The passage of time blurred in my mind as the miles stretched endlessly before us. Moments melded into one another, forming a seamless continuum of anticipation and reflection. It was during these quiet interludes that I found solace, my mind drifting between thoughts of the challenges that lay ahead and the discoveries we would make.

The road unfolded beneath us, an unbroken ribbon leading us toward our destination. The moon rose high in the sky, casting an ethereal glow upon the landscape. We drove through vast expanses of wilderness, where towering trees whispered ancient secrets and winding rivers carved their paths through the rugged terrain.

And then, as if summoned by fate itself, the jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountains emerged on the horizon, their majestic grandeur capturing our gaze. A sense of awe washed over me as we approached the foot of these formidable giants, their rugged slopes calling to me, beckoning me to embark on a journey of self-discovery.

As Albert expertly navigated the winding mountain roads, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement and trepidation intertwining within me. The passage of time had transformed us, shaped us in ways we had yet to fully comprehend. And now, standing on the threshold of this untamed wilderness, I knew that our journey was only just beginning.

Getting out of the car, I stretched my limbs, relishing the sensation of freedom after a long journey. "Finally, we can relax," I muttered, hoping for a moment of respite.

However, Albert's stern voice shattered my illusion of tranquility. "You should divorce yourself from such thoughts immediately. This is no time to relax. Time is of the essence, and your training and education start immediately," he said, his eyes narrowing with determination.

Confusion washed over me as I protested, "What? But what am I going to learn all the way out here?" The frustration in my voice was evident as I struggled to comprehend the purpose of our secluded location.

Albert met my complaint with a pointed response. "Well, for starters, you're going to learn how to build a fire by hand," he replied, his tone firm and unwavering.

Frustration laced my words as I retorted, "If I'm going to learn how to use magic, then what's the point in learning how to build a fire by hand?" I couldn't grasp the value of such a seemingly mundane skill.

"There are many reasons to learn this skill," Albert began, his voice carrying a weight of importance. He paused for a moment, letting the silence hang in the air before he continued, "But the most pressing reason is if I die. Without the ability to protect you, knowing how to build a fire may become a matter of life or death."

A chill ran down my spine, a stark reminder of the dangers that constantly lurked around me. The realization that people were actively trying to kill me still hadn't fully sunk in, and it weighed heavily on my mind.

Albert pressed on, his voice steady. "Furthermore, some individuals possess innate magic, granting them the ability to sense when magic is being used. Not everyone has this skill."

Puzzled, I asked, "What's innate magic?"

Albert paused, cradling his chin between his finger and thumb, lost in thought. After a moment, he responded, "Innate magic is a 'gift' bestowed by the Ather upon those who have bonded with it."

His tone carried a hint of scorn, causing me to question his choice of words. "You make it sound like this isn't a 'gift' at all," I noted, picking up on his skepticism.

A flicker of complexity crossed Albert's face as he struggled to explain. "Because it's... complicated. You'll understand more when and if you bond with the Ather," he replied, his unease evident.

Curiosity piqued, I tilted my head and pressed further. "Why so cryptic? Can't you give me a straight answer?"

Albert's gaze softened, and a hint of sadness touched his eyes. "My dear, the world of magic is filled with layers of mystery and danger. Some knowledge must be earned, and some revelations are best discovered firsthand. Trust me, when the time is right, everything will become clear."

Though I was left with more questions than answers i sighed and let the sleeping dog lie.

As we ventured into the darkness of the night, gathering wood and preparing for our fire-building lesson, Albert wasted no time in imparting his knowledge. He guided me through the process, starting with the different types of wood and how to identify them. Pine, cedar, and cottonwood were among the varieties he highlighted.

"Cottonwood is excellent for fire starters, especially when using bow drills," he explained, his voice carrying a hint of enthusiasm. "But I'll be teaching you other methods as well, including the fire plough."

Curiosity sparked within me as I questioned the need for multiple techniques. "Why the two methods? Isn't one enough?"

