“There you are, you big-shot.” An arm immediately entangled Lucious’s neck with a playful but strong neck hold with another hand holding Lucious’s head. “W...Wait...Floki...I’m sorry...Let go of me!” Lucious struggled in vain with his head tackled by Floki’s arm the size of a tree log. “...Floki...Let him go, please...” Floki grimaced at the familiar soft voice. “...Right. You owe it to Ruffia.” Lucious brushed his sore neck as he trying to catch his breath with several coughs before scanning his surroundings. The main gate was imposing as ever with grey rough stones daubed to create a twenty flings storey high fortification. Guards were standing in their best with unusually straightened back and firm steps with their face twisted in tension. It seemed they were surprised by the sudden gathering of the heroes that saved their city.
With Merridian at the helm, Julian, Lowen, Olwen, and Lucson was going through the plan and formation in case of encounters with bandits and beasts. Emma and Cassia were standing at the side of Cassian and watched attentively as the recently abled knight leader flexed his arms and legs. Penn was chatting and laughing loudly as the silent Gabriel listened and nodded. Quingon was looking bored as the gigantic warrior yawned with sleepy eyes. Pop was leaning on the wall while listening to Merridian’s briefing but make no effort to join the discussion. “...So the star has finally made his arrival.” Lucious was surprised when Quingon approached him with his mouth carved with a serious expression unbefitting of the fierce warrior. “...Well...I think I owe you an apology. I’m sorry for being rough with you.” Lucious looked at Floki and found his instructor looked like as if a clap of thunder had just struck his dwindling hair. “...Did I hear it wrong?! The muscle-bomb is apologising?!” Penn’s loud exclamation brought the gathering to silence as everyone except Merridian looked dumbstruck by the apology.
“Hmm! It’s wonderful to see you full of common courtesy...” Lucious caught Cassian giving Merridian an inquisitive look which the swordswoman ignored with an innocent shrug. “...It’s nothing. It seemed like you have a lot on your plate.” “Well...That’s that...Saved...” Lucious decided to ignore Quingon’s infuriating muttering and put it away from his mind. “Still, I heard your deeds in the battle against the Grimkeeper. Wish I could see it myself.” Quingon grinned fiercely and patted lightly on Lucious’s shoulder before walking toward Merridian’s meeting. “Merridian is really having him on her finger...” “Another reminder not to cross the Icy Empress of the Harpe.” Cassia and Penn joined to Lucious’s side while gossiping behind Quingon’s back. “Well, everything’s good as well as it ends well.” Emma, Cassian, and Gabriel followed their wards and joined the conversation.
“Say, Lucious. Did you really kicked the Grimkeeper around?” “The others brought me some time to gather enough juice for the feat...so I wouldn’t say I done it...” “...Getting smart with the self-bragging, aren’t you?” Lucious answered Penn’s curiosity which followed by Floki’s interjection. Laughter filled the small plaza as they conversed amicably. “I think it’s about time. Don’t want to make it a huge commotion.” Lucious nodded in understanding. The sole reason for their sudden early morning departure was to avoid the overzealous Tress and the appreciative people of Tressmoor from making it a huge farewell festival. The main gate guards should have sent someone to inform the Baron. They have to make it quick before the city stirred from its slumber.
Adjusting his rucksack on his back, Lucious followed behind Cassian as he approached Merridian. “Cassian, ready?” “You’re the one that makes the call now.” Merridian nodded and issued the call to move out with her cold but clear voice. The team assembled in front of the gate and made its way through the gate when Lucious noticed Floki and Ruffia followed behind. “Consider this a parting procession from your only friend and old acquaintance, lonely Lucy.” Lucious could only sour his face at the hurting remark. True, aside from Floki and Ruffia, perhaps no one wanted anything to do with hiHopefully, that would change in Jercflosey as long as he remained prudent and chose his words wisely. They were half a mil away from the gate before the procession stopped.
“Lucious...” Turned slowly to his back, Lucious saw Ruffia looking at him intently. Pushed by Floki, Ruffia covered the little distance between them until they were standing close to each other. “...I...I...I had done a terrible thing, leaving you all alone two months ago...” Lucious looked on as Ruffia lowered her head with her shoulders shaking with grief. “...I...I resent you...for leaving my father...Daelous...everyone at your back...and came back alone...” Ruffia tried to mouth her every best despite her sobbing. “...But that was wrong...It was a miracle...You survived...And that’s all that’s matters...” Lucious jolted in mixed emotions as Ruffia revealed her dilemma. He never considered his survival a miracle; it was too heavy and grim to see it that way. Sometimes, he wished to die back at the cave with his brother and everyone else. However, there was a person who cried at his torment and celebrated him being alive. With hands shaking with sentiments, Lucious hugged Ruffia.
“...I...am so glad that you came back alive twice...and even avenged Father and Daelous...I’m so glad...” As if there was a dam cut loose, Lucious found himself weeping lightly and tightened his arms around Ruffia. Hugging back, Ruffia poured her tears of regret and sadness on his shoulder. The sun was starting to surface and radiate mesmerising first rays of the day, refracted by mists and dewdrops on leaves and grasses as everyone watched the younglings hugged with thoughts of their own. Released his arms, Lucious grabbed his head in embarrassment. “Lucious...” Ruffia looked at Lucious with a faint smile. “Go and fly as far as you can...Daelous would want it for you...forget about us...the ones who wronged you...who belittled you...and go beyond Tressmoor...” Lucious shook his head and brushed away Ruffia’s tears softly. “I will always remember a kind girl who played and shared our memories and who cried for us. Of course, the grumpy old man with his favourite sidekick too.” Lucious looked at Floki who shrugged at his touching statement.
“...Now go on, boy. Fly high.” Floki approached Lucious and put his arm on Ruffia’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. I will look after my old friend’s precious treasure.” Lucious nodded. There was nothing to worry about Ruffia and Floki. They would be fine. There was nothing more he could achieve, let alone living in Tressmoor. “It’s goodbye for now.” Taking several steps back, Lucious retreated from Ruffia and Floki with a slight bow before turning to the members of Jercflosey. He decided to ignore Cassia and Penn’s mischievous smile as he stood at Cassian’s side. “Ready?” “Yes.” To soar higher. To go further. To climb as high as possible. Lucious followed the expedition as they started their journey back to the grand city of Jercflosey. He did not look back.
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