Slow Down

It hadn't been long since Noah had passed out when he woke back up. Only an hour or so had passed. By that point David located the inn that the gate guard had told him about. He simply put Noah down on one of the beds, knowing he would wake up sooner rather than later. David noticed that Noah had awoken.

David: "You alright kid? I'm sorry about that, I didn't think about the culture shock that would happen when you walked in. The atmosphere is kind of cluttered and claustrophobic."

Noah: "I'm fine. My head hurts a little though."

David: "Yeah, it might take a little getting used to. We're only going to be here for the night so you don't need to worry too much. We'll try and head out early in the morning so we can avoid as many people as possible."

Passing out was a little embarrassing, but it didn't matter too much since the pair had planned to stop for the night anyway.

Noah: "How much further do we have to go after we get out of the city?"

David: "We'll pass through one village, though we won't be stopping to talk to anyone there. After that it's just a side path that leads to the mountain base. Then we'll camp at the base to make sure we're rested for the climb."

Noah: "I wanted to look around the city, but I don't know if that's such a good idea now."

David: "I have an idea then. When we come back and stop at this city again, we'll see if you can handle the crowd next by that time, and if you can we'll walk around before we go to sleep."

Noah: "Okay then, that works. We could totally try again right now though."

David: "You sure love to rush things. Though I guess I do as well considering I already landed you a job and wife."

Noah shrugged off the wife comment. Due to the incident with Lynn earlier in the day, he has become immune to teasing. He hardly flinched let alone turn red.

David: "It already stopped working on you? That's no fun. Guess I'll have to find something new to tease you about."

Noah: "Please don't."

Noah pouted as David laughed at him.

David: "I'm sure Edna and Lawrence would love to hear about your first time in the city, but they also told me to prioritize your health. Can't have you passing out again."

Noah: "Can we just talk like we usually do back at your place then?"

David: "Of course, yeah."

Noah: "I want to try having a serious talk, actually."

David: "I just said that there was no need to rush things, you're a kid, you should try to be one for right now."

Noah: "I've had a bunch of people tell me that I can be a hero today. They all say they believe you can do it, but then turn to me and say that I'm surely going to do it instead."

David: "Serious conversation it is then. Look Noah, it's partly because I've talked you up a bit, I think I might have people thinking that I expect to fail because of how much faith I put in you. To be completely honest, I'm worried that I might. I don't know what kind of people my ancestors were, but I assume they all had a good amount of talent considering the secret knowledge that I have. All of this time and I'm going to be the first one to attempt the trial since it was first learned about. I just got on you for rushing things, but really I might be the one rushing it. All this time and not a single one of them even attempted it. Either they are overestimating that trial or I'm going to lose handily. If I do lose I want to tell you again that you don't have to fix my mistakes. If you wanted to, I'm sure you could hide Ellie's magic for a long time, maybe even get out of the country with her and live a full life without having to risk harm. I'm glad you're here with me though. I'm glad you're at least thinking about it. You're like the little brother I never had. I'm probably not going to get married or have kids, so you're the one I'm passing my knowledge onto for if I can't do it. I'm sure you can succeed. You just have something special about you."

Noah didn't really know how to respond. Usually he would just joke around with David. He didn't expect him to actually talk seriously with him. There was a lot of weight on both their shoulders, but especially Noah's at this point. He has been through a lot up to now and there are many people with high expectations for him. It's an overbearing pressure.

Noah: "I'm thinking I probably won't take over. I'll keep thinking about it though."

David: "That's fine. It's your life. I told you to slow it down a couple times now and you can take as long as you want on this decision. There's always a chance of someone else trying to step up as a hero instead. It doesn't have to be you or me."

Noah: "Yeah, I guess you're right."

David: "It's weird having a talk like this with someone as young as you. Your parents did a good job of schooling you, though even then I think your maturity at such a young age is what makes you special. Anyone can read books and get a little bit smarter, but having a kid act like an adult in a lot of different scenarios is something else."

Noah: "I don't think my mom would have taught me any more than she did if I didn't ask for it."

David: "Well then good on you for asking, and good on her for being kind enough to put in the extra time with you. You have a bright future no matter what path you take in life."

Noah: "I don't think I'd succeed in a city life."

David: "I doubt you'll pass out next time. I'm sure we'll get the chance to walk around on the way back."

Noah: "Hopefully."

David: "Let's get some shut eye, long road ahead of us from here. Once we hit the next village it'll be a few weeks before we hit the base of the mountain."

Noah and David finished their talk and went to sleep. David woke up early and proceeded to wake up Noah. As planned they got out of the city before too many people were heading for their jobs. After about a day, the pair made it past the next village and started to follow the path to the mountain. It was a couple weeks of uneventful walking, talking, and camping. There was one point where they had to scare off some wild animals, but other than that nothing of note happened. Finally, they reached their destination. Standing in front of Noah and David was going to be the greatest challenge either of them have faced in their lives thus far. What awaited for them on the climb up was a mystery, and if the climb would even be worth it in the end, a lingering thought in the back of their minds.

David: "We're finally here..."

Noah: "Is the climb going to be difficult?"

David: "Luckily, despite how big it is, the mountain climb is more of a mountain hike. That was probably intentional since it was originally just a normal dwelling place, and even more so now that it's a cursed mountain. Speaking of, do not get separated from me, and if we do, just think about finding where the Titans of Ice are and you should be fine. If you get lost though due to the curse, I won't be able to help you."

Noah: "Alright, I'll make sure to always be next to you if I can."

David: "Good... let's get to the top and go see those Titans."