Albert's eyes gleamed with wisdom as he elaborated, "Having multiple methods at your disposal is essential for adaptability and resourcefulness. If you lose the string for the bow drill or can't find the necessary items, the fire plough can serve as a reliable backup."

I suppose having a back up plan is always, later i would come to realize Albert always has a plan B….

As the night progressed, Albert patiently guided me through the process of using a bow drill to create fire. He demonstrated each step meticulously, ensuring I understood the movements and techniques required. We practiced tirelessly, the rhythm of the bow and the friction of wood against wood becoming familiar sensations.

Throughout the lesson, Albert shared stories of his own encounters with the need for alternative methods, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in the face of adversity.

"I remember a time," Albert began, his voice tinged with nostalgia, "when your father and I, long before your aunt's rebellion, embarked on a hunt for a Frothmire. It's a snake-like creature in your world, similar to a basilisk but with the unique ability to disrupt your connection to a rift."

Curiosity sparked within me as I listened intently. The tales of my father's adventures always held a special place in my heart.

"We knew that our magic alone wouldn't be enough to vanquish such a formidable creature," Albert continued, his eyes distant as he relived the memory. "So, we devised other means to overcome it. We cleverly maneuvered the Frothmire, pushing it into the jagged walls of its cave, exploiting its own environment against it. The chains we had brought served a dual purpose—not only to haul the creature away but also to tie it into a knot, immobilizing it."

A smile crept across Albert's face, a glimpse into the exhilaration and satisfaction he must have felt during that momentous encounter. "It was glorious, just glorious," he recalled, a hint of pride in his voice. "Your father had a knack for getting us into trouble, but luckily we always came up with the most uncanny solutions to our problems."

Although I never had the chance to know my father, hearing these stories filled me with a bittersweet longing. The tales painted a vivid picture of a man I could only imagine—a daring and resourceful adventurer who left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Albert's words stirred a mix of emotions within me. On one hand, I felt a surge of pride knowing that my father possessed the same spirit of ingenuity and courage that I sought to embody. On the other hand, a pang of sadness reminded me of the void left by his absence.

Lost in my thoughts i barely even recognised the fire had been lit as the sparks ignited the tinder, a small flame danced to life before our eyes. It was a modest victory, but one that held immense significance, at least to me, i don't know if you've ever tried starting a fire this way but its pretty hard ! the blisters forming over my hand were a painful reminder of the hard won victory.

I turned my attention to the fire. The dancing flames cast a warm glow, illuminating the surrounding darkness. I was rather pleased by my efforts, even a bit prideful, and for a moment it was as though the dark voices in my head, telling me I couldn't do anything right, fell into a hush.

All that was in my head right now, was the fire I had created, its flickering light captivating my attention.

Albert, observing my distraction, gently placed a hand on my shoulder. "Well done Elias.Very well done," he said, a hint of pride in his voice.

I could feel my cheeks growing a bit red with embarrassment, though I felt proud of accomplishment I didn't feel it deserved praise… but I was nice, and I could feel a sense of hyperness wiggling around in my chest.

"Tomorrow, I shall instruct you in the art of crafting primitive weapons and tools" Albert declared firmly, his voice resolute with a distinctive British accent. "Furthermore, we will commence your rigorous workout routine to strengthen both your body and mind, after which i'll teach you how to hunt"

Concerned about the potential legal ramifications, I couldn't help but interject, reminding Albert of the requirement for a hunting license. After all, as an outsider to this realm, he may not be familiar with the local regulations.

Albert dismissively waved off any concerns about legal ramifications "The Legality of the matter is of no concern Elias. The truth of the matter is that we require sustenance, and our time is best spent away from the bustling cities of your world."

I let out a defeated sigh, knowing i wont win against him, the weariness evident in my voice. "What are we going to do about the bedding situation..."

"We sleep on the ground, obviously," Albert responded matter-of-factly,

I raised an eyebrow, a glimmer of hope lingering in my voice. "But we have a perfectly good car right there."

