Tuckering away comfily, Cyaroru pulled the quilt over her shivering feet. Yet unable to stretch it further than her chest, she curled up to the point of hugging herself. 

“Nggh!” Sounded Cyaroru as she lets out a strained groan, focusing whatever mental strength she had to put herself back to sleep.

As the frosty air continues to waft through the wooden walls, there was no way she’d ever get her mind off the cold without fainting.

“Akh, what time is it!?” She cried, realizing that it might be morning already.

Slightly agitated that she’d have to experience a wake-up call such as this one, Cyaroru waddled her way reluctantly towards her bathroom.

“Do I need to take a bath today?” Cyaroru asks herself, as she lets out a long-suffering sigh. It’s not like she hated it, but the temperature was just unnerving, despite how important it was.

“Mom… do I have to bathe?” She spoke out loudly, but only silence persisted. “Ah, that’s right… Mom’s no longer here.” It has been a year since she passed away, yet her presence lingered like it was yesterday.

After contemplating briefly, Cyaroru shook her head as she decided to give herself a quick rinse, rather than a long soak. 

“Waaah!” She shrieked, as her body jolted with the slightest drip of cold water. Heaven knows the shocks she received with each touch wasn’t for the faint of heart.

***

Quickly changing, she strapped on her clothes with a warm coat over her body. Cyaroru then took a moment to look around the insides of her house, while she continued to swipe her two palms together to generate body heat.

She rummaged through the cabinets, identifying what she lacked in terms of supplies. She’s never forgotten to check regularly, thus every bit was merely a recollection at best. 

This had always been the morning routine – She’d get up early with her rattan basket in hand, collecting resources from the mount behind her house. The climb isn’t all that steep so aside from the chances of encountering wild animals and unsuspecting environmental mishaps, there was nothing for her to worry about.

Considering she’d do it almost every day, over a month, Cyaroru knew most of these greenwoods like the palm of her hand. In any case, the resources she’d seek would vary from day to day basis. But dry twigs would always be in demand, especially with winter merely being a few weeks away.

The only problem for her lies in the ability to only carry so many at one time. Perhaps she could bring a dozen or so, but that wouldn’t be enough to break even for the day, especially with the addition of her lodgings.

This is why rarer items such as wild mushrooms, mountain flowers, and other reagents return more value per weight, despite all the difficulty of trying to find them. 

“Hm…” Cyaroru pondered, thinking aloud as she came to a halt. “I wonder what time it is now?” She asked herself as she tilted her head upwards, trying to get a glimpse of the sun’s position in the sky. However, the tree’s leaves were huge, its overgrown branches spreading out seamlessly, covering most of her vision. But that slight glint of light was enough, she merely needed a bit of confirmation before her body clock ticks in. She doesn’t know how to explain it verbally, there’s just that gut feeling, a sensation that tingles as the temperature around her rises gradually.

[It’s going to be noon in a bit, probably about two hours tops.] Reassured Cyaroru. As she checked the contents of her basket, she felt that it was starting to get heavier, yet ‘twas mostly because of the stack of twigs she had collected thus far. Aside from that, there’s a handful of hazelnuts stored beneath it.

Cyaroru released a sigh of disappointment. She knew that foraging is meticulous work, and it’s even more so during this season. With most deciduous plants turning dormant the later it goes, it’ll only make things that much harder for her as the time passes.

Nevertheless, she didn’t think to perform this poorly by the first week, she had expected to gather some food for herself at the very least, but by the looks of things, she’d only be dieting on nuts for the rest of the day. 

“Strange, is there something going on or is it just me?” Said Cyaroru boggled. She’s been wondering how she’s been finding nothing but nuts under thickets and copses. 

[It seems like the squirrels hibernated faster this year.] Thought Cyaroru. A part of her would like to agree with the notion that the environment is somehow producing less than it should be. Especially when only she and her mother worked as foragers for the village. So, there shouldn’t be any excessive gathering going on around here.

Most of the adults even forbid children to set foot in the place. They’d even tell stories to make youngsters such as herself all spooked. 

Cyaroru gave out a slight sigh. “It’s as if the whole place is haunted or something…” Said Cyaroru mumbling to herself. Sure, these ancient trees could be daunting at first with how big they are, but that’s all there is to it. Just towering trees that had lived far longer than any of us.

[Looks like I’m out of time, it’s almost midday. I should get a move on…] Cyaroru thought. She then turns around, trying to get a feel of the area around her. 

But unfortunately for her, nothing came to her mind, except that she was lost!

“Uh… now I’m really in trouble.” Said Cyaroru fidgeting. “Keep calm… don’t panic Cyaroru, remember your basics!” She continued, speaking aloud to divert the growing anxiety within her.

“When you’re at loss, you should take deep breaths, as you try to understand your situation and think of the next steps to take cautiously.” Those were the lines her mother used to say.

But that wasn’t all that she taught her, one of the most important skills she had passed down onto her, was the ability to find directions no matter where she was.

