“See this Ency? Some girl in Inwell did some crazy shit! Check out the newspaper here!” Vylona said as she shoves the paper up in his face.
“DAMN! Took out an entire Zox facility by herself? The place got demolished!”
“Uh… guys? We’re supposed to be hunting for Craggler scales… What’re you even reading?!”
“The Seaside Daily!” They both say in unison. Vylona then hands the paper to Ency. “Sorry, sorry. Just an interesting article. Youth these days can do some crazy things nowadays!”
It’s been a day since we’ve recruited Scheu for our expeditions. Seems like he’s rather quiet when working with us. Guess he’s just that focused, huh? We’ve gotten around half the tasks finished, and it appears that those two have been feeling more comfortable with their position. That’s great. I was starting to worry a tad bit. Y’know, seeing as we’re going to be working for some time, I’d like to try and get to know him at least a little. Even if it isn’t much, I have an inkling that he might not really feel that belonged here. I’d hate for others to feel the same way I did years ago… I squatted down to him as he was collecting scales from the grassy floor.
“Hey… How’s it going..?”
“Oh! Froya, wasn’t it? I’ve been doing fine. Albeit I was hoping for more combat related tasks.”
“Why’s that?” I ask. He never really came off as a fighter type. Much like myself.
“Well, I assume you’re well aware of the reputation those two have garnered. Especially here in Baricht.”
“Mhm. They’re certainly as skilled as the rumors say, and even then the rumors might be undermining their prowess.”
“Right… Therefore I’d like to learn a thing or two from them. Rumors be told, but no one has ever seen them fight in person. Guild’s too scared or frustrated to even ask them to party.”
Is it just me, or has his whole demeanor changed? He went from a rather shy kid to someone with a bit more maturity… Oh well, we have been together for about a day. It’s nice to see him get warmed up to everything.
I stood back up and swept my clothes. Scheu gathered the rest of the scales and placed them in the large back that Ency made.
“Don’t get too crazy with that sack now! Wouldn’t want them to start spilling everywhere!” Ency shouted from the edge of the forest. We should get going soon. It’s about to reach nightfall…
“COMING! Cmon, we should get going now!”
Scheu glances up to me. “Right!”
The journey back was as tough as getting there, having us slip down the steep hillside to hit the paved roads. I’m still in awe of how well developed this place is compared to Ellmit. The village didn’t hold a candle to all of this… structure, food, community and so much more… I’d still choose Ellmit over Baricht any day though.
Crossing the same bridge that we walked through the first time, I noticed some peculiar lanterns, scattered across the city. Was there some sort of event going on? I didn’t question it much with the other three, who clearly know this place better than I, but my curiosity couldn’t help it. There were posters plastered on houses and stands that screamed for me to read them.
“The Harbor Lights”? This is the first time I’ve heard of this event until now. Whatever it was, it sure seemed big! The songs of the merchants, the intricate designs on the lanterns, and the many bells echoing from building to building. I was… in total awe! Have I ever witnessed something as beautiful as this?
“Pretty neat, huh? Personally, this is a favorite of mine!”
“Vylona!? When did you get here?!”
“Well maybe you should try to not get lost! We almost left without you there!”
“Ah… Sorry… Let’s hand those scales in.”
“...”
“Y’know, me and Ency don’t mind if you go scurry off and have fun here!”
“REALLY?!”
“Woah-ho! Well aren’t you raring to go! It’s settled then! I’ll go talk to our new recruit about this too.”
MAN! I WAS PUMPED! I’ve been experiencing so many new things here. I’m sure Kyman and the others would’ve loved to be here! Yeah…
“Oh don’t wait for us by the way! Feel free to go do your thing!”
“But won’t you lose me-”
“I have my methods. Don’t worry about it! Go have fun!”
As I waved to the three heading for the guild, I took Vylona’s advice and explored the city some more. The lanterns continued to sparkle, much like the stars that I’ve always admired as a kid, before the others took me in. It was really embarrassing though, when I was glaring at all the lights, I bumped into someone…
“Ack! Sorry! I wasn’t looking where I was going…”
“HA! No worries, miss! Are you looking for the end of the line?”
“Line?”
My gaze directed towards the stand that this supposed line was for, and I immediately was hooked.
“Where’s the back?”
“Just take a few steps back and you’ll be there! Be sure to make a beautiful lantern!”