Albert seemed rather annoyed but answered curtly "Elias, while I typically encourage utilizing the tools and supplies available to us, I'm afraid I cannot permit you to sleep in that 'car'. It may be convenient for travel, but once we reach Elision, such modern conveniences will no longer be at our disposal. It's best for you to acclimate to the conditions that lie ahead." He paused for a moment before adjusting himself and continuing." Now, get some rest. I'll entertain no more arguments tonight," Albert's voice carried a gentle firmness as he spoke.

I let out another sigh, a mixture of resignation and fatigue filling the air. Slowly, I adjusted myself on the unforgiving ground, attempting to find a modicum of comfort. My eyes fixated on the dancing flames of the fire, their flickering glow captivating my attention as my mind wandered.

As I lost myself in thought, the crackling of the fire intertwined with the echoes of my inner contemplations. The weight of the unknown future pressed upon me, mingling with the lingering traces of my previous life on Earth. Questions and uncertainties swirled within me, like shadows cast by the dancing flames. The realization that I had embarked on an extraordinary journey, leaving behind the familiar comforts of modern life, began to sink in.

Albert's directive to rest was a reminder of the challenges that lay ahead. The path to Elision was not merely a physical one but a transformative odyssey that would test my resolve, reshape my perceptions, and unlock dormant potential. As I settled into the rugged simplicity of our campsite, a newfound determination simmered within me. I would embrace the teachings of this enigmatic guide from Elision, adapting to a world where the boundaries of magic and reality intertwined.

Underneath the starlit sky, with the crackling fire as my companion, I allowed my weariness to meld with the hum of the night. As sleep gradually claimed me, I found solace in the flickering flames.

Morning arrived sooner than I would have preferred, especially after retiring to bed relatively early, or at least what I considered early, around midnight. The night's slumber was far from sufficient, and fatigue still clung to me like a stubborn shadow when Albert abruptly awakened me at the crack of dawn, precisely at 5 am, with a pan ringing in my ear….. Wait where the hell did he even get a pan and lattle?

"Rise and shine, Elias! We have a grueling day ahead!" Albert barked with an unwavering sternness. The sun's faint rays cast a dim glow, transforming the once blackened night sky into an immaculate palette of blues and grays.

Dragging myself up from the ground, I fought to shake off the remnants of drowsiness. The chilly morning air seemed to mock my fatigue, intensifying my reluctance to face the day. I begrudgingly adjusted to the harsh reality of the ungodly hour, my body protesting against the physical demands that awaited.

Albert, with his unwavering discipline and unyielding demeanor, embodied a drill sergeant preparing his troops for battle. There was little room for complacency or complaints in his world.

Dragging myself up from the ground, I fought to shake off the remnants of drowsiness. The chilly morning air seemed to mock my fatigue, intensifying my reluctance to face the day. I begrudgingly adjusted to the harsh reality of the ungodly hour, my body protesting against the physical demands that awaited.

Rubbing my eyes, I mustered the strength to voice my dissent. "Okay, okay, but first, breakfast."

Albert's response struck me like an arrow to the back. "Sorry, no breakfast..."

The disbelief in my voice was palpable. "What do you mean no breakfast?"

His stern expression held firm. "You want to eat? You must earn it."

Confusion mingled with frustration as I sought clarification. "How?"

"There are Two ways," Albert explained, his tone unyielding. "First, you complete the first segment of the workout routine I have planned before 6 am. Second, you venture out and hunt for your meal. Whatever you bring back, I will cook. Starting today, there are no unearned meals. Do you understand?"

"THATS SO UNFAIR! AND WHAT KIND OF RIDICULOUS WORK OUT DO YOU EXPECT ME TO GET DONE BEFORE SIX! NO SCRATCH THAT WHAT TIME DO YOU EXPECT ME TO GO TO BED!!!"

"6 to 9 pm." Albert said flatly.."THATS INSANE! AND DEFINITELY UNFAIR! AND WHAT KIND OF RIDICULOUS WORKOUT DO YOU EXPECT ME TO COMPLETE BEFORE SIX? NO, SCRATCH THAT. WHAT TIME DO YOU EXPECT ME TO GO TO BED?" I exclaimed dramatically, flailing my arms in disbelief.

