I am Just an Average Tamer

[<Soul Space activated!>]

The ground beneath the Drakelet glowed with a magic circle and it disappeared.

Yawn!

Kai stretched, and—

Whoosh!

Moments later.

He stepped into the inn, the scent of cooked stew still lingering faintly in the hallway.

He ordered food for two, took the tray and entered his room.

Elina was curled up on the bed, a light blanket draped over her small frame.

Her soft breathing was in sync with the gentle purring of Vex.

Her eyes were closed, tail flicking lazily as Elina hugged her like a sleeping pillow.

Kai exhaled quietly, a small smile tugging at his lips.

He walked in softly, placing the tray at the table beside the bed.

Vex's ears twitched.

Kai stood beside the bed and gently nudged her.

She stirred, blinking sleepily at him.

"You're back," she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.

"Yeah," he replied.

She glanced at his slightly ruffled look and narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "You fought again, didn't you?"

Kai grinned. "Maybe."

Vex let out another lazy purr, shifting to her side.

"Get up, dinner's ready."

Elina let out a small yawn and sat up.

Kai put the plate in front of her, she picked up spoon, eyes half-lid.

Then she scoop it in stew and put in her mouth, before blowing at it.

Kai gave Vael and Vex their share and sat on the chair, eating his own.

Then he glanced at her and saw her sleeping while sitting, spoon still in hand and mumbling something under her breath.

Kai sighed and gently took the spoon from her hand, scoop the stew and brought it to her mouth.

"You should finished your food before sleeping."

Elina slowly opened her eyes and then mouth.

Swallowing it.

Kai repeated the process, until the bowl was empty.

He then placed it on tray.

"Get your rest. Tomorrow morning, we're heading to the capital."

Her eyes lit up instantly, sleep forgotten. "Really?!"

He nodded. "Time to see the bigger world, Elina."

She gave a small squeal and tightly clung to Kai, her voice muffled but brimming with excitement. "This is gonna be so fun!"

Kai patted her head and put her on the bed, "Now sleep."

She opened her arms and Vex lunged at her, pinning her down, and she hugged her tightly again and shifted onto her side.

Kai chuckled under his breath and stood, gazing out the window.

'The capital... Things were about to get interesting.'

Kai stood, watching the moonlight pour through the trees as the room fell quiet again.

The soft rustling of Elina cuddling with Vex was the only sound.

Then, a familiar blue panel hovered in front of him.

[<You're taking her to the capital? Isn't that dangerous for her?>]

Kai didn't even blink.

"It is," he admitted softly, arms folded.

"But danger's part of growing up. Besides..." he smirked slightly.

"I know you won't let anything happen to her. You've got a soft spot for her."

[<I do not.>]

Kai chuckled. "Sure."

There was a pause.

[<...Shut up,>]

And with that, Zer went quiet.

Kai's grin lingered as he turned back to the room. "Softie."

******

The morning sun rays spilled golden light over the streets.

Kai stepped out of the inn, Elina trailing beside him with Vex trotting at her heels.

She had a small satchel slung over her shoulder, stuffed with everything she thought she'd need, even if most of it was snacks.

Though Kai had asked her to hand it over so he can put them into his storage bracelet, but she was too reluctant for carry it herself.

Lina was already waiting near the gate, arms folded and a confident smirk on her face.

The Mossfur Cub sleeping in her arms.

Her long braid had been redone, and even the usually unkempt Hare beside her looked fresh and energized.

"You two took your sweet time," she teased.

"We're fashionably late," Kai replied, stretching slightly.

As they were about to leave the inn's vicinity, a familiar voice called out behind them. "Hey! Wait up!"

Ethan came running, slightly out of breath. He stopped in front of them.

His eyes flickered between the three, lingering a bit longer on Elina.

"You guys are really going?" he asked, forcing a grin.

Lina nodded.

Elina stepped forward and gave him a bright smile. "We'll bring you something fun!"

Ethan chuckled softly. "I'll hold you to that." He lowered his gaze a little. "I wanted to come too but… well, you know."

Lina ruffled his hair with a, casual gentleness. "Next time."

With a wave, they turned and left, heading into the forest trail.

Ethan stood there until they were out of sight, the grin slowly fading as he muttered to himself, "Next time…"

******

The woods greeted them with the rustling leaves and morning mist.

Birds chirped from high branches, and shafts of sunlight danced through the gaps.

Elina skipped ahead, humming a cheery tune, her steps light and carefree.

Lina glanced at her, shaking her head in amusement.

"She's really enjoying herself."

Kai smiled faintly. "That's a good thing."

Soon walking for few minutes, Elina's steps slowed, her shoulders slumped and her eyes dropped.

Lina giggled.

Kai then picked her and put on his shoulders.

After a couple hours of travel, the trees began to thin, giving way to cobbled roads.

Soon, the forest ended, and before them stretched a modest town.

The last settlement before the road that led straight to the capital.

It bustled with travelers, vendors, and the sound of carts creaking over the stones.

Kai looked ahead, his gaze sharpening slightly.

He nudged Elina awake and put her down.

She grumbled, rubbing her eyes.

And Lina took her hand.

Kai glanced around the busy street before heading toward the transit guild post.

A squat stone building near the town square, marked by a faded wooden sign swinging lazily in the breeze.

Inside, the air smelled faintly of old wood, ink, and horse feed.

He approached the counter, negotiated briefly, and handed over a few coins.

"One wagon for three passengers. We are heading to the capital."

The guild worker gave a curt nod. "It'll be ready in twenty minutes. Wait by the eastern gate."