Return to Jorgaldur Volume II: the druid archer

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When they saw the sunlight coming through the exit, they breathed a sigh of relief, especially the goshawk. The journey through that underpass hadn't been difficult, except for the encounter with the hydra, but it had been an ordeal for the bird.

She had suffered almost every moment in those dark and narrow tunnels, so she couldn't control herself after seeing the light. The albino bird jumped off the elf's shoulder, flew outward, euphorically took flight, and surpassed the lush treetops of the elven jungle.

Her sisters smiled, as they knew perfectly well how bad it had been for her. Although, now that she was back in her element, the feline couldn't help but mess with her.

"You look like a baby flying for the first time. At least, you do more than hiding."

Nonetheless, this time the winged sister didn't reply. She was busy enjoying the sensation of the wind brushing her aerodynamic body, the sun's rays warming her feathers, the sensation of speed while Plummeting and dodging trees with Slalom.

The lynx sighed. She would have to find another time to quarrel with her sister. Besides, her joy was contagious.

However, her sudden departure had another effect. Unbeknownst to them, two figures had been alerted by the albino bird, so they got ready for the ambush they had been plotting.

The elf and the lynx came out little by little to get used to the light. They didn't understand how her sister could have come out so fast and not be dazzled. Although, perhaps, someone capable of moving in and out of the forest at high speed, thus suffering great contrasts in lighting every time she did, had adapted to it.

Suddenly, before she could cast Life Detection, the two figures pounced on the elf, without giving her time to react. Not even the feline moved.

"Aunt Omiiiiii!!" the young fairy exclaimed and hugged her.

"You're finally coming back! You don't know how much you've worried us!" the drelf arrived shortly after, and hugged her too.

They had been worriedly waiting there since they had learned that she had entered the other end of that pass. It was a pass that was rarely used, as a powerful being was known to dwell in its depths, so they had feared that her friend would encounter grave danger.

They were relieved to find her safe and sound, and Goldmi happy to see them again. So, they sat down to rest in a nearby spot, while catching up around a delicious meal.

"You don't have to worry about anything. The only thing that makes me angry is that I didn't take care of that damn prince when he was here. It would've saved you all those problems," Maldoa regretted.

"It's not your fault. In the end, everything has turned out well," Goldmi consoled her, while she glanced at the fairy and the bird, and tried not to laugh.

Pikshbxgra was staring at the albino bird curiously, while she returned her gaze. The goshawk was also curious about that novice fairy attached to her sister, and the fact that she could see her. It was like a no-blink contest, even though they weren't competing.

The drelf couldn't help but smile. Although her friend had downplayed it, and in her story she didn't hint to the extent that she had been in danger, she knew the truth. Maldoa also knew that if her friend had softened it a bit, it was to not worry her. She couldn't help but hug her suddenly.

"Aah! Maldoa!," Goldmi exclaimed, surprised.

"Ha, ha. I've missed you!"

The lynx looked at them sideways. She was more concerned about the food than about them. The scent that came from the kitchen was making her salivate.

Maldoa, without letting go of her friend, looked at her and smiled mischievously. It was a good time to continue teasing her.

"You know, I was curious, so I went to see your... friend..."

Goldmi didn't need more than an instant to know who she was talking about. Her look and tone of voice were revealing, plus she had been thinking about him. She noticed how her cheeks burned at the mischievous smile of her friend.

"Have you... did you talk to him?" How is he? He...? About me...?

"I only saw him from afar, but he's fine. Although I discovered something... But I'm not going to tell you... You know, you look so cute blushed," Maldoa laughed.

"Oh come on, let me go. Tell me whatever you have to say..." protested the elf.

"You should go see him. You better talk to him," suggested the drelf, who was a little more serious this time.

"Yes... Well... I want to go... But... I still don't have enough level," she excused herself.

"No problem. I'll escort you. You better see him as soon as possible."

Hearing those words, the elf's feelings ran wild. On the one hand, she was ecstatic at the prospect of seeing him again. On the other, fearful. Once again, the fear that he wouldn't remember her surfaced. That he didn't feel anything for her. That he wasn't as she remembered him.

The buried memories of her disastrous relationship with her ex-husband surfaced again. The fear that her feelings would be exploited and betrayed again. She longed to love and be loved, but she was also afraid to do so.

Feeling her tremble, her friend hugged her tighter, and her sisters expressed their full support through the bond that united them. Even the fairy approached and hugged her. Although she didn't understand exactly why, she felt that she should do it, that her aunt Omi needed it.

"You'll be fine. We'll all be with you," Maldoa assured her.

The elf nodded, tears in her eyes. She didn't quite understand why she was crying. Why she was overwhelmed. Why she was scared. However, she felt that, with the support of what was a family to her, she could overcome it.

"Ok. I'll go," the elf accepted in almost a whisper. She felt some relief when saying those words, and also got more nervous.

She didn't really know what would happen. However, it was clear that she had to face it. It couldn't be good to keep all those feelings to herself, especially now that they had surfaced, and she couldn't continue to ignore them.

However, that didn't prevent the drelf from taking advantage of the situation during the meal to make her blush again and again.