A Boda of New Beginnings for a Once Wandering Heart Chapter 7

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Chapter 7

Al: …Okay.

Erm, which one, which one…huh? This bear looks kind of weird compared to Riquet’s. 

Emily: Ah, that one was made by Luca. He’s clumsy with his hands, so its face turned out a little messed up. 

Al: Luca did? …I’ll take this one. It’s cute. 

Emily: Oh! Luca, come over here! Al chose your bun!

Luca: What!? Seriously? W-Wait a moment, I want to see him eat it!

Emily: Hehe, he’s probably so happy he could cry.

Lennox: He is easily moved to tears.

Al: I-It’s just a bun…

With reddened cheeks that told you he was embarrassed, he still looked down at the bread Luca made with delight.

The beautiful afternoon sunlight shines a light on the town children’s smiles as they enjoy their adorable baked buns and tasty stew. 

Riquet: Ah, there’s so much inside this stew! I spot potatoes, carrots, and…what is this round yellow thing?

…Mmm! It melts inside your mouth!

Mitile: It’s a staple ingredient of South Country stew. Isn’t it so sweet and crumbly?

Al: It really does melt…so sweet!

His face brightened up, sipping his stew and dipping the bread in it. His eyes shone with joy. 

Just looking at that smile filled me with happiness,

and I prayed that it would last, at least until this lunch was over.

But as luck would have it, he paused for a moment, erasing his lovely smile and slowing his eating.

It seemed as if he was purposely trying to stop himself from having fun.

Nero: Somethin’ you don’t like?

Al: No, not at all! It’s super tasty. 

Nero: …You’ve probably experienced this, since you travelled on your own already, but you know how there are times where you’re so hungry you wanna eat somethin’, except you got nothing to munch on?

It’s ‘cuz of times like those you gotta eat when you can. It makes the chef pleased too to see a cleanly licked plate. 

And when that happens, call me and I’ll give ya seconds. Capiche?

Al: Thank…thank you.

And like the way a young heart would shine after receiving kindness, clouds part and shine a light down on Al’s head, hair gleaming. 

Adult or child, human or wizard–none of that mattered. This moment of everyone sitting together with Al warmed my heart.

A nice breeze blew and signaled the end of our lunch break, bodies bustling back to their stations.

Curly Haired Child: Hey hey Mister Lenny, I want to play that thing again! The one where we hang off your arms and you go nyooom!

Ribboned Child: Yeah! Me too!

Lennox: Did you finish all your food, even the vegetables?

Curly Haired Child: We wouldn’t leave something so yummy leftover!

Lennox: What good kids you all are. Then let’s make a line. 

He raised his arms, and the children jumped up, clinging to his arms. 

Lennox: We’re taking off.

Strong arms held aloft a number of children, dangling and swaying as Lennox ran around full energy. 

Curly Haired Child: Weeee! Sooo fuuun!

Ribboned Child: So fast!!

Townsperson: Ahahaha, I figured it was about time the children got to playing. 

They worked hard all morning, so they deserve to go roll around in the grass. We adults’ll keep up the grind!

The laughter of the adults echoed into the deep blue sky. 

They never rushed themselves, easygoing and taking things slow while enjoying the process.

That was something I loved about these people. 

Mitile: Mr. Leno, can I join in too?

Riquet: M-Me too!

Lennox: Of course. Come on over.

Al: …

Akira: Al, do you want to try it out?

Al: I’m…fine. The one who destroyed the venue shouldn’t be allowed to play…

He said as he watched the other kids play with envy, silently continuing the decoration making.

Akira: (He wants to join in for sure…)

That’s when I noticed Lennox wink over at Rutile, who was next to us. 

Rutile: Hey Al, I want to try what Mr. Leno’s doing. Do you want to join me?

Al: Uh. S-Sure. 

Rutile: I’ve been wanting to move around after that lunch, and that looks like the perfect after-meal exercise, don’t you think? 

Despite my appearance, I’m pretty tough! So I bet I can swing you around just like him.

He spreads his arms out, and has Al climb on behind.

The corners of the boy’s mouth naturally curve up, eyes shimmering with expectations.