I was eager to try and make my very own! I’ve even passed by some of them, hanged near the stands. The designs that were carved out… I got to make one myself! It took some time in line for me to reach the front, but nonetheless, it’ll be all worth it in the end!
“Hey there! One lantern for ya?” The stallholder called.
“Uh… Yes please…”
“And this’ll be for whom?”
“Pardon?”
“Ah so you’re a tourist? We hang these lanterns to celebrate the dead! Just as how our ancestors died to import all the goods we receive from sea to sea! That’s what the Harbor Lights Festival is all about!”
For the dead..? Emotions stirred up inside me again, making me feel slightly uneasy. All of these lanterns… are for those who’ve lost their lives..? I… I… I can’t even bundle my thoughts together. It hurts to see me be reminded of them…
“One… for Ky-Kyman…”
With what appeared to be a chisel, she carved out his name and handed me the lantern, as well as handed me instructions on how to light it and hang it wherever. However, as I left the line, I noticed a small handwritten note attached to the side of the frame.
Let this lantern remind you of how much Kyman cared about you. Although your loss may be recent, hope that his light may let you shine.
I couldn’t hold it in anymore… My face swelled up as I covered my now wettened face. I’ll be sure to treasure this moment… It’s so heartwarming to see others like this… As I received my lantern, I took a chisel from a table nearby and slowly chipped away at the wood.
“Finished! I hope he’ll like this…”
“FROYA! HAVING FUN ALREADY?!” It was Ency?! Sometimes he can be so loud…
“Uh… Yeah..! Did you get the money from the sca-”
“What do we have here? A lantern?”
“Wha?! Since when-”
Not to mention he’s damn fast on his feet! I begged him to put it down, but of course, he straight up has no sense of restraint…
“Oh. I didn’t know this was for your old man… Sorry… I’ll help you hang it up, how ‘bout that?”
“No no, it’s fine. Just… try not to be so… invasive..?”
“HA! Y’know, you really remind me of Vy sometimes! Whenever she gets all pissy and th- OW OW OW!”
Turns out Vylona was behind him this entire time… and socking him nonetheless…
“Care to continue?”
“N-No ma’am!”
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As she sighs, she turns to me and takes a look at my lantern. I was hoping to hang it myself…
“Kyman would’ve loved this. I’m sure of it. In fact, I'll hang up a lantern as well.”
“You too..?” I ask softly, probably muted by the bustling crowd… She leans in towards me though with a rather bittersweet expression to her face.
“Yeah… I’d like to commemorate a student of mine.”
Then Ency cut in, expressing that he also wanted to hang one for Vylona’s passed student. As I waited patiently for them, I noticed that Scheu wasn’t with them. Even though he was with them when they sold the scales..? I’ll be sure to ask them where he was. Maybe large crowds aren't something he’s comfortable with.
“There! All done! Check it out Froya! Pretty cool isn’t it?” As Ency flashily shows off the lantern he made. Despite him being able to control his powers so well, the designs were quite simple.
“Jerah? Is that your student?”
“Yeah, we go wayyy back! She was always quite spirited with her studies. Probably the best student I’ve ever had.”
“That’s nice… You don’t have to tell me everything. On another note, where’s Scheu? I thought he was with you two when I went to do my own thing?”
“Oh he just had something to do. He’ll be here shortly.” Vylona answers. “In the meantime, wanna go look at some other stuff the festival’s got to offer?”
“Gladly!”
As we finished hanging our lanterns, the three of us took a detour towards the port. There, we saw a small gathering of people by one of the docks. It was quite cramped when I tried to squish in, however eventually I made it somewhat near the front.
Wasn’t that one of the guild members..? If I remember correctly, wasn’t his name Grant? He was quite large, probably around 5 heads taller than me… Surprisingly though, he had a bard to his left. Contrary to Grant, he was quite short, almost appearing as if he was just a kid, not to mention a rather large hat covering a mask. I stood there for about a minute or so until Ency and Vylona approached me from each side.
“Oh it’s this! I always love these!” Ency, excitedly exclaims. Seems like he’s quite a fan of these, huh? I mean, he did seem like the type to enjoy music.
Vylona, on the contrary, seems to feel amiss about something… She had this stern look, staring at the bard. Perhaps there was something up about that mask?
“That’s Scheu! Who would’ve guessed!”
“Scheu?! How do you know?!”
