The Hero’s Right Hand

Growing accustomed to a carriage was an unforeseen curse on the party. Traveling on foot was time consuming and required breaks. A journey that could pass in days took weeks. However, it was what the party needed. Paths that were too small for a carriage could now be traversed. Footsteps were silent compared to a carriage, much less one powered by an engine. By now the party carried only their camping supplies, armor, and weapons. Hunting and gathering was a necessity to keep their energy up. Their lives hinged on Sariel’s notebook of fauna. Unfortunately there were many unknown plants on the journey.

The party’s ratty map was practically useless in the northeastern part of Teprav. Whoever created their map had never explored or gotten information about the area. It was as if the area was underdeveloped except for Shusyoun. It was easy to believe with all the wild animals roaming with no fear of the humanoids. Monsters of many shapes and sizes ruled the lands while coexisting with some animals and overpowering others. The best way to keep track of where the party had been was to follow any river. Aisha’s best guess was that it flowed towards the northern seas. It also made it easy to find food and campsites.

Sariel’s magic provided a solid platform above the forest floor. Two tents were set up there with a rope ladder hanging down. Avant instead used the trees to climb to his sleeping quarters. Below and away from the wooden structure was always a campfire where Vofric cooked during meals. In order to find food he and Aisha fished the river while Sariel and Avant hunted for other sustenance.

Aisha sat on a large boulder on the edge of the water with a makeshift fishing rod. The time it took to catch a single morsel made her appreciate Kargon’s patience. He was always on her mind but their shared memories were sweeter than before. Something about them made the Hero’s heart flutter.

“Have you ever been in love, Vofric?” she asked suddenly.

The dwarf stood on another stone nearby with his own rod. With a slow turn of the head he blinked. “Excuse me?”

“It’s just a question,” Aisha replied listlessly.

Vofric reeled in a small morsel. While slowly rebinding it as bait he answered. “Yes. A few times. Some have passed away and others went on a separate path from me.”

”So, everyone does…” 

Aisha’s line tugged in the water. A quick pull revealed nothing at the end of it. She sighed while casting her line again.

“That depends,” Vofric said. “Love can be romantic or platonic. It is a very unique feeling. I presume you feel both for Kargon.”

Aisha blushed but kept a straight face while staring at the water. “How would you know?”

Vofric sat down and crossed his arms. Years of fishing taught him to hold the rod between his legs. It allowed him to focus on his thoughts. A deep sigh accompanied the recollection of past lovers. Memories of roaming the streets of myriad cities, hand in hand. Views that were made more worthwhile by the presence of a close companion. Gifts only given by seeing into the deepest recesses of a person’s heart. A kiss shared at innocuous times remembered for the words shared around it.

“My heart wants for something long past,” he said softly. “Life feels fulfilling yet incomplete. The need to share it pulls me towards others with the purpose of companionship. Friendship is important and appreciated but romance entices me. A special person can turn good days into a bright memory never forgotten. They share your sadness in such a way that the thought of it brings less pain.”

“It feels like Kargon’s surrounded by lights,” Aisha said. “In my mind he’s illuminated and I find it enamoring. I’m sure they weren’t there when the memories happened. I had a mentor I saw that way for a while. She was the only one who treated me as more than just ‘the chosen one.’ I was Aisha Ilphelkiir first. But once she left the lights went away. For Kargon it’s always been there.”

A school of fish swam swiftly past the duo. The surface of the water was undisturbed but the shift in colors drew Aisha’s attention. Flicking her rod nabbed the hook into one of the sea creatures. The swift momentum flung it out of the water and towards the half-elf. Precise movements removed the hook as the animal died. Aisha nodded happily while tossing her line back into the river.

Vofric chuckled softly. “Do you think that’s why you asked Kargon to join you on your journey?”

