[@PaulHaynek] [@The Irish Tree] (EUL)

Despite blushing at the intimate contact, Kerry was rendered speechless. Not just from Eula's words, but from her actions as well. The hornet has [b]rarely[/b] ever seen.....well, any mamono behave like this. The level of compassion that Eula showed was.....damn near human. She could see it in the automaton's eyes, yet....there was also something else in them.

A part of her that was......damaged. Broken.....and it was something that no workshop can fix.

Seeing this reminded Kerry of a certain lesson.....Back in those simpler days...

[hider=Flashback]
[i][color=aba000]"Your feet are open."[/color]

[color=fff79a]"Huh? My fee-GAH!"[/color]

A younger and smaller Kerry fell on her bottom in a clearing near a forest. The 18-year-old insectoid got back on her feet, pouting as she glared at her sparring partner. A tall, dark-skinned man wearing a simple tan shirt with rolled up sleeves and brown trousers. Twirling his wooden staff before resting it on his shoulder, he walked up to the little mamono with a smirk.

[color=aba000]"You were distracted again."[/color], he spoke in a deep yet warm voice.

[color=fff79a]"That's because I finally got past your guard, dad! I got excited from that!"[/color], Kerry responded while pointing with her own staff, trying to justify where perceived credit was due.

[color=aba000]"Yes, you did. But the goal was for you to make me move from my spot without using magic, which you have not done yet. Only when you've done so, we'll proceed with your training."[/color], her father replied, earning him an even bigger pout from his daughter, which only made him chuckle before looking up to see the sun high in the sky. [color=aba000]"It's midday. Come, let's head on home. Your mother is preparing lunch."[/color]

Later, the father and daughter duo were seen walking through the woods, conversating.

[color=aba000]"So, still want to travel the world when you grow up?"[/color]

[color=fff79a]"Ugh, yes, dad. I still want to do it. Did mom convince you to talk me out of it now?"[/color]

[color=aba000]"She's trying to talk you out of it because she loves you and worries about you, kiddo."[/color]

[color=fff79a]"I-I know that. And why am I the exception? Mom didn't have a problem with Quinn, Wendy and Orissa when we saw them off."[/color]

[color=aba000]"Quinn is a spitting image of your mother, has her own dungeon, found her husband with it and is expecting their first child. Wendy, despite being a minotaur, became a successful baker down in Gnoll City. And Orissa, a siren, is a popular celebrity at the bard's guild up in East Bandelfall. What separates you from them is the fact you picked rather dangerous occupation to follow your dream, which is-"[/color]

[color=fff79a]"Becoming a mercenary, I get it. Still, seems like you're the only one who's not totally against my decision."[/color]

[color=aba000]"Because I believe you have what it takes to make it out there on your own. Though, I will admit....I share in your mother's concern. For as much as she and I train you for what life may throw at you, we can't possibly prepare for everything it will throw at you."[/color]

[color=fff79a]"What...do you mean by that?"[/color], queried Kerry, trepidation creeping into her voice as she stopped walking, a concerned look on her face.

Her father stopped walking as well and sighed. He then turned to look at his daughter.

Kerry. The fourth born. His little stinger.

Setting his staff against a tree, he walked up to Kerry and put his hands on her shoulders, gazing at her with a serious visage.

[color=aba000]"Listen up, Kerry."[/color], he began, his tone loving yet stern. [color=aba000]I'm sure by now you and your siblings have heard me regale you plenty of my war stories. As you got older, I've told you stories that were less glamorous and more....real. So I'm not lying when I tell you that I have seen some of the worst of what war brings out in people. When you start your life as a mercenary, you will come across it, at some point. I'm not saying this to scare you, only to prepare you. Fear. Hatred. Cruelty. Injustice. Every sort of bad evil you can think of. They all exist out there. Mainly around humans, but don't be shocked if you see mamono engage in it as well. It's just how the world is, sometimes. It will be harder for you especially because you're a mamono. Most humans will fear you, curse you, hate you or, if given the chance, will try to kill you. So, the best advice that I, your father, can give is this: Walk with a ready fist....while carrying a kind smile. Take in the sights as you go. Meet new people and learn new things.

"But most importantly, when you find the right people, make friends. Who knows? They may have been through the wringer just as much as you have...[/color][/i]
[/hider]

[color=fff79a]"....if not more."[/color], Kerry whispered to herself before sighing, smirking to herself.

Nearly 10 years since she left home and her dad is still taking her to school.

[color=fff79a]"Well, Eula, it's like you said: There is a shit ton of things to care of and the locals do need our help, no matter how much they bitch about. So let's bury this hatchet so we can get back to saving this island, yeah?"[/color]