HoloJourneys

by vanderblast

A fateful encounter with a fluffy sheep inside a castle dungeon, begins a journey that will change the world. In a world of magic, swords, magical spirits and endless possibilities, Anon, sets forth on a journey with his friend Watame to see everything this world has to offer and to find their origins. The journey won't always be easy, but together, they can always make it through.

13. A Bjornholm Sendoff

The sight of Watame's face in blissful sleep makes your heart skip a beat, as you slowly awake to find your face almost nose to nose with hers. One of her arms drapes over your chest to keep you close to her, it really was like being held by a big fluffy cloud. The slight rise and fall of her chest as she breathes is hypnotic. The fulfilling embrace of this beautiful girl makes you entertain the idea of staying here all day, and perhaps even something more as your eyes start to fall downward. Your fantasizing is brought to an abrupt end, as you remember it's not just Watame and you in the room. Undine's body is surprisingly absent from the bed. You roll your head ever so slightly, to find her seated at a small table by the opposite wall.

"Good morning summoner." she smiles.

Before you can gesture a reply, you feel Watame stir next to you. Her gentle hand slides off of your chest to rub the sleep from her eyes as she wears a content smile.

"Good morning Anon…Undine" Watame yawns.

"Morning you two." you say as you give your body a hard stretch within the bed.

As Watame brings you into focus, those deep purple pools shimmer with the feeling of belonging that reflects from your own eyes. If you thought she was beautiful while she slept, the picture you now have of her with her golden hair misplaced and unbrushed, resting on the pillow next to yours, is simply enchanting. It's taking a considerable amount of willpower not to desire for more right now, but maybe this is not the time, at least not with Undine watching. You give the sheep a gentle bump on her forehead with yours, which earns a satisfied sigh from her. Giving her silky hair a gentle stroke, you break the contact and turn to sit yourself on the edge of the bed.

"Did you sleep well?" Undine then asks.

"Best night's sleep I think I ever had." you say grinning. "Thanks again…both of you. After yesterday, I was expecting to have nightmares, so thanks for keeping them away for me."

"There's nothing better for your sleep than a sheep!" Watame chirps.

After last night, you can definitely believe that. It's hard to put into words how complete you felt falling to sleep alongside Undine and Watame. You feel like you're ready to take on anything again…except maybe HoloX, Koyori specifically, you can do without seeing her for a long while.

"I feel I must apologize." Undine says suddenly. "I can't help but feel responsible for what happened yesterday. Because of our pact, and because I was not there to protect you…you were forced to endure such horrors"

Is Undine actually blaming herself for what happened to you? She looks absolutely torn up over it, this definitely doesn't suit her. It's true that the dark images of what you faced yesterday can still be seen clearly if you try, but the idea that Undine, or anyone else would blame themselves for it, is even worse. They didn't try to hurt you, Koyori did.

"Stop. Not another word." you command. The sudden shift in your tone catches both girls by surprise, but you need to clear things up now.

"Don't you dare think for a second that what happened to me is your fault. That goes for you too, Watame. We were bound to meet people like HoloX someday…people who would want to use my powers for their own selfish gains, people who would want to use you, Undine. As your summoner…as your friend, I can never allow someone to use you like that. I would take the pain one hundred times over to keep you both safe, and I know you would both do the same for me…that's a truth that burns brighter than any other to me now."

Watame and Undine take a moment to reflect on your words, you can tell they still want to say they let you down in some way, so you continue to try to squash those thoughts.

"Besides, the whole thing kinda helped me figure out a lot of stuff…stuff I'm not exactly great with showing. So maybe that's exactly how it was all meant to go down?"

Watame quickly gets the gist of what you mean as she scooches herself to be next to you, placing a comforting hand over one of your own.

"I would say I might be guilty of the same thing." Undine remarks. "Perhaps that is why I felt the need to apologize. When I knew for sure that you were taken away…when I could feel that you were in pain…it made me realize just how much I've grown to enjoy your presence, it reminds me so much of the bond I shared with my sisters."

"That's cause we all love each other!" Watame practically shouts.

"Oi! Is there a lot of love going on in there!? Without us!?" Polka's muffled voice comes from the closed door as she knocks before letting herself and Flare in. "I told you they were up already, Flare."

"So were you honestly giving a pep talk without us?" Flare asks in jest, but is clearly happy to see you in good spirits. "Care to bring us up to speed real quick? I'd love to hear it straight from you, Anon."

Flare grins at you with a smug satisfaction, as if she knows she's caught you in some sort of trap, just how long were these two outside listening? You sigh and recollect yourself, better to get this out in the open for everyone.

"Well it was a rather private conversation…but since you two asked, basically I don't want anyone to feel like anything that happened to me yesterday was their fault. As awful as it was, it helped me figure out a few things…so yeah…" you say as you cross your arms in front of you, hoping this would suffice for the two eavesdroppers.

"What kind of things?" Polka asks playfully, her lips curling to a smug smile.

"I think Watame was talking about love, Polka." Flare adds. "Could it have been about that, you think?"

"You were both there last night when I first spilled my guts on the subject." you say as you feel the rose coming to your cheeks.

"It seems like Watame and Undine got an encore though." Polka says with feigned envy.

"Maybe that's just what you get when you get to share a bed with Anon." Flare suggests. "Guess we'll need to take the next shift if we want him to repeat himself for us, huh Polka?"

"So going back to what I was thinking about before you both barged in!" you quickly say to steer the conversation in a different direction. "I want to keep looking for Undine's sisters, and I don't care if that makes me a bigger target to people like HoloX or anyone else. I'm gonna help our family get ever bigger Undine."

This brings the soothing smile you've come to love from the water spirit back to her face. She may be a timeless being who can control the very waters themselves, but she still has her own emotions and doubts, just like anyone else.

"I would very much like to see anyone try to take you away from me again." Undine smirks, her confidence now apparently back. "I have no doubt that my sisters will be equally as wrathful toward anyone who would try to make that mistake."

"I can't wait to meet them!" your minor embarrassment quickly exchanged for the excitement of heading towards one of your goals. "Which also reminds me, I'll need to get a real understanding of the elements they control right? What should I start next?"

"If you want help with ice or fire, I can definitely teach you." Flare says. "I know we likely won't find anything that would connect you to the ice spirit until we take the trip further north, but it never hurts to get ahead right?"

"I was actually thinking that wind would be the best element for you to gain understanding of, summoner." Undine begins. "With your connection and bond with the waters, wind might come more easily to you, as it is the wind that helps to strengthen and shape the tides of the ocean. It might also make mastering the elements of ice and fire easier as well."

"I can't really argue with that logic." you say, you would have to learn all the different types of magic you could in the end anyway, might as well do it in a way that should make the path easier overall. "If it's okay with you Flare, can we change those to wind lessons?"

"Umm…of course!" Flare says with some hesitation. "Before we do any of that though, isn't there something else you should be focusing on?"

"Something else?" you repeat back as you try to think of what Flare might be talking about.

"Honestly Anon?" Flare remarks, as she sees your clueless expression. "The entire reason we came to Bjornholm in the first place? Did that girl's drugs make you forget or something?"

"The feast!" Watame suddenly exclaims, which earns a groan from Flare. "We didn't get our feast yet!"

"Feast?" you ask. Then like a dam breaking, the memories quickly come back to you. "Oh crap! I completely forgot about trying to get the people here to trade with the elves!"

"At least one of you remembers…" Flare says.

"Not gonna lie, it was at the bottom of my priority list too…" Polka adds flatly.

"Well we can't leave until we sort that out." Flare scolds. "We should head to the chief's place. Nene will be there anyway."

You suppose you couldn't avoid it forever. You would have to talk to the chief, Nene's father, at some point. Even though you and Nene have reached an understanding about the whole marriage thing, you still can't help but feel anxious about the impending conversation. Compound it with the fact that Nene did come to your rescue in a fashion that aligns with the beliefs revolving around Ursoc and Ursol, you half expect things to flip themselves on you again.

"I guess we should." you say a little reluctantly. The morning started out so pleasant too. Sometimes you wish Flare could be a little…less responsible. You could have happily procrastinated for another few hours.

"The sooner we get that wrapped up, the sooner we can be on our way. Unless you want to stick around longer than we have to. Maybe almost land yourself into another engagement with someone else from the village." Flare snarkily says. You also wish she didn't have such good points all the time.