“Oh, uh… My accumulation lets me know!”
“Wait, it’s starting girls!”
I held my thoughts on pause to give my attention towards the two. I was expecting something like a shanty or a tale, similar to how Kyman would sing stories to me when I was still little, however instead, Grant did a passionate dance while Scheu provided music on his wind instrument. It was very intense, with Grant being so big, he shook the planks above the water, making it swish back and forth. Scheu was also shockingly skillful… I didn’t know too much about anything musical, but I could definitely tell he spent years into his craft. Around halfway through, Grant dragged across chains and swung them with much force. I even felt the wind blowing onto my face from the amount of force he’s delivering to each swing. The people of Baricht even began to stomp rhythmically and chanted, which enticed me to join along too. I felt all my worries melt as it reminded me so much of Ellmit. We would always do this on special occasions, and it was probably the last memory I have with them. The only thing I wish I could do was to spread out my wings and feel free, but that would definitely cause some commotion if I did…
“WOW! That was AMAZING!” I shouted right after the dance ended.
“Right? Me and Vy always at least stop by here whenever we’re at Baricht for the festival. It’s good to forget about all your worries y’know?”
“Might I ask what this dance is called, Ency?”
“HA! Well it’s called the ‘March of the Sailors’ because we’re inviting those who died in the vast seas. Fun history lesson fact: Navir’s death inspired those to make this dance, as well as many others. He definitely has our respect.”
“Navir? Is he someone important?”
“Calling him just important is an understatement! He was one of the greatest merchants of all time! Hell, most of the goods found in the world are spread through his exploits!”
“Surely it wasn’t just him, right?”
“Well of course he was doing all of this solo… Many of his men partook in his voyages. However Navir was mainly set as a face for his crew, considering he was the captain of their trades.”
“Might I add that he was also kind of a scumbag-”
“Andddd here we go. Vy, she doesn’t have to know this!
“What’s the problem with telling her the truth? Seems to me like you’re being an overprotective parent-”
“Uhhh…” I look towards Vylona with a slight smirk on my face. It was quite obvious what she thought of Ency when she blushed right afterwards.
“NEVERMIND! NEVERMIND! Anyways, Navir was quite abusive towards his crewmates, always giving them minimal pay and working them to absolute death!”
“Figures…”
“The wealthy can be so prideful… It’s a shame…”
Oh right! I forgot that I wanted to praise Grant and Scheu’s performance! They were almost about to leave until I tapped Grant on the back.
“You… You’re that one chick at the guild… traveling with those two. What do you want.”
“I-uh… wanted to say how beautiful that dance was! It’s my first time experiencing a festival like this… but… keep it up!”
He turned his back on me and kept walking… Guess he isn’t much of a talker-
“At least you’re considerate. Thank you. Froya, wasn’t it? It’s a nice name.”
I tried to find Scheu, but he seemingly disappeared into the night. He’s always been quite nimble, so that’s probably why… I should group back with Ency and Vylona until the night’s over. Hopefully I’m able to try everything tonight!
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Whew! What a night! I had even more fun than I initially thought I would! As everyone was packing up to prepare for the day ahead, the three of us walked back to the place that Ency apparently found when I was off doing my own thing. Apparently, according to Vylona, it’s a place called the “Debilis Diner”..? Odd name choice… As we finally took our first steps in, Scheu was already waiting at a nearby table, along with two very peculiar looking individuals… One for some reason had a blindfold on, whilst the other had a mask with a weird symbol on it. It appeared that Ency knew the two of them prior though, as he shared some light conversation with the blindfolded man.
Greetings! I hope you enjoy your stay here!
Oh, uh… Paper..? Can she not talk? If so, does that mean the other one can’t see?
“Ah, thank you! I’ll be taking a seat here first.”
By all means, do!
I took the seat across from Scheu. He was looking rather stressed out, which was a bit off putting… Normally he’d be more nervous and jittery, however this time he seems like he’s about to explode at any moment…
“Everything alright?” I whisper. He flipped his head upwards, then turned to his sides. He didn’t want to talk… I swear I have this odd feeling that he’s hiding something. He’s been so wary of us. Especially me. I thought it would instead be directed towards Ency or Vylona, as he was looking for others to observe and learn, however this time he’s very tense towards me…
“Look, if you have something against me, just say it-”
“It’s too dangerous. I’m sorry… but I really can’t.” He lifted from his seat and went straight to his room… What the heck!? That was a bit rude now wasn’t it? Just storming off to his room like that? Well… I suppose that’s-Uh… What’s Ency and that man doing here..?
