The Achievement Junkie

Chapter 373 Eedaj“s Home

Five minutes of walking led Jack and his party in a circle back to where they entered the Prehistoric Forest. They quickly came to understand the purpose of the barrier.

"Jack," Eliza spoke up and looked to her husband, "what will you do about the barrier? Are you going to break it?"

Shaking his head, Jack examined the barrier closely. He noted that the barrier wasn’t a dome but a wall that rose high into the clouds, taking flying overhead out of the equation. There were no holes or signs of holes anywhere to be found, so Jack didn’t bother searching for one elsewhere. The barrier was perfectly executed and there was no reason for Jack to believe that a god would make such a careless mistake.

Cupping his hands over his mouth, Jack took a deep breath. Using all his strength, Jack shouted into the forest, "Eedaj! I found more greis elves! Wanna meet them?"

The shout echoed through the hulking trees and plants of the Prehistoric Forest. Not surprised by Jack’s attempt to find a loophole in the situation, Daliea and Eliza smiled at Jack’s calm thinking.

Not even a minute later, a single portion of the barrier peeled back. An entrance fit for one person was left as the barrier seemed to ebb and flow around the opening, like a waterfall cascading around a boulder. A telepathic voice trickled into the party’s minds, ’Come. I’ve been expecting you.’

With a smile on his face, Jack heaved a sigh of relief. Leading the party into the forest, Jack nodded and took the first step.

Without the barrier affecting their judgment, the party easily made their way further and further into the Prehistoric Forest. But they were surprised to find no beasts anywhere within the forest. Even after thirty minutes of trekking, the party found signs of animal life but animals.

That was something that Jack didn’t want to believe was normal and could only chalk up to Eedaj messing with the natural order of things. He was sad though, as Jack wanted to see if any beasts were fitting for him or the party.

’Come in,’ the telepathic voice softly whispered to the party.

Confused, the party continued walking until they found something interesting. Much like the elven chief’s home carved into the roots of the Ancient Life Tree, they found a door and a window in the massive roots of the largest tree they had seen yet. A light was on, showing them that the owner was home, clearly waiting for them despite the late hour.

While the party was in awe of the breathtaking sight of the simple home in such a scenic place, that door creaked open and a short, grey-skinned man poked his head out.

"I thought I told you to come in?" the man chuckled, pushing the door open wide. "Come, you’re my first mortal guests in over a millennium."

The man’s soft voice was startling to Jack.

Jack’s image of the Mind God was that of a tactical master that excelled in mental torture and espionage. Yet now in front of him stood a short, grey-skinned elf with a warm smile and a tender, androgynous voice. Though Jack was sure this was indeed Eedaj, it took a moment for Jack’s brain to redo his mental equation to reimagine Jack’s image of the Mind God.

While Jack was in a stupor and the other party members were waiting for Jack to say or do something, Daliea suddenly fell to her knees. She was overwhelmed with emotion upon seeing Eedaj, one of her people, for the first time in over a century.

"Your name is Daliea, right?" Eedaj gingerly asked as he walked up to her and knelt beside her. Placing a hand atop her head, Eedaj comforted Daliea. "I already know. I’m sorry for being unable to find you and your tribe in time to save you. At least you’re still alive, as are others."

In tears, Daliea wiped her cheeks and tried her best to speak, "Does that mean... our people will be alright?"

Eedaj nodded. "The hard times have only begun, but now we can face them together."

Looking to the other party members, Eedaj helped Daliea get back to her feet and added, "Let’s hurry and get inside. The stew is almost ready, so we’ll talk more easily around the fire."

"Very well," Jack replied, walking in before Eedaj could lead Daliea inside. "But we don’t have much time, Eedaj. I need to get you to Trodar before the end of tomorrow."

"I see. Then I guess I’ll make this fast, but forgive me in advance for peeking into your thoughts to speed things up," Eedaj stated. "However, I’m sure you’re already used to that thanks to your conversations with Daruun, Jack."

Jack nodded. "Go right ahead. That way you can just give me your answer."

Laughing softly and warmly, Eedaj looked back and forth between Jack and Daliea as the party sat down on the handmade leather couches around the cooking fire.

"Jack, I agree to return to Trodar and to open a shrine," admitted Eedaj. "Now, here are my terms which I already know you’ll accept. My people will join your guild with me, becoming honorary members and equals in your society. Also, you will marry my daughter."

"No!" Jack shouted out of reflex.

"Let me finish." Eedaj held up a finger, retaining his warm smile. Then, he stepped toward Daliea to pat her head again. But this time, a burst of energy came from Daliea in a flash of red, black, and faded white. It lasted only a moment but, apart from Phoro, everyone present understood what just happened. Eedaj repeated, "My people will join your guild with me, becoming honorary members and equals in your society. Also, you will marry my daughter. Do you still have any objections?"

Chuckling nervously, Jack turned to Daliea. She was clearly confused by the sudden shift of the situation, but when she looked back at Jack, the happiness in her eyes couldn’t be hidden by her confusion.

"I have no objections," replied Jack. "So, what should I call you now? You’re not my uncle anymore, so..."

"Call me what you wish. Uncle is fine, but I would prefer father-in-law or even father should you be willing," answered Eedaj.

"Then... you’re my palpo now?" Daliea asked, looking back to Eedaj.

Eedaj inhaled a deep breath as Daliea said those words. He didn’t cry but it was easy to see that he was glad to hear such a statement. The god replied with a smile, "Yeah, I’m your palpo now. And you’re my dhendi, so feel free to ask for anything."

As Eedaj handed Daliea a storage ring filled with spellbooks and items, the lid atop the stew pot started to shake.

"Now, let’s eat something before we get going. Considering I’ll be back in the spotlight anyway, I’ll give us a ride back. That way we can enjoy the meal without any rush," Eedaj stated. "Also, Eliza, know that I see you as a daughter-in-law. Feel free to come to me about anything in the future as we’ll both be staying in Gilga."

"Thank you, Father-in-law." Eliza smiled and telepathically whispered to her husband, ’I guess I didn’t have to poke you too much this time.’

’No, I’ve learned my lesson, hon,’ Jack replied while receiving his portion of stew from Eedaj.

The Mind God was so amiable and approachable, unlike anything the party had originally expected. What they assumed might have become an intense discussion turned out to be a split-second decision that left both parties excited for the future.

Much like how Daruun would guide any conversation he was a part of, Eedaj was able to directly address the heart of any question or conversation. But his natural persona was very warm and accepting. This unexpected personality made Jack wonder something. If Eedaj’s usual personality was so warm toward his friends, how cold was Eedaj toward his enemies?

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