After you and Watame get yourselves ready for the day, you all leave the inn and head towards Nene's home. The natives of Bjornholm are out and about doing all manner of work, wood chopping, fishing, hide tanning, your dad would absolutely love it here. It really doesn't seem like a bad place to live. The longer you get to experience it, the more you can understand why people that were originally outsiders like Nene's mother might decide to stay.

As you approach the chieftain's abode, Nene is happily skipping down multiple steps at a time. She's just as bubbly as the day before, that's a good sign right? Although, it is easily possible she would be just as happy no matter what, you really won't know until you have that talk you're still dreading.

"Hus-Anon! And new friends!" she calls out when she spots you all coming. "Good morning!"

Nene gives you a great big hug first before giving everyone else one. You're glad to know that you weren't just on an emotional high when you looked forward to the idea of Nene traveling with you. You can honestly say that you're happy to see this girl, and the fact you'll be seeing a lot more of her. Polka seems to be even more excited than you to see Nene, which isn't that surprising considering how they seem to be on the same energetic wavelength most of the time. The two make an extremely good pair. Somehow the fennec seems to be able to pull Nene back from some of her more eccentric tendencies. Gods, Polka being your voice of reason sounds like a really weird place to be.

"How did your dad take the news, Nenechi?" Polka asks.

"Papa really wants to see Anon." Nene says happily. "Says he has something he wants to tell Anon too. So that why Nene was coming to get you, but you came to her!"

It was like a stone fell in the pit of your stomach. You can't even take Nene's own cheer as any indication for how exactly the conversation with her dad went, she would probably stay smiling if the sky suddenly turned purple. It's like Flare said earlier though, the sooner you get this over with, the sooner you can move on and continue your journey.

"Alright, let's go see him then." you say, as you begin to force one foot to climb one stair after the other.

Nene races to the top, to open the doors of her home, and skips inside after you. Her giddy announcement of her arrival back home alerts her parents, who sit upon the two thrones at the other end of the building. Brann and Aldreha look expectantly at their daughter's approach, not particularly surprised she is back so soon. Their eyes shift to you as you make your way down the line leading to their seats as Brann stands to greet you, was he even taller now?

"Now I think this is a new record for you Nene!" Brann bellows. "I don't think you have ever brought someone back to me after I've sent you for them that fast before."

"Nene's new friends always come to Nene when she needs them!" she chirps as she gives her father and mother a greeting hug.

"I am glad to see you again, Anon." Aldreha says warmly as she walks up to you. "Especially in one piece as well. Nene told Brann and I what had happened yesterday."

"And what a battle it was said to be!" Brann adds, as he walked to his wife's side and put a gentle arm around her shoulder. "My Nene, the might of Ursol itself! Coming to the rescue of her hus-"

Before he could continue, Aldreha gives him a swift jab into his side with her elbow, causing an involuntary gasp of air from the giant. He looks down apologetically as he realizes his mistake, or what is a mistake in his wife's opinion anyway.

"Her…friend." he corrects himself as he rubs the spot that his wife had struck. "I suppose I should start with the apology. Anon, please forgive me for my erm…eagerness the other day. Between the rain finally stopping, and the bear in the sky…I just got carried away."

"It's alright." you say, relief washing over you. "I'm also sorry I wasn't upfront with you about why I wouldn't be able to stay here. I didn't want you to think I didn't respect your beliefs. Bjornholm is a really nice place after all."

"But, it could be nicer." Brann says with a sly grin. "After Nene had told us what happened, I got to thinking more about that offer from the elves. If villains like the ones you faced the past few days are making their moves, who knows how many others are plotting to do the same? This time it was poor Harold's wife, then it was you, what could be next? Nene reminded us that even the might of Ursol needs help from others sometimes, so perhaps it's time we follow her example."

"So you really mean?" you ask, almost unsure you are hearing what you think you are.

"That's right! I've decided to give those elves a chance. I've even sent a few of my people down with some things the elves might find adequate in exchange for whatever they have, I hope they have interesting drinks, and food, we're going to need it."

"Does that mean we will get that feast!?" Watame blurts from behind you.

"Aye! This one will be one to remember! A feast for your victories, as well as a send off for my little girl!"

"While we prepare, you all should take time to enjoy Bjornholm to your heart's content." Aldreha says next. "A good friend of mine should be able to fix up those clothes of yours Anon."

The comment makes you raise your eyebrow at first, but then you inspect yourself and remember that your previous battle and torture had left rips and tears almost all over your clothes. You honestly feel a little embarrassed you came before the chief and chieftess in such a state.

"And when were any of you going to tell me I still look like a mess?" you ask, looking back to your friends.

"I don't think you look like a mess Anon." Watame says happily.

"It's not like we have a change of clothes for you on hand." Flare adds. "How you are, will have to be good enough."

"If you ask me, I think these two enjoyed the little extra skin your current look shows." Polka says with a devious smile. "They might have never said a thing, even after the sleeves fall off entirely."

You raise another eyebrow to the two girls who try to look away, neither confirming or denying the fennec's claims. Regardless of what they might enjoy, you needed to get your clothes fixed, if for nothing else, but to try to further remove the memory of the pain Koyori caused you.

You take the chieftess up on her offer and allow her to lead you to her friend's tailor shop in the village. While your clothes are being repaired, the tailor gives you something more…traditional to wear. While you would have been more than fine with some of the more plain tunics and trousers that lined the shop, Aldreha's mention of your past heroisms seemed to deem it necessary that you wear something else.

A dark blue vest covers your stomach and shoulder line while leaving most of your chest exposed. The purposely torn fabric at the shoulders might actually make your shoulders look bigger than they actually are. A light gray free flowing kilt covers you from the waist down to stop just past your knees, while you were not exactly thrilled about wearing such a garment, you have to admit the feeling it gives you is…liberating. The final piece of the ensemble was to be a bear skin that would be worn upon your head, but you were fortunately able to talk Aldreha down from that, which was met with light laughter. She was enjoying this way too much.

Speaking of people enjoying this way too much, Polka is trying her hardest to hold in her snickering as she looks at your expression in this rather exposing getup. Flare, Watame, and even Nene are just starring, they could at least try to be less obvious.

"How does the breeze feel Anon?" Polka finally lets herself burst out. "You could probably join us on stage sometime with a dress like that."

The heat rises to your cheeks as you stand cross armed, not wanting to dignify Polka's teasing with an answer. "Do I really have to wear this Chieftess?"

"It is quite an honor to wear this style of clothing." Aldreha starts. "Once a warrior accomplishes a great feat, whether on the actual battlefield or in life, they are given their own garb similar to yours. You have more than earned the right to wear those clothes, be proud."

"Nene thinks Anon wears ceremonial warrior's clothes very well!" Nene chirps while Watame and Flare nod in agreement. "Shows off Anon's big strong arms."

The red in your cheeks feels like it's deepening, you don't really know how to handle this type of attention, so you look to Undine who gives you a smile of encouragement.

"I think the colors suit you quite nicely, summoner." she then says. "I also agree with the chieftess, you should be proud to be given those clothes, it sounds like quite the honor."

Undine's words help you find the bright side to this. While you do feel a little ridiculous right now, if this outfit is a symbol of Bjornholm's culture and values, you should feel honored that even one of its leaders feels you have earned the right to wear it. It can't hurt to try and enjoy it while your normal clothes are being fixed can it?

On the way to the fletcher to get Flare's bow fixed, you try to acclimate yourself to walking in what is essentially a giant skirt. The free space between your legs is kinda nice, but the garment makes taking steps feel awkward to say the least at first. The fact that just your bare legs and underwear lie underneath make you more cautious of exactly how you step. How do some girls deal with this all the time?

It takes only a few moments for the fletcher to restring Flare's bow, which he assures her will be much more resilient from now on. With the early afternoon sun shining overhead, Aldreha takes her leave to help her husband with the preparations for the upcoming celebrations. With no set objective for the day, Nene takes you all on a walk through the forests on the outskirts of Bjornholm. Flare and Watame are hesitant to leave the immediate safety of the village, but you assure them that everything will be just fine. You also want to make sure Nene is able to really take in what she loves about her home before setting out with you all.

