The hunt ended successfully, with Grahl and the others catching two War Hogs. One was for the siblings, the other was for Grahl to take for Bahamut. They quickly did a field dressing of the two hogs, Grahl taking care of one and Rust the other. The twins were amazed at how skillful Grahl’s movements were. It was on the same level as Rust who had been hunting for a full decade before him. Rust wasn’t disgruntled at all, rather, he felt that it was good to have competition to increase one’s drive to improve.
After all was said and done, Grahl hauled the two carcasses, one on each shoulder, while the twins carried the blood and offals. The goblin siblings could only marvel at the strength that Grahl possessed. The difference between their inherent strength was something that they couldn’t surmount with effort alone. Rust, who was left empty handed, could only act as an escort.
“Heheh, the others will be glad that we could get so much meat.”
“Yeah, I’m sure they’ll thank us lots, right Rust?”
The twins sought their brothers praise and he did not disappoint.
“Of course. Our tribesmen will be proud of your hard work.”
Rust gave his heartfelt praise. The twins had pleaded with him to let them try and kill a War Hog. While such a thing wouldn’t be difficult if you were well prepared, he was hesitant to endanger his little siblings. However, he was unable to stem the tide of their enthusiasm, so he could only concede. Surprisingly, the twins did not disappoint and they were able to cleanly kill a War Hog while Grahl killed the other. Rust was amazed when he saw the twins gather insects and herbs to make a sedative capable of stopping a War Hog. Its traces could then be easily removed afterward with low level nature magic. For this recipe alone, the tribe would sing their praises, never mind the War Hog. He was also glad that the twins were able to put the knowledge they gained from their misadventures to good use.
Grahlgar was happily hauling their spoils, while following the trio to the goblin burrows. Grahl had never actually met their tribesmen, but he felt this was something that couldn’t be rushed. The little spirits still followed after them as well, wanting to follow everyone to their destination. Along the way, they would chat idly, or follow the warnings of the little spirits to avoid trouble. Like that, their journey ended quickly.
“It seems that we’ve arrived at the outskirts of the burrows. We’ll signal for help to haul the War Hog back, so you can just leave it here. Thanks for your help, Grahl.”
“Yeah, thanks Grahl.”
“It was fun!”
“No problem. I had fun too.”
“Oh, that’s right. If it’s fine with you, would it be okay for us to join you tomorrow? I want to thank your friend for also saving me that day. Since you said that today might be his first day up, I don’t want to intrude.”
“Sure, I’ll go and ask if it’s alright. I’m going to head back and make sure that he has a good meal for when he wakes up. I’ll also ask Sylvia if she can bring you there and back. I don’t want anything to happen along the way.”
“Us too! We wanna go!”
“Haah, fine...Grahl, would it be okay if we all went?”
“I can ask! I’m sure they won’t mind, but Aqua said it’s polite to ask anyway.”
“Then we leave it to you.”
Grahlgar gave a thumbs up before he took his portion of the spoils and left. The little spirits all accompanied Grahl with glee. They seemed to be a little sad that the others had to leave, but they were still glad that Grahlgar would chat with them as he journeyed through the forest. Without the siblings to follow him, Grahl could pick up the pace. His ectoplasmic companions didn’t seem troubled at all as they followed with leisure.
While it still took almost an hour to travel to his destination, he arrived before the meat spoiled thanks to field dressing it. Grahl moved to break down the hog into manageable portions after starting several fires. Then, he started to salt some of the meat to cure, while the rest was for Bahamut to eat fresh. It was convenient since he had prepared everything he needed beforehand. Not long after he finished, Olivia appeared and perched herself atop Grahl’s shoulder, her fiery red sundress and long auburn hair, fluttering gently in the breeze. After Grahl asked the water spirits to help clean his hands, he lightly ruffled Olivia’s hair like always.
“Does Bahamut seem better?”
“Mm...he'll...wake...soon…”
“I’m glad.”
