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The following is a fan-based

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Chapter 29: Never a True Farewell

Beta-Reader: Ant0nius

The wind was so peaceful here.

"I have to go," I muttered quietly, my voice faltering for a moment as I graced my interlocutor. "I promise I'll be back when they need my help."

Silence greeted me as I stared at this beautiful setting.

This hill is… just the perfect place for one to stay to rest and watch over the world around it.

I came here hoping to keep a good grip over myself. It was only natural that I couldn't manage to win this struggle.

I couldn't bring myself to do so when my own parents died, so why wouldn't I be even now?

Closing my eyes just for a few seconds, I allowed the silence to slowly consume me in that tiny bit of heaven on Earth.

I sighed, staring down at the small white stone with the black plaque. I blinked at the engraving, my lips twitching in brief sadness.

"I'm sorry I couldn't stay any longer. That I couldn't make sure that everything was perfect at the farm before I leave them to it," I apologized quietly, imagining a certain woman giving me a confused but kind look at my silly conversation. "I know that they will manage. I can vouch for them. Mora is a stubborn lady, just like you were… if not more. And Randal will make sure that she doesn't headbutt into challenges beyond her ability."

My lips twitched again, and my right hand reached for my face before it started to carefully rub at both my eyes.

It wasn't time to be sad. Tears had been spilled already, and there was no reason for me to add more to this.

Her memory was there for everyone to see, and things were slowly setting up at the farm.

Mora had started to complain about the hard work, and I found her words somewhat reasonable considering that now, her mission was to further improve Las Lindas.

The farm had the potential to become big. Even Alejandra mentioned something like this a while ago, and she had also brought up some interest to actually help Mora with her plans.

Like sisters, Diana would've said with the happiest voice possible.

And everyone would've nodded at that.

It was at that moment I found myself blinking at that thought, and I felt embarrassed for forgetting to elaborate on this detail.

"Also… Alej said that she was going to visit this Sunday. I think the family will be fully reunited from time to time," I resumed my solo discussion, a tiny and frail smile on my face. "You shouldn't worry about them splitting up anymore. I will make sure that nothing will divide them again."

She would've been snorting at this, amused and slightly intrigued by what would happen with these two individuals at work, together and… as close as they were back when they were younger.

"So please, don't worry about it because I will be there for them," I promised determinedly. "Keep a peaceful watch over them while I'm not there… but don't exert yourself too much, mom."

My smile widened a little bit, and I nodded at my own words.

I can imagine her reaction. I can imagine her either asking to pinch my cheeks for being so sad 'for dumb reasons', or even hug me tightly to cement that promise.

"I will take my leave then," I concluded politely, my body tensing up as I reluctantly decided it was time to part away from the scene. "I have yet to talk with Mora and Randy before I leave. I still have a little more left to say."

I blinked at the last bit… and I sighed. "Tiny matters. Nothing too big or related to their responsibilities here at the farm," I assured calmly. "I know they got it all stuck in their mind. And you know them… they will not mess things up."

Turning around, I started to walk back at the house and prepare to finally leave for the rendezvous I've established with Ambar by the town's outskirts.

But I stopped, compelled for some reason to linger a little more. Nostalgia? I wasn't truly planning to unravel that pleasant mystery just yet.

Closing my eyes again, this time my smile resisted through that wave of memories about the month spent at the farm, I felt my staying gain a purpose. A good reason.

"Thank you," I muttered happily. "For everything. Not just me, not just for your children, but for everything. Your memory shall never be forgotten."

I took just a step away from the grave- and I stopped at what sounded to be a giggle. A familiar one.

I spun around, half-expecting to find… something.

The whistling of the wind, which I possibly confused for that living sound, greeted me in return.

Sighing, I returned to look back on my tracks and resumed with my walk back at the place that had been my home for so long now.

Now I had to leave it. I would visit and… stay for a few days from time to time. But I wasn't going to live here permanently.

Not because I didn't accept it as home, or because I didn't feel happy to 'impose' myself into the place. This was where the new members of my family were.

But still, the rest of the family wasn't there. Nor I wished to see them forcefully brought there all to see me.

Mora and Randal needed peace right now if they wanted to genuinely rekindle the opportunity of doing something great with the farm. And my presence here, with how things were right now, wouldn't give them this.

I needed to find my way back to the others.

My crew. My friends. My family.