The serenity of the forest does wonders for your soul as your mind begins to empty of all the stressors you've had the past few days. You are able to just finally focus on the nature around you, the presence of the lake nearby, the gentle swaying of the trees above. After a peaceful trek, you arrive at a familiar sitting spot next to the lake, you're surprisingly just fine with this, it's not like you got cut open or anything here, just netted.

After a short while of just enjoying the scenery, you decide to ask Flare if you can start those wind magic lessons. She is strangely hesitant again when you ask, but quickly changes back that normal confidence you've come to know her for. She leads the two of you further down the lake's edge so you can better hear not only each other, but you assume the wind as well.

"Stay where my eyes can see both of you!" Polka calls as the two of you walk off. From her tone you could have sworn she was just teasing, but you can also detect a hint of seriousness in her voice as well. What happened yesterday really got to everyone.

Flare sits cross legged on the grass and offers you to take your usual position in front of her. Your new attire makes maneuvering to the correct position awkward at first, having to keep constant awareness of just how much is visible as you move is nerve wracking. How on earth do people put up with wearing things like this all the time? Once you are appropriately seated, you wait for Flare to start by showing you a simple wind spell. However she looks unusually nervous as she shifts her eyes from you to the ground.

"Is something the matter, Flare?" you feel compelled to ask. "Crap…you can see up this weird kilt thing can't you? I know my legs are crossed the right way though."

"No!" Flare spurts. "I mean…I can't see anything, it's just that well…"

"It's okay if you don't really want to practice magic today." you begin as you try to guess what's got your friend acting weird. "We've had a lot going on, and since we finally have pretty much everything sorted out now, I got a little eager to start learning a new element…I'm sorry if I was too pushy."

"Not at all Anon." Flare says. "I'm actually glad you want to do our lessons like always so soon…I was kinda afraid you wouldn't for a while. But…"

You watch as Flare struggles to pull the words from within her. What could have this unstoppable girl unsure of herself? Could she still be feeling guilty about yesterday? Did something else happen yesterday you don't know about?

"The truth is, I can't do any wind spells!" she finally forces herself to say.

"Huh?" is all you can say as you try to make sense of the situation. Was this really what Flare was so nervous about? Why does she seem so broken up about it?

"I was never able to make a single wind based spell…since it's just air I could never really get a clear image that worked for me." she admits. "I'm sorry I lied when I said I could teach you…I just…I don't know why I said I could…I guess I just want to always be someone you can count on for this."

"And why would you not knowing how to do wind spells right away change that?" you ask frankly, which earns a surprised look from the half-elf. "So we're both starting from square one, I actually think that's great. When you asked me to teach you more about water, I was thrilled. You were always someone I strived to catch up with. You are so awesome with magic! I want to be that good someday too, so when you said you wanted me to teach you, I felt amazing, I still do. Undine told me how you used our lessons together to make an amazing water spell, I'm so proud that I helped you do that. We've helped each other get better at the things we can do so far, I bet we can help each other learn something completely new too!"

"You really mean all that Anon?" Flare asks, her cheeks starting to flush ever so slightly.

"Sure do!" you nod. "We've both been getting better and better at magic together, I think there's nothing we can't do when we put both our minds to it. We can get started right now!"

"O-Okay! If you say so Anon, but how do we even start?"

"That's a good question." you admit as you rack your brain on the problem. "Undine said the wind and the ocean are closely connected, they help each other. Maybe wind and water will share some things in their individual meanings to us."

"Do you think the similarities of the two will be enough though? To properly add the teachings you gave me around water, I needed a very unique core meaning to fuel my water mana even further. I'm not even sure how to properly describe wind."

"We should still try. Maybe something will just come to you."

Flare's bright smile returns, as the two of you begin to try to work through what wind might mean to either of you. Bouncing ideas and feelings off one another, you both try to bring your mana to the surface in a way that might show some sign of the beginning for a wind spell.

Despite your best efforts, the lesson is a magical disaster. From not being able to form wind mana at all, to water spraying you in the face instead of air. Flare is met with similar results as she lets out a sigh of frustration. A few times her temper seems to get the better of her as what should be a wind spell quickly turns into a blazing ball of fire. You can't stand to see her like this, you much prefer when she is able to do something you can't, and she can't help but flaunt it.

"I think we made…uhh..progress?" you say with slight optimism.

"We sure have different ideas of progress then." Flare groans.

"Alright so we don't exactly know how to make a proper wind spell yet, but we found a bunch of ways that we now know don't work."

"Yeah…I guess you're right. That way we can at least start to narrow things down."

"Exactly! And you got to see me to try to magic in this weird getup. That must have been fun right?"

"Do you really think you look that ridiculous in it?" Flare snickers.

"Flare…I'm sitting here constantly trying to not to move my legs so I don't accidentally give you a show. Also most of my chest is on full display here."

"And do you hear me complaining about that at all?" Flare asks with a playful smile. "I've quite enjoyed seeing you be a little out of your element like this. It's kinda cute to watch you reach to pull your sleeves down only to find they aren't there."

"I'm just not used to showing this much skin is all." you say as a slight flush rushes to your cheeks.

"I'm not used to it either, I think I was actually getting distracted by it. Maybe that's why I wasn't able to make any wind spells work."

"Yeah…that must be it. If you like it so much, how about we head back and get you one of your own." you scoff.

"Afraid it's a reserved privilege for heroes." Flare retorts.

"Lucky you then. I remember a certain half-elf that came running to my rescue like some gallant knight just yesterday. Don't think I could forget how the first thing I saw you doing after escaping, was you punching that mad coyote. I'm not entirely sure what a hero is to the people of Bjornholm, but you're definitely one of my heroes, Flare."

While you were being entirely truthful, the results of your words bear satisfying results as Flare's face shows a tint of orange against her tan skin. It's not too often you actually get to be on the giving end of this type of attention, you can kinda see the appeal.

"I guess since you saved me before too, that makes us each other's heroes. I like the sound of that." Flare says with affectionate eyes as she slowly stands up.

Taking her hand, she helps lift you to your own feet. You both let your hands linger in one another's for a moment. Flare's palm against yours gives you that similar jolt of excitement and joy that Watame's did, but also something a little different. Where Watame's hand in yours fills you with relaxing bliss, Flare's fills you with a burning drive, a drive to keep pushing yourself to be better for this girl. You want to always be someone she can come to for help.

"I'm really glad you're alright, Anon." Flare says, still not letting go of your hand as her eyes pierce yours with something that makes your heart jump.

"Wouldn't be here without ya, Flare." you say back.

With one last squeeze of your hand, Flare lets go, and begins to walk past you towards the rest of your friends. Polka sits on a large log as she gazes out onto the lake, while Nene is down to almost a crawl closer to the forest, it looks like she's been focused on whatever she's showing Watame and Undine. Are those beetles in front of her?

"How'd it go you two?" Polka asks as Flare takes a seat next to her.

"It didn't go badly." Flare answers.

"Really? Must have been a good lesson in other areas then in that case. Cause I didn't see or feel a single change in the breeze from over here. Just what did you two talk about for over an hour?'" Polka smirks as she nudges Flare a little with her arm.

"Mostly the wind." you say taking your own seat at the other side of the circus fennec. "We might need to think outside the box for this one though. Any ideas, Polka?"

"You know I don't have much of a head for elemental stuff, but maybe you should ask Nene's pop about that. There are probably more people living somewhere closeby, maybe they will have their own spiritual gods or something about wind specifically."

"And that's why we keep you around Polka." Flare chuckles. "I think that's a great idea."

"Not like you could get rid of me anyway at this point." the fennec beams as she hooks her arm around Flare's and your necks to pull you closer to her. "I love seeing what awesome things you both create with your own magic. So you're stuck with me till the end of the line."

"I can live with that." you smile, as you think about the endless possibilities of the magic you hope to one day work with. There will definitely be bumps in the road like today, but with friends like these, even the bumps can be fun.

The rest of the day is spent within the village of Bjornholm. Some of the locals naturally wanted to talk and meet personally with the people responsible for helping to stop the rain. Your new outfit also demanded an explanation of the deeds which earned you the right to wear it, an explanation that Nene is all too eager to give. Most people were surprised to learn that Uisce was indeed a being that could influence the waters around them, they always just accepted her as some variety of sea person that Harold loved. The existence of the shrine itself is more or less a mystery to them, having only assumed it was a place built by ancient ancestors that held different beliefs, or possibly even a group of people that migrated from here.

