23 Banquets End (2/2)
”But mom!” Roy whined. Only to see his mom giving him the evil eye. All the boys shrank and mumbled curses as they shuffled away. ”Perk up, it's an honor to feed the divine spirit. ” The small woman said with a big smiles patting Douglas's shoulder. Douglas's mom waves at the young ladies while Roy's gives a polite nod.
”The one waving is Harriet. The other one who nodded is Marsha,” Laurel informs Anna. Laurel waves to the three women and hollers jokingly, ”Don't work them too hard.”
They all fill up a water bucket with soup and grilled vegetables. The boys then dragged the bucket off towards the hill. They didn't get far before a bull starts rushing down from the hill. The boys were so scared they threw the bucket away. Before it could hit the ground the bouncing ball that is Joe, opens his maw wide chomping up the bucket whole. As he came to a sudden stop in front of the boys, his belly continued forward almost smashing the boys into a pulp. The out of control belly causes a gust of wind to bowl over the three boys. With a satisfied expression, the guardian spirit leaps back up the hill just as fast as it came.
The boys a bit shook got to their feet. The mothers sigh in relief as they checked their shell-shocked sons. It was good that their protector was so strong. However, they still worry that he might accidentally crush them like ants some day.
Laurel couldn't stop giggling as she pulled the arm of the beauty next to her. ”Come on you should meet Anna! She's cool, she's the one I told you about earlier.” As they walk over Elanor's eyes fell on a couple with the boy she'd met earlier. The woman had long black hair and green eyes like Franklin. Her arm was limp in a sling. The only thing exceptional about the woman was her eyes that seemed to hold endless determination. The man next to him was muscular with skin like leather. Clearly, he's spent a long time laboring in the sun.
”This is Anna and Arron.” Laurels smiled introducing the two. ”Nice to meet you. I've heard of your gallantry.” Elanor said with a bright smile. ”Thanks, but any mother would do the same,” Anna replied cordially.
”Ha, ha no need to be modest. You'd be surprised how many bastards are out there.” The beauty said as another bottle entered her hand. ”Cheers to your gallantry!” She says before downing the bottle. Laurel's eyes bulge, even if this was water a person couldn't drink this much she thought.
Arron clears his throat. ”Ahem, I understand that cultivators are well learned.” He gestured gently to Anna's arm before continuing, ”I don't want to impose, but do you think you could take a look at her arm?” He asks the beauty.
Elanor looks like she'd just ate something sour. ”Well, I guess I can take a quick look.” As she reaches out her hand hesitates a bit before she bent down to get a closer look. ”hm, I'm really not a healer... You know?” She asks with an apologetic look.
”Oh, sorry I only...” Arron trails off. ”We didn't mean to put you in an awkward position. Don't worry about it. I'm getting used to it.” Anna cuts in with a slight smile.
Elanor felt a bit bad. As she was pondering what to do, Laurel suddenly dodges left, right, and then lifts her leg as mud balls fly by. ”Hey!” She turned and yelled before grabbing her head grimacing in pain. Elanor's eyes turned sharp as she hadn't seen the girl be hit by anything.
Mellisa seeing her girl in pain ran over scooping Laurel up. ”She's had a bit too much excitement I guess.” She says while looking worriedly at her daughter. ”Lately she's been having headaches when she's overstimulated.” She rubs her girl's forehead and continues, ”I hope she didn't hit her head.” Then she smiles at Elanor. ”Thanks, I haven't seen her have this much fun in a long time,” she murmurs.
”It was a lot of fun for me too,” Elanor nods with a bright smile, her shiny white teeth glimmering in the campfire light. ”We'll be turning in. Please enjoy the rest of the night.” Bowing slightly she turns away.
Elanor bit her lip. ”Argh, fine.” She says stamping her foot dust swirling around her. Everyone looks in surprise at the beauty suddenly throwing a tantrum. ”I'll do it you bastard!” She yells at the hill.
Elanor walks straight up to Gregory. ”Thanks, for the grand banquet. I know it put a strain on your food stores.” Gregory bowed and said ”There is no need for you to worry about such things. Your presence here today has given us a bright moment in these dark times.”
Elanor ignores the pleasantries as she replies, ”I'll come back when I can. My master is a great healer, so I'll try to convince her to return with me.” Elanor didn't give him time to respond as she leaps away speeding into the forest.