>> The full moon shines brightly above the purplish-azure night sky. Sea of stars scattered, giving a spectacular view in the eyes of someone.

Tall grasses gently caress by the gust of evening wind. Horse gallop echoes on the soil, dry and greenery road. Clack sounds of goods heard faintly.

Illuminating over the moonshine is a silhouette of a person riding a horse. Its short hair waved through the sway of the gentle wind. “It’s been years since I last see this place, and it didn’t change.”

A voice of a young maiden utters those words. “Finally, I’m going home.” She added. Bricks of cobblestones lined up at the sidewalk clearly seen.

Vines of wild plants grow to cover the whole thing. The silence of the surroundings gives a nostalgic vibe from the past. Around few meters are the lights viewed atop.

Smokes coming from the chimneys of houses visibly seen. “The village, it hasn’t changed even quite a bit.”

The woman’s lips form a smile, holding the rein of her horse. She commands on it to gallop. Her heart throbs fast, her eyes sparkle to the excitement she feels along.

The trot sound heard from the distance, as some youngsters who do some labor outside tilts their head. “Someone’s coming...” one of the youngsters speak.

The gallop didn’t stop, until it comes through the arc of the village. The woman holds the reins of the horse to stop, as it neighs. Stomping its foot on the soiled ground, the youngsters gathered to look at someone who arrived.

“Hi...” the woman greeted, as the moonshine shows on her face. “Naamah?” one of the youngsters called. “It’s Naamah! She’s back!”

Naamah, the one who left the village to train of becoming a soldier despite of her gender, came back. Everyone from the village comes out from their houses to see the sudden visitor.

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“It’s Naamah! The girl’s back!” the clamor along the village fired up.

Each and every one shares their greetings from one of the villagers of Gehenna. “Hello, everyone. Your dear Naamah is back!”

“Hmm...? What’s this commotion all about—-“ two soldiers wearing their breastplates and chain mails abrupt over the clamor.

Naamah tilts her head as she heard those voices. “Big brother Amon, big brother Ose!” the two gentlemen looked at each other as they heard their names called out.

“It’s me, your little sister! Naamah!”

With chirped voice, Naamah goes down the horse saddle and runs towards the two gentlemen. “Naamah?” Ose, the second brother who has a scruffy, black hair and pair of horns plucked on his forehead, utters.

“She is indeed our sister, Ose.” Amon, who stepped in and wraps his arms on the girl. With bright smile, he kisses Naamah on her head. Ose did come forth and embraces his sister.

“I didn’t recognize you because you’re truly grown up.” Ose utters. Naamah embraces him as well and giggles. “I’m not that sweet girl anymore, you know? I’m already a Knight now.”

Ose let off from his hug and looks at her. “Really?” Amon asked. “Yeah, I’m a full-fledge Knight now to serve the Queen!”

“We’re glad to hear that.” Ose smiles, as well as Amon. “Thank you.” Naamah replied. “Let’s go back home. Mother’s waiting for us.”

“It’s been a while, big brother Amon! Big brother Ose.” Naamah giggly mumbled, as the villagers give their cheer on her. “Yeah, and I’m sure mother will be happy to see you.”

Towards the familiar path, the three goes back to the place where they belong.

* * *

>> “Mom. We’re home!” the wooden door slams as the two gentlemen comes in. Candles flicker their lights as a gentle wind swipes in. Fireplace gives warmth inside, as a delicious smell spreads on the surroundings.

“Ah, welcome back, Ose, Amon!” the woman greeted with a smile. Her physique shows the decades passed through her life. It’s Ba’al, Naamah’s mother.

Standing at the fireplace, she holds a saddle placed in the cauldron. “Dinner will be ready soon. You two change and wash your hands.”

“Mom?” Naamah calls, as Ba’al tilts her head. To her surprise, she gasped out. “...Naamah?”

“Yeah, it’s been a while.” Naamah smiles. Without further ado, Ba’al drops the saddle and runs towards her only daughter. She embraces her tightly, as Naamah does the same.

“My daughter, Naamah!”

“Yes, it’s me. Your only daughter.” Naamah chuckles. “You’ve grown and has been quite a masculine look.” Ba’al looks at her.

“Mom, even if I have the masculine looks, I’m still your daughter.” Naamah replied. It is indeed that she has a muscular body of a young man now, and a physique differentiate from a maiden.

But Ba’al still knows that her daughter, her lovely Naamah remains the same. With tears welled on her eyes, she nods.

“Welcome home, Naamah.” Ba’al greeted.

“Yeah, I’m home, mom...” Naamah warmly smiles. “All right, enough of that. The dinner’s been prepared by mom. Let’s go get change and wash our hands!”

With chirped on his mood, Ose calls out. The three goes to their rooms and change all while giggling.

“I’m glad you came back home safe, Naamah. Thank you, Goddess Lenir, for letting my daughter go home safe.”

Ba’al whispers those words, along with her smile that Naamah finally fulfilled her dream to be someone she wants to be.