Aisha shook her head. “No. Honestly, I never thought anything of it. He just always treated me like the kid he grew up with. We had a large group of friends in our childhood. Naturally, we went our separate ways as we grew up. The few that remained either distanced themselves when I drew Valefor or treated me differently. Like they deserved something from me and anyone else simply for knowing me. Not Kargon. He’s the same idiot who’s been there. Always.”

“Was there a time in your life when Kargon was not there?” a voice asked loudly. Sariel and Avant returned from their hunt with two rabbits. They sat near the campfire and the elf began skinning her quarry. Avant joined Aisha by the water and immediately ate the small morsel she’d caught. She’d grown accustomed to her first catch going to the owlbear.

“Not really. Our parents were old friends so we grew up together,” Aisha answered. “There were the five years he studied under Master Avant. Even that didn’t change Kargon much.”

“He had a temper, no?” Vofric asked. “It seems to have returned.”

Aisha nodded. “The anger helps him fight but it goes away the second things die down. Even as a kid he never took it out on anyone. Velana and Zigon were still worried something might happen.”

Sariel scoffed. “It takes a strong personality to remain unchanged even after major events. Let us hope Elmud’s attack does not overpower it.”

“It won’t,” Aisha said confidently. The fishing rod in front of her pulled hard and she gripped it tightly. Swift swings pulled the fish out of the water and slammed it against the boulder. It was much larger than her first catch. Aisha laid it on her other side and Avant knew not to try anything. One more catch would be enough for all of them.

“How long have you felt this way?” Vofric asked.

“My whole life. I just wasn’t aware of it until I saw… Until I thought I’d lose him. Thank you for healing him as much as you could,” Aisha replied.

Vofric simply shook his head. It was clear that there was never any other option than to assist Kargon. “Will you tell him when we see him again?”

Aisha sighed. “I don’t know. I’m worried he won’t feel the same way.”

“Foolish,” Sariel grumbled.

“I have to agree. It is rather obvious how Kargon feels about you.” Vofric added.

“What do you mean?” Aisha asked.

Vofric hummed and looked at Sariel. “I caught on during our time in Dawncaster. Was it the same for you?”

Sariel shook her head and said, “Balur.”

Avant lazily chirped while eating his snack.

“He also says it was obvious in Balur,” Sariel translated.

“The young often outpace their elders.” Vofric laughed.

“That justification fails considering my age,” Sariel scoffed.

Aisha huffed. “But, how do you know?”

“The way he looks at you is not mere admiration. There is wonder and awe with every glance,” Vofric hummed as he reminisced. “Though I do not believe Kargon is wise enough to recognize his own feelings towards you. As you said, you have been friends your whole life.”

Sariel grunted. “He likely thinks all people view their closest companions the way he sees you. I care for you all deeply but I cannot match his adoration of you.”

“Agreed.” Vofric nodded. “Thus I ask again; will you tell him?”

Aisha watched her line bob in the water. Remnants from her last catch had washed off the hook and attracted a small group of large fish. Though they quickly ate the pieces of fish, none moved for the baited hook. It would be easy to simply shock the surface of the water but it would unequivocally damage the ecosystem. Aisha had no choice but to do the job properly.

“No,” she answered. “Based on Master Avant’s words, we might not cross paths with Kargon again. We have a duty to complete. I have to train and focus on the job at hand. The fate of our world is more important than my love life.”

“Once our journey is complete, you will have ample opportunity,” Sariel said.

“That is assuming we succeed.”

Sariel nodded. “We must.”

“Our quest is treacherous. The chance may not arise to tell him your feelings,” said Vofric. “Are you willing to give up the chance entirely?”

“If I must.”

Aisha looked somberly at Valefor’s hilt. The brief distraction encouraged a sea beast to challenge the Hero’s grip on her fishing rod. Without looking back she forcefully pulled the creature from the water. It fought with vigor but it was no longer protected by the shield of the river. A bolt of lightning from Aisha’s free hand fried the creature in mid-air before she brought it to land. The Hero hummed happily at her quarry and held back Avant from pouncing at it.

“There are more pressing matters at hand.”