My love.

I hummed quietly as I finally reached the beginning of the hill, half of the path to the house now done.

One step at the time. There's no need to rush my departure just yet...

"Are you sure you got everything?"

I sighed at Mora's voice, glancing at her mirthfully as I offered her a nod.

"I'm certain of it."

The Cow Prime huffed, but a smile appeared on her lips at that confirmation.

"Wouldn't want to see you leaving without having all the luggage done and prepared," She pointed out. "While it would be hilarious to see your solemn ritual before departing and then come back because you forgot something, I don't think that would be… good for you."

I gave her a frown at that. "Ah."

"And don't give me that look. You know better than me that it can happen."

"That doesn't mean you can just jinx it," I rebuked dryly. "Still, I'm glad you look awake at this early hour."

"Had to. It would've been annoying to say goodbyes with half-dead me," The young woman shot back cheekily. "Plus, I want to give you the bestest of hugs."

I blinked. "Well, why not give it to me now?"

"You wish!" Mora grinned eagerly. "And while I'm tempted to do so now, I don't want to be empty-handed when Randal gives you his own hug."

"Competitive much?"

She nodded. "You know me."

"Yes..." I agreed while nodding slowly at that reminder. "And I hope that giddiness doesn't push you to make any silly decisions."

"I got Randal keeping away from trouble," The Cow Prime pointed out. "We'll be fine!"

Staring back at her without saying a single word, I knew that, despite how responsible the Collie was during important situations, he was also easy to push around with proper manipulation.

Like Mora tended to do as a child when she felt in the right in any way compared to the opposing view of her older brother. It wasn't outright malicious, but she was a pushy little sister when she wanted to.

But sadly for her, I wasn't as easy to lead around like Randy. And she knew that way too well since the last few days saw a couple of failures from her part to poke at my resilience to her persuasive manners.

"I will still visit-"

"And we will be waiting here," Mora remarked happily. "So don't hesitate to visit whenever you can."

I shook my head, but my disappointment was diluted at how funny her confidence sounded so closely.

It wasn't by any means arrogance. At least, I could tell that it wasn't.

But the way she sounded so… ready for every challenge- it left me with more relief and trust over the affairs at the farm.

They're going to be fine, I repeated in my head. They're more than prepared for this.

It felt odd to be worried about things here considering how little I worked here at Las Lindas compared to these two. But I cared, and that was the prime requirement to feel worried about someone.

"By the way, what are you going to do for today?"

She blinked in surprise at the sudden change of topics, but still managed to give an answer to my question.

"I was actually planning to start fixing some of the issues in the unused buildings," Mora replied with a serious tone. "While the fact the barn is mostly repaired is nice, I think we should also get other places in working shape before I start seeking people to join the workforce."

I offered a good nod at that interesting approach. "I suppose you've something planned for that last bit too."

Huffing, the Cow Prime brought out a small letter that was meant to be sent to the local newspaper.

"'Searching for determined workers for Las Lindas, contact number and-'" I paused for a moment, grimacing at how curt the Wanted Ad was. "Mora, you can't just expect for people to jump in the boat just at the mention of the farm's name."

"Wasn't mom respected in town?" She rebuked and I sighed.

"Diana was, but you are not," I remarked dryly. "I'll remind you that you spent years out of the region and nobody knows what kind of person you become. Diana also told me that the approach didn't work with her when she first got hold of the property."

"What do you suggest I do then? That one day, I go to town and check person by person?"

I frowned at the sarcastic underline in that rhetorical question.

"Just check at the local bar. I know at least there will be a guy that would jump at the occasion of good work and shelter for the night," I answered calmly.

Mora frowned at the response. "Then why didn't you ask him yourself to come here?"

"Because it would sound deceiving from my part to do that to him," I admitted with a snort. "He is a good fellow, but terribly lazy and running short on money anytime soon considering how expensive his current home is."

"Anyone I know?"

I blinked at that. "No. He's from Prism, but I can't say anything else except asking you to be honest to him about it."

"That sounds rather ominous," The young woman pointed out and I quickly nodded at that.

"That's because he looks gullible," I added. "But he isn't. And he's a friend, so I still don't want to get him at the farm with some tricks."

"Then I will just ask and… he will come?"

I nodded, drawing a perplexed look from the Cow Prime.

"How desperate is this guy?"

