[Raleigh]
BOM BOM BOM BOM, BOM BOM BOM BOM, BOM BOM BOM BOM. Everything is black, a warm dark welcoming blanket slowly pulling me into a deep sleep from which I know I will not return from. The only problem is the loud resounding drums pounding in my ears. They are far too loud for me to fall asleep. Raleigh. Raelieghhhh. Raaaleeeiiiighhhh. A light appeared far off in the darkness. Subconsciously some part of me realizes that if I let the darkness take me I will die. I don't want to die, so into the light I travel.
“RALEIGH!! Thank the Ancient! We thought you were dead.” I choke and cough up water before throwing up on the grass, only finishing when there is no contents left in my stomach. Looking around for the first time since awakening, I'm embarrassed to see what looks like half the town standing in a circle around me. “I'm okay.” I shout as loud as I can manage. It was if the crowd was holding its breath, in no time at all the crowd is cheering in relief. A young man with dark blonde curly hair and a friendly yet sophisticated air, extends his hand to me which I grab and used to pull myself to my feet. As the crowd starts to disperse I search the around me looking desperately for my savior. Panic starts to rise in my throat when after what feels like half an age of searching yields no results.. Just when I am about to give up I finally spot him standing to the side of the mob talking to a burly man. The younger man turns and meets my gaze as if sensing my lingering eyes. Looking at me he laughs mirthfully. "Come over here man!"
Joining the two, I extend me hand in a sign of greeting to the older man. In turn he grasps mine in one hand and places his other on top of both our hands and shakes vigorously. “Gustav, and what might your name be young sir?”
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
“My name is Raleigh.”
“Raleigh? Raleigh who?”
“Raleigh Edevane, nice to meet you.” “And who might my savior be?”
“Edward Lorenzo, at your service haha.”
Stunned, I accidentally let my jaw fall open which I close promptly with a “Clop!” that makes Edward and Gustav laugh. “As much as I'd love to stand and chat with yourself and Gustav, we don’t have any time to dilly-dally. My boat’s just been stolen and I would much like it returned. Since you owe me for a sack of salt, I think you should come along with me to steal him back. I can’t pay you your fees unless I get the Silvester back." Says Edward.
"I'm sorry but I need to stay here to..."
"tooo?"
"...to look after Gump um er I mean my Rabok” ( A Rabok is a swamp bird with navy blue feathers and a yellow bill. They are common pets in the river villages of Enor. )
Edward laughs, "okay if you come I'll pay you a month's worth of shiek. Sound good?”
I take a moment to consider. All in all it is a great deal and without the money I won't be able to eat or afford rent. I will probably have to get Aunt Meledeth to pet sit Gump. “Okay im in." I say.
“Great! replies Edward, We will meet here tonight before the sun sets. Gustav and I have a lot of preparations we need to take care of.”
“Yeah that will work. See you then Mr Lorenzo.”
“My friends call me Ed, see you tonight Raleigh.”