Chapter 1: The Huntress

(Eve Solaris POV)

I felt the warm, summer breeze brush against my skin as I drew my bow back, holding my ground, feeling my steady heartbeat lead my aim.

‘Almost there… just a bit more…’

‘Now!!’

I released the string of my bow with a resounding twang and watched as the arrow arced through the air to strike my target.

The deer reacted instantly and tried to run away through the thick undergrowth of the forest, but it was too late. I watched as the arrow sunk deep into its neck. Blood spurted out of the wound, staining its snowy white fur as its life faded from its eyes.

“Yes, I got it!” I victoriously celebrated as I hopped down from the tree branch I had been using as my hideout for the past couple of hours and ran over to where my prey had fallen.

Looking down, I could see a trail of blood spattered across the ground. The deer was still alive and struggling. I smiled gleefully, thrilled by the joy of the hunt, and began to follow the trail, a stark contrast of red against the luscious, green grass.

The world around me faded into an indistinct blur as I ran through the undergrowth of the forest, focused solely on the quickly drying splotches of blood. The pained cry of a weakening beast snapped me out of my reverie. I peeked through the recently disturbed brush and I could see the now fallen deer, gurgling its last breaths through a steady stream of blood.

The deer’s wide, almost intelligent eyes stared at me as I approached, but it was too weak to resist me further. I edged closer to the near dead animal, in an attempt to calm it.

“Please allow me to end your suffering.” I solemnly whispered, as I plunged my knife into its heart.

“That was a good shot, my Little Huntress” I heard a voice call out from behind me.

I turned around to see a 6’5 tall man, with extremely chiseled features, blond hair, and green eyes sporting a proud smile on his face, as he came over and ruffled my hair, messing it up.

“I told you to stop calling me that, Dad!” I blurted out. slapping his hand away and blushing slightly. My Father had recently started calling me “Huntress” for my skills in hunting, but added in the “little” because of course he did.

“You may be turning 18 soon, but you’ll always be my little girl.” He told me through unsuppressed laughter. “Now let's stop messing around, we need to hurry up and get this back before dinner time or your mom will be pissed.”

“If you’re in such a hurry, you could always carry it back yourself, old man.” I teased as I pulled the arrow out of the deer’s neck.

“Although I may not be the strongest in terms of mana, I still have enough to use body enhancement, unlike you, little huntress.” He teased back at me with a wink, bending down to grab the deer’s front legs.

“I’ll have mana one day” I pouted, grabbing the two back legs of the deer to “help” my dad carry it back home.

My parents had both been B-class adventurers before retiring. While they weren't considered that strong given that the ranks went from D to SSS, I was still envious of them. Being born without mana was seen as an abnormality, something that tormented and fueled me every day.

My father gave me a thoughtful look as we made our way back with the deer, before he said “Eve, I won’t pretend to know how it feels, but I want you to know your mother and I will always love you no matter what. Never think that you’re a disappointment to me or your mother, understand?”

“I know, Dad. It’s just that everyone else awakened at the age of 7. Yet, I’ll be an adult soon and still can’t even use the most basic forms of mana.” I replied, my bangs covering my eyes from his view.

He stopped then and turned fully towards me. “Mana isn’t everything, Eve. Plus, due to your years of training, under whom some might call the greatest hunter in all of Eden, your peers and even many adults wouldn’t be able to hold a candle to you, mana or not.” He added with a smug grin.

I raised a brow in amusement, “Oh? You’ll have to show me where this oh-so-great hunter is so I can thank him myself.” I said with an exaggerated turn of my head.

My Dad covered his chest in mock outrage, but couldn’t hide the smiling tugging at the corner of his lips.

“Thanks” I said, not including ‘for cheering me up’ since I knew he understood.

“That’s what parents are for. Now, let’s get going.”

“Yes, Father!” I yelled as we began walking towards town.

…

The better part of an hour later, I could see the border of the town I called home: Callum.

It was a small town, home to only sixty to seventy people. A neighboring river that bisected out town, delivered fresh, cold water for the villagers and livestock. The wind was warm here during the summer months, at least, warm for the South Continent. Anyone from the East Continent of Anatolia would find it freezing.

You could see some of them in the line of merchant carriages up by the small trade hut bundled up in thick furs, no doubt supplied by nearby villages. They looked ridiculous compared to the villagers in their thin clothing.

