Soon we hit the road towards little Penny's house.
Spring was in full swing now and the village never looked more lively, or colourful.
Wherever you looked there was a happy couple or family just enjoying their day, fishing, picnics, groups of dancers and actors, performers doing there own training for their next show outside.
.. and there was us three. Walking so slow we actually drawn attention.
" Don't you just wanna take a swim and enjoy some downtime .. like right now? " asked Eli looking at those lucky ones, who did exactly that just a few feet from us.
Would be lovely..it's funny how all previous bravado we possessed just yesterday all disappeared overnight.
Penny's house doubled as a workshop, which with spring arrived now moved most of it's dedicated workers outside, including someone I can barely recognize.
" Morning Lovely, how's the work going? "
Carlos niece did a complete 180 in my eyes. She was sitting outside with other workers and seemed to have genuine fun working on clothes.
" Lylly .. ladies, your armour turned out excellent, this is actually for Lord Zephyr. "
She pointed at the sweater and pant she and the others working on. " .. You guys might wanna think about packing something nice as well. "
We sat down for a moment to chat and take a breather. " What for? "
" Well you guys will visit a relatively small city but coming with force and probably will be invited to a party or small celebration of sorts, it's custom. " She said without looking up from her work.
We shared some looks with the girls and immediately understood just how right she was. I personally never thought to pack nice dresses and such .. ughh .. more work.
Penny soon came out and handed us each a small pack of leather armour, nice shiny black and a neatly folded white cape on top.
" .. bracers, boots, oh the cape is detachable by the way. Zephyr insisted. " she explained pointing at the clasp on both side of it.
We thanked them for their work but declined wearing them immediately, getting inside and out of this set seemed .. difficult for a simply show off for a few minutes.
" We need to check and organise our weapons as well .. " had to cut my list short when saw Carlos and mother walking with the kids towards us.
Anna and Ciren took our armour and divided up between themselves.
" Morning..Zephyr? "
Carlos smiled at my delivery which didn't even bother with extra words, just get straight to the point.
" Off scouting Hori village, he said you know about it. "
" Hmm..yeahokiknow. " I mumbled to myself.
Haven't seen him today and it annoyed me a little.
" I see your armours are looking splendid. "
Mother made way towards the kids who were busy putting on anything they could. Dem and Eli followed but I stayed with Carlos.
" What's wrong? " He asked after my silence.
" .. Do you think he might .. ' accidently ' kill Hori? " I asked him half jokingly.
I know he said he wouldn't but still ..
" There is no such things as accidents with someone of his caliber and blessing. " He shook his head. " He wouldn't just kill the beast .. even if he most likely easily could. "
I mirrored his knowing smile. He understood better than most how broken his ability was.
" His only reason of this little Hunt of our is simple .. he knows this village lacks combat experience, of any kind really. "
I slowly nodded along agreeing with every word and let him continue.
" War is a simple word until it becomes a reality, this here trip will give some confidence to the core strength of this village and some much needed reality check. "
" What do you mean? " I asked a little confused.
He sighed and pulled me aside a little.
" Truth is .. we most likely succeeded thanks to only the blessings we possess. As much as I'm confident in our strength as a group .. there's a reason people don't made hunting divine beasts a sport. "
He continued after a little bit.
" .. It's hard .. and people should know that. They should understand that .. and seeing is believing as they say. "
It made sense. They were almost impossible to kill as a normal human or even as a group of them. In fact, if someone heard us preparing for a genuine Hunt for them, they would undoubtedly laugh at our efforts.. until they get to know our group and its powers.
But yes .. we will win, but only thanks to the blessing my husband and Carlos have.
I obviously always know that, but still my face must've showed a little disappointment.
" Don't waste time on those useless thoughts Lylly. " He tapped my shoulder reassuring me. " .. We all had to start somewhere and you guys start by hunting divine beasts. Experience comes with time. "
There was a lot of simple truth in those words. I have no reason to feel sad for anything, if fact I should be proud.
Not long ago I spent most of my days stargazing and fantasising about the kind of adventures I'm about to embark on.
Looking at my daughter balancing herself wearing my boots I couldn't help but puffing my chest out a little .. there was a time when she made fun of me .. being uncoordinated and gangly .. in fact one of the main reasons I wanted to get stronger to gain her respect..
Now I'm strong, multi talented, married and a wonderful mother .. really I have a lot be proud of.
With renewed energy I picked up my daughter and lead the others towards our house.
" C'mon girls .. we need to try the armour to make sure everything just right and need some final checks on our weapons. "
Needless to say they weren't as enthusiastic about it as I was.
" I thought we said ..
" I remember what we said Eli! .. still, let's at least try and do our part by making sure we won't forget something basic and endure Zephyr's jokes. "
That did the trick and their eyes regained some light.
Yes it would be nice to spend the day lazing around and join the others on such a wonderful day .. but it was a different time for us.
The time to prove ourselves.