Dawn of Adventure {Book One of The Paths We've Traveled}

Chapter Twenty-Five: Sharing the Truth

"Here we go," Gray muttered as he helped Wendy slide onto an armchair by the fire, her arm slipping from his waist as she sighed happily.

"Thank you Gray," she said, leaning back against the plush cushions. Her rosy skin glowed in the firelight, dark blue hair hanging loose against her shoulders and back. Even just an hour after receiving the herb in the form of a tonic, Wendy was already looking better than she had in months. She took a deep breath, enjoying the recovered ability to do so.

Erza smiled at the girl, taking in her healthy appearance. While she might not have the heightened senses the Dragon Slayers shared, she had a feeling that the next time Natsu looked at Wendy, he would see that she was as vibrant as the two lords of the manor, unlike everyone else who were drab and lackluster. At least, according to him.

Evia settled herself in another chair across from Wendy, keeping a close eye on her. Although she looked healthy and happy, it was hard for Evia to wrap her mind around the idea that an herb truly possessed the ability to heal anyone, no matter how severe their illness. If only she had known when Dorothea was sick...

Mak hovered in the background, not sure of where he should position himself. He knew there was something weird going on. He knew that even before he left just based on the cryptic phrases and the sentences and names that made no sense to him. But when he returned with dinner just ten minutes ago, Lady Scarlet had decreed that they would all move to the living room to eat and tell Evia and Mak everything they wanted to know. So now everyone else sat around the trays he had carried up here while he stood near the wall, feeling awkward and out of place.

"Mak, come and sit down." Erza patted the seat next to her, her gentle smile turning on the guard. He shifted slightly, shaking his head.

"It's alright my Lady. It's not right."

Her gaze quickly shifted from warm to stony. "It wasn't an offer. Come here. We have a lot to discuss."

Gray chuckled quietly at the expression of fear that crossed Mak's face before vanishing just as fast. It was always enjoyable to see what Erza could do to others with just a look or a few words. As long as she wasn't doing it to him.

With a few cautious steps, Mak crossed the room and slowed lowered himself onto the couch, eyes watching the terrifying woman only a foot or so away. It did confuse him slightly as to why her husband was across the room with their niece, but he had learned long ago that he shouldn't expect anything to be normal around these nobles.

Gray sat on the last remaining couch, close enough to Wendy that he could help her if she needed it but still far away enough as not to crowd her. Just simply walking from her room to this chair had made her happy beyond his imagination, and he still didn't quite understand her joy at simply being able to walk around. Then again, he hadn't been the one bedridden for weeks. He likely would have gone insane after only a few days of lying around. He was honestly a little surprised she hadn't.

"So," Evia began, linking her fingers in her lap. Everyone's attention turned towards her, Wendy's gaze darting briefly to Natsu's closed door before returning to the healer, sending Gray a brief smile beforehand to assure him that their friends were doing fine.

"So," Erza repeated, smoothing her grey dress out across her legs. "Where should we begin?"

"Um, could you perhaps tell me what is going on?" Erza glanced at the guard sitting by her side, his face hidden by strands of loose purple hair. "I don't want to assume anything but... there's obviously something going on that I'm missing."

Gray chuckled. "There's a shit ton going on that you're unaware of, dude. It's just how do we even start to tell you everything?"

"Maybe with our names?" Wendy offered quietly, tired and yet full of energy. Whatever that last tonic had been had certainly done the trick, and now her muscles seemed full of energy she had lacked for months. Gray and Evia had told her everything they knew: Lucy had gone out in search of an herb that was supposedly to heal any illness, and now Natsu was keeping her warm while that same herb cured Wendy and allowed her to be sitting here in the living room. Wendy wanted to feel guilty for all of the trouble Lucy had gone through just to help her, yet the only feeling the Sky Maiden could comprehend was overwhelming relief. Although she made sure to remind herself to thank Lucy profusely once the blonde woke up.