Hey all my amazing readers! Here is chapter 25! Woo hoo! I made it to the big 2-5!

I hope you enjoy the new installment and please continue reading! 3 Kest

Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles

Caravan Tale

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The new members of the caravan and Lora began to train as much as possible. They were planning to leave in a couple months, maybe sooner if they were ready. Lora didn't want to take any chances this year. Even with all of the training Lora still made time for herself and her family. Cedon was in its usual hustle and bustle today. It was a very warm and sunny day. Lora and Trista had decided not to waste it with training and headed to the sea.

"It is a perfect day Lora." Trista smiled as she lay on the sandy beach.

Lora nodded, "Yes and I don't plan to waste it on the beach." She stood up and took off her skirt and one of her layered shirts. She then ran and dove into the cold ocean waves.

"Hey wait for me!" Trista yelled as she quickly joined her. Lora swam out away from the beach and waited for Trista to catch up. Swimming at this cove was the best. Lora had been doing this since she could remember. The ocean breeze and the salty water were like a paradise to her. Most selkies couldn't stay away from the ocean for very long. Suddenly Lora felt herself being pulled underwater. She quickly swam upwards until Trista appeared in front of her. Trista had an evil grin on her face and Lora splashed her, "You scared me half to death!"

Trista just laughed and splashed Lora back. The girls continued to splash each other until Lora began to hear Nem yelling to them from the beach. They quickly swam back to shore, "What is it Nem?" Lora asked as they got closer.

Nem was practically jumping up and down, "There are people here! They're asking for you Lora."

Lora looked at him puzzled, "Who are they?"

Nem just shrugged, "I was playing in the stream by the bridge and a man yelled my name. He said he liked my jacket."

Lora felt her heart flutter a bit, "Where is he!?"

"They're still at the bridge come on!" Nem grabbed Lora's hand and began running with her to the bridge. Trista smirked, she had a feeling this would be very interesting. She then looked at their pile of clothes abandoned on the beach. Trista began to giggle, going around in swim clothes was alright around selkies, but outsiders would think it scandalous. Trista ran after them to see what would happen.

Lora and Nem slowed down as they neared the bridge. Lora was beginning to feel excited and nervous. Could it be Tobias? Nem looked up at Lora, "Come on Lora!"

Lora and Nem walked across the bridge to see a wagon pulled to the side. Lora began to feel butterflies in her stomach when, "Lora!"

From behind the wagon a disheveled Kima ran up to her. Lora was so surprised, "Kima! You're alright!"

Kima smiled, "Yes! Jasper and the rest of my family are fine. I would give you a hug but you're sopping wet!"

Lora looked down and realized how little she was wearing and her hair was still dripping from the ocean. Lora chuckled, "Yes, my little brother here caught me while I was out for a swim." Kima smiled and bent down to Nem, "Well he is a very brave brother of yours." Nem puffed out his chest and the girls chuckled. Lora looked back at the wagon to see more heads poking out, "So what brings you here Kima?"

"Well, you offered us safety here in Cedon. Fum and Alfitaria are so full of Pora villagers already; my family was hoping we could start a new life here."

Lora nodded, "I'm certain you can but we must discuss it with the elders first."

Kima took Lora's hand, "Come on you must meet my family." Kima led Lora and Nem to the other side of the wagon to meet Kima and Jasper's parents. They were a bit surprised with Lora's appearance, but they tried not to let it show. Lora also met Kima and Jasper's six younger brothers and sisters. Lora wasn't sure she would ever get their names straight. Kima just chuckled, "It helps to have many hands on a farm."

After all the introductions Lora couldn't wait anymore and turned to Kima, "And what of Tobias?"

Kima sighed, "He's around here somewhere. He found us right outside of Fum, said he was here to save the day." Kima just laughed, "Turns out we didn't need much saving." Lora smiled and nodded. Apparently he was too busy to even say hi to her. "I gave him a good talking to though for leaving you at the Pass!"

Lora just shook her head, "You shouldn't have. I was fine by myself."

