Oscar was finally back on the road to Brunner’s farm again, for real. He had made the walk a load of times since returning to Salcret obviously, but only once before for real.

For real. This time he was more prepared than even Harold and Kalle had been at the time, even with their magic Classes to boost their prowess.

And we’re a crowd now compared to then.

Walking besides Redd and the Captain made him feel small, but in a good way, despite nearing six foot. Both him and Harold were a lot less broad-shouldered, and Kalle even less so. At least we have good reach.

But even that advantage was not enough to bridge the gap when comparing yourself to someone like Redd.

Besides those two there were a lot of new faces. Guess I will have plenty of time to get to know them all.

Billie, the young [Arborist] was one who drew the eye, sure as the dawn. Now that’s my type.

Liam’s words about spying on Livia still bothered Oscar at times. She’s not attractive at all really, she just… Has a way about her, she’s just unique. Her words are attractive, her actions, her decisions. That’s not the same thing, is it?

The spring sun met their eyes as they all finally approached Brunner’s farm. Evidently the man had felt their train coming through his part of the forest, because it seemed he had been getting ready for some time, bringing extra tables out of storage and loading up an extra cauldron to cook breakfast for everybody in the morning. Apple drinks were placed everywhere, with hard breads and tangy cheeses to compliment the sweetness.

Someone with Livia’s personality and then a similar look to Billie’s, now that would be something. His daydreaming was interrupted by Kalle poking him.

“Hey, remember to tell Brunner about your birthday, I already helped out enough and everybody will be pulling his arm tonight. I got my own business.” They exchanged nods and Oscar looked around, embarrassed, to see if anybody else heard.

The birthday thing had been awkward but he felt like he handled it well. Kalle was the most pedagogical of their gang so it was best they heard it from him, since he could tell with his Skill if they were offended enough by the deception that Oscar should actually apologise personally.

Things had turned out fine though, they had all taken it as the happy surprise it was and just agreed it was a weird thing to lie about.

The risk that Brunner would take it badly felt especially low, so this was certainly fair enough. And I can take the time to ask if he has come up with a Class that would fit me, his last chance to advise me on my Class as he did with Harold and Kalle.

As Kalle walked off Oscar stared at the sleeve where he kept his wand. Maybe warlock would be the way to go. Kalle certainly seems happy with it nowadays.

Kalle had left Salcret, Liam and Ella with a proper extended farewell this time.

The first time you went off we were worried sick, despite the late summer season being the safest. It was all so sudden, you had gotten your Class and eventually made your intent clear, I suppose. But to move away to Dormata on a mere couple day’s notice. We realised we were not ready, that we still had things to say.

Ella continued. Four years may not be a whole lot, in the grand scheme of things, to an old pair of pears like us, but you have meant a lot to us both. We do consider you a grandson, if not a son. You should know that, you deserve to hear it, even if you are not feeling exactly the same way or ever will. That’s not what matters, it’s still how we feel.

I promised I would stop her when we risked getting side-tracked, we wrote it down in this letter instead so you can take the words with you.

The letter had turned out to be quite long, speaking of how it was destiny that they found him that day in Dormata, and that he needed to stop letting his moods get the better of him at times and that he was prone to commit to taking ill-advised risks unnecessarily. But how despite all this Kalle had a great role to fill in Doc Forrest as someone with a talent for magic and a heart of gold who still needed his opportunity to shine in this world.

He read it later that night, and was truly touched by the words. Perceptive, hopeful and encouraging. He sealed them in a waterproof leather purse and kept it close.

They spent the rest of their final week playing familiar evening games and talking about everything the summer would bring to Salcret. The past winter had been filled with talk of Skills, Classes and the coming move. They took a break from all that at home for that last week they would share for the foreseeable future.

I am going to miss their annoying voices.

Kalle had a fond smile on his face at the thought, as he made the walk up to Brunner's yard.