...silky red hairs fluttering gently in the wind was facing me and staring at me, surprised.
[Good evening.]
[... herm ... Good evening.]
Her crystalline voice struck me like a chorus in the silence of the night.
I was mesmerised...drawn to these eyes,full of curiosity,that were gently staring at me.
[... ...]
(BOING...OING...OING.)
At loss for words I could only stare back at her.
[... ...]
After a few seconds she tilted her head and gave me a bright warm smile.
Her beautiful red hairs slid from her shoulders and spread a sweet scent in the wind.
I awkwardly attempted to smile back to her but I only managed to make a strange grimace.
How long did we stand here,staring at each other? Maybe seconds? But it felt like an eternity
[...Erm... this is the first time we meet right?]
[ Yes... this is the first time that we meet.]
Was she feeling the same way I did? As I was pondering she continued.
[What is?]
Fate...
... A 'something' against which any resistance is useless.A 'truth' written within the future unavoidable and unalterable by one's own effort Regardless of if this truth is good or heinous...
For my part if I see hatred and sorrow around me I want to believe I can change it.
'Something' that cant be changed no matter how much I struggle...
[I... dont quite believe in it.]
[I see ...]
Although she seemed to think differently she did not seem to judge me nor dislike my answer.
[Dragon cub][ Kuuuuuu... Kuuuuuu ]
A small white creature was comfortably nested in her arms, eyes closed, breathing peacefully.
All my attention focused on her I didn't even notice the small dragon she was holding before.
Could it be the same child I was looking for? Could it have escaped from the ruins of Nohia?
[Is this little one ... your water dragon?]
[Fuhuhu...even as a child, a water dragon do not let himself be 'someone's dragon'.]
[while I was resting my feet in the lake and enjoying the wind,he came and brought me here]
[But for him to approach people so easily ... doesn't he have any parents?]
A small thorn pierced my heart.
But deep inside I felt relived that it... that he could escape from the cave and survived
I felt as if one of my wishes had been granted. I showed a weak smile
[ Eh?.... Ah eh... Hm! Yeah I was looking for him... ]
[ Then it might be that this small one brought me for a purpose. ]
[So that you and me could meet.]
Her clear gaze reflected only conviction.Her words made little sense to me but she was sure.
[ Me... I believe in Fate.]
[... why?]
[ Because I could meet you. ]
The exact same argument ... nothing logic nor even remotely persuasive but it reminded me
My first impression,'is that the first time we meet?' she said yes but frankly I wasn't sure
It was a strange feeling, like finally meeting someone you heard stories about all your life.
Only I never heard about her. Not once...
[Because you could meet me? ... Does that mean you did not believe in fate until now?]
[... that 'something' existed that could force people to murder ...]
But I still want to believe that people have the power to oppose Fate and create their own future... That they just don't know how to... use their Freewill
Freewill. The treasure that shouldn't be abandoned no matter what, a word giving meaning to 'self'
[Say... what do you think about it?]
[ I ... I never really thought about it but if Fate were to exist and if it was decided that the suffering and conflict I see around me is something unavoidable.
Then I would never give up and find a way to use my powers to change it. Dunno how though, any idea how?]
[ Eh ? ]
[My name is Satia Seyruun]
[Oh, erm... I am Selika. Selika of Valhad's Warriors.]
[I see... Then,Selika, remember that if it exists, freewill can only be found within.]
[ Within ...]
[ You can only ascertain of its existence or not after a long long road... ]
[But if someone were to take the road with you, you would be able to find it together.]
The conversation really started to sound strange... All I wanted to do is...
[All I want is to find a way to save those around me...talks about changing Fate are a bit...]
[Then let's try to find this. I will help you along the way.]
[ Herm... thank you but... we just met a minute ago... why would you?...]
[Is it really that important that we met a second ago?]
[I too am looking for a way to make this land as beautiful and pure as the skies.]
[ Since a very long time ago ... ]
My eyes fall on the small dragon in her arms. I had to kill his mother and so many before her.
However hard I tried I never managed to protect anything without sacrificing other lives...
Maybe Fate existed after all... and this was mine... Satia extended her slender white arm.
Where to?
[ No... Anywhere ]
[If it's with you wherever...so please take me with you... to the place you wish for]
[... let's go then... wherever this place might be ...]
We both smiled at the strange exchange and I took her warm hand. The hand of this strange woman met by chance in this improbable place, at an improbable time, who found the child I was looking for in an improbable way and started up a discussion with an improbable question...