Cyaroru then closed her eyes, she then started to perceive and recollect her thoughts, she’d think about the destination and how’d shed plan on getting there.

[I need to get to the village, with the fastest route on foot...] She envisioned every bit of detail her village had, constructing an image inside her mind.

After the image in her mind started to get clearer, she’d feel a surge of energy rushing out of her, and with that Cyaroru reopened her eyes.

“Huff…” Sounded Cyaroru exhaling, as she frowned upon what had occurred. It was as if the world around her had turned nighttime in a blink, with the winds turning quiet and still, while everything else looked heartless - devoid of life. All in all, it felt like a different reality altogether. Cyaroru despised this place, as nothing seemed to possess any color. Everything was darkened hollow, except a faint line that seemed to stretch out endlessly from inside her chest.

She’d grab a hold of that spectral line with both of her hands and began tugging it, following it across that desolate horizon. where it seemed like there would be no end to it. Although Cyaroru was certain that there’d always be light at the end of that tunnel.

It wasn’t the first time she had experienced this after all…

Before long she’d find herself looking down towards the other end of the string, which was connected to a rather large area with all sorts of man-made constructs. The line had brought her to one destination, Prairie village. Yet, unlike the rest of the world, the entire village shimmered with pale blue luminescence akin to the spectral line. But even those were but empty buildings with no signs of life.

Cyaroru closed her eyes and took deep breathes, calming herself while emptying her mind, she’d kept it closed until she could feel a fresh breath of air pressing against her skin, and as she slowly opened them, it was as if she had just awakened from a long dream.

***

Just several minutes before, she was lost, not knowing any direction to choose from. Yet now she’s right in front of Prairie Village. Cyaroru would pinch herself the first few times she did this. But, she’s quite used to it by now.

Cyaroru had always felt her village as quite the inquisitive one, being auspiciously located in a valley with numerous greenwoods surrounding it. Nature’s in an abundance and had always been the most prominent aspects of the community. But at the same time, the location is so far out into the wilderness, that by no means it was in a favorable trading location. Although it’s capable of self-sustaining itself, the lack of interaction with neighboring villages makes it dull, to say the least.

Cyaroru then stopped by a stall that seemed to be overflowing with crates and sacks in the center of the village. There a middle-aged lady was busy exchanging her goods with a potential customer. It didn’t take long before they’d come to an agreement as they exchanged each other’s goods with a few silver coins. She’d then stepped aside to let the man carry a cask full of potatoes away.

“Good day, Mister Ashap.” Greeted Cyaroru.

The man nodded with a smile, seemingly in a state of discomfort, he lets out a grunt as he continued to walk away. It wasn’t surprising that most, if not all the villagers knew one another, considering how many families are here.

“Ah, why if it isn’t little Cyaroru~! How can I help you today?” Said the lady turning her attention towards her. “Did Ja, found anything interesting inside the woods today?” She continued, eagerly waiting for some good news.

Cyaroru turned to face towards the woman, looking at her straight in the eye, with a modest smile. “Oh, I’m afraid I could’ve done better today Miss Kyo.” She replied discouragingly.

“Don’t be hard on yourself dear.” She added, “Now let me see what you’ve got then!”

Cyaroru then placed her basket on top of a crate, revealing all the contents she had to offer. Kyo then glanced at her inventory before returning to her with an appraising look.

“I see you’ve collected quite a lot of hazelnuts there! Not bad at all I say!”

Cyaroru just couldn’t help to fidget and beamed at the slightest of praise. If only she could see herself, as her eyes enlightened with sparkles. 

“Thank you, Miss Kyo! “She added, bowing in retrospect “So, is there anything you’d like to barter with?”

“Are you planning to sell me all of it?!” She inquired, showing a rather baffling look.

Cyaroru then stared at her bewilderedness for a few seconds. Somehow, she feels that the nuts she found, must’ve lacked for value a decent exchange.

“Well if I’d have to exchange them all for a loaf of bread… Then I’ll do it!” Replied Cyaroru.

Kyo then lets out a sigh. “No that wasn’t what I was getting at Cyaroru,” she stated, as she began to weigh the nuts onto a scale. “I meant wouldn’t you want to cook some of these yourself?”

“Err… well? I don’t know how to cook these, aren’t they pretty hard?”

“Tell ya what, I’ll buy out all your twigs and half of these hazelnuts. And in exchange I’ll give you 2 kilos of flour, so you can try cooking some of it yourself!”

Cyaroru gave Miss Kyo a blank stare as color starts being drained from her face. Her mind seemed to be unable to fathom the idea of baking bread on her own. What did she ever do to encounter a day such as this?

“Don’t worry too much about it!” Kyo said, smiling in amusement. “They’re not that hard to make, I assure you! Just ground the hazelnuts and put them on a loaf! They’re going to taste delicious trust me!”

Cyaroru continued to space out for a few seconds.

“Cyaroru?”

“H-Huh? Ah! Oh!?” said Cyaroru. “S-Sorry about that, I’ll take you up on that offer Miss Kyo.”

