THE MOMENT
Thornguard Arden smiled. At his age, the long-lived elf could scarcely picture his youth. He watched the young druid girl with golden hair woven into rainbow plaits scurrying through the meadow and it filled him with nostalgic joy. He couldn't remember those child-like days; but, he was glad his work gave her the chance to be that innocent. Not that she was in any position to appreciate her freedom; but, that was just how things worked. From his perspective, he was happy for her when she lacked the ability to be happy for herself.
The druid girl certainly had no idea of the importance of what she was doing; she couldn't have. She was young and had not yet endured the trials of adulthood. The trials were a coming-of-age ritual that expanded the mind. It was well understood that children and young teens operated almost exclusively on instinct until they successfully completed the trials. Not a century went by that Thornguard Arden didn't regret gaining the ability to think at least once. More often than not, he found it easier not to think if he didn't have to. Luckily, his posting was a relatively quiet forest and he rarely had to use his mental faculties unless he had a visitor.
This particular guest introduced herself as Crystal and asked if there was anything he needed help with. He didn't recognize her as part of his clan; but, he didn't want to turn down the help. It was obvious someone told her to ask him because she couldn't have decided that on her own. He happened to know they were low on healing herbs and it was the perfect task for her. After a while of running around, the girl approached him with a bag full of glowing plants and a smile.
"ALL DONE!" she practically threw the bag at him; but, he was posted there for a reason. Thornguard Arden stood firm as the bag disintegrated before it reached him. He wouldn't have been too bothered if it did hit him; but, he knew it wouldn't. Those herbs were needed and the healers were always ready to receive more. The act of tossing the bag was seen as a gift and magic handled the rest; at least that was how Thornguard Arden understood it. He could think but, he didn't do it often.
"Thank you for your contribution, Crystal," he bowed his head in respect.
"It's fine," she giggled. "I had some time to kill. I'm waiting for someone....," she said. "...he should have been here already." Thornguard Arden nodded but remained silent. Their business was concluded and he didn't have anything else to say to her.
"He's not usually late though...," she said. "...should I message him? I don't want to bug him if he's working on his New Year's resolution, but this is unusual. He can take care of himself though, so I'm sure he's okay. So, it's not like I'm worried, you know?"
Thornguard Arden smiled and nodded. He wasn't thinking anymore now that she turned in her flowers.
"But it's just, why isn't he here? He didn't even tell me he was going to be late. Like, he could totally message me right now and say, 'Hey, I'm running late for our date'." Crystal glanced at her wrist, then sighed.
"I guess it's not really a date," she admitted. "I mean, is it a date by default if he's my boyfriend? We're not going to eat or anything, he's going to help me with my New Year's resolution. You don't know what that is, but that's okay," she said. "I'll tell you."
Thornguard Arden smiled and nodded.
"At my school, we're having a big, semester-long New Year's event. We made some resolutions and the AlterNet is supposed to guide us to those resolutions with like quests and stuff."
"Hey, here you are," a new voice spoke up. A teenager with copper-red hair walked out of a portal.
"It's about time!" Crystal said. He smirked and shrugged.
"Sorry, I Traversed to the wrong Server. It took me a little bit to realize it; I was waiting for you to message me," he said.
"I WAS WAITING FOR YOU!" she playfully shoved him.
"Yeah yeah, anyway, let's get your thing started," he said. "My node was glitching and I want Turbo to take a look at it after this."
"We can go now...," Crystal offered. The teen shook his head.
"No, I'm going to help you first. This isn't urgent at all," he said.
"OK!" Crystal did not hesitate and quickly turned to Thornguard Arden.
"Hey, this is my boyfriend, Keys," she said. Keys chuckled.
"He doesn't care," he said. "Just get on with it. I swear, you're friendlier to NPCs than you are to real people," he added.
"Well, what if he Awakens!? I don't want him thinking I'm rude," she said.
"What's your favorite number?" Keys asked Thornguard Arden. He was doing a job and didn't feel the need to indulge them; he continued facing forward with a blank look.
"See?" he asked.
"Still, you never know," Crystal answered. "Anyway, let's get started. I want to learn everything I can, so I should start by going through the Trials," she said. That key word drew the Thornguard's attention.
"The trials? But, you're so young...," Thornguard Arden shook his head with a gentle sigh. "I'll admit I do envy you," he gestured at the meadow full of enchanted flowers. "While you do all these things because it's all you can do, I was given the ability to think," he said.
"Ask him if you can get it twice," Keys chuckled as he nudged Crystal with his elbow.
"Shut up," she smirked.
"Not a century goes by that I don't regret gaining the ability to think at least once. However, if you are ready, here is how to prepare. First, you must-,"
"Got it, thanks!" Crystal waved at him as the quest appeared in her vision. His explanation was interrupted; but, he was confident she got the gist of it. Now that their business was concluded, he was content to turn off his brain again. He watched them walk away hand in hand and Thornguard Arden smiled.