Some of the merchants were inside the trade hut, caught up in a tense negotiation over goods. For a small village like ours, they were our biggest source of income and they knew it. Before even reaching the gates, I could hear the village bustling with activity. It was no wonder considering every abled person was preparing for the Solstice Festival that would be held in a few days. This one, however, was a bit special since it marked the two thousandth year in the Neamh Calendar.

I could see children all over setting up decorations, laughing and playing while the adults talked in groups, discussing various adult things like the coming autumn harvest and current events. I could never understand how the village elders could sit for hours talking about something so boring.

Did age suck the fun out of adults as they grew older? My father was an exception though. He remained his joyful, teasing self even though he was usually the one leading most of those adult discussions. Overall though, everyone was excited for the celebration that would soon be held for the sixteen Gods of our land.

As we walked deeper into town, I caught sight of a very familiar person running over to us with a dorky smile smeared on her face: Gabriela Esther.

“Uncle Ayrton, Eve! I see your hunting trip went well” I heard her call out to us.

“Yes, well, Eve is turning into quite the prodigy with a bow, if I do say so myself,.” My dad replied with a smile nearly bursting from his own pride.

“Seems like the nickname of “The Huntress” isn’t just for show then, right Eve?” Gabriela teased.

“I don’t believe my Dad would let me have it just for show, Gabriela.” I retorted, already feeling the warmth on my cheeks. “Anyway, how’s your training going? Is Sister Flavia treating you well?”

“Yeah, it’s alright.” Gabriela said with a sigh. “I know that serving the Church is an honor and all but I haven’t had much time for myself.”

I shot her a mocking grin, “You’d spend it all hanging around with me or gawking at Ashtor Caden anyway, which I should say is not very nun-like.”

“Sh-shut up!” Gabriela yelled, blushing furiously as she turned around to see if Cenric was around. “Fine, if we’re sharing secrets, you like Cenric Antheia!”

“Well, I hope I’ll see you at the Solstice, Gabriela!” I said with a wave, already walking away before Gabriela could reveal any more of our secrets. Father was already grinning widely. It looked like I was going to get another long talk from mom again.

“Always on the move, that one,” my Dad laughed as he too waved at the still flustered Gabriela and continued to our home.

I looked up a few minutes later to see a small cottage house with aging limestone walls, coming up in the distance. A familiar, comforting warmth filled me when the large oak door creaked open.

A stunning, slender woman about 5’5 tall, just a little shorter than me, with rich black hair and dark violet eyes, approached us, walking with elegance and grace similar to those of royal descent: my mother.

“Hello, Dear. I see our little huntress’ expedition went well again, today” she called out to my father

“It went very well, Davina. Her skill with the bow grows rapidly day by day. I must say, given another couple years even my title might be at risk” My Dad responded as we hung the deer up so we could skin it.

“Mom, do you have to tease me as well with the “Little Huntress” thing?” I whined as we finished hanging the deer.

Her brow was raised as she was undoubtedly still trying to figure out what title he could be referring to but she simply shook her head and looked at me. “Of course, Eve. I can’t let your father have all the fun, can I?” My mom teased with a wink.

“You should enjoy this, Eve. One day, when we aren’t around anymore, you’ll miss this.” My father said while beginning to skin the deer.

“You’re both not even in your forties yet. I believe it’s a little early to be thinking like that.” I said seriously, not wanting to think about it.

“Time flies faster than you think my little huntress. I’ll skin the deer for tonight, you head inside and help your mother with setting up dinner.”

“Yes father, I'll see you soon, then.” I answered, running inside.

…

As I opened the door to the dining room, a mixture of beautiful smells flooded my nose. I could smell the fragrant aroma of mashed potatoes, corn, beans, and their various spices that my mom was preparing to go with the venison we’d be eating tonight.

“Dad told me I should help you prepare for dinner.” I called out while walking towards the kitchen.

“That’s great, Eve! Please, help me set the tables. I wanted to talk to you anyway.” My mom yelled back.

As I approached the kitchen, I could see my mom stirring the pots of food to make sure nothing was burned with the same bubbly aura she always exuded.

“Hey mom, what did you want to talk about?” I asked as I started to lay out plates on the table.

“Are you excited for the Solstice?” She replied, not taking her eyes off the food.

“Of course, mom. This is a big day for the entire continent, aren’t you excited?” I absently questioned as I finished setting up the table.

“I am the village Chief, it is my duty to be excited for such events,” she responded.

“Mom, is there more to this tha…”

“I’ve finished skinning the deer, everyone.” My father’s yell cut in, interrupting my question.