“Now that’s a good girl~!” She squealed. “Take care now! Good luck with your next search!”

After she bid her farewell, Miss Kyo gave Cyaroru five pence of silver as a bonus. Cyaroru never really knew what she’d do with these coins, nevertheless, she keeps them all neatly inside a small pouch by her waist. Perhaps one of these days, she’d venture out to the woods and return empty-handed, then these coins would surely save her life one day.

Usually, she’d head straight home on normal days, but that day wasn’t today, for she had a promise to keep. The weather also seemed worsening by the minute, as dark clouds began to loom over ominously over her head, portending an incoming rain shower. She decided to set off towards the next destination, avoiding the unnecessary turbulence.

The houses in Prairie were built quite far apart from one another since almost everyone that lives here owns a field or two. So, depending on how big their fields are, the further apart their houses become. Yet, there is one particular house that does not possess such traits, but rather than a field, it had a second level right above it.

“It sure is big…” Said Cyaroru, amazed.

No matter how many times she’s been here, she had always been taken aback every time, feeling how small and minuscule her house would be compared to this one.

“Oy… Up here Cyaroruu~!” Sounded a snickering voice calling her name.

Cyaroru then stepped back, with her head leaning upwards, there on the second floor lying in wait was a familiar sight. Nao Cruz who had been her friend since she was five, was anticipating her arrival.

“Took you long enough to get here… I thought you had forgotten about it.” Nao said, jeeringly.

“Oh, come on Nao…” Said Cyaroru, rolling her eyes. “You know I’ve never broken any promises…”

“Right, you are… at least not yet!” Nao said, teasing. “Well, what are you waiting for? Come on inside!”

Cyaroru then promptly stepped inside, leaving her shoes by the front entrance. Soon she’d hear thundering noises blitzing through the wooden stairs. Despite how scornful Nao could be, Cyaroru would always feel she’s happy to see her.

“Now~! You’re ready to help me and my mom with today’s dinner?” Nao half-shouted. It wasn’t like her to be full of energy of sorts, for there are only a few things that could excite her so, and it is certainly not her cooking.

“Come on Nao, you haven’t explained to me what you had in mind today. So why don’t you spill it!” Cyaroru said, pouting at her antics. “What’s with all the secrecy…”

“Ah, you’re no fun, Cyaroru…” Continued Nao. “Can’t you just play along with me for the day?”

“Geez fine…” Cyaroru said, shrugging. She never knew why Nao had a knack for scheming surprises to people, she only had hoped they wouldn’t be scolded for almost setting the house on fire again.

“Oy! Cyaroru… C’mon, over here!”

Luckily for Cyaroru, her exuberant friend seems to be just full of it today. Cyaroru would then wear an apron that’s been hanging aloft the wall and stepped behind the kitchen counter beside that bobbed haired girl.

“So where is Mrs. Bert?” Cyaroru asked. “She’s not going to monitor our cooking session?”

“Mom? She went on a quick grocery run a while back, don’t worry about it!” Nao said, shrugging dismissively. “We’re going to prepare all the ingredients before she gets back, what’s there to worry about?”

“Right…” Cyaroru said, resisting the urge to roll her eyes at her. What’s the worst thing that could happen? At least this time around, they’re not playing with fire, yet looking at her hasty friend’s handwork with that chef knife, only made her uneasy.

“Here, I’ll chop all those for you.” Offered Cyaroru.

“You’d do that? You’re a true friend Cyaroru.” Agreed Nao, smiling politely. “Then again I’d hate it if my hands were to smell of garlic today.” Fortunately for her, Cyaroru’s been doing this for about eight years. So, dicing up shallots and garlic was nothing but child’s play.

“So, why did Mrs. Bert go out on her own? Why didn’t she send you out?” Asked Cyaroru.

“Well, I was busy waiting for you… duh? You’re a special guest after all!”

“Special guest? Am I’m not just a laborer here?” Cyaroru said, degradingly.

“Yeesh, you’re so critical sometimes Cyaroru” Complained Nao, waving her hand dismissively. She then left through the back door, before returning with a stack of firewood.

“We’re not going to light the stove until Mrs. Bert comes back… I presume?” Reminded Cyaroru. “You remember what happened the last time right?”

“Tsk… That was three months ago, don’t sweat it.” Protested Nao, clacking her tongue. “Besides I’ve learned how to manipulate a flame since then!”

Cyaroru can’t help but leer over to her friend’s side, as she began stuffing and puffing the stove continuously until a small blaze began to light up, and with it so does Nao’s face beginning to perk up again.

“Now, that’s good, it’ll be nice and hot once we’re starting to actually cook.” She stated.

“Just what are we planning to make anyway?” Inquired Cyaroru. “I’ve finished most of the prep-” As Cyaroru glanced over, she couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“N-Nao… your face is blackened in smut! Hehe!” giggled Cyaroru.