Kima crossed her arms, "Sure you were. I saw your face when you crossed the bridge. You know, you're all he talked about. I think he was a bit nervous to come here."

Lora began to blush, "Well, l-let's go find the elders shall we?"

Kima smiled knowingly at Lora, "Alright."

The elder and his wife eagerly greeted Kima's family and invited them inside. Lora waited outside by the wagon. She had a feeling this would take awhile so she decided to head back to the beach to get her clothes. Kima's family would be a good addition to the village. Cedon needed a farm. They always had to rely on outside sources for produce; it would be nice to rely on their own village for once. Lora smiled to herself as she neared the beach, it would be nice to have Kima and Jasper in the village; they could join the caravan as well.

"I was looking all over for you!" Lora walked right into a wide eyed Trista. "There is someone at the beach who has been looking for you!"

Lora felt the butterflies coming back as Trista winked at her, "You might want to put these on." Trista handed over the rest of Lora's clothes.

"Thanks." Lora quickly got dressed.

"Good luck!"

The butterflies were practically battering her insides. Was what Kima said true? Lora continued down to the cove and saw a familiar figure sitting down on the shore. Lora crept up right behind him, "Hello there stranger."

Tobias immediately turned around and stood up wide eyed to see Lora, "Lora! It is good to see you."

Lora put her hand on her hip, "Is that it?"

Tobias lightly chuckled, "No, I came to apologize. I shouldn't have left you like that."

Lora gave Tobias an odd look, he wasn't being himself. She decided to get him to really talk, "I bet Kima put you up to that."

Tobias went wide eyed again, "How did you know!? Oh what else did she say!?"

Lora laughed, "I'm not at liberty to tell."

Tobias gave Lora a playful shove, "Just you girls wait!" He then looked into Lora's eyes, "Honestly though, I am glad to see you looking so well."

Lora smiled, "This is how I look stress free! I am glad to see that Kima and Jasper's family is safe along with you."

Tobias nodded, "It was rough travelling for awhile, but Cedon is definitely a beautiful haven."

Lora looked out to the ocean as the breeze blew her hair, "Yes, it is."

Tobias looked back at Lora; he had missed her so much. He had worried about her the entire time of his travels. He had driven Kima and Jasper crazy with all of his talk of her. He was so happy to see her again. He just hoped she would share her happiness with him again. Tobias turned away from her to shake his feelings.

"You're brother is a charming fellow, his jacket suits him."

Lora laughed, "Yes, he loves to show it off to anyone who will listen."

Tobias laughed along with Lora. He could definitely see that same spunk in Lora.

"So where did you leave Kima and her family?"

"At the elder's home, they should almost be done by now. Let's go meet them!"

Tobias nodded and walked with Lora away from the shore.

"Oh I'm so glad you found him!" Kima said as she ran up to Lora and Tobias.

"So how did it go with the elders?" Tobias asked expectantly.

Kima was bursting with happiness, "Great! We are taking over the old farm here and we can own it for free as long as we help provide for the village."

Lora smiled, "I'm so happy for you! This will help Cedon greatly! When do you move in?"

Kima shuffled her feet, "Not for awhile it is a real fixer upper. It's a shame our wagon is so overcrowded."

Lora laughed, "You can just ask Kima. You are welcome to stay in my home if you need more space."

"Good. He'll be staying with you!" Kima pushed Tobias into Lora.

Tobias knew what Kima was up to and gave her the evil eye, "It's alright Lora, I enjoy sleeping outside."

Lora sighed; it seemed everyone had ulterior motives, "its fine. You're welcome to stay with my family. They're curious about meeting you anyways."

Tobias looked back at Lora, "Thank you."

"No problem. Now Kima, I want to invite you and your family to come have dinner at my home, just a little welcoming dinner. You all must be exhausted."

Kima nodded, "Thank you Lora. You have helped us so much!"

*

Oooh Tobias returns along with a new addition to Cedon! What does this all hold for Lora in the future? Continue reading to find out! =)