72 Fort Erobern, Part X (1/2)

Steven: ”Right, I actually found something and thought you might like it.”

I had the pistol bouncing around in my pocket and since the timing isn't going to get better, I may as well hand it to Madelyn now.

Madelyn: ”Oh, a musket pistol?”

If Madelyn is such a gamer, she might like the musket pistol I lifted off Mayer. It's not exactly the best gift in terms of origin, but it's perfect if I try to think like her. It's historical value and the themes of medieval fantasy magic mean the musket is perfect for a rogue like her.

Madelyn: ”Ooh~ it's a flintlock.”

Steven: ”You know about guns? You can have it if you'd like it.”

Madelyn: ”I just happen to play video games. Where did you get it?”

Steven: ”Looted it from the fort.”

Madelyn: ”Is there like... replication magic so it has infinite ammo?”

Woah, she's already trying to customize it?

Steven: ”I... well, don't know. It's possible the mages at Twilight might know how to do it.”

Madelyn: ”We should name it... uhh~ let me—oh! It'll be called the ”1776 Flintlock Scavenger variant.”

Steven: ”Can you even remember a name like that? What does scavenger even have to do with it?”

Madelyn: ”Yeah, you looted it like a scavenger looking for gold. You know, let me keep a theme here. I'll start wearing a bandana once it's enchanted with replication magic.”

I may have to stop her...

She showed restraint and handed it back. Does she not want it?

Madelyn: ”Here, you can have it back.”

Steven: ”You don't want it?”

Madelyn: ”Not right now… I don't have a holster so please don't let me lose it.”

She couldn't avert her gaze. It drew her in but resisted its call. I eventually put it away in my bag for safekeeping.

Steven: ”Did you find anything out about Joan?”

I sat next to her and faced away from Joan as she was with Lilith.

Madelyn: ”Joan… why are you being secretive and whispering?”

Steven: ”You're the closest I'll get to a psychologist right now and I don't want to ask her. It might make her sad.”

Madelyn: ”Selective mutism or Aphasia.”

She crosses her legs and clasps her hands.

Madelyn: ”I thought it was passive-aggressiveness but Lilith found out she was 9. I'm sure it's one of the 2.”

She sighs and looks back at Joan.

Madelyn: ”Don't take it as fact, it's just my observation.”

Steven: ”If it's mutism, you think she'll be able to talk one day?”

Madelyn: ”I honestly don't... know... huh...”

Joan gets away from Lilith and crawls towards us. She leaned against my back, catching me completely off guard. It scared me a little and I put my arms out as a barrier to keep her from falling.

Steven: ”Easy, I don't want you to fall off the bed.”