Cellestra cleaned and gutted the fish as best she could on the way, before I strung it up between my pedipalps and summoned a small fire under it to heat it while on the go. Cellestra seemed amused by that and kept leaning forward and to the side every now and then to try to get a glimpse of the slow-cooking salmon.

“You know,” I said. “If you’re that interested in what’s happening in front of me, maybe we should put you on my head next time.”

“I...” She let out. “Will you be okay with that? You know, with your eyes and whatnot? Where will I even leave my legs?”

“Hm. I do have a big head, don’t I?” I said, looking down to find a solution for the problem that would occur if she were to move forward. “I mean, I guess you could put them around my waist.”

I chuckled. “Then you can hug me all day!”

The elf giggled. “That doesn’t sound so bad.”

“Even more reason for me not to use armor. I reckon cold steel isn’t the nicest thing to hug.”

“I wouldn’t know,” Cellestra admitted. “I’ve never hugged steel.”

I shrugged. “How about the beach?” I pointed forward. We were getting close to the ocean, and along it was a golden sandy beach. “You ever been to the beach?”

“Does the small part of beach back near my cabin count?”

I shook my head. “Nope.”

“Then, no.”

“Well, since we’re here anyway, might as well enjoy all the wonders that the sea brings.”

“Just be careful of the seagulls,” Cellestra warned me. “Don’t let them steal your fish.”

I chuckled. “I’ve had that happen once. Didn’t intend to ever let it happen again.” I stared into the distance, where a few seagulls flew over the water. “I hate those nasty, stealing birds.”

Within a few minutes, I found my legs skittering through the sand as we followed the shoreline to the left. Surprisingly, I had very little trouble finding my way through the golden grains that would have severely impeded my footing if I’d still been my old self. The little bit of sand that got on my large, spider eyes was simply ignored; I wasn’t bothered by it in the slightest.

“This is beautiful,” Cellestra said as she kept turning her head to watch the majestic ocean and the few critters running around through the sand. “We should come here more often. I’m surprised there’s nobody around.”

“We definitely should. Though, those crabs make me feel confused.”

“Huh, how?”

“Look how they walk,” I said. “When I look at them, I can feel myself projecting their movements into my own legs. Does that even make sense?”

“You’re trying to imitate them?”

“I guess you could put it like that. I’ve never wondered about it before, but they do move in a funny way, sidewards.”

Cellestra giggled again. “You’re funny. You know that?”

“So I’ve been told.”

During our stroll on the beach, I had to scare off more than a few seagulls that were overly interested in the fish that I was cooking. Even though that part was annoying, coming here was still worth it. The glow of wonder in Cellestra’s purple eyes was all that I needed.

Surprisingly, there was little to no wind. Even so, small waves still crashed into the sands, sending foam forward. Every now and then, some crabs were brought or taken by the ocean.

“This makes me wonder if I can actually swim,” I randomly said. “Do you know?”

“No idea,” Cellestra said with a shrug. “Doesn’t sound like now is a good time to find out, either… which is unfortunate as I’d love to see you try.”

“What if I can’t?”

“Well, you got that water walk ability right? Do you think you can use that to get back on the water when you’re down in it?”

“Good question...”

Then, I noticed something in the distance. The beach eventually ended, but the ocean stretched forward. The sand was replaced by grass, and further up, a tiny settlement came into view. It was about two hundred yards further inland, but there was a small trail of dirt leading through agricultural fields to the ocean, towards several docks. Some had small fishing ships anchored.

“Well, that’s the first settlement. I’m going to assume it’s not Thymhil judging by its size.”

Cellestra held her hand above her eyes to peer into the distance. “Doesn’t look like a city to me. I would assume a city has its docks integrated into the city.”

“Exactly. Let’s keep going. Maybe we'll be able to reach Thymhil today.”

“If it’s not too far out, sure.”

“Forgive my impatience,” I said softly. “I’m just… you know.”

Cellestra smiled warmly and patted my back. “I understand. If anything, I’m looking forward to meeting your family as well.”

“And I’m looking forward to the day that I can help you reunite with yours.”

“That...” Cellestra started softly before looking down to my back, her smile disappearing. “I don’t know about that yet.”

“I mean, we need to get rid of your ailment first, obviously,” I said.

Cellestra shook her head. “That’s not what I meant...” She sighed. “I mean, even if we do that, I still don’t know if they actually want to see me again. My memories of back then are hazy at best, and I don’t want you to put that much effort into something that may not result in anything.”

“I’m sorry,” I said softly. “For bringing that up. If it’s any consolation, I don’t mind putting in that effort.” I paused for a few seconds. “It’s not something we have to actively work on if you don’t want to, so don’t worry about it. We can look into things whenever you’re ready or want to.”

The elf nodded. “Thank you.”

I never slowed down my pace during our conversation. The settlement was already way past us and judging from the sun’s position, we could still continue for a couple of hours before darkness would fall over this world. I was hoping, and praying that any moment now, buildings would appear over the horizon.

“Elysa really knows how to pick the perfect spot, doesn’t she?” I asked in an attempt to cheer Cellestra up, and also to get her to talk again after the long silence that followed our last conversation.

“The ocean, the fields, the pleasant temperature, the relative safety… this place is amazing.”

“Wouldn’t expect anything less from a goddess,” Cellestra answered, a small smile growing on her lips as she tilted her head up again.

“Can’t believe I was so skeptical at first.”

“It’s your family we’re talking about here,” The elf spoke. “It’s natural to worry about their safety. Even I do it, and I have few ties to them.”

“That’s harsh… but also beautiful,” I let out.

A period of silence followed, during which Cellestre tilted her head to look at my back again.

“Hey, Kealyna?”

“Hm?”

“Do you think I’m pretty?” She asked softly, almost whispering.

“Yes,” I replied immediately, and without thought. “Despite the dirty clothes, messy hair, and everything, I think you’re pretty, beautiful even.” I paused for a second. “Why do you ask?”

Cellestra seemed stunned. I wasn’t sure if it was the answer itself or the speed with which I had affirmed it. “I...” She said softly. “I don’t know… Even the eyes?” She asked.

“They’re gorgeous,” I said confidently.

The elf stared into my rear eyes with a blank expression before a tear formed in one of her eyes which then fell onto my back.

“Are you okay?” I asked softly.

Cellestra nodded slowly. “Nobody has ever said that to me...”

I sighed, slightly frustrated, but mostly saddened by the elf’s reaction. I slowed down and continued moving forward with just six of my legs. I used my other two to carefully pat the brunette’s back in an attempt to bring her some comfort.

“Well, now I have, and I’ll say it again as many times as you like.” I paused for a second, during which I closed my eyes. “You know I’ve fallen for you, Cellestra… both your inside and outside are beautiful in my eyes.”

That was enough to elevate Cellestra’s mood. A sweet smile appeared back on her face, the kind that made my heart melt. “Thank you,” She said softly, moving her hand back in my hair to gently pat my back.

I smiled which then transformed into a chuckle. “I would ask you what you think about me, but you hardly see anything besides my back and hair.”

“I don’t know...” Cellestra said quietly. “Your hair is really pretty. I like looking at it.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“I...” The elf started, before pausing. Her eyes showed me she was thinking about something, but no words followed. Her pupils darted to the back of my elven head, then back down before she shook her head. “Nevermind.”

I patted her back once more before I brought my legs back onto the grass to pick up the pace. Whatever Cellestra wanted to say, I thought better than to pry. Besides, something resembling a stone tower just appeared on the horizon which made my mind race with anticipation.

Finally.