While you can tell the teachings and belief of their bear gods is unwavering, the locals are still happy to meet and talk with Undine. Some are even so respectful as to give her their thanks, not only for her role in helping their home, but for helping to make their world what it is today. She looks absolutely radiant from the compliments, you have to wonder what her interaction with mortals was like back before she fell asleep.

Soon the news of Nene's departure is all over Bjornholm, as people of all ages rush to talk with her while they help to make preparations for the upcoming celebration. When you first met, you would have never guessed that she was such a centerpiece to her people. It's not merely because she's the daughter of a chief, or because she is blessed by one of their gods, but because of the person she is at her core. A kind and caring person who would shoulder all their burdens herself if she could. You are definitely proud to count her among your friends.

While Nene plays with some of the village children one last time, you decide to check in with the tailor to see if your clothes are all patched up. While you enjoyed the respect these clothes apparently grant you, you are ready to wear real pants again. Unfortunately, with the entire village helping to prepare for this elaborate party that you are told is to take place tomorrow night, the tailor has not had time to finish fixing your clothes just yet. It sounds just so convenient when you are also told by her that you would be required to wear your current getup to this event anyway. You can't help but wonder if Nene's mother somehow planned this from the start.

That night, you all were invited to stay at the longhouse where Nene and her parents lived. You all shared a warm meal as Brann talked about the strange, but interesting things his people brought back from the elven trade ship. He had also apparently sent a couple of his warriors to comb the shores nearby for any sign of HoloX, a gesture you greatly appreciate. As Nene and her father share joyous conversation with one another, you can't help but think about how your own dad is doing. Maybe you should write a letter to him yourself, give your own retellings of what you experienced since you crossed the sea. Rosal would probably be happy to send it for you, especially with your now very real success at helping initiate trade.

"So Chieftain." you start once you find a suitable break in the conversations. "Do you happen to know of any other groups of people nearby?"

"Well of course Anon!" Brann happily answers. "We don't really talk or see each other as much as we used to, but there are quite a few other tribes and settlements not all that far from here. Why do you ask?"

"Flare and I want to start getting better at wind magic, but we really don't know how to start. We hope we can find someone that can help teach us what we're missing."

Brann takes a moment to think who or where he could point you to that would be of help before Nene jumps in.

"Papa! What about that tribe that used to come here! They talked about their god being a big bird to Nene. Nene remembers since she said Ursol could squash silly bird."

"The Talonclaw tribe! That's right Nene." Aldreha exclaims. "If I recall, they worship the eagle spirit, Ohn'ahra."

"The nomads to the east?" Brann confirms as he tries to recall certain details to himself. "Yes, I think you both might be onto something. They don't have a set place they live, but they are never too far from the massive plateau that lies in that direction."

"Guess it makes sense to be close to high places when you worship an eagle." you say. "Everyone cool with heading east next?"

Everyone voices their approval of the idea and you are already feeling giddy at the idea of traveling again. A group of people who don't even stay in the same place all the time is something you just have to see for yourself. At the same time though, leaving Bjornholm also means leaving a pair of dear friends you've made, you wonder how Harold is today. He's probably enjoying finally being able to spend a day with Uisce uninterrupted.

As the night begins to wind down, Aldreha shows you to the room where you all would sleep. A rather simple room with beds lined against all three walls. It was apparently used as guest quarters for visiting representatives and such from other tribes a long time ago. While you were hoping to snuggle to sleep with Watame again, having your own bed is probably for the best, at least until your regular pants are fixed. A wardrobe malfunction would be significantly harder to conceal under this flowing kilt, not that you planned on having one, but it never hurts to be careful. The force that was seemingly trying to pull your eyes to certain areas of the people close to you the past few days, had also finally died down. Looking back, it was so strange that you suddenly almost couldn't control yourself, like you had just hit puberty again. Could it have really just been the stress of the past few days?

That night's sleep was not nearly as good as the night before. You never could get a clear picture or recollection, but whatever you were dreaming about woke you up a couple times. A twinge of panic shot through your chest when you would awake, but thankfully, the sight of the sleeping sheep near you helped ground you back to reality. Nothing could happen to you as long as your friends are nearby, that's what you tell yourself.

The next morning, Brann and Aldreha inform you that the celebration should be ready by the early evening. The chieftain then asks if you would be willing to deliver Harold's invitation to him personally, and not to take no for an answer. Not arguing with a chance to see the old man again, you happily accept. Nene stays behind to help her parents with the final arrangements, the rest of you head over to Uisce's shrine via Polka's circus raft.

After you arrive at the shrine within the mountain that you are quickly considering a home away from home, you are surprised to find that Harold isn't actually there. Uisce greets you happily and explains that her husband should be at his house, he mentioned something about a surprise he had been working on. For some reason, you just don't feel right about leaving Uisce to her lonesome, you've become almost overprotective of this spirit that you've only just learned existed a couple days ago.

Sensing your internal conflict, Undine offers to stay with her daughter while you go find Harold at his home, it was only a short walk out of the shrine and down the mountain after all. To your surprise, Watame offers to stay as well, you get the impression she has gotten rather protective of both water spirits. Promising to be back soon, you, Polka, and Flare head to Harold's place.

The door is still barely on its hinges from when Chloe and Iroha tore through the place to steal the old man's bathtub. The familiar voice of the water sorcerer can be heard from inside, and the clang of metal and tools?

"Hey! Old man!" you call as you step into the small dwelling.

"Anon? That you kid!?" Harold calls back from one of the back rooms.

"Yup! Flare and Polka are here too. I got something I need to tell you."

"Perfect! Come on back. I could use the extra hands on something."

The three of you walk to where Harold's voice came from, to find him on his knees with a messy assortment of tools and strange components. If you didn't know better, you would say he was trying to modify his own bathtub.

"So is this what you do when you're not leg locked with Uisce?" Polka asks brazenly.

"Polka!" you gasp. "Gross!"

"Even I need breaks sometimes you know." Harold answers to play along.

"Come on!" you exclaim. "Could we please talk about literally anything else?"

"I am kinda curious what exactly you're doing with all this stuff." Flare says as she tries to hide the curve in her lips from watching you get flustered.

"This is that big project I said I was working on when we first met." Harold says as he takes a metal rod and attaches it to a large wheel. "An old friend of mine is pretty good with making stuff, so I went out to meet him and get a few things for something we used to talk about putting together."

"A bathtub on wheels?" Polka ventures a guess.

"You got it. It'll have all the bells and whistles too. After I'm done, Uisce and I can go anywhere we want. I got a couple dates planned for us."

"That might be the sweetest thing I've ever heard in my life." Flare says.

The lengths this man goes for his beloved is certainly inspiring. Finding ways to work around nature itself so that they can experience even more together, is impressive to say the least. It seems like the old man might have dove into a plan he is not quite able to do so easily on his own…you've been there.

"Why don't we help you finish then?" you offer. "There's a big party the chief wants you at anyway tonight. I already know you well enough to know you'll just stay here until you finish this thing no matter what he or I say."

"You would be right kiddo." Harold laughs. "Putting this together sounded a lot easier on paper, so I'd very much appreciate the help."

The three of you begin to help Harold put together what might be the world's first mobile bathtub. It's a strange nostalgic feeling, you are brought back to memories of building things with your dad. Sure, you could not manage anything more complicated than hammering nails where they're supposed to go, or sharpening blades, but it always felt good to help in some way.

"So what's this party for anyway?" Harold asks as Flare and Polka attach one of the wheel's axles to the bottom of the tub.

"Honestly, I'm not really sure myself." you say, as you shove one of the wheels in its proper place. "Only part I know for sure is that it's some sort of send off for Nene."

"I'm pretty sure they want to celebrate what we did as well." Polka adds."They seem pretty intense when it comes to winning fights and stuff."

"Speaking of…" Harold begins. "What the heck is with that getup, kid?"

The focus of building something that is possibly more complicated than anything you ever had a hand on before, almost made you forget what you are wearing.

"Well…my clothes are still being fixed…and Nene's mom insisted I wear this." you grumble.

