Once Crimson Halo climbed back onto Ao Tenshin's shell, Martin called out to his friends in a voice far softer than the one he used during battle.
During a fight, his voice carried sharp and clean whenever a boss charged, a trap stirred, or some idiot monster decided it was a good idea to bite the tank first. Now, the calm lake almost swallowed his words before they reached the others.
"…everyone," Martin said.
Every pair of eyes turned to him.
He stood near the center of Ao Tenshin's broad shell with one hand resting against the smooth curve beneath him. The massive turtle glided across the lake so gently that the water barely rippled around her. Ao Tenshin moved with slow, lazy dignity, as if she had already decided this entire valley belonged to her and everyone else was merely lucky enough to ride along.
Martin glanced down. His fingers tightened against the shell for a moment before he forced them to relax.
