A Hero With/Out Time

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Author's Note: Here's the missing piece. Honestly thought I had fixed it.

**

Greytree. The fortress town was the same as the last time I saw it. On Ronalt's instruction I parked the carriage at the usual inn. The Hero and her party took their bags to their rooms and I began to begin my preparations. I had to make sure that everyone's equipment was in top shape and the carriage would be ready for a rough ride. There was also a few potions I wanted to cook up. If worst came to worst I could rely on the mixtures to save my life. The ingredients the Queen had given us were some of the finest and their effects were much wider than curing poisons. A good potion could reattach someone's arm and a better one could grow a new one. Though the latter even my teacher couldn't make, plus it would cost a small fortune.

As I began to set up the apothecary station within the carriage I was surprised to hear a knock on the door. I opened it apprehensively. The Hero, Lara, was standing there.

"Hey Rain," she smiled.

"Hero, did you need something?" I asked remaining neutral.

She frowned, "I thought I said to call me Lara and wasn't that an order?"

"Apologies... Lara did you need something?" I asked once more.

"Not really I just thought you'd like to have lunch with us." It was an innocent invitation that I didn't expect.

"Sorry I-," I was about to refuse but on second thought I needed to talk with them all at once. The sooner the better. "Actually I'll come. Thank you for the invitation."

"No problem," once again she smiled. "Let's go."

"Of course," I nodded my head respectfully and followed as she led me towards a medium sized establishment. The others were already waiting. Ronalt narrowed his eyes at me when we entered but said nothing. At least now he wasn't releasing a full blown glare at me.

"Rain sit next to me," Taylor waved me over and I complied. The Hero- Lara ended up sitting on my other side. It was an oddly uncomfortable feeling having the two besides me. Thankfully after the past week I was now used to it, or at least somewhat.

After ordering our meals a light conversation went around the table. It was the same as usual although the surroundings were louder. Earnest was mostly quiet aside for when the talk came to swordplay. Marley was anxious to eat. Ronalt was stern as usual. Ardent kept up the conversation whenever it lulled. Taylor talked more so than her small usual quips, although I could see it was putting some strain on her. Finally the Hero- Lara was amicable like always, smiling at the simplest gesture.

As the meal began to wrap up and the restaurant began to quiet I calmed my mind and made my move. It was time to put all I had gone through this week into order. Let the act begin.

"Ronalt can I ask where we're going next?" I began while remaining all business.

He frowned slightly but answered in a low voice, "We'll be heading straight west into the border forest. There is a path we can take." Here we go.

I purposely paused and lost my composure, "Ah... I'm sorry did you say into the forest?"

"Yes is that a problem? If you are worried about the demons, we have a path."

"N-no demons aren't the problem," I let agitation leek into my voice. "Haven't you heard about the Monster?"

"Monster?" Ardent's interest was clear.