Kenan looked himself over. A black, light gambeson doubled as an over shirt and provided a light measure of protection. It connected at two points on the torso and a belt tied it together at the waist. Giving it tails billowing underneath. It was also laced on the arms. A dark cloak was tied together at his clavicle. Gray pants, and new, hard leather boots. A sling on his back holding the actual sword and a sheath on the waist for the fake blade. For some reason, not for the lack of trying, his clothes always came to him in shades of gray and black.
"You look like a pirate." Jorun said on the other side of the room, in the process of getting dressed. For the first time since Kenan had known him, and probably since Jorun had been born. He had purposely woken early and was in a good mood. Noctis was surprised the bard hadn't talked off his ear from the sheer excitement Jorun was exuding.
"I believe pirates have crooked sailor hats and eye patches. They don’t wear cloaks either." Kenan corrected.
"How do you know what pirates look like?"
"And you've seen a pirate before?"
Jorun shrugged. "Fair point." He pulled the sling of the lute case over his head. "Alright, my turn."
"No, you're not getting a hero name."
"What! Why?"
"Because bards go by their names, and your not stabbing dragons in the heart"
"Oh alright. I just think you're getting the better part of the deal sometimes.”
“You get to sleep with women, or so you claim. While I’m going to be covered in black orc guts and shit from wyverns.”
“Op. Nope. You're totally correct. I have no further ambition towards being a hero.”
***
“Come. On. Giz!” Jorun said as he pulled on the reins of a large horse. His heels were dug into the mud as he used the entirety of his strength. The beast simply stood there, unbothered. Kenan laughed. Jefned was already saddled and packed, waiting patiently and enjoying the nice brushing he was getting. “Kenan, can you help?!”
“The horse will always meet or exceed your stubbornness.” Jefned neighed in affirmation.
The bard gave up and flung his hands in the air. “What does that even mean?!”
“Do you force your music when you use the wind?”
“No…”
“You can only guide it. As with all things.“
“I still don’t understand.”
Kenan shrugged. He didn’t really know either. “Just ask nicely.” Jefned gave a very purposeful head nod up and down.
Jorun sighed. “Fine.” The bard went up to the horse's head. Patted it a few times and rubbed it’s back. “Giz. I know we don’t like each other very much. I might have tried to scare you a few times, set your tail on fire, steal one or two of your carrots. And you… well, it's been pretty much just me. However, I promise you, if you work with me. Once I get rich, I’ll buy you the most exquisite salt blocks and fruits money can buy.” Giz’s tail flourished. He studied the bard. “I will also throw in ten of the most beautiful mares I can find.” Jorun then grabbed the reins, and walked until there was a tiny bit of strain. The stallion followed. “Yes!”
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“A stallion will only beat your stubbornness.” A trotting horse rode up on the two. Doco on his already prepared steed. He hitched his beast next to Jefned. “I trust you packed all the supplies that's needed?”
Kenan continued brushing while answering. “Yes, we will begin to pack Giz once Jorun gets him saddled. Hernie will probably check and recheck everything Jorun does.”
“That's good.” Doco watched Jorun begin to struggle strapping the horse. Then he took a few things from his saddlebags telekinetically. “Catch.” Kenan reacted quickly and caught an object. Then nearly dropped it because of its weight. It was a large, endlessly large book. It’s title was “Proper political etiquette in front of Nobility and Royalty, Vol. I” Doco threw two more books at his nephew. They were equally as big and were volumes two and three. “We have a month or so to teach you how to act properly. I expect you to read all of those in two weeks.”
Kenan's arms were struggling under the heft. “Great.”
***
Before the trio took their actual leave, they had eaten breakfast with the rest of the Smitchz, including Lucy. They had only commenced small talk. Everyone, besides Geia, had recognized the pain Hernie was having for letting her son go for the first time. So they actively avoided any mention of Vland.
Unfortunately for the dreading mother. Time is always ticking. Once the food was finished off and dishes washed. The entire group had migrated outside. Doco quickly gave his goodbye, hugged Lucy dearly, and got on his horse. Neither Kenan or Jorun were to leave that easily.
“You both have your extra clothes?” Hernie asked
“Yes,” The two said collectively.
“Rations and foodstuffs?”
“Yes.”
“Compos, fire starter, a…”
“They got it hon’” Sveige intervened.
“You know what. It might be best if I check.” As soon as Hernie started, Sveige grabbed her arm and gave her a look. “What, I’m just… oh fine!” Tears formed. She grabbed the two in a giant hug. “At every town you stop at, write to me. Okay?! I’ll worry every second.” A moment passed, Sveige started to pry her arms off the two boys. Once off she took a step behind her husband.
The blacksmith first hugged his son. Said something in his ear. Jorun looked taken aback, and looked at his father in surprise. Then he switched to Noctis. “Take care of yourself. Keep the fool out of trouble. As best as you can that is.” He then pulled back but kept his hands on Kenan’s shoulders. “I’m not your father. But, I did meet Tyris multiple times. He and I were actually quite good friends. That’s why I didn’t take prejudice on you when we first met. I don’t know how much this will mean to you. But, all the same, I'm proud of you. I know that in the arms of Chauntea your father is smiling down on you with the greatest warmth in his heart.” With that, Sveige parted. It was Kenan’s turn to be stunned.
The two sisters went to their two brothers respectively. In their embrace, Lucy said. “I know I can’t stop you, so I won't try. But I can help, a tiny bit.” She pulled out a necklace from her pocket. From the black chain an intricate symbol was suspended and made in an endless twisting root. An octagon with eight ovals extending from the points, and a circle in the middle of the protruding shapes. “I won’t be much, but… You’ll see what it does when it’s time” She pushed it in his hands. Noctis immediately put it on, he felt very faint mana emanating from it.
“Thank you sister.” She took a step back. Jorun turned around and went to straddle his horse. Kenan was about to do the same when suddenly Geia stood in front of him. He looked at her, and she planted her eyes on the ground. Before he could react, she sprang into a hug.
He quickly switched between the gazes of Sveige, Lucy, and Hernie. Who all were smiling smugly. Well, Hernie was doing so through an ugly sob. Slowly he reciprocated the embrace. “Be careful Nocty.” Kenan heard under Geia’s breath.
“Nocty?” Kenan asked. Immediately Lucy started to giggle. Geia jumped from the embrace and quickly disappeared behind her parents. “Right.”
He turned. Jumped on Jefned along with his traveling duo. Dion stood from his nap on the porch and idled at the stallion's legs. Doco spurred his horse, the other two did the same. As they trotted they waved. “Be careful!” Hernie got one last warning in.
***
After some time they lost sight of the village. Doco was ahead with the other two following. Kenan already had the first volume in his hands while he trusted Jefned to match speed. Jorun guided his horse to get closer to Noctis.
“I wish Lucy would hug me like Geia hugs you.” He smirked.
“I don’t think I would want to hug a person with their pants completely united either.” Kenan responded.
The bard looked down to see exposed underwear. “O’ c’mon! Why didn’t you tell me!?” He vigorously tied. Kenan and Doco started to chuckle.