"Yeah, that sounds like her." Harold says as he tries to hold back a laugh. "Does it make you feel powerful? Macho? Or maybe just a little breezy?"

"Shut up and hand me the hammer."

After some more hard work, and a little trial and error, Harold's project is finished. His old bathtub is now elevated several feet off the floor by a set of four thick, study wheels. If that wasn't impressive enough, there is now a dome like enclosure over the top that can retract to about half of its length. You suppose now you could fill the entire thing with more water than the bathtub could originally contain.

"Not a bad job kids, not bad at all." Harold says with satisfaction.

"It's definitely the first of its kind…" Flare adds, a little unsure of the contraption she had a hand in creating.

"So who's pushing this thing up the mountain?" Polka asks.

Three pairs of expecting eyes look over at you now, how are you being roped into this when this was Harold's own personal project to begin with?

"You could at least ask first…" you snort.

"What's to ask?" Polka shrugs. "You're the one wearing an outfit that purposely shows off those muscles of yours. Why wear such a thing if you don't want to show off?"

"You're the funniest clown I know, Polka, you know that?" you say as you reside to your fate and begin to wheel Uisce's newest mode of transportation out of Harold's home.

"I try, I try." Polka says with a smile as she follows you, along with Flare and Harold.

Pulling that bathtub up the mountain path certainly wasn't easy, but if Chloe could do it, so could you. After what you will definitely consider your workout for the day, you hand the front handle over to Harold to let him do the honors. You may have done the hardest part of this whole project, but you can't bring yourself to rob the old man of the chance to look cool in front of his wife.

"Uisce baby! I'm back!" Harold calls as he practically skips into the shrine's inner chamber. You really wish he could refrain from calling her "baby" in your presence.

Flare, Polka and yourself follow slowly after to see the curious, but impressed looks from Uisce, Undine and Watame. It only takes another second for the three of them to understand what exactly this strange bath on wheels means for a particular water spirit. Uisce's face starts to sparkle as she takes in the meaningful gift her husband has brought her.

You may be sweaty and slowly catching your breath, but you can't help but smile at the pure love those two have for each other. It could be even the smallest gesture, but you somehow know Uisce's face would light up all the same for Harold. You are also filled with a deep sense of comfort as you watch how happy and whimsical she is, as she is gently helped into a tub of water created by her husband's own magic. You know for sure that Uisce will always be happy and taken care of with Harold.

"Did you help Harold bring that all the way up here?" Watame asks as she walks to stand beside you.

"Not only that, we helped build it." you say with a hint of pride.

"You've got to tell your dad about that!" the sheep gasps.

"I do plan to write him a letter about our time here. It will probably be good to let him know we actually didn't end up going to Shallah. Oh! I just got another idea. Hey Harold! I'm gonna take a few of those cut trees near your house as payment for today alright?"

"Yeah sure, whatever kid." Harold waves, clearly not actually listening to a thing you said, his gaze is locked on the water spirit testing out the comfort of his gift to her.

"What are you gonna do with those, Anon?" Flare asks.

"I'm gonna send a few to my dad. He would love to see what he can do with the kind of wood that grows here." you say, rather proud of your thoughtful and good idea.

"And you think Rosal will just send a couple trees worth of wood all the way to the human kingdom for you? For free?" Flare asks next.

"After I write a letter to her explaining the lengths I went to just so she would have a chance to spark trade between Bjornholm and the elven kingdom. I think she will be more than happy to."

"Let's see…you helped stop torrential rain, stopped a group of a world dominating villains, DIDN'T flat out reject getting married to a total stranger, AND got kidnapped which got you poked, cut, zapped, groped, and drugged." Polka lists off while counting her fingers. "I think you might be one thing short of earning yourself a free delivery, Anon."

"Well that's the most Rosal is gonna get from me." you scoff. "I should probably try to cut a few of those logs down a bit though."

"Who's up to watch Anon cut logs like a lumberjack in his sleeveless dress?" Polka teases with a raised hand.

Watame's own arm rockets upward as Flare puts hers up as well, but more slowly. Undine only looks on and holds a hand to her mouth to hide her giggling. You really cannot wait to be back in your regular clothes, just one more night at least.

"I'm gonna borrow your cart too, okay Harold!?" you more tell than ask as you begin to leave.

"Yeah yeah! Take what you want." he absent mindedly calls back as he continues to list off all the places he plans to take Uisce.

While you are lucky to have found a wood chopping axe at Harold's, it barely makes a bite in some of these fallen trees. You'll be here all day at this rate, not that any of the peanut gallery seems to mind.

"You all could help you know." you groan as you take another hard swing down into the dense log, the sweat practically dripping from your brow down onto the bark below you.

"We're good here thanks." Flare smugly replies.

"You get to watch us strut our stuff almost every night Anon, now it's time for us girls to watch for a change." Polka adds.

"You know, I almost hate how much sense that makes…" you groan, as you suddenly get an idea that should help you not only do this faster, but easier too. You take out your spell book that has been held to your waist under the heavy braided belt that also kept your kilt in place. "Stellaruke."

Enhanced by the starlight of the spell, you make quick work of the once resilient wood. It's nice to know at least one of your spells from the book can have a more practical use. After you load the cart up with all the blocks of wood that will fit, you let the spell fade from your body as you dust off your hands.

"Sorry I had to cut your show off a little early." you say as you grin at the results of a job well done.

"It sure was terrible how you covered your body in glowing starlight while you chopped wood." Flare says sarcastically.

"A shorter show with your own special touch will outdo a longer one without it every time." Polka adds.

"I loved every second." Watame says through wide eyes.

"Well I guess I should charge you all for the enhanced experience then. Take this cart back to Bjornholm. I gotta make sure the old man doesn't shirk his invitation."

"Okay Anon!" Watame immediately agrees as she skips over and grabs the handles of the cart.

"And I mean all three of you." you follow up.

"But what about y-" Polka starts.

"I'll be fine, really. Undine and I are gonna head straight back to the shrine. I can't risk the old man losing track of time and deciding to never show up tonight. Plus I kinda need a quick bath."

This seemed to make everyone even more hesitant to leave, but after the three have a quick huddle, they simply nod back at you and race off, all of them pushing the cart together. You breathe a sigh of relief, as you make your way back to Uisce's shrine with Undine walking beside you.

"Do those clothes really make me look that different, Undine?" you ask.

"They do well to highlight some of your more impressive physical features, summoner. I also feel that the others are thoroughly enjoying your reaction to it. After yesterday's events, they are feeling especially grateful that you are alright. They are enjoying playing around with you just like they normally would."

"I guess it isn't…all bad." you admit.

Arriving back at the shrine, you see Usice and Harold still happily enjoying each other's company, and thankfully in a very respectful manner.

"We're back Harold!" you call to make yourself known. "Just Undine and I this time though."

"Oh! Hey you two!" Harold answers back. "What brings you back so soon?"

"I need a bath." you say getting right to the point. "Between helping you earlier and chopping a couple of those trees up, I need to clean up a little."

"And where are your three keepers?" the old man says with a twinge of snark.

"I asked them to take what I cut back to the village. It was the least they could do after they did nothing but watch me the entire time."

"Good man, always charge for special services only you yourself can provide. You just may make it as an adventurer after all." Harold laughs.

"So do either of you mind if I use the spring to wash away some of this sweat?"

"You are always welcome to use my spring however you please, Anon." Uisce softly says.

"It's like she says kid. Our home is your home…during certain hours."

Brushing off the underlying meaning of that last part, you happily escape from your clothes while Uisce covers a small area of the spring with mist to give you some privacy. You can feel the weariness of your muscles melt away as the magical waters of the spring seep through your every pore. This will definitely be something you miss after you leave. After a short soak, you feel clean enough to get out and dry off. Although you are reluctant to, you put the ceremonial warrior's clothes back on.

"So you're gonna leave soon, Anon?" Harold suddenly says, surprisingly serious for once as the four of you sit along the spring's edge.

"Yeah…we'll likely get back to our journey tomorrow. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to it."

"I wouldn't believe you anyway." the old man fires back. "Any particular direction in mind?"

"We plan to head eastward actually." Undine joins in. "Nene and her parents told us about a tribe of nomads who are said to worship an eagle god, likely similar to Ursoc and Ursol. Flare and my summoner hope to seek their guidance in their efforts to learn wind magic."

