Hey hey new chapter! Thanks for the review Kupo, I think you're probably my number one fan lol! Enjoy the newest chapter =)

Disclaimer: I sadly don't own FFCC

Caravan Tale

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The ice had now become a large puddle in the sack Lora had given Tobias earlier. When he woke up from the nap his head wasn't throbbing anymore. Tobias grabbed the cooking pan to see what the damage was. "Ouch.", he stated as he saw his reflection. Tobias had a split lip, black eye, and a nice gash on the side of his head.

Lora poked her head in the wagon, "You alright?"

Tobias turned to her, "Yeah, it's just my vanity that's hurting now."

Lora laughed, "Yes, you definitely have selkie in you." She climbed into the wagon, "Let me get a better look at your face." She gently touched Tobias's face to investigate all the cuts and bruises, "It's not as bad as it looks." She then reached into her pocket and pulled out some cure magicite, "This should help."

Tobias sighed, "Don't waste it. We might need it for something more important."

Lora crossed her arms, "This is important. You'll heal faster. We'll be at Moschet Manor before you know it. I'd like you in your best health thank you very much."

"Fine." Tobias knew when to give in to Lora now. She would probably whack him with her racket if he kept resisting. Tobias closed his eyes and felt a coolness surround him. He breathed in a scent similar to the myrrh trees. When he opened his eyes he felt much better.

Lora smiled, "Well it worked better than I thought! Your black eye is almost gone."

Tobias felt his face, it wasn't as sore anymore. "Thanks Lora."

"No problem.", she smiled.

"No, I mean thanks for everything."

Lora shook her head, "No, I should be thanking you. I'm just making it up to you now. You've saved me multiple times. All I can do is try and fix you up. Tobias I couldn't care less about your heritage or race. There are other people out there like that also. I'm just happy we can travel together. You're a good friend."

Tobias smiled at the word friend, "Lora, you may not know it, but you actually are a softie."

Lora gave him a surprised look and then punched him in the shoulder, "Am not!" With that she climbed out of the wagon, "Come down for dinner Tobias. You're allowed to get out now." Mog flew over to Tobias as he began to climb down from the wagon, "You're right though! She really is a softie, kupo." Tobias and Mog chuckled quietly with each other hoping she wouldn't hear them.

Lora smiled as she headed towards the fire, knowing Tobias was happy to have her as a friend too.

It felt good to have a nice hot meal after everything Tobias had gone through. He almost wolfed down the entire stew Lora had cooked up. Lora ate hers a bit more decent than Tobias. Once he was finished Lora cleaned up the plates and sat back down. She looked at Tobias, "So tell me your story now that the truth is out. Not caravan stories and tales, but your story."

Tobias sighed; she did deserve the truth now, "No more cutting around the corners anymore eh?"

Lora shook her head, "No more of that. I want to know more about you."

"Fine then, I'll start out with my parents since they are the reason I came to be."

Lora smiled, she had a feeling it would be an interesting story.

"My father lived in Kilo village, near Shella. He was a hardworking clavat farmer back in the day. Today he still lives near Kilo, but just on the outskirts. My mother was part of a travelling selkie troupe. They sold their wares and performed in many villages. They usually came to Kilo once a year for the crystal ceremony. My father claims it was love at first sight when he saw her dance. My mother would say it differently." Tobias chuckled, "The year they had fallen for each other my mother's troupe had visited Kilo longer than usual. My mother and father were married a month later and she was soon expecting me."

Lora was surprised, "But that's so fast after knowing one another."

"Yes, I think it was part of their downfall as well. The troupe left my mother in the care of Kilo, but right after they left, things began to go missing. Kilo was already facing hard times as it was so stolen items were a big concern. The troupe was blamed for everything. A few men went after them, but the troupe was never found. My mother soon became the scapegoat and scorn of the village. My father had to move us near the outskirts of the village to protect my mother and myself. When I was six, my mother couldn't stand the harassment and racial slurs anymore. She didn't feel safe so she left my father and me. I was raised as a clavat boy and was never allowed to reveal my selkie side. The whole village knew my heritage, but pretending to be a clavat protected me enough. My mother would visit from time to time. Her heart is still with my father today even though she travels around as well."

"I am so sorry Tobias." That was all Lora could say. His family had such a sad story.

"It's alright it was in the past, but I can't stand the way your people are treated. I had to hold myself back to keep from beating that guard at Marr's Pass."

Lora smiled, "I had that same urge also, but you have selkie blood so you are one of us."

"Yes, but I was raised the clavat way. I have only just begun to tap into my selkie side."

"Don't worry. It will come naturally."

A few quiet minutes later Lora began to sing out of the blue. Tobias had heard this song before. His heart began to beat louder and louder. It was an ancient song; he felt his selkie blood begin to rise with in him. He felt like dancing. When Lora stopped she looked at Tobias's flushed face, "You felt something didn't you?"

"Yes! I remember my mother would sing that from time to time."

Lora smiled again, "You do have selkie alive and well within you. It's an ancient selkie song. All selkies know it. The song is about our travels and a place to call home. Most of the lyrics can't be translated today, but I do know we sing about how we came from the sea to find a home. Today we still search for it, always a step away."

"And what is this future home?"

Lora closed her eyes trying to imagine it, "A peaceful place where no monster roams with golden butterflies. It's all I can remember from the translation." She finished as she opened her eyes.

Tobias looked up at the stars, "Hmph. I've never seen golden butterflies before."

"Neither have I, but when I was little I would look all over Cedon for them. I still do, but now with my little brother. He is determined to find one in Cedon because he doesn't want to move if they are found elsewhere." Lora chuckled lovingly at the thoughts of her brother.

Tobias began to notice how Lora's face lit up whenever she spoke of her family. She must have such warm memories. In a way he envied her for that. He loved when she talked about them though; her face was so gentle and free from the stress of caravan troubles whenever she would recall a funny story.

"Well, I need some rest if I'm actually allowed out of the wagon tomorrow." Tobias said sarcastically as he stretched.

"Well your face looks better now so you won't scare off strangers." Lora smiled curtly at Tobias as she headed towards the wagon.

Tobias took a moment to recover from her remark then followed after her, "Ouch! Did you just beat me at my own game!?"

"Indeed." Lora smiled with pride as her back was turned towards Tobias.

When Lora turned to look at him he acted as if someone had hit him and he fell to the ground, "I'm shocked! I never thought the likes of you could say that."

"Oh shut up, Tobias or I'll give you a matching black eye!" Lora scoffed at him as she climbed into the wagon.

Tobias yelled to Lora, "But I am in such awe Lora! You of all people!" He heard her grumble something in the wagon so he walked up and peeked in, "What was tha-" Poof! Tobias found a pillow in his face. He faltered back a few paces as Lora stuck her head out, "Come on Tobias, I'm tired!"

Tobias picked up the pillow and began to climb into the wagon, "I think you enjoyed that!" Lora just grumbled some more.

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Well I hoped you had fun reading! I'm not sure when more updates will be coming in but I'll post them asap! ~Kest