Chapter 264: Kim’s Sword
Elmo wasn't sure what was expected of him as he walked towards where the others were. He could hear them talking, so he knew that Kim wanted him to do something at least.
On the ground in front of Kim and Jonas was Kim's bastard sword. For the most part it was the same, but the metal had turned an iridescent ocean blue. Elmo wasn't sure what had happened to the sword, but he could tell that it wasn't the same sword that he remembered Kim wielding. Even though he couldn't help but assume that it was the same, given he didn't see any other swords that Kim had that would tell him that she'd found another.
He looked at Kim and Jonas in the dim lighting of the cave from the early morning sun. He'd heard what they'd said, though he wasn't sure if he should take the initiative to see what he could learn about the sword before being asked. Part of it was a matter or seeing if they'd respect him while another part was to be useful to the others and taking care of things before he was even asked.
In the end, he waited. He felt like this probably wasn't the time to 'be useful' and that he should make sure what Kim wants rather than merely assuming what it was she wanted from him.
Though, it didn't seem Kim was keen on doing that, so he merely walked towards the entrance of the cave, more eager for the sunlight than anything else. He couldn't say how long he'd been underground, but seeing the sunlight was a very welcome sight. He figured he could wait to see what he might be able to get to eat after that.
Though he doubted it'd be anything other than the stew they'd been having for the past while. Not that he really minded. Just that it was almost becoming rather routine.
As he reached the entrance, he felt movement to his side more than he saw. Though, when he looked he only saw Elin moving alongside him. Which surprised him, since he couldn't remember seeing her earlier.
He still didn't say anything, but rather continued on his way outside. He was aware of Elin following, but that wasn't important to him. What he cared about was the fact that the sense of oppression from being continually confined in those caves.
Even in the early morning light, as stars were still fading in the western sky, Elmo couldn't help but feel like he'd been released from captivity in a small cage. The sensation was almost enough to make him collapse with relief.
Maybe he would have if he'd gotten out towards the end of the day, or if he hadn't just woken up from a deep sleep that had been more restful than he would have expected, given the circumstances.
Yet, after that sensation passed, he felt invigorated. Almost like he imagined he'd feel when he returned to his own world; he wasn't going to give up on that possibility.