Complete ✪ Finweald The Old and Oft-Forgotten Path

[Kamala Graham]

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Kamala simply nodded at @Bradwynne's response, listening to him quietly and intently. While she wouldn't know the experiences of a gamer, not being one herself, she found a few things here and there she could relate to. Like the weight of repercussions and living with the decisions that we make. It has been a while since Kamala played any games, and this one was a risky choice to begin with, but with her friend's past on the line, she herself made the decision to go on this quest, which was perhaps risking more than she'll ever come to know. And this Dissonance... It sounds like a terrible thing as well...

In @Hanno Futaba's response, Kamala found reason for a smidgeon of relief. At least there was assurance that they seemed to be less unfortunate than those they speak of. But the risk is still there, and they still continue to help. Her mood brightened a little because of that thought. "As long as you are both safe, you will both be able to help more. We can't help anyone if we can't even help ourselves. A friend's final words of wisdom."

"The Dissonance?" Kamala continued listening intently as she was informed of the game world's past. "I'm so sorry to hear that..." She lamented with Bradwynne, even though she had not met his friend, though with the conversation drowning in sad things, the overall feeling was not hard to miss. "She sounds like she was a great friend."

She nodded towards Bradwynne when Hanno made his offer of helping. She, too, wanted to help. However way she can. Even if she wasn't as knowledgeable about this world as them. "You can always find a friend in me, too, Bradwynne. And you, too, Hanno. I'll help if I can."

 

[Bradwynne]

As Bradwynne then heard about @Hanno Futaba's conviction to never leave those who had mattered to him as he then glanced towards Bradwynne, Bradwynne then felt mixed emotions as he then smiled warmly. "Honestly I am glad that you came back for me and all others, but I can not help but feel concerned for you." Although as he said that, some tears started to fall from his face. As soon as he felt it, he then took out a face towel and used it to wipe off his tears. "First it was Majolica, and then it was you as well, Hanno. Maybe, just maybe, one by one, we that remain from the former Witch Ops will reunite again to solve all these problems in this world altogether as we did before." He then returned the face towel to his vest pocket, and then continued. "I also forgot to tell you, although the Witch Ops is now formally disbanded, a new group of friends will emerge out of its ashes to take its reins. As of now, the members that I knew of who are in this together are Majolica, Sean, and myself; but we are hoping to enlarge this group, spanning every faction and coordinating with each other. If ever, I also wanted you to be included in this group, as we did before way back when."

He then turned to @Kamala Graham who had earlier offered her friendship to him, and then said, "You as well, Kamala. Maybe we have only just met, but it seems you really had a good heart. I swear, if you two will call on me, I will never let you suffer any more death in this world. All of my friends will never suffer any more death in here."

He then turned to the spring again, which was his only living good memory of that woman. "One day, I might be moving towards the direction of Tertoria to seek guidance from the Star Maiden and seek her help in reversing the effects of Dissonance. That might also hold the key in reversing this third death situation once and for all."

 

[Hanno Futaba]

Seeing Bradwynne's tears made Hanno hold a breath to not shed some himself. He was unsure if those were out of sadness, or just out of joy. Judging by his words, perhaps they were bittersweet tears, a feeling that Hanno felt himself as he turned to look at him. "Of course man, you are my friend." He smiled faintly. "I've also met Majolica in my travels, it was nice to see she was okay, and... If you guys are getting together again, you can be certain that you have my shield with you." Hanno said, resting a hand on his chest.

"Just like the old times." His smile went from bittersweet to a fond and genuine one, warmed by a camaraderie he only felt once in his life, and it was with the Witch Ops.

Adding to Bradwynne's words, Hanno turned to Kamala as well. "He is right. You also have my shield and my friendship, Kamala." He said with a nod.

"Helping oneself is a way to help others too. You are right. And having everyone holding each other's hand is the way we can find a solution for all these problems." Hanno said.

