Douce Dépendouce

Chapter 19

— Warning —
• This story contains mature language that some may be uncomfortable with. Read at your own risk• 

When I had finally reached the Druid Paddock I was the first to arrive. I had deceived to come myself at least ten minutes early to try and prepare myself for what had to be done. I halted Hu at the entrance of the paddock and sighed as I zipped my coat up. The night was starting to feel longer and the cold was sharp as I longed for the warmth back home. I knew this wasn't ideal as Alex seemed just as thrilled as I did about the whole aspect itself, which in a way made me feel somewhat secure. I broke away from my thoughts when I felt Hu let out a breath, the sense of fatigue and low energy clear as I felt a small pang of guilt at the thought of making him work. I gave him a pat on the neck and rolled down my stirrups as I looked for a place to mount, leaving the logs out of the options at the look of ice on them. I sighed, adjusting the one on the other side before I simply stood there, waiting for Alex to show. I was more than capable of doing them myself, but the thought of not knowing what I even have to do put me on edge.

Just as I was about to text her I heard the sound of footsteps. I looked up as I saw Alex emerge from the path, her hands jammed into her one of many layered jackets as her eyes found mine.

"Eager are we?" She called out, now standing in front of me. "You're early."

I grimaced. "I had to prepare myself to say the least."

She smirked, her eyes looking around as she let out a breath. "Before you ask, I don't know where the ringmaster has gone, I wouldn't be surprised if he's here already."

By the way she said it made me slightly fear of what she would say when he actually showed. I ignored her comment and gathered my reins up as I put them over Hu's head, alining myself with him as I lifted up my left knee, turning to Alex. She caught onto what I was doing and walked over towards me, bending down holding my knee and ankle.

"On three," she said, adjusting her grip.

I nodded, hearing her count down and soon pushing me up as I jumped up, swinging my leg over as she supported my over leg, soon my body in the saddle. As I looked up, I immediately saw Ydris standing there, arms crossed over his chest as he looked at us, amused by our expressions.

"Do you always have to sneak up on us?" Alex asked, her tone cold as she dusted off her hands and walked towards him.

He simply looked at her, not giving her a response as his smirk turned into a sly grin once I found my stirrups, watching as Alex pulled out her phone.

I gathered up my reins and simply watched her, the phone screen lighting up her face which revealed a joyful grin on her lips which made me swallow.

"Alright," she spoke, looking at me with playful eyes. "Your first mission is to help the horse with Pandoric energy."

"You're kidding?" I replied, hoping she was just saying that.

She shook her head. "Nope, it's what Avalon chose for you."

I sighed. "Of course he did," I mumbled, remembering how much I had told him I despised doing that mission. "Atleast where is the mission?"

"Here in Valedale," Alex responded.

I sucked in a breath of relief, seeing her then turn to Ydris as his eyes locked onto mine.

"Seems a bit odd that out of all the missions this is the one that is chosen," she said to him, making Ydris turn to look at her.

"I thought you said the Druids chose it, I simply arrived here did I not?" He asked, Alex's face getting narrow. "A bit out there for you to start assuming that I have something to do with it."