Matthew, Amiti, and Sveta headed for the hot springs. Once they got there, they noticed that nobody was currently in there.

"Ready to take off your clothes?" asked Sveta.

"We really can't do that with you staring at us," Amiti answered. "Besides, why did you follow us here anyways?"

"I came here to keep watch you two."

"Watch? Don't you think the two of us need our privacy?"

"I remember her saying that it was to prevent too many people from coming over," Matthew replied. "Now that I think about that, is that really the reason you want to watch us?"

"You're right, it's not," Sveta said. "The main reason I want to watch is because I would like to see the two of you bond. It would make me feel warm and fuzzy inside."

Amiti asked "Didn't you see the bonding we did back in the tent? I apologized to Matthew, he accepted that I'm gay, and that made us closer."

"Actually, that wasn't the type of bonding I was talking about."

"If you really respect our sexualities, then I ask that you leave. The two of us just want to be alone in privacy."

"Since you put it that way, I see your point. I'll let you two spend some time alone."

Once Sveta walked off, Matthew and Amiti got ready. They took off their clothes, then walked into the water.

"The sky is beautiful tonight," Amiti said as he submerged his body in water.

Matthew looked up to see the night sky. Milky white stars were embedded up there. "Yeah, it is. By the way, it seems like you know this place. Have you been here before?"

"Actually, I have. Before the terrain became so treacherous, I hiked through mountains like this for my hunting lessons in Morgal. That is why I know about the hot springs."

"Were the snowballs practice?"

"Yes, they were. Snowballs weren't just made to be thrown. My guards created plenty of them to be snowball targets. Accuracy is very important for hunting."

Just then, Matthew sensed Sveta's presence. He knew that she was watching them, but Amiti would probably freak out if he knew. Since Sveta was doing no harm, Matthew decided that it would be better to keep it to himself. "It sounds like a safe way to get ready for a bow."

"It is. They didn't let me use one until I got very accurate with snowballs. It was a bit tricky at first, but I was soon sniping chipmunks and lizards with ease. "

"Your skill with a bow really shows in battle. Speaking of which, why were you so afraid of coming out?"

"I was afraid of my sexuality, because my uncle wanted me to marry a princess to build relations with another country. Actually, I'm not sure how to tell him that I'm gay..."

"I don't think that marrying is the only way. You can ask Sveta about ideas for how Benelisk and Ayuthay can start up trade relations."

"Yeah, maybe so. It would be difficult with how Benelisk is in conflict with Bibilin, but it's worth a try. Do you think that my uncle would accept me if trade is successfully set up?"

"I'm not sure about that, but I don't see anything wrong with helping two countries that way."

"So, are you afraid of how your parents might react if they find out your sexuality?"

"Not really. I have two dads, so that's really not a concern."

"That's fortunate. So, why is it that Sveta had to tell you what she saw into your soul if your parents would accept you?"

"There are plenty of reasons. First, everybody compares me to my first father, from my looks, fighting style, and elemental affinity. I want to be liked for being somebody unique, not for being a copy. Second, I like women as well, so I didn't really think much of going out with other guys until now. Third, I don't like my second dad."

"Why not?"

"It's because he keeps trying to teach me stuff that I already know."

"It sounds like he just wants to make sure that you learned what he's trying to teach."

"Yeah, probably so, but he still annoys me."

"So that's every reason?"

"There's one more. I was worried that if I liked men, Sveta would become sad. I was surprised that Sveta thought that the two of us should be together. She took it well about finding out our sexualities."

"A little bit too well if you ask me."

"Yeah, but it's better than her being sad."

"That's true. Ready to head back to the tent?"

"I am." Matthew and Amiti got out of the water, clothed themselves, then headed back to the tent. Since both of them were tired, they got into their sleeping bags and called it a night.

I'm on my way to making the epilogue, so it will probably be later this night or tomorrow when it is added.