Chapter 45: Of Forest Tongues and Furious Queens
The cheer of the villagers echoes behind them as Vuvi, Pip, Penelo, and Veena trudges down the dirt road and out into the sun-drenched fields of the western countryside.
"Bless you, golden one!" an elderly woman cries, waving a carrot like a flag.
"May your pleasure cure the curse!" another yells.
"Save our daughters!" shouts a hoarse old man before adding under his breath, "and if you have some time, lad. Please save our loins, too..."
Pip offers a sheepish beep and waves. Vuvi groans.
"I got into alchemy," she mutters, "to avoid fights. And forests. And missing daughters."
Veena strides behind her, unbothered, her cloak fluttering in the morning breeze. "You also got into it to prove to the Mystberns that you’re the best."
"That’s different. That was personal."
Penelo skips ahead, bouncing like a bunny in spring. Birds flutter overhead, chirping, and little forest animals begin to appear from behind bushes to follow her. A pair of butterflies dance through her hair.
"I love it here!" she chirps. "The forest feels... happy!"
Pip walks at her side, intrigued. His optical sensors whirr softly as he watches a small bluebird flutter down and perch delicately on his shoulder. It chirps a high, musical trill, almost as if singing directly to him, then flutters off again.