tighter, offering soothing words. "Hey, it's alright now. I'm here. You're safe, I promise."
"Please don't kill me again... Please. I'm so sorry, I'm so so sorry!" Mani's cries were punctuated by sobs. "I'll do better, I–I'll do better!"
Estes furrowed his brow, gently stroking her hair. "Mani, I'm not going to hurt you. I'll protect you. Don't be afraid." He wasn't sure what she was talking about, but he decided not to press for details right now.
Mani clung to him as if her life depended on it. "No... I'm so sorry. I don't want to die yet, don't tell me to die."
Estes swallowed the lump in his throat. "Shhh, Mani. It's okay. This isn't a nightmare. It's real." He closed his eyes, suppressing his own tears.
She continued mumbling apologies and pleas as she cried into Estes's clothes. Despite his best efforts, Estes couldn't calm her. The forest eventually fell into silence as Mani cried herself back to sleep.
With a heavy heart, Estes gently laid her on a bedroll, covering her with a blanket. Her swollen and red face gradually eased into a calmer expression. He walked a short distance away and sat down on the grass. After a moment of stillness, he buried his face in his hands, letting out quiet sobs.
"Gods... Mani, what did they do to you..." he whispered, his throat tight with emotion. He knew he had to keep it together for Mani's sake.
He ran his hands through his short blonde locks in frustration. He glanced at Mani before looking down. He recalled the day he got the sudden call from Mani; he was proud of her quick thinking. She was able to activate her earring before fishing info about their destination from her captor.
He didn't want to think about what would have happened if she didn't. Speaking of the one she was struggling with; he recalled someone else's voice calling him 'Aeren.' Estes had decided, 'Aeren' would pay dearly for what he did to Mani.
His thoughts drifted back to the guild and how Aleistor and Tahlia were coping. A wave of guilt washed over Estes as he considered how his determination to personally rescue Mani had shifted responsibilities onto Al and Tahlia. He resolved to find a way to thank them.
Estes raised his head to look at Mani, his gaze filled with tenderness. He sighed and gazed up at the sky. "Mani..."
Determined to shake off his somber thoughts, Estes stood up and approached the campfire. Rather than wallowing, he channeled his energy into preparing a meal for Mani. Despite the limited ingredients, he did his best to create a delicious stew.
He had learned to cook primarily for Mani, who was known for her picky eating habits. She rarely consumed anything that wasn't prepared by her mother. As a child, Estes had surprised Mani's mother by showing up one evening to watch her cook. Her mother had been amused as she watched him take notes on her unique techniques. From that day on, he brought Aleistor to Mani's house for cooking practice and meals with her family.
A smile crept onto his lips as he reminisced about their youthful days. He would give anything to return to those moments. As he hummed a tune, he diligently prepared the meal, glancing at Mani periodically to check on her. With the stew simmering, he sat near her, continuing to hum his favorite song.
Unbeknownst to him, Mani stirred in her sleep. He only realized when she muttered something incomprehensible. Turning his attention to her, he kept silent.
"Fuck!" Mani shouted as she jolted awake.
Estes flinched and leaned towards her. "Mani?! What's wrong?"
Mani hastily sat up, sweat trickling down her face. Her eyes were wide with panic, and Estes braced himself for another breakdown, but it didn't come.
She swallowed hard, trying to calm her racing heart. "N–Nothing. Nothing is wrong."
"Mani, was it a nightmare?" Estes asked gently.
Mani frowned, looking away. "It's fine."
"Mani, I won't force you to talk, but remember I'm here if you want to," Estes assured her with a warm smile.
Mani smiled back, though it seemed a little strained. "I know."
She sighed and closed her eyes. "Tes, I'm sorry about earlier. I don't know what came over me—"
Estes shook his head, cutting her off. "Nonsense. I'd be more concerned if it hadn't happened."
Mani frowned; her expression puzzled. "No, please forget about it. And don't tell anyone."
Estes sighed, torn, but ultimately agreed. He couldn't force Mani to discuss it or reveal anything she didn't want to disclose.
"Very well, Mani. Consider it forgotten. But when you are ready, please talk to me and I'll be here to listen."
"Thank you, Tes. I'll try."
"Of course. Now that you're awake, you should eat and drink something. I've made stew."
Mani groaned and pouted. "Stew...? I'm craving something sweet though. I haven't eaten a cake or a cinnamon roll in so long."
"Uh huh," Estes raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Enough dallying, come eat."
Mani rolled her eyes and put up a pretense of resistance. "But—" Her objections were swiftly interrupted by a loud rumble from her stomach.
"You were saying?" Estes chuckled, and Mani sighed.
"Alright, then. Stew it is," Mani conceded, defeated.