Chapter 288: Parting Sorrows (1/2)
Mike got word the next morning that Morris would be ready to travel by tomorrow. Since the ship they had chartered was prepared to leave at any time, the day of their departure was finally at hand.
[I guess I'll have to say my goodbyes today. There aren't too many people I haven't spoken with yet, so it shouldn't take too long. Hmm, I wonder if I should mention anything to Talgratha. I think she's still in the city, but I'm kind of concerned about what she might do if she finds out I'm leaving. Besides, it might be a bit awkward…]
Because of her responsibilities as a chieftain, the orc had been spending most of her time out of the city and dealing with the fallout of the invasion. Thanks to their contributions in the war, the Ashborn were originally to be given a fair amount of territory along the southeastern side of the Ash Mountains. However, the Alimiran annexation of Tenundi had rendered that plan untenable. He'd heard that there were even some plans to create some kind of semi-independent orc territory, but they hadn't announced anything yet.
He was in the process of eating an early breakfast and enjoying the sunrise. The dorm's dining room was well placed to take advantage of the sunlight, so he was able to savor his omelet and the view at the same time.
Tal eventually joined him with her usual cup of morning tea, and the two of them sat in companionable silence while he finished. As he was preparing to leave, he explained his plans to her and mentioned that he would be back by late afternoon.
”Take care while you are out.” She cautioned. ”Considering that it is our last day here, I suspect any enemies looking to cause you harm would take this opportunity to strike.”
Mike promised to be safe, even though he doubted that there was anyone in the city who could pose much of a threat to him. If Tier 4s were that common, the world would have much more serious problems. Truthfully, he was more concerned about someone going after one of his friends again, which is why he handed her another set of warning necklaces that he'd whipped up in his spare time. He headed out after the elf promised to give them to the other members of the party.
His first stop was Broderick's place, due to its close proximity to the University. He hoped to catch both him and Elaine, since they'd not had a chance to speak since that disastrous party. Thankfully, his new status as de-facto royalty made it quite easy to get past the guards at the door, and it wasn't long before he was ushered into a small parlor.
Broderick hurried in with his clothes in slight disarray. By all appearances, he'd only just woken up. ”My apologies for keeping you waiting. I was…indisposed when I heard of your visit.”
”Don't worry about it. In fact, I'm the one who should be apologizing for dropping by unannounced so early in the morning.” Mike replied, feeling slightly guilty. Had it occurred to him earlier, he would have scheduled a meeting later in the day.
”Please, don't mention it, my lord.” The other man replied respectfully.
”Alright, you can stop that right this instance. I know we haven't known each other that long, but I consider you a friend. There is no need for this kind of polite language.”
Broderick looked a bit troubled, but nonetheless agreed to drop the formalities. ”Very well, my…friend. What can I do for you?”
”Well, truth be told, I intend on leaving this continent in the near future, so I came to say my goodbyes. As I said before, it was only a short time, but I nevertheless appreciate all you've done for me.”
”Please, I did nothing worth mentioning. By comparison, you not only saved Elaine from her kidnappers, but protected the entire country from invaders.” The young man replied, a bit forlornly. ”While I understand you likely have your reasons for the sudden departure, I cannot help but feel a bit disappointed. It may have been a bit presumptuous of me, but I was looking forward to renewing our acquaintance once classes resumed.”
Mike offered a sympathetic smile. He was about say something to commiserate when a ball of energy burst into the room.
”ISAUDRAHERE?” Elaine demanded as she ran up to him, trailed by a pair of out of breath maids who seemed to have been chasing her. Broderick waved them away while looking amused.
”She is, although she's sleeping at the moment.” Mike explained while removing the small dragon from his pocket and handing her over to the girl. ”Be careful not to wake her.”
Elaine nodded emphatically, and then placed Audra onto her lap with exaggerated care, eyes filled with the delight at the cute sight of the dragon curled up into a ball.
Mike soaked in the image, finding a small amount of vicarious joy in the girl's happiness. After a few minutes, Broderick apparently thought that he'd indulged her rude behavior enough, and coughed pointedly. ”Ahem, Elaine? Don't you think there is something you should say first?”
”Ah! I'm sorry. Welcome to our home, Sir Dragonknight. Although we do not have much to offer, I hope that our hospitality will not disappoint you…” After a few seconds, she glanced over at her relative and whispered. ”Is that good enough?”
Mike chuckled while Broderick rubbed his forehead. ”Yes, that will be fine.”
The three of them continued to chat idly for a good hour, discussing what had happened since they'd last met. Elaine especially was keen on hearing stories about his adventures, so he gave some brief accounts, making sure to avoid any of the bloodier details.
Eventually, he decided that he'd stayed around long enough, and explained that he needed to head out. There was a host of errands he still had to run before the end of the day. However, before he left, he wanted to give the girl a little gift while simultaneously practicing a spell he'd been working on.
After taking Audra back, he said. ”Since you've been such a good friend to us, I have a little present for you. Something that I think you'll like.”
”Really?! What is it?” She squeaked excitedly.
”Hold out your hands and close your eyes.” He commanded before starting a modified chant. It was based off of the one he'd originally used to summon Red, but altered in a couple key places.
”I call for you to this world. Arise in the form I have chosen, and carry out my will. [Conjure Minor Creature]”
A small magic circle appeared over Elaine's outstretched hands, complete with a glowing ball of light that slowly resolved into a tiny draconic form. At first glance, it resembled Audra, in that it had a sinuous, blue-scaled body and decorative frills, however it lacked the horns and a certain mysterious presence that completed his familiar's appearance. Mike took a quick moment to use Appraise before telling the girl to open her eyes.
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Unnamed
Age: 0 (Juvenile)