A/N: the song mentioned in this chapter is "Mermaid" by Skott.

Fall, Year 2, Day 5 – Mermaid Show

Huyana awakens the next morning and stretches with a yawn then gets out of bed. She goes about her usual morning routine of taking a refreshing shower, then having tea and breakfast. She then sets out to do her farm chores with a skip in her step. When she was finished she notices that it was getting close to three o' clock and goes to wash herself up then makes her way towards town to see Leah's art show.

When she arrives to the town square she finds everyone in town had gathered already and were looking at Leah's sculptures with interest. She finds Elliott near a pink sculpture that resembled intertwining tubes and walks up to him silently.

She then stands next to him and looks at the sculpture in admiration as she says warmly, "She has quite the talent, doesn't she?"

Elliott jumps slightly at the sound of her voice. He relaxes when he sees it was Huyana and says with a smile, "Yes, indeed she does." He then adds warmly, "She's such a good person, it gives me joy that her art is coming along so well. Perhaps you've given her inspiration, just as you've given me. Your cheery presence has breathed new life into this town."

Huyana chuckles as she says shyly, "I can't take all the credit, you two are the ones who made your dreams come true. I was just along for the ride by being supportive."

Elliott dismisses her remark as he says, "Your support has more power to it then I can express in words." He then adds, "When you're around...I feel unusually creative. I know... strange, but it's true. I'm so happy we met. As I've told you before, your friendship has been an important cornerstone in my life. The best relationships grow strong upon the foundation of a true friendship, don't you think? It shows in both Leah and I because of you."

Huyana blushes slightly at this as she says softly, "I suppose so. Thanks, Elliott." She digs into her denim jacket's pocket and pulls out a folded piece of paper. She hands it to Elliott as she says tentatively, "Here, but don't read it yet. Wait til after the art show."

Elliott takes it from her, a curious expression on his face as he nods and says, "Um..alright." He then tucks the piece of paper into his suit jacket's pocket.

It was then that Leah finds them and says happily, "Huyana, you're here!"

Huyana grins as she waves at her and says, "Told ya I would be."

Leah gives her a hug, which she returns, then as they part she glances around nervously and says, "Looks like everyone is ready for me to start." She takes a deep breath, "Okay...I guess I better introduce my pieces. Wish me luck."

Huyana nods as she says warmly, "Good luck."

Elliott nods in agreement as he says, "I wish you the best, Leah."

Leah smiles at the both of them then turns to the crowd around her and says, "Um...Okay everyone!"

As everyone turns to face her, she says warmly, "Thanks for coming to my art show." A smiles paints her face, "As some of you know, I came to this town because I wanted to draw inspiration from the beautiful surroundings. And I like to say this place really feels like home now." She glances at Huyana who gives her a thumbs up and she takes another deep breath, "Okay, I'm going to introduce my scuptures now."

She walks over to a stone-like sculpture of a standing woman with crossed arms and says, "I haven't named this one, yet. She started out as an exercise in human anatomy, but I ended up seeing her through to completion. Her expression is intentionally unclear...is she embarrassed, amused, pained? I'll leave that for you to decide."

She goes over to the pink sculpture and says, "This one is called "Post-Dimensional Nullspace". It represents the boundary of human imagination. The shape and color came vividly to me when I was in a 'tranced state'."

She then crosses over to a statue in the shape of egg-like beings that moved slightly and says, "I've been calling this one "Egg Heads". I wanted to create an animatronic humanoid statue to toy with the viewer's ability to properly attribute personhood to a physical entity."

Leah comes to a stop in front of a wooden sculpture and says, "And the last one is called "Wood Sculpture 3". It's a celebration of my favorite sculpting material...wood." She let's out a breath she had been holding and glances around as she adds with a blush, "Well, those are my sculptures."

She then smiles warmly as she gestures towards Huyana and says, "Oh, one last thing. I'd like to say thanks to my special friend, Huyana. She gave me the idea for this show and the courage to go through with it. I know that sounds cheesy but it's true."

Huyana blushes deep red as everyone turns to look at her with smiles on their faces and she says softly, "I-It was nothing."

Elliott places a comforting hand upon her shoulder to which she glances up at him and gives him a shy smile.

Mayor Lewis gives Leah a warm smile as he says, "I'm proud of you, Leah! Event's like this really breathe life into our little town!"

Demetrius nods in agreement as he says cheerfully, "I love your art, Leah! 'Post-Dimensional Nullspace' is my favorite."

