Chapter 129: Ambush (1/2)

Hearing their master's command, the two canines let go of the creature's front legs and took a step back. They kept up their vigilance and warningly growled against the alpha, watching its limping movement as it walked back to its herd.

They kept up their guard even after the beast got lost with the others of its kind. Looking at the herd's direction they kept growling. Only after they heard their master's cute voice did they finally relax and walk back for the rewarding head pats.

”Come back you two, it's okay now!”

Arriving back in front of the blonde half-elf girl, they slightly lowered their heads, giving convenient and easy access to receive their rewards. Seeing their shameless action, Aiden broke out in a hearty guffaw.

”Oh my, they are really incredible…” He spoke in-between two snorts.

After giving out the respective rewards, and giving them a big hug, Lily turned towards the flowerbed in front of them.

”So, how much more do we need? Let's not waste time here, I don't want to intrude on their territory longer than we need to. We already caused enough mess.”

Quieting down, Aiden nodded, then crouched down. Gently holding one of the purple leaves of the closest flower, he contemplatively spoke.

”Yes, you're right. Well, we need 5 more flowers and 8 more large leaves. Gather the flowers but make sure to not hurt the rest of the plant, and I will get my leaves.”

As he talked, he already gently pulled on the base of the leave, plucking it off from the herb. Lily quickly followed suit, looking for a few moderately-sized flowers in the purple-sea of flowers. Meanwhile, the dogs lied down, seemingly uninterested with the rest of the events around them. However, from time to time, they peeked at the group of animals on the other side of the clearing, ready to jump back into action at the moment's notice.

Looking at the animals, they kept close to each other and while they were in an alerted, agitated state, they did not make any additional attempt against Aiden's group. They returned to their normal routine of enjoying the emerald green grass while eliciting the low-pitched clicking sounds.

As she gathered half of the required flowers, Lily looked back at Aiden. Grabbing the back of her head, she asked with a thoughtful expression.

”Brother, do you know what is this clicking sound they make? Is this how they talk?”

Raising his head, Aiden looked at the group ahead of them for a while, then shook his head.

”No, I don't think so. Although I can't be certain, I think this is some sort of method to scan their surroundings. I'm not so sure that they see that well, to be honest.”

Looking at the creatures Lily had a surprised expression.

”Huh? Are you sure? Their eyes are so big.”

”As I said, I'm not certain. It's just a feeling. Their eyes are too weird to judge… Master and Granny would probably know more about them.�� Plucking the last leaf of the herb he was currently stripping, he stood up and changed the subject while dusting his linen pants.

”Are you done, Lily? If so, let's go, we still need a few more things, before we can go home! If we can make good time, we could surprise them and get back for a late lunch!”

Plucking the flower that she just grabbed, Lily jumped up and waved it in the air.

”Yes, I'm done! Let's go!” Then she turned around, facing the herd, and made a slight bow towards them. In a quieter, respectful tone, she addressed the animals.

”Sorry for the intrusion, I hope you can forgive us.”

After that, she turned around and hopped back towards his brother. Once she reached him, she presented the 5 medium-sized dark purple flowers. With a wide grin on her face, she looked at him and cheerfully spoke.

”Here they are, take them for me.”

Taking and storing the flowers he smiled at the girl. She's always so cheerful and happy around him, he couldn't help but think about last night's events. However, he didn't want to bring up the topic. He was perfectly content even if she was just pretending currently. Her two new companions and this little trip will help her. After all, back in the pocket world, she endured way worse treatment and harsher wounds. Aiden was sure that her sloppy mood last night and this morning wasn't caused by the beating she received.

As they turned around to leave, Lily waved at Sam and Biggy to follow. Soon, they vanished in the foliage, continuing their small adventure towards the north.

Crossing through the thick foliage, Aiden abruptly halted his steps and raised his right-hand signaling for Lily to stop as well. Sam and Biggy also seemed to sense something, they jumped to alert, growling to the left and right side of them, while surrounding their master.