It was sunset, the time limit on our little outing. After taking a little while to get over the shaking events that happened, Lana and I returned back to Mr. Justin, who was just about done with his shift.
We couldn't hide the burn marks around Lana's neck, and ultimately recounted what had happened.
With subtlety on my part of course.
"...You broke a kid's jaw..."
"Yes...but in my defense, he was 12."
"Damn..."
"Yes..."
"So...did he get your name?" Cliff asked and I grined satisfactory and huffed.
"Of course not."
"Nice." We exchanged a fist bump.
This was the following day, and we were clearing out our inn. Our business in Boarder town has all been concluded and as such, we had no reason to stay any longer.
This trip was certainly...very insightful to me.
I guess.
Probably.
...No shit.
Definitely was an experience.
It goes without saying, Justin's reaction to the state of his daughter wasn't at all anything to scoff at. It was plainly obvious the kids from yesterday definitely were going to get what was coming for them.
Which was why, before the shit hits the fan, I had to get out of town. Fast.
Hence another major reason for Cliff and I quickly decided to depart.
Despite all that happened, fact still remained that I randomly brutalized someone's child. The parents weren't going to sit easy.
And Cliff just didn't want to act like a parent and settle it civilly, hence, we run.
"Do you have all your stuff?"
"Yes. I didn't have much to begin with," I said, sheathing my dagger and hiding it within my clothes.
Then I turned to Cliff.
"Buttercup?"
He nodded.
"Already had her pulled out of the stable today. Should be right outside the inn in wait."
I nodded, satisfied, then smiled.
"Well, Father, let's go home."
.
.
.
"So I guess this is it then, huh." Mr. Justin stood out front before us, a little solemn, with a small smile.
Cliff chuckled at this reaction then said.
"Yes. We've accomplished what we came here for, now it's time for us to return back to the family. Maybe next time, you guys could be the ones to come visit. Wouldn't Miss Lana love to come see Reo again?"
At the unexpected remark, Lana, next to Justin, stammered and fritzed out.
"Wha-wha-wha-what?! Wh-why would I want to come see this little kid again?!" She threw a finger at me.
'Well at least she didn't call me a brat this time around.' I thought wistfully.
Internally I was glad and slightly relieved. Lana didn't seem to be weighed down by what happened yesterday. The burn mark on her slender neck seemed to have been healed also. Most likely the work of magic.
"I didn't know Lana made a new friend. That's certainly interesting." The pleasant voice belonged to the middle-aged woman on the other side of Justin.
Lana's mother.
Was the first time I was seeing her through my days in Boarder town.
The young lady had short creamish-white hair, grey eyes and a stunning curl to her smile. Her face and jaw carved similarly to Lana's. I could immediately understand where Lana got most of her looks from. The curve of her lips, face and shape of eyes from her mother, her straight nose and facial expression from Justin.
"M-Mother!" Lana protested.
But she never denied it.
Mrs. Munrow giggled amusingly clearly enjoying her teases.
"It's a shame we never got to sit and talk this time around, Eris. Layla would have loved to hear lots about you." Cliff interjected with a smile at the woman.
Mrs. Munrow, Lana's mother, shook her head subtly.
"I feel the same myself. It's been years since I've last heard from Layla," then she turned to glance amusingly at me — "only to eventually find out you two already had a child. A fine young lad, I dare say." She chuckled and I felt the blood rush to my cheeks.
Then a sharp rebuttal came from Lana at me.
"Heyyy!! Wipe that shitty grin off your stupid face!"
"Lana, language." Justin uttered, strainly.
"Ara~ where did she hear that from?" Eris smiled wryly then i thought back to the few times I may or may not have uttered such and similar curses yesterday.
But I did so quietly, no one had to know she grew a poisoned tongue because of me, right?
"Well we have to get going soon. If we leave now, we'll arrive before light's out." Cliff said, then exchanged a glance between Lana and I.
"Reo...do you have any goodbyes to say between Lana and yourself? There's no tell when next you'll see each other."
I stared silently at Lana, who took up her signature pose — chin lifted, shoulders squared, arms folded and a haughty gaze in her still grey eyes— then stuck out her tongue and sharply turned to look away with a snort.
'What a brat...' I thought wryly.
"No. We've already said all we had to." I shook my head mildly and smiled.
"Uncle Justin, I thank you for all the hospitality and good will you have shown myself and my father through our short stay here, and eagerly look forward to returning. Mrs. Eris, it was unfortunate I hadn't got to meet you, and I hope that I'd have a much better chance to experience your company in the not so distant future." I furnished a polite smile and bowed lightly.
I raised my head.
"Lana..." I looked at the blonde girl and could only sigh dejectedly.
"Stay out of trouble...you stupid cousin."
"Ooiiii!!" She refuted before the chuckles and giggles of all those around.
Lana furrowed her brows into a frown and folded her arms. She stomped her feet and her cheeks swole in a pout.
Then she uttered faintly, and almost quietly.
"Don't call me that..."
I found myself caught staring at this display I could only describe as cute; Lana Munrow making such an expression. Then I broke into a short laughter.
"You're right. I'm sorry. Stay out of trouble... Friend."
Lana's body trembled and wiggled, but it was clear she like it.
Then came an even more faint "You too" from her lips.
With the goodbyes and formalities over, I took my spot on the makeshift carriage pulled by the donkey... reindeer?...with antlers and we set off for home in the light of day.
My recent experience leaving me a multitude to think about.
For the meantime I had to suppress my curiousity on what later befell Mark and his crew. I couldn't get the full story since we had to leave and decided I was going to just ask Lana when next we met.
And I had a faint feeling we were going to see each other soon.
Maybe in a few years.