Chapter 27: Chapter 26

“Well, if it isn’t ranger Washington.” Torie’s guard Ethan called out, outstretching his hand.

“If not me, who?” Etrius asked, giving a firm handshake.

 

As usual, this handshake was less of a greeting and more of Ethan checking for hidden weapons in its sleeves. As for its usual weapons, Etrius only carried a knife and the kukri, leaving its longbow and arrows at home since too many people were uncomfortable with it. Truthfully Etrius wasn’t allowed to wear them as it had yet to officially start its job as a ranger, but habits were not so easily forgotten. Knowing the rules of the household, Etrius handed over its weapons. Once Ethan was satisfied, he opened the door and let it in.

 

“So, Washington, there's something I’ve been wondering.” Ethan said.

“I don’t get paid as much as you think.” Etrius said.

“That wasn’t what I was going to ask.” Ethan said. “Do you get asked that a lot?”

“A surprising amount of people want to be rangers, though when we tell them how much we get paid they ask why we do this.” It said.

“Is it not to serve the kingdom?” He asked.

“We just keep watch for poachers.” It said. “There are better ways to serve the kingdom.”

“Then why do you work with the rangers?” He asked.

"More out of convenience than anything." It said.

“Its great to hear that from someone that is protecting the kingdom.” He said.

“Why does everyone misunderstand what rangers do?” It asked.
“We all heard the stories about what rangers do, you aren’t fooling anyone.” He said.

“That sounds like communist propaganda.” It said.

“What’s a communist?” He asked.

“That's that one cult that annoys the witch hunters.”

“You mean that charity organization?”

“That's what they like to call themselves, yes.”

“Well, regardless, we all know how the rangers helped the kingdom in the past. Lets hope that they still can.”

“That sounds worrying. You planning something?”

“People say that the dark age may be ending given the local deer scare and news of what the witch hunters did in the capital.”

“People say many things.”

“Yeah, well your prayer robes aren’t helping that situation.”

“Would you rather I walk around looking like a wraith?”

“Why don’t you wear your uniform?”

“No real reason behind it. I just don’t want to.” Etrius shrugged.

“Are all rangers like you?” Ethan asked worried.

“Only the good ones.” It said.

 

Though not sounding very convincing, Etrius’ movement, or lack thereof, somehow convinced Ethan. Being led deeper inside, Etrius was brought to a room that it had only been in twice. It, of course, was Abby’s playroom. Entering without knocking, as usual, Etrius saw Torie and Abby sitting in one of the many heavily padded chairs. Not only that, but the two appeared to be sleeping. As for the maids in the room, Zen included, they looked as if they were wondering what to do. Torie, with all of her work, looked as if she really needed the rest, though waking her to move her to her bed seemed to be out of the question. Upon seeing Etrius however, an idea came to Zen.

 

“Ranger Washington.” Zen said with a moderately quiet voice. “Could we perhaps ask for your assistance?”

“With what exactly?” Etrius asked, though it seemed to already have an idea.

“Could you carry Lady Haywood to her room?” She asked.

“Okay.” It said.

“But gently.” She said.

“How did you expect me to carry her?” It asked.

“In some unflattering way.” She said.

“I had no plans of it.” It lied.

“Look me in the eyes and say that.” She said.

“I had no plans of doing that.” It said, doing just that.

“R-right…” She said avoiding eye contact.

 

Taking a step away from it, Zen allowed Etrius to pass to Torie. With little hesitation, Etrius carried her in its arms with Abby still peacefully sleeping in hers.

 

“Alright, where’s her room?” Etrius asked, already knowing the answer.

“Just down the hall. Follow me.” Zen said, leading the way.

 

Following, Etrius carefully carried Torie to her room. Though it was a relatively short walk, it was slow as Etrius was careful not to wake her. Though it wasn’t careful enough it would seem. Slowly stirring, Torie turned to face Etrius, though her eyes were still closed.

 

“Darling?” Torie asked.

 

Obviously, these people knew about their relationship, especially since they “have a kid” so there wasn’t a problem with her calling it “Darling”. Having said that, Etrius couldn’t help but be slightly disappointed in her lax attitude.

 

“I take it that you’ve had a lot of work recently?” Etrius asked.

“Ah, don’t remind me…” She said, resting her head against it.

“Just go ahead and take the rest of the day off and rest.” It said.

“My, you were meant be my rest today.” She said.

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“Lets leave that for another time.” It said.

