In the wake of the ceremony, Jake made his final preparations to leave. The morning was filled with a busy schedule of collecting the last items he needed. He also had to visit the Elder’s hut to retrieve his Traveler’s Talisman. He picked up his pants from the seamstress, purchased a new whetstone, and found a small hair brush he could use that would fit neatly in his pack. With no intention of cutting his hair for the time being, he thought it smart to take care of it.

Elana decided to go with Jake to meet the Elder’s and, dressed in her Magi robes, clung to his side. The pair waited until Jake had packed all his gear before leaving his Auntie’s tent. When they reached the hut, they were instructed to wait outside and given a small drink of water to sip on. Though the sun was still fairly low in the sky, the heat of the day was beginning to climb.

“You didn’t have to come, Elana.” Jake looked over at the woman as she elegantly sipped from her cup. Her glossy lips parted slightly as she sipped the drink.

“I plan to spend as much time with you as possible today. Who knows when I’ll see you again?" As she spoke, she scooted closer so that their bodies pressed together before leaning into him.

Jake sighed and yawned. The fatigue of the evening getting to him. He thought of using his magic to dispel the sensation but for now, he enjoyed the feeling. She hadn’t let him sleep more than a few hours the previous night. To say the least, he was thankful for his light magic practice. Without it, she likely would have drained him and he would have had to spend the entire day recovering. The virile woman at his hip wasn’t lying when she said she wanted a child.

A few moments later, one of the Elders' attendants stepped out of the hut and summoned the pair inside. Jake and Elana followed the woman beneath the flap and into the large tent. It was the largest tent in the village and sat in the back center. It was set against the massive dune that protected the settlement's rear. Inside there were several partitions set up for private talks, a small private bath for the Elders, and even a sleeping area for them to rest. In the main room, there was a slightly raised platform with three large cushions laid out for the Elders to use. One elder, however, sat in a chair instead. Elder Yawa occupied it. He likely could no longer sit comfortably on the floor. Elder Juul and Elder Minerva sat on their cushions, with Elder Minerva sucking on her pipe.

Jake and Elana followed the long rug at their feet to a pair of pillows placed out for them. Elana sat down first before Jake got comfortable in his. An attendant promptly served them tea not a breath later, handing them the cups before setting down a small table in front of and between them.

“Ah, it is Rayne’s child.” Elder Minerva muttered, her lips pushing out the smoke she’d inhaled.

Elder Juul bobbed his head and folded his hands neatly in his lap. “Indeed. It seems he’s grown since I last saw him.” Elder Juul smiled as his eyes glittered. “Your trip. How was it, Jake?"

Jake set down his cup and bowed his head. “Enlightening, Elder. I learned much about myself and experienced a glimpse of the world beyond our small village.” Careful not to ramble, Jake kept his response informative but short.

Elder Juul nodded again. “Excellent. When you disappeared and your Auntie came asking for a search party, I was hopeful that you might have chosen to go on a journey. I was surprised to see you return. Why did you?”

Elder Minerva scoffed. “Did you miss your Auntie, boy?”

“He is a man, Minerva.” Elder Yawa cut in, coughing briefly after his interjection. “Keep your feelings to yourself, you jealous hag.”

“Hag?!” Minerva’s head snapped left as she hissed.

Elder Juul sighed and held up his hands. “Alright, calm down. We have guests.”

Jake and Elana exchanged a brief glance before Jake lowered his head to speak. “I returned to see my family, yes. After my time in the Ravine, I wanted to rest. On top of that I left in a very childish way. I did not inform my Auntie of my intentions so I knew she would be worried. Elana was also likely to be upset, so I wanted to settle her worries as well.”

Elder Minerva’s eyes drifted to Elana. Elana lowered her head beneath the gaze but remained quiet. Elder Juul looked at Elana and chuckled. “How does that make you feel, Elana? To hear that you were part of his reason to return here instead of continuing on his journey.”

Elana’s head remained low as she spoke. “I was happy, Elder. I’ve always wanted to be at his side but knew very early on that would not be true forever. To know he cared about my feelings was… nice.”

“Ah, to be young and in love again.” Elder Minerva laughed lightly before drawing on her pipe. “You two married last night, yes?”

The pair nodded in unison.

“Good. From the Lines of Ceres drawn on your body, Jake, and with you being a Magi, Elana, your children will have very high expectations to meet. May the Gods bless you both.” Elder Minerva’s words brought color to Elana’s face and a smile to her lips. The woman lowered her head further.

“Yes, Elder,” she answered.

