Forever Yours

Two

 Elle held two books in her hands as she made her way back to Ryn with a bright grin. Ryn raised an eyebrow and glanced at the books. "Two?"

Without her grin wavering, Elle exclaimed, "Yeah! It's buy one get one half off!!"

Ryn gently took the books from Elle and looked at both of them. One was an advanced medicine guide book that taught the reader how to create potions and elixirs with both common and uncommon herbs and monster drops. That was the book Elle had been wanting. Ryn then looked at the other book and found it was a magic healing technique book for beginners. Elle had been making various potions for Ryn for over a year now and wanted to learn more, so the first book was understandable. Ryn held the healing book up and looked questioningly at Elle. "I didn't know you were interested in magic."

"I want to be more useful," Elle spoke, lightly biting her lower lip, looking up with her big eyes. "I want to be with you and help you out more." She stared into Ryn's eyes.

Ryn frowned and asked, "Do you think you're useless?"

Elle fiddled with her fingers for a little before she quietly answered, "I just don't want to be a burden on you..." Elle was clingy, that was a fact, but Ryn never once thought of her as a burden. Despite that, Elle still couldn't help but feel as though there was more she could do for Ryn. In Elle's eyes, Ryn was a cool and strong woman who could handle anything. She'd looked up to Ryn ever since they were kids, but she never wanted to be like Ryn. If anything, she wanted to be in Ryn's life forever to support her and help her grow even more. For Elle, as long as she could be by Ryn's side, she was happy.

Ryn lightly tapped Elle's head with the healing technique book. "Don't ever think you're a burden, Peanut," she lightly scolded. Elle's cheeks warmed at that and she couldn't help but look away from Ryn's strong gaze with a shy smile. She took Elle's books to the shop owner and bought them both.

They headed to the guild after leaving the bookstore.

"It's Miss Ryn and Little Elle!" announced the older woman at the front desk with a soft smile.

"I'm not little," Elle grumbled. The woman laughed lightly and apologized. She couldn't help it. Elle was known as Little Elle by many of the elderly around town because most of them have known her since she was a child. Plus the fact that she often followed Ryn like a puppy as a child and even now that she's 18.

Ryn gave a gentle smile watching this scene unfold. Elle was next to her with her cheeks puffed out and arms crossed. Despite her age, she still often acted like a child. The woman rushed to the back to grab something. She came back with a basket and pulled the cloth off. "I baked these a few hours ago. Take one, both of you," she urged.

With that, all was forgiven and forgotten. Elle's angry eyes were replaced with a sparkle as she reached out for a muffin. The woman held the basket toward Ryn, to which Ryn politely refused. Elle took this chance to snatch another and spoke with her mouth full, "I'll take it!" Yep. Just like a child. Ryn couldn't help but let out a small giggle.

Ryn quickly recomposed herself before lightly slapping the back of Elle's head. "Don't talk with your mouth full and thank Mrs. Mara."

Elle swallowed the remaining food in her mouth then spoke with a big smile, "Thank you, Mrs. Mara! Your muffins are delicious as always!"

Ryn smiled at Elle then turned her attention back to Mrs. Mara. "I've come to sell these beast hornet wings and stingers. I also finished the job from Riko Village." Ryn passed the bag of monster parts to the older woman who took it and looked through the contents before nodding. "Good work, Miss Ryn. Here's your payment." She passed Ryn two silver coins.