“Ha-ha very funny…” Said Nao, somewhat annoyed “So here, why don’t you peel these potatoes and boil these beetroots, while I’m going to wash my face…”

Cyaroru sighed, as Nao left after giving her a bunch of chores. This was definitely not how she intended to spend the rest of her afternoon.

***

It has been a while, perhaps around twenty-five minutes had passed? Currently, Cyaroru was waiting for the beets to cool off, while she’s heating her heavy cream on a different pot. Nao hasn’t come back ever since then, but she was already aware of what was needed to be done, or in other words what dish to make. This was their family’s favorite dish after all, in other words, comfort food.

Potatoes were always one of the staples here other than rice, but rice doesn’t bode well with the cold climate and a lack of rainfall. Although on the contrary, it was palpably raining outside at the moment, with the temperature dropping down drastically as the day slowly slips into nightfall.

[I guess, I won’t be leaving anytime soon…] Said Cyaroru, gazing outward into the vista. There at the other side of yonder, she’d see another home much like this one, the family members would gather around for tonight’s supper and the sound of bickering would fill the air.

“…” Cyaroru stared motionlessly for a few seconds, she couldn’t help but be stunned by the depiction, feeling that she was starting to mellow out, she’d stow away those emotions by focusing more on what’s at hand. Right now, she was just about done spreading garlic over her tray she’d then continue greasing it with evenly with butter, this was a simple trick to spread the flavour evenly over the entire surface.

She’d continue the process by arranging her thinly sliced potatoes and beetroot in alternate layers atop one another while seasoning in between. The result was a fine contrast of yellow and purple circular shapes, she’d then end it by pouring over the hot cream over the top, and with it, the dish was complete, ready to be baked inside the preheated oven for an hour.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

She doesn’t know why, but she enjoyed staring at food as it began to unravel. Noticing each tiny detail, like how’d the cheese would rise and began to bubble, how’d it envelops each layer like a golden blanket, crispy on top while being soft in the center. She’d continue to marvel inside her mind for ages. Other than that, perhaps she was just afraid that it’d burn when she wasn’t looking.

“Cyaroru…?”

Turning over towards the source of the voice, Cyaroru found herself eying at a woman who was finely dressed in brightly colored full coat. The woman had also cradled a basket full of bread by her waist, it seemed like she was protecting it from the rain.

The woman gave her a smile as their eyes met, she bowed in hindsight onto the lady in front of her, who was none other than her mother’s childhood friend and the owner of the house itself, Bert Cruz.

“My, my, you’re cooking all alone for us? Where’s Nao?”

“Huh? Oh!” Said Cyaroru, standing up straight. “She said she’d wash her face, but she hasn’t come back since.”

“Is that so…?” She paused for a few seconds, before smiling in amusement “Then why don’t you join her? I’ll take care of things from here” She gave Cyaroru a quick head pat before sending her off. 

Cyaroru flushed at the kind gesture, for her that was an appraisal that couldn’t be expressed by words alone. 

Moments later, she’d find herself knocking on the bathroom door. “Nao? Are you inside? Mrs. Bert is looking for you.”

“Mom’s here? Well, I’m just about done as well.” Was her answer.

Cyaroru didn’t know what to do, but she felt she should have waited for her friend to pop out, and so she did. Seconds later the door unlocked itself and an immeasurable amount of steam began to suffuse coiling around her.

“D-Did you just set the bathroom on fire?!” yelled Cyaroru.

“Geez how condescending can you get?!” said Nao aggravated, pulling her inwards.

“N-Nao what did you do…?”

“What? All I did was prepare the bathtub and filled it with hot water…” she said, matter-of-factly, refusing to be misinterpreted.

“E-Eh but isn’t this way too much steam for a single bath?” Said Cyaroru, stammering.

“Well, I finished my bath already and this one, I prepped just for you,” Nao stated while coming closer towards her. “Now why don’t you just take these dirty clothes off and rinse yourself?” Pointed Nao, onto a reddish stain by her sleeves.

“Y-You’re asking me to take a bath?”

“No… I’m ordering you! How’s that for patronizing me?” Said Nao, smirking. “Now hop to it, or shall I undress you myself?”

Nao can surely be demanding sometimes, but it’s not like she wanted her to do anything bad, she did prepare everything for her and all, and it’s better to play along rather than forcefully being stripped buck naked.

“Yes, ma’am…” relinquished Cyaroru, as she began to undress.

“Hmm… I had assumed you’d put up more of a fight.” Said Nao. “Anyway, don’t forget to change your attire to the one I prepared on that stool over there.”

Cyaroru nodded and Nao would leave after giving her the smuggest look. Knowing her, that would probably translate to [do it or suffer the consequences]. She’d simply sigh in defeat and ingrained the thought of repaying Nao back one day.

But truth be told, she was happy to indulge herself inside that warm tub, she was just too shy to admit it.  “Ah… that sure hits the spot.” Said Cyaroru, as she slowly rested her weary body onto the tub. Warm baths sure are great especially during the cold, it revitalizes your nerves and relaxes them. Perhaps the bad thing about it is how she’d tend to feel sleepy being inside one.

