Bob The Dragon Layer

Of Statues and Letting Go

As the sun dipped lower, casting a golden light over the village, Bob, Anyala, and Tarran prepared to leave. The villagers had begun to gather in small groups, speaking in hushed tones, still processing the strange events that had unfolded. Their faces, once blank and robotic, now showed signs of life—of hope, even—as they embraced one another, freed from the endless loop of their grief.

The older woman who had first approached them walked over, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you," she said softly, bowing her head. "We don't know how to repay you for what you've done. You've given us our lives back."

Bob smiled warmly, feeling a sense of relief that they had managed to save the village without causing permanent harm. "You don't have to repay us. Just... take care of each other."

Anyala, standing beside him, raised an eyebrow, her expression playful. "Actually," she said, her voice carrying a hint of mischief, "there is something you could do."

Bob and Tarran turned to her, both curious and a little apprehensive. When Anyala had that look in her eyes, it usually meant she was about to say something unexpected.

"You should build statues," Anyala continued, her tone light but with a feigned seriousness. "One of Bob, of course—your hero—and next to him, a giant reptile."

Bob blinked, caught off guard. "A... reptile?"

Tarran shot her a bemused look, crossing his arms. "A reptile? Why would they build a statue of a reptile?"

Anyala shrugged, her smile widening. "Why not? Reptiles are symbols of resilience, strength, and transformation. Plus, it would add a bit of flair to the village square, don't you think?"

The villagers, uncertain if she was serious or not, exchanged glances, clearly unsure how to respond. The old woman gave a polite smile, but it was clear the idea was lost on her.

Bob, on the other hand, just stared at Anyala for a moment before chuckling, shaking his head in disbelief. "You really like reptiles, don't you?"

"Maybe," Anyala replied, her smile turning playful. "I think they're fascinating."

Tarran, still shaking his head in amusement, muttered under his breath, "Statues of reptiles. What next?"

As they mounted their horses, preparing to leave, Bob couldn't help but think about her strange request. Anyala had a way of bringing light to even the darkest moments, and while her suggestion about the statues was clearly a joke, it stuck with him.

As they rode away from the village, Bob glanced at Anyala, who was smiling to herself as the wind rustled through her silver hair. A thought struck him—if she liked reptiles so much, maybe he could surprise her with something in the next village.

A plush toy, shaped like a reptile—it would be the perfect gift. A way to acknowledge her humor and show his appreciation for everything she had done for him. After all, she had saved the villagers' lives without hesitation and protected him from carrying the burden of guilt.

Bob smiled to himself, already imagining how she might react to the gift. It would be a small gesture, but one he knew she'd appreciate. After everything they'd been through together, he wanted to give something back—something that would make her smile.

The wind picked up around them as they continued west, carrying with it the weight of their next challenge. War loomed on the horizon, the Gleaming Scythe Empire still a threat that they would soon face. But for now, Bob felt a quiet sense of peace. They had saved a village from despair, freed it from the grip of the past.

As they disappeared into the distance, Bob couldn't help but look forward to their next stop, where he'd find the perfect plush reptile to surprise Anyala.

And maybe, just maybe, the village would consider adding that statue after all.