Sighing, I decided to leave out another detail about the 'suspect'.

"He's a college dropout."

That seemed to give Mora a clearer sight over the individual I was trying to mention to her.

"Why?"

"A big fight with some teachers. There were some entitled students in his class and that left him frustrated at his own failures."

"Ouch," The young woman said while flinching at the summarized depiction. "I guess you trust him."

"He can be a little pervert when he's drunk but… he seems fine most of the time," I guaranteed with a nod. "Just ignore any strange comments, and he will not give you any major issues."

"Can you also give me a name or-"

"Miles," I replied quickly. "He's a Cat Prime with white hair. If he's not there when you visit the bar, just ask about him to Taffy. She's a waitress that works there and… she's a Bunny Prime."

At the mention of the second name, Mora's green eyes gained a mischievous glint.

"Taffy as in… the one mom said you were completely taken with."

"T-That's a greatly exaggerated tale," I admitted with a minor stutter. "Still, I care about her… a little more than just a friend."

"And I suppose you're planning to give her some unique farewell."

The mirthful tone wasn't missed, and I managed to hold back a blush at that cheeky teasing.

"Maybe," I confessed with a tiny smile, getting a brief surprised look on the young woman's face. "But I will talk with some others before leaving."

"You better not forget anyone there," Mora muttered with a faux-stern tone. "Would be kind of scummy if you did."

I spared myself a flinch at the memory of Miles pulling the same and ending up dealing with lots of angry people to apologize to. I wasn't planning to end up in that very situation myself.

As I nodded at her words, we both turned at the sounds of some chuckles being shared between Randal and Archie. The Nanozell spirit was looking at the tiny camera with a giddy look before he turned to glance at us.

"And here are the two headbutters!"

The Collie Prime had his sight at us once he heard this, an amused smile on his face as he nodded in agreement at the nickname.

Mora and I shared a huff at that cheeky remark, the similar reaction getting us both to glance at each other with some understanding.

These two were playing with fire now.

"I suppose you're both ready for the departure," Randal inquired calmly, sobering up from his previous giddiness. His stare focused at me and he offered a nervous smile. "It's been a long month and… I will really miss you, Matt."

Smiling widely at his words, I took two steps forward and initiated the hug. "And I will miss you a lot too."

He chuckled, completing the embrace by wrapping his arms around my neck and…

"Don't forget about me now," Mora chuckled giddily before she moved in to pull us both in a bigger embrace.

She didn't hold any of her strength with that, and both Randal and I struggled against her as she started to giggle at our efforts.

"Dangit Mora," I groaned as her hold was impossibly stronger than expected.

"M-Morita, not so tight..." Randy muttered nervously, far too accustomed to this kind of retaliations.

Meanwhile Archie was giggling while hovering around and taking photos of what was going to be the final hugs before I had to leave the farm.

In the end, I found myself waving at them as I started to make my way down that familiar path that led to town together with the Nanozell Spirit.

Next stop, the bar.

"Man, you can't leave me like this!" Miles whined as he straddled onto my shirt as if his life depended on it.

Groaning at the scene, I tried my best to not look at the reaction this annoying display of acting was getting from the other patrons in the bar.

The bartender looked positively amused, and Taffy was giving her hardest to not laugh at how comical this was turning into.

Minos merely stared, an entertained smile on his face showing that he too wasn't against showing mirthfulness at this development.

"Miles, I've already told you that I'm not leaving forever. I'm going to visit from time to time-"

"That doesn't help, man!"

I sighed. "Can you please not claw at my shirt?"

"Who's going to help me in finding work?" Miles bemoaned with more false tears, completely ignoring my words.

"I kind of got something going that will help you with that," I replied calmly, holding back as much annoyance as possible.. "But please, get off of me."

He tensed up at the little irritation he could feel in my voice, and he suddenly backed off.

I wanted to sigh dryly at this as I knew that it was all connected to the whole punch situation I had with Minos.

While the Bull Prime 'forgave' me about it, Miles actually felt that the sight itself was a glimpse of what happened when I got genuinely angry at someone.

I already told him it wasn't the case, and the same was repeated by both Taffy and Minos, but the Cat Prime was just too convinced about it.

The more I tried to get him to understand the simple point, the more he would just entrench this very notion to the point of zealousness.

At first I thought it was his brain going dumb on us all, but then I started to think more about it and… I kind of visualized it more as a mechanism of his to actually fight back any of his own laziness when I was around.

