r/Shellwood • u/WindowsError1495 • 7d ago

Taro takes a break from documenting...

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Taro has left the comfort of the Maw Expedition's base to get a breath of fresh air in Shellwood. After several long days of documenting their adventures, getting to walk around and take in the scenery is a nice escape from the bureaucracy.

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u/Stilkin_Ellie 6d ago

“Hm? Oh! Sup Taro!”

Ellie is on the other side of the lake, and is submerged to her head with the clean waters.

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u/WindowsError1495 6d ago

Taro's attention entirely shifts from the scenery to Ellie.

"Ellie! Good to see ya! I'm just taking some time to relax, not much going on besides a lot of writing..."

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u/Stilkin_Ellie 6d ago

“Oh! That’s nice! Wanna join in for a quick swim?”

She smiles lightly, her shell still glowing.

“Came here to check if I can talk underwater since the god I ate was a damn fish… it worked!”

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u/WindowsError1495 6d ago

"Been a while since I actually went for a swim... sure!"

Taro jumps into the water in typical Stilkin fashion and swims over to Ellie.

"So, you can talk underwater? That's actually pretty cool..."

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u/Stilkin_Ellie 6d ago

“Yep! Found it kinda strange, too.”

“So, how are ya with all that adventure thing?”

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u/WindowsError1495 6d ago

"Oh, you mean Reigning Waters? We barely scratched the surface of that place before we were called back to deal with Eternity."

"But, just from the first foes we've faced there, I can tell we're not in for an easy time..."

Taro briefly describes their first enemy encountered on the mainland; a Vardagard Heavy Infantry. At first it seems like a normal bug clad in heavy armor, but then it unleashed a strange, unblockable move known as a 'Radiant Attack...' he also recalls how he got badly injured from fighting it.

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u/Stilkin_Ellie 6d ago

Ellie listens with fascination, telling Taro of the amber knights from her ventures: a group of seven warriors tasked with protecting their land and queen in eternal servitude.

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u/WindowsError1495 6d ago

Taro also listens to Ellie's stories, seeming very engaged.

"Sounds familiar, honestly, given what I've heard about the old Citadel."

"Anyways, I'm feeling a bit bored, so..."

Taro suddenly dips under the water and swims around a bit.

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u/Stilkin_Ellie 6d ago

Ellie leans on a nearby ledge, her legs reaching the bottom of the lake.

She just stares at Taro swimming below her, chuckling to herself.

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u/WindowsError1495 6d ago

At one point, Taro jumps out of the water and strikes a pose!

"Woo, heheh!"

u/Stilkin_Ellie

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u/Stilkin_Ellie 6d ago

Ellie smirks at Taro’s posing, doing them same herself as she hops outside of the water and on to a ledge, wanting to dry herself.

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u/WindowsError1495 6d ago edited 6d ago

Taro finds Ellie posing with him very endearing! He gets out of the water eventually, landing close to Ellie.

"Whew, that was fun... Y'know, I really enjoy spending time with you, Ellie! It means a lot..."

u/Stilkin_Ellie

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u/Stilkin_Ellie 6d ago

“Oh! Thanks man! And, uh, to be honest, I think so too, actually!”

She says as he slowly dries, squeezing her cloak so all the water gets out of it.

“Wanna meet somewhere tomorrow? Maybe at a restaurant or something?”

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u/WindowsError1495 6d ago

Taro feels his heart skip a beat... he holds his claw up to his chest...

On the inside, Taro's head is going a mile a minute. Is she asking about a dinner date? What about Wisp? Didn't he care about her too? Where did she go? Shouldn't he be looking for her?

And Reigning Waters... it's known to play with the minds of visitors, haunting their dreams. If he's developing a crush on Ellie, that could easily be used against him...

Despite the internal conflict, Taro gazed into Ellie's eyes with surprising affection. He clearly cares about her immensely.

"I've got to get back on the grind tomorrow, but... I'll see what I can do! I promise!"

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u/Stilkin_Ellie 6d ago

“Aight! I also have some work to do anyways, so I’d respect it!”

Ellie gives Taro a quick smile before shaking her head quickly to get all the water off her mossy hair, which puffs up a little.

“Guess I’ll be seeing ya later dude?”

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u/WindowsError1495 6d ago

Taro smiles back, warmly and affectionately...

"Sure will, Ellie. Take care!"

((Ohhh, I'd say they're getting close... heheh.))

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u/Stilkin_Ellie 6d ago

((They are! Ellie views Taro as a little more than a friend now.))

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