“It’s dawn. Wake up.”

Just a little longer, please…

“It’s dawn. Wake up.”

Turn it off, Ionyr. Turn the damn thing off.

“It’s dawn. Wake up.”

“Ugh, fuck off.” Rayza thought as she forced her eyes open. Drowsy and grumpy, she reached for Raev’s Get-em-up, its green glow blurrily visible through her twitchy eyelids. She had to fumble around some as her eyes fought against her, doing their best to close again.

“It’s-”

“I’m up. Stupid piece of junk..” Rayza mumbled, cutting it off. “Thanks for nothing.”

The green glow faded, and she let her hand drop onto the soft grass with a sigh, ready to snooze a little longer. She was just too cosy. The warm, gentle breeze caressing her face, the warm blanket covering her legs, and whatever soft object she was leaning against - Rayza hadn’t felt this comfortable and well-rested in ages.

She felt something tickling her hand. Probably an errant blade of grass stirred by the breeze. Distracting enough to keep her from sleeping. Nope, she thought as she drowsily put her hand on her lap, I earned these moments of rest and you won’t take them from me.

There it was again. This time, Rayza also felt a hot, wet sensation graze that same hand. Letting out an annoyed tut, she tucked her hand under the blanket. Must not be a blade of grass after all. Whatever it was, it wouldn’t be able to annoy her now that her hand was covered.

She then felt a small weight tapping on her thighs. Great, she thought, so it’ll be like this now? Another one quickly joined it, followed by two more. Finally, she felt something small curling up in her lap.

Hold on. Rayza, in her half-sleep, had a sudden realisation. Her eyes shot open to find a fox nuzzled in her lap.

“What the f-” She exclaimed, jolting awake.

Her startled movements caused the fox to jump out of her lap, landing a few feet away from her. Its fur was the colour of autumnal trees, a deep amber accentuated by a charcoal black on its paws and the tips of its ears. Its eyes were a cold blue, gazing at her with a confused, almost hurt look as it tilted its head. Rayza took a moment to gather her bearings.

Right, she’d fallen asleep under the Spirit Willow. Along with the blue ether, there was a soothingly nostalgic smell in the air…lavender. Wait, more pressingly, when did animals return to the forest? This place was barren just yesterday.

Besides the fox before her, she could hear both birds and bugs happily chirping as though this had been their home for eons. Rayza recognised a few of their songs from the woods around their home…a lot of them, actually.

There also seemed to be a lot of lavender growing in the area. Odd, it usually grew in dry areas - fitting for the barren state the forest was in yesterday, but now…not so much. Then again, lavender also did grow in her and Ionyr’s garden, so maybe that rule wasn’t all too hard and fast…

Intriguing, to say the least. Wait, Rayza, she told herself. More pressing issues, she thought, looking up at the fox that had just been in her lap. Right under her nose…where Ciel’s sling was.

Rayza’s eyes widened and she immediately looked down to check on her daughter. Ciel was happily and calmly dozing. Thank the Four, Rayza thought as she heaved a sigh of relief.

Pulling Ciel closer to calm herself, Rayza noticed small ripples in the blue ether surrounding her daughter’s face. Was she breathing? Did she even need to? Or was that just something the Star did to understand humans better? Rayza stroked Ciel’s hair while briefly pondering these questions.

Actually, what about Ionyr? What was he dreaming of, she wondered, turning to look at him. When Rayza saw what happened to her husband, she quickly covered her mouth, but couldn’t hold back some admittedly childish giggling.

Two birds had made a nest in his scruffy hair, seemingly overnight. They were completely ignoring her, instead just nuzzling each other with happy chirps. She recognized them as Lullabirds, nocturnal avians. According to her father’s books, their song was impossible to hear by the human ear. Though, in her final moments, Ionyr’s mother…nevermind.

Rayza quickly returned her attention to the fox. The critter had not once moved from his spot, still staring back at her with a tilted head. “Come here.” She said softly, smiling as she beckoned the fox closer. “I won’t bite, promise.”