“We will talk about this later, sweetie. Let’s get the deer ready for cooking while your dad casts preservation magic on the extra meat.” She said as she walked past me, patting my shoulder.

“Yes, Mom.” I answered, following her.

We spent the rest of the night cooking and enjoying our time together. We laughed as we told each other jokes and hunting stories from when I had first started hunting. My father did not fail to mention how, at first, I had made many mistakes at my father’s expense.

This was basically how everyday went for us. We talked and laughed for hours, but, before we knew it, it was getting extremely late and I had begun to feel the results of my efforts from my hunt.

“Well, I think I’m going to head to bed. Thanks for the meal, mom. It was delicious as always. I love you both, goodnight.” I said, walking over to hug both my parents before heading to my room.

“Good night, sweetie. See you in the morning.” I heard my parents call out to me as I entered my room.

As I laid in bed, I couldn’t help but think about what my mom had said to me

‘It’s her duty to be excited for such events.’ Does that mean she personally has other feelings for it or other feelings towards these gods? My parents had met the gods before. It was a great honor to them both, as it was a privilege only for most nobles or distinguished adventurers. However, a war had broken out between the continents of Eden and Drakht, drawing their attention elsewhere, so I hadn’t had the chance to meet them.

‘I’m probably just over thinking things. The gods are the greatest beings to have ever existed and care about us deeply.’ Were my final thoughts on the matter before deciding it was time to let the darkness take me into sleep. ’The Solstice would be in a few days. Whatever it was, it could wait till after.’

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I awoke the following morning to the ecstatic sound of movement throughout the house. This was my queue.

I got up from my bed, the sun still shy of bearing its teeth out into the sky. I walked over to my wardrobe, still half asleep, as I picked out some basic clothes to wear under my hunting garments. It was nothing more than some simple, soft yet flexible leggings and a blue, long sleeve shirt.

I finished changing and made my way downstairs to the dimly lit dining area, filled with the smell of freshly baked bread. I snuck a piece as I began walking towards the door to head outside, grabbing my bow and quiver next to the door, along with my bag.

Today was Wednesday and every Wednesday, my father and I would borrow two horses to use in our training sessions. It was by far one of the more exciting days that I look forward to throughout my week.

“Morning, Eve. Did you sleep well?” My father asked as I approached our miniature stable.

“As good as always, dad.” I replied with a snicker. My father never bothered to tidy his messy blond hair if he wasn’t going to be seen by strangers. Right now, his hair looked like a messy clump of hay.

“That’s good, because we have a pretty exciting day today; I can’t have you dragging behind and slowing us down.” He teased me with a sly grin.

“From what I remember, it’s usually you who arrives last at our destination.” I said as I finished loading my stuff and mounting my horse.

“I guess we’ll have to see, then. Last one to Aniva’s Trench has to carry today’s catch back home!” He said as he sneaked a headstart onwards past the fence and onto the dirt road.

“Hey!! That’s not fair!!” I yelled, urging my horse to gallop behind him.

Aniva’s Trench was about an hour away from where we lived, however, a simple trip on a horse shortened that time to about twenty-five minutes. Somewhere along the halfway mark, I had passed up my dad who was seemingly struggling to keep up the pace at which he had left. I gave him a teasing face as I yelled “Looks like you’ll be the last one there once again!”, racing past him.

Upon arrival, I led my horse to a nearby tree and tied it down.

“Thank you for bringing me all the way here, buddy” I said, giving him a spare apple I had in my bag moments prior.

Afterwards, I sat on a fallen trunk, eating the piece of bread I had grabbed before leaving, as I waited for my dad to catch up.

I felt the rhythm on the ground before my father had rounded the corner to where I was. “Well look who finally decided to show up”.

“Oh, you know I only let you pass me up so you would have some free time after we’re finished here”.

“Sure you did” I said, practically spelling out my sarcasm.

“In any case, what are we hunting for today?” I asked, wondering why he’d want to come all the way out here specifically.

“Today, my Little Huntress, we’re hunting a flame-tailed lynx” He said, almost nonchalantly as if it was nothing but another deer.

“You’re kidding, right?!? No way!” I said, jumping up from where I was sitting.

“How do you even know that we’ll even find some out here?”

“I used to come here all the time a while ago when I was scouting out potential hunting grounds. That’s when I noticed them. It seemed like they were a bit spread out throughout these woods, albeit slightly rare and hard to catch. Do you think you’re up for the challenge?”

“Of course I am!” Retorting as if it was just that, another deer.