Albert, unaffected by my theatrics, maintained a deadpan expression. "6am to 9 pm," he replied matter-of-factly.

"No, I refuse to go along with this! Not without some breakfast at least!" I crossed my arms defiantly, determined to stand my ground.

Albert's patience seemed to wear thin, his brow twitching in annoyance. "Enough. Jeez, you're sheltered," he muttered under his breath, a mix of frustration and exasperation in his voice. I couldn't help but notice a vein throbbing on his forehead, a sign that his tolerance was reaching its limits. "Looks like I'll have to increase my efforts in whipping you into shape."

I soon came to deeply regret my earlier protests as Albert subjected me to a grueling training regimen. He had tied a sturdy rope around a massive log, harnessing it to my back so that I had to drag it along behind me and if that wasn't enough Albert was perched upon the log as though it was his own personal throne. Every time he deemed that I could push myself harder, I felt the searing sting of the belt across my back, urging me to go faster.

"Faster, Elias! I know you can go further!" Albert's voice echoed in my ears, filled with a relentless determination.

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My legs burned, my muscles ached, and my lungs screamed for mercy. I had been running like this for what felt like an eternity, but in reality, Time seemed to stretch and warp under the weight of the challenge.

"I've been running like this for hours!" I gasped, my breath ragged.

"Nonsense!" Albert dismissed my complaint with a wave of his hand. "It has only been thirty minutes. Now quit your whining!"

CRACK! The belt lashed across my back again, and I gritted my teeth, pushing myself to the brink of exhaustion. The pain was both physical and mental, testing the limits of my endurance and willpower.

I groaned, my legs trembling under the weight of the ridiculous burden. "Albert, this is madness! My legs are starting to feel like they'll fall off, cant we do this without the log?"

CRACK! The sound of the whip echoed through the training grounds as Albert playfully flicked it, causing me to jump forward with a yelp.

Albert chuckled, though at this point it just sounded sadistic as his laughter mixed with the sound of my exertion. "Where's the fun in that, my young apprentice? Besides, it's an excellent core workout! Build's character and muscles, all in one!"

I grumbled under my breath, casting a longing glance at the nearby breakfast table, which remained untouched, just as i ran past it. "I could really use some pancakes right about now..."

"Pancakes? Ha! Those are for the weak!" Albert exclaimed, striking a pose atop the log. "You must feast upon the triumph of your own accomplishments!"

"You seem to be enjoying this way to much, where's the strict teacher routine?" I gasped choking for some air

Albert's laughter boomed across the training grounds as he struck another pose on top of the log. "Oh, Elias, my young apprentice, sometimes the best way to teach is through a touch of absurdity! Laughter brings strength, you know!"

I struggled to catch my breath, my body aching from the exertion. "Laughing... while torturing me... is not teaching!" At this point I was convinced he was taking some sick sadistic pleasure in this.Exhausted and drenched in sweat, I collapsed onto the ground, my body feeling like it had been pushed to its absolute limit. Three grueling hours of relentless running had left my legs trembling and my muscles screaming in protest. I could barely catch my breath as I lay there, trying to gather my strength.

Albert, ever the unyielding taskmaster, approached with an unwavering determination. "Well done, Elias. You've proven your endurance. Now, it's time to move on to the next challenge."

I mustered the last ounce of energy I had to speak, my voice trembling. "How many push-ups?"

"Ten sets of ten," Albert replied matter-of-factly, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

I mustered a weak smile, thinking it didn't sound too bad. But before I could celebrate my false hope, Albert's next words shattered any remaining sense of relief.

"NOOO!!!!!" Albert had precariously set a few cinder blocks up, stack higher than the other, from which my legs were to be perched, the other lower and closer the to ground. This, wasnt that hard, but just as i was starting to slowly do these pushups albert lit a fire under me, in the most literal of senses. "THIS ISNT WHAT I HAD IN MIND WHEN YOU SAID PUSH UP!" If the flame wasnt bad enough, if i stayed in the up position for too long Albert whipped my back with a belt. Making sure i didnt spend to much time in one or the other…

"NOOO!!!!!"

