Chapter 2, Beginning: The Truth Comes Out
The conversations were light after the feast, dealing with things like, crops and the rebuilding of Vale. Everyone was enjoying themselves, especially Garet and Isaac who were sitting with their favorite women in the entire world; Mia and Jenna respectively. Garet was currently engaging in a conversation about Kolima Forest with Mia and Piers; while Isaac and Jenna were talking with Felix and Sheba about equipment. Kraden and Ivan were still debating about some scientific philosophical agenda. After, a round of desert, the group sat back and relaxed.
After a few conversations, one somehow started up about the future, and what to do in the coming days. "Well I will return back to my studies" Kraden stated to everyone. He was fully confident in his decision. He had spent far too long out in the field, at his tender old age, it was time to begin writing his own books rather than searching for others.
"Well I think I'm going to try to get a job with the blacksmith." Isaac said as reached a hand over Jenna's shoulder and pulled her close. Isaac had always had a knack for weapons. Sunny the blacksmith had taught Isaac a few things, and it had ultimately become a hobby of Isaacs.
"I got a job moving merchandise between Kalay and New Vale. Its hard work, but the pay is the best I could get, and it'll help me work off my meals." Garet told them with a grin. Garet knew he practically inhaled food. But he couldn't help it, he was a growing boy. "What about you Mia?" Garet asked, as he was actually curious about her plans.
Mia smiled as she answered "I am going to return to Imil and become the great healer there. It had always been my destiny." Mia explained sweetly. It was true. Mia always knew she had to return to Imil. She had even known when she had joined with Isaac during his adventure.
"Well, I for one am going to sail the seas. That's my calling; sailing is my life and I like it that way." Piers announced slightly unexpectedly. Everyone knew he loved the sea, but they didn't expect him to spend the rest of his life sailing, instead, they expected him to settle down with someone and pop out some Mercury Adepts.
"I am going to begin an apprenticeship with Kraden. There is so much to learn, and well, to put it simply, Kraden is the best." Ivan said with zeal. This was no surprise, everyone knew Ivan loved learning and that Kraden was smart, it seemed like a normal choice.
"Well, I for one actually got a job as a baker. It's great really; I don't even need an oven." Jenna said, smiling at her supposed skill. Felix shook his head; he was probably the only one who had ever seen, let alone eat her cooking; and from experience he could say it was bad, REALLY bad.
To change the subject, Felix spoke up about his future plans. "To all of your likely shock, I think I will be leaving New Vale for a while. I have some business I need to attend to." Felix didn't say any more, he didn't want the group worrying.
Stupidly however, Felix forgot to include Jenna in his plan. "What do you mean, 'business to attend to'!" Jenna nearly shouted out while using air quotes.
"Yeah, I'm going… to the north, I have unfinished business in the Mars Lighthouse." Felix half-truthed. It wasn't a complete lie, but it also wasn't the entire truth, but Jenna seemed to accept it, so Felix didn't worry about it. Ultimately, it got late, so the Warriors of Vale slowly, but surely left for their homes. Quietly Isaac slipped his hand into Jenna's and started to walk with her. They didn't get far though, as Garet interrupted their romance.
"HEY Isaac," Garet shouted as he began running back to the young couple. As he caught his breath he let out his information. "My grandpa, the mayor, asked me to tell you to go and talk to him about something." Garet told between long breathes.
"Ok thanks for telling me" Isaac said as he and Jenna made a U-turn and walked down to the new and large city hall. When they arrived the duo noticed the elaborate designs on the inside of the building. Ultimately the two made their way down to the Mayor's office.
"Isaac, hello, thank you for coming, and you to Miss Jenna," the Mayor said as he shook their hands. Isaac nodded and sat when the Mayor motioned him to sit. "This is a bit embarrassing for me to say, but New Vale is having some financial troubles. Thanks to Vault and Ivan's connections with Kalay, we were able to build. But now that we have finished rebuilding Kalay and Vault won't help us anymore and we don't have any real means of income – everyone spent any money they had left on rebuilding so taxes wouldn't work. So, I called you two in here today to ask you to win Colosso."
Both Adepts were slightly surprised, Isaacs' was a more pleasant surprise. He had competed and won Colosso before, it had been fun. True some would say he cheated, but the rules never said not to use psyenergy. So, in essence, Isaac was thrilled to compete in Colosso again. "I would love to do that Mr. Mayor." Isaac said as he grinned. Jenna wasn't quite upset, but she was afraid that she and her friends would go into adventure mode. Jenna had enjoyed her adventures, but they were over now and she didn't want to return to them yet.
"Thank you Isaac" The Mayor said as he once again shook Isaac's hand.
The young couple then left, hands entwined. Isaac walked his girlfriend home and when they arrived at her doorstep, he pulled her into a tight embrace. He held her for a little while. Somehow, the silence was meaningful. Their bond was so strong that they didn't even need words to communicate. Eventual, Isaac let go and gave her a long romantic kiss before she smiled and walked inside.