[If only they weren’t such a fuss to prepare, I’d do it every day…] Thought Cyaroru, closing her eyes. 

***

Minutes later, probably around fifteen or so. Cyaroru had returned, all gussied up in a long-sleeved tunic. She wasn’t surprised that it suited her so well, considering how similar her body size to that of Nao was. Yet, she was taken back by how formal the dining table was set.

“Hey~ come over here!”

Nao was signaling her to come by and sit by her side. Judging by how she’s been grinning and examining her non-stop ever since her appearance, Cyaroru assumed that she was delighted to see her in that get-up, even though in Nao’s case it’s more appropriate that she’s teasing her.

“What is it Nao? Something on my face?” Grumbled Cyaroru.

“Nope, nothing... you’re just looking way better than I had expected,” she said. “You look much womanlier when your hair is loosened, without the pigtails and all.”

Cyaroru stared at her intently for a full second before asking, “You really think so?” Said Cyaroru, raising an eyebrow towards her. “Well, it’s kind of a hassle to have long hair you know? It tends to get in the way as I-”

“Well, that’s just because you never paid any attention to it!” Interrupted Nao. “Perhaps if you did, your bangs wouldn’t constantly bother you.”

It’ll always end up this way, they’d argue with the most trivial of things. Just as she was about to explain her own point of view, Nao would cut her short on another logical reasoning that’ll deter her own beliefs. These arguments tend to drag out if continued and she wasn’t in the mood for it. Hence, Cyaroru attempted to move the discussion elsewhere.

“Right…” Agreed Cyaroru. “Anyway, you still haven’t told me what’s with the dinner party and all…”

“So, you didn’t know? Nao’s father is returning home today.” Said Bert, suddenly joining in on the discussion.

“E-Eh? I-Is that so?” Stuttered Carol. She was surprised to hear it, but she was even more startled to realize that Bert was eavesdropping behind them all this time.

“Now~ why don’t you girls set the table? He should be here any minute.”

“How could you be so sure…?” Inquired Nao, suspiciously.

“Oh, you’ll see, soon enough dear,” replied Bert giggling in anticipation. Well, at least, Cyaroru noticed where the habit of surprises came from.

, as the two began setting up the table starting from the plates, to the silverware. Cyaroru decided to whisper softly in Nao’s ear as they stood side by side “By the way, Nao… Is it really a good idea for me to attend your family dinner?”

Hearing that sort of sentiment Nao couldn’t help but give her an indifferent stare. “Why not…?” She bantered “We’re the best of friends, aren’t we? And besides-”

“Come on now~, less gossiping more working…” Interrupted Bert half shouting. They didn’t dare to turn around, but they could feel her cold glare piercing through their backs.

“Yes, ma’am!” Said the girls, in unison.

[So, Nao’s father is returning home today after two and a half years of voyaging?] thought Cyaroru. The man is a well-known merchant after all. He has been like that before she and Nao were even born. It explained why her friend had been ecstatic all day long, perhaps if she was in her position, she’d do so as well.

Soon the long-awaited guest finally arrived, a gentleman around average height walked through the door with his coat partially drenched in the rain. The man had jet-black-raven hair and was like the spitting image of Nao if she was a man that is.

“Darling I’m home!” Said the man with a cheery smile.

“Welcome back~ dear” replied Bert, as they cuddled briefly, after taking his coat away.

“Dad!” Shouted Nao, going all blitzkrieg to embrace her dad.

“Hoho~! Aren’t you big and grown-up now,” Said Nao’s father. Trying his best to rebalance himself from the impact Nao gave him. “And heavier too!”

“Daaaad!? There’s no way I’m heavy!!” Scowled Nao, as she began barraging him with continuous punches. It sure is her father alright, yet despite all the ruckus she gave him, his eyes would soon be set upon her. The man would give several seconds to study her from top to bottom before calling out her name “Cyaroru right?” He asked, smiling politely.

“Yes, Mr. Dylan Cruz,” Cyaroru said, as she bowed once again.

When interacting with the Cruz family, manners to the elderly is a must, not that it wasn’t applicable anywhere else, but the Cruz’s upheld it much more highly than any other family in the village, and being in their house amongst them, she feels she should also play the part. Not that she’s used to it and would probably fail some of the etiquettes here and there.

“You’ve grown as well! I hope Nao hasn’t been a handful.” Continued Dylan.

“Not at all Sir, on the contrary, she’s the one always helping me.” Replied Cyaroru, casually.

“Daad, I’m not a kid! I’m turning fifteen this year!” Nao was basically fuming towards her father, yet Cyaroru didn’t feel it was actual anger that’s being spewed out, it was just Nao’s way to deal with embarrassment.

Surely it was a heartwarming reunion for the Cruz family, although she couldn’t say the same for herself. It felt somewhat awkward being amongst them. Not that there was anything wrong with how they treated her. Although, she couldn’t help but feel the slight disjointedness that’s aching inside.