Albert had set up a precarious arrangement of cinder blocks, one stack higher than the other, forming an uneven surface for my legs to perch on. As I reluctantly positioned myself for these unconventional push-ups, thinking it couldn't be that difficult, Albert revealed his true intentions. He lit a fire directly beneath me, turning my push-ups into a literal trial by fire.

"This isn't what I had in mind when you said push-ups!" I shouted, disbelief and alarm coursing through my veins.

If the scorching flames licking at my stomach weren't enough, Albert added another layer of torment. He wielded a belt and lashed my back whenever I lingered too long in either the up or down position, ensuring I didn't spend too much time in either stance.

The combination of the searing heat and the sting of the belt made my push-ups a true test of endurance and resilience. Each time I lowered myself towards the flames, a wave of fear and discomfort washed over me.

With every agonizing repetition, I could feel the flames fueling my determination, though really, i just didnt want to get burned. I looked over to albert pleadingly but Albert stood there, an unwavering figure, observing my struggle with a mix of sternness and satisfaction.

"He really was a sadist!" I thought, " I should quit! "Death by homicidal mage or death by a sadisests extreme training? What difference does it make, either way im just as dead!!!"

The thoughts swirled in my mind as the torment continued. Albert, seemingly enjoying every moment of my struggle, pushed me to my limits and beyond. It felt like a battle not just against physical exhaustion, but against the doubts and fears that threatened to consume me.

Eventually, the torment came to an end, and I collapsed onto the ground, my body spent but my spirit unyielding. Albert, satisfied with my performance, offered a nod of approval. It was a small victory, one of many…. Though my torture didnt end there.."Take a break and next are inverted crunches and crunches."

In a moment of panic, I shot up, unable to comprehend how I was expected to hold up my weight "Albert, are you out of your mind? There's no way I can do inverted crunches!"

Albert's glare intensified, a rope clutched tightly in his hands. I knew resistance was futile. Within moments, I found myself suspended upside down, my legs entangled in the makeshift pole. Dread filled my heart as I realized the gravity of the situation. This was starting to feel like a scene from a certain anime, and not in a good way.

My worst fear realised Albert proceeded to ignite a flame beneath me, yep just like 'Strongest karate student', which only increased the sadistic intensity. "10 sets of 20," he declared, a wicked smile playing on his lips.

I braced myself for the torture that awaited. With each crunch, I twisted my body from left to right, my muscles straining under the relentless fire burning beneath me. The searing heat licked at my back and chest, reminding me of the consequences of lingering too long on either side.

The pain was excruciating, my core muscles screaming in protest with every movement. Sweat poured down my face, mixing with the dirt and grime that clung to my body. The minutes stretched on, each set feeling like an eternity as I fought to complete the required repetitions.

As I neared the end of the final set, a surge of triumph surged through my veins. I had conquered what i thought impossible, defying the limits of my own body and mind. The flames that once threatened to consume me now symbolized the fire of determination that burned within, or at least i thought that, i could be going into a delirious episode at this point

With a final crunch, albert extinguished the fire, and I released my legs from the entanglement, allowing myself to drop to the ground. Gasping for breath, I relished in yet another small victory of surviving the inverted crunches. The pain resonated throughout my body, and the heat along my chest and back stark reminders of what was to come.

"Next, squats," Albert smiled, his sadistic tone momentarily replaced by a sense of relief.

"Wait, you're not going to light a fire this time, are you?" I cautiously inquired, my voice laced with skepticism.

"No, no," Albert assured me, shaking his head. "Just squats. But they're weighted."

My eyes widened as I noticed a massive tree trunk being dragged towards us. The sheer weight of it made my heart sink, but compared to the torturous exercises I had already endured, this seemed somewhat manageable.

