Adventures in the Sacred Forest

Chapter 14: A Slime and a Dash of Humor

The journey had taken its toll on Almas and Creetan. As Seacra came to a stop and transformed back into her elvish form, the boys stumbled off the horse, their legs barely able to support them.

"I think... I might have left my legs behind," Creetan mumbled, trying to steady himself.

Ulec looked concerned. "You both need rest. We can't afford to push ourselves too hard."

Crusty whimpered softly, exhausted from chasing the a horse for hours on end. He curled up next to Almas, seeking comfort and warmth.

Ulec put down his shoulder bag, and as he opened it, Seacra let out a startled shriek. "What is that... thing?"

Almas chuckled sleepily. "Don't worry, Seacra. That's just Ulec's pet. It's called Metal."

Creetan's eyes widened as he saw the slime oozing out of the bag. "A pet? That... that thing is a pet?"

Almas nodded. "Yeah, it's a slime. Ulec found it in the forest."

Seacra still seemed uneasy. "It's so... slimy."

"Hey, Metal might not be the prettiest creature, but it's harmless if your a friend," Almas reassured her, stifling a yawn. "It's actually kind of helpful."

Seacra raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Helpful in what way?"

Ulec chimed in, defending his peculiar companion. "Metal can eat pretty much anything and has a knack for finding useful things in the forest. It's like having a walking scavenger with us. Not to mention the time it saved Almas from a forest dragon."

Forest Dragon, when did you encounter a forest dragon?" Creetan asked Almas right before realizing the answer, "Wait was that when you were lost in the forest?"

"Yep," Almas answered, that is where I met Ulec for the first time also.

Creetan still gave the slime a skeptical look but was too tired to argue. "I suppose it is okay to have around then, as long as it doesn't eat us in our sleep."

Almas chuckled again, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over him. "Trust me, Metal won't do that, unless you were made of metal since that is what it likes best to eat. It's loyal to Ulec."

Seacra found a spot as far away from Metal as possible and settled down to sleep. "Fine, but it's still gross."

With that, the three boys and Crusty quickly fell asleep, their bodies finally getting the rest they needed. Hours later, Seacra gently woke them up.

"Time to go," she said softly, looking at them with a mixture of concern and determination. "Ulec went on ahead. We need to catch up."

Almas and Creetan rubbed their eyes, still feeling the fatigue but knowing they couldn't delay any longer. They thanked Seacra for the rest and for being their guide.

Seacra smirked playfully. "Just don't expect me to carry you all the way."

Almas grinned, his humor returning despite his weariness. "Wouldn't dream of it."

With newfound energy, they set off once more, Seacra leading the way with her characteristic confidence.