Seeing her smile, it trotted back to her side, a light, happy spring in its step all the way. It nuzzled her arm with its head, happily purring as she scratched its neck, doubly so once she reached the top of its head. While petting her little friend, Rayza felt movement around her chest, accompanied by an adorable little wince.

“Sorry, Ciel. Did I wake you?” Rayza whispered, her hand travelling under the fox’ chin. Its mouth curved into a goofy, blissful smile as the purrs intensified. She giggled. Looked like she was hitting the spot. “Or was it Mister Fox here?” She leaned forward slightly to let Ciel have a peek at the critter. The fox raised its snout, sniffing the sling with a certain degree of hesitance, but undeniably curious.

The moment the two pairs of blue eyes met, everything ceased. Complete silence. Staring at each other, unable to understand what they were seeing. Then, as trained, both Ciel and the fox tilted their heads - the same way, the same distance, the same blank curiosity in their expressions. Though, there was still that hint of hesitance in the fox’ eyes, along with another emotion, one Rayza was unable to decipher.

Despite that, she couldn’t deny how it tickled her heart to see the two like this. It had been long since she’d witnessed something so cute. Was this how the mother from ‘A pipe dream’ felt, seeing her daughter play with the neighbour’s pet dog? How much better it was in real life, compared to the stories! Though admittedly, she could do without the critter’s rather pungent odor.

Rayza touched Ionyr’s shoulder, smiling as she watched them sway their heads side to side, in a manner that appeared almost like a conversation. He had to see this.

“Hey, Ionyr. Wake up.” She whispered quietly.

“Hrm…what…?” Ionyr awoke with a yawn.

“Look.” She directed his attention towards the fox standing up on its hind legs and tentatively sniffing Ciel’s face.

“No!” Ionyr yelled, startled, his eyes wide. “Get away from my family!” He raised his fist, knuckles white. Rayza’s eyes widened, and she just barely managed to pull Ciel closer to her chest.

He threw the punch, barely missing. The fox narrowly dodged and fled into the mist. The birds on his head bolted as well, disappearing in the trees. The only thing still with them in the clearing was the echo of his outburst.

“Are you nuts?!” Rayza angrily shouted. Her heart was pounding. Ciel could probably hear it. “What was that…for…”

The sentence got stuck in her throat. She could see his pupils jittering - his breaths quick and uneven. Still half-asleep.

She relaxed as the anger vanished. Of course. How could she have forgotten?

“Ionyr, it’s okay.” Rayza said, her fear dissipating. Placing a hand on his cheek, she tilted his head her way. Smiling kindly, she gazed into his eyes. “It’s safe. You’re awake. The nightmare is over.”

He blinked a few times, his pupils calming down, his gaze steadying, focusing on her. “What…” Ionyr looked around, confused, then realised his fist was still raised. His eyes widened slightly. “Did I…again…?”

“Don’t worry.” She caressed his cheek. “You were just startled, is all.”

He quietly lowered his fist. “I don’t get it.” Ionyr muttered, staring at his tensed hand. “There was no nightmare - didn’t even dream. But still, I…”

“I said not to worry. It’s not your fault.” She gave him a quick peck and ran her hand through his hair. “Shame those animals ran off though.”

“Animals? So the fox was real?” He raised an eyebrow, balking when she presented one of the sticks stuck in his scruffy hair.

“Yeah. And just to name a few off the top of your head, there was a pair of Lullabirds too.” She giggled. “They were building a nest in your hair.”

Running his hand along his scalp, the entire pile of sticks tumbled from his head. “Huh.” He deadpanned. “Thought I was supposed to be the one with the dad jokes.” His voice was too stiff for his joke to land, his gaze too vacant. He clearly still felt bad about the incident.“Anything else I missed?”

Rayza bit her lip. How could she get him to forget about it? For just a little moment, at least? Glancing at her daughter, she got an idea. “What you missed?” Rayza gave Ciel a cheerful little wink. “Only the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen.”

“Really?” He dusted off his hair, snorting as the dirt fell past his nose. “What was it?”

