Altrun Teammate

393 AC - "Act wisely"… So that's what being wise is? To have a knot in your stomach and to hold your tongue? I start thinking about all the others who stayed in Arkaster. Are they training to keep their title for another year? Are they preparing to come and join me like they promised? When we were together, we'd say anything to each other, even if it was painful to hear. It wasn't criticism; it was just the cold hard truth. Or at least it was constructive. "You screwed up your start there"; "You should've changed your strategy there"… Booda meows, sensing my unease, and I open my eyes wider when I turn in his direction. Next to him, the figure of Gault starts to materialize. He jumps around and waves his arms, and I start to smile.

You're right, Boo. It's cool to go through Waru's books, but I need to stretch my legs. The Eidolon imitates getting into the starting-blocks, and I do the same. There's a yowl. Ready, set, go! The islands of the Illyrian Quadrant are nothing like the roofs of the capital city, but it doesn't matter. We fall back into the same habits, the little taunts, our old bond. He leaps between the suspended rocks, runs along the walls and slides down the grassy slopes… And I follow him. I could maybe overtake him, but I prefer to watch him. With a surge of fiery emotion, I suddenly turn and tackle him head on. We tumble through a fluffy field, both of us laughing. I press my forehead against his as a few tears run down my cheeks.

KOJO