A Pissed Off God

Bil disregarded the campsite completely and carried the kids into the winding cave. It wasn't too long, around 100 bromes deep, but it winded enough to keep the light of the torch hidden from outside view.

Once at the end, the kids got down and untied themselves. Their nightly routines began instantly as they unpacked bedrolls fitted for them and helped Bil retrieve a lamp from his pack. The lamp was then lit and the more hazardous torch was put out and stored for later use.

Jash took out a sack of dried meats and Nelphy took out a sack of dried fruits. In turn, Bil took out a huge water pouch and a set of flatware, pouring out three cups of water.

"It's not much, but we'll be without fire for the night," commented Bil, passing plates to the kids.

Laughing, Jash and Nelphy both took modest portions of the dried goods. Jash replied, "This isn't the first time. Stop making it a big deal!"

"Shhh… We don't want to be too loud," Bil added with a chuckle. "They should be searching the forest for stragglers but we're not entirely safe here. As long as we're silent and we all head to bed quickly, we'll be fine."

"Ahhh, I wanted to ask for a story.." said Nelphy. She nibbled on the jerky, asking, "Please, Bil? Tell us another story, please?"

Shaking his head, Bil replied, "Sorry, but not tonight. After dinner, I'm dimming the lantern and we're all sleeping. Got it?"

"Why so soon? Can't we–"

"Jash, on the battlefield, you never know when you'll see a foe. Sometimes you have to sleep even when you're not tired because you don't know when you'll be safe enough to sleep next," remarked Bil.

"Then I'll sleep! Cause this is like a battle!"

"Shh, remember not to shout, silly." Bil sighed and shook his head, "There was a battle tonight, that's why we'll be cautious. Now hurry and eat. If you're too slow, I'll put everything away before you're full."

"MM-mmhmm," Jash caught himself, turning the volume down on his enthusiasm.

Nelphy ate but not too quickly. She finished her portion as Jash was rushing into his bedroll. Handing the plate and empty cup to Bil, Nelphy asked, "Bil… Was mom really that proud of us?"

"Of course!" Bil immediately replied with a hushed yell. "Never doubt the pride your mother had for you two! Ever! It's even bigger than the pride I have for you and Jash. Never forget that you're wanted and loved, and she would never have left you two alone if she was able to survive that day!"

"Shhhh!"

Bil and Nelphy both laughed as Jash shushed them and silently motioned for them to get in bed.

"Thanks, Bil.." Leaning forward, Nelphy threw her arms around Bil and pressed her face against his head wrap. "I love you."

"Hooo… I love you too, Nelphy. And so does your mom."

Startled, Nelphy felt some wetness from where Bil's eyes were covered. "Thank you. I'm happy you found us."

"I'm happy too!" Another set of arms wrapped around Bil. "Thanks, Bil. You're… You're amazing."

"I love you too, Jash." Hugging them both, Bil leaned his face into their shoulders. "Your mom loves you both, and so do I. I love you. Never forget that either."

For a few moments, the three of them all sat on the cold cave floor, only lit by a dim, oil lantern.

"... Now, it's time for bed. Get some sleep you two." Bil let them go, still keeping his soft smile. He leaned up against the cave wall and threw a blanket over him. "I'll be fine right here. Good night."

"Goodnight, Bil."

"Night."

Nelphy and Jash waved as they crawled into their bed rolls and wrapped themselves in the warm blankets.

As the first signs of light snoring settled in, Bil chuckled. He carefully and silently got up to his feet, dropping the blanket exactly where he had laid. Covering the lantern with a metal sheath, Bil dimmed the lantern even more.

But as he walked away, he chuckled again, "Nelphy, I'm just going to search for a bush and relieve myself. I'll be right back. So get some sleep. Okay?"

"... O.. kay…" Tossing and turning, Nelphy tucked herself in again.

Bil kept walking, gradually emerging from the dark cave. The mountainside wasn't much brighter. In contrast to the burning city in the distance, the cliffside campsite was barely lit under the night sky.

He yawned loudly and stretched his one arm to the air and the arm with the staff toward the ground, already beginning to untie his belt. It took him a moment but Bil eventually walked toward the cliff and stopped a couple of brome from the edge.

Being careful of the sword at his hip, he undid the sash and lowered the front of his pants. Finally, Bil let out a sigh of relief.

"YOUUU!"

"Shh, don't wake the kids," Bil stated, disregarding the sudden shout without a second thought or a sense of shock. "It's your fault for hiding there."

While Bil was motionless, apart from pissing, a hulking figure shifted the light around him and made himself visible at Bil's side. The giant man in white shook his foot in disgust as all trails of pee evaporated away. "YOU DARE–"

"I asked you to not wake the kids. So, please, don't shout," Bil repeated as he retied his sash belt.

With bulging eyes, the god muttered, "You… swine…"