Gregory stares longingly out the guild windows, watching the faraway Starboard Mountain standing silent on the horizon. Its towering from is obscured by pelting raindrops, hitting the window and everything outside; giving it all a distorted look. Its much darker outside too, from the combination of the setting sun, and the thick storm clouds above. Inside the Newt Eyes guild, its much warmer, both in color and temperature. Mingling conversations and barking laughs sound out behind Gregory, mixing with the constant tapping of rain water colliding with the windows and rafters. Bar maids scurry about the guild hall, running to place buckets underneath any drip columns coming from leaks in the roof. The majority of Gregory's guild-mates are present, all of them enjoying a drowsy evening in each other's company. The smells of freshly made meals and a stinging odor of beer entices Gregory, calling him to join the masses. But he wouldn't dare eat, or laugh, or do anything except wait, and hope that Zircon makes it back, somehow. His eyes slowly scan over the massive mountain, watching its snow covered peak for movement. He just hopes, that by some miracle, he could see that blonde head pop out of the mountain face, and return home, with the heart or not. But he knows his lifelong friend, the boy has been waiting for a chance to find meaning, even if its just to redeem himself, he would take the chance.

A hand taps Gregory on the back, making him jump.

"Oh, sorry."

He spins his head, locking eyes with the newcomer. He doesn't know who he was expecting to see, but his hope quickly burns away as Ben looks at him with sorrowful eyes. The other friend of his, more of a brother from another mother, sits down next to him, looking over his shoulder.

"So he hasn't come back yet?"

Gregory turns to look out the window again. He's always the older and more stable one of the trio, its embarrassing to be caught in a vulnerable moment like this.

"Why is life so unfair?"

Gregory tries his hardest to keep his voice under control, but it still comes out choked. He feels furious with himself, that he's silently weeping, but also being childishly hopeful. He's furious with the guild leader, for sending Zircon out of the guild, only giving a chance back in by finding something that has taken the lives of so many before him. He's furious at the rest of the guild, how they laugh and enjoy themselves, while a young man who Gregory and Ben care about very much is probably dying on a hostile mountain, never to be seen again. Ever since they were little, they went everywhere together. They played together, stole food together, joined this blasted guild together. Day after day, they would stick together, and face this world with their arms locked together. But those days are gone, Gregory can feel it in his chest. Zircon is gone, and its just two now.

"Hey man, I'm sad too, but moping about it wouldn't be what Zircon wanted."

Ben looks back at the gathered masses, looking to get the attention of one of the maids.

"Come on, lets go get a bite to eat."

Gregory watches the windows, not changing his gloomy expression.

"Im not feeling like it today, maybe tomorrow."

Ben looks Gregory over again, starting to feel concerned.

"That's not a good mindset to be in."

He continues on, but something catches Gregory's eye. It doesn't come from the mountain, but down on main street of their town. Someone is running straight toward the guild, their appearance is fatigued but rushed, as they power through the rain, kicking up water behind them. At first Gregory doesn't react, but as the newcomer draws closer, his expression changes, feeling something welling up in his chest.

"First you say you'll eat tomorrow."

Gregory is only half listening, he starts slowly rising from his window seat, his eyes set on the approaching person.

"Then you'll say, maybe the next day." "Then the next, day, the next day."

The feeling strengthens in his heart, unbelief and joy start to bleed into his thoughts. He's sat at this window the entire day, every second that ticked by, Gregory's hope for Zircon ever returning ran low. He doesn't have any sort of magical power, he's slightly clumsy, he never listens to his head. Ben and Gregory both obtained magic, and even when Zircon congratulated the two of them, Gregory could see the pain in his eyes, the words and feelings he was holding back. Much more qualified mages have gone to the mountain, they disappeared without a trace. Strong knights and warriors have also set out from their town, in search of the legendary heart. They are nothing more than stories now. The towns people all mutter the same phrase. That mountain is cursed. Zircon's death is certain, Ben set his mind to that thought this morning, when the two of them found Zircon's room empty, with nothing more than a note to say, "See you soon." They were planning on taking Zircon to a different town, all of them quitting the guild, so the boy doesn't set his mind on the suicide mission. But it was all for naught, Ben accepted it, and the doubt started to fill Gregory's mind as well. He's completely standing now, frozen in place.

"And, BAM!"

Ben shouts, smacking the table.

"You die of starvation."

He looks up from his landed fist, leaning his head toward Gregory when he realizes something is wrong.

"Um, Gregory?"

Gregory slows closes his fist, feeling his heartbeat in his head. The thoughts of doubt and sorrow get washed away.

"Zircon..."

Gregory mutters under his breath, Ben cocks his head.

"Uh, yeah, like, Zircon."

He reaches his hand out, aiming to rest in on Gregory's shoulder.

"What's wro-?"

Gregory leaps onto their table, startling Ben, some of the other guild members change their gazes, watching the young man jump off, making a beeline for the front doors.

"Woah, what are you doing!?"

Ben shouts to Gregory, as he shoves the front guild doors open. Chilled wind smacks Gregory in the face, but he runs out into the rain, his back bathed in the firelight inside the guild. The incredibly familiar figure is close enough for Gregory to make out his face, a huge grin splits across Gregory's face.

"Zircon!"

Ben pokes his head out from behind the guild walls, his face morphing into a mix of surprise, confusion, and a touch of joy.

"How?"

Gregory opens his arms wide, happiness filling every corner of his body.

"Where have you been!?"

He calls out to his seemingly long lost brother. He knows he left for the mountain, but if Zircon is alive, then maybe he didn't go to the mountain after all. He wouldn't care if Zircon failed to get the heart, as long as the three of them are together, he would be happy. But Gregory drops his smile, his arms slightly droop. It is Zircon, but something is off. His face is one of anger and determination, his eyes are pale of emotion, and part of his neck is black, with white veins etched into the skin. His thick winter clothes are ripped and torn, and his hair isn't deep golden like usual, but more bleached, like mid-day sunlight. Zircon slips straight past Gregory, not even giving a passing glance. Gregory turns, aiming to follow him into the guild house. Zircon leaps before he reaches the front steps, completely clearing them, and landing inside the guild. Ben backs away, Gregory enters the guild hall a few moments later. The chatter and laughing stop, the smiles and smug faces die away. Maids freeze in place, everyone goes silent. There is a few seconds of just the sound of rainfall, Zircon straightens his posture, it takes Gregory a few seconds to realize he can see glittering breath leaving his mouth. Zircon finally thrusts his head up, shouting the Newt Eyes guild master's name.

"Ungolis!"