As the ceremony came to an anticlimactic end, several of the Odoe present chose to depart and return to where they came from. Disappointed and uncertain, they left, their hopes for the Odo tree to shed its leaves long gone. However, a half of the attendees remained, still lingering in hopeful anticipation, hoping that the Odo tree might belatedly fulfill its expected cycle.

The Rustler, having accompanied Men'ma's family throughout the ceremony, followed them as they went on to engage in discussions with other fellow Odoe.

As the Rustler listened to the discussions among Men'ma's family and the Odoe family they stood beside during the ceremony, he absorbed in their disappointment and reflections on the unexpected turn of events.

"Ah," sighed a man from the neighboring family. "That was unexpected. To think that the Odo tree wouldn't shed its leaves today."

"It was perhaps to be expected," replied Men'ma's father. "Didn't the Odo tree shed its leaves a few weeks prior to today?"

"Yes, it did. Unfortunately, I missed it as I was indoors at the time."

"What a shame."

"Truly. We had been eagerly awaiting this lunar harmony, only for it to turn out like this," added a pregnant Odoe from the neighboring family.

"You'll have to wait for the next lunar harmony to witness the shedding of the Odo tree, I'm afraid."

"Let's just hope it doesn't bring any bad luck to my baby. By the time of the next one, he will already be born," expressed the pregnant Odoe, her tone filled with concern.

"Don't say that," scolded another family member. "The baby will come out just fine. He's destined to be a strong-winged Odoe like his parents. Perhaps if it's a girl, she might even have the opportunity to become a Valkyrie like her aunt."

Upon hearing these words, the pregnant Odoe smiled, unable to hide her joy and hope at the possibility.

Curiosity and a desire for understanding compelled him to join in the conversations, seeking to unravel the mysteries surrounding the unexpected turn of events.

As people's attention shifted from the ceremony to various conversations, a portion of the attendees found their focus drawn towards the Rustler. Deep down, he understood that their curious gazes were directed at him because they had likely never seen an Arbian before. However, he wished that their curiosity would be expressed with more subtlety, as the blatant staring made him feel uncomfortable, annoyed and self-conscious.

In that moment, the Rustler sensed a presence approaching stealthily. He let out a sigh, letting the person know that he had been noticed.

"I can see you coming, just so you know," the Rustler remarked, turning around to face the source of the presence.

"Busted, I guess. In any case, hi Rustler," she greeted with a warm smile. Turning to her family, she waved and said, "Hi, everyone." She began to take steps towards her parents, seemingly about to greet them affectionately. However, midway through, she seemed to remember her role as a Valkyrie and shifted to adopt a more composed and valiant demeanor. They conversed for a brief moment before she returned her attention to the Rustler.

"It's been a while," she began the conversation.

"It sure was."

She approached him with a curious expression on her face, despite her gaze being concealed by the visor. "Oh, I hope you didn't miss me too much. I was a little busy being an important Valkyrie," she said with a smug and joking tone.

"Nobody was missing you, and yes, I could see that you were indeed an important Valkyrie, with how useful you were during the ceremony," the Rustler retorted.

"Hey," she protested. "I'm still learning from the Eldest, but I'm making progress, just so you’d know."

"Is that so?"

"It is and…" she started only to trail mid sentence tilting her head to the side.

"What?"

"Nothing, it’s just that… could it be that you’ve gotten taller?"

"...," the Rustler faced her remark and looked down at himself. Getting taller suggested growing older—something he had been rendered immune to years ago. However, considering all the weird things that had happened to him the moment he walked past the staves, that could be a possibility.

"Maybe it was just my imagination. Anyway, it was really a surprise."

"What was a surprise?"

"You coming here. It was really unexpected," she clarified.

"I shouldn't have?" he asked, uncertain.

"Are you deaf or something? I said 'unexpected,' not 'unwanted.' I figured my parents would invite you, but I assumed you would refuse."

"Well... I saw no reason to refuse their offer, so..."

"Oh..." she mumbled, her expression changing.

"Anyway, is this going to be fine?" he questioned, motioning towards the giant Odo tree in the background.

"What?"

"I mean, the Odo tree not shedding its leaves as expected," the Rustler clarified, gesturing towards the majestic tree. "It was supposed to, wasn't it?"

"Well, it was," she started. "But I already explained it to you, didn't I?"

"Huh? When?"

"When the Odo tree last shed its leaves, but you weren’t paying attention back weren’t you."

Reminded of that day, the Rustler remembered what happened last time, the dream—no, the vision he had of that voice calling him Dream.

"I wasn’t. Sorry. So?"

"Well back then I said that it wasn’t normal. And even now we're not exactly sure what happened, but we do know that it wasn't supposed to happen. After the Odo tree that day instead of a day of Lunar harmony as expected, we were anticipating something like this to occur—well, more accurately, dreading it," she explained.

"I see… so what was "her" reaction?"

"Her..." Men'ma paused, realizing who he was referring to. "Her reaction was... Now that I think of it, I think I should return to her side immediately before she—" Before Men'ma could finish her sentence, the person in question came into view and began making her way towards them, as if drawn by their conversation.

