CHAPTER 50: WHEN A FOREST FLOWERS

Hours later...

The goblin camp buzzes with soft chatter and crackling firelight. The scent of roast roots and wild honey clings to the air. Tents made from scavenged cloths and colorful ribbons dot the forest clearing.

Near the center of camp, Veena sits leaning against a log, arms folded, eyes half-closed in suspicion. She tries her best to look aloof while not admitting that she is worried.

Penelo lay curled up beside her in a nest of grass and moss, snoring softly, her ears twitching every now and then. Vuvi has somehow found a decent-sized rock to sleep on, muttering in her sleep about "divine insurance premiums."

The goblins are awake though. All of them. Huddling together in whispers.

And then...

Footsteps. Four pairs.

The goblins scramble upright.

One peeks over a rock and squeaks.

"He’s back!"

The nymphs emerge first, tall and glowing like newly ascended goddesses. Their forms shimmering like starlight and spring rain.

Every goblin’s jaw hits the floor.

Then comes Pip, gleaming and golden, walking between the nymphs like some divine envoy of love and miracles.

Last came Sera, her armor half on, grinning like the fox that ate the whole hen house.

The goblins erupt in whispers and awe.

"Did you see that glow?"

"Was that a goddess?"

"He’s got magic in his metal! Real magic!"

The noise rouses Penelo, who blinks and sits up, rubbing her eyes. "Pip...?"

Veena stands, scowling. "About time."

Vuvi rolls off her rock with a grunt, blinking at the spectacle. "Oh good, the blessed beeper returns."

Sera raises a hand in greeting. "Apologies. Got a little... sidetracked. But it was worth it."

Pip beeps cheerfully and waves to the team. The two nymphs bowed once, deep and reverent, before fading into the woods like mist on the wind as the gathered crowd looks on in awe.

Vuvi walks up to Pip, eyeing him with an expression somewhere between admiration and exasperation. "Did you upgrade yourself without me?" she mutters, poking his shoulder.

He beeped and shrugs.

Veena steps forward, hands on hips. "Was that divine afterglow I just saw?"

Sera nods, smirking. "Let’s just say your friend’s quite the spiritual experience."

Penelo runs up and hugs Pip around the waist. "Did you miss me?" she asks with a sleepy smile. "You were gone so looooong."

Pip beeps low and warm, resting a hand on her head.

Vuvi turns to Sera. "So? He’s safe enough for water spirits, Is he safe enough for your tribe of amazons?"

Sera gives a laugh. "Safe? No. Not at all. But whatever he is... he’s definitely what they need."

Goblins begin to gather behind her, their eyes wide, their voices buzzing.

Vuvi crosses her arms, pretending not to enjoy the praise. "Alright then. He’s open for appointments back in the village. Anyone who wants to... sample his skills can make a booking through me."

The goblins gasp, then squeal. They run in every direction, some to grab their friends, others to argue about who would go first.

Sera smiles, turning back toward the trees. "You’ve made quite the stir. I hope you’re ready, golden boy."

Pip, standing in the glow of the rekindled fire, lets out a single, satisfied chime.

The next morning...

Vuvi wakes to the sound of chaos.

Not the kind of chaos that involves monsters or explosions, though that wasn’t exactly off the table in her life, but the kind that came from dozens of women talking, laughing, packing, arguing about boots and bedrolls, and generally preparing for something big.

She groans and rolls over, squinting up at a shaft of sunlight breaking through the canopy.

A warm chime greets her.

Pip sits cross-legged beside her, his faceplate gleaming with pride. He beeps again, tilting his head with joy at seeing her awake.

"Why is there noise?" she mumbles, voice raw.

A chipper voice pops up from her other side. "They’re getting ready to leave!" Penelo announces, practically bouncing into view.

Vuvi blinks. "Leave where?"

Penelo leans in close, eyes sparkling. "To the village, of course! After Sera started going into detail about her session with Pip..." she waggles her eyebrows, "...the others couldn’t wait. Most left before sunrise. The rest want to walk with us."

Vuvi sits up slowly, rubbing her eyes. "The rest?"

She turns her head, and nearly falls backwards.

Dozens of women, of every size, race, and species, stands neatly packed just beyond the camp. Warriors, farmers, spellcasters, artisans, and more. Some goblins too, all dressed, packed, and staring straight at her. No one says a word. They simply wait, eyes fixed on her and Pip like he was a sacred relic and she was the priestess.

Vuvi scratches the back of her head. "Oh," she says. "That’s... not terrifying at all."

Pip beeps encouragingly.

With a long sigh, she stretches her arms to the sky and yawns. "Well," she mutters, standing up, "looks like we’ve got a long day ahead of us."

The procession snakes through the forest like a living ribbon of color and sound. Birds fly overhead, chirping curiously. Small critters pause in the brush to watch the parade of women, their chatter lively and growing louder as the group neared the village.

Pip walks in the center, flanked by Veena, Penelo, and Vuvi, who occasionally give half-hearted answers to the endless questions from behind them.

"How long is a session?"

"Can he handle three at once?"

"Does he know how to do the Pendragon Pelvis Popper?"

Then, without warning, the sun-drenched path darkens.

Raindrops begin to fall... soft and silver and sparkling.

Vuvi flinches. "Rain? But it’s—"

"Magical rain!" Penelo squeals. "I’ve only seen it once before!"

As they pause to watch, the rain touches the soil.

And the forest blooms.

Flowers erupt from the earth in bursts of color. Trees shake their branches in delight. Vines curl like dancers. The whole forest sings with verdant joy.

Then, from the trees, two radiant figures emerge.

The nymphs.

Bathed in green and gold light, they approach Pip and gently lay a wreath of glowing flowers around his shoulders.

"Blessed one," they sing in unison. "You have saved us and our home. For this, we name you Savior of the Vale."

They bow low, smiling.

And for a long, quiet moment, the forest bows with them.