As they all sat around the family’s dining table, Dylan began telling stories of how he’d travel far and wide over Ether, hiking through mountainous ridges and even crossing over the ocean itself to reach other civilizations. As a trader, it was unsurprising that he’d make return trips every now and then, but his sponsors had something different for his ship’s maiden journey it seemed.

“So, what did they had in mind father? Why did they make you venture out for so long?” Nao asked curiously. She knew it must’ve been something important, of course, but Nao was incredibly insistent for the exact cause.

“Well… my sponsors wanted me to prove that I could reach the most prominent cities, with the newly created ship. Basically, they wanted me to ensure that the investment would merit value.”

“So, they made you set out all over the world just to test out a new ship? How selfish…” Nao pouted. “Didn’t they think about how their family would feel, waiting for years back at home?”

“Don’t be like that, how else would I be able to bring interesting souvenirs?” Dylan deadpanned, and the inner family antics would play out again. It was like they were in their own little private world, the relationship this father and daughter had was a novel for her. Cyaroru wondered whether all families were like this, she mused whether she’d be the same...  if she had a father.

How enviable...

“Cyaroru…” It was the sound of a familiar whisper, blowing through softly into her ears, that broke her out of her train of thoughts. Apparently, it was none other than Mrs. Bert.

“It’s alright… go on, and join in on the discussion” Cyaroru relaxed herself as the missus encouraged her to speak, and so she finally raised her voice. “Who were your sponsors Mr. Dylan?” She asked.

“That’s a very good question!” the man smiled, “It was none other than the Elves...”

“The... Elves...?”

“You never heard of the Elves Cyaroru? they’re the most dominant race that controls most of this continent.” Explained Nao, flabbergasted.

Well, it wasn’t that she didn’t know the Elves in general, it's just that she’s never really met one in real life. The ageless immortal elves, she was just astonished that they were the ones employing Mr. Cruz.

“Why had the Elves asked you personally Mr. Cruz?”

“...” He gave her a silent stare, though he didn’t seem in any sort of anguish, his eyes just seemed distant and the sudden change in tension made it awkward, to say the least. [Was it too personal of a question?] But, regardless it seemed Nao was as curious to his answer just as must as she does.

The stillness ensued for merely a minute in reality, but it felt like it lasted for ages, a staring game between three people. “Enough of that, dinner is ready.” Interrupted Bert, placing a piping hot gratin on a casserole in between them.

“Wow, so who made this?” Asked Dylan, inspecting the food on the table in an attempt to alter the discussion. But it’s not like she could do anything about it. So, the girls let it slide with a simultaneous ‘Sigh’.

Soon, the sound of a knife cutting through baked cheese crust reverberated throughout the room. Cyaroru’s heart began to skip a beat. She started to worry whether she had failed in cooking the family’s most prized recipe. Though as bashful as she was, she confessed by putting her hand up in front of everyone.

“So, you’re the one who cooked this? “Said Dylan rather hoarsely, scrutinizing her suspiciously.

“Y-Yes Sir!” Stuttered Cyaroru, as the man began exposing the cross-section of the gratin, inside was that mellow divergence of colors between purple and yellow which were enveloped in a crust of golden-brown cheese.

“Splendid job! You’ve arranged it beautifully!” he added, before slicing it further into much smaller proportions.

“So, did you make it all on your own?” Bert asked, going further into the topic.

“I did receive some help through Nao,” Cyaroru said with a small smirk. “I couldn’t have identified it without her help.” 

“No reason you couldn’t have done so on your own,” Nao stated, as she ‘accidentally’ stepped on her toes.

“But Nao! We were supposed to cook it together. There’s no way I’d manage to notice without your keen pointers!” Cyaroru said, without any intention of mockery in her tone.

Nao frowned upon her, before letting her toes go with a shrug. She didn’t really understand why, but she had a feeling that was just Nao’s way of being appreciative. 

Then dinner time continued as any other. People would enjoy the food and fire off several questions here and there, but they wouldn’t reply before fully swallowing what’s in their mouth. She remembered that some people would feel offended with that sort of thing, but Cyaroru just plays along without any real personal preference between the two.

‘When in a foreign area, do what the people there do’ is what her mother used to say. Currently, Nao’s the one who’s constantly bickering, asking numerous questions about ‘the life outside of Prairie’. She seems to be highly engrossed in the matter.

It wasn’t that Cyaroru was bored to ask a question of her own, it was more like she’s agitated because of a different matter. Cyaroru knew that she’s been longing to experience a family dinner, yet she couldn’t fathom why she’d feel so flustered, is it merely because they weren’t blood-related?

“So, Cyaroru? How fares your mother?” inquired Dylan, suddenly turning the attention towards her.

“H-Huh? M-My Mother? … Gulp!” Replied Cyaroru, hastily swallowing what’s in her mouth, because if she didn’t, she knew Nao would abuse her toes to no end. Though the question itself had taken her aback, she’d realize she had unconsciously stared motionlessly at her food for quite some time now... 

Briskly shaking her head, she lets out a faint reply, “My mother passed away a year ago, Mr. Dylan...”, refusing to make eye contact.