"To help you connect with the other spirits right? I guess a summoner like you is going to have to learn as many different kinds of magic as you can."

"That's the plan. I promised Undine I would help her reunite with her sisters after all."

"You already helped the two of us reunite, I'm sure you'll be successful with my aunts as well." Uisce says with an encouraging smile.

"Looks like our family is only gonna get bigger, kid." Harold chuckles.

"Our family?" you ask, not sure if the old man was being serious or not.

"Well Undine is my mother-in-law, and since a summoner and their spirits seem to have a relationship that transcends normal conventions, that makes you family too. Not to mention, whatever family you end up finding, will be my family too. It's quite a tangled web you've made for yourself, Anon."

"Well you're right about one thing, I definitely think of Uisce as someone important to me now. So yeah, I just might think of you both as family."

"Exactly. I know I'm old enough to be your grandpa, but to me, you feel more like a brother-in-law."

"Now you're just making this awkward, old man." you can't help but laugh.

"If you think it's awkward now, what if you end up finding more people who have settled down with possible helpers of the other great spirits? You would have to be at the center and throw a little family gathering for all of us. At least I'll be able to say I knew ya first."

"And thanks to the gift you helped Harold with, I can go anywhere with him now. We can be wherever this gathering will be." Uisce says excitedly.

"Oh? You actually gave me credit huh?" you say grinning.

"Kid, you deserve more credit from me than I could ever give. You showed up out of nowhere, and picked me back up when I was at my lowest. You never hesitated to help me and Uisce, and you gave all you had and then some while you did it. For that, for fighting so that Uisce and I would never have to be apart, I can never thank you enough."

Harold looks at you with admiration, respect, and immense gratitude. It not only makes you feel proud to receive such praise from a seasoned adventurer, but also confident in all the choices you've made up to this point. Every choice helped you become the exact person he and Uisce needed you to be in that moment that you arrived here. However, it's not as if the old man just sat on the sidelines for this entire adventure.

"Right back at you Harold." you start. "If you hadn't helped yesterday, I might not be sitting here right now. I don't think I could ever thank you enough for helping to free me from those nutjobs."

"I mainly just kept the group together in your stead, that, and the handy little spell we used to find you. Those friends of yours did the real heavy lifting."

"Speaking of, do you think you're ready to come with me to Bjornholm? I told the chief I wouldn't take no for an answer, so you and Uisce are coming to this party of theirs."

"It doesn't sound like we get much of a choice." Harold smiles.

"It has been a while since I have been in the presence of so many people, I am looking forward to it." Uisce adds.

With his wife secure in the mobile bathtub, you and Undine follow Harold out of the shrine and begin to head towards the village. You expected Uisce to be taking in the types of things she normally could not get close to, trees, land animals, grass, but her focus never breaks from the man pulling her through the woods.

The sun is slowly making its descent as you arrive back in Bjornholm, and it was like the entire town was transformed. Every building, every tree, even the borders of the walkways, held decorations. Streamers that shined with brilliant shades of gold, brown, and orange hang from every railing, while proud flags that waved with the design of Ursoc and Ursol stand throughout the village. The number of lanterns that stand and hang easily has doubled since this morning, while large wooden tables cover almost every free patch of land in between buildings.

"They are really going all out for this…" you comment in awe.

"Just wait till the sun goes down, kid" Harold remarks. "I'd recommend reserving a seat by the lake if you can, how it looks with the moon and the lights both reflecting off it, simply to die for. On second thought, you should think about reserving two seats."

"I know what you're thinking old man, but I'm going to make any moves that could land me in any more misunderstandings while I'm here. Last thing I need is to somehow land myself in another ancient engagement ritual."

"Afraid you might not get much choice in the matter, kiddo." Harold chuckles as he directs your attention ahead of you, where Watame is eagerly waving to you with Flare, Polka, and Nene talking behind her.

As you pick up your pace to get closer to your favorite sheep, you immediately notice how all your friends have had a change of wardrobe. Each of them wears an identical sleeveless vest that unlike yours, actually closes fully, with the matching flowing skirt that ends just below their knees. The only difference between each of them were the colors they showcase, Watame's is light beige, Flare's is a cool blue to match the bow in her hair, Polka's is a fiery red with black undertones, and finally, Nene's is a proud brown and orange to match her usual colors, but she chooses to wear the bear skin that hangs over her shoulders. .

"Check us out Anon!" Polka says excitedly, showing off her arms in a mock flex.

"So this is what you all were up to." you say. "If you all wanted to wear this yourself, why didn't you say anything earlier?"

"It was all Flare's idea!" Watame chirps.

"At first we thought it was something just reserved for you, Anon." Polka continues. "But then Flare mentioned how you called her your hero~, so we figured that should earn us all our own snazzy digs."

"Nene was already getting hers!" Nene cheers. "She thinks friends deserve to wear this too!"

"And now, we all look good!" Flare says winking at you.

"I can't argue with you there." you let yourself say.

"And we also thought you might be more comfortable wearing yours if we were all wearing it too!" Watame adds.

"Ain't how young people care for one another just the best?" Harold remarks.

"Harold needs to go next!" Nene exclaims.

"So the old man gets this honor too?" you snicker. "Now that you mention it, we were just talking about what a pivotal role he played in the last few days. He certainly is deserving of this honor as well."

"H-Hey wait a sec!" Harold pleads as Nene and Polka drag him into the tailor's shop.

In only a few short minutes later, Harold steps out begrudgingly, in an outfit identical to yours, except his was mostly black and gray.

"Okay, now I feel better." you say as you smugly admire Harold struggling with the unique features of his new clothes as you did earlier.

"Oh Harold~" Uisce gasps with her hands over her mouth from her pool on wheels. "It suits you perfectly."

"Y-You really think so?" Harold stumbles to say as his cheeks start to blush.

"Very much so my love. If I may be so bold to say, you look absolutely ravishing." Uisce continues.

Emotions are instantly traded, as you feel an immense discomfort where you stand, while Harold is now oozing with confidence as he looks at Uisce with eyes you do not very much care for right now.

"That's the look of a hero, baby." Harold flexes. "I make this look good."

"Well…at least I'm no longer uncomfortable because of what I'm wearing…" you grumble.

"That's what brothers are for, kid!"

"Whatever…I should start those letters before the party starts." you grumble.

"And Nenechi and I are gonna help with a few last minute party preparations, so we'll catch up with you guys later!" Polka says as she and Nene run off.

Flare hands you a sheet of paper and a pencil as you both sit next to each other on a nearby empty table, while Watame and Undine take in more of the new decorations with Harold and Usice.

"Writing a letter to your dad too?" you ask the obvious.

"Yup. One for him, and one for Noel."

"Oh? Got something to tell her that you don't want your dad to see?" you tease.

"I'm sure you have things you don't exactly want to tell your dad either."

"Several actually…" you admit. "How do I even start this? So much has happened, I'm not even sure I can fit it all into one page."

"You don't need to write a whole book or anything, Anon. Just write about things your dad would want to hear from you specifically. Stuff like how you're doing, who you've met, the fact you're still alive, that kinda stuff."

Keeping Flare's advice in mind, you begin to write, making sure to highlight the important facts of your latest adventure. Some parts of this adventure are best left out for now, especially the parts involving your near engagement to Nene. The thought of you getting engaged like that would probably send your dad and uncle into a laughing fit so big they might run out of air. Once you are satisfied with what you have written, you sign it, fold it, and seal it.

As Flare looks to have already started her second letter, you suddenly remember you have another one to write as well. Taking another sheet of paper for yourself, you begin to address a letter to Rosal. This time, you don't leave a single detail out of the lengths you went to initiate trade between her kingdom and Bjornholm. You follow up with the request to send the wood you had cut to your dad. Rosal could still easily refuse this request, but you are betting that your outright success combined with some possible pity points, will persuade her otherwise.

With your letters completed and placed with the cart of wood that will be brought to the trade ship in the morning, you and Flare walk back through the village as the lanterns slowly start to illuminate.

"You don't think we'll have to do anything…showy, or anything right?" you ask.

"What do you mean? Like some sort of ritual dance or something?"

"Yeah, I know this party is mostly for Nene, but I'm a little nervous we might be involved in some of the ceremonies as well. It's no problem for you guys to get up in front of a crowd, but not so much for me."

