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Prince Dream Rose
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“Sir Terrorscale, I trust the mounting has no flaws? Will it be to your wife’s liking?”
“That name.” The Lizard paladin straightens up. “That’s my name, isn’t it?”
“Yes. Jekesson Terrorscale. Have I confused you for another client? My apologies- I so rarely see lizardfolk paladins, I could easily have confused you for another-“
“I know that name.”
The air shifts around the lizard paladin. It grows warmer, heavier, softer. I smell oak and moss, mushrooms and soil, the dampness and warmth of a freshly dug den. And something else, too: the faintest hint of cinnamon.
It’s home.
“Whoa.” Landi settles down on a nearby barrel. “Nostalgia trip. Gimme a sec.”
I wonder what she’s feeling. Wine? Pixie stix? The scent of a long-lost mate? Maybe I’ll ask her later. Whatever it is, it’s knocked her stone cold sober.
“Sir Terrorscale? Is everything all right?”
“Everything is fine. Thank you, Elias. Mai will wear it with pride.”
“I am happy to be of service. Safe travels home, sir.”
“You are too kind.”
Jekesson turns to look at me, and I don’t know what to do other than look sorry, because it’s what I’m really feeling. He doesn’t even look mad at me. He’s nice, and forgiving, and he didn’t deserve what I did to him.
“I couldn’t see it before, Dotti, but now it’s clear to me.” Jekesson kneels down and looks me in the eye. “Kindness is a rare, special thing for you, isn’t it?”
I look down.
“There is so much good hidden within all our hearts, Dotti. If only you could see it.”
No. Petra is the only 100% good person I’ve ever met. No one can be like her. Not even Jekesson.
I gasp. Wait! If he’s got his memory back, then I’ve helped him! I should have my magic back! I hold out my paw and reach for the burning anger within.
Nothing.
Nothing?!
Well, then… I look Jekesson in the eye, RIGHT in the eye, and order him to scratch me behind the ears!
Still nothing.
I’m drained. My mana’s gone. I’m a burned-out husk. I’m empty inside. I’ll be stuck like this forever. Black, endless despair fills my body, weighing me down like tar on my fur. But suddenly, it’s washed away by a hand on my shoulder.
“I’m sorry you’re in so much pain.” Jekesson says. “I don’t know how to help. I don’t know if your wounds will heal. But where there is life, there is hope. Never give up on life, Dotti. You never have. Don’t start now.”
I’m not gonna cry I’m not gonna cry I’m not gonna cry…
I succeed in not crying as we walk back to the guild. Landi recovers herself a few minutes into the walk.
“Hey, Dots,” Landi says. “I’m, like, super sure you shattered lizard guy’s memories on purpose, but I can’t figure out why you’d bring this lizard guy back if you did. So… third favor time.”
Uh-oh.
“Nod is yes, head shake is no. Answer truthfully: do you regret whatever you did to Jekesson?”
I nod.
“Well, shit.” Landi blows air through her nose. “You’re a fuckin’ weird fox spirit, Dotti.”
I nod.
I try to make fire again, and again and again as we walk back. Dusk falls, we’re back at the guild, and I’ve totally, completely failed. Still no magic. I’m tired and hungry.
Serah’s waiting for us back at the guild with a plate of leg-of-lamb.
I give her a big hug.
Maybe today wasn’t so bad after all.
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