I want to talk with her a lot more, I want to know more about her
Where did she come from? Why was she in this place? Why would I be a form of fate to her?
And above else... about what she hoped for, what she wished for the world.
Absorbed in our conversation we took our first steps together toward 'anywhere' .
Satia joined the party...
Without the chance of doing any dungeon crawling or "cave exploring" we return to Macl... (and apparently left the dragon in the lake...)
* * *
City of Macl
Arrived in Macl the west gate was closed so we had to enter through the port.
As always the port was buzzing with workers charging and discharging merchandises, vendors trying to appeal the passers-by,soldiers of Valhad watching vigilantly and children playing.
An old man could be seen looking at the town with a serene face
And women gathered in front of a shrine, praying for the sake of a departing party.
[Random Woman] [Valhad, let your radiance light the way of these adventurers]
[ And on the way back to their beloved ones]
With that the women's voices raised into a song that filled the street with bright sounds.
Satia watched the scene and smiled joyfully.
[Full of life and very animated]
[It's the port that connects the different regions of the world after all. And the temple of Valhad is attracting many people. Nohia too used to be as animated... back in the days.]
[ Ah? Really?]
Whenever I saw her bright expressions I felt strangely happy for some reason.
But this town wasn't always that peaceful, very often there were frictions between races here
Frictions that I couldn't comprehend completely but that tended to be more frequent lately.
[Ara?... What is this gathering?]
[Ah, people gather to buy southern exotic goods whenever a ship arrives from there.]
[What kind of goods?]
[I wonder about that...I've never been interested so I never went there. Want to have a look?]
[Maybe something will pick your interest too. Let's go?]
I didn't expect her answer. Usually when Nee-san is interested she pulls my arm and forces me to accompany her. But I would barely look at the goods and wait through it.
'I want to go together' hearing this gave me a tickling feeling.
...Hmm I am interested in what you would find interesting actually.]
[Fufu.... that's nice to hear.]
[Wah!]
As she was giving me a bright smile a small magic cyclone appeared before my very eyes.
[... A wind spirit?...]
[I never presented her to you right? She has been travelling with me since a long time ago.]
[Though she cannot speak human tongue and she's hard to understand she is my important friend]
[Well then! Pazuno Meneshis. Say your greetings to Selika]
[ Did I do anything to get hated? ]
[Fufu... She's just a tiny bit shy...]
[Satia revealed that she can summon Pazuno ]
(Summon become part of the formation like regular units, they usually drain some parameters from the summoner and when the summoner is KO'd the disappear)
Satia's silky red hairs fluttered and glittered in the wind.
[It seems an even larger crowd is forming]
[Eh?Ah yeah...that...that's true. Maybe we should postpone our sightseeing? There will be plenty of time later. And I want to show you the house I share with Nee-san...where I live...]
[I'd love to meet her... Will you introduce her to me?]
I nodded and then it struck me. We had been walking for hours now after an all nighter
I was used to this kind of thing but I wondered if it wasn't too hard on her.
[Ah erm I'm sorry, we walked without a pause from Nohia you're surely tired right? ]
[Do you know what inn you'll stay at?]
[No,it is my first time in this city so I would be grateful if you could be my host for now]
I wondered how Nee-san would react if I invited Satia to stay with us.......
The modest abode where Nee-san and I lived was empty at the moment.
At this time of the day she probably still were at the temple of Valhad.
[It has?]
[Yes, and it feels like it is taken care of a lot]
She closed her eyes and breathed deeply as if to take in the aura of the house.
...Curious, I imitated her and breathe deeply. At that moment.
[Ah... ra?... A visitor?]
For a few seconds Nee-san stared at Satia,stunned, but soon snapped out of it and giggled.
[Eheh! Were did you find her?]
With a wry smile I introduce Satia to a Nee-san in complete tease mode
[This is my sister, Kaya. She is protecting the surrounding lands as a priestess of Valhad.]
[Ufufu! I'm Kaya,the sister of the simple-minded kid right here.Please simply call me Kaya]
[Nice to meet you]
[My name is Satia Seyruun.]
[As you can see this place is nothing great but please make yourself comfortable.]
[Not at all, it is a lovely home. It feels it's filled with gentleness by the family living here]
Nee-san blushes at Satia's words.
[Ah... Such grand compliment...I'm glad you like it]
[My mother passed away when I was born, she was a Miko from Stinrul.]
[Father was a priest of Valhad, I heard he lost his life protecting the city.]
I had some very vague memories of him but that's all...