Rutile: Here we gooo!

With a mighty shout, Rutile charges with vigor, running around with Al on his back. 

Al: W-Wow…awesome! It’s like I’m on a broom!

Rutile: Is it? Okiedokie, let’s add more speed to it! 

Except, the opposite happened, and Rutile’s legs started to slow down before falling to the ground.

Al: Wah!

Rutile: Ouchie ouch…

Akira: Are you two okay?!

Rutile: Ahahaha, that didn’t go as I expected…sorry Al, are you hurt?

Al: Ha…

Haha, ahahaha! You were the complete opposite of Lennox, Rutile! 

Akira: (Woah, is this the first time I’m seeing Al laugh his head off?)

Rutile: Hehe, I couldn’t go ‘nyooom’ as well as Mr. Leno did like in my head.

Lennox: That was a big crash, guys. No injuries?

Rutile: We’re fine. I was trying to imitate you, but failed big time instead. 

Mitile: Oh brother! What were you thinking…

Riquet: At least they seemed to have fun, though.

Al: …Yeah, I can’t remember the last time I laughed like that…

…You have everything here.

Al was steadily opening himself up to others in the time he spent here.

But to us, the hardworking townspeople, and the playing children, he would still look on with a lonely expression. 

That night–

As Lennox and I go to Luca’s to check in on Al, we’re approached by Riquet. 

Riquet: Could I come with? I forgot to return the knife I borrowed from Al today.

Akira: Right, he did lend you that when you wanted to cut the papers smaller.

Lennox: Then let’s head out.

Taking Riquet with us, we met with Luca, and found unsettling news waiting for us.

Riquet: What? He went back into the forest?

Luca: Yes. I tried to stop him, telling him it’s too dangerous there at night, but he wouldn’t listen…

I think I said something I shouldn’t have…

Lennox: What was it?

Luca: I asked him that if he had no place to go, he could live with me and Emily.

And if he wasn’t comfortable, we could build a house for him in town instead…

He said his thanks for the offer, but I might’ve upset him…

Lennox: …I’m sure your feelings got through to him. He just needs time to think about it.

And I don’t think that’s his only reason for going back to the forest. 

Luca: Huh…

Lennox: Sorry for visiting you so late. Goodnight, Luca.

…

…Let’s go check up on him. Riquet, are you coming?

I can tell it’s not the knife you were concerned about.

Riquet: Yes. Throughout the day whenever Al would seem to be having fun, he’d suddenly frown and go quiet. It’s been weighing on my mind.

Riquet was the one who spent the most time with Al today. That’s why he was able to pick up on Al’s change in mood.

The three of us moved to the forest where Al lived.

Lennox and Riquet both use their magic to light the way.

I don’t think I can ever get used to walking in the forest at night. 

In the day we had rays of light peeking through the clouds, yet come night, darkness spreads out like a stain, showing us another side to the land we knew. 

The only sounds accompanying us were our footsteps as they cracked leaves, and the rustle of birds feathers as they flew from trees.

Even at those simple noises my body would freeze up.

Akira: (How did Al feel spending nights like this alone in these woods…)

Repeating those thoughts in my head as we walked, we spotted the faint light of a lantern in the distance. 

Soon after, the sight of Al crouching and holding his knees enters my vision, and I startle myself.

Riquet: Al…?

Al: Huh? Why are you guys here…

His eyes widened at our appearance. 

Lennox: We’re sorry for coming without notice.

Riquet: Al, why did you leave Luca’s house?

Al: …

He doesn’t say anything. The light of the lantern only illuminated his tired features, emphasizing his sorrow.

Lennox: If you’re up for it, want to chat?

He nodded, shifting over to let us sit.

Lennox: How do you like the town?

Al: It’s like heaven. You have everything here. Kind people, yummy food, warm beds. 

They gave me a home and treated a wizard like me who only caused them trouble, with kindness…

That’s what makes it hurt…

Riquet: Why…?

Al: They’re all things I don’t deserve to have.

They’re all things I wanted to have with Lizzy.

 

For the first time, we finally hear that name from Al’s mouth because he wanted us to hear it. 

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