Departure

You leave in the morning, after breakfast. You can’t help but laugh as you look around at everyone on horses and a wagon. It’s like you’ve fallen into some kind of fantasy novel.

Daigo approaches you as you leave. “I won’t be joining you on this trip. I need to get home, and spending time in a mountain isn’t really my idea of a good time. Take care of my daughter, Josh.”

You nod. “Most of the time it’s the other way around. We’ll see you when we head back south.”

Daigo smiles, and goes to say goodbye to Maya.

Afterwards, your journey begins. It will take almost a week to reach Queen Sella, but the path through her kingdom is supposed to be peaceful. You don’t anticipate trouble, especially with the formidable group you have. Additionally, you’re not known outside of a few people here, so there shouldn’t be any personal vendettas to worry about yet.

It’s a beautiful day, and before long, Elys and Sadie are riding beside each other and decide to sing. You recognize the song, as once again they’re singing a song they picked up from your music collection.

Light shines bright beyond all the cities of gold/On a road of birdsong and chocolate shops/Of buskers, jugglers, innkeeper's welcoming call/The sound of mist, smell of moss-grown woods

You smile as conversation quiets to listen. They both have wonderful voices, and they smile as they sing. Recognizing the song, you join in on the chorus.

Weaving my wings from many-colored yarns/Flying higher, higher, higher

Into the wild/Weaving my world into tapestry of life/Its fire, golden, In my Walden

There’s smiles all around as you travel, singing. It’s a beautiful morning, you’re surrounded by beautiful women, and everyone looks happy. You realize that, despite the stress and fears you have, none of that matters in the moment.

I will taste the manna in every tree/Liquid honey and wine from the distant hills/An early morning greenwood concerto/Greets my Walden with its eternal voice

Even Clarissa seems enraptured by Elys and Sadie, her orange glowing eyes half closed and a broad smile on her face. As the song finishes, she opens her eyes and seems to notice your gaze, and looks away with a blush. You’re amused that someone seemingly so strong and confident when you first met is already flustered by you. You’re not the only one who noticed, either.

Maya rides up beside you. “Already putting the moves on the cute metal dwarf? That’s my Josh!”

You chuckle. “Honestly, I think I surprised her. I’m guessing she expected something different from the dusty prophecy books she read.”

Maya nods. “Well we all know no one can resist you, especially if I get the girls to work on her.”

You give Maya a look. “Just don’t irritate the poor girl. You know we can be a bit much sometimes.”

“You mean don’t unleash Sadie on her? Don’t worry, I’ve got this down to a science at this point.”

You laugh. “Maya, you sound like a cult leader!”

Maya giggles. “The cult of my Josh! But seriously, we’ll find out what she’s like, and see if she’ll fit in. Even though Yura’s vision seems to indicate that she’s one of us.”

“Yeah, I don’t live my life by prophecy. Life is what we make of it.”

Maya leans over and kisses you. “That’s my Josh. As long as you stay a good man, you’re doing great.”

You smile at her and she rides off to chat with Kali. You chuckle at their plotting as Elys and Sadie sing more music together.