Thoughts

As you regain your bearings, you’re nearly bowled over by a surprise hug. It seems that Melora was here waiting for you to return. The smiling seer hugs you tightly, and sighs as you return the embrace.

“I’m glad you made it back safe, Nicholas. We were all worried about you. I can’t see into the capital, there’s too much power there and it blocks my sight, but I saw a vision of you returning here.”

You chuckle. “And so you decided to meet me, hmm?”

Melora smiles. “We drew straws to see who would go. I won.”

You raise an eyebrow. “And you totally didn’t use your power to cheat, either.”

She laughs. “I have no idea what you’re talking about!”

With a wink, she kisses you, and then steps back. “And now I’ll head back to get the others. I’m assuming we’ll be starting as soon as possible?”

You look over at Kaeli, who is rubbing her temples. “Yeah. I think the sooner we do this, the better.”

Melora nods. “I’ll go then. We’ll be here within an hour.”

She gives you another kiss, and gives Ferra one as well, before walking purposefully out of the clearing. As Melora leaves, Ferra touches your arm.

“Master, I think it would be smart to spend some time talking to Kaeli. She needs distraction.”

You look over at Kaeli, seeing her pacing and muttering to herself. Samus has returned to his fallen log, and seems to be resting, his eyes closed. Nodding to Ferra, you walk over to the muttering technomage.

“Kaeli. Can we talk? I’m sure you have a lot on your mind, but I think it would help you to relax.”

Kaeli pauses, looking at you. For a moment, it seems like she wants to refuse, but then she nods. “You’re right. I need to relax. It’s been so long since I had someone to talk to.”

You smile. “I’d offer you a chair, but…”

Kaeli cocks her head. “Was that a joke?”

You chuckle. “A bad one, yes. Please, have a seat, let’s talk.”

She nods, and you both sit, facing each other. Ferra sits beside you, resting a hand on your leg and her head on your shoulder. Kaeli looks between you two, and for a second you’re sure you see a hint of jealousy. It’s gone in an instant, and you’re not sure you actually saw anything.

She speaks first. “So, you two are quite close?”

You nod, glancing at the relaxing golem girl. “Ferra is my closest companion, and she’s been with me since the beginning. I’ve put her through a lot, but she’s always here by my side.”

Ferra interjects. “I serve my master. I love him, and he loves me. Without him, I am nothing.”

Kaeli nods, looking at Ferra. “I see. It is…pleasant, then? Being together like that?”

Ferra squeezes your leg, and smiles slightly. “I would not have it any other way. I am complete with him.”

You blush slightly. “As for me, I don’t want to ever imagine not having Ferra with me. And that same feeling extends to all the girls that have joined me.”

Kaeli seems to think for a moment. Then she seems to change the subject. “So, what will become of me? If your cure works, I mean.”

You shrug. “That’s up to you. I hope you’ll be willing to help us, but it’s your decision to make. If you want to just disappear and forget all this, you can.”

Kaeli is quiet for a while. You don’t say anything, not wanting to interrupt her thoughts. Finally, she looks at you, and simply nods. “Thank you. I think…I think we should continue this conversation afterwards. If it works.”

Before you can say anything, she stands and walks away. But she’s not muttering any more, and you catch her glancing back at you and Ferra on occasion. Eventually, she leans against a tree, clearly deep in thought. Ferra, meanwhile, simply goes back to resting against you.