Grahlgar came to check on Bahamut everyday. While it had been only three days, Grahl had been worried tremendously. Spending time with the goblin siblings had certainly eased his mind a little, but it didn’t change the fact that he was anxious to see his best friend again. At that time, he could finally thank him for indulging his selfishness.
“You...like...new...friends…?”
“Mm. Bronze and Silver showed me different kinds of plants and bugs from the place they live. They also took me to see some of the Wooly Deers that they raised. They even taught me that you could make this thing called ‘cheese’ with milk. Then Rust taught me how to make all kinds of stuff; like slings, spears, knives and even a spear-thrower. Anyway, Rust knows all kinds of stuff. He made a strange face when I tried to make those things though...was it because I took so long? Maybe he didn’t want to tell me that I have no talent for it? Gee...Rust is so nice, considering my feelings. I’ll keep practicing so that I can get better at it. Then maybe Rust would teach me to make other stuff?”
Olivia’s lips curved upwards ever so slightly. She had a feeling that Rust didn’t make a strange face because Grahl learned slowly, but rather the opposite. She also thought it was good that he had found kindred spirits in the goblin twins. The thought of Grahl enjoying his time with the three goblin siblings made her smile. Olivia was glad that Grahl could make new friends and experience new things. She often cursed the fact that she could not communicate her thoughts as well as she would like. Her words were sluggish and her face hardly showed any emotion, but Grahlgar could always tell what she meant, or how she felt. Still, it was frustrating for her not to be able to express herself fully. Olivia could only communicate effectively through actions, so with the tenderness of a doting parent, she gave Grahl a kiss on the cheek.
“I’m...happy...for...Grahl…”
“Thank you, Olivia.”
Olivia and Grahlgar enjoyed the rest of their time in sweet silence. Olivia watched as Grahl started to cook several large hunks of meat, occasionally glancing over to Bahamut’s den. While Grahlgar was cooking, he asked the little wind spirits to ask Sylvia to come by the mountain when it was convenient for her. Since she didn’t appear right away like she usually would, she must have been doing something important.
~~~~~~~~~~
At the westernmost end of the forest, there was a massive tree. Even among the ancient trees that towered far above the ground, this tree stood out. Its crown pierced far above the clouds and its branches seemed to stretch out as far as the eye could see. Although its massive boughs blocked out the sun, somehow the trees below it were able to thrive. The presence of this tree alone was enough to make others kneel and worship it. It possessed a majestic air; as if it were the sovereign of the entire forest. Below its towering trunk, there was a young woman. Her creamy skin and flowing silver hair perfectly complemented her picturesque features. A pair of eyes the shade of sunrise stared at this tree with mixed emotions. There was anger, frustration, sorrow and even pity, swirling around in her heart and soul.
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She wasn’t sure of what she should say, as her gaze wandered off to a large stump not far from the great tree. It paled in comparison to the imposing presence beside it. However, once one looked upon it, it brought about a sense of profound sorrow; like the grieving of a child who lost their mother. Sylvia’s gaze became especially deep as she looked at the remnants of this once majestic tree, trying to fight back the tears in her eyes. How long had it been since she had been here? She was too stubborn, too angry to come to this place. Before, Sylvia thought that her anger was justified, but now she began to think that she was just being selfish. She gave a silent supplication to this battered stump as if it were the gravestone of her closest friend. After her moment of silence, she returned her attention to the great tree.
“....”
Sylvia opened her mouth to speak, but was unable to find the right words to say. It irritated her because she knew that the person who she came to visit was already aware of her presence, yet still refused to come out on his own.
“...Stupid old bastard, show yourself!”
“Is that anyway to talk to someone who you came to ask a favor from?”
The disembodied voice of an elderly man echoed throughout the wood. From the bark of the great tree, the figure of a man began to take shape. The figure stepped forward, separating itself from the tree as it took form of a refined looking man in his fifties. He had short dark brown hair with streaks of gray, dark mahogany skin and deep emerald eyes. The man was about 6’5ft (2m) with an athletic build covered by a simple, faded green robe. Although his appearance seemed aged, he radiated with vitality and vigor.