“It seems like children may not be in the making for a while, however.” Elder Minerva muttered, her eyes narrowing as she looked at Jake closely. He was already dressed to leave. “You look like you are about to travel again. Elder Juul informed me and Yawa of your request for a Traveler’s Talisman. Is this true?”

Jake reached for his cup, sipping on his tea. “Correct, Elder. I intend to leave again on a journey to the north. I would like the Talisman so I can freely navigate the desert and be granted entrance to any other villages I may encounter along the way.”

Elder Minerva continued to stare at him, seemingly unmoved by his request. “And if you are not granted the talisman? What then?”

Elana shifted on her pillow and the other Elders began to stare more strongly at Jake. Jake straightened his back and placed his hands on his knees. “I’m leaving regardless, Elder Minerva. I have a very meaningful pair of items to return to a family. I have left this village and have no intention of being restrained here anymore than I already am. If that means becoming an exile and barred from returning, I am willing to make that decision.”

Elder Juul’s lips curled slightly, his wrinkles deepening. Elder Yawa’s eyebrows lifted, and Elder Minerva’s face contorted.

“So, you will go against the village?” Elder Minerva’s voice deepened as she lowered the pipe from her lips. Her fingers flexed as the wooden object bent slightly. “And abandon your family, your new wife?”

Jake didn’t break eye contact and nodded. “If that is what I must do, yes.”

“Scoundrel,” she snarled, her eyes turning to Elana. “What of you? Do you support his decision?”

Elana, like Jake, did not lower her head this time. “I do, Elder. My husband is strong and I trust him. I know he will do well beyond the village and he has proven himself capable of it already. If it is his wish to leave, I will send him off with a smile and wait patiently for him to come home.”

“What if he does not come home?” Elder Minerva asked and her eyes returned to Jake. “What if he finds another woman’s embrace and returns with another bastard like him in tow? What then?”

Elder Juul seemed frazzled by her questions and even Elder Yawa remained a bit hesitant to interject. However, they too were curious. Was the new couple in front of them still young and foolish? Or were they capable of handling the burden of life set before them? Jake would be absent for a long time. As a man, it was almost expected to sleep with a woman at some point. It was his nature. If that were to happen, would Elana's devotion to him be thin enough that she would give up after a short period? Or would she accept that possibility?

Unbeknownst to the Elders, the pair hadn’t discussed such a topic yet themselves. Yet, Elana was already prepared with an answer.

“Jake has shown me his love for me. Though, I understand he has needs as a man. Regardless of whether he sleeps with another woman, I will not be angry. I will only be upset if he does not return to me or be unfaithful in his love for me.”

Elder Minerva rolled her eyes. “He is a scoundrel and you are far too forgiving. Your youthful minds are insufferable.”

“I think it is the opposite, Minerva.” Elder Juul reached for his own cup of tea to drink.

His words earned Elder Minerva’s ire. “You’re all for this, aren’t you, Juul?”

“I have no reason not to be. Jake will leave regardless of what we tell him. He’s done it once and I am sure he is willing to bear the burden of what will happen if he leaves again. If Elana is willing to let him go, who are we to stand in their way?” Elder Juul rocked forward onto his knees and then slowly rose to his feet. “Elana has given us her answer, Minerva. She is devoted to him and he to her. Whether he comes back alone or with another, it will be up to them to handle their future together. As their Elders, it is up to us to bless them and wish for their lives to be filled with joy.”

Elder Yawa nodded. “Young or old, Minerva, the conversation here won't change. I support them. Give him the Talisman, let the Gods decide.”

Elder Minerva stared at her counterparts for a long time before turning her attention back to the couple. Elana reached over and grabbed Jake's hand, squeezing it firmly as her soft eyes hardened. She was resolute in her choice and no amount of peddling from the Elders would change her mind. The young woman was no fool to Jake’s future encounters and wouldn't shy away from the potential consequences of his decisions. As his wife, she would support his choices. Whether she liked them or not.

Elder Juul looked toward Elder Minerva and smiled. Finally, she sighed. “Do as you wish.” The old woman raised the pipe again to her lips and took a long pull.

“Thank you, Elder.” Jake lowered his head, followed by Elana a moment after.

“It is decided. You will be given the Talisman.” Elder Juul clapped his hands and from the side of the tent, an attendant stepped forward with a golden object comfortably nestled within a small pillow. It was a rectangular stick with markings on all four sides. It was just barely long enough to stretch from Jake's middle finger tip to the base of his palm. It was as thick as his thumb. The lettering on each side denoted the village it was granted by as well as the names of the Elders who gave it. “May the Gods watch over you in your travels, Jake.”

