Legend of Mautau: Angelorum Lux

Ch 19: Homecoming

           Tuesday May 22, 520NA. Having spent one night in the airship after landing in the Alcedon Forest, the group set out for Aerennis, and as they passed through the forest, Amy found herself a new friend. Lifting the squirrel-sized frogpole up next to Scott’s face as they walked out of the woods towards Aerennis, Amy said, “Isn’t he cute?!” Busy carrying one end of the makeshift stretcher they had crafted from bed sheets to transport Grey to town, he glanced over at the frogpole as it gazed at him with its soulful yet bulbous eyes and croaked. Halfheartedly, Scott replied, “Uh, yeah Amy he’s adorable…” Carrying the other end of the stretcher, Alexander said, “Amy, we’re all overjoyed you found yourself a new pet, but please try not to distract Scott. He is, after all, somewhat busy at the moment.” Sticking her tongue out at Alexander, she placed her frogpole on her shoulder, where he stuck himself to her red t-shirt and sat there happily. Schmitt laughed and said, “I like the lil fella too. He’s real friendly, and he’s got a nice complexion going on with that light-green skin of his. Goes good with those cute yellow eyes.” Seeming displeased by the acquisition of the frogpole, Serius replied, “He may be friendly now, but he is only a baby… Frogpoles are monsters after all, and while they are not man-eaters, they can become very territorial. It seems to have imprinted on you, believing you’re its mother, but I do not see the attraction in keeping such a creature as a pet…” Schmitt suddenly pointed at the frogpole and exclaimed, “Oh look, he’s waggin his lil tail! He must really be happy up there on your shoulder Amy! Serius come on now, how can you not see the appeal of this cute lil thing?” Serius let out a sigh as they continued onward to Aerennis.

           Entering the village’s south gate, Amy walked along the stone pathway. The village was all so strangely familiar, she could tell it hadn’t changed very much. At the same time it was so different from Celestis or Abnoct, so rural and calm. Aerennis was known for the farms and ranches that were one of the world’s biggest source of produce and livestock, but the village itself had always been Amy’s favorite part. For while it was known for farms and ranches, it was also known for the beautiful flowers that grew around the city, as well as within it in yards, window box planters, upon the branches of trees or on vines stretching across buildings, they even crept up through the edges of the stone lined streets. The houses and buildings, while obviously sturdy and practical, were so different from the modern and sleek structures of Celestis that had always made their old apartment building stick out like a sore thumb. Small wooden fences wrapped around the yards of houses that had one, many looking old and in need of repairs. There were few hover cars in this village, and instead everyone walked from place to place, or if needed rode in horse drawn wagons or carriages. They were getting quite a few stares from the villagers they passed as they walked north up the path towards the square. Walking into the square, Amy could see the many stalls set up to display the products for sale, vendors calling out to the passing townspeople to advertise their vegetables, fruits, meats, bouquets of Aerennis’ many varieties of flowers, and other goods.

           Suddenly a vendor called out, “Well I’ll be! Scott is that you?!” Scott turned in the direction of the voice, and as he laid his eyes upon a thin, brown haired, brown eyed man who looked in his early forties who was waving and beaming at him, he exclaimed “Hey! It’s Bert, my old neighbor!” Pulling Alexander somewhat in his eagerness, Scott moved over to Bert’s stall, the others following after him as he said, “Hey! Bert, how’ve you been?” Bert laughed and said, “Well it looks like I been doin better than you, Mr. Thunderfury Energist! You get outta a year long coma and now you show up looking all roughed up! The Special Forces been working you hard, eh?” It was true. Scott uniform, along with Alexander, Serius, and Grey’s clothes as well, were stained with dirt and blood from their recent battle. Bert, looking over at Grey for the first time, went on to say, “Hey, just what’s up with him? He ain’t dead is he? Say, that kid…” Sudden realization dawning on his face, he continued, “By the stars, isn’t that the Greyson boy?!” Worried that someone would overhear and turn this into a scene, Alexander quickly said, “Yes Bert, but please keep your voice down. We need to get him somewhere to rest, so we’re on our way up to the town hall to see the Governor.”