"I was pretty nervous the first time Polka pulled me into the spotlight with her. My heart felt like it was going to burst right out of my chest. Do you know what she said to me that helped me through it though? 'I'll be here with you every step of the way, just let your heart tell you where to step and what to say, and you'll make everyone cheer.'"

"Well she was right, you were amazing from the first time you performed with Watame and her."

"So you'll believe me when I tell you that you can be amazing too? Just let that big heart of yours tell you what to say and you can't go wrong. And you know what else? Even if what it tells you to say sounds silly or even stupid to others…I know to me…it'll be perfect."

"Geez Flare…" is all you say as you feel your cheeks physically get warmer. "I guess that makes me feel a little better…"

"Good! Now come on, let's hurry back to the others. I want to see what the biggest party Bjornholm can throw is all about!"

As if she didn't want to wait for you, Flare grabs one of your hands and pulls you along, as she begins to run toward where the rest of your friends can be seen waiting for the two of you. The sensation of her hand around yours quells any uncertainty or anxiety you have around the upcoming event, you even feel more comfortable in your own clothes. She is right, no matter what awkward or new situations you find yourself in, she, Watame, Polka, Undine, and even Nene, will be there with you every step of the way.

With everyone together, the setting sun marked the countdown to the night's festivities. Nene brings everyone to one of the larger open areas along the lake's edge where both her parents await. While Nene stands between them both, the rest of you, save for Harold and Uisce, stand in a line to the left of the chief. You can't help but feel stiff as more and more people gather in front of you. What are you supposed to be doing? Are you meant to do something? You have not been told any real details about this event other than what you are supposed to wear, and where it's happening.

As Brann notices the sun disappear, he nods to a man who lights the torches that set the stage for everything to start. You watch him take a look at the crowd which has started to quiet to give him their full attention. He looks down at his daughter, his wife, and then to you and your friends, he looks ready to start whatever this is meant to be.

"Friends!" Brann shouts. "Tonight, we have much to celebrate. For not only will we eat, drink, and honor the warriors that fought to save our lands and to drive evil from them! We will also honor my daughter, Nene Momosuzu, the might of Ursol herself, for taking the first steps toward the destiny SHE will create for herself. As many of you are already aware, Nene has chosen to travel alongside the people you see beside me. I have only known them for a short time, but I can say with certainty that she could have not picked better companions to take her first journey with."

Aldreha then steps forward ever so slightly to mark the start of her own words.

"You all have seen the results of their actions, it was by their hands that a person very near and dear to one our own, has been returned to her rightful place." Aldreha continues. "They faced down foes of staggering power without hesitation or fear, to do what was right. When those with evil in their hearts failed to overcome the will of the stout and righteous, they hoped to weaken them by kidnapping the young man you see standing before you. What they could not have predicted however, was that by doing so, they invoked the wrath of Ursol herself. Not only within my daughter, but within every soul that shares a bond with Anon."

"Since ancient times, it has been said that when two souls share the will to protect one another, they will discover a power like no other, a power that will strike down anything that wishes to harm what they cherish! The blessings of Ursoc and Ursol shined within each one of them as they stood against their foes. As one grows weary and in need of rest and recovery, the other steps forward to protect. With one always watching over the other, no evil can ever hope to overtake them. That is one of the most important lessons that Ursoc and Ursol teach us. There is no doubt in my mind that they are indeed worthy of the clothes they wear right now, as true warriors of Bjornholm!"

While the crowd cheers and roars in response to Brann's declaration, you can't help but wonder if this speech doubles as the one used for engagements. Nene then steps forward which commands a swift silence.

"Nene wants to say something." she starts in a loud strong voice. "Nene used to think that Bjornholm was the only place where Nene would ever need to see, only place Nene would need to be. Nene always wanted to use blessing of Ursol to protect and make you all happy…new friends show Nene that there is much much more that she can do with this blessing. Nene can fight, and Nene can protect the people of this world from bad guys like the ones who stole Harold's wife and Anon. New friends want to help make world a better place. Nene think that if she help them do that, world will be safe place for Bjornholm to be in. Nene also think…that if she see more of the world, she can bring all the good things she finds back to Bjornholm and make it even better! That is why, as one blessed by Ursol, Nene wants to go with them, but there one more part to that."

Nene takes a pause to turn and look at you all with fond eyes, the determined and clear resolve that she wears, naturally shifts to child-like excitement and wonder before turning back to the crowd.

"Nene really likes them, Anon likes to walk with and listen to Nene, Polka always makes Nene laugh and is lots of fun. Flare, Watame, Undine, are already very important to Nene too! That's why Nene will go with them, she doesn't want our time together to stop. Nene also promised Anon that she will always protect him, and Nene never breaks a promise!"

Nene's heartfelt speech is met with applause and cheers, you have to admit you are a little touched by it yourself. She seems to have her own goals that you hope you can help her achieve. It helps make you feel even more sure of your choice to invite this bubbly girl along with you.

Something inside you begins to stir and swell, you feel like you need to say something, should you say something? Is it appropriate? Are you even allowed? Just let that big heart of yours tell you what to say and you can't go wrong. You tell yourself as you walk forward.

"The feeling's mutual as well." you say as everyone's eyes now fall upon you. The collective gaze of so many faces makes it as though an immense force is suddenly pressuring you from above. You begin to lose your nerve, but the encouraging eyes of your friends from behind you, seems to lift that very force that sought to push you down.

"I am extremely thankful and proud that I can call Nene my friend. She didn't even know me for a full day, and she was willing to face powerful enemies for my sake. Even after knowing the dangers of what could lie in wait for us as we continue our journey, she didn't hesitate for a second in her desire to come with us. I can feel how much she wants to help make the world a better, safer place. I know I can never thank her enough for what she did, but I can make everyone here a promise. I promise to always protect Nene, as well as all my friends, with all that I am. I will never let any obstacle stand in the way of our dreams, and I will never let those with evil ambitions steal the bright futures from the people who live in this world. That is my promise to all of you today!"

As those last words rolled off your tongue, you felt as if you were coming out of a deep trance. Your brain starts to fully register the fact that you just delivered a declaration from your very soul to an audience of people. That familiar panic starts to set in again, but is drowned out by the sound of thunderous applause. You take a deep breath as a smile stretches across your face, you are starting to see why your friends love performing for a crowd. The feeling you are getting from others cheering, cheering for you, it's like nothing you've ever felt before.

The next thing you feel is Nene crashing into your side as both her hands grip your shoulder to pull you into a big hug. The clapping of hands roars even louder at the scene, and once Nene finally lets you go, she looks at you with beaming determination and pride.

"Well said both of you!" Brann yells with vigor. "I think we can all sleep soundly at night knowing that the world's evils will have to get past your immense hearts if they wish to have their way. But such thoughts can wait till tomorrow, for tonight! We will drink! Eat! And give the newest heroes of Bjornholm a send off they will never forget!"

The villagers cheered even louder at their chieftain's latest decree, more than eager to start the festivities they have spent the past day preparing for. As Brann and Aldreha make their way forward, hand in hand, you feel yourself becoming entangled by the arms of Watame, Polka, and Flare.

"That was wonderful Anon!" Watame cheers.

"You definitely surprised me with that one! I know I said you could join us on stage, but I didn't expect you to just do it yourself! I thought I would need to drag you into it by force." Polka adds.

"It's just like I said Anon, it was perfect." Flare says.

"You're becoming quite the speaker, summoner." Undine says genuinely. "I felt your very being shine as you let the words come to you. It was quite inspiring."

"Thanks everyone!" you chirp. "It just felt like something I had to do. Now how about we get this party started for ourselves!"

In need of a recharge, you all race to the tables that are lined with all matter of foods. Between the cooked deer, mashed potatoes that shine with an enticing orange glaze, and countless other mouth watering options, some were even things you recognized from the elven kingdom. You have no idea what to eat first. Flare and Watame seem to not be having the same issue as they load their plates with a little of everything.

Once you decide on a bit of deer, some of the potatoes, and a bowl of stew, you find a table along with your friends and begin to chow down. Every bite bursts with flavor in your mouth, you've never had meat this succulent before. Flare comments that she almost feels like she has to redo her letter to Noel to tell her how good the stew is, that she would go absolutely ballistic with jealousy. Why you would ever want to incur the knight captain's wrath like that, you may never understand.

