#arancon

(( #Fictober18 Prompt #15: “I thought you had forgotten.” World of Warcraft/Original characters ))

Arancon made his way along the path, carefully carrying the box in his hands. He had ridden his motorcycle as far as he could with the box in the sidecar, but his son did not live along any sort of traditional road. Instead, a path wound through the forest to his small home in the woods. It was easy to pass by, even while on the path, as it was hidden by thick trees and underbrush.

Still, it wasn’t too far out. Arancon was sure he must have heard the machine as it neared. Aeramin must already know he was coming. He followed a break in the underbrush which opened up to a clearing.

A movement of the curtain in the window confirmed his suspicion, and moments later the door opened, and Aeramin peeked out. He looked confused and raised a brow as Arancon neared.

“What are you doing here?”

(( Original Fiction - Knights of Naren - #Fictober Day 23 Prompt: This is not new, it only feels like it ))

Clarity. He strived for it. His mind was muddled though he hadn’t had a drink in four days. His traveling companions had stopped just for him despite the danger. They had been heading north, but now there was talk about doubling back and going south.

They might all be dead if they did that.

His sons. His wife. No, she was gone. She’d been gone for years now. Where was a drink when it was needed? He wanted to forget.

His companions kept telling him there wasn’t any, and that he would need to be sober to face what was to come. He didn’t even know their names. One of them had said his name. What was it? Did the others say theirs too? How much had he missed? Was he going to remember the thoughts he was having now later or would he forget them too?

The blond one came to him with some water. He walked strangely, but it was only now that Arancon noticed why as the other elf’s silhouette moved in the light of the campfire. He had a prosthetic leg.

The other blond, the one with the curls, sat at the campfire eating something. It made Arancon’s stomach churn just to watch so he turned away.

“Here’s some water. How are you feeling?” the first blond asked as he knelt next to where Arancon lay.

“Awful,” Arancon muttered.

“Don’t worry. This isn’t new. It only feels like it. Your body is getting used to being sober again.”

“It would be easier just to have a drink.”

“I don’t think it would be a good idea to venture into town just for alcohol right now. Besides, I’d feel better if everyone with us was alert.”

“I’m not very alert right now,” Arancon mumbled after taking a sip of the water.

“It’ll pass. You’ll be fine. You’ll see. Then we’ll head towards safety.”

“Huh, and where is that?”

“We’re still trying to determine that.”

Arancon sipped the water again then looked at the blond, “What was your name again?”

“Sunashe. You need to be ready to walk a bit soon, okay.”

Aeramin glanced up as his father sat down at his table. He had chosen this table as it was out of the way and quiet. It wasn’t near the food tables nor was it near where other people had chosen to sit. Most importantly, it was far from Imralion. He flicked an ear as he resumed bouncing the baby on his knee, causing her to squeal in delight. She loved watching all the people dance. Aeramin watched…

Arancon Firewind raised his bow and drew back the string. He took aim at the target. “Keep your elbow up,” a familiar voice called out from behind him. Arancon paused and raised his elbow a little higher following Sunashe’s instruction before focusing on his aim once more. He let loose the arrow sending it to the target with a thud. His aim wasn’t perfect yet, but it had gotten better. The arrow…

“Are you sure you won’t help?” Sunashe asked as he pulled himself up on the muddy bank of the river.

“I am helping.” Arancon looked up from his book he was reading under a nearby tree. He knew his friend wasn’t the best swimmer, but he had been in luck that the rains hadn’t been too heavy over the past few days. While there had been a drizzle now and then, the river was lazy and calm which meant…