It was his sacrifice who inspired us to protect this land too.
[I see...]
[Well Nee-san has as much energy as 3 persons so I never felt lonely at all, dont feel bad.]
[I haven't said anything like that!]
At that moment she jumped on me and locked my head under her arm to tickle me, like always.
That's exactly why I said she was as energetic as three people!
[Fufufu ......]
Satia giggled at the sight of us siblings teasing each other. Nee-san's cheerfulness is one of the points I love but Satia's smile really have a different effect on me and the atmosphere.
Hearing her laugh even my sister started to feel embarrassed and she let go of me.
[Hem well... Satia-san?]
[Please just call me Satia]
[Then, Satia.]
[You said you were travelling right? Did you decide which inn you will be staying at?]
[No...]
[That's why I brought her here. Maybe we could let her stay here?...at least for some time?]
[That is a rare amount of mindfulness coming from you ...]
[ Is that a 'No'? ]
[If my cute lil'bro asks it like that.Fine...it's a bit small but please take the spare room.]
After thanking Nee-san, Satia pulled me closer and said:
[... My I ask for one more favour?]
[If it is within my powers, anything]
[ Actually... I would like you to show me around the city]
[I would like to hear the news and rumours, for that the tavern is the best place, right?]
[...Aah, The thing we call 'Dalnos' is also a sacred soldier of Valhad.]
[He is like an older brother to me... I'd love to introduce him to you]
[Right, and since it would be bad if all these drunkards picked on her be sure to protect her]
[Eh... ah Yeah]
With a smile Satia continued to observe us and said
[It will only repay little of your kindness but if you could accept this protective ritual .]
[Oooh, fascinating! I never heard this incantation but I feel power rising in me.]
[ That's good. It's a ritual charm they use in the northern lands]
[ To insure you a gentle future...]
As she say that she smiles warmly at us.
[Both your city and sister are wonderful. Have you always lived here Selika?]
[I've been born and raised in the village of Cuito, north of Nohia]
[The village of Cuito, by all means I'd like to go there too. I want to know more about you.]
[ If you wish to go this much. I will bring you there.]
There are a few events to visit...we will start with the bar.
[ Thank you...]
Satia shyly took a few mouthful of alcohol while Nee-san gulped down her own glass.
The three of us had gone to the bar for a small toast and eat something. I was a bit disappointed that we couldn't meet Dalnos but there will be plenty of occasions. So we enjoyed simple food and small talks and as the evening progressed Nee-san started to get drunk. Typical
[... It's not like that... I just thought it would be easier for her until she found an inn.]
She still could stand but Nee-san's voice was clearly showing all the signs of drunkenness.
Did she compete in drinking ability with Satia? But Satia still looked sober...
[You got to this age but you've never talked about girls. Nee-san was worried you know?]
[Well you're older than me and you've never managed to get a boyfriend either, right?]
[ Ouch!.... Ouch! It hurts!]
[Nee-san is only waiting for you to get a girl! You might not know but I'm very popular!]
[Then after that it will be your turn to find someone right?]
[ Eh? No...Yes... herm]
[Ahahahaha]
[Ufufufufufu]
Being able to have a happy meal with my sister and Satia,simple happiness, that's all I wanted
[You have a great sister.]
[...... you're right...]
She doesn't like to show it but she has always worried about me and supported me all she could
[...... ......]
[Nee-san?....]
[Thank you for looking out for me all these years...]
(tonight is toothbrush night
)
* * *
Next is the marketplace...
Foreigners and villagers from nearby gather here to appeal clients in a confused cacophony.
Strangely enough, they wasted an opportunity to make a dick vigor pun.
[Random Guy][It is found in a dungeon near our village, rare stuff! In other shops you'd have to pay double!]
We were using the plant for potions so I could tell this wasn't some scam, rather the quality was not bad at all. If Nee-san was here she would jump on the occasion with sparkling eyes.
But I wasn't planning any long lone expedition for now, I didn't need this.
At my side stood Satia, sometimes watching the goods, sometimes observing me.
[When you walk through the town like this, do you ever find anything you want? I bet not]
[ No ...... Not really]
Thinking back on it that was true. I've often been dragged along by my sister in this street
[I often buy consumables and necessary stuff for battle... and food ... ]
[But for anything more I feel it would be a waste to buy something I have no use for... ]
This too was something that worried Nee-san a lot. Acute Anti-Materialism she was calling it
You're not encumbering yourself cause you think you'll die soon! I disagreed with her but...