Almost every bite of food is washed down with the strong alcohol that was Bjornholm's speciality. It feels almost too early to be going this hard into the booze, but you quickly reconsider this as you take in the sight of various villagers downing their entire mugs in one chug before getting another. It's time to finally cut loose, you're supposed to be one of the heroes of the hour after all, you can't let yourself fall behind.

After your bellies are full, all of you grab a full mug and begin to walk around the fully lit festival that Bjornholm transformed into. They really pulled out all the stops for this, not only are there replenishments of food or drink at every other table, but there are also stands dedicated to things like art and tests of strength. There are even areas designed for comfort and storytelling as you notice circles of wooden chairs around a roaring bonfire.

A drunk man who stands almost a foot taller than you takes you by the shoulder and sits you down on a stump around one of the fires. You are met by pleading and inebriated eyes that express their wish to hear your own stories. Another drink from your mug and you begin to tell your attentive audience of your very first adventure.

While it was easily a victory you barely had much to do with thanks to Undine, you are still met with praise for your bravery. Before you can be asked to continue, a hand snatches you away from your seat as Watame was asked to come retrieve you, much to the villagers' dismay.

The attention of tens or even hundreds pales in comparison to this single, fluffy sheep. Everything about her is just dazzling. Maybe it's all the booze you drank already, or maybe the way the ceremonial warrior's attire hugs Watame's ample chest and hips, but you are starting to second guess your plan to keep your hands to yourself tonight.

As you begin to think of the possibilities and how you could possibly initiate them, your brisk run is slowed to a stop.

Whatever thoughts you were having about getting even closer with the radiant girl beside you, are put on ice when you take in the sight of the lake of Bjornholm in its full splendor shimmering in the moonlight. The reflection of the full moon and stars in the water make it seem that they are resting on the very waters themselves.

"I knew you'd like it!" Watame chirps as she takes in your stunned expression.

"'Like' doesn't even begin to cover it…" you whisper.

For some reason, you feel even more aware of the life thriving all around you, like you can really feel what it means to be in Bjornholm. Maybe it was the fact that you looked like a genuine native now, or the fact that you're just thankful to be alive right now and with one of your favorite people, but the energy of the plants, trees, and water feels more clear and close to you than ever before. Like the moon and stars that dance on the water's surface, everything feels almost close enough for you to reach out and touch.

"Are you sad we won't get to see this again for a while? Bjornholm, Harold and Uisce?" Watame asks, her silky hand still wrapped around yours.

"A little." you reply. "A lot has happened so quickly here…and I have to admit I've grown to really appreciate this place. The fact that Uisce is here also makes me feel connected to it in some way. I've definitely grown a bit too because of everything, the good and the bad. It helped me become a better me, at least, I hope it has."

"It definitely has!" Watame exclaims. "The Anon I remember from just a few days ago might never have walked up in front of all those people and let his heart speak! You had Flare, Polka, and me hanging on your every word!"

"Thanks Watame, I gotta admit, just letting my feelings find their way out there felt good. I hope I can keep growing too. Growing so I can be just the person I need to be when we get to all the new places we're going to find, for all the new people and friends we'll meet too. Thanks for being the reason I can do all that, the reason I can do everything."

"You're my reason too…" she almost whispers. "Anon…I need to give you a present…close your eyes and hold out your hand."

The request takes you by surprise, but you quickly do as she asks, you could never deny a request from this sheep if you tried. The shutting of your eyes causes your drunken legs to start to sway slightly as you fight to maintain your balance. You hold out your palm in front of you, eager and curious to receive whatever gift Watame had found for you. The sensation of Watame's gentle hands against your bare chest sends a wave of surprise through your entire body, but is quickly disregarded as inconsequential, as you feel the soft peck of her lips against your cheek.

"Thank you for being you." she whispers.

Watame quickly backs away and skips off giggling, leaving you alone to bask in what just happened. You look back out at the lake as your hand slowly reaches to touch the spot that had just received your first kiss. That was a first kiss right? You were just given your first kiss by Watame. Nothing you ever imagined even comes close to how the simple show of affection is making you feel right now. You feel warm but frozen in place, clear-headed but bewildered. An excitement unlike any you have felt before flutters in your stomach, as you replay the scene in your head. Now you definitely could not go overboard with the drinking tonight, you can't afford to forget this magical moment.

Almost absent mindedly, you walk down to where all your friends have gathered, the immense grin on Polka's face makes you realize your hand is still cupped to your face. Growing red, you quickly put your hand back down and try to pretend nothing world changing just happened. You take a welcome seat in between Undine and Uisce who both look at you with a prideful smirk on their faces. If Undine was keeping a closer watch on the link between you two while you were apart, she probably got a front row seat to the internal fireworks you must have been launching..

"Oi! Everyone!" Polka exclaims as she practically shoves a fresh mug of ale into your arms. "I think it's time we officially welcome Nene to the party! And since Anon did such a fantastic job earlier, I'm gonna let him kick off this inspiring and magnificent toast!"

"What?! Didn't I already meet my quota earlier?" you whine.

"I think you got one more in you." Flare teases. "Just remember what I told you earlier."

"Fine, fine." you say, clearing your throat as you stand up.

"I know tonight marks the end of our stay here in Bjornholm, but that doesn't mean what I've found here isn't coming with us wherever we go. The might of Ursol herself, Nene Momosuzu, will be coming with us, and I know that every day is just going to get more fun and exciting with her around!"

Nene rises from her seat and gives you all a mock bow, clearly happy for the attention as Polka and Watame clap for her.

"And although Harold and Usice, people I now consider family, have their place here, I will always carry them with me in my heart. We may be far apart, but through our connection to water, we will always flow together like a never ending stream." you continue, bracing yourself for the part you needed to say next.

"There is also something else we've found here that will likely follow us. HoloX. I know we'll have to face them again someday, simply because I could never let people like that have their way with our world. You know what though? Bring it on! I'm not going to be afraid of people like that, not when I have the best friends I could ever ask for to watch my back. I can't let them keep me from enjoying every single day with you all. I'm going to keep moving forward and realize my dreams. How about the rest of you?"

"I'm going to keep moving forward right alongside you Anon!" Watame starts with her mug raised. "To find where we came from, to see everything together, and to make the world a better place with my songs!"

"To keep improving myself to be the best me I can be, so I can always be there for my friends whenever they need me!" Flare declares next.

"To keep bringing smiles to the whole world! If there are people out there who want to make things dark, I'll just bring the light and the show of a lifetime!" Polka cheers.

"To protecting the world so Bjornholm can be safe and happy! Nene will learn lots of things to make her home even better!" Nene joins in.

"And nothing is ever going to stop us!" you finish as you begin to drink.

Everyone downs their entire raised mug and slams its bottom onto the ground in front of them with a loud cheer. The sight of your friends laughing, smiling, and just enjoying life gives you an immense sense of satisfaction and purpose. You have to keep growing and getting stronger, not only for the sake of yourself and the ones you love, but also for the people who live in this world, people you don't even know yet, people you could end up loving too.

Love, that was another thing Bjornholm had given you. What you used to read and fantasize about love didn't even come close to what the real thing looks like in person. The love that Harold and Uisce hold for each other that is as vast and deep as the very ocean itself, will forever be a shining reminder of what is worth protecting in this world. Their example, and Harold's own words helped you to realize that you had already developed a bond of love for the people around you.

Love for you comes in many forms, there is the deep affection you hold for every one of your friends, a love that tells you that you want to stay around them forever, to laugh with them, to smile with them, and to always be there for them. For Undine you found an instinctual love which extends to the very waters she helped create, the desire to learn even more about them and this world, so you can protect them from anything that might threaten their balance. Usice and Harold have helped you to find a deep familial love on a level you could have never expected. These forms of love are now easy for you to understand and express, and although it gives you a twinge of displeasure to think about, it was thanks to HoloX that you've come this far in such a short amount of time.

There is also another type of love you feel like you are only just beginning to scratch the surface of. Watching Watame and Flare have the time of their lives, sparks something unfamiliar but also pleasant within you. Thankfully you don't have to figure it all out tonight, there's still a big wide world that has nothing but time for you all. For now, you will enjoy this beautiful night with your friends to its fullest.