Gathering: Phantom Feelings

Phantom Feelings

„Can you bring some of those fruits from the bushes growing around the waterfall? You know, the ones that look like regular apples but make you super fast!“ A vexyn knight recruit chirped, getting pushed aside by his friend soon after.

„No, no, no! Bring the ones that tingle all funny when you eat em!“ The other one argued, a bright grin on their face as they looked up at their mentor.

Dunstan rolled his eyes, trying to weave his way through the excited vexyns and vexlets. The yearly „recruitment festival“ hosted at Wingfell turned the normally orderly place upside down, at least in Dunstan's eyes. Apprentices brought in their younger siblings, families watched the training and gave their commentary and everyone always needed something from him and his colleagues.

It was a pain in the-

„Pleaaase, uncle Dun, I promised them you would!“ One of his long time students pouted. The Knight only bristled his extended mane in response, thumping his right hind leg in retaliation for being addressed in such a unprofessional manner. His reaction sent some of the younger vexlets staggering back in surprise like little pwigi.

„You lot are as annoying as you are stubborn.“ He grumbled in a warning tone, his eyes narrowed to slits, but the amused smirk tugging at his lips ruined any intimidating effects. 

„Fine.“

Dunstan relented, secretly excited about a chance to slip away from the festivities and head into the woods. He threw a stern look over his shoulder before grabbing a gathering bag from the nearest supply table.

„I better not hear any complaints about an aching stomach during the endurance training later.“ The mentor warned his students, who nodded eagerly, their eyes sparkling with excitement for the upcoming treats.

A few moments later, Dunstan had pushed through the foliage and into the golden forest, his ears twitching as he got accustomed to the changing ambience around him. It was impossible not to draw a long, deep breath as the moon cast a refreshing glow through the treetops.

He lifted his horned head, his nostrils widening as he picked up the familiar scent of the waterfall. It was faint, trailing from about half an hour from here by foot, but Dunstan knew the pathway by heart. And, being honest with himself, he would not have minded tracking up there for the rest of the festival duration if it meant that he could escape the slew of questions and unnecessary exchange of pleasantries.

Once he reached the clearing at the foot of the cliff, his ears pinned back a bit to shield himself from the deafening sounds of water rushing down the edge of it. Dunstan yawned, feeling the effects of a day spent socializing in combination with physical exertion catch up on him. He stretched his prosthetic limb, wincing as the familiar pain shot through him where his leg had once been.

„Damnit!“ He groaned, trying to keep the weight on his other legs while plucking a couple starfruit from the trees. Once he had collected a significant amount in his gathering bag, he allowed himself a short rest, observing the water and- sneakily- munching on a starfruit himself, the tickling sensation drawing an unexpected chuckle from the ever serious vexyn.

He made sure to clean his clawed paws with a few thorough laps of his tongue, not wanting to give his students any reason to tease him about enjoying sweets. Knowing them, he’d have a cart of starfruit cake to carry home after the next „recruitment festival“. From his comfortable position, the grey pelted vexyn scanned the clearing, looking for a couple other helpful or interesting resources to bring back with him now that he was here.

Dunstan heaved himself up, cursing as his leg slowed him down, but pushing forward anyways. He gathered a few berries from the bushes adorning the clearing, picked some mushrooms and collected a couple bugs as well. When his gathering bag threatened to spill over, he stopped himself, his gaze drifting down to the pathway that took him here with apprehension.

‚It’s just your head messin‘ with ya, get a grip, Dunstan. You’re a fighter, god damnit.’ He chided himself, recalling the many doctors appointments he had earlier this year in regards to his leg. Phantom pain, they had called it. A figment of his imagination. At the time, Dunstan had been relieved, because- well, it meant that there was nothing physically wrong with him. But now, after months of trying and failing to overcome this mental hurdle, he started to grow impatient.

BOOM!! 

The vexyn jumped, almost dropping his gathering bag as the sky above exploded into an array of pink and purple sparkles. Fireworks! The festival must be ending soon. With hurried steps, Dunstan began trotting back down to the training grounds, leaving his worries and a few starfruit scattered behind.