#~{ Prideful Dexterity }~ (Thief Shikane)

[grey-arage]

Winterfest Drabble 2

(( here’s the rest of it i guess lol ))

Sage had found the company he’d been looking for to give to Amund, it’d taken a little longer than he would’ve liked it to but he knew he wouldn’t be late finding the party. He always came across them when he needed to. He’d left the little critter in Haven Hollow, he knew it’d wait there. It would be safe from getting a face put on it by Lord and from the much larger monstrous forms of the creature.

Now he was looking for a different kind of company, one of the teams Lucas’ party would’ve divided themselves into to travel. Usually they broke up into fours (or a five, considering their now odd numbers) since keeping an entire group of 13 together was difficult, to say the least. Especially considering the... interesting people that made up that party.

There’d be three groups making their way to the nearest inn but Sage didn’t mind which team he stumbled across, he knew he’d find the right one. He always seemed to be where he needed to when he needed to. It was a weird talent he had, one he had no explanation for, at least from a magical standpoint.

Trekking through the wastes of Karkaton made him wish his coat was thinner, but he couldn’t stand to take it off. The thick material gave it a good weight, and it being slightly heavy was something he enjoyed. Admittedly, he enjoyed it a little less when he was baking in the heat, but it wasn’t like it’d be lighter with it off.

The monsters in this area generally stuck away from him, he’d helped Lucas and some of his friends get through this part of the volcano and during that he’d only shown part of his strength, however it’d been enough to discourage the creatures from attempting to take him down. That, and he often had to walk to the castle to collect Arage.

It also seemed like they were avoiding the small camp up ahead, more than likely because Cindah was there. He wasn’t entirely sure why the monsters laid off her, but they did. Maybe they’d seen how fierce she could be? That was what made most sense to him... he waved to the group as he approached, spotting Sentry, Ferrous and Sicily with her. Admittedly, seeing Sentry without Shikane was a surprise, but he shouldn’t expect they spent every moment together...

“Ey, Sage, whatcha need? Ye only rear yer head wit’ us when shite’s boutta go tits up.” She chuckled. “Aye’m jokin, b’fore ye start worryin. Come si’down. We got sum goblin ‘ams earlier, I’m makin the shits edible.” She had her frying pan on a support stand over their campfire, filled with cubes of the meat.

Sage gave a quiet laugh as he approached. “That sounds good, and don’t worry, nothing’s going wrong as of now. I was actually thinking of inviting any of you who wish to come with me to a Christmas party I’m attending tomorrow.”

Cindah’s eyes positively lit up for a second before she remembered something. “Aye fuck, I’d love tae come but I gotta go see mah brother, ye know how it is. Lemme know how it is, aye?”

Sicily then piped up with a beaming smile. “I want to go! Cindah told us about that crazy halloween party, is it gonna be like that? If it is I wanna go!!” Her pink tail swished behind her excitedly, jingling the bell tied to it.

“It won’t be the exact same, I don’t think, but it should be quite similar.” Sage certainly hoped it wouldn’t be the same as that mess... the last one hadn’t been that way, so he had high hopes for this one. From what he could tell that first party had been... unique, in the sense that it was so hostile.

Ferrous, however, didn’t seem to be convinced. “If you’re going, then Arage will be, and if he is I don’t expect the Dark Lord to be far behind. I’m sorry, Sicily, but I’m not letting you anywhere near him. Even if it is for a party.” He crossed his arms, scowling as he spoke about Lord.

“Calm down, Ferrous. If Sage is there I don’t think you need to worry about her getting hurt. And if it’s a party there’s going to be other people there, it’s not like they’re all going to be like him.” Sentry spoke up from where he was laid against a rock, his sword stabbed into the earth beside him.

The scientist found it hard to argue that logic, if it was some kind of party it implied there was other people there, and he couldn’t imagine them all being the same caliber of person as the Dark Lord was... “I understand what you’re saying, but I don’t feel safe letting Sicily go off without me if that vile man has a chance to be anywhere near her.” Ferrous frowned. “I’m sorry, but you can’t go.”

The girl’s fluffy ears folded down against her head and her tail began to droop. “What? Why not? It’d be safe! Please?” Her pleading didn’t seem to be getting her much of anywhere, however, as Ferrous shook his head once more. “If Lord is there it’s not going to be safe. Especially not if you’re alone.”

“She doesn’t have to be alone.” Sentry once more cutting in. “Why don’t you go with her, hm? Then you can make sure she stays safe and you can keep an eye on Lord if his presence bugs you that much. It’s not like he’d be able to beat you three in a fight, but I’m pretty sure he knows that anyway.”

Ferrous turned to Paul. “Would that be okay? I don’t wish to impose on anyone...” He was concerned that having not just one but two extra guests might be an issue for the hosts. However Paul simply shook his head in response. “I don’t think it’d be a problem, no. From what I can tell the venue is quite extensive, there’d be plenty of space for you both.”

An excited squeal escaped Sicily. “Does that mean we can go? Can we? Please?!” She inched closer and closer to her father figure as he mused on the idea, looking away to think before sighing slightly, he could hardly say no at this point... “Fine, but you have to promise to stay in my sight, or at least tell me where you’re going if you go anywhere without me.”

“Of course, of course!! Thanks so much dad!!” She beamed and began to purr, hugging him tightly. Ferrous was still apprehensive about attending this party, but with Sage there he was sure it’d be fine in the end. It always had been. “You’re welcome, Sicily. So, when do we need to be ready for this party?” Again he faced Sage.

“Well, I was actually on my way to Lord’s castle so I can pick up him and Arage and we can make our portal there. Don’t worry, he won’t attack you with Arage there.” He reassured him, father to father. Ferrous nodded slowly. “If you insist it’s safe then I’ll take you word for it.”

But.. there was one thing he needed to make certain of before they left, he glanced back to Cindah and Sentry. “Do you think you’ll be okay without us?” He was concerned about how the lone pair would handle being in such a volatile environment without a full team.

Cindah nodded, giving a thumbs up and wide smile. “Dinnae ye go underestimatin’ us, ye geezer. We been handlin monsters before ye were, we could take ‘em then we can take em now.” Sentry also nodded, once and firmly. “Exactly, you don’t need to father us, Ferrous. We’ll be fine.”

They all chuckled, Ferrous did essentially fill the role of the party’s father. “Well... if you’re sure..” He did his best to cast his anxieties aside. They were right, those two were strong and him and his daughter were with Paul. They were all safe. “We best be off, then. Lead the way, Great Sage.”

“You don’t need to call me that, Ferrous... but- alright, this way.” He couldn’t help being flustered, gesturing the direction of the castle before beginning the trek to the peak of the volcano, and to the castle that sat on top. It wouldn’t be all too long before they arrived, and then they’d be able to enjoy Winterfest together.

Even though he’d been so anxious the day before he found himself getting excited about the party. Yes, he was sure it was going to be good fun, even for him. His pace quickened, he couldn’t wait for the party to start.