Penny gives Leah a smile as she says, "Thanks for doing this."

Leah blushes as she glances around at everyone and says with a smile, "Thanks everyone!"

Mayor Lewis then clears his throat as he says, "Now let's start the bidding on these wonderful art pieces...A marvelous addition to your home!" He then asks around, "Do I hear five thousand for the pink one?" Demetrius's hand flys up into the air.

Huyana walks over to Leah and whispers, "Great job, Leah. Your show was a success." She then adds, "I hate to leave on such short notice but there's something I need to do for a certain someone's, that we both know, birthday. And maybe finally release what's inside my heart." She gestures her eyes to Elliott as she said this.

Leah nods in understanding as she whispers back, "It's fine and thank you for coming. It means alot." She then adds with a grin. "Go get em."

Huyana returns her grin then walks back over to Elliott and says to him with a wink, "Read the note and I'll see you there." She then makes her way through the crowd and heads down the path that lead to her farm.

Elliott stares after her with a curious look then pulls the folded piece of paper out of his pocket and reads it. The note read as such:

- "Dear Elliott, meet me by the bus stop after Leah's art show. I've got something in mind. Your's truly, Huyana." -

His curiousity getting the better of him, Elliott bades Leah farewell and silently makes his way towards the bus stop. Leah watches him leave with a knowing smile on her face as she thinks, "It's about time one of them made a move."

Elliott finds Huyana standing next to the bus sign while looking up at evening sky with Pam who was standing by the bus. As he gets closer, she turns to face him and gives him a small smile as she asks, "I take it you read my note?"

He nods as he holds up the note and says, "Indeed." He then asks, "So why have you ask me to come out here?"

Huyana grins as she says, "We're going on a trip. I can't tell ya as to where for it's a surprise. It would ruin the fun if I told you."

Curiosity piqued, Elliott nods as he says with a smile, "Ah I see. Very well, shall we start off then?"

Huyana grins as she nods then walks over to Pam and whispers in her ear, much to Elliott's curiosity, then pays her the toll along with a sheet of paper. Pam nods then climbs into the bus driver seat. Huyana and Elliott then climb into the bus and sit together in a front seat. The bus door closes with a hiss and the vehicle begins to move forward down the road.

After a few hours drive, Elliott soon began to see the lit up skyline of Zuzu City in the distance. He turns to Huyana as he asks in surprise, "We're heading to Zuzu City? Whatever for?"

Huyana only smiles at him as she replies, "Like I said it's a surprise, though where we're going does not reside in the city." This only made Elliott even more intrigued and curious as to what Huyana had planned.

They soon arrived to the bus stop near their destination that was just outside the Zuzu City limits. As they descend off the bus, Huyana looks over her shoulder at Pam and says, "We'll be back in a few hours."

The middle aged woman nodded in response as she says with a smirk, "You kids have fun."

Huyana then turns to Elliott and motions him to follow as she says, "This way. You'll like this trust me."

Elliott follows her as she began to walk up a pathway that led to large building that was decorated with an image of a large dolphin swimming among wave lines with the words "Oceania" weaved within it's body. They enter the building and pass the reception area. They enter an acrylic tunnel to the right of them and Elliott looks around in awe as he followed behind Huyana. The walls around them were windows to tanks of various fish that resided in coral reefs such as sea horses, colorful tangs, and clownfish. The next room they enter down the corridor was dedicated to creatures belonging to the tide pools such as starfish and horsehoe crabs. Fish facts adorn the walls and upon shelves were cases of various seashells.

He glances over at Huyana and asks, "This is an aquarium?"

Huyana shakes her head as she replies, "Nope, this is the old animal sanctuary I used to work at. My friend Kalena was able to reopen it after a decent amount of donations from me every week or so due to the large cash flow my farm is giving me. It houses small sea creatures but the main stars here are the dolphins she takes in."

She then adds, "They vary from injured to ones that are disowned by ocean zoos but are too dependent on humans to return to the ocean. She breeds them and when the calfs are old enough she returns groups of them into the wild."

Elliott looks at her amazement then says with a smile, "That is a honorable thing to donate to. I am happy you and your friend Kalena are doing what you can to help preserve ocean life."

Huyana blushes slightly at this then says, "She also holds seminars to help people better understand dolphins and other inhabitants of the sea. I arranged alittle something with her that takes the place of tonight's seminar and it's something I haven't done in a long time. People will still show but they're showing up for a different reason as she alerted them to the schedule change." She glances at the directory ahead of them and says, "This way follow me."