"Oh, no," Men'ma mumbled, knowing what was coming, before stepping forward to intercept the Eldest. "Eldest, I was just about to join—"

"What is he doing here?" the Eldest unleashed, cutting Men'ma off without any formal greetings. Although her voice remained low, her displeasure was evident.

"I made it clear last time that I don't want him anywhere near our Odo tree," the Eldest continued, her frustration apparent. "Didn't I make myself clear enough?"

"You have, Eldest, but he's still quite far away from the Odoe tree," Men'ma attempted to argue, hoping to defend the Rustler. However, her words were silenced by the piercing gaze of the Eldest, which penetrated through her golden visor.

"You," the Eldest muttered, redirecting her attention to the Rustler. "Everything started the moment you stepped into this capital. First, the Odo tree shedding its leaves without warning after your arrival, and now this. I can sense it," she added, glancing at his right arm. "I can feel it from that thing you audaciously call Odo. Nothing good comes with you around."

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"With all due respect, Eldest, isn't it unfair and unreasonable to think that he has anything to do with this?" Men'ma interjected, persisting in her defense. "This has to be a coincidence, a misunderstanding. He was in our line of sight throughout the entire ceremony, and he did nothing wrong."

"It is not about—" the Eldest began, but halted upon realizing that their argument had drawn the attention of many around them. Sensing the need to address the situation, Men'ma's family approached, led by her parents, their heads respectfully bowed.

"Greetings, Eldest," they greeted, their voices filled with deference.

"Greetings," the Eldest replied, her demeanor returning to that of an Odoe of her rank.

Still bowing, Men'ma's mother stepped forward to speak. "We would like to express our deepest gratitude to you, Eldest. Despite our daughter's foolish actions, you have still accepted her into your ranks. It is an immense honor for us to have our daughter entrusted with the great and eternal duty of tending to the Odo tree. For this opportunity—this second chance, we cannot find words enough to convey our appreciation."

The Eldest's gaze shifted from the Rustler to Men'ma's family. Their words hung in the air, causing a silence that lasted a good dozens of seconds before she replied.

"If your gratitude is genuine," she began, her voice carrying an air of authority, "then it is advised that you escort the Rustler away from this place."

At these words Men’ma’s parents' gaze flickered between the Rustler and the Eldest, processing the implications of her words.

Though it took them some time to register what was expected of them, once they looked at the Rustler in direction before nodding in understanding to the Eldest suggestion.

"Understood, we will escort him back home," they agreed, suggesting their intention to leave the ceremony and abandon the festivities that were set to continue late into the night.

The Eldest responded with a satisfied nod, seemingly content with the outcome. The Rustler, however, was not.

He had witnessed the excitement and anticipation of Men'ma's family for this ceremony. For the first time speaking on his own behalf directly to the Eldest, he boldly declared, "I know the way back, I don't need anyone to waste their time escorting me."

"If that's the case, then wouldn't that be perfect," earnestly replied the Eldest. "I'm sure the families present here still wish to partake in the upcoming festivities."

Just as the Rustler was about to act upon his words, Men'ma father intervened, speaking up for himself. "I'm not feeling very well, so I think I'll personally escort the Rustler back home."

The Rustler wanted to voice a complaint at the suggestion, but a stern gaze from both of Men'ma's parents silenced his objections.

Men'ma's father then, as if the decision was already taken, which it was, turned around to announce to the rest of the family, "You all can continue enjoying the festivities. I'll be back as soon as I feel better."

Observing this turn of events and seemingly not given the opportunity to have her say in Men’ma’s father's suggestion, the Eldest simply remarked, "Suit yourself. As long as he's out of my sight," before taking her leave. Although somewhat hesitant to do so, Men'ma exchanged a nod with her parents and the Rustler before following the Eldest. Approaching the Rustler, Men'ma's father placed a hand on his shoulder and said, "You heard the Eldest. It's about time we go."

***

As they walked back to the carriage that had brought them to the ceremony site, the Rustler made an offer.

"You don't have to do this," he insisted, his sincerity evident. "I can make it back home on my own. You can just head back."

Men'ma's father acknowledged the Rustler's words with a nod. "I know," he replied. "I have no doubt that you would be fine on your own."

The Rustler's expression remained determined. "I gave my word, and that's something I won't take back," he stated firmly. "So yes, I will escort you back home."

He patted the Rustler's back gently, offering a comforting gesture. "Look, I may not be fully aware of everything that's going on, and I've been discouraged from asking questions myself. I was taken by surprise at the tension between you and the Eldest, but I understand that it must have been very uncomfortable for you. However, from this point onward, it doesn't have to be that way. I don't mind accompanying you back home. In fact, it's an opportunity for us to continue the conversation we started in the carriage. So cheer up."

As the Rustler internally dismissed the need for any cheer, he intended to express his gratitude with a simple "thank you." However, before he could utter the words, a familiar sound interrupted him, catching his attention.