@Bradwynne @Kamala Graham

 

[Kamala Graham]

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Hearing about this whole Witch Ops thing from @Bradwynne made Kamala a little interested at the idea...but also a bit wary. A special ops of witches? That sounds very scary! But she tried her best not to show that on her face, though she was never that good at pretending. With a chuckle, she put a hand on Bradwynne's face, caressing his cheek with her thumb, before patting him on the shoulder. "Your friend would be proud of you, Bradwynne. I wish you the best in your heroic effort. I'd help but...I'm not really much of a hero." Kamala could barely save herself.

Nodding, Kamala agreed with @Hanno Futaba but heaved a sigh when she realized it was time for her to go. She would have wanted to stay longer with new friends, but the produce won't sell themselves. Besides, old friends needed time for themselves, perhaps to discuss more private things. She was just happy to be there and to have met such brave and noble Players. "Well, I suppose I must be off. It was a pleasure meeting you both. See you around?"

With one final and the warmest smile, Kamala bid both men goodbye. She started to walk away with the basket of produce, wary about the risks this world cultivated underneath its beautiful layers yet hopeful for the future with heroes ready to help and save everyone they can. You save one person, you save them all...

 

[Bradwynne]

Bradwynne then smiled fondly as he heard @Hanno Futaba's words. Although he might need to be by himself when the time would come when he had to meet the Star Maiden, he would never forget to call for the help of others if it would require him. He definitely knew that the current situation on the Dissonance could never be solved alone. It took the elite of Tertoria along with hundreds of seasoned Travelers and Landers to take down Titanius, and they did not even know if Titanius was even one of the elites of the Dissonant forces. If he was to bring down the Dissonance, he would definitely need the help of his friends.

"I will of course inform you when it will happen. That will definitely be a perilous journey, and I will never let you all worry about me unlike last time. We will never know if a creature similar to Titanius will appear within that land again."

But, as it seemed to Bradwynne, @Kamala Graham was still having doubts within herself, if she was worthy enough to stand beside them. And so Bradwynne moved closer to her and if she would allow it, to stroke her head fondly as he smiled. "As I will borrow the words of our good friend Hanno here, you might not know it but you are already a hero for us. By your diligence in maintaining your farm, you have already saved numerous hungry people as well as the livelihood of servers and chefs like us. There are many roles a person can fit in this world, and yours is irreplaceable."

As he then waved his good-bye to Kamala, he then said to Hanno, "I just came here to resettle my every thought, and since I already did it today, then maybe it is also time for me to leave. Although I will want to take you up on the cooking thing today if you like. As it is, I am already hungry right now, and that fruit will not cut it. If ever, what do you want me to cook today? I am in the mood for a huge platter of good old grilled steak and seasonal vegetables today. Though more on vegetables than meat at the moment. Looks like that market Kamala had mentioned would be a good starting point." He then glanced at the figure of Kamala disappearing into the woods, and if ever Hanno agrees, they would follow her.

 

[Hanno Futaba]

"You better not." Hanno said with a squint, with the tone of a scolding parent, then turning to look at Kamala, shaking his head at her words.

"Heroism isn't just about fighting big bad guys. A lot of things can save one another, everyone is a hero of their own." Hanno nodded at Bradwynne's words, looking at the two's interaction and feeling warm at how cute it was. Of course, he didn't comment on it, considering how the blonde had reacted when he had joked a little before.

Besides, it wasn't the mood for that.

As Kamala left, Hanno similarly waved his goodbye, turning to look at Bradwynne when he invited him for cooking.

"Hah, you are reading my mind, buddy. We must cook something, and I think we still have a lot to catch up on because that time at the tavern? I don't remember anything, it is almost like it didn't happen." He laughed, giving his back a pat and gesturing to the path Kamala took.

He then started taking the path toward the market, but he didn't resist to tease him again.

"At least now you have an excuse to keep seeing her." He chuckled with a nudge.

@Bradwynne