Planting traps and Mysterious Mistress

Utaru and the Traps

The Utaru were farmers, not warriors, and the thought of setting traps, something that could actually hurt or kill was new and uncomfortable for them. But with the growing threats from the Carja and the machines, it was a skill they needed to learn.

Mira, the eldest of the Utaru, stood at the front of the group, a bit shaky as she tried to tie the cord for the trap. Her hands were used to the gentle motions of planting seeds, not the rough work of combat. She glanced over at her younger companions, who were all equally unsure of themselves.

"I... think we need to tie it tighter," Mira said, pulling the cord in an awkward loop around a tree branch. "This should work, right?"

One of the younger Utaru, Tira, peered over her shoulder and nodded hesitantly. "I think so. It looks... strong enough?"

"No, no," came the voice of Nali, another Utaru who had been trying to keep up with the others. "The loop goes under, not over!" She moved to demonstrate, only to trip over the very trap she was trying to set and faceplant into the dirt.

Mira sighed. "Maybe we should just stick to growing beans."

Tira crouched down to help Nali up, her face flushed with embarrassment. "Are you alright?" she asked, offering a hand.

Nali groaned, brushing herself off. "I'm fine. Just... getting into the spirit of things."

"No, no," Mira said with a smile, trying to lighten the mood. "We're supposed to be the ones doing the trapping, not falling into them."

Albedo, who had been observing the scene with a mix of amusement and patience, walked over with a raised eyebrow. "How's it going, Utaru?" she asked, her voice playful.

"We're... getting there," Mira said, her tone full of doubt. "It's just, these traps aren't... quite what I imagined."

Tira nodded. "We're used to planting, not... killing things. This is hard."

Albedo chuckled softly. "Well, you're going to have to get used to it if we want to survive. But don't worry, it's a learning process." 

Mira let out a deep sigh, shaking her head. "I knew this was going to be harder than farming. I miss the fields."

"At least you won't get hurt there." Nali added, still chuckling.

"Alright, alright," Albedo said, holding up her hands. "Let's take a break. It's not easy to shift from farming to combat. We'll work through it."

But before anyone could relax, a loud snap echoed from the nearby woods, followed by a yelp. Everyone turned to see Tira, who had accidentally set another trap, this time, for herself. The rope had caught around her ankle, and she was now dangling upside down, flailing in the air.

"Okay, now we're ready for a break," Albedo said, holding back her laughter as she moved over to help Tira.

Mira, still in shock, couldn't help but laugh too. "I'm beginning to think we're better off as crafters."

"Well." Albedo said, trying to suppress her grin. "maybe just a little more practice and we'll get you all set up as the best trap setters in the land, you already catch two people."

Tira, still hanging upside down, grinned sheepishly. "I think I need to un-set myself first."

Albedo and Noir: A Moment of Mischief

Noir leaned back against a tree, stretching his legs out in front of him. He glanced at Albedo, who was sharpening her spear, her movements smooth and practiced.

"You know," Noir began, his voice casual but laced with mischief, "if you keep staring at that spear like it's going to bite you, I'm going to start thinking you've got a secret crush on it."

Albedo raised an eyebrow, her sharp gaze meeting his. "And what makes you think that?" she asked, her tone flat but with a playful edge.

Noir grinned, stretching even further, trying to look relaxed. "Well, the way you're holding it, like it's your one true love. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were planning a date with that thing."

Albedo snorted, clearly amused. "You have an interesting imagination, Noir. But I'm afraid my love life isn't as complicated as you seem to think. This is just a tool, not a romantic partner."

Noir smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Ah, but that's where you're wrong. A weapon like that... it's practically an extension of you. And who knows? Maybe it does have a certain charm."

Albedo shot him a sideways glance. "You really think I'd fall for a sharp piece of metal?"

"Hey, I'm not judging," Noir replied with a grin. "I mean, it's clearly got your attention. I can't compete with that level of commitment."

Albedo rolled her eyes, trying to hide the smile that was tugging at her lips. "You're ridiculous. You know that, right?"

Noir leaned forward, his voice dropping to a mock serious tone. "I'll have you know, I'm very serious about these things. If your spear had a name, I'd probably start calling it 'Mysterious Mistress.'"

Albedo snorted again, this time unable to hold back her laughter. "Oh, I can just see it now, Albedo and her Mysterious Mistress, saving the world one slash at a time.'"

"Exactly!" Noir said, raising his hands in mock triumph. "Now that's a story I'd pay to see. You two, battling side by side, saving villages, taking down machines... and maybe sharing a dramatic kiss at the end."

Albedo's laughter grew louder, drawing the attention of a few of the others around the campfire. "A dramatic kiss? You've got quite the imagination. But I'm pretty sure that's not happening anytime soon."

Noir leaned in closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "You never know. Maybe the spear has its own secret desires."

Albedo grinned, shaking her head. "Alright, I think I've heard enough. If I start falling for my weapons, I'll be sure to send you an invitation to the wedding."

"Perfect!" Noir said with mock enthusiasm. "I'll wear my best suit. Maybe even bring a gift, something sharp, of course."

"You're incorrigible," Albedo said, but there was a warmth in her voice, a softness that was rare for her. She looked over at Noir, her smile lingering. "But you're fun to have around."

Noir smiled back, his usual smirk softened by something more genuine. "I'll take that as a compliment. It's nice to know I'm good for something other than annoying you."

"Don't get too used to it," Albedo warned, though her tone was teasing. "Next time, I might just take that spear out on a date instead of you."

Noir's grin widened. "If that happens, I'll be heartbroken. But I'll understand. It's a beautiful spear."

Albedo rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress her smile. "Go to sleep, Noir. You're making me laugh too much."

Noir stood up slowly, stretching again. "Alright, alright. I'll leave you and your 'Mysterious Mistress' to get some rest. But I expect a full report on the wedding plans in the morning."

Albedo shook her head, chuckling as she watched him walk off. "Good night, Noir. Don't get any ideas."

"Wouldn't dream of it," Noir called back over his shoulder with a wink. 

Albedo watched him disappear into the shadows, shaking her head but still smiling. For all the dangers they faced, moments like this, lighthearted and full of laughter, were what kept her going. 

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For every 25 power stones a extra chapter.