Chapter 12 – About us: Children
Aether's thoughts about Navia
There's a warmth in the thought of it, one that I never really considered before. For so long, I've been consumed by the search for my sister, the quest that drives me through countless worlds, that makes me forget what it's like to stand still. But with her, things feel different. When we talk about the future—about children—I catch myself imagining it. Imagining us, together, with a little one running around, filling our lives with laughter and innocence.
I wonder what they would be like. Will they have her spark, that fiery passion she carries in everything she does? Or maybe they'll take after me, with an insatiable curiosity for the world. Either way, the thought is... comforting. It's strange how easily I can picture it. How natural it feels to think about building a life with her, a life that extends beyond the battles and the wandering. A life where, maybe, I finally belong somewhere, with someone who understands me completely.
I think about the way she looks when she talks about it, her eyes lighting up with that mix of excitement and tenderness. She's always been so strong, so determined, but when she talks about children, there's a softness to her that I can't resist. It makes me want to give her that life, to see her as a mother, to see us as a family. The thought of holding a tiny hand, of being a part of something bigger than just my own journey... it's not something I ever thought I'd want. But now? It's all I can think about.
The future isn't as daunting when I picture it with her by my side. Together, we've faced so many challenges, but this... this would be a different kind of adventure. One that doesn't involve fighting or saving the world, but building one—our own little world, where we can teach, guide, and love. And maybe, just maybe, I could give them the kind of life I've always longed for. A home, a family. Something that feels like it's finally complete.
Navia's thoughts about Aether
He doesn't know how often I think about it—about the life we could have. It's funny, really. I never pictured myself the type to settle down, to dream about children, but with him... it feels so natural. I can almost see it, clear as day. Little footsteps pattering through the halls, laughter filling the quiet moments, and him, by my side, smiling that gentle smile of his.
I imagine what they would be like. Maybe they'll have his quiet strength, that calm, reassuring presence that makes everyone feel safe. Or maybe they'll take after me, stubborn and bold, ready to take on the world. Either way, I know they'll be loved, because with him, love is the easiest thing in the world. The thought of raising a child together—our child—fills me with a warmth I didn't know I needed.
He doesn't talk about it much, but I can see it in his eyes when we do. That same wonder I feel, that same yearning for something beyond the endless travels and battles. I know how much he's sacrificed, how much he's lost, and the idea of giving him something... permanent, something that's just ours, makes my heart ache in the best way. I want to give him that. I want to give us that.
The world has taken so much from both of us, but I believe we can build something together that no one can take away. A family. A home. Somewhere we can rest, laugh, and watch as our child grows, learns, and becomes a part of the world we fought so hard to protect. I picture him, holding our child in his arms, that look of wonder and love in his eyes, and it feels like everything I've ever wanted.
It's a new kind of adventure, one I never expected. But with him?... I know it'll be the most beautiful one yet.