“If you know already, then how do you feel about it?”
“I certainly don’t mind. He is a good child, that little ogre. What about you though? I thought that you didn’t want to have anything to do with me.”
“I don’t, but I realize that my likes and dislikes shouldn’t affect Grahl’s upbringing.”
“...You’ve changed…”
“Perhaps...I find that I don’t hate you as much as I used to, that’s certainly a change.”
“It’s fine if you decide to hate me forever, I certainly wouldn’t blame you.”
“....Don’t you regret it?”
“....Yes, but if I had to make the choice once again, my decision would still be the same...So would hers….”
He cast a forlorn gaze at the battered stump and in that instance, he looked like no more than a lonely old man. Sylvia could not find it in herself to speak harshly to him, not when he was grieving. Perhaps it was a feeling of pity that drove her, but she decided to suck up her pride and speak to him seriously.
“...Patriarch--”
“Please, call me Arboryth. I can’t stand being called ‘Patriarch.’ Especially by you.”
“...Arboryth...I know we’ve had our disagreements in the past, but I don’t want to dwell on those things anymore. I know that it wasn’t your fault that Melia died. I just blamed you because I felt that if anyone of us could have stopped her...it would have been you…”
“...I wanted to...but when I saw the look in her eyes...I couldn’t...I’m sorry…”
Sylvia wasn’t sure if Arboryth was apologizing to her or to Melia.
“There is nothing to be sorry for. You already knew her heart better than any of us...It was wrong of me to doubt you...then and now…”
“Sylvia…”
“Don’t get me wrong...although I know that it wasn’t your fault...I still can’t give up thousands of years of anger just like that. It’s not that easy. But...I’m willing to try. Melia loved you with all her heart and soul, so I know that she would be pained if I held my grudge against you any longer.”
“Thank you Sylvia...those words mean a lot to me.”
“Haah….now that that’s off of my chest, I have to ask you formally...Will you accept Grahlgar as your disciple?”
“Disciple, not student?”
“Disciple.”
“Hmm. I like little Grahl, but the decision is not mine alone to make. If you bring him here sometime, we will surely have our answer.”
“So you accept?”
“So long as Grahlgar accepts it, I will as well.”
Sylvia was glad that Arboryth didn’t immediately accept and instead waited for Grahl’s opinion. While their relationship was just now recovering, Arboryth’s current actions had definitely raised his favorability points.
“Then I will see you sometime soon. I should get back, Grahl was calling for me earlier.”
“Sylvia, I’d like to say thank you once again. Your words meant more to me than you know. I also have to thank that child when you bring him.”
“What do you need to thank Grahl for?”
“For opening enough space in your heart to forgive me.”
Sylvia thought for a moment, before she smiled and said,
“You’re right...I suppose I should thank him as well.”
The sylph disappeared with the flowing breeze, leaving Arboryth behind.
~~~~~~~~~~
With the setting sun as a backdrop, Grahl and Olivia sat down among the rocks with the little spirits still dancing around them. They watched as the meat was cooked over the flame. Grahl had spent nearly the entire day cooking meat for Bahamut. He made several fires in order to cook more meat and save time. He initially felt guilty using all that wood, but the trees seemed to tell him that it was fine. Since the providers of the wood didn’t seem to mind, Grahl didn’t linger on it.
“Mmm, smells good.”
“Hello, Sylvia!”
“Welcome...back…”
Sylvia appeared abruptly and was greeted by the lounging duo. The fragrance of roasting pork was enough to make one salivate.
“Hey, Grahl, Olivia. Do you think Bahamut will be up soon?”
“Mhm...not...long…”
Just as they were asking about Bahamut, the sun finally set and dusk arrived. A few moments after, they heard the shuffling of stones.