“Did she now… So, it is true that Rivera had passed away?” Lamented Dylan, acknowledging her sentiments. “My condolences… So, have you been living alone these past years?”

“Yes…” Nodded Cyaroru.

“Is that so? It must’ve been hard,” he continued, “Then… would you like it, if you were to stay here with us?”

Hearing that sort of statement, she couldn’t help but stare into his eye in consternation. “Huh? Stay… here? Me?” She didn’t know how long she’d froze, Cyaroru just couldn’t bridge together what Mr. Dylan had asked of her. Staying here with them? Like an actual family? She didn’t know how to respond to that, it was too sudden. Is she supposed to say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’? She just couldn’t make that life-changing decision between them.

It was as if time and space itself ceased to function or she couldn’t feel it any longer as most of her brain-power was focused on the decision alone.

“U-Um… Mr. Dylan I-”

“It’s a difficult question for you huh?” Dylan interrupted. 

“H-Huh? W-Well I… I...” stuttered Cyaroru.

“It’s alright. If you really need time to think about my offer, then please give it some thought. But if you’d like to do this old man a favor, don’t take too long okay? Because I’m leaving in a week’s time.” Stated Dylan, before he began consuming another spoon full of food.

“You’re just here for a week? And you’re leaving again…!?” Nao shouted, slamming her palms on the table, creating a bit of a shockwave as she stood up.

Cyaroru gaped at the sudden outburst she was witnessing. It looks like the tension grew and lit up just like that. But was Nao really in a position to yell at her own father?

“Yes, I’m sorry… Nao” Dylan said, after swallowing. The two then glared at each other, eye to eye during what seemed to be a standoff. Though it ended with Nao fleeing before anyone had the chance to say anything.

[Nao…]

When Bert realized that the discussion had ended, she spoke up after coughing to divert the attention towards her. “It’s getting pretty late, you’re going to stay for the night with us right Cyaroru?”

Cyaroru smiled faintly and nods at her kind gesture. “Yes, Mrs. Bert, I’ll comfort her don’t worry…”

“Thank you, I’d really appreciate that.” Her gaze then shifted onto her husband before she left. Though their bickering could only be translated to vague murmurings as Cyaroru followed Nao to the second floor.

***

Once again, she was knocking on the door to look for her friend. Yet this time, the door opened with the slightest nudge. Inside Cyaroru could see Nao lying on her bed, her face was buried into her pillow.

“Can I come in?” said Cyaroru, speaking softly. Although Nao didn’t give a clear reply, she didn’t shoo her away either, and that was a good enough excuse for her to sit by her bunk.

She didn’t know how exactly she’ll comfort Nao, but at the very least she wanted to gain her attention. “Some dinner party you’ve dragged me along into…” Scoffed Cyaroru, shaking her head. Perhaps that could be regarded as mean gesture, but Nao’s not the sort of type that’ll dwell on disparity. Ergo, she felt something like this would be much more in her character.

“Sorry, you had to see that…” Nao muttered, finally lifting her face away from her pillow. Nao’s eyes were all swollen and red, she always had ember colored eyes, though that current strain and puffiness it had wasn’t normal. Is that from her tears? At that moment Cyaroru realized that perhaps she didn’t know how her friend had felt after all these years. 

To her, Nao had always had it all. A complete family, a great house and most of the things Cyaroru had always wanted. But apparently, it wasn’t always so for the receiving end. 

“Cyaroru… Do you think, I’m being too selfish?” She blurted out, hiccupping heavily. “I just wanted to spend more time with my father. I haven’t seen him for so long and yet…” wailed Nao.

Cyaroru blinked, not knowing how to respond to it. She knew it was something hard to take in, but for her who had never had a father since birth, she just didn’t know whether her own opinions would be relevant to Nao.

“Nao…” Cyaroru said, hugging her best friend closely by the torso. “You should use this week to its fullest then. You might not get another chance such as this one.” Said Cyaroru, whispering softly into her ear.

“You’re right… He’s just doing what’s best for us as a family, I’d just have to make do with what I have.” Agreed Nao, embracing her friend.

For a moment silence occupied the entire scene, but Nao would soon speak up with an optimistic tone. “You know what Cyaroru… This sadness just instilled a dream within me.”

“A dream?”

“That’s right a dream… everyone has dreams right?” Emphasized Nao. “I have one, and I expect you to have one as well.”

“…” Cyaroru took a moment before she began questioning Nao “So… what is it about? Care to tell me?”

“I’d do it if you’d stop hugging me already!” She chuckled.

“Oh, hehe looks like I went too overboard,” Cyaroru admitted sheepishly, relinquishing their embrace over each other.

“You know that my father… is a merchant, right? And that he brought in lots of stuff for me to study in my spare time.”

“Yeah, I know…” Cyaroru nodded. “Your room is just full of books and you’re just full of ideas.”