“Hm...should I tell you…” She said coyly, feigning to think about it. “What do you think?” Rayza asked her daughter. No response, just the usual vacant stare. “Say nothing if we shouldn’t tell Papa.”

“Now hold on there-”

Rayza shushed him by placing a finger on his lip. “Please be quiet. I want to hear Ciel’s thoughts on the matter.”

Blank stare.

“Well, tough luck.” Rayza shrugged and waved off Ionyr’s complaints with a cheeky grin. “Looks like she doesn’t want you to know.”

After trying, and failing to find a retort, Ionyr resigned himself to not knowing with a sigh. “Fine. Then at least let me catch another wink or two.” He said, lying back against the tree with a satisfied sigh. “Haven’t slept this well in ages.” After a brief pause, he opened his mouth, but she shushed him.

“I’ll wake you if anything happens.” Rayza said, knowing full well he wasn’t worried about the forest critters. Luckily, she managed to hide her disappointment from him - unluckily, she hadn’t managed to loosen the nightmare’s grip on his mind. Might as well tackle it head-on. “Say, what did you see? That made you so upset, I mean.”

Ionyr silently stared into space. “What, indeed…” He muttered. “I didn’t see anything. There was no nightmare. No dream, even. So why…?”

“You yelled ‘Get away from my family!’ when I woke you. Ring any bells?”

“Kind of…vaguely.” Ionyr trailed off. “I just remember feeling…scared. Terrified. Like something horrible was happening to…someone important.” He glanced at her. “Then I saw the fox near you two and…”

“It’s okay.” She took his hand and gently stroked it. “You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.” Rayza knew that feeling all too well. The feeling of losing something irreplaceable - the powerlessness that came with it. Like running on air.

“...thanks.” He said, falling silent.

“No problem.” Rayza said, absently running her hands along the tree’s bark. It felt soft to the touch - softer than the most comfortable pillow on her father’s big guest seat. Blue tendrils were pulsed inside it like veins, giving off a tiny, mystical glow. Closing her eyes, she wrapped her arms around Ciel. Rayza nuzzled her affectionately.

“Hey, look.” Ionyr tapped her shoulder. When she opened her eyes, she saw him pointing into the woods. Turning her head away from him, she found the fox from earlier cowering behind a tree gazing back at her.

“Aw….” She cooed, before beckoning it over with a soft whistle. “It’s okay. We won’t bite.” It didn’t move a single muscle. She furrowed her brow. “Weird, it was so affectionate earlier. You must’ve put the fear of death in it, Ionyr.”

“Shame, really wanted to pet him.” Ionyr’s voice was tinged with guilt. He then paused, staring intently at the fox with narrowed eyes. “Actually…now that I look a little closer, he ain’t afraid. Little bugger won’t stop glaring at me.”

“You don’t say.” Rayza rolled her eyes. “What makes you think it’s a male?”

“His eyes betray his jealousy.” Ionyr said with an overplayed gravitas, causing her to a chortle.

“Oh really? I can’t tell.” She looked back at the fox. Nope, still staring at her.

“Back off, little man.” Ionyr jokingly growled and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. “She’s mine.”

“Relax.” Rayza laughed as she pushed him away. “It’s just a fox.”

“A male fox.” Ionyr corrected, crossing his arms and nodding with that same playful attitude. “And as a male myself, I understand him completely.”

“Very well then. As a stupid and unknowing female, please, elucidate what higher understanding you have gathered.” Rayza said, turning her body so Ciel could look at her incredibly intelligent and verbose father. “I’m sure your daughter would be thrilled to know as well, o wise Ionyr.”

“It is very simple. Elementary, really.” Ionyr said, before leaning close to her and whispering into her ear with a deep, sensual growl. “I’d rather be touched by you too.”

“Shut up!” Rayza laughed as she playfully shoved him away again, though she couldn’t deny the goosebumps it gave her. As a blush crept onto her cheeks, she facepalmed to hide her embarrassment. “Idiot. You’ve got the worst timing. I’m holding our baby.”

