292 Scarle (1/2)

Nix looked up when the War Leader walked back in. A hud map of Zintia was being displayed while Nix tried to decide upon the best plan. ”Why not? Isn't a raid on Zintia important?”

”She's mourning Nix; it's been a bit over six months since we lost him.” Mortimus looked like he might start crying, he wiped his massive mit of a hand across his eyes.

”Last winter, it happened.” A woman's soft voice spoke from the doorway. She had dark auburn hair and sad brown eyes. Although she was a beautiful woman, she gave off a sense of warmth and kindness. ”I apologize, sir. My husband is right in that I'm grieving. However, you have been fighting on our behalf since you were brought here. I will talk with you.”

”We should speak in detail about an important topic.” Nix spotted a table nearby that had a half-dozen chairs around it. Without asking, he moved toward it and sat down.

Scarlett watched him without commenting and then followed. ”I won't have much input; War is not my specialty.”

Nix waited until Mortimus joined them before he started talking. ”A few months ago, I was adventuring in an unexplored region far from the Inferno Guild Hall. I came across someone that was lost and alone.” Nix smiled while remembering bald Morti. ”I did what I could to help him, and he ended up joining me as my Spirit Companion.”

”He must have been very thankful.” Scarlett's voice was soft and clear, although saddened, she was determined to do her duty.

”Yes. Since then, we've fought dozens of battles against all sorts of powerful beings. Dragons, Nether Overlords, even Khione herself. Not one time, has he ever let me down.”

Scarlett smiled despite herself. ”He sounds like a mighty warrior.”

Nix nodded in agreement. ”I was tossed through a rift when Khione fled my team; it was there that my spirit companions and I were separated. We lost the battle, so I can't summon them for a few more days.”

”How many spirit companions do you have?” Mortimus's deep voice rumbled from across the table.

”Four. A Sea-Turtle, a Drakon, a Water Witch, and a Titan cub.”

”T-Titan Cub?” Scarlett leaned forward, her brown eyes shining. ”Was he the one you found lost and alone?”

”Yes.” Nix leaned back in his chair, ”he wouldn't have been there too long before I found him. Maybe a few months.”

”Name? What is his name?” Her red lips trembled, but her voice was steady.

”See for yourself.” Nix brought up his hud and displayed his spirit companions.

[Spirit Animal 4/4]

1: Soup [Royal Sea Turtle]

2: Ducky [Water Witch] (2 days left)

3: Fey [Drakon] (2 days left)

4: Mortimer [Titan Cave Bear] (2 days left)

Scarlett's entire body started to shake; she covered her mouth with one hand while tears welled up in her eyes. ”Mortimer,” she spoke in the barest whisper. ”It's my little cub.”

”Yes. Khione was our first defeat, although it was definitely my fault and not his.” Nix stole a glance at Mortimus; the War Leader seemed to be frozen in place, his eyes staring at Nix's hud.

Unexpectedly it was the War Leader who threw back his head and started bawling loudly. Nix coughed to cover a smile; it sounded precisely like Morti had in Shangri.

Scarlett stood up and moved behind him, pulling his head against her bosom while she stroked his hair softly. ”Mortimus, it's okay. It's going to be okay.”

Nix watched her comfort him. ”Take your time, but then we should make plans.”

Scarlette nodded and kissed the top of her husband's head. ”He keeps things bottled up, just give us a moment.”

***********

Gil scowled at Jaro. ”You stupid bear... I can't remember the last time you paid for a drink!”

Jaro tipped back the last of his mug. ”I saved your life the other day, so you're buying until you return the favor!”

”A valid point. Thank you” Gil tossed a few coins to the waitress. ”Another pitcher then.”