Douce Dépendouce

Chapter 8

- Warning - 

• The following chapter contains mature language that some may be uncomfortable with. Read at your own risk •

As I helped one of the riders undo their girth, I thought back about the day. When I had arrived, Maya had been there to greet me. It was good to see her again, and to hang out with her. We had talked about the latest updates at the stable, and the plans for the holidays. I had ended up telling her about our situation with Pandora, along with our plan. She herself thought it was a big risk, and wished me and the others best of luck. I appreciated her kindness and had spent the rest of the day helping with tacking up and riding lessons. Overall, for such late in the year and at one the coldest times, it had been pleasantly enjoyable. Despite having to go through numerous hand warmers and taking small breaks to go warm up, it had been a fun day. Now near the end of the day, I finished with the last few riders and soon helped them put away their horses. After I did that, I got a reminder about the Druid meeting that we would be having. Before I left, Maya thanked me for my help and promised to tell me what they were gonna do tomorrow. I left with a small wave and to her wishing me well once more before I worked my way towards the bus, heading towards Valedale.

Once I stepped off as I arrived at Valedale Village, I headed my way past Elizabeth's house and up into the Stone Circle. I did the routine of entering the portal quickly as the temperature dropped lower and lower, soon taking me to warmth as I stepped into Fripps lair.

I took a seat next to Alex as we all gathered round, Linda soon showing and telling Avalon what we had gotten. He seemed pleased, but the sense of worry in his voice was definitely visible.

"You need to relax, we've done this before," Linda spoke, pulling back my attention.

"Yes, but nothing like this before," he said. "All I want is for you all to be safe, and to come back. It's a dangerous task and without Elizabeth here to guide you, it's hard to send you out alone."

"You know we're capable, we wouldn't be doing this otherwise," Alex cut in.

Avalon sighed, taking a minute. "You all know the risks of Pandora, and I don't want any of you to get trapped there. I want this to be as quick as we can; I don't want any of you to risk getting the illness," he started. "I trust you all, but it's just something that can lead to either good, or bad."

We all gave him a small nod, knowing how he was already overthinking it.

"You and Anne will be here once we get back," I said. "We'll be out as quick as we can, we promise."

"But you can't be quick," he replied. "If you don't do it right, something could happen that could lead to anything. What if the portal shuts?"

I sighed, knowing that he had a point.

"Look, if you didn't think we could do it you wouldn't have approved it by Linda when she told you," Alex said. "Plus, we never would have gone to Pandora in the first place if we werent ready."

"That was for Anne, slightly different," Avalon responded.

Alex huffed. "You know what I mean though, you just don't want to say it."

It was quiet for a few minutes, leaving the air filled with tension. I looked around, seeing everyone looking at Avalon, in a way of waiting for response. I looked at Anne, seeing her look us over, and then to Avalon, soon seeing him sigh.

"Alright, I understand. Just do what you're gonna do and nothing else, stick to the plane and be quick, I want you all out of there as soon as you can," he said, a slight smile on Lindas face as he did so.