I'm so happy you readers are still reviewing and enjoying this story! I probably wouldn't be as motivated without you!!!

I don't own final fantasy crystal chronicles

Caravan Tale

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Nem had been waiting by the bridge since his mother would allow him to be outside. He would have waited all night if he could have. Once the Li family had received word of Lora returning New had waited patiently at the bridge for her every day. The sun had barely risen and the fog gave little hope of him sighting his sister. He was also excited to see Mog. He missed Mog a lot. They used to play together whenever Lora was busy. Suddenly Nem heard a creaking on the bridge. The sound was coming towards him. As he tried to peer into the fog he saw the outline of a wagon and someone walking towards him. "Lora!" he yelled and ran towards his sister.

Lora smiled at hearing Nem's voice and ran to greet him. She quickly gave him a big hug, "I thought that was you sitting on the bridge!"

Nem smiled, "So did you bring back any baddies for me to beat!?"

Lora laughed, it was good to be home, "Well you'll just have to wait and see."

Nem crossed his arms as Lora saw more figures heading towards the bridge. Lora grabbed Nem's hand and led him and the wagon towards the center of the village. Lora's mother ran and hugged her as tight as possible, "We could hear Nem from a mile away. Welcome home darling!"

Lora's father followed her with a limp and gave her a hearty pat on the shoulder, "I see you did well my dear. I knew you had it in you." He smiled and gave her a cheerful wink.

"Lora!" someone yelled from a distance away.

Lora's mother quickly looked at Lora, "Oh we forgot to tell you!"

Lora was about to ask her mother what when she felt herself being tackled to the ground. When Lora opened her eyes she saw a very familiar face, "Trista!?"

Trista giggled and helped Lora up to her feet, "It has been ages Lora!"

Lora's mother continued again, "Your uncle Gem and aunt Tula have moved here for the time being."

Lora was so overwhelmed at all of the greetings but turned to Trista, "I'm so glad you have moved here! How is the family?"

Trista looked back towards the direction of Lora's home, "Why don't you ask them? They're heading up here along with the rest of the village. Oh but cousin! Where is the stranger you were talking about in your letters?"

Lora had forgotten how nosy her dear cousin was, "He had to help some friends in Pora."

Lora then turned to her parents, "Which is why I need to talk to the elders!"

"There will be time for that, but first let's give you a good meal and some rest. Tonight we will rejuvenate the crystal!"

The small crowd cheered and led Lora and the wagon home.

Lora was relaxing in the tub enjoying the warm water. It was a chaotic welcoming in the morning, but it was good to be home. Mog fit right back in enjoying nap time with Nem. The stress and exhaustion of her travels was wearing off as she soaked in the tub. Trista was a good surprise as well. Lora's only extended family had been living in Leuda so she and Trista rarely could visit each other. She was always a good pen pal though since they were both the same age. Lora sank more into the tub, there was still so much more to do…

Trista was downstairs with the rest of Lora's family. She was cutting up some star carrots for the soup. "I wonder what adventures Lora encountered this year."

Ben Li smiled, "I'm sure she will tell us in time. Let her relax for now."

Kala began to stir the soup, "I remember my caravan days…never a dull day."

Trista smiled at her aunt, "You must have been pretty brave though."

Kala laughed, "I suppose so, especially from conniving thieves like you're Uncle Ben here."

Trista giggled and was about to pick on her dear uncle when Lora came down the stairs with a sleepy eyed Nem and Mog.

Lora placed a wooden case on the table and everyone sat around her. Lora smiled at them, "I have brought gifts!"

Nem clapped his hands and could barely control himself. Lora turned to Nem before she opened the case, "Nem, close your eyes and point your arms to the ceiling."

Nem obeyed without a question, which is very rare for a selkie boy. Lora quickly pulled out the jacket she had been working on and placed his hands through the short sleeves so it fell right on him. Nem opened his eyes, "Oh wow! You really did kill some baddies for me!"

Lora laughed and straightened the jacket, "Now you look like a true fighter Nem."

Nem hopped down from the chair and began to fight an invisible monster. Mog bounced around happily by his side.

"Now before I open this case, you must not all grab at once. I risked my life for this treasure at Moschet Manor."

Everyone's eyes quickly began to focus on the case as Lora opened it. What she revealed was a very large amount of jewelry. The gold, silver, gems and pearls all glittered before the selkies' eyes.

"Well done Lora!" Kala exclaimed in amazement.

Lora smiled proudly, "I figure we can take some for ourselves, but save the rest for emergency funds."

Trista began to fumble through the jewelry and found pure silver bangles, "These are perfect!"

Kala and Ben also began to filter through the jewelry, still in amazement at the glimmer of wealth.

"Oh Lora you must wear this tonight!" Trista held out an intricate silver and mythril necklace with pure white stones. "It will be perfect!"

Lora took the necklace from Trista, "This is too much; it will weigh me down."

Trista laughed, "But it will be perfect on you. Come on we only have a few hours to get ready!" Trista grabbed Lora's hand and pulled her back upstairs.

In Cedon village it is tradition for the caravan to perform during the crystal ceremony for selkies dearly love to dance and sing. Last year they didn't have a proper ceremony due to the circumstances. This would be Lora's first crystal ceremony. She hoped she could please her village.

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