88 Protection I (1/2)
Li froze behind a circle of trees as the approaching sound grew even louder, and Iona took his lead. In the forest, they seemed to blend like they were part of the nature even in their artificial human forms. He could hear quite clearly the loud conversation that drifted over to them, the voices getting louder and louder by the second.
”I swear the damn mutt was around here!” Li recognized this as Faye's voice, but without any of the careful and polite reservation she had before when she was in the presence of strangers. ”He simply vanished from my heat sense. That simply does not happen.”
”Perhaps you are tired, Faye.” Launcelot's voice. ”Come, look at how you sweat. You have exhausted your strength.”
”Because we're in a forest. I cannot just set everything ablaze. I have to concentrate my flames, and you know how much that drains me.” A pause, as if she was sighing. ”The woods really do not suit me, nor do they suit Stella. Her explosions are not fine-tuned for closed spaces like this. Can you not get quests somewhere else? Use your noble connections.”
”I am next in line to inherit the title of Lakely, and the Lakelies have guarded Riviera for generations! We must ensure these forests are clear of monsters for the good of the city.”
Launcelot burst into Li's view, his gauntlet on his chest to emphasize his commitment to his duties. Faye stood next to him, wearing a scowl as ever, while the other two party members, both women, trailed behind, looking timidly behind them.
”You-,” Faye said as she stared at Li, her eyes widening through her scowl.
Li blinked as well. Faye looked entirely different from before. The woman did not stand out much aside from her scowl beforehand, standing a little on the taller side but with average features and nondescript, shoulder-length brown hair that could have belonged to almost any girl.
But now, there was no mistaking she was not ordinary. Her hair had turned a shining orange, becoming immaterial and flickering like fire. In fact, they were pure fire, emanating heat that pulsed with distorted waves. Her entire body was covered in flames, and on a closer look, it was possible to tell that these flames came from her body – her body was the fire itself, her normally tanned skin turned into a bright orange that fluttered in the wind.
After a second or two of surprise passed between Li and Faye, though 90% of the surprise came from Faye, the remaining 10% expressed in Li slightly raising a brow, the adventurer instantly reverted to her original form. The fires around her body fizzled away, her hair settling back into wiry brown strands and her skin regaining its healthy tan.
Launcelot stepped in front of Faye, almost pushing her behind him. He moved quickly, his large frame surprisingly agile. He laughed and smiled as he talked to Li, his armor clinking as he raised his arm into a wave.
”Good sir! It is truly the sun's blessing that you are well.” Launcelot motioned to his body. ”Look! I am unharmed, so I do apologize if I made you carry out elixirs for nought. And it is all thanks to this wondrous shield.”
He banged his fist on the shield to make a point.
Li noticed that Faye had shrunk back to fall in line with the other two women in Launcelot's party, her normally forward demeanor thoroughly dampened. Launcelot acted as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened, but Li could tell by how the shielder looked at him that he wanted Li to follow along.
”Don't let that get you thinking you can back out of your contract now,” said Li, deciding to oblige the man for now. He was sure he would not just let the matter pass by given time to talk.
”And the little dragon?” said Launcelot as he bent forward a little, looking at the wyrm sleeping in Li's arms. ”Truly, has she grown a little?”
”She has,” said Li. ”A little alpha direwolf makes for a good meal, I can tell you that.”
Launcelot snapped to attention. ”The direwolf? It has been slain.”
”You can thank her later.” Li nodded towards the wyrm, and she squirmed in his arms, adjusting herself to a more comfortable position.
”Most certainly I will!” Launcelot gave a firm smile to the wyrm, the kind Li could imagine him giving to a fellow adventurer for fighting side by side with him against some monstrosity. A look of solid respect and appreciation. ”If there is anything left of the wolf's carcass, then take it to the guild. I will inform them that you have completed this hunt for us, so the reward is all yours.”
”Sounds good.” Li waited, looking at Launcelot. It was obvious the knight wanted to say more, that he was thinking of something to say by the way he nodded ever so slowly to himself. It was a very faint gesture, and, contrary to how loud and hotblooded he was, indicated that he could manage himself subtly or, though it was hard to imagine, lie with some skill.
”Ah yes,” said Launcelot. He cast a quick glance to Iona, giving her a smiling nod before looking back to Li. ”I am afraid I have a few trifling matters to discuss about our newly forged contract, may the sun bless it so. If you are heading back to your home, then perhaps we could discuss it there?”
”I have no objection to that.” Li said to Iona, ”Right?”
”Nothing to worry the good lady about,” cut in Launcelot. ”The night grows dark and I am sure she is tired.”
”I do not tire-”objected Iona, but Li quickly cut her off.