“Alright, in that case, I’ll keep my distance and trail you as I usually do. Once you secure the kill, I’ll meet back up with you. Be careful; I know how good you are, but these lynx aren’t your typical run-of-the-mill livestock; they’ll actually fight back.”

“There’s nothing to worry about, Dad. I’m sure I can handle a little resistance now and then.”

I grabbed my bow and quiver from my horse and began scouting the area. I then began to thread my way through a thicket of different types of trees and plants, eventually made it to a decent vantage point that overlooked the trench below me.

Locating a lynx wasn’t the hard part due to their vibrant colors, it was tracking them that made catching one difficult. Their strength wasn’t really the problem; it was their B-level speed and cunning that ranked them as high as they were. It also made them that much more valuable.

I continued overlooking the area to get a general feel for the terrain before hopping down to a nearby tree below.

The branches of these trees were almost as thick as their trunks, making it easy to run along them. Balance wasn’t something I was challenged at, nor did I have a fear of heights. I’d always preferred the highground over the low.

I continued hopping from tree to tree until I noticed a blur of near-like radiant-orange from my peripherals.

‘A flame-tailed lynx!’

Coming to an abrupt stop, I jerked my head around to look in the direction of where I had last seen the colors, still keeping my balance on the tree I was on. I knocked an arrow and drew the string back, preparing for the instant I saw the colors once again.

Losing sight of my prey, I hopped down from where I was to inspect where I had last seen it. It was then that I heard a twig break and some rustling behind me.

I quickly spun around and released an arrow, barely missing my target. I back-stepped from my prey, nearly tripping over a log I hadn’t seen.

Regaining my composure, I continued to attempt to create distance between me and the lynx, however, to no avail. It’s speed was truly something to be wary of.

I quickly knocked another arrow and fired it, this time grazing the side of its ear. With this, it bounced back into the bushes, most likely preparing to strike again.

I began preparing another arrow and drew it, waiting for the first sign of movement. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a streak of orange within an array of green moving slowly towards my back side. I quickly let loose an arrow in its direction, followed by another two in rapid succession.

I heard the impact of the arrows as the lynx whimpered and hit the ground. I fired one last arrow to ensure it had been killed before approaching it. I walked over to its lifeless corpse, however, when I looked at it, my eyes shot wide open, its ear was completely unscathed.

Mere moments after, I began to hear a distinct growling, followed by the sound of rustling grass and leaves. I was prepared this time, though. I quickly jumped forward and released another arrow behind me, striking it clear in its eye. It was not out of the fight just yet.

It lunged a second time, easily clearing the minor distance I had created, catching me off guard. I quickly slung my quiver off my shoulders and in between the animal’s jaws, nearly preventing it from dismembering my arm. The lynx, however, had me pinned on the floor, raring to end my life in an instant.

In one swift motion, I grabbed a handful of arrows from the quiver still in between the lynx’s jaws and stabbed them into its side. With one last motion, I grabbed my knife from my side and stabbed it beneath it’s jaw, ensuring it’s death.

Releasing my breath that I hadn’t even realized I’d been holding, still able to hear the beating of my heart in my ears, I began to push the body off of mine, allowing me to stand up.

“Well, would you look at that. Not only were you able to do it, you managed to kill two. Color me impressed”. My dad said, stepping out of some bushes behind me.

“What did I tell you, never had a single doubt in my mind,” barely hearing my own words over the pounding of my heart.

“Here take this,” he said, returning my bag. “I’ll lug these to my horse and start heading back. Why don’t you wash up in the nearby river down there? Seeing as you’re a little soaked in blood.”

“Ahhhh… yeah. I guess I probably wouldn’t want to head back home looking like this.” I laughed, finally taking the time to study the state I was in. I twirled the bag onto my shoulder and made my way towards the river.

After briefly cleaning up and changing into some spare clothes I had in my bag, I started to make my way to where I had left my horse initially. After about ten minutes of retracing my steps and climbing up a couple of trees, I finally made my way back.

I set my stuff on the horse, running my still slightly wet hand through its mane, and untied it from the tree.

“Why don’t we head back home, buddy?” I said, mounting the horse.

After galloping home back down the familiar path at breakneck speed, I was at the base of our house in a little under twenty minutes. By the looks of it, my dad hadn’t arrived too long ago as he still hadn’t unloaded the second lynx from his horse.

I got off of my horse and helped him hang the second lynx up.

“Well, you finished up rather fast.”

“No, it’s just you’re so slow. I told you you’re always the last one there, old man”.