“Hey, at least I keep the inappropriate stuff in a whisper.” Ionyr laughed as he leaned against the tree. “You’ve yelled more curses around her than an actual sailor.”

“As if.” She scoffed.

“Remember Roger swearing at all?” Ionyr said with a raised eyebrow, clearly amused.

She paused briefly, recalling their last conversations with the old pirate. “...fuck. You’re right.”

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

“Language.” He chuckled and lightly slapped the back of her head. “See? That’s what I mean.”

“Swearing isn’t so bad.” She grabbed his hand. “Makes conversations spicier. Your dirty-minded comments, on the other hand…”

“Add spice to our relationship.” Ionyr smugly grinned as he pulled his hand from her grip. “Don’t deny it, I saw you shivering...” He leaned in, lowering his voice to a low growl once again. “In antici…” He paused, simply holding his head close to her ear, leaving her waiting, dangling just long enough for her to hold her breath in suspense. “...pation.”

She exhaled as a shiver ran down her spine. Quickly realising that he’d toyed with her once again, she punched him in the shoulder. “Why did I marry such a dirty-minded idiot…” Rayza lowered her head, flustered.

“Come on, you liked it.” He said, laughing.

“Fuck you.” She said, though her red face did her no favours.

“Love you too, babe.” He said, leaning back against the tree with a sigh. ”I’ll forgive your swearing, just this once. Because by the Four, I haven’t felt this well-rested in years.” He looked up to the Spirit Willow’s crown. “I suppose that’s a Spirit’s protection for ya.”

“Seems like it. Wish we could stay here forever.” She said, a deep sense of reverence filling her as she gazed upon the Heart of the Forest, its blue hue covering and overpowering the sky’s colour. It calmed her, similar to the Spirit - in fact, she could feel the Spirit’s same awe-inspiring presence emanating from the tree.

“I could probably build us a house with all these trees here.” He scratched his chin. “Can’t be too difficult.”

“Doubt it.” Rayza scoffed. “Though I appreciate the offer.”

“Hey, give me a little more credit.” Ionyr sat up. “Who’s been fixing up the house all these years?”

“Fine, take your credit - I’ll give it where it’s due.” She rolled her eyes. “I still doubt you could build an entire house with those skills.”

“Wanna bet?” Ionyr grinned confidently.

“As much as I’d love to win that bet, I’ll have to decline. We’ve got responsibilities now.” Rayza patted the baby’s sling. “Remember?”

“Ah. Right.” Ionyr sounded a little dejected. “Just…seems so peaceful here. A decent place to raise a child.”

“But will she learn what it means to be human?” She raised an eyebrow. “If it’s just the two of us?”

“Might be difficult, but the Creators said we should do as we please, right? She’s a quick learner, from what I’ve seen.” Ionyr hummed, before leaning a little closer and booping his daughter on the nose. “Aren’t you, little Ciel?” No reaction from the baby. “I’ll take that as a yes.” His lips suddenly curved into a mischievous grin. “Ciel, say nothing if I should build us a house.”

“Ionyr-”

He shushed her. “No, no, Rayza. Quiet now, I want to hear her thoughts on the matter.”

“Idiot…” Rayza pinched her nose, frustrated. “Listen here-”

“Uh!”

What a cute sound. Rayza looked down, seeing Ciel’s mouth slightly open. Did she make that noise? Was she trying to…talk? Already?

“Was that what I think it was?” Rayza stammered, covering her mouth in shock.

“I…I think so, yeah.” Ionyr said slowly, leaning closer. “Are you trying to talk, Ciel?” No response, only a curious stare.

“Let’s not rush her.” Rayza said, pulling Ciel closer to her chest. This feeling…unfamiliar. Like a mother hawk desperately holding on to a hatchling attempting to fly the nest before its feathers sprouted.

“You’re right.” Ionyr sat back, utterly flabbergasted. “A quick learner, through and through.”