[With magic tools your abilities and income will raise and you'll be able to get better food.]
[I rather believe in daily training than fancy equipment for battle, in case I lose everything]
[As for food as long as it's nourishing I don't really care for the taste. Dalnos is different
[If my income is not enough after our usual dungeon exploration I take some jobs in the hills]
[You always do dungeon crawling? ]
[The place depends on who's with me but ever since I could fight properly... yes]
[If I am alone I scout and protect the hills and surrounding area. I know them quite well]
[ Is this way of living strange? I feel it is enough but...]
Not having any desire for more comfort. Not having a hobby or any distraction and spending all my time perfecting my swordsmanship until my arms fall off... to protect others...
[I see, it's probably enough ...I guess for you this lifestyle is one of the world's treasure]
[Because you treasure something spiritual you find material possessions rather pointless.]
[ You might be right... you're probably right...]
[Hm! I think that's one of your truth]
[ For my part at least... I like the kind of person you are]
Satia hid her slightly embarrassed expression with a gentle laugh.
I never really thought about myself so deeply. Nor did I compare myself to others...
Having few desires... Desires and envy bring conflict ...
So I though it was natural to think like that to avoid conflict. But I guess I'm a rare case.
[ Your insights are quite interesting...]
[ Fufu... thank you ]
Now that I think about it, Satia did travel to many places and must have met many odd people...
That's probably why she can fell at ease around an oddball like me. The though made me smile.
* * *
Selika checks on Liz (demon raped loli ) next...
I asked around where she was living now and I have been told the address of a small house at the far end of low-town. It was the house of a distant relative of the girl taking care of he
(Old "Man")
[I do not hold the title yet. I am still a mere Warrior, Selika is my name]
[Old Lady] [You may not hold the title but for me and this girl you saved you are a Hero plenty enough]
I wish she wouldn't be so grand with her praises I only managed to save her life after all
[I heard of her state from the priestess Kaya and I came to see if there is anything I can do]
[Is she still... mute?]
[Old Lady] [Yes...she hasn't spoken a word yet...But could it be that Hero-sama came here for her sake? ]
The old woman bowed frantically as I answered with a simple nod.
[Old Lady] [aaaaah... thank you for your kindness, I am sure Liz will appreciate the gesture]
[Liz? Is this her name?]
[Old Lady] [Yes, she is a pious and gentle child, for her to be attacked by a monster... such tragedy...]
[Old Lady] [Lately she sometimes find the strength to leave bed but today ... I am sorry, truly sorry...]
[There isn't anything to apologize for. The day I can meet her will surely come.]
[Old Lady] [I will tell Liz that Hero-sama came to see her, without fault.]
(I guess this is all I can do for now)
I bowed to her and was about to leave when I heard light footsteps coming from the back room.
The half hidden figure of the girl appeared in the door frame. She held her head down and...
[Old Lady] [ Liz...]
That was all...4 words and she disappeared back into the room but the old lady broke in tears.
[Old Lady] [Aaaaah!... Liz has... Liz has spoken...]
If she ever want to meet me I will come again for now please be by her side.]
Is what I said after the old lady calmed down. With some last parting words I left Liz' house.
* * *
Finally back at home...
After our meal Nee-san started barking at me while I was taking care of my sword.
[You're so meticulous in dungeons but you're really a lazy swine the rest of the time!]
[...... Aaah ...... sorry]
['Sorry' my ass! If you have time to luster your sword then do some cleaning incidentally!]
I ended up with a worn up broom in hand faster than my eyes could follow. Now the problem was:
(This... I'm sure you have to move it right and left alternatively but... which side down?)
Was there a manual to learn how to use it? When she saw my puzzled expression Satia smiled.
[ Ouchouch ouch! That hurts!]
(he actually managed to hit himself in the head. Hilarious. Unfortunately the game doesn't take long to end the slice-of-life part)
[Don't even think about asking for her help!]
[With my authority as your 'Big Sister' I will straighten your lazy personality.]
[I'm cleaning right now and I didn't ask for help yet, did I?]
Well...no way out of it. It wouldn't hurt to tidy things up sometimes. I quietly started to sweep
[In place of our parents, as the elder sister I have the duty to raise him properly,that's all.
[And I'll also make sure courtesy and good manners sink into this thick skull of his]
[Speaking of manners, you should stop walking naked in front of your brother at our age]
[ Shut it! Raaah what are you blabbering in front of Satia?!]
Satia started laughing again. These arguments were quite ordinary for me and Nee-san but having someone watching really felt strange.
