Nyk woke up with excitement as he realized that it was finally Harvest Day. He jumped out of bed, eager to start the day, and took a deep breath of the crisp autumn air, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and the salty ocean breeze. He hurriedly changed, feeling the cold texture of his clothes on his skin, and rushed downstairs, knowing that Syn would murder him if he was late.

Nyk had never been to the festival before, but she had told him all about it. Two years prior, she had attended it with her dad and had returned with tales of vendors, food, and an amazing spectacle. Nyk was eager for the chance to experience it all for himself.

As he opened the door to the garden, he was met with its vibrant colors. He immediately rushed through the door, carrying two heavy sacks on his back and pulling the cart across the frame. The rough wooden handle of the cart felt firm in his hands, and he felt the weight of the loaded sacks straining his shoulders.

He shouted, "I'm ready to go! I'll be back tonight!" into the garden, eager to start his adventure.

His grandmother's head popped out from behind a tree, "Hold on, hold on! Wait there. Have you checked you have everything you need for the trip?"

Nyk groaned, "Oh come on, Nana! If I'm, late Syn will kill me!"

His grandmother sighed, "I prepared something for you to bring. Let me give it to you! And at least give your Nana a kiss and a hug before leaving!"

Nyk winced at the thought of his grandmother's cooking. "Don't worry Nana, Syn promised to bring some fish cakes for the trip, and once we're there, we'll sell our stuff and buy food from the vendors. We can have that tonight for dinner while I tell you what we've done" he answered convincingly.

She handed him a small pouch with coins, and he noticed the warmth of her hand as she placed it in his despite the cold outside. It was one of the peculiarities of his grandmother; she never seemed to feel the elements, at least not like others did."You and Syn's fish cakes. Take this and treat her to something sweet. Give me a hug and go. Run before you're late." She said, a proud smile spreading across her face before approaching to hug him. Nyk hugged his grandmother, feeling the softness of her embrace, kissed her goodbye and then took off toward the forest.

As he walked, he felt the rough dirt path under his feet, and the sound of leaves crunching beneath his boots. The air was filled with the sweet smell of pine needles and the earthy scent of the forest floor. A thrill of excitement ran through him, and he couldn't wait to see the city and all the festivities and to taste all the different foods. He was determined to make the most of this opportunity and to soak up every moment of the festival.

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After a long journey through the forest, Nyk finally arrived at the docks, sweating profusely, with his heart pounding in his chest. He stumbled to a stop, gasping for breath, and looked around. Despite leaving with time, the cart had slowed him down through the forest, and only with a last mad dash had he made it on time.

A familiar voice cut through the haze of his fatigue."Nyk! Over here!" Syn yelled, her hand waving energetically ahead of the larger section of the docks while she turned around. "Dad, Nyk's made it! You can go now!"

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In the distance, Nyk caught a glimpse of Syn's dad's silhouette waving back. The next moment, the man jumped into his fishing boat, ready to depart. Nyk's eyes widened with surprise as he took in the changes in the man. The person he had seen in a card the previous day bore little resemblance to the silhouette handling the boat ropes. In contrast with the sturdy but elegant, noble-like figure in the card, he seemed drastically changed. He noticed new large muscles in the man's arms as he handled the boat ropes and a large belly that contrasted with the military look the man had in the card.

Syn grabbed Nyk's free hand and rushed him deeper into the dock, joining the others who were waiting to board the vessel. Among them, Zosimos stood a little way off, his arms crossed and a wary expression on his face, covering with an arm a nice and pristine bag resting on his shoulder.

"Morning," Zosimos greeted the kids.

"Good -huff- morning...!" Nyk panted, trying to catch his breath. "What's the -huff- matter? Why -huff- the long face?"

"Hmph," Zosimos answered with a shrug. "My gut was telling me today would be a bad day. Now that you're here, I think I know why."

"Why would -huff- that—" Nyk began to say, suddenly cut off by Syn.

"Shush Nyk, look," Syn said, clapping Nyk on the shoulder. "Here comes our ride."

Nyk turned to see what Syn was referring to, and his eyes grew wide with awe. Zosimos smiled gently at Nyk's reaction. "Wow," he breathed.

"Isn't it amazing?" Syn said excitedly, her eyes sparkling with excitement as a ship cornered the nearest cliff.

The sound of splashing water and the creaking of wooden boards filled Nyk's ears as a ship rounded the nearest cliff. Its imposing figure towered over them, and Nyk felt a sense of insignificance wash over him. The intricate carvings and decorations on the hull caught Nyk's attention, and he couldn't help but stare in wonder. Shimmering magical runes and symbols elegantly adorned every inch of the sturdy wood.

As the ship approached, Nyk realized its really impressive size. It was taller than his house, or any other house in the village for that matter. The large sails made it even larger, glowing in unison with the multitude of magical symbols etched on the sides of the ship and appearing to shine even brighter whenever the sun hit them.

"See the sails?" Syn said, gesturing to the glowing fabric. "Dad says they're made from a special and magical material. They collect the sun's energy and add it to the power core to increase its movement. It allows the ship to travel at incredible speeds." Nyk gawked in awe. "The runes on the sides? Dad said water that splashes against it also powers it up," Syn added, eyes shining with excitement. "It's a technological treasure, combining a portable bastion into a magical ship!"

Doubt suddenly crossed Nyk's face gazing at such an incredible vessel. "Are you sure we can pay for the tickets?"

"Now not spending all our hard-earned money on sweets is not such a bad idea huh?" said Syn as she winked and pointed at the small bag with coins she had tied to her hip.

Nyk smiled at his friend and turned to gaze again at the ship. "For once, I cannot disagree with you!"

Zosimos approached, clearing his throat, "You two better not cause any trouble. The ship today is as busy as it gets." he said, his eyes cautiously watching the pair.

Nyk smiled sheepishly, "I won't, I promise."

"Yeah, we'll be on our best behavior," added Syn grinning.

Zosimos gave them a skeptical look before turning and walking towards the descending platform, "Hmph, we'll see."

"Let's take a look inside!" Nyk suggested, excited to explore the ship.

"Sure," said Syn as she pulled out the coins. "But remember why team Synk is paying for this trip!".

Nyk looked at her with concern

Syn winced. "Ok, we'll think of a better name," she said winking at him and following Zosimos toward the platform.