“A little too fast, for my liking.” Rayza mumbled, softly stroking her daughter’s hair. “I would like to have her like this, just a little longer…”

There was a brief silence.

“Say, Rayza…I think this is a good time to bring this up.” Ionyr said, uncharacteristically serious. “Ciel is clearly not like other children. She can hear frequencies we can’t, and is trying to talk at one day old. The speed at which she learns is honestly…kinda scary.”

“Tell me about it.” She sighed. This wasn’t exactly how she envisioned her first time parenting. “So…what’s your point?

“Less of a point, more of a question.” Ionyr paused, trying to find the right way to say it. After a few moments, he sighed. “No easy way to phrase this. Should we raise her as our own child…or as the Star?”

“What do you mean?” Rayza hissed, suddenly feeling tense. Was he implying she wasn’t their child?

“Ciel…well, she is, after all, of the Creator’s make. She has a mission to fulfil.” He paused again. “I know how much it means to you to call her our own. But for the sake of that mission, it might help her to know that she is not really human.”

“I don’t care.” Rayza shot up to her feet, gritting her teeth. “I will raise her as my own. Because she is my daughter.”

“Rayza…” Ionyr said, standing up, but was silenced immediately.

“Don’t you ‘Rayza’ me. Why are you making this complicated in the first place? Why can’t we just raise her as our own, without ever telling her?” She hissed, aggressively jutting her finger in his face.

“Because Ciel is a quick learner.” He gently took her hand. “She will find out, one day. Then what?” His face hardened. “Should we lie to her? Keep up the facade?”

“So that’s it, huh?” Rayza cast her gaze downward, tears welling in her eyes. “All just a fucking pipe dream after all.”

“I didn’t say that!” Ionyr interjected, but her glare shut him up real quick.

“Then what are you saying? Spit it out.” She hissed.

“I…I want us to be on the same page. That’s all.” He placed his other hand on her shoulder. His eyes softened, that familiar warmth returning to them. “When that day comes - when she asks us that question…what is our answer?”

“She is our daughter.” No hesitation. Rayza knew her answer from the moment she was born. “No matter what.”

“So we don’t tell her about the Creators? ” He asked, and sighed when he saw her shaking her head. “Ever?”

She nodded, then looked into his eyes. “Promise me.”

He seemed a little hesitant. Of course he was. She knew damn well how seriously he took these kinds of promises. It’s why she married him.

“Rayza, I-”

“Promise.” She demanded once again.

Seeing her insistence, he closed his worried eyes. After thinking briefly, he opened them again to show her kindness once again.

“I promise.”

“Thank you.” She said, sniffing and rubbing her eyes.

“Let’s get going, then.” Ionyr gently tugged on her hand, nodding towards the horses.

“Yes, let’s.”

As they made their way towards their steeds, Rayza felt a pang of guilt in her chest as the sudden torrent of anger waned. Why had she gotten so mad all of a sudden? All Ionyr wanted was to know about her feelings on his valid concerns. What possessed her to have such a fit? She abused his kindness and love for her to get her own way - knowing full well how seriously he takes such promises.

Why? Why did she do that?

“Just a pipe dream after all.”

…was she still in the grip of her father’s mocking words, even now?

While Ionyr adjusted the saddlebags, she idly caressed her daughter. Her baby. No matter what anyone else said. Ciel would always be hers. That, she was certain of…yet she couldn’t deny the Star her destiny either.

Though, considering this kind of internal struggle, Rayza wondered whether being human was all that it was chalked up to be. Came with the territory, unfortunately.

“Hey, check this out.” Ionyr said suddenly, holding up a piece of paper. “The townspeople left us a note. Can’t read it, though.”

“Let me see.” She said, holding out her hand. As he placed the note in it, she lowered her gaze. “By the way.” Fidgeting, she averted her eyes, ashamed. “Sorry. For blowing up like that.”

“Don’t worry.” He smiled reassuringly. “I know how much being a mother means to you. That kind of temper comes with the territory. And besides…” He gave her a quick peck. “...it’s part of your charm.”