[Oh by the way...Do you have any siblings, Satia?]
[Me?]
[ Heee? 100% girls? Must be fun and very lively.]
[That's true they're sweet, but I haven't met them in so long, nor did I hear about them lately]
She answered with a melancholic smile,turning her gaze toward the window. I glanced at Kaya.
[I see... I'm sorry about it, I hope you will find them soon.]
[Could it be that you are travelling to find your family's whereabouts?]
[ ... Hmm! Well yes... there is little of this too...]
[Onne-sama is fine but my little sis she's too pure and often get wrapped up with wrong people]
[Onne-sama too, often have scolded this child because of that.]
[ 'Try to think properly!...If you're too nice then you will get used by people' ]
[But her pure heart is one of her qualities so I never stop praying for her safety.]
[Fufu, you too cant help but to worry about your cute little sister.]
[Yes... we went through painful times and sad times together and always fought side by side]
[Now the only thing I can do is to pray that she is happy... somewhere.]
[ I kind of understand the feeling...]
My sister's voice started to sound sad... I started to try to imagine Satia's siblings when...
[Uwah!]
[Don't just swing the broom randomly, don't daydream and pay attention to what you're doing!]
[ Eh? Isnt a broom made to be swung like this? To send dust in the air so it would fly away?]
[...... ......]
[...... ......]
[... It was a stupid mistake of mine to even think this child could handle the broom...]
[ Ah! Enough! I will do it myself! You go do maintenance on your sword.]
[Satia, can I have you watch this little kid so he wouldn't mess up any other room?]
[Yes! Onne-sama! ]
The melancholy left Satia as Nee-san and her started to grin to each other at my expense.
[ Ah... there is still something salvageable in what fell... that's a potion!]
[a drop of 血廉 was obtained]
Satia and I left the room and I felt a bit ashamed to have shown such ineptitude to cleaning.
[I hope you can find your little sister soon...]
She answered quietly and lost herself in thoughts. Seeing that it stirred painful memories
I stopped prying, resuming sharpening my sword and we spent the rest of the afternoon in silence
* * *
* * * * *
Village of Cuito
A small community that barely harbours 200 people living in the middle of one of the most harsh climate around. But comparatively there were very few monsters around since this place was a sacred land where several guardian spirits lived.
It was also the only village in contact with a tribe of humanoids living secluded on the peaks.
[ Well... there really isn't much to see around here]
[A gentleness resulting from interactions without any ulterior motives]
[ Do you really feel all these things? ]
[ You don't? ]
[ I was born and raised here. So all I feel is... it being normal.]
[There are simple houses, some animals... and nothing else]
[Oh...there! Just next to the stream, this is the house where I was raised]
[ Well... now it is an abandoned house I suppose]
[I'd like to go and visit it.]
Satia said after spotting the wooden building I pointed at.
[ But... there's nobody inside... nothing.]
[ But I still want to see it. I cant?]
[ Well... if you wish I'll show you inside.]
I shrugged my shoulders and took a step toward the abandoned old house.
[Well... this is my home]
When I opened the door the accumulated dust soared and glittered in the light.
[Fragrance? ... It only smells like dust and mold to me... not exactly 'wonderful']
[You're wrong. The fragrance of the family that lived here still remains.]
Satia stood here,same as before,eye closed and smiling as if she could see images of the past.
[ Detergent ...stew... and a lot of other smells...]
Even after this time the smells of the family that lived here remains.]
I tried to imitate her an smelled but I only managed to sneeze from the dust. Satia laughed
[Smells... Since I cant remember her I suppose this is all that remains of my mother]
[ She was a Miko of Stinrul you said?]
[ Hm! I never asked all the details but ...]
[One day she had a vision and came to share it with the temple, there she met my father.]
[Mother helped father with the prophecy at the cost of her own status and powers and...]
[Bonded with your Father right?]
[She was called a savage and the people from Macl refused to let her stay so they came here.]
[Because this village interacts with other species they don't prejudice against mixed blood]
[Then your sister was born... and you.]
[When she was in her last month of pregnancy she got attacked by a demon while gathering herbs.]
[I somehow managed to survive but father never recovered from it.He started to spend all his energy trying to mediate between Stinrul and Macl,chasing demons or training.Day and night]
[ I also had my sister with me so I never felt lonely ]
[Though he hasn't exactly been a good 'father' I came understand and respect his way of life]
[ Is it? I wonder...]