Elliott nods and follows her down another corridor that led into a wide open room. People were gathered in the room already, sitting upon log-like seats that surrounded a large curtained stage within the center.

Huyana guides Elliott to a seat that gave them a perfect view of the stage. As he sits down she says to him, "I'll be right back. I need to inform Kalena that we're here and use the lady's room."

Elliott nods and watches as she sprints down the sidelines of the stands and disappears behind the curtains of the stage.

After abit of searching, Huyana finds Kalena, who sees her coming towards her. The woman pulls her into a hug as she says fondly, "Girl, it's been too long." She steps back to look her friend over and adds with a smile, "Looks like the farm life been treatin you good."

Huyana smiles as she says, "It's good to see you too, Kalena." She then asks, "I take it everything is set up for me?"

Kalena nods as she replies, "Sure is and let me say the dolphins are all excited now since they seen ya come in the room. They remember you." She hands her a bag, "Seriously though, thanks for the loans. Ya didn't have to, but it's appreciated. We all wouldn't be thriving now if it weren't for you." She then gets a perplex look, "Though I am surprised you want to do something like this after so many years. What's the occasion?"

Huyana takes the bag from her as she blushes slightly and says, "Well...you see.."

A grin comes upon Kalena's face as she asks teasingly, "It's for Elliott isn't it?"

A shocked look comes upon Huyana's face as she stutters, "..H-How did you.."

Kalena tutted at her as she replies, "Girl, for as long as I've known you, ya terrible at hiding ya emotions. Besides, the way you write about that author boy in ya letters tells me a lot. You is in love with him." She then grins as she adds teasingly, "I seen ya two walk in here. He an attractive one. Ya always did like princely-lookin guys with their long flowin' locks."

Huyana looks down as her face gets red like a tomato and dismisses her friend's comment with a nervous chuckle as she murmured, "Yeah, yeah." She then adds, "But..it's true. Though I've never felt this way about anyone before, Kalena. And to be honest, I'm scared though I thinks he feels the same."

A sad look crosses her face, "But I can't help but wonder: Would I be good enough for him? I have no special social status. I am only wealthy due to the farm that I inherited. I am but a peasant woman with fanciful notions in her mind. But I do hope he accepts when I give him the bouquet."

She knew she was being silly for worrying about such a thing but she couldn't help it. Growing up in the Fern Islands showed her just how shallow some people could be. Some of the men on the island did find her beautiful but would turn her away the minute they learned she came from a poor family. She avoided trying for romantic relationships after she left and moved to ZuZu City, preferring to hide amongst her books and chat with animals. However, after moving to Pelican Town and meeting Elliott, she felt he was different and was now nervous to open herself up to him that way.

Kalena wraps an arm around her friend's shoulder and gives her a squeeze as she says, "Huyana, listen to me, you is a pearl inside this large clam of a world we live on and no one can make me believe otherwise."

She grins as she adds, "You is an inspiration. Wether it's the arch of your back or the sun of your smile. The ride of your breasts or the grace of your style. You are and always will be a woman, phenomally." She shakes her slightly, "Phenomenal woman! That you! He'd be the luckiest man alive to have you."

Huyana blushes as she chuckles and says, "Okay, okay..stop. I got the message." She then fidgets timidly as she asks, "So...you approve?"

Kalena smirks at her as she replies, "Heck yeah, this is the happiest I've seen you in awhile. If he got somethin to do with that, then he got my seal of approval." She then gets a stern look as she adds, "Though if he don't treat ya right, tell me and I'll put em in the right direction."

Huyana smiles at her friend as she says, "Thanks. I'm gonna go get changed." She then sprints towards the ladies room to change.

Kalena chuckles as she watches her leave then yells after her, "You's gonna knock him dead, sugar!"

An hour later soft music began to play upon the speakers within the room, bringing everyone's attention to the stage and Elliott began to wonder if Huyana was alright. The curtains drew back to reveal a large aquarium tank. Above it were a a few hanging hoops and cloth. Shock passed through Elliott as a familiar person came out onto the platform.