As much as it might sound odd, the theory had its foundation with the fact that ever since I resumed my visits with Minos at the bar he would always agree to any effort to fix his current living place.

And about that, it was kind of easy to see how impractical it was to repair it considering how expensive things were after that much hard work spent on it. It was just a black hole for money.

Miles agreed to this, but it was just after I showed him the papers of his contract and the best repairing costs that he could get from a specialized company. It wasn't a decision driven by some fear of me, but it was forced by the fear of genuinely being robbed by the absurd upkeep of the place.

In the end, he agreed that finding a job now would put him in a situation to properly settle down.

The first place he sought out was the bar itself, but the owner refused on the ground that the place couldn't afford another waiter there and that even without Taffy he would still manage.

The Bunny Prime didn't mind the comment, pointing out that the man was still able to go around and give the orders to his clients, and that she herself had thought about taking another job in town.

Other establishments were pretty much the same in that regard.

With how little unemployment there was in town, not many needed for new work places to be created, and the Mayor himself was quite in favor of this view as he merely focused on lessening up the bureaucracy behind taxation for his current mandate.

"Sorry- and wait! You really got me a job?"

"Maybe," I replied curtly. "It all depends if your stance about farm-related jobs changed."

He frowned, his lips twitching in a brief scowl at that unexpected detail.

"I mean, how would that work? Do I get a pay and-"

"A pay, a decent bed, working shower and bath, 'free' meals-"

"W-Wait, are you sure that's a farm and not something different?" The Cat Prime interjected with confusion in his voice. "I mean, I don't want to sound disrespectful, but I think that's a lot for-"

"Considering that the wage would be lower than normal since the farm is still growing after a period of decadence, the extra is to make up for that loss."

His mouth closed up quickly and he nodded before he started to think a little more about it.

"I know you wouldn't ever sell me a crap job… but can I ask if I would be alone or if there is someone already there?"

"I think Mora will be there working the fields too, but I don't think that you, a nice guy, would allow her to take too much work on her own shoulders," I mentioned with a sigh. "Think that she's the current owner of the farm, and while she can offer some help from time to time, you will have to go through your share of the fields on your own."

…

"Still, it sounds so rough."

My hands reached his shoulders and I patted both at the same time, making him tense up and stand in full attention

"Miles, I want to tell you this because I know you need to hear these words now more than ever," I started to say with a serious tone. "What happened in College was bad. I will not blame you on your reaction as everyone has their own way to handle the frustrations. But I can assure you that if you work hard at the farm, your efforts will not be ignored. Hard work is rewarded at Las Lindas."

He blinked, his eyes wide open and his jaws hanging low at the pep talk.

Smiling, I patted his shoulders again before letting go. "Trust me on this, you will do fine there if you really want to give it a try working there."

…

Miles gave a silent nod. "I… I guess I will try."

"In a few days Mora will come to seek out any available workers. And I mentioned to her about you," I said with a calm tone. "I want you to try and give your best about the interview. It's not something too difficult especially with how simple the job would be, but I know you tend to get cocky when you think something is 'too easy'."

Admitting to this, the Cat Prime offered a nod at my last comment.

"I will not disappoint."

I grinned at that. "I know you will not. Not when you really want to succeed."

He matched my grin with one of his and we shared a few moments of peaceful silence before I turned to talk to Taffy.

"I hope you didn't forget our forgets."

The Bunny Prime smiled. "Nope. And I hope you didn't too."

"I would never forget the promise and..." I gave her a peck on her cheek. "Don't overwork yourself."

She huffed. "I think you should tell that to a mirror."

"Maybe," I rebuked mirthfully, getting a mirthful sigh out of her.

Before I had the chance to move on to the last person I needed to speak to, the young woman reached for my chin and brought my face down so that she could plant a quick kiss on my forehead.

"Call me later?"

I nodded, enjoying her followup giggle as I turned to speak with Minos.

The Bull Prime regarded me with a knowing smile, but soon we looked at each other with a serious look.

With Taffy now busy with her work and Miles thinking about the chance of a good job while drinking some coffee and reading his newspaper, we both had the chance to engage in a private discussion.

One regarding more important topics.

"So you're planning to bring your clan here in Gossamer?" I asked quietly. "Do you have a place where to let them live by?"

