The Ballad of Adler Young, Canto 2.5

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>No One: Has anything to add.
>This Meeting: Be adjourned.

"All right," I continued after a moment's silence. "Time for you to go home."

>Rebecca: You struggle to contain your excitement, but you are practically bouncing around with giddiness.

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"Oh Bunny, oh Bunny!" Rebecca giggled excitedly. "I can hardly wait to start learning real magic, without even having to sacrifice animals or sell my soul! Being Seelie is the greatest!"

"Sir, before I leave," Vernier murmured. "I just want to let you know how relieved I am to see you safe and sound ... and also thank you for letting me help."

"You're thanking me for letting you help?" I repeated. "I think technically I should be the one thanking you."

"Yes, it's silly, I know," she admitted, "but I just can't put into words how happy I am to finally be helping someone. For the first time, I don't feel afraid that everything will go horribly wrong. I actually believe you will succeed, and this gives me the sense that I'm finally doing something worthwhile."

>Adler: It takes every ounce of your willpower to stop yourself from swooning over Vernier's words.

With a supreme effort of elfly will, I maintained my confident composure.

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"I assure you," I assured, "I am grateful for your help, and we both know I wouldn't have made it this far without you."

>Burnside: Blech. Gag you with a spoon. How sappy can you get?

"Bleeeah," Burnside grumbled. "Why don't yall two get a room?"

"Why don't you accompany them back to their home?" I suggested, with a stern glance.

I sent a detachment of Ixies along with Burnside to escort Vernier and Rebecca. They probably didn't need the extra protection, but it would be nice to have a bit of peace for just a little while. I had just undergone a very trying ordeal with a dangerous Floozy, followed by an emotionally intense planning meeting. My fatigue and exhaustion were finally starting to catch up with me.

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I reclined on the soft grass inside the stone circle and let my mind wander.

"Art thou all right, Sire?" some Ixies asked as I lay there.

"I'm fine," I muttered drowsily. "I just need to relax for a few minutes and collect my thoughts. When Burnside and the others get back, I'll send a messenger out to fetch Oak, and then I'll get Burnside to help me test if the trees can detect Elfmind. For now though, I'll just rest for a bit..."