Walking to the center of the stage platform was Huyana. She was wearing blue and gray fin-like ears upon her head. Upon her body were blue waterproof leggings that were decorated to resemble fish scales and even reflected light as the sun's ray hit them at certain angles. Upon the legging's sides were gray fins that trailed elegantly as she walked. They were to represent a tail he presumed. Last but not least upon her upper body she wore bluish-gray swimsuit top that resembled the shape of clams. She looked so beautiful and he couldn't help but stare in awe.

The music quieted down as Huyana then began to address the crowd before her, "I do hope everyone is having a good time today at Oceania Sanctuary." Huyana scans the crowd and her heart flutters when she sees Elliott.

She then continues, "However, tonight is a special one as I have alittle treat in store for all of you that's dedicated to a very special person I hold dear. I apologize in advance to those who were looking forward to the seminar but I do hope you enjoy this. It has been awhile since I have done something like this but I hope me and my old friends will put on a performance that you will remember always. So without further delay let's begin!"

She snaps her fingers and two dolphins simultaneously jump out of the water into the air, causing the crowd to gasp in awe. They flip midair then dive back down into the water. Huyana dives off the platform and into water with them and a song began to play through the stage speakers:

"I'll be your mermaid, caught on your rod. Coming for your aid, isn't it odd?"

"Isn't it silly, now that you know? Someone this slippery, can't let you go."

"I'm just as scared as you, alone in the rain."

"I'll jump if you jump too."

Luminescent lights brighten up the water and the crowd could see Huyana and the dolphins swimming elegantly with each other. She then swims up to the surface and hovers there for a second until one of the dolphin swim up to her from below and push her up into the air by her feet with it's mouth.

"Believe me, it's true, you know that I would jump too."

"Ooh, Into the blue, Into the blue."

"It's proof, cause we got nothin to lose, and there ain't nothin to prove."

"You'd know I'd jump with you."

Huyana grabs onto one of the hoops as the dolphin dives back down. She then performs a few acrobatics with the hoops and cloths and the crowd goes nuts.

"Like the oceans dancing with a storm, I will dance with you."

"While my waves enclose you til you're warm, like the water's glue."

"Hold your breath and let me count to three, when you really know it's right."

"Take my hand, we'll dive into the sea, lala la lala lala la."

The dolphins then began flipping and jumping in a synchronize line as they followed Huyana while she moved from hoop to hoop. Huyana then throws down a ball to them tossed up to her by Kalena and they hit it back to her with their tails as she instigates a game of toss with them as she dangled from the hoops by her legs.

For their last trick Huyana drops down into the water from one of the hoops just as the dolphins swims by. They circle back and position themselves beneath her hands, lifting her up as she does a handstand pose upon their mouths and the crowd cheers. As the music reaches it's end, Huyana is carried by the dolphins to the stage as they lift her up by her feet and carry her across the water. Huyana and the dolphins then beach themselves upon the stage's platform then do a pose. They get a standing ovation and Huyana kisses the dolphins foreheads then gives them fish as she dismisses them.

She then stands and bows to everyone and says breathlessly, "Thanks for coming everyone!" The curtains then draw close before her.

As the audience clears out of the room, Elliott walks over to her as she is descending down the stairs and says in awe, "That performance was a pleasurable sight to behold." He gives her a small smile as he adds with a small blush, "You looked beautiful." He then asks, "For as long as we've known each other why have you never mentioned that you were a skilled performer?"

Huyana blushes as she replies, "A person has many secrets just like the ocean. Only they can decide when to show you deeper into their depths." She then adds, "I only did these performances to help both bring in money and advertise for the sanctuary." She smiles, "I am happy you found it enjoyable."

Elliott chuckles as he says, "I suppose that's true." He blushes slightly as he asks, "I take it I am that special person this was dedicated to?"

Huyana nods with a shy smile as she replies, "That's right. You inspired me to do it."

Elliott smiles shyly, his blush deepening as he says, "I'm lost for words in the fact that you'd do all this for me..."

Huyana's blush deepens as she looked down at her feet and says sheepishly, "I wanted ya birthday to be special." She looks back up at him as she says, "I'm gonna change real quick but I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere."

Elliott nods and watches her runs back onto the stage and disappears behind the curtains. His gaze then drifts to look at his surroundings. Moments later Huyana returns wearing her normal attire. She stops before him, his back faced towards her, and her heart thumped in her chest as she said shakily, "...Elliott?"

He hums in response as he turns around to face her and sees that her face was flushed, and was clutching a peculiar item to her chest. A closer inspection revealed to him that they were flowers and his heart began to speed up as he realized they were the flowers that were sold at Pierre's shop.