"I was planning to give them the house Ambar gave me. With the Clan's allowance, I should be able to cover up the fees of the place," He replied with a nod, swiftly noticing my confused look at this resolution.

"I know the place is large but… surely you can't expect to have all of them in that house. It would be too cramped."

He nodded again. "Which is why I was planning to move out of it."

My confusion increased at this, knowing full well from his nervous look that he planned something I wasn't going to like.

I didn't even need to think too much about it to realize what he had cooked up.

"If you're planning to join the farm, you need to know that Mora isn't aware of the truth."

He looked surprised at first as I hit him right where he hadn't expected with an affirmation he hadn't planned to hear.

"She isn't? I thought you would've told her like the others."

"I thought about it for a while, and I was really going to… before realizing that she has too much burden on her own as it was with her newest responsibility," I pointed out nervously. "Ambar mentioned that she decided to not tell her anything beyond the fact I was friends with her, and I know that you're not planning to tell her anything about your own secret."

"It's a big act of trust for me to tell anyone about my past," The Bull Prime added with a sigh. "While you gave a good outlook of what kind of person she is, I don't wish to take that big of a risk. I will see if she is capable of handling that truth… but if she learns about me, you'll have to also tell your secret to her."

"I will," I promised dryly. "But I know it will not happen anytime soon. You're slow to trust new people that you want to fully befriend, after all."

"With the exception of Grace," He admitted calmly, before giving me a curious look. "When are you going to tell her that you're back? She has already asked if you were ever going to visit me again at my house."

"In due time-"

I tensed up as his hand swiftly grasped at my arm.

"While I might have long accepted that you were right back then, I will not tolerate it if you end up hurting those that believed in you. Grace deserves the truth."

…

"I will tell her when the timing is right. I don't want to make that revelation through a phone call."

…

"You want to visit her?" Minos inquired fascinated.

"Perhaps," I replied with some uncertainty. "It will all depend if the current trouble doesn't need my utmost presence."

"I will hold you on that. If the situation is still stable-"

"Then I will visit her and Kayin. No need to worry about me breaking that kind of promise, captain."

He snorted. "You never stopped being that kind of pest."

I smiled in return.

"Never."

This was a part of town I've never seen before.

It was pretty distant from the bar. Distant from Minos' own house.

And it was easy to spot Ambar's jet in the distance. She was already there, patiently waiting while… playing with her lance.

One would think the High Prime would never stoop so low in using such a powerful blade like a toy. To swing it around in some quick arches to burn some of the waiting time.

"I detect three energy patterns within the vehicle, boss," Archie quickly muttered, my eyes turning to the golden airplane with a confused look.

"Crests?"

"Only one beside Ambar's. It's Life."

Geecku, I thought quickly.

"And the other two have weaker connections to the elements. I think they're… Knights?" He said as he turned at me to confirm the term. "I can detect a concentration of Wisdom and… Love."

What?

I tensed up a little bit at that, my attention now completely taken by the vehicle as we continued to approach it.

Ambar stopped, turning slowly to regard us with a smile.

"The waiting was dreadful," She muttered calmly. "But I suppose you've given your farewells to the others."

"I will still visit them," I remarked. "But yes, I've spoken to those I needed to talk to."

The Bear Prime nodded. "Good, at least you didn't forget that."

"I would never forget that."

"You wouldn't," She agreed eagerly. "But forgive me for being forgetful, let's just say that I decided to spice our little leave with a few guests."

"You brought Geecku," I said, half-ruining the surprise from the way Ambar looked annoyed. "But who else you brought? Naerie?"

"Yes and… yes," She huffed before glancing up at the Nanozell Spirit. "Archie dear, why do you have to spoil the fun?"

He actually looked sheepish at that query. "I was just… surprised. I'm sorry, Wise Bear."

…

"Aw, you're too cute to stay mad at," The Bear Prime conceded after a giggle. "But I bet you can't tell who's the last guest is."

I couldn't. While I got lucky to get that the Wisdom Knight was Naerie, I wasn't exactly accustomed to anyone from the Love Clan.

It wasn't Grace as Archie would've told me already. So who was inside the plane?

Just as we made the first step through the tiny landing staircase, my sight was obscured by a sudden shadow and then… green and yellow.

"Buddy!"

I just had time to blink in surprise as I was tackled to the ground by the giggling Crest of Life.