“Haha, very funny my Little Huntress.” He said, practically dying from holding in the laughter from teasing me.

I punched his arm and then made my way inside to take a proper bath and to rest for a little bit, my legs were ready to give out at any moment.

As I entered the bathroom, I could already feel the warmth enveloping me, beckoning me to indulge in its embrace, something I had no intention of resisting. I quickly got undressed and slipped into the magic-heated bath, slowly losing my consciousness as I began to fall asleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Hey, Eve? Eve, you awake in there?”

“Hmmm, one second, mother.”

Sitting up, I rubbed my eyes and proceeded to splash water in my face, slowly stirring my consciousness back into its rightful place.

“What happened, did you need something?” I responded after a short couple of moments.

“Gabriela was wondering if you wanted to spend some time together? I know you guys haven’t been able to hang out as much lately, so I told her I’d ask you. She’s waiting in the dining room.”

“Yeah, mom. I’d love to. Tell her I’ll be right down!”

“Ok, I’m leaving some clothes here for you just outside the door. Try not to keep her waiting too long.”

“I won’t, promise”.

I stepped out of the bath and wrapped myself in a towel as I made my way over to the door to grab the clothes my mother had left for me.

I finished drying my hair and got dressed, then made my way downstairs.

“Hey Gabi!” I said, excitement leaking from my voice.

She was sitting in the dining room wearing a nice, white shirt and skirt, with a brown coat draped over her shoulders, drinking some herbal concoction my mother likes making.

“Took you long enough, Ms. Hunter” She teased while nonchalantly taking a sip of her drink right after.

“Oh, whatever. Don’t lie, I know you’re a sucker for that stuff. How many cups have you had already?”

“Just one…” She said, almost seemingly trying to hide her face behind her drink.

I kept looking at her, dissecting her face with my eyes, waiting for her to spew out the truth.

“Okok, fine! Maybe I had a few more than 2…”

“You had four, didn’t you?”

“Yeah, I had four” Saying under her breath as she took another sip.

“That’s what I thought.” I said, shaking my head.

We looked at each other for a short moment and then began to laugh.

“It’s been so long since we’ve been able to talk like this. I’m so glad we have some time before the Solstice.” I said, giving her a hug.

“As am I. You can’t believe how much work training to be a nun actually is.”

“I can see that. The last time we actually hung out was probably about 2 months ago, when we went swimming in the lake down at Silvarus Creek. I haven’t had that much fun in a while.”

“Oh, right! And how I ended up scaring you on our way back.” She said, starting to laugh again.

“Owwww, hey!”

“Hey, you deserved that. You know I secretly hate the dark!” I said after punching her in the arm.

“Fine fineeee. Anyways, how about we go and get something to eat and maybe catch up a little bit? We have about another 7 hours until sundown. We could go to that bakery we used to run around as kids and pick up some fresh goods.”

“You mean, you want to go and get sweets for yourself?” Giving her a knowing look.

“I have no idea what you could possibly mean.” She said, as she stood up from her seat, taking one last sip of her drink.

We both began walking towards the door and out onto the paved road.

The trip to the bakery was only a short walk of about 7 minutes. Over that time, we talked about old memories and experiences we had. One of which was how we used to sneak out of our houses at night with some of our other friends and head over to the clearing and lay in the grass to look at the stars.

Another was the one time we threw a surprise birthday party for my other friend, Phelix.

Phelix is the outgoing type within our group. I mean, we’re all pretty outgoing, but he’s really outgoing, not to mention caring. He’s the type to stop and help a bird with a broken wing to try and fly again, even if his efforts are all for naught.

In light of this, we decided to throw him a huge birthday party. We even convinced my parents to borrow a couple of fireworks from the leftover New Year’s.

“Why Ms. Eve, or maybe I should say, Ms. Little Huntress. What a pleasant sight seeing you today. Same to you, Ms. Esther”

“Oh, c’mon, Ms. Myles! Is everyone gonna tease me about that now!”

Ms. Anivia Myles was the town’s best baker, proudly attested to by our resident nun-in-training.

“Quite the contrary, Ms. Solaris. That is a title someone your age should be proud to hold. We may call you that to tease you, sometimes, but your skills are truly something else.”

“She’s right, y’know. You truly are something else.”

“Yeah yeah, I know.” I replied, trying to hide my embarrassment.

“So, what would you girls want to eat? You guys came just in time; everything is still relatively fresh.”

