CH. 3: Guardian Mountains

[HorizonsDream]

Echo watches Sofia skip around, as she thinks about how Hollidan acted within the caves with the trolls. "Not that he would ever admit it, but all that he did was brave of him. He put himself in danger to make sure I could cast my spells," she explains. "I wouldn't say it was exactly like the stories, but it was close enough," she says. "Speaking of Hollidan, I should probably check in with him. It was nice to meet you both, and I'm glad Sofia is okay."

[JadedDM]

"Thank you again for rescuing her," Leonor says, bowing once more. "And please give my regards to Sir Redstone."

Looking around, Echo would spot Hollidan grooming his mare, Clem, and preparing her for the next leg of their journey.

[HorizonsDream]

Echo walks away from the mother and daughter, and pauses when she spots Hollidan. She decides not to bug him at the moment, and looks for Argis.

[JadedDM]

Argis and Cadegund were the ones sent to find a way up the mountain, so neither are currently present in the campsite.

[HorizonsDream]

Echo lets out a small sigh, and walks over to Hollidan. "Sooo," she starts with a small grin. "Someone seems to have a crush on you," she says teasingly.

[JadedDM]

Hollidan tenses suddenly, and slowly turns to face Echo. "Wh-what? Ah, geez, I was afraid this would happen. I think it would be best to just keep things professional, though, don't you think?"

[HorizonsDream]

"But, Hollidan, I want you to be my knight in shining armor," Echo says over dramatically as she flutters her eyelashes, and lightly touches his shoulder. Though, she can't keep up that act without laughing.

[JadedDM]

Hollidan's face turns as red as his hair. "E-Echo! This is...not funny!"

[HorizonsDream]

"I'm not talking about me!" Echo says, as she catches her breath from laughing. "Do I really seem like the type to just walk up to someone and suddenly confess my feelings to them?" she asked.

[JadedDM]

Hollidan blinks, his face returning to normal. "Not...then who?"

[HorizonsDream]

"Hmm, you thought it was me, so I wonder if that means you were hoping it was me," Echo says thoughtfully. "Anyway, Leonor, the mother of Sofia," she says. "I decided to check on the little girl that we saved, and I couldn't help but notice the blush upon her cheeks when she spoke about you. Actually, the way she spoke about you in general make it kind of obvious."

[JadedDM]

"Of course I didn't hope it was you!" Hollidan states. "Geez, you're so egotistical." He turns away to finish grooming Clem. "Leonor? Oh, right. She did say something about making me dinner or something out of thanks, once we get to another town. She was just being friendly, though, that's all."

[HorizonsDream]

"Uh, no, she wasn't just being friendly," Echo points out. "My mother gets all flushed like that when she likes someone," she explains. "I know the signs all too well."

[JadedDM]

"Hmm, your mother is an elf, right? How do you think she would act toward me?" Hollidan asks over his shoulder.

[HorizonsDream]

"Huh?" Echo says, suddenly a little confused by the line of conversation, or how it even applies to what they were talking about in the first place. "Well, I'm not really sure to be honest. She would probably be all flirty with you like she is with most men. Most men tend to fall for her charms easily enough."