Magic Sword

Ray Chapter 2

Its been a day since we left the capital for the Deathly Forest. We've managed to reach its outskirts just as the sun sinks and the sky dims.

Ive never marched all day before... My feet really hurt.

Despite my sword training,  I realize I've still got much to improve.

My fight with Arthur really drove home the point. I lack experience.

Ray: "Stop spacing out and help set up the camp."

Sara: "R-right. What should I do?"

Ray: "Cant you think for yourself? At least try to be useful."

Sara: "Sorry, its just always been done for me."

Ethan: "You are the princess, Sara. Of course you wouldn't set up a camp. Please."

Ray: "I told you, out here she's not a princess. Sara, can you cook at all?"

Sara: "If you name me a dish, then I can make dinner."

Estel: "Sara, you can cook?"

Sara: "I learned a bit from my mother, who loves to. The food was in this pack, yes?"

Ray: "Yeah. Ethan, you go get water from the river. Estel, you find firewood."

Ethan: "And what are you doing, Ray?"

Ray: "We must protect Sara, correct? Ill guard her."

Estel: "That sounds like a fancy way of saying 'sit on my butt'. Wouldn't a knight like Ethan be more suited to guarding?"

Ethan: "Yeah, he's right. I shall guard Sara. You go fetch water, Ray."

Ray: "She's making our food. Can you keep her from screwing it up?"

Ethan: "What?"

Sara: "Uh, Ray?"

Ray: "I have some food knowledge. Do either of you?"

Ethan: "Not in the slightest..."

Estel: "Not to speak of. Nor any particular affection for food."

Ray: "Which means if Clumsy screws up, Im the only one who can save us all. So I should stay. Unless you're dying for a gastronomical adventure as well."

Ethan and Estel look at each other and swallow hard.

Ethan: "We have a long ways to go. Good, fortifying food is important."

Estel: "Im not fond of many human dishes... Caution would be wise."

Sara: "...Do you really thing Id be that bad at cooking?"

Maybe im not as practiced as other girls, but I can do some things.

Ethan and Estel wave their hands exaggeratedly at this.