Turning his gaze towards the towering golden tree, he looked up in the direction from which the sound emanated. His eyes widened as he witnessed a sight that he for the second time around since his arrival witnessed—the golden leaves of the massive tree were falling, cascading down from its branches and enveloping them in a gentle shower.

The Odo tree, against all expectations, had begun shedding its leaves.

"So it finally did," Men'ma's father’s mumbled, captivated by the no-longer expected display. A smile spread across his face, mirroring the joy reflected in the eyes of his daughter a few weeks prior. And together, standing beneath the falling leaves, he just like his daughter suggested, "Ruster, hold your hand out."

Initially hesitant, particularly after recalling what had occurred the last time he followed Men'ma's suggestion, the Rustler found himself swayed by Men'ma's father's encouragement. With a mixture of caution and curiosity, he decided to act upon the suggestion.

Reluctantly, the Rustler removed his glove, revealing his hand of odo. With an outstretched palm, he held his hand beneath the falling leaves, waiting for a leaf to land within his grasp.

Men'ma's father, standing beside him with his own hand outstretched, began to share a tidbit of knowledge. "Did you know? It is considered a sign of good luck to have a leaf from the Odo tree land upon oneself," he explained. "Especially so when…"

However, his words trailed off abruptly as his gaze fixed upon the sight before him. A single leaf descended gracefully, finding its way to the Rustler's open palm. Men'ma's father couldn't help but pause in awe, his smile widening.

"Talk about being lucky," Men'ma's father exclaimed, his voice brimming with a mixture of surprise and joy, as he marveled at a leaf that had landed in the Rustler's palm.

While Men'ma's father radiated optimism and positivity, the Rustler's thoughts were consumed by a different concern entirely. He couldn't shake off the uneasiness that had lingered within him. However, as he stared at the leaf in his grasp, seconds passed without any notable occurrence which led him to believe that perhaps he had been overly paranoid, letting his worries get the better of him.

But just as that thought crossed his mind, the Rustler would be proven wrong in the very next instant.

Once again, he found himself transported to the barren, void-like space that he had initially assumed to be a dream. In the midst of this ethereal realm, a voice echoed through the emptiness.

"Dream..."

Unlike last time, the voice this time belonged to a female.

"Dream... a fleeting remnant of the One who came before all."

However, one thing remained unchanged—the voice seamlessly shifted from sounding young to sounding old, adapting itself to the listener's perception of what they would consider suitable. And it found one.

"... Pleased to make your acquaintance."

These words were spoken in a voice that he hadn't heard spoken since the very moment he made it past the staves. However, while the voice was a perfect copy of hers, he knew very well that the one speaking to him wasn't her but an impostor.

Without the need of him having to ask her to, "she" introduced herself. "Our Mother called me Any."

Though it was his first time hearing that name and those words, he finally received confirmation regarding the assumption he had and the meaning behind that dream-like vision he experienced on that day.

"I know who—no, what you are."

"Oh, you know," the voice chuckled. "And? We were expecting you would. But here’s a better question: why am I here? Do you know why?"

With her words, the Rustler was confronted with a question he had no answer to. He shook his head, instantly realizing that this was now an option available to him. He was no longer just a nothing floating in a dream; he now had a body, or at least something that looked like one. Except for his left arm, which, as usual, was made of nothing but Odo, his entire body now appeared transparent, with golden vessel-like channels traversing every part of his being, forming an outline resembling that of a human being.

"Since you don't know, let me answer that for you," she or it said, materializing into the shape of a young girl—a shape that, just like the voice, he knew didn't belong to the one speaking to him, for it belonged to no one else but her. "It was simply to meet you, Dream," she said, pointing at him.

"I know what you are, but would you please relinquish that form?" he, as calmly as he could, asked.

"Why?" she asked, walking around him, jumping around like a carefree child would. "This is the form you want to see—the voice you wish to hear, right?"

"I said shed that form immediately!"

Oblivious to his demand, she went on to narrate, "Mother said I am very bad at understanding what people think and feel. But that’s the way we were born. That’s our nature. But you, what’s yours?" Once again, she approached and pointed at him. "We can tell you don’t have one anymore. You’re no god, no dragon. You’re no dream, no nightmare. Your husk might partially be Arbian but you’re not one, just as much as you’re no Odoe. What are you?"

Feeling that expecting her to comply with his request would be a waste of time, he instead decided to ask, "What do you want from me?"

"What we want from you? Just one thing. We want you to choose. To choose what you’ll become."

Before even having the opportunity to process her answer, he woke up from his trance, his eyes fixed on the golden leaf vanishing into nothingness in his palm.

"Rustler," he heard, a hand landing on his shoulder—it was Men'ma's father. "What's the matter?" he asked, a hint of worry in his voice.

"No... I'm fine," he reassured.

"Are you sure? Earlier, out of the blue, you suddenly zoned out."

"Did I? I think I was just lost in thought, but I'm fine," he insisted. "Nothing to worry about."

"I see," Men'ma's father nodded. Although he still seemed to harbor some doubt, he didn't press any further on the matter. "Well, if that's the case, I think it's time for us to leave."

He glanced back at the large tree. "Understood," he nodded.