With each repetition, I could feel the strain in my legs, reminding me of the grueling miles I had run earlier. But a flicker of determination sparked within me as memories of my past strength resurfaced. I recalled a time when my mother was still present, and I effortlessly carried a fridge on my back, moving it from one part of our field to the next. Compared to that, this challenge felt breezy.

Though my legs screamed in protest, I pressed on. The weight of the tree tested my limits, but I refused to succumb to its burden. With each squat, I summoned the resilience I had built throughout the training, finding solace in the knowledge that I was growing stronger with every repetition.

As I finally finished the last squat, I released a breath I didn't realize I had been holding. My legs trembled with fatigue, yet a sense of satisfaction washed over me. The weighted squats had pushed me to my limits, but I had prevailed.

I stood there, panting and sweat-soaked, but with a newfound sense of accomplishment.

Albert approached me once again, his voice stern and determined. "That's what you're going to be doing every day. Other exercises will be added, of course. But if you can complete this entire routine before 6am, I'll take care of hunting and cooking breakfast for us."

I couldn't help but cringe at the thought of the grueling routine becoming a daily occurrence. However, the growling of my stomach served as a harsh reminder that nourishment was essential. The hunger gnawed at me, providing a powerful motivation to endure the rigorous training.

"Now, before we delve into further training, we need to hunt," Albert declared, his voice carrying a hint of urgency. "Continuing on an empty stomach will jeopardize your health."

"I cant say i'm enthused about killing an animal…." I spoke feeling a bit of anxiety at the thought…"Elias, such sympathies will get you killed…." He paused for a moment before giving a sigh.."Im sure theres a river here some where. Lets try fishing… we'll ease you into these things.."I suppose fishing wasn't a bad option, at least fish didn't scream or make little yelps when you hunted them and got a hit in… I mentioned hunting with my grandpa before, but i have to admit that, it was only a few times, and each time we killed a deer i cried… pathetic i know but to me… we only have one life… and if this one life is all we have then ending a life prematurely… is cruel… at least thats what i believe… but i kept those beliefs to myself around albert.

As we made our way towards the river, I couldn't help but feel a mix of apprehension and curiosity. Fishing seemed like a more humane option than hunting, Yet, a part of me still felt uneasy about the idea of taking another creature's life, even if it was for survival. Albert didnt really seem to notice though.

I was only dragged out of my own anxiety when suddenly i felt alberts arm barring my path… he had stopped me, just as i gaze up from the ground i saw why, a beautiful woman with Aburn hair, and eyes that shinned like freshly polished topaz wadding in the water.

My steps faltered as Albert's arm barred my path, pulling me out of the cocoon of my anxiety. Confused, I looked up from the ground, following his gaze to see what had caught his attention. My eyes met those of a striking woman with flowing Auburn hair, gracefully wading in the water. She wore traditional fly fishing wear and had a neat little hat adorned with an assortment of fishing hooks. There was a certain rugged charm about her, like a mountainous redneck, reflected in her pale, freckled face and the straw she was casually chewing on.

"Why have we stopped?" I whispered to Albert.

"The less people that see us the better," Albert replied, his voice carrying a hint of caution.

His eyes surveyed the area, as if searching for a way to fish discreetly and avoid prying eyes. A part of me was relieved at the idea. If we were to fish next to a beautiful woman like her, she'd probably want nothing to do with me anyway...

"Thats right, why would anybody want anything to do with a fat, pathetic you... You're disgusting for even being attracted to her…" The thoughts in my head taunted me, feeding my self-doubt and insecurities.

Shaking my head to clear my mind, I focused on the present. When I regained my senses, I was met eye to eye with Albert, who was giving me a rather serious look. "On second thought, this might be good for you…"

"How? I'll just end up making a fool of myself, I'm a grown man who doesnt even know how to fish, and if i we're to try and have a conversation i'd just fumble with my words, it'll be super awkward…."

Alberts look grew a bit stern."That, that right there is why, the lack of confidence… Also why would you even worry about fumbling your words with some one you just met?"

"We'll I… Shes just really pretty and I.."