“I don’t deserve him.”

“Thank you.” She said, chuckling weakly. Trying to push aside that voice at the back of her head. “You’ve never lost your touch, yourself. Always been a charmer.”

“Was raised well, by a good mother.” Ionyr looked down at Ciel. “I’m sure our daughter will grow up to be quite charming, as well.”

“I hope so.” Rayza smiled wistfully. “Love is also a part of humanity, after all.”

They stood in silence for a moment. Love…so beautiful. So tender. Such a large chance to have your heart break.

“Any boy that tries to take her will have to get through me first.” Ionyr growled.

“No, no. Relax, dear.” Rayza said, her tone overly cheery. “I’ll kill them all before they even get to you.”

“How about this? You take the first one, and I’ll take any others that dare try.” Ionyr held out a hand. “Deal?”

“Deal.” Rayza shook it. “Now then…the note.” She quickly scanned it. “No wonder you couldn’t read it. This dialect is ancient. Couple centuries old, at the very least.”

“Interesting.” Ionyr said, flipping open the bags of her saddle. “So, what’s it say?”

“One moment.” She squinted her eyes. “Whoever wrote this, their calligraphy was dogshit. Let’s see…”

“Language! Also, calli-what?”

“Their handwriting was…” She paused. “Bad.”

“Thanks, dear!”

Rayza rolled her eyes and kept reading. Even taking her time, she was only able to make out fragments. She’d tried wrestling with older tongues before, but never took to it.

…better ways to phrase that.

Anyway, it wasn’t like her father possessed many books on the topic, he’d been more focused on flora and fauna, and their evolution throughout history. Just the way the Ashen Order liked it. But through Raev, she acquired a few old tomes here and there. Enough that she could piece together a translation for this shoddy note.

“Provisions…in…saddle…” Rayza’s eyes lit up. “Oh yeah! The bartender gave me some meat yesterday. Said to roast it long and well over an open fire.” She looked up. “Check the other side.”

“Found it!” Ionyr held up a familiar satchel.

“There we go.” Rayza said with a satisfied smile. “Thank the Four, I don’t think we would’ve made it home without that.”

“Um, was the meat he gave you grey?” Ionyr presented the open bag. Sure enough, that same grey meat she remembered from yesterday was inside. She’d forgotten about that. Too much craziness for her to keep track of everything.

“Yeah, it was…” Frowning, she went back to reading the note.

“Looks rotten.” Ionyr said, closing the bag. “Don’t think they’d just give us rotted meat, though.”

“Agreed.” Rayza said without looking up. “Bartender told me it’s, and I quote, ‘The kind of meat that don’t rot.’”

“Hm…what kind of meat do you think it is?” He wondered aloud.

“I think…that I need to concentrate.” She grumbled.

“Sorry. Just thinking out loud.” Ionyr said sheepishly. “What if it’s a specially crafted meat by the Creators, to keep them fed even over eons?”

Rayza hummed and nodded. “That’s a possibility…but Roger said the Creator’s designs are perfect. Doesn’t make much sense if their creations could starve.” She pursed her lips as she attempted to decipher the illegible runes on the paper. It felt like they were laughing at her efforts to decipher them. “By the way?”

“Yeah?”

“Remind me to teach Ciel to read and write once we get home.”

Ionyr chuckled. “Will do.”

“Grey…meat…” Rayza groaned, increasingly frustrated. “Why thanks, o mysterious writer, we already found it. Only new info from here on out, please.” She squinted her eyes and read on. “Ra…Rav…fuck sake, this is hard to read.”

“Language.” Ionyr said sternly.

“Sorry, Dad.” She rolled her eyes. “Rava…” Wait, was she reading that right? She paused, then read it again, this time aloud. ”Ravager.”

There was an audible silence.

“So this…” Ionyr held up the satchel and gulped. “This is Ravager meat?”

“Seems like it, yeah.” Rayza said slowly, meeting his uneasy gaze.

“Any chance you misread the note?” He asked, clearly hoping for a yes.

