Physically, I'm prepared to face Tymos; I got my sword, the reed, my speed, what more could I ask for? Mentally, though, I'm starting to hit a roadblock and I can't figure out how to get around it.
Before, I was so completely ready to take on whatever Tymos threw my way, but as we're- supposedly- getting closer to our destination, my brain is in knots (as six year old me used to say).
But regardless, there's no turning back now so what's the point in getting caught up in my own trip-ups? So onward we forge, the jungle density starting to lighten up the further we travel.
Since I'm mostly in my thoughts, I keep quiet while the others talk amongst themselves. After hanging around these guys for this long, I'm expected somebody to come over and try to get to the bottom of what's wrong with me, but the person I least expect to comfort me first slides up next to me, not saying anything for a moment before I finally look over at him expectantly.
Making a face at Chasan, who's studying my face way more than I'm used to him doing, I break the silence.
"What?"
"Just wanted to make sure you were okay. You've been quiet and knowing your character so far, I can just sense that that's not a good thing."
Still getting those stabs in there I see.
"Yeah, well, I'm alright," I reply, looking off into the distance. "As alright as a person can be in my situation."
He shrugs. "That's true."
A lull passes between us before he speaks again.
"I'm sure you're ready for this whole thing to be over- I know I am. What are you going to do once this is all over?"
"You know," I look at him thoughtfully, rubbing my chin like one of those sophisticated philosophers. "For once, I'm actually going to listen to what everyone at home tells me and not put the carriage before the horse."
"And for once you actually are sounding like a logical person."
I scrunch up my nose. "I know, it kinda sucks. Is being logical always this boring?"
That gets him to crack a slight smile, making me grin. As we continue on, he clears his throat but when he starts, his voice is lower than before.
"I know me and you haven't had the greatest relationship for the majority of this trip-"
"Well, it didn't start off the greatest so yeah."
"And that's fair. Look, let me just avoid the hassle of all this by just saying...thank you."
For that, I have to pause. I mean, literally freeze in place as if I've just been magically frozen.
Dramatic? Yes, but it's just commonplace for me to have a dramatic flair. But seriously. I've long given up on the days of Sir Douche ever being anything other his usual obnoxious, grating, aggy self. Sure we had an understanding before, but for him to fight against his very nature and biological makeup and say thank you, I wasn't ready. In fact, it takes me several seconds to collect myself and respond to that.
"Thank you?" I squint at him. "Did you just say thank you? To me?"
Sighing, he looks deadpan at me and replies. "Yes, Joan, I said thank you. Now I know you probably aren't used to anyone saying that genuinely to you but I do mean it. Thank you for those times that you've...you've saved my ass."
I still can't believe this. Chasan saying thank you to me, who woulda thought?
Recovering from the shock and disbelief, I smirk at him. "Well, it's not as good as 'Oh, Joan, you're my hero, you're such a saint', but I'll take it."
YOU ARE READING
Joan
Fantasy"I don't like to think of myself as this kickass, badass Lara Croft, no. But I try not to be your typical every day Jane Doe. So I where does that leave me? In the middle, I guess. So there. I'm just your atypical- yet completely ordinary- girl with...