Huyana closed her eyes as she slowly holds out the bouquet to him and braces herself, unable to form words to express how she felt. Elliott could almost feel his heart jump into his throat. He gingerly takes the flowers from her with one hand and says softly, "..I didn't know you felt the same..and if I may confess, I have found myself thinking about you these past months. It may sound strange, but it seems we were destined to meet in that small village. Both of us choosing to forsake our old lives for something new and different. I like to think it were so as I don't want to imagine a life that did not have you in it." He then pulls her into a tight hug, wrapping his arms around her as he presses a gentle kiss to her forehead and adds, "I accept."

Huyana let's out an audible sigh of relief as she hugs him back tightly. When they pull apart, she stretches onto the tips of her feet and presses a shy but tender kiss to his lips, fingers trembling as she entangled her hands in his.

This action surprised Elliott, but he kept calm as he tenderly kisses her back. From all the fantasy stories she had read they foretold a first kiss as being magical, like as if a wildfire burned throughout your whole body in excited passion. Instead, it was a beautiful stillness and silence, like gazing under an unclouded starry night sky and getting lost in it's vast expanse.

When they part, she looks up at him and he could clearly see in her eyes both wariness and love, which puzzled him as to why she was wary, as she says timidly between them, "Elliott, what I feel now…what I feel between us…I've never felt this way before." She then glances down, "I'm a little scared, but I want for this to work even if I am but a peasant girl with nothing to offer but her heart and a farm she did not earn but inherited."

Understanding filled Elliott's mind to her sudden caution and he gives her a reassuring smile as he squeezes her hand gently and says, "I am too." He lifts her face with his other hand so she would meet his gaze as he adds, "You are more than that my dear. Don't ever say such nonsense. Your status means nothing to me. It is your mind and caring heart that I love about you. You are the most incredible person I've had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know. Nothing can make me think otherwise."

Huyana gently smiles happily back at him with small tears in her eyes, her heart feeling like it was about to burst. She looks down as she says with a tremble in her voice, "T-Thank you...Elliott." A sniffle escapes her as a couple tears escape down her cheeks, "I'm sorry..I shouldn't be crying..but it's just after being looked down upon for so long the idea of being accepted feels almost too good to be true." She looks up at him with a blush on her face, "I must look a mess don't I?"

Elliott stared at her in awe then pulls her into a comforting hug as he says, "Not at all my dear. You look beautiful."

When they break apart, they hear a female voice ask, "I take it he said yes?"

Huyana turns to see Kalena walking over to them and a shy smile paints her face as she nods.

Elliott extends out his hand in greeting as she stops before them and says with a smile, "You must be Kalena. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Kalena gives him a warm smile in return as she shakes his hand and says, "Pleasure to meet you too, handsome." Eliott blushes at her remark as she adds, "Heard alot about you from Huyana and I gotta say, I'm impressed."

She gestures to Huyana, "I've known this girl for six years. Many have tried to claim her for the wrong reasons. To get her out of her shell, you must be somethin' real special. It makes me happy to see her happy. So take good care of her in my absence, aite?"

Huyana blushes as Elliott nods and gives her a serious look as he replies, "I will give her all that I have. You have my word."

Kalena turns Huyana and says with a grin, "Now then, why don't we go celebrate this occasion? I believe that one seafood restaurant you like is still open. It'll be my treat."

Huyana gets a shy look as she says timidly, "Y-Ya don't have to..besides..we have someone waitin on us."

Kalena shakes her head as she says, "Nonsense, this is you guys's night. Besides, it's just down the block and it's been long time since I've seen ya girl. Let me treat you."

Knowing her friend was stubborn, Huyana gives in as she says, "Okay, but only for alittle while."

Kalena grins then turns to Elliott and asks, "Care to escort us ladies to dinner, hot stuff?"

Elliott maintains his composure as he bows and replies, "It would be my honor." He then extends the crook of his arms for each girl to take and they set off to go eat.

Once at the restaurant, they take a booth seat by a window in a secluded corner. The walls of the place were painted with various sea creatures and capiz shell lamps hung from ceiling above the tables. A old jukebox was tucked in a corner opposite of them and was playing slow jazz music.

Elliott glanced around then stated warmly, "This place looks charming. I like it."

Kalena grins as she says, "You'll like the food even more." She gestures to Huyana, "This girl developed a love for crab cakes just by coming here."

