Step in the right direction

Three days passed as my leg healed and my magic reserves slowly refilled. Much to Nori and Bry's enjoyment I learned how to channel the energy into a small ball of lightening. Though it didn't affect me, when they would place their hands near their hair would stand on end. Something Bry found to be utterly hilarious when done to Nori. Though I had to focus, it was good training to control the magical energy. What surprised me, however, was the interest that Miss Loroni took.

For those three days and four nights, any time i wasn't with Nori and Bry or Hailey and Mors would visit, the old woman would bombard me with questions of the past. My past. I told her almost everything I could think of. A rudimentary explanation of electricity. Television and how we perceive light. Even a very rough explanation of the cones in our eyes. I told her about cars and how they came to be. How we mastered flight and walked on the moon. Each answer would cause six more to come up. In truth... it was comforting.

To have someone to talk to, to tell of my life, to tell of my family and their stories. How my mother would always burn half the cookies. Always on the same baking sheet, no one could figure out how she did it. How my sister would complain about her boyfriends. How my father would mirror her complaints or egg them on. Miss Loroni gave me a much needed chance to... remember. To think about my loved ones, and mourn them. Something I didn't expect was the waves of depression that would persist. Though... each time they took hold another thing would occur. Each time I felt as if I were starting to slip I'd feel the sun wash ocer my face. Even in the desd of night. Even in the dark corners if Miss Loroni's home. I felt what i can only describe as the sun's warmth and the deep sadness would melt away. Replaced with a soft smile and memories of my families antics. The pain replaced with somber joy.

What I hadn't expected through any of my stay was a visit with Nori and Jackass. A very determined Nori, a very shameful Jackass, and a long story. Jackass, a middle aged man by the name of Flocki. Though it took a long while he explained why he had treated me so poorly. Apparently he had lost his brother and sister-in-law to a human bandit. A murderer who had spent the better part of a decade harassing farms and villages until he was finally brought down. Despite his story, Flocki felt ashamed by the way he treated me. Especially hy trying to attack me in a drunken state. After more talking, a drink, and understanding, Flocki leaves in a much better mood. And I have one less jerk to out up with.

Three days, four nights, and three hours or so. All of them spent building friendships, remembering the lost, and healing my wounds. By the end of the week I was ready to get moving once more. Though the injuries on my leg weren't fully healed, they were well enough to walk on with minimal discomfort. Much to Nori and Bry's complaints.

"Do you have to go?" The young boy would ask me over and over. Though his leg was still more than busted, he was making due with annoying determination and someone to help him hobble along. That is, until the second day. In my discussions with Miss Loroni I brought up our medicine. Spurring a long talk about different things that changed our lives. Penicillin, vaccines, understanding alergies, everything i could think of. Including physical therapy. After a long talk with her and Mors he was able to build a rugged crutch. Though far from the aluminum ones I'd grown up seeing, he did a great job to mimic the shape and use. Far better than the bent stick that most were **** to use. Afterwards Bry was able to hobble along all on his own.

My departure wasn't all together a sad one. I'd only spent the better part of a week with these people. Even still, it did have some tears from Nori. The young girl had become a fan of sorts. Always asking to see the magic or for me to tell stories of grand adventures I must have had. So... I may, or may not, have told her rehashed stories from games and movies. Much to her amusement and Miss Loroni's knowing glance. Having already told her of my situation and even how stories used to have flowing pictures.

For his part Mors was kind and gave me rations for the next few days of travel. Hailey hugged me once again and thanked me before pecking my cheek. Hugging her son and husband to her side. A promise Mors and Hailey seemed to take to heart. To love their family with a fervor. Nori cried softly, though she wore a soft smile. Miss Loroni wished me well and thanked me for my 'wonderful stories'.

I took the same path back that I had to arrive. Even stopping at the same sites. Though this time I had no interaction with massive bears. Thank Eros that my leg hadn't given me too much trouble. At the end of my return, two more days of travel, I step out into the fields surrounding the village. Looking at its impsing wooden walls with a sense of familiarity. A soft smile formed on my face as I stepped through the villave gates and eventually stood in front of the tavern once more.