#v good.

Another day, another quest. 

That’s what Aiden and Roo lived by. 

The setting sun might worry any other forest travelers, but they didn’t mind. They’d been at it for a few years now. Aiden couldn’t settle any one place for long nowadays, and they’d passed through the nearest town miles ago. Camping in the woods just gave them a happy medium. The pair had made their nightly camp a little ways from the road. A quick scouting for firewood and a dash of magic made them a nice refuge. 

Aiden leaned back against an old chest, it’s rusted iron clasps dimly reflecting the firelight. Roo was curled up near the flames, soaking in their warmth. An air of contentment lay over them both. It had been quite awhile since they tried getting treasure from a dragon den. Flicking a gold coin into the air, Aiden smiled as Roo scrambled for it. The paint kitten snatched it up in an instant, holding it to his cheek. He purred softly as he rubbed against it. He’d always had a soft spot for shiny things. “I wasn’t aware I brought one of the dragons back with the chest,” Aiden said jokingly. “Before I know it, you’ll have a hoard of your own.”“H-hey, it’s not my fault gold glittehs so bright!” Roo replied. He glanced down at the coin in his paws. The golden glint reflected in his eager eyes. The way it shone, even in the dim glow of the fire… so shiny… He held it closer. “Besides, I-I jus want one coin,” he continued. “C-can I keep it?”“‘Course you can. It’ll make a fine addition to your collection.” Aiden ruffled roo’s fur affectionately. “Just make sure you want a coin, and not a jewel. Can’t risk keeping too much treasure on us in the long haul.”Roo sighed wistfully, flopping over on the ground. “Yeah, right… dragons ‘n thieves…” “Right. Don’t worry, we’ll be out of here in a day or two. Just depends how fast we move.” “And if we get out quick, c-could I pick the next place we go?” Roo looked pleadingly up at his originator. “Pleeeease~?”Aiden paused, considering the question. It wasn’t often he let Roo pick a questing location. He’d pick tame ones. Not that there was anything wrong with that. He’d just have to go out on a more dangerous quest afterwards to make up for a lack of action. The joys of the questing life were unlimited. … But…  Roo’s puppy eyes weren’t to be denied. And it was getting late. A promise and some fodder for good dreams wouldn’t do much harm. “… I’ll tell you what,” Aiden said finally, “if we’re out of dragon country by the end of tomorrow, I’ll let you choose the quest.” Roo instantly lit up. Beaming, he slapped his paws on the forest floor excitedly. Aiden smiled, holding up a hand before Roo say anything. “But that’s only if we’re out by tomorrow! If you get to bed early, we’ll be able to move through here faster. You oughta get on it if you wanna choose a good quest!”Roo gasped, eyes widening. Aiden bit back a laugh as the kitten scrambled for his bedroll. “Oh- of course!!! Right away!” Roo chirped. “I’m gonna go teh sleep so quick, yeh not even gonna realize it happened!!! And then we’ll be outta heah in a jiffy!!!” “Yeah, I bet we will,” Aiden hummed. He hefted himself up to tuck his familiar in. The kitten squirmed around as he wrapped a few extra covers about him. One can never be too careful about the cold at night! Once Roo was all settled, he could tell the tiredness of the day was settling in. The cat yawned quietly as he nuzzled his face under his fluffy tail. Aiden gently smoothed his fur down with a soft smile. He’d never get tired of tucking in his excitable familiar. “Sleep well, Roodle,” Aiden whispered, giving him one last affectionate pat. “G’night Aiden…” Roo mumbled drowsily.

It was quiet in the camp before Roo’s soft snores drifted up. Aiden took the rhythmic noise as a cue. A whisper or two, a dim glow of blue, and a protection spell settled like a blanket over camp. With business all said and done, the questor remained by his familiar’s side for a few moments. 

Just listening. 

The sound of the forest coming alive in the night mingled with the comforting melodies of camp. Fire softly crackling… crickets musically chirping… roo’s quiet, purr-like snores… a wolf’s mournful howl at the moon… the muted breeze of magic lacing through the air… the croaks of treefrogs gently peppering through… With his own breath and heart keeping time to it all.

Aiden sighed contentedly.

Questing might not give them a place to call home, but the quiet atmosphere of a day well spent and a promise of more adventure the next day…

… well.