“It seems that this time, the peon has provided me with nourishment. I suppose I should praise you.”
“Glad...to…see...you…”
“Welcome back, Bahamut!”
“Bahamut! You’re okay!”
The three greeted the Black Dragon, then Olivia floated off of Grahl’s shoulder to let him reunite with Bahamut alone. The dragon in question was sauntering out of his den as if he hadn’t been injured at all. In fact, his ebony scales seemed a bit more lustrous and his horns seemed to grow a smidgen larger. Like usual, he conducted himself haughtily. However, his behavior soon became stiff. All because of a certain ogre.
“Bahamut! I’m sorry!”
Grahl gave Bahamut a hug while crying and sniveling.
“I’m sorry that I was selfish...It’s my fault that you got hurt…”
“Fool! Let go of me! I wasn’t hurt on your behalf. It was a whim of mine to save a lesser life form, that’s all. Besides, what’s the point in apologizing for being selfish? Do what you want, take what you want; that is the Black Dragon’s creed. You should follow it.”
Grahl let go of Bahamut and wiped the tears from his eyes.
“Thanks Bahamut. You’re the best.”
“Hmph, as long as you remember that, you’re fine.”
“I wanted to ask you if it would be okay for Rust, Bronze and Silver to come and visit you. They wanted to give their thanks.”
“Who are they?”
“Oh, Rust is the hobgoblin from that day and Bronze and Silver are his little siblings.”
“There’s nothing to thank me for. Like I said, it was a whim.”
“So would it be alright if they came…?”
“Haah, fine. I suppose I can accept the praise of those who should rightfully worship me.”
“Great! Sylvia?”
“Yes?”
She chimed in with a smile. It was always amusing to see Grahl and Bahamut together.
“If it’s not too much trouble, would you mind picking them up tomorrow evening?”
“No, I don’t mind at all. But I also have something to ask as well.”
“What is it?”
“Come with me tomorrow morning.”
“Okay.”
“Good, it’s settled.”
“Yes, yes, that’s all well and good, but I demand sustenance! Grahl, get me some meat! Please…”
“Sure.”
“Me...too…”
“Me three! Oh...I should probably let Aqua know. If she found out we had a family dinner without her….I better leave now.”
It didn’t take long for Sylvia to leave and return with Aqua in tow.
“How wonderful! I’m glad that you were able to recuperate properly, Bahamut. Are you feeling better now?”
“Yes! Y-y-yes ma’am! Much better, thank you very much for asking!”
“Oh, what an obedient child Bahamut is. I’m proud.”
In the presence of the undine, the Black Dragon was no better than a lizard.
As the dusk wore on into the night, this misfit family feasted merrily and enjoyed one another’s company. While looking at the scene of everyone gathered together for a meal, Sylvia gave a contented smile.
“Hey Grahl…”
“Yes, Sylvia?”
“Thanks.”
“For what?”
“For being you.”
Grahl wore a puzzled face and to such an expression, Sylvia laughed.
“I don’t get it but...you’re welcome?”
“Yeah, I’ll be counting on you in the future too.”
“Mhm, leave it to me!”
Even though he didn’t know what he was being counted on for, Grahl readily agreed.
“Grahl...meat...please…”
“Me too Grahl. Big sis Aqua is impressed by your improvement.”
And just like that their family dinner continued on through the night. Grahl and the rest all ate their fill and slowly, they all began to head their separate ways. Aqua returned to the lake, Sylvia returned to the north and only Grahl, Olivia and Bahamut remained at the mountain. Grahl had fallen asleep near one of the fires that he had lit earlier and he appeared to be sleeping peacefully, even on his bed of rocks.
“Grahl...can…sleep...peacefully…”
“Hmph, he’s nothing but a worrywort…”
“You...too…”
“Nonsense, I have no worries at all.”
“Mhm...whatever...you...say…”
Bahamut didn’t make any rebuttals, but instead, cast his gaze upon the sleeping ogre.
“Well, I suppose I have one.”