“Proabably.” She chuckled nervously. “I mean, what’s more likely? That I misread an ancient dialect written with the calligraphy of a toddler? Or that this is actually Ravager meat?”

Ionyr stared at the grey, stony flesh - as if expecting it to move. “We’ve seen crazier things in the past two days.”

She gulped and nodded. “Yeah…we have.”

Ravagers - according to some stories, they were distant relatives of the demons that King Firemane banished from this world, to establish his rule. Beasts of legend that took weeks, if not months to hunt back in the day. Black fur, hellish red eyes and thick, ravenous claws on their arms. They were said to have two lives - upon losing the first, their muscly flesh turned grey, tough and dry.

Their faces would light up in flames, burning off their skin and revealing the demonic, goat-like skulls beneath. Standing on its hind legs, it would tower over most trees - perhaps even the Heart of the Forest, if the legends are to be believed. Only when their flames died out did these monsters relinquish the grip on their soul and die a true death.

Apex predators, hunted and thankfully made extinct by humanity. Reports of their last sightings reach back to the period following the Ashen Order’s founding - the Succession War. But that was centuries ago.

Tribes that predate even King Firemane himself apparently used Ravager flesh in grand feasts to send off their dead. Little is known about these ancient customs, but some records that survived the great wars indicate that the skulls were burned in these rituals.

No way to ascertain the truth of those sources…although there is one characteristic that remains consistent. When heated over a fire, life returns to the meat - and it becomes the most nutritious food in the entire world. One that could fill an empty stomach for days. Feed it to someone on the verge of starvation, and they would make a miraculous recovery within minutes.

If this truly was that meat…this was yet another massive discovery. Proving all those records real. What an incredible final gift to leave behind.

“By the Four.” Rayza muttered, feeling a headache come on. “Between Ciel, the tablet and the Ravager meat - if the Ashen Order ever finds out, we’ll never have a peaceful day in this lifetime.”

“Yeah…” Ionyr said absent-mindedly, before chuckling nervously. “But hey, if that happens, we can hide here. Then I’ll build that house for you. Both of you.” He cheerily booped Ciel’s nose.

“This is serious.” She said sternly. “What do we do with all this? It’s a whole bag’s worth. Though, actually…”

Rayza took another look inside the bag. It wasn’t as full as she recalled it being. Some of the meat was missing. It’s almost like…of course!

“Say, do you feel hungry at all?” She asked, causing Ionyr to give her an incredulous stare.

“Seriously? You actually want to try eating Ravager meat? You, Miss Cautious?” He grinned. “I thought you’d never ask.”

“Idiot…” She sighed, though she couldn’t suppress a smile. “You’re not even hungry, are you?”

“Nope.” No hesitation. “I just wanna try it.”

“Well, don’t worry. From what I saw yesterday, you really liked the taste.”

“Yesterday? What do you mean by that?” As Ionyr realised what she was implying, he slapped his head in embarrassment. “Oh…I get it.”

“Good, Ionyr. Very good.” She ruffled his hair. “You’re such a smart boy.”

“Please shut up.” He mumbled.

“By the Four, Ionyr! Mind your language!” Rayza said with a fake gasp, holding Ciel up to his face. “Our baby is right here!”

The baby stared blankly.

“Just get to the point.”

“Alright, I’ll stop.” Rayza laughed, and patted the satchel. “Long story short. Depending on how long yesterday’s stew keeps us sated, we can tell just how filling Ravager meat really is.”

“You mean…like a live experiment?” He asked with a raised eyebrow. “I like it!”

“Exactly. Now, this is just a hypothesis, but if that stew keeps us going for a day or two…” Rayza closed the satchel. “We’ll make it home without having to resupply once.”

“That…is really useful.” Ionyr said, gazing at the satchel with renewed awe. “Although we won’t be heading straight home.”

“Why not?” Rayza said, confused.

“There’s a few things that need taking care of.“ Ionyr said, approaching his steed. “So, first things first.” He leaped into the saddle. “We ride for Postitia.”