Chapter 23- Daybreak and Farewells

After the incident that happen on the festival of norns. The wodfel tree was sealed off and the city buzzed from the event that have transpired. A while later, after witnessing the arrival of the valkyries and how they chased after the bandits or the group known as the Blood Kin's of Oss.

Presently, I Stian have avoided talking to anyone I encountered and headed back West Nectar Street and locked myself inside the room I rented inside Vicar Inn and started wailing in agony due to the events that have happen. After all, I did kill a lot of people today because I have stick my head into something that I should have not get myself involved in.

Under the circumstances of repaying a favor and playing hero that I have soiled my hands in blood and have involve myself in such farce. In that event I have been excited on being relied by someone, that I have gun down people that hold no animosity towards me.

On the account that I seems to be blaming Ava for involving me into this mess. At present I can not deny that deep within my heart lies regrets for agreeing with her. But even so, Ava is a kind woman who is overly obsess on helping everyone that needs a hand.

Respectively, she also possesses the helper's hand., then doesn't that mean she have a hero complex? Besides looking harmless, that woman is pretty ferocious when it comes to defending herself. Hence, there should no real reason to worry about her when she can protect herself just fine.

I was naive in thinking that such beautiful woman would have no power to defend herself. Maybe because this is my own made bias , due to being from an other world which is usually a stereotype . After all its pretty rare in my world to see absolute beauties that are also as ferocious as her.

By this time I have already realized how much of a fool I am for being such a dumb ass . Being so conceited thinking that such things are the same in this world. But presently I am now right here wailing so painfully for the act's that I have done.

Who wouldn't in such case? I am even surprise that I am still thinking and not looking blankly in the sky.

After all, Years ago there was a time where I was on a certain location In a certain country as a photographer covering the events happening on the mountains. There I was investigating about anything that can lead me to find a photo that would link all the rumors about child soldiers being trained.

During that time, I did manage to get a photo of their camp and importantly the child soldiers they are training to handle calibers of guns and the sort. Though it was an interesting sight to see, it also highly disturbing on watching young kids that is suppose to be playing with toys in their age to be handling such dangerous weapon.

But in the wake of my activity of photographing such things. Ultimately, I got caught by one of the scouts doing patrol and was ultimately chased to death and even have to exchange fire during my escape. It was in that event that I have soiled my hands with blood that cause me to be traumatized by such events that it led me into being into Hypnotherapy for 2 years until I was partially cured and strengthen , in the mind.

Consequently because of that treatment that I am here currently still able to think and avoided breaking down in tears. Also because of that , during any time of stress or emergency that I am still able to think calmly and suppress being frozen in fear.

But Coincidentally because of that treatment that I have a greater mental fortitude. But even so with all of that , I am here in agony mourning my regrets.

******

Eventually during my wailing, I have finally calmed down and have fallen asleep. A while later, I then started walking out towards the city and headed for a quiet place like the top of the tower in Lura park. Arriving at the top of the tower after a hefty climb I then took out some of the roasted ox meat that I have bought in the stalls.

It seems that even though I have sleep for a long time after wailing in my sleep. Even this early in the morning at the time of daybreak, there are already a lot of stalls and hence why I am currently eating in this tower with a roasted ox meat coupled with a wine I randomly bought.

Towards the rising of the sun I feel the warmth as the peaceful surroundings soothes my mood. Eventually in the distance I saw a familiar two who I have accompanied and shed blood with. At the roads I saw the figure of Ava and her fury bull walking towards the opposite side of the gate where we originally entered.

At some point I have pointed my eyes towards the two figures, and have thought if I should approached and bid them goodbye. Even though I seem to blame her for being involve towards that mess, It was really also my fault for playing hero.

Before I can even notice, I feel my body moving as I climbed down the tower and starting running towards the direction they are in..

At some point, I have finally caught up to them and called out:

"Already leaving?" i asked

Ava look back and said ''Yes, it seems that you have found us...'' meekly.

''I see, well I am here to give you guys a farewell.'' I said in a frank tone.

At the same time, Ava then stood before me and said:

''I am sorry for dragging you in this mess, Though I did planned on saying my goodbye's but since you were ...crying in your room that I didn't dare.''

''You heard me huh, hahahaha'' I laugh in resignation.

''Mr Stian, due to my selfishness, I have involved you into a horrible incident. That's why I wont involve you any longer in my farces''

Hearing her words, I feel a bit annoyed and said.

''Don't worry about it, though I am now suffering my own demons because of what I did, but since you are safe then it's alright, please don't blame it all on yourself. It's partially my own fault for agreeing with you in the first place. So please, let us forget about this incident and move on now.'' I said in a slightly motivating tone.

"Mr Stian........'' Ava said weakly

''Oh come now, Mr? Really? aren't we friends Ms ferocious Hero''

"Eh? Where did that nickname come from?"

''I heard about it." as I grin.

By the way, it's seems the reason why Ava have many acquaintances and such is because of her reputation as a selfless doctor and as a ferocious mage.

'' It seems, that i really can't erase that nickname''Ava sighed.

''Well , It is true after all.''

''................'' Ava keep silent as if embarrassed.

Looking at her I sighed deeply...Damn, she really has this certain charm that makes you want to follow her.

''Where do you plan to go now?'' i asked

Ava broke out of her silence and said '' I am planning to head towards the Magistrate Forest for now, It seems that they are few people there that needs a hand''

''Is that so? Then I wont get in your way no more, no more.''

''Yes.....they need to be treated after all....Goodbye Stian..'' said Ava weakly.

''Oh come now, were friends right? Don't say it like that, ''See you later!'' would do just fine ''

''Fufufuuffufu....Yes, though it may have been short, let us meet again Stian and hope that we do not experience such incident again..............See you later Stian. ''

''See you later too Ava, please don't be so reckless okay?''

''Will do''

As Ava turn her back towards me and stride towards the gate. Keeping my eyes on the robed woman who have an obsession on helping those who needs a hand go forward. Seeing her back covered in the sun's fresh light, I took my camera out and pointed its lens and then took a shot at her dignified back.

And then after printing out the picture quickly , i then grin at the picture of her leaving and thought on how she resemble a heroine of the story I have read a long time ago. A strong and courageous woman who have her life focus on extending a hand to those who need it.

This farewell of ours is nothing extravagant, though she may be strong , she is also reckless and would sometimes dragged people unconsciously towards her actions. And because of that plea , I have put myself in a dire trouble and because of that I decided that I would part ways with her.

Though she have many acquaintances and friends, her only true companion is her bull. It seems that she is also a wanderer like me... But in her case she is wandering hero while I am just traveler going on a pilgrim.. That's why I should stay true to my name of ''Wandering Pilgrim'' and really travel this world and avoid trouble as I can.

And thus ...I turn my back and head towards the direction of the Inn as I plan my journey from now on.