“Do you have any of your famous, crème filled Krapfen?!?” Gabi said, her eyes practically glowing with an expecting light.

“Haha, yes darling. I have about five or six left there, all calling for you. I make sure to make some everyday, knowing how much you love them, in case you end up stopping by at some.”

“I’ll take them all!”

“Of course. And you, dear? What would you like?”

“Hmmmm, do you have any streuselkuchen left as well?”

“Why yes I do!”

“I’ll take two, please.”

“Of course, I’ll be right back with those. You two don’t go anywhere.”

As she began towards the back to get the sweets, we took a seat at a nearby table as we waited for her to return.

“Say, Eve. Your birthday’s coming up, isn’t it?”

“Well, yeah, why?”

“Well, it’s not really a secret saying as he sucks at hiding it, but I think Cenric is finally going to ask you out.”

“Pfft, hahaha. No way. He doesn’t have the guts to. No way. And, even if he did, I don’t see him like that. It would never work out.”

“Oh, c’mon, Eve. Be honest with yourself. I’ve known you for too long. I can tell you have feelings for him as well. I know you like to hide these things and I know you’ve shut everyone else down before anything has ever had the chance to happen, but you never did with him, not that he’d listen or stop, of course.”

“Exactly! I know that, even if I did try and stop him, he wouldn’t listen. That’s just how he is and that’s why I never did.”

“Eve, I know you better than you know yourself. Just give it a shot. What’s the worst that could possibly happen? It’s not like he’d ever hurt you; you’ve known him for almost as long as you’ve known me. If the worst comes to worst, you break up with him. I really do think you guys would be a good pair for each other, though.”

I sat there, stuck in my thoughts for what seemed like an eternity.

“What are you scared of, Eve? You can tell me; we tell each other everything, this is no different.”

“I ju-”

“Here you two go. Six krapfens for Ms. Esther and two streuselkuchen for Ms. Solaris.”

“Thank you, Anivia. How much do we owe you?”

“Oh, don’t worry about it. Consider it an early Solstice gift!”

“Are you sure? Thank you so much, Ms. Myles! We hope to see you again at the Solstice!”

“As do I, Eve, as do I.”

“Well, then. We’ll be off, it was nice seeing you again.”

“Likewise, see you guys later!”

With that, we left and made our way towards a bridge that went over the river that cut through our village.

We sat down on the cobblestone walls and ate our sweets.

“Say, Eve. What do you think the Gods are like?” Gabi pondered, stuffing her face with one of the krapfens she got.

“Hm? What brought this up all of a sudden?” I asked in return, doing the same with my sweets.

“Nothing in particular, really. I’ve just been thinking. We’ve been celebrating them for 2,000 years now and, yet, I’ve never even met a God before. Everyone says that they’re loving and caring and that they protect us from all the other warring Gods, but I feel like there’s more to it than just that.”

“How so?”

“Well, why else would they risk their lives to protect people they don’t even know? There has to be some other reason for it.”

“Yeah, I suppose that is true, but, at the same time, maybe they truly do just care for us. I, as well, have never met one in person, but the same could be said about our descendants to come. You always want what’s best for your kids and their kids and their grandkids as well, even if you’ll never be alive to see them.”

“I guess you do have a point.” She said as she finished another krapfen and began to stuff her face with another.

A few minutes passed as well just sat in silence, enjoying the subtle breeze and the sound of flowing water.

It was these types of moments that truly made me feel good about life. The feeling of tranquility- of being able to spend moments with the people I care about. That’s what meant the most to me.

Gabi was the first to break the silence. “Well, I have to head back to Elder Cayda. I have some more nun work to take care of before the Solstice, sadly.”

“Awwweee, are you sure? We haven’t spent time together in so long, do you really have to go?”

“I know I know, but I’m sorry. I really do have to finish these decorations before the Solstice begins and I’m only about seventy-five percent done with them. I promise to make time for you during and after the Solstice, no matter what. Promise.” She said, standing up and grabbing the rest of her sweets.

“Ok, fine, but you better mean it, Esther, or I’ll drag you away from your nun duties myself!”

“Yes yes, I know you will, I don’t doubt it. Anyways, It was good catching up with you, really. I miss these types of things.”

I stood up and gave her one last hug before she had to go.

“I’ll see you later, Eve!”

“As will I, Gabi. Take care- you better make good on your promise!”

“I will!” And, in a swift instant, she was gone.

I felt a tinge of sadness as I began walking home, but I knew I’d get to see her again in a couple of days. She never makes a promise she can’t keep.