As Harold got done recovering and went to stand back up he noticed the sika stag was staring at him, seemingly waiting for something.
His flock was gathered behind, and appeared finished with their farewells to the fallen.
The young [Druid] walked up and held up a hand in greeting.
The glowing green eyes kept staring, then the proud beast bowed its head, not in deference but merely to touch his hand with its horns, forming a connection that had already been there, but only as the vaguest of senses before. Now it was as if it was formalised.
Harold closed his eyes and bowed down at the waist, and stayed that way while the day's events played through his head. When he got back up every single sika was gone–nowhere to be seen, not a single sound heard.
Actually, now that he looked in the further distance he saw one clumsy kit still struggling to slip through the bush a little too late, slightly spoiling the effect.
Harold stood there chuckling, with only an owl watching. Amazing animals. I just hope I did enough to satisfy Livia's [Quest].
He knew that either way he had done some serious growing as a [Druid].
Now all that remained before heading back to town was providing Algernon his rewards.
Roldy figured that the little guy had earned it, even if he was a tad late to the party. His timely attack had been a lifesaver, even if Roldy felt sure he might have found another way out.
And the fact that he was right on Harold’s heels was proof enough that the little fellow had spotted the attack and been on his way back to warn him at the hill. “Here you go, as agreed. I’ll see you around, and let you know how the [Quest] went.”
The little guy narrowed his eyes at the thought of being bothered again, but eventually gave the [Druid] a nod and took off with his just desserts.
I’ll get him, one day.
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Livia waited the full seven days, seeing no signs of Roldy.
When the final hour counted down and the [Quest] still remained available to pop up when she thought of it, she realised the [Quest] must be completed, but that he was given a grace period for turning it in.
She was proven correct later that evening when the uniquely dressed [Druid] came charging through town to collapse in front of her; shouting how she had to accept the task as completed before doing anything else.
As it turns out, Harold was still half a day out from Salcret when the seven days were up and the System showed up suddenly, displaying a countdown for 12 hours, with no further information to explain.
He had no idea if the counter meant he would be robbed of all his rewards, suffer something minor like a slight reduction, or even the counter just starting over; with no other purpose but to stress him out.
But he knew he was not willing to take chances.
He was at least getting better at this ‘running himself into the ground’-thing. Thank the Spirits I can regenerate my torn muscles.
Livia smiled ruefully, feeling pretty sure he was likely just rushing for bragging rights, it was not in the Systems nature to punish technicalities; it was after all ultimately a protective weapon.
She waved a hand and the System performed as called upon.
[Quest completed]
[Skill upgrade: Roar of the Wild -> Roar of the Druid]
Harold jumped weakly for joy, and Oscar and Kalle were both there to congratulate him.
Liam and Ella had had the whole week to prepare so the excited, and smelly young [Druid] was served all the dishes he had dreamt of during his week camping and mostly living off the land; he started digging in as soon as he got done washing off the grime.
It was a perfect way to end the week.