"Enough." Albert said with an absoluteness to his voice. "You haven't even said hello to her and you're already infatuated just by her looks… good grief, get ahold of yourself. At this rate you really WILL embarrass yourself."I.. umm"

"Elias… Take a deep breath, shes just a stranger, introduce yourself…. Maybe even make a new friend. Relationships should be the last thing on your mind.."I lowered my head defeated, he was right… I was already picturing wedding bells… Am i truely that desperate? Pathetic…

"Now, go over there… and strike up a conversation." Albert commanded.

"Theres seriously no way i can do that.." I said meekly

"Eli-" albert

"What'r you two whisperin about?" a small, windchime like voice came from aside us, shocking me and more surprisingly albert… huh… guess he is a human after all…

I turned to see a woman standing nearby, her warm smile softening her features. She had apparently overheard our conversation. My face flushed with embarrassment, and I felt like disappearing into the mountainside.

Gaining his composure back, Albert adjusted his outfit before flashing a polite smile. "Good afternoon, miss. We were just discussing the possibility of finding a different fishing spot. You see, my friend here is still learning, and we wouldn't want to disturb the fish and abscond with any potential catches you might receive. I hope you do forgive us; we weren't trying to be inconsiderate of your presence." Albert's save was smooth, but did he really have to put that little truth out there? Way to throw me under the bus.

"Well, ain't you fancy…" the woman said, scratching her cheek a bit flustered by Albert's formal speech. "You boys from the city?"

"Albert certainly is, but I've grown up in a small village out in Missouri," I interjected, wanting to get a small jab in.

"Yes, well…" Albert cleared his throat. "Sorry we bothered you. We'll leave you to your fishing."

"Shucks, you don't need to be worrying 'bout disturbing the fishes on my account. In fact, I'd be happy to help teach ya friend the ropes," she said, looking over to me.

"Really?" I stammered, surprised by her offer.

"Of course!" She said giddily.

"I-I'm not so—"

I was cut off by Albert. "Perfect. This will give me time to prepare the spices. I'll be leaving him in your care…"

"No, wait, you can't just—"

But by then, Albert was already walking away. "Have fun, Elias…"

I groaned inwardly. He totally just threw me to the wolves! Left with no choice, I turned back to the woman, who still wore a warm smile. My heart pounded in my chest as I fumbled for words, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety.

"Alright, I guess I could use some help…" I admitted shyly, trying to hide my nervousness.

"Well, ain't that grand! Name's Mary, by the way. Don't you worry, Elias, I'll show ya some good ol' fishing techniques. We'll have a blast out here!" Mary almost shouted the words and i have to admit her enthusiasm was quite infectious.

As she began teaching me the ins and outs of fishing, my worries gradually faded away. Mary's down-to-earth and friendly demeanor put me at ease, making me feel like I could actually enjoy this experience. Despite Albert throwing me in the deep end…

I was snapped out of my thoughts when i head Mary once more

"Oh looks like you've caught one… quick reel em in!" Mary exclaimed.

Quickly, i fumbled of with rod, it felt rather heavy, especially from the bend of the rod.

"Ooo youve got a big one! Come on reel it in!" mary continued, stepping behind me

"I..Im trying!" I pulled back the rod, reeling in the taught string, groaning i took a step back when suddenly the fish had jumped out from the waters surface, loosening the once tight string, and sending me slipping back with a yelp, i quickly twisted my body hopping to catch my self, and with a hard crash i landed in the water upon… some thing soft?...

As I scrambled to my feet, my eyes inadvertently caught a glimpse of something unexpected beneath Mary's soaked fly fishing gear. Her white shirt clung to her skin, revealing the contours of her soft, peachy skin underneath. For a moment, my heart skipped a beat, and I couldn't tear my gaze away.

At first, I thought she wasn't wearing a bra, but as I adjusted my gaze, I saw it—a delicate baby blue bra with intricate white trim, peeking through the wet fabric. My cheeks flushed crimson, and I quickly averted my eyes, feeling both embarrassed and entranced by the sight.