“Yo, Froya! C’mere for a sec! I wanna test out something here real quick!”
“Test..? What do you mean by that?”
“Mr. Scorion would like to gain insight on your accumulation. Place your hand on this for me.”
The man brought a small device with a leaf on top of it, as well as a small needle sticking out. I was told to prick my finger to draw blood. I definitely wouldn’t have trusted this device if Ency wasn’t there to confirm its legitimacy. After I placed my drop of blood on a small plate, Ency told me it would take around a few hours to a day depending on my accumulation. To be honest, I still have zero clue as to what this power inside me is. I haven’t had any strange dreams like that one time with the statue since then, however maybe knowing what these results may be, they’ll answer all of my questions.
Ency and those two owners seem to know each other quite well… It was just me and Vylona at the table, sitting idly until the three of them finished.
“How do they know each other?” I ask.
“Oh, just that Ency’s recipes span across half the menu.”
“Half the menu!? So restaurant owners are stealing from him!?”
“Of course not! Ency gave his permission.”
“Ah, I see now. Anyways… Could I ask for a favor?”
“HA! Well, it depends on what you’re gonna ask me!”
“Could I take on a quest by myself tomorrow? I’d like for you two to rest a bit, seeing how much you’re working and all… and… I want to contribute more…
“Oh! Well why not! Me and Ency wanted to have some alone time to ourselves. It’s been quite a while since we have-
“Ho~ Really now~”
“Ok ok… So maybe if I do have a little bit of a crush on him. So what?”
“Nothing, nothing! I’ll be rooting for you!” Whispering into her ear.
“Jeez… You’re making this embarrassing…”
My eyes were just beginning to get drowsy. I think it’s time to hit the sack for the night. The rooms here were pretty nice must I say. Instead of the wooden planks that I was always used to, or the bags that we tuck into during our nights outdoors, it was a soft rug, almost like the fur of an animal. Not to mention the beds too… They pretty much absorbed my entire hand… I wonder how much Ency had to pay for these… Well, thinking about all those details won’t let my head relax. Hopefully I’ll figure everything out about myself tomorrow…
----------------------------------------
Woo! What a nice sleep! That probably might be the best one I’ve ever had in my life! It’s a shame it’s only for a night though… Oh well, I’ll start leaving as soon as possible to collect some riftwing shards! It’s a shame that I can’t really slay an umbrast on my own… Those creatures are on a whole nother level for me. Not to mention they only appear at night. The sun was just beginning to rise, and the moons were still quite visible. As I walked to the dining room, no one seemed to be awake at the time. I’ll take this as my opportunity to pick up another quest while I’m at it! I don’t want to finish too quickly though. Gotta give those two some more free time!
I took off, setting my sights towards the forest I was at yesterday. The journey was slightly longer than usual, with me getting lost every now and then, but the map led me to where I wanted to be.
“Let’s see… Riftwings are seen somewhere near places with lots of sunlight… Aw, but the sun isn’t even out yet… Maybe finding some herbs will suffice for the time being.”
I flipped to the second quest I picked up, which was to find some medicinal herbs nearby. Thankfully I had some knowledge about these plants thanks to my gardening back at Ellmit. I used to harvest many of these herbs. Let’s see… Remelines… Sana… Cura Reeds… Ok! Doesn’t seem too far-fetched! This’ll probably be enough for me to finish before the sun rises!
Yet… for some strange reason… the vegetation where I would usually find them seems to have all wilted away… What..? I was looking around everywhere for a spot, but to no luck. It was upwards of around a few minutes before I gave up. I’ll try the riftwing shards next… But the sun has still yet to rise… No… clouds were covering it…
“Huh? What’s a candle doing here..?”
Candles? Who’s putting candles in a forest? There’s a trail of them too… I… don’t think I should follow those… Yet I turned back to find even more trails… What..? These weren’t there before… Wh-what’s going on-
“Froya Falst, Daughter of Larios the Faithful and Payora the Harbinger. It seemeth as if mine catalyst hath fallen straight into mine grasp.”
“W-WHO ARE YOU?! HOW DO YOU KNOW MY PARENTS NAMES?!”
“Thou may call me Ylva. Founder of the Pacifists.”