“I would rather not… Though having said that, I do admit that I’m tired.” She smiled.

“That much is clear to see.” It said.

“Yes well, when the time comes, do take the initiative to come visit.” She said.

“Of course.” It said.

“And take care of Abby, she seems to be getting more energetic by the day.” She said.

“She is a growing girl.” It agreed.

“If you take her outside, be sure she has her blankets.” She said.

“Got it.” It said.

“And be sure that she is  property wearing socks so she doesn’t get a cold.” She added.

“Yes, I’ll make sure that she’s fine. She’ll have blankets, and socks, and whatever toy she desires.” It said.

“Yes of course.” She said. “Did the crib make it to you correct?”

“Yes, she’ll be plenty comfortable in it.” It said. “You have nothing to worry about.”

“That’s good…” She said. “Sorry for troubling you.”

“It’s no trouble at all.” It said.

“Yes, thank you Darling…” She said.

 

As she drifted off, Etrius placed her in the bed that the maids had prepared beforehand. With her comfortable in bed, Etrius picked up Abby who was convinced to latch onto Etrius’ clothing by brushing its sleeve onto her hands.

 

“Alright.” Etrius said, adjusting Abby in its arms. “I suppose I’ll take my leave.”

“Wait, you’re leaving just like that?” Ethan asked.

“Do you want me to stand here staring at her as she sleeps?” It asked. “Normally that’s frowned upon.”

“You’re not going to wait for her to wake up?” Zen asked.

“Why would I?” It asked. “I was going to pick up Abby, and here she is.”

“Yes but-” Zen started.

“Wouldn’t it be better for Abby to wake up in a familiar place?” Ethan asked.

“We’re no strangers and she’s been to my house before.” It said.

“…” The two were quiet.

 

Though they knew that there were plenty of reasons Etrius should stay until Torie awoke, they couldn’t seem to voice any of them. And, without anyone giving it any reason to stay, Etrius left without anyone attempting to stop it.

Leaving the house, Etrius took Abby home, making sure that she stayed warm. On its way back, they passed Decker’s storehouse, but he seemed to be off somewhere. After a short walk in the mostly empty streets, Etrius arrives at its house. With the Deacon greeting it, Etrius headed inside. The fireplace was already going, with the shadows keeping watch, so there was no danger of it dying or going out of control. With Abby in it’s arms and knowing that she may awake at any moment, Etrius got started on a small meal for her.

Smelling something fantastic, I noticed that something was odd. Firstly I was being held upright and the smell of the trees was stronger than normal. Taking a moment, I recognized the familiar hum of dad’s heart. Opening my eyes, I saw the familiar robe like clothing of dad. Looking up I saw her familiar face. It was a dull gray, angular plate with three slits on each side that hid an amber light behind it. It was- wait what? Blinking a few times I saw that it was… It was Dad!

 

“Good afternoon Abby.” Dad said.

“Dada!” I called out.

 

From the way that she was carrying me I was already hugging him, but I wanted to make sure that she knew. Responding to my efforts, he patted my head.

 

“I thought that you might be hungry, so I’m making a quick meal for you. If you’ll eat it that is.” Dad said.

“Ba!” I said. Of course I would eat it.

“Well it’ll just be a moment. Oh and its only us here, so you can take off the necklace if you want.”

“Ba!” I said.

 

Good! Though I have gotten used to it, I prefer being in my true form. Taking it off, I handed it to dad who placed it on the table. Stretching my previously hidden arms and tail, I shook my antenna as they were feeling a bit fuzzy. It was the same feeling as if I slept on my arm wrong. Luckily they returned to normal soon enough. With my mobility greatly increased, I climbed up Dad’s clothes and ended up hugging his head from behind as if I was riding her shoulders. To keep me from falling, I felt an arm support me.

Though now that I thought about it, that was odd. Dad was already using his hands to cook and clean off the table. She was also sharpening the tool that I learned to be called a scythe, and arrowheads… Why did-

 

“Abby?’ Dad called out.

“Ba?” I asked.

“You seemed to be zoning out up there.” He said. “Be careful not to fall.”

“Ba!” I replied.

 

I would be careful. Even as a baby I have faith in my grip. Though just to avoid worrying her, I hugged his head tighter.

 

“Good girl.” Dad said, patting my head.

“Ah!” I said, shaking my antenna.

 

What was I talking about? Oh well, if I don’t remember it, it probably wasn’t important. Peaking over dad’s shoulder I watched her cook, eagerly awaiting lunch.

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