Lazarus Peirsaly

3. From Discovery Comes Exploration

"How did you idiots let a civilian run past you?! Ten of you stationed here, and you let an unarmed girl get in and get herself injured?! If we can't even protect a single cave entrance, how do you expect us to protect the kingdom?!" I hear Synlie's voice grow louder, echoing throughout the cave.

"But Vice Captain, none of us left our posts! We would've seen someone walk in!

"Yeah, she couldn't have gotten in from here, we didn't see anything or hear any commotion! We've been stationed here for 6 hours now!"

The knights stationed at the entrance are arguing back. It's only a matter of time before my lie is found out... Time to make my move.

"Ah, Synlie, there you are! I was told by Aurorus that you'd give me a tour of the kingdom after she was done with me? Seeing how my memory is still fragmented, it would be nice to learn everything again in case I've forgotten! Oh, but I hope I'm not interrupting anything here..." In truth, I do hope I'm interrupting something. Everything, in fact.

"Miss Ansietria, I do hope you're feeling better. According to these knights, you didn't enter through here? Is that- Hey, what are you doing?!"

"I'm very sorry, Synlie! In truth, I do have a bit of claustrophobia, and I can't handle being in that cave for much longer!" I say as I grab her arm and begin dragging her away. Just need to make her forget about that conversation... Easier said than done.

"Well, I suppose it cannot be helped. But as I was say-"

"Oh my, what a beautiful world it is outside of that dreadful cave! This is quite the enchanting forest!" I let go of her as soon as I exit and begin playfully running around. It does honestly look quite good, but not enough to frolic around in. My pride hurts, having to run around like a child in order to distract her.

As I continue to slowly but surely lead her further away from the cave, I make a mental note of my surroundings. The entrance to the cave sits inside of a small hill, covered by vines and foliage. Being a forest, trees are abundant and block out most of the sun, only small rays spilling through. The air is amazing, I get tempted to just stop and take deep breaths to enjoy the freshness of it... But I already look crazy enough. I wouldn't want her to think I'm actually insane. A gentle breeze blows through occasionally, rustling the leaves and providing some solace from the heat of the sun. I stumble upon small ponds and rivers occasionally, making me jealous of the fish that get to live in such pristine places. Eventually, my poor stamina catches up with me and I'm forced to stop.

"Have you finally calmed down, Miss Ansietria? I thought it would be rude to interrupt you, so I let you have your fun. But if you've had enough, I suppose I could take you around some parts of the kingdom. I am free for a little as we put the finishing touches to our expedition." She smiles at me, though I can tell it's one you'd give out of kindness to avoid letting your true thoughts leak out.

"Yes, thank you very much. I was simply so excited to finally be above ground again to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery. I suppose I am in your care now and will follow your lead." I let out a sigh of relief, masking it as a little pant of exhaustion as I go by her side. It seems she isn't the smartest person... But simpletons are nice in their own way.

"Well then, right this way. Please stay close, you just recovered so if anything happens it would be best for me to be able to react as fast as possible." She rests a hand upon the hilt of her sheathed sword and begins leading me through the forest.

"I had planned to do that anyway." The walk is quite uneventful, only occasionally passing by the small animal. Interesting creatures, they are. Bunnies with two heads, a mix of a centipede with a raccoon, flying turtles... I wonder if these animals are edible? I'll have to check the menus of the restaurants.