Prepared

At home once again, Kael is preparing for his departure, checking over his arms and armor. Evie is at his side as he does, quiet ever since he explained what was happening. The petite elf seems hesitant to leave his side, clearly worried about what might happen. It’s understandable, considering that the last time he went on a mission, he was injured, and this time it will be a full blown battle rather than a group of bandits.

Kael lays out his arsenal, ensuring everything is ready. His signature scythe-like sword, gleaming and razor sharp as always. A pair of shortswords, for when the fight is too close for the long blade. A brace of knives, weighted for throwing. A small shield, to be strapped to his forearm. A lightweight crossbow with a small quiver of bolts. And his finest armor, a mixture of chain and leather, with Lord Greyheart’s seal embossed on the breastplate.

Satisfied that his gear is as ready as it can be, Kael turns to Evie, who looks up at him with obvious worry. He gently takes her hand, leading her into the living room and sitting down on the couch with her. Putting his arms around her, he pulls her into a hug. Evie sighs, snuggling closer.

“Everything will be okay, right master?”

Kael starts to reassure her, to insist that nothing bad could happen. But he stops. Evie deserves the truth from him. “I hope it will, Evie. But I don’t want to lie to you. This will be very dangerous. I can’t promise that it will all be okay.”

To Kael’s surprise, Evie looks up at him and smiles. “Thank you for being honest, master. I’ll be honest too. I’m scared. I’m scared for you, and I’m scared for Miss Ria. Please watch out for her?”

Kael smiles back at her. “More often than not, she’s the one who watches out for me. But I will.”

Evie hugs him tightly, and sighs again. “You have to win, master. You have to win because we haven’t had enough time together.”

Kael chuckles. “I like your logic. And how much time are we supposed to have?”

There’s a pause, and then he hears her voice, almost a whisper. “Forever, master.”

Kael swallows the sudden lump in his throat, and blinks his suddenly watery eyes. In a voice barely more than a whisper himself, he replies. “Forever is a good start.”

He kisses Evie’s forehead, and the two of them snuggle close, watching the sun slowly set outside the window.