Douce Dépendouce

Chapter 21

I suddenly felt all eyes on me as I prepared myself, forming the spark that I had to re-activate during Druid Training. After a few seconds, it started to form, soon ready to be sent off as I directed it to where Fripp laid, its pace slow and steady as it finished the final spot next to the rest, all of them flowing into Avalons before it casted as one big, bright and colourful spark. My muscles tightened as I watched it flash for a minute before it plunged down into Fripp, casting a dome around him as it flashed on the inside, soon cascading in and disappearing into thin air like nothing had happened.

We all stood there, the air tense and silent, not a breath heard as we all stood there, waiting for any sign of moment. I kept my eyes on him and tried to relax my heart rate, waiting desperately for anything. No one spoke and no one moved; we all simply stood there, waiting. I felt my heart sink after nothing happened, my eyes flicking down and then back up when I saw something, not looking away from him. I watched as I noticed a small section of blue fluff move from the hidden clothed area, soon followed by another moment, and soon Fripps head came into view. He sat up slowly, his eyes dazed and confused as he looked around at us, taking us in as I heard Avalon gasp, quickly walking towards him as everyone let out silent breaths of relief. I breathed out, a smile spreading across my face as I watched him turn to look at Avalon, mastering a smile as he looked at him, pure joy radiating off of Avalons presence. Avalon kneeled beside him as Fripp grinned up at him, turning his head to look at all of us, his grin filled with pride as he locked on me, taking into account Ydris behind me as I watched his eyes go up. He seemed too tired and unaware to notice as he turned back to Avalon, seeming to try and speak.

"Told you it would work," Alex called out, her voice filled with happiness as Fripp turned to her.

"I'm glad your doubts didn't take over," he managed to say finally, his voice quiet and fraile, fatigue supporting it as he sucked in a big breath, then exhaling. "How long have I been gone?"

"A few good months, maybe a year" Linda responded, his eyes widening. "I think it's more likely a few months."

He slowly nodded, concern now in his eyes as he looked at us all over again, his eyes locking on mine as I held his gaze, unsure if he was going to ask me something.

"I do hope you all have been keeping well and my disappearance did not cause anything," he said, letting out a breath. "I do trust you all knowing you'd do just fine without me."

I grinned slightly, seeing the others do the same as Fripp look around at us before letting out a breath, his eyes having a look of fatigue.

"I think it's time we return to get you accompanied again," Avalon said, Fripp nodding as he swallowed, laying back down on his elbows as Avalon carefully lifted up the basket.

"I do appreciate all your help," he said to us, his tone filled with pride. "I know this was odd timing with everything, but you've all done fantastic with the circumstances."

I looked around, seeing Lindas posture relax, her concern faded and replaced by relief.

He all gave us one last look before thanking us and turning back around, heading back from where he had entered, keeping a secure hold on Fripp until they were nowhere to be seen.

I turned as I saw Alex place her hands in her pockets, giving me a small smile before she headed off, flashing me one last smirk over her shoulder as she slowly headed back down the hill, the sense to now return back. I waited for everyone else to slowly wander off after some quick and small convos before I then turned around, seeing Ydris still standing behind me as he gazed off, a certain look in his eyes which made me think back to our past encounters.

"I do suppose we should head back now," he said, breaking his gaze down to me.

I smiled, watching as he reached for my hand and bringing it up, holding his grasp with mine before bringing it back down, walking back up towards the hill to the Circus, keeping my grasp connected with his the whole way up until we reached the Circus grounds.