Geecku grinned widely as she hovered her head over mine. She was wearing a sleeveless white shirt and a pair of black shorts.

Chuckling, I regaled the girl with a bright smile to match her happiness.

"Look at you, fiery gal. Already jumping at me, aren't you?"

"It's you!" She looked utterly convinced. "It's you!"

Giggles filled by ears and I sighed. "It's me, but you look as gorgeous as I remember you if not better."

She stuck out a raspberry. "Flatter!"

"The term is 'Flatterer', sweetie," I muttered happily. Soon, I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her up as I stood up.

She carefully latched onto me, with her legs crossing over my lower waist and her arms over my neck. Her head nestled lovingly by my shoulder, with her cheek pressing onto mine.

Yep, now that's something that was bringing back lots of good memories.

Ambar huffed. "Come on you two! You can have fun later," She pointed up quietly. "Plus, you're making the guests wait now."

Nodding, I allowed a fascinated look to adorn my face as I followed the Bear Prime inside. The plane looked way bigger inside compared to other private jets, and there were numerous available seats.

The High Prime took us to the seats that we were going to take and… I paused to greet Naerie.

The younger Bear Prime offered me a polite nod. "Uncle."

"Goddaughter," I replied happily, but I was rendered unable to hug her properly because of my current situation.

"Oh? You're Ambar's daughter, Naerie?" Archie inquired with a giddy tone. "I'm Archie."

"Nice to meet you, Archie."

The Nanozell Spirit wasn't deterred from the neutral tone, and in fact started a good conversation with the redhead.

While the two continued to talk, I landed my sight onto the mysterious Love Knight.

She was smiling, happily so. Her green eyes were wide open and glinting to a degree of admiration in my regard. Her dark hair reached her shoulders and… I could see some tiny horns atop her head.

I think I've seen her before… but I didn't have the chance to actually meet her.

As I stretched my hand to offer a handshake, she took the opportunity to grasp it with both her palms.

She started to shake… quite energetically.

"It's truly an honor, sir," The girl muttered in a mix of awe and intrigue. "I'm Hope- Hope Ravenhurst!"

I smiled, giving a nod to Grace's and Kayin's oldest child.

"Nice to meet you, Hope. And please, drop the formality," I muttered kindly. "Please, call me Matt."

"B-But you're the Grand Knight," The young woman exclaimed, making my smile widen up at that comment.

"And you're the daughter of Kayin and Grace Ravenhurst," I rebuked mirthfully, almost breaking in a chuckle as her eyes widened astronomically at that development. "I knew your parents quite closely during the war."

Despite her surprise and confusion, Hope managed to offer a slow nod at that revelation.

I turned to glance at Ambar, the Bear Prime now sitting beside her daughter.

"I suppose Ms. Ravenhurst is here for a reason," I pointed out carefully, feeling like this was a big ol' trap from the cuddle bear.

The Crest of Wisdom smiled giddily. "Hope here is a Knight to the Love Clan, and while she mentioned her parents that she was going for a concern for a couple of months, she asked me if I could offer her a tutor to train her in Stealth and Support actions."

I frowned. "Ambar-"

"It's non-negotiable," The High Prime interjected. "And don't sound too reluctant. It's an opportunity for you to avoid speaking with 'them'."

Goddammit Ambar.

"I-If that's a problem with my request, si- Matt," The young Ravenhurst affirmed nervously. "I can't press you into it and-"

"It's not a problem with your request," I interrupted, carefully picking a seat beside the girl. Geecku fixed herself better so that she could sit on my lap and still rest her head on my chest. "It's more of a… problem I might cause if your mother knows I'm now back."

She frowned at that explanation. "Mom? Why would she have a problem with your return, si- Matt? You're the-"

"Stop repeating that," I calmly ordered. "And before you ask again… let's just say that I left in an abrupt way. In fact, I was kind of 'pulled' away from the scene once the war was over."

Hope nodded, and I continued with my explanation. She listened, offering just a few questions from time to time, and I would offer the best answers I could give her.

At this point, I knew that she had unwittingly caught me in that circumstance. One I wasn't going to be able to ditch as easily as I wanted.

Giggling, Ambar sealed with that reaction her victory over me. There wasn't much to do but accept the development at this point.

At least Hope looked to be educated well enough with the basics. And who knows, an apprentice? I might find the experience refreshing.