One-On-One

Rush led her over the garden path and wall, and to the dense forest beyond.
“It’ll be a long trip, so I hope you brought food.”

“I did, but if required I can lower my intake,” Even though she didn’t really go out on trips she still didn’t eat that much. Too much time spent morning her friend than living her life and that needed to change.

“No, it won’t be required. Once we knock out a few orbs, we can go shopping for more.” He shrugged. He wasn’t much of an eater, but he was one hell of a packer. He had food packed for one for at least a month, not to mention clothes, money and a small knife.

She nodded, pressing her lips together. Try to talk as little as possible.

Rush was still going over what he packed. Water flasks, purifiers and a weird spice animals tended to like. And arrows, which were poking out of his bag.

Her hand unconsciously reached for her sleeve, where she kept her friend’s dagger. She stopped herself before Rush could see. Frick!

Rush glanced over his shoulder at her. “Awfully quiet back there.”

“Umm . . . Uh, I-“ She stuttered. What to say! What to say! What to say!

Rush beckoned her forward. “Come. Walk next to me.”

“Okay . . .” She obliged, and walked up next to him.

Rush glanced down at her. “Where are you from?”

“Far out east, from one of the small villages by the cliffs,” She said.

Rush nodded. “Cool. We’ll have to pass through there to get to the Rock Orb.”

“My friend would be absolutely shocked if I just showed up on the quest,” She said. She sighed.

Rush glanced at her. “What? Is that a bad thing?”

“I mean shocked in a good way, but it’s not possible,” She said.

Rush nodded a slight nod. “Right. A good way.”

“You’re not asking any questions,” She said, confused. People normally asked about her friend.

“Why would I? I do not know of her.” And I don’t really care.

“People normally ask,” She said.

Rush shrugged. “I suppose you want me to ask?”

“Well, no, I was just surprised,” Isabella stated.

Rush grunted. “Surprised that I didn’t ask of a friend? Odd.”

“Everyone always asked, so I figured anyone and everyone would ask,” She said. “I can stop talking now,”

Rush glanced at her. “You don’t have to stop if you don’t want. I’m on a quest with you, not your overshadowing friend.”

Isabella looked at him. “I . . .” She shook her head.

Rush hummed. “My point proved.”