The Demon King's Paladin

Chapter 55. Teasing And Blessing

The walk away from the field reminded me of the fact I forgot to meditate today. I suppose we were all preoccupied thinking of Crest. Not even Warrick said anything. He must have been even sadder than he let on. Noticing that the sun wasn't leaving the sky anytime soon, I decided to go and try my hand at meditation. My time meditating for the past few weeks has been a complete failure, I haven't progressed since meeting Lily. Anna and I bid our farewells and began the decently long walk to the meditation field anyways. On the way, Anna stealthily hugged my arm and grabbed my hand when the coast was clear. After we were a good distance away from everyone, Anna started to speak with a serious tone instead of the playful voice she usually had when we were alone or with friends. 

" Master, are you truly not mad at me for not being able to land my spell?"

I was surprised by Anna's question. I realized this was a very important topic to her, but I already told her what I thought about it. So, I decided to tease her slightly. I answered while feigning being hurt.

" Did you think I lied when I said it was fine before? Don't you trust me, Anna?"

The look on her face changed from serious to panicked in an instant. She started to trip over her own words while replying to me.

" N-n-n No John, I trust you!"

She was so panicked she used my name this time. She had such a desperate look on her face that I couldn't help but laugh. Once she noticed my laughing, she started to pout as we walked. I answered after catching my breath and calming myself.

" Sorry Anna, I just couldn't help myself, but in all seriousness, No I'm not mad at you. Like I stated before, you did everything I could have asked for and you did it perfectly. If it was anyone else besides Warrick and Aqua it would have been the end of the fight. So, no more doubting yourself! Otherwise, I'll have to tease you even more."

Anna listened to what I said, and it seemed to bring her mood back up a bit. The pout on her face stayed, however. She spoke to me in a quiet tone not long after.

" Master is a meanie."

" Only to the people I care about."

I replied with a wink and a squeeze of her hand. Anna blushed; it was a pleasant walk. We walked to the field without much of a problem. When we first separated, I thought Anna would want to stay separated, but when the coast was clear, she reclaimed her position with swift precision. Once we arrived at the field, I assumed my position for meditation and began to focus. My focus was interrupted immediately by Anna sitting next to me. I turn to see her acting like it was completely normal to sit next to me while meditating. I couldn't help but question her motives.

" Anna, what are you doing?"

Anna looked at me with an innocent smile and began to reply to me.

" As a Druid, I can enter a trance and speak to the Goddess that granted me their favor! I haven't talked much to her in a few months, she had asked me to speak to her today. I figured now would be a good time. I'm not disturbing you am I, Master?"

As I couldn't sense any feeling that she was trying to tease me, I decided to trust her. I replied with a smile.

" Sure, why not? I wouldn't mind if you meditated with me every day these past 2 months. I wish you would've told me about this, I would have made sure you had time every day to talk to your Goddess."

" Well, I wouldn't be able to speak to her every day in the first place Master. The Goddess of Nature has many followers. Because of this, it's more like waiting in a que to be called upon. When called upon, the Goddess tells you of a time she would like to meet, and you try to make that time."