Huyana chuckles as she chimes in, "Elliott happens to love crab cakes too." She turns to Elliott, "You'll have to try em. They're delicious. As well as their lobster risotto. I know how much you love lobster."

He smiles at her as he says, "I'll take your word for it, my dear."

Their waiter arrives to take their orders then leaves to give them to the chef. As they waited, Kalena gives Elliott a curious look as she asks, "So from what I hear, you're an author, correct?"

Elliott nods in confirmation as he replies, "I am, though I only have published one book so far." He glances at Huyana, "She helped inspire it. I may have not succeeded if it weren't for her."

Intrigued, Kalena says, "Well, props to you even if it is just one. Not many are able to achieve that kinda thing." She grins at Huyana as she asks, "And you was the inspiration for it?"

Huyana blushes as she replies shyly, "Just the genre of it." She looks lovingly over at Elliott, "He dedicated the book to me and gifted me a copy."

Kalena 'aww'ed' then smiles as she says teasingly, "Now I see how he hooked ya." She then asks, "So what's the name and genre of it?"

"It's called 'The Rise and Fall of Planet Yazzo'. Tis a fantasy novel that takes place in an exotic planetary system." replied Huyana. She then gets a playful look as she adds, "I would tell more, but that would ruin the fun journey of the book."

Kalena grins as she says, "Sounds fascinating. I'll hit our local bookstore for a copy of it tomorrow." She turns to Elliott and asks, "Ainsworth, right?"

Elliott nods with a smile, happy to have another person wanting to read his book, and says, "Correct." He then gets a curious look as he inquires, "I'm curious, how did you two meet?"

Huyana exchanged looks with Kalena, she then gives her the go ahead and the brown skinned woman replies, "Well, it all started when we met up in the literature club that was held weekly in the bookstore a few stores down across the street from here. Turns out we enjoyed the same genre of books and things went from there."

She then adds, "She was working there part time as a sales associate. It was the only place besides Joja that would take her in as she had no.." She hesitates for a moment, glancing at Huyana.

Huyana looks over at Elliott with a sad smile as she finishes the sentence, "I was home schooled. We couldn't afford the school that was there in the Fern Islands." She then adds, "Most places here require at least a high school diploma."

Elliott's eyes widen in surprise at this and Kalena says, "Not only that, girl was living in a shady lookin apartment complex. I figured such a sweet thing shouldn't be living in such conditions, so I offered her to come live in mine."

She then adds, "She was abit hesitant at first, but she then agreed to it. Next I offered her work at the dolphin sanctuary I was running to compensate her low salary." She chuckles, "That she agreed to immediately."

Huyana chuckles as well, she then says with a smile to Elliott, "And well, you know the rest."

Elliott looks at her in awe as he says, "You've been through much, my dear." He glances at Kalena, "Thank you for looking out for her."

Kalena shrugs as she says with a smirk, "Just doing what anyone with a caring heart would."

Huyana places a hand over his as she blushes and says, "Yes, but now the bumpy road's become better, for good I hope."

Elliott brings her hand up to his lips to kiss it as he says, "I look forward to walk this path you. Good or bad."

The waiter returns with their food and the trio dig into their meal. Elliott had taken Huyana's suggestion to heart and got the lobster risotto as well as a crab cake. Huyana got a tuna noodle casserole and crab cakes while Kalena chose baja fish tacos with a side of coleslaw. When they were done, Kalena pays the bill and the three of them leave for the bus stop where Pam was waiting.

Kalena pulls each of them into a hug as she says, "You two come back and visit me again sometime, ya hear?"

Huyana smiles at her friend as she replies, "You know it." She then turns and climb onto bus with Elliott right behind her.

As they sit down in their seats, Elliott turns to Huyana and says with a blush, "I must say this has been the best birthday I've had in a long time. " He then adds, "If I recall correctly, your birthday is on the seventh day of the first week in fall. Though what I have planned for it is not as extravagant as what you have given me, but I hope you'll like it all the same."

Curiosity piqued, Huyana asks, "Am I allowed a hint?"

Elliott gives her a sly smile as he replies, "It revolves around Cindersap Forest." He then winks at her, "But as to what we do there you'll have to wait and see."

Huyana pouts slightly as she replies, "..Tease."

Elliott chuckles at her response, amused by her puffed cheeks. They then waved farewell to Kalena as the bus let out a hiss and began to move to start it's journey back to Pelican Town. Both were nervous but excited for what the future held in store for them.