[Your mother lived happily and took good care of this home for the sake of her children]
[... which is why such gentle fragrance has remained]
Possible... I didn't share such a strong conviction that she had been happy but...
[Do you want to meet the village chief? You could say she's the one who actually raised me.]
[ By all means.]
[Let's go then, she's surely home at this hour.]
I took her hand and we left the house.
[It sure is noisy today.]
These people who usually live their lives silently had gathered and were discussing.
Many show a serious expression and there is restlessness in the air.
[Chief... has something happened?]
[Chief] [ In fact ......]
The village chief told us about the problem while showing an egg to us.
A Ragtamn's egg, the sacred beasts living in the northern valley, have been retrieved here
The eggshells after hatching are of great value and a necessary income for the village
But a poacher took an unhatched egg which may anger the beasts.
So the villagers wanted to bring the egg back in its nest before the theft was discovered.
[ How long has it been since the egg left the nest?]
[Chief] [Looking at the surface of the egg, not long... we might still have time before it dies.]
[Chief] [Son... could you go the the valley of Snowmoon and put back the egg?]
[Chief] [ Recently there have been too many monsters for any of us to reach there safely.]
[ Monsters? Even here?]
Nohia, Macl, Quito... there have been an awful lot of demons in the region recently
... An evil Instrument that call forth evil they said.
Could all this really be the influence of the Instrument of Void?
[Chief] [Hmm... I suppose that even for a warrior of Valhad like you this is a risky task.]
[No I can do it, it's just that it reminded me of something else.]
[If we handle the egg with care we should be able to do it but if we don't...]
[Chief] [Ah that's true... well if the egg dies then there will be helping it and we will use it.]
An eggshell sells for a high price and would suffice to feed the village for 1 winter.
Of course if possible I would prefer to return the egg back to the nest safely.
I opened my map and looked at the possible path to get to the valley then raised my head to
check if I could find the path on the mountain.Satia did the same and we compared our pathings.
Looking at us working harmoniously the village chief became curious.
[Aaah sorry, herm she is Satia... a sacred maiden of Nasatia.]
[She studies the customs and histories of the different lands so she's travelling with me now]
[Satia, this is the village's chief, the person who brought me up with Nee-san]
[ I am Satia Seyruun, nice to meet you.]
[Chief] [My little Selika is the pride of this village please get along well.]
[Chief] [He used to be so small and cute, who would have though he would grow so tall and charming.]
[ Please chief... dont bring out old stories]
Satia smiled and the village chief started laughing
[Chief] [He was becoming famous in Macl so we hoped to see a young beautiful bride and there you are]
[Chief] [For the sake of this granny who doesnt have long...come back with a baby next time]
[ Chief! Please stop! You're embarrassing her ... we're not married]
[ Fufufu..]
[Satia... sorry for this ... erm ]
[With pleasure]
I thought she would be upset by the chief's assumptions...But she had only blushed a bit.
And now she's staring at me, like always.
[I want to know you much more.]
[I want to hear stories of your childhood as well.]
[Chief] [You came to the right place.I 'll tell you all of it, from the day he last wet his bed to now]
[ Sa..Satia! Let's go!]
I seriously didn't plan on having all my embarrassing stories recorded in the report she will have to give to her high priestess. I took the hand of a giggling Satia and we left.
* * *
* * * * *
The valley harbours many rare things. From precious herbs to the Ragtam, a rare magical beast.
But the way to get there is fairly bad and dangerous,even with good legs it takes half a day
to get there from the village. It's a beautiful place but not somewhere you can visit easily.
We didn't meet any monster or demon so we managed to advance relatively fast.
That's good... since we want to return the egg as fast as possible.
With some luck the parents didn't notice it was absent
[ Are you sure? ]
[I think it will be easier for you to open the path this way]
[And since we don't know what kind of monster will appear you will need to react fast.]
[ Hm, true]
I handed the egg to her.
I was the size of a fist and resembled that of a chicken but with a white pearl colour.
When crushed finely and incorporated in weapon it helps holding powerful enchantments.
[ Such wonder ......]
[You justified it quite well but... ]
[Actually you just wanted to touch it right? Curiosity of a maiden of the goddess of knowledge]
At my words, she laughed timidly. Like the child whom mischief was completely uncovered.
She hugged the egg quietly and gently.
If I could I would have liked to let her keep it...
[Shall we go? If we wait too long it might hatch in your arms and we already raise a dragon]
[Fufufu ... this might make a nice sibling for him.]
We shared another happy smile and stepped into the valley.