"H..Hey…" Mary's voice spoke out softly. "Do you mind getting off me now?"

"Sorry, sorry, sorry," I stammered, my face burning with embarrassment. "I didn't mean to see that, it was an accident, I swear!"

Mary chuckled softly, a warm and understanding smile playing on her lips. "It's okay, really," she said, her voice reassuring. "Accidents happen, and it's just a bra."

I nodded, still feeling flustered, and tried my best to regain my composure. Despite my embarrassment, I couldn't shake off the lingering image in my mind—the glimpse of that baby blue bra that had momentarily captivated me.

As we both regained our footing, Mary didn't seem to be bothered at all by the situation. She simply adjusted her shirt and continued with the fishing as if nothing had happened. Her easygoing response helped ease my nerves, though my heart still raced from the unexpected and intimate moment.

With the sun beginning to set, we continued fishing and chatting, and I did my best to focus on the task at hand. The beauty of the mountains and the soothing sound of the flowing water helped distract me from my earlier embarrassment.

And luckily the fish i had on my rod was still hooked when we recovered the equipment and he really was a big one… oddly big, especially for the type of place we were fishing in… weird…

As the day drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on the encounter with Mary. Despite the awkward start, she had shown such kindness and understanding, making the fishing experience far more enjoyable than I had anticipated. And as the golden hues of the setting sun bathed us in warmth, I couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of the moment, even with my cheeks still tinged with embarrassment.

Walking back to the camp fish in hand I saw albert waiting for me by the fire, the cooking equipment set and ready.. "Did you end up behaving yourself?"I couldn't help but feel a tad annoyed by the question, "Why is that the first thing you ask me?" could i really just not enjoy the moment?

Albert gave a knowing smile and a lifted up eye brow before sipping tenderly on his drink. "Oh, just curious…" He chuckled to himself.

Suspicious… Highly suspicious…

"O…kay…" I drifted slowly as i settled down onto the camp log he had be dragging around earlier this morning. "I've brought the fish." I handed the bucket over to Albert.

"Nice work." Albert said, inspecting the fish with an experienced eye. He then handed one of the fish to me, and I couldn't help but notice how it squirmed and wriggled in my grasp. It was a stark reminder of its vitality, and a twinge of guilt washed over me.

"Okay, let's prepare it," Albert said, snapping me out of my thought

I followed his lead as we set up a makeshift cleaning station near the campfire. The sound of the crackling flames mixed with the gentle lapping of the nearby lake created a serene atmosphere. As I looked into the fish's eyes, I couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness. It was a life that would soon come to an abrupt and, in all likely hood, violent end, sacrificed for our sustenance.

I watched, in trepidation as albert took the fish and absolutely just smacked the absolute hell out of the fist upon the stone slap he set up, causing me to flinch, closing my eyes.. When i peaked i saw the fish, on the slap..

"Okay now you.." Albert looked in my direction expectantly.

"I… Don't know that i can." I said looking at the fish still wriggling in my hands.

"Well right now your suffocating it, so either put it out of its misery or go to bed hungry your choice…." Albert crossed his arms looking rather annoyed with me…

Biting my lip, i weighed my options, until i started to hear my stomach growl. That intense work out he had put me through was starting to take its toll and i haven't eaten any thing in the past 18 hours…. My stomach growled once more… clinching my teeth I closed my eyes and lifted the fish up and with a hard smack! The sound of the impact, the splatter that fallowed, was chilling, and I felt a pang of sorrow as I saw the once lively fish now lay limp in my hand. I took a deep breath, trying to come to terms with what I had done. It was a moment of somber clarity… I did not enjoy this one bit.

I never really had an issue with eating meat, and i dont think i ever will, but taking the life myself is a bit gut wrenching… Honestly there were times i thought about becoming a vegetarian, no not vegan, but i always rationalised. 'They're dead any ways, if i dont eat them, they'll be tossed out and their death would of been for nothing.' I still hold these feelings.

However... This feels different very off... Its hard to explain, needless to say i hope it doesn't become routine