Summer, age 3.

``Nathan, do you want to come with father today? I want to show you what I do when I leave the house.''

``Yes father, I'd li- I would like that''

My parents are strict with proper pronunciation. Such a pain..

``Good. We will leave shortly, so go say goodbye to your mother.''

I say my goodbyes, and go to the pier in front of our house. Being able to walk and talk is a blessing many take for granted. Oh how I'm looking forward to growing up, I'm so tired of being a tiny kid.

I join my father on the boat, and we set off. Until now, I hadn't seen how the boat works.

It seems my father is using a crystal like the ones in my toys. His hand is on a steering device connected to the rudder, and it's glowing like the wands they gave me a year ago. Guess it's providing thrust, though I don't see the ``mana particles'', as my parents call it, that shows with my toys.

``Father, where are the mana particles?''

``There are none. This tool does not create, so there are no mana particles.''

``What does it do then?''

``It simply moves the water. It uses much less energy than creating mana water, but it of course requires water to function. That, however, is not a problem when it is used on a boat.''

Interesting.. Seems there's quite a few uses to these crystals, beyond just simple toys.

Shortly after setting off, we arrive at a large village. It looks poor, compared to what my parents and my aunt and uncle live in. There's a pier next to what seems to be the village center, but no house has it's own pier, and there's no boats anchored to the pier.

``We have arrived.''

Father anchors the boat, and lifts me onto the pier. He guides me though the village, clearly knowing where we're heading. Looking at the few people in the streets, they all have some shade of either green, red or blue hair, and none of them are human.

Instead, they all look like ``beastmen''. Rabbits, dogs, goats, lizards, birds, except clearly more humanoid than what you would usually call a beastman They all had fur, scales or feathers, but their faces where obviously human-like. Some more than others. Quite peculiar with the hair colors they have, especially because there's a clear difference between their hair and their fur and feathers, which has a more natural color. Many bow respectfully as we pass, some even greet my father. But they all stare weirdly at me.

We arrive at what appears to be a craftsman's house and shop, and I follow my father inside.

``Welco- Shale! Good to see you, glad you could make it.''

This one looks like a cat, though much more humanoid than the people in the streets. He almost looks like my parents, except with a short fur instead of scales. His hair is an auburn red, and his eyes leafy green. He had a small "snake"' resting on his shoulders, like the ones my parents have. I hadn't seen any of those except for on my parents, wonder how he got it? And why is it a snake instead of a lizard?

``Greeting Alfred, good to see you. Business looks good, I see you have more wares than usual.''

Looking around, there's glass display with several wands and other tools and toys. Most of them are too tall for me to get a good view though. Does this mean he makes them?

``Shall we get to it then?''

``We shall. But first, I want you to meet my son, Nathan. Nathan, this is Redsun Alfred, he was the one who made your toys, say hello. Remember to thank him for making your toys.''

``Hello, my name is Bluefin Nathan, nice to meet you, and thank you for my toys.''

``A well behaved one I see, you've done well. Nice to meet you Nathan. Now, shall we get it over with? She's been in pain since last night, poor thing can't even sleep.''

``We shall. If you do not mind, I would like to bring Nathan''

``Shouldn't be a problem. Let me know if you need me.''

My father takes my hand.

``Come with me now Nathan, I will show you what I brought you here to see.''

I follow my father to the residential part of the house, while Albert goes back to work.