OatSW: Short Stories

Bonds (Chapter 1): Reunions

A calm breeze blew through the trees of Niwen, the sun shining through the speckled clouds above. It was the afternoon, and the people were just going about their everyday business, the adults conversing with one another, the young moki chasing each other around, and others resting in their homes. Ori had just gotten back from having quite a long chat with Seir. They mainly talked about trivial things, the health of the land, how their days had been, things like that. However, Seir made a point to stop part way through and sincerely apologize to Ori, mainly for lying to him about everyone's state of being when he sacrificed himself. Being the kind kid he was, Ori held the golden orb close to him, accepting his apology sincerely before continuing their conversation.

Now back home, Ori stretched his arms to the skies, giving a quiet groan from exerting himself. He was happy to be here, back in his body, in this forest with the people he cherishes. However, Ori never really had the chance to properly reunite with his old acquaintances, the people who helped him through the struggles Ori faced on his mission here. But he was determined to remedy that. Before the spirit left for the day, Ori told Naru that he would be out for quite a while today, which she allowed, stipulating that he come home before dinner time. With that agreement, the rest of the day would be dedicated to reuniting with his old friends in Niwen.

However, he had a hard time knowing where to start. He knew he couldn't get to everyone today, as some lived far away from the Wellspring Glades while others were constantly roaming around the forest, never staying in usual locations. On top of that, he knew there were people he couldn't see, namely... Shriek.

But he knew he couldn't see Shriek, at least not yet. It would be dangerous, going to see the one who attempted to murder both him and his sister. However, Ori knows that Shriek is a wounded soul, a being who was born and lived alone, without the warmth of company, without the opportunity to care and be cared for. Ori knew that, eventually, there would be a time to see her, a point where their confrontations were nothing more than distant memories. When that time comes, he will try his best to heal the soul of Shriek. He wasn't sure how he would do that, but he was determined nonetheless.

The blue spirit quickly repressed those thoughts and focused on today's objective. He strolled around the Wellspring Glades, thinking of who he wanted to visit first. He's already met Grom many times since his resurrection, so he wasn't worried about not paying him a visit. Plus, the Gorlek was probably out working on something, so he didn't want to be a bother. His next thought was to travel to the Wellspring, the giant water tower where he believed a white-furred monkey would be waiting.

But as his mind wandered, Ori noticed a familiar figure close by, a slightly plump beaver with white and green fur, working inside a pen he created. With his objective changed, the spirit skipped over to the plot and peeked over the fence to see the gardening beaver working. He wore a light wooden ornament on his head and carried a stone hoe in his hand, which he used to cultivate the soil appropriately for the seeds to grow. Examining the plot, Ori saw all sorts of flowers planted, vibrant roses, sparkly dandelions, and many flowers that Ori didn't know the names of, but he admired them all the same.

"Tuley!" Ori piped up cheerfully.

"Oh?" The beaver spoke, peering behind him to see the perky spirit, hanging onto the fence and watching him work. He let out a soft chuckle and slowly stood up, wiped his hands clean of dirt, and adjusted his wooden garment before walking to greet the young one.

"Hello, Ori," Tuley smiled, gently patting his head. "How are you?"

"I'm good," Ori smiled back. "How about you?"

"I'm... alright," Tuley nodded, rubbing a minor pain on his back. "What brings you over here? Do you need some help?"

"I was just coming to see you! I haven't gotten the chance to see you since I... sacrificed myself. I wanted to come sooner, I really did, but I... I was a little busy, so... sorry."