A Trip to Town

[petty_dabbler]

John had opened a portal and stepped through in the chicken yard behind the inn. He an Q had arrived that way many times. Hilda had told him not to do it where people could see.

The chickens never seemed to mind when he stepped through.

He was not usually greeted by a nymph.

"A fine morning to you, Nyx," he smiled, as if a burning wheel wasn't closing behind him.

Comments

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Do I want to third wheel your adventure? ...Not really. I'd probably just get in the way," Nyx said, wishing he had a friend like John to go on adventures with.

He looked sad then and sighed. "Anyway, enjoy your meal. Let me know if you need anything else."

[petty_dabbler]

"I don't think you'd be a third wheel. You'd be dead useful," he said. "But if you don't want to share a journey with two sour old men, that I'd understand," he chuckled.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"It's not that," Nyx assured him. "I just... I want my first big adventure to be special, not something I get invited along to as an afterthought, you know? Not that I'm not appreciative of the offer."

[petty_dabbler]

"You've got a romantic heart," John smiled.

"Most people don't find adventures very grand until it's over and can be remembered fondly because you made it."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Most people didn't spend most their life trapped in a place with only daydreams to keep them company," Nyx shrugged.

[petty_dabbler]

"You mean here? Or...the palace?" he asked as he mopped up the last of jis meal/

[prince_of_nymphs]

"...The palace, of course," Nyx said, even though he knew that he was guilty of doing it here as well.

[petty_dabbler]

"Of course," he nodded.

"With the people who come through here, you must have heard tales of thrilling places to go."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"There was someone in the other day talking about the dark realm, they'd been exploring caves, looking for gems," Nyx said excitedly.

[petty_dabbler]

"The Dark Realm, hmm? You'll find adventure there, alright," John nodded. "Did you hear the mines are full of monsters?"

[prince_of_nymphs]

"No. What sort of monsters?" Nyx asked, inviting himself to sit.

[petty_dabbler]

"There's Knockers in the mines," he said. He leaned in and lowered his voice.

"Nasty buggers. All teeth and knuckles. They protect the gems."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"How exciting," Nyx grinned. "Do they have magic, or are they brutes?"

[petty_dabbler]

"Their knocking can captivate you, freeze you in terror," John said, making them sound dramatically dangerous.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Oh! Frightening," Nyx purred. "I do love a thrill. Have you fought one?"

[petty_dabbler]

"There's never just one," John grinned.

"I've killed my share. Long ago."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"You must have some thrilling stories," Nyx said. "A lifetime full of them, hmm?"

[petty_dabbler]

"I do. When Hex and Q were young, I used to tell them tales that kept them up all might," he chuckled.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"They were lucky to have you, I'm sure. A storyteller and caretaker," Nyx smiled. "Hex always speaks highly of you."

[petty_dabbler]

"He's always been a good lad. His nan was protective, hmm? Too much, I think. And he's always followed the rules," he shared.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"I can imagine," Nyx nodded. "There's not a lot of rebel in that soul- But he's kind and full of love," Nyx noted. smiling as he leaned back in his seat.

[petty_dabbler]

"That he is. He'd help the world if he could," John nodded.

"And he's good to you? Treats you right?"

[prince_of_nymphs]

"He's wonderful. I've never felt so loved and cared for," Nyx assured him. "He's a good man. ...A true sweetheart."

[petty_dabbler]

"Be good to him. I care for that lad," he said, pulling out his pipe.

"I was fond of his nan. A talented witch, but I think Hex is better than she ever was."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"He's remarkable- And no worries, I'll always look after him. I love him," Nyx said sincerely. "He has my heart."