The Talk

Scene: Ruby's Arrival and Harith's Conversation with Hobs

In the bustling capital city, airships soared overhead like majestic guardians, while horses and locomotives moved the people below. At the main train depot, the Flameheart family disembarked from the locomotive, greeted by the depot manager and his staff with utmost respect.

"We welcome the Flameheart Family to the Capital," the manager announced warmly.

"We appreciate the preparations you've made," Duke Flameheart acknowledged with a nod.

But before the pleasantries could settle, Ruby, the Duke's daughter, stepped forward with an air of authority that belied her tender age.

"How dare you make us wait like this? Do you know how much time we've wasted because this thing is too slow?!" Ruby's voice rang out, sharp and unyielding.

The manager, caught off guard, stammered, "Ah, forgive me, Lady Garnette."

"Hmph, see that you've learned something. Come, father, we can't waste any more time here," Ruby declared impatiently, leading her family towards the waiting carriages.

As they embarked on their journey towards the palace, Ruby's thoughts raced with frustration.

"Why must I always be late? It's all that man's fault. Take a deep breath, Ruby. Stay calm," she murmured to herself, determined to maintain her composure despite her inner turmoil.

Meanwhile, on the route to the depot, Harith and Natan shared a moment of camaraderie.

"And then I told him, spell 'sus' backward. And then he went silent! Hahaha," Natan chuckled, clearly amused by his own wit.

"Hahaha, Natan, you really know how to crack a joke," Harith laughed along, enjoying the light-hearted banter.

Their jovial exchange was interrupted by Harith's observation of Hobs, riding silently and apart from the group.

"Hey, what's wrong with him?" Harith asked Natan, concerned.

Natan's expression turned serious as he explained, "Oh, Hobs? He's always like that—prefers solitude, doesn't talk much, and he's serious about his work."

Sympathy welled up in Harith as he considered Hobs' demeanor. "Well, I trust you, Natan, but maybe I should try to talk to him. It's important for us to get along, right?"

Natan sighed, casting a meaningful glance at Hobs. "I encourage you to try, but remember, there's one rule: don't bring up the Myth. Hobs doesn't react well to that."

"The Myth?" Harith echoed, intrigued by the forbidden topic.

"Yeah, just steer clear of it," Natan advised with a serious nod.

Determined to bridge the gap with Hobs, Harith slowed his horse and maneuvered to ride beside him.

"Phew, that was a trek," Harith remarked, trying to break the ice.

"What do you want, kid?" Hobs responded gruffly, clearly not accustomed to idle chatter during work.

Undeterred, Harith cleared his throat and spoke formally, "Hello, Mr. Hobs. Can we talk?"

Hobs raised an eyebrow suspiciously. "A talk?"

"Yes, I'd like to get to know you better," Harith admitted earnestly.

Hobs seemed annoyed but relented slightly. "Get to know me?"

"Yes, through conversation," Harith affirmed, feeling a bit out of his depth.

"And about what?" Hobs pressed, his patience waning.

Harith hesitated briefly, realizing he hadn't planned the conversation. "Um, well..."

Searching for common ground, Harith remarked, "Isn't it a beautiful day today?"

Hobs grunted noncommittally.

"The shade from those trees looks so lifelike, don't you think?" Harith tried again, hoping for a more engaged response.

"Yeah, I guess," Hobs replied shortly.

Harith cursed inwardly, feeling the conversation falter. Think, Harith, think!

Then, recalling Natan's warning, he decided to take a risk. "Hey, have you ever heard about the myth... creature?"

Realizing his mistake immediately, Harith started to retreat. "Oops, sorry, I should get back to my position. Nice talking to you, Mr. Hobs. See you later."

But Hobs stopped him, surprising Harith with a serious expression. "Wait."

"Y-yes?" Harith stammered nervously.

"Do you want to know about the Weeping Wolf?" Hobs asked abruptly, his tone changing to one of unexpected seriousness.

Both fell silent, the weight of Hobs' words hanging in the air, signaling the beginning of a genuine conversation between the two adventurers.

The story continues with Ruby's impatient arrival and Harith's bold attempt to connect with Hobs, setting the stage for new discoveries and relationships amidst their respective journeys.