Walking to his usual spot for training, Adam reflected on the time he had spent with Barracker and his family. The big group hug was unexpected, though not unwelcome. For a brief moment, the Druid had felt like he was home. Everyone was so kind, and had been so grateful for what for him felt like a fairly typical use of his powers. These kids were going through a siege, wouldn't anyone else in his spot use his magic the same way?


Isabelle was adorable, turning from shyness to clinging onto him, and Eren was also very nice. When he had said he wouldn't forget him, Adam had promised he would visit them again, which seemed to elicit more excitement. That was, assuming the fisherman lived through the battle, which was better left unsaid. Anne was very kind and gracious also - it was clear that she had the love and respect of all the children there.


Speaking of the upcoming fight, Barracker had a definite opinion on the outcome of that.


[quote=Barracker Kassel][Color=Green]“We will share the same fate, you and I, of this I am certain.  There is too much of a fighting spirit we share that we are done, this is not our last breath, this battle we will drink after we are made victorious.”[/color][/quote]


Adam wasn't sure he agreed. Despite knowing the strength of Second Chance, he also knew that the enemy was fierce and certainly had things that he'd never seen before. There was no guarantee of victory here. Even so, he appreciated the sentiment, and thanked the vampire for it and for introducing him to his family before the two of them left to take care of their respective tasks.


And now that a certain empty part of Valheim was near, the Druid's work would begin.


-----


[i]While Adam was training…[/i]


A certain gnome with a curly mustache walked up to Golden Tree Park. It was kind of impressive how everyone was helping grow trees, he thought. [i]Not as impressive as I am though[/i] Xavier grinned at his own evaluation. Looking for a spot to cast, he saw a young, tan elf approach him.


“Good morning! Here to help?” Drake asked, followed by “great! Are you a caster?”


The mustachioed man chuckled. “I am not just any ordinary Druid. I am the genius of nature magic, Xavier Johnson! I have been busy [s]drinking and whoring[/s] helping Valheim. Now, however, [s]Wulrick made me[/s] I decided to dedicate my power to the city’s defense!”


“Oh, how nice, thank you! This will be the second genius I've met. Not that the first would ever admit it. He has such a work ethic! Inspired all of us Druids here to help with the chopping and loading, in fact. He's not here now, but hopefully you can meet him sometime.”


[i]“Ugh, I can't just cast and leave, I have to work like a commoner now? How stupid,”[/i] the short man thought. [i]“Although…”[/i]


“Maybe I should leave and find this ‘other genius’ who is slacking off on Valheim, then.”


“Oh, no thank you,” Drake responded to the now-deflated gnome, “he says the magic he's been working on the past few days is dangerous, and doesn't want anyone to get hurt.”


[i]“Damn, this brat has an answer for everything.”[/i] “What is this guy's name, anyway?”


Upon “introducing” Xavier to Adam Phillips of Second Chance, Drake was very concerned. The look on the gnome's face made him look like he was going to faint!