The Hero carries something with him everyday.
It's a little charm, the one that Gemma had given him before he left on his journey. The little trinket was a green pouch, tied together clumsily with string. It was a simple thing, but the look of pride on her face when she'd given it to her was something he'd never forget.
That was the last time he saw her.
Now it rests on his belt, knotted tightly so it wasn't in danger of falling off. Every night, he'd sit on his bed at an inn, or at the campfire, and stare at it, running his finger over every stitch. It was a reminder, not just of home, but of the life he'd been forced to leave behind.
The life of the Luminary was not his to live. He'd accepted that a long time ago.
But every now and then, when the sun has long since set, he pulls out the charm, and allows himself to imagine.
Just for a little while.
One of these nights, he's not alone.
The sun had set not too long ago, bringing a crisp chill with its absence. In the distance, the ocean waves could be heard.
Erik sits next to him, watching him stare at the pouch resting in his hands. He doesn't ask questions; he already knows what the Hero's mind is wandering about, and his tendency to get broody when he thinks no one's watching. Instead, he rises, and gives him a half smile when he looks up.
"No sense in sitting around if we can't sleep, right? How about we take a little walk to clear our heads?"
The Hero is thankful for the distraction, allowing the thief to pull him up. The Emerald Coast is quite pretty at night. The monsters leave them alone, giving them a wide berth as they walk away from their campsite.
"You're still thinking about it." Erik says, not as a question. The Hero nods.
Erik hums, hands buried in his pocket, and confesses, "I have been too."
They reach the small beach, Erik plopping down onto the sand without a care. He follows at a more sedate pace, and sits down on a small rock next to the thief, watching the waves roll over the sand.
They sit there for a while, simply watching the moon reflect off of the water, and listening to the quiet splash of waves as they hit land. Then, Erik sighs, and says, "You know, before we met, I was told to have faith in the Luminary."
At his nod, he continues. "I hadn't a clue what that old Seer was talking about at the time. But… I do. I have faith in the Luminary. You haven't steered us wrong yet, after all."
It's funny, Erik thinks, how just a little praise gets the legendary Luminary so flustered. He chuckles, then falls back onto the sand, resting his head on his arms. "And I'm sure your family has faith in you too. But I think it's time you have faith in yourself."
Erik closes his eyes. "We'll save them, I know we will. So, don't lose hope now, alright? You've got the best thief in the business at your side, after all."
The thief let's the Hero stew over that for a minute, then stands, brushing sand off of himself, and stretches. "Well, I think it's about time we head back, don't you? We've got an orb to steal tomorrow."
The Hero nods and stands. His hand reaches out, hesitantly putting his hand on Erik's shoulder, and opens his mouth, "Thank you."
Erik grins and claps him on the back. "What're friends for?"
When they return to camp and Erik nods off next to the fire, the Hero pulls out the charm one last time and whispers a promise to it.
They both sleep sound that night.