“I’ve explored a lot of books” Nao answered, taking a rather thick and dusty tome from one of her bookracks and began to leaf through it. Seeing how she’s now all focused on it, Cyaroru couldn’t help but ogle in bewilderment. “But there’s not a lot of books that piqued my interest such as this one. You see, Cyaroru do you believe in magic?”

“Magic?” Cyaroru just couldn’t help to tilt her over that puzzling remark. “Well I’ve never seen it, but I don’t think I’d disbelieve it.”

“Good,” she said, closing her book. “Then would you believe it that I could cast magic?”

“Sure, I don’t see why you’d lie to me,” Cyaroru admitted. “So, are you going to show me or not?” she added, being slightly agitated that Nao’s started to speak in riddles again.

“Heh, that’s right…” Nao couldn’t help but give her a smug look, as she began to place a piece of paper on one hand. Quickly making a couple of gestures and whispering a short chant, Nao seemed to be in deep concentration. The paper in question started to flicker sparks before evolving into a full-fledged flame.

“W-Whoa!? That’s amazing! B-But It’s a flame inside a room! Nao!”

“Heh, chill out…” Snorted Nao letting the flame ablaze. As soon as the flame reached the last bit of paper on her finger it dissipated almost instantly. “A flame would die out on its own, although it’s started by magic it wasn’t fueled by it.”

Cyaroru was at loss for words. She just witnessed a flame igniting out of thin air. Usually, she would start a flame by using constant friction from a combustible stone or dry wood, but Nao ignited it with just several chants? With most logical reasoning out of the window, then it must’ve really been ‘Magic’.

“So, this is what you meant earlier by being able to manipulate a flame? Does your father know this?” There were just so many questions that she’d like to ask, but she remained on asking the most relevant ones first.

“Well, father was the one who handed me the book so, I would assume he knows this, or at least believe in it. Though judging from the foreign language it’s written with I don’t think it was a human that made it.”

Cyaroru was left in shock as Nao showcased to her a page of the book. She had never seen anything like it before, everything seemed outlandish for her, most aren’t even comprehensible in her mother tongue. What amazed her even more, was the fact that her dear friend managed to decipher some of those words on her own, then again… when Nao’s determined in something she’d really go for it hands down.

“So, I’m guessing… your dream has something to do with magic and getting out of the village?” She knew it was a long shot, but she did say it was a dream, and that’s the most sensible thing for Nao to do.

“Very perceptive, as expected… you’re a sharp one Cyaroru.” Nao said, acknowledging. “I wish one day, I’d somehow get out of the village and see for myself what father had been seeing all these years. I don’t wanna stay in this village all my life without knowing anything. I don’t want to get married to a farmer and grow crops, with my kids all following in my footsteps in a vicious cycle!” bantered Nao.

“I just want something more in life…” continued Nao as she lied upon her bed, cradling the magic grimoire in her arms.

Cyaroru simply sighed in agreement. Nao’s is Nao after all.

“So, what’s your dream Cyaroru?” asked Nao, turning all attention towards her.

“My dream…?”

“Yeah, your life goals… Of course, you’d have one, right?” Said Nao, teasing.

“Umm…” She didn’t know how to respond to that question, Cyaroru never gave it much thought. All she thought of the past year were just chores and how’d she sustains herself on her own.

“Don’t tell me you’re just gonna marry a farmer boy, heck… you know the boys in the village are all kids… they’re nine years younger than us at best! And don’t get me started on how old they are mentality wise!” ranted Nao, rolling her eyes in disgust.

“Oh, calm down, Nao” Said Cyaroru in a long dramatic sigh. “It’s not like I don’t have one… it’s more like I’ve never given it much thought.”

Cyaroru then lied alongside her on the bed, staring at the ceiling in thought. Her mother never taught her anything about dreams. But it’s not exactly a bad thing to have a goal. Then why didn’t she have one? Is it just because she’s not as ambitious or she feels inferior to Nao? Cyaroru couldn’t make any sense out her jumbled emotions.

“Then… if I can make my dream a reality, would you come with me Cyaroru?” asked Nao.

She’d then turn her head over and their eyes would meet on the bed. Nao’s sparkling eyes, beaming for an answer. ‘Another life-changing question’ But somehow, she knew this one demanded an immediate answer.

“Sure…” were the words that came out of her mouth.

Nao gave her a sincere smile, she was happy without a doubt. But would she be able to keep that promise? Cyaroru couldn’t help but feel a slight hint of regret if she weren’t able to live out to her expectations in the end.

Unable to realize the troubled face she’s making, Nao decided to budge closer towards her, her face literally at a hair’s length. “Hey, cheer up… you should smile. I’d make you happy... just like everyone in the village Cyaroru… after all, to me, you’re already...-” Nao didn’t finish her sentence before closing her eyes, falling into a deep slumber.

“Dreams huh,” she mumbled.

With the night in full bloom, Cyaroru decided that it was pretty late. Thus, she snuffed out the candle and tuckered herself inside Nao’s bed. Tired from the long drawn out antics, Cyaroru closed her eyes, in hopes of finding her own dreams.