“Thank you, Elders.” Jake took the talisman from the pillow and handed it to Elana. She pulled it into her lap and held it for him. They then finished their tea and rose to their feet. “Excuse us.” They bowed again to the Elders before turning towards the exit.

“And another thing, Lyaha,” Elder Juul called out, stopping the pair. “The village will always be here for you. No matter how long you are gone or to which corners of the world you travel. This place will forever be your home. Its gate will always be open to welcome you and give you a place to rest. May the Gods watch over you and may you find peace even in the storms you may soon face.”

Jake stood frozen for a second, his mind mulling over how to respond. Unable to come up with anything, he quietly lowered his head in a final bow before walking with Elana outside. She returned the talisman to him and the pair walked down the main road towards the village center.

They said nothing to one another but Jake knew what the tension was over. She still clung to his side, her arms wrapped around one of his. He stopped walking, causing her to stop and look at him.

“What?” She asked, her eyes clearly waiting for him to ask the question on his mind.

“Your answer to her question. Are you really okay with that?”

Elana huffed. “Of course not. I’ll be pissed if you come home with another woman. Especially if you’ve got another kid in tow.” Her eyes slitted as she leaned forward, her face stopping only a breath’s width away. “But I’m not stupid. You were almost snatched up once before and I’m not so innocent to believe it won’t happen again.”

Feeling the intensity of her stare, Jake felt his breath catch in his throat. He clenched his jaw and held his tongue, knowing full well that there was no argument to be had.

“Which is why I said what I said earlier.” Elana retreated and returned to her own breathing space, while also detaching herself from his arm. “I don’t care if you find another woman to comfort your weary mind along the way. What I will care about is if you forget about me and leave me here to raise your bastard child on my own. You always ranted about how you wouldn’t become like your father, so don’t.” Elana reached her hands up and gently cupped Jake’s face within her palms.

“Come home to me. That is all I ask of you. See the world. Live your dream. Then come home to me and tell me all about it, okay?”

The strength in her eyes was something Jake had never seen before. The resolution and mental fortitude to let the man she loved slip through her fingers and run off after a fairy tale of a dream. She knew all the while she wouldn’t be there to see it with him. Knowing that he would face turmoil along the way and seek another's warmth. Jake had no intention of lying in another’s bed but Elana, a woman herself, knew the potential for it happening.

“I’m sorry, Elana.” Jake grabbed her hands and squeezed them. “I’ll come back. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone, but I promise you that I’ll come back.”

Elana smiled and turned her hands to hold his. “Good. I’ll be waiting for you.”

Several hours later, Jake stood at the gates of his village. He adjusted the pack that weighed on his shoulders and cinched down the straps, pinning the weight firmly to the center of his back. He adjusted the swords on his waist to be easily accessible and tightened the belt around his waist. He tested his mana flow briefly by tugging on the power within it. He then carefully applied light magic to his body, dispersing the fatigue that lingered in his body. Clarity came to his mind and his vision cleared as he took a deep breath.

“Ready to go?” Auntie Rayne stood in front of him, her hands holding a cup with purple liquid.

After he nodded, she offered it to him. Jake took the cup and drank it in one long gulp. It was wine. There was nothing special about it other than that it belonged to his family. Each family that had individuals who traversed the sands kept the bottle and the family member who left drank a cup full prior. In doing so, it was thought that they would carry their ancestors with them on their journey. As Jake’s lineage stretched back to merchants, and with his father being from beyond the village, his Auntie had a bottle for such an occasion. The bottle had been purchased by his mother when she returned, and Auntie Rayne had held onto it since.

“May your mother watch over you, Lyaha. Be safe. Be brave. And come home a King, my boy.” Auntie Rayne reached up and cupped his cheek. Jake then leaned down so she could press her lips to his forehead.

After she released him, Jake stood up tall and smiled. “Yes, Auntie.”

Auntie Rayne stepped aside and Elana took her place.

“Be safe, my love.” Her arms wrapped around him as tightly as possible, pulling him in for a breath-taking hug.

“I will. Thank you, Elana, for always being there for me.” Jake squeezed her to him and leaned his nose against her head. There, he took in a long, selfish breath, memorizing the sweet scent of her shampoo. He then pressed his lips to the side of her head. “I love you, Elana.”

“And I, you, Lyaha.” Elana pulled away just enough to plant a kiss on his lips. “Give me two names before you go.”

“Names?” Jake’s brow lifted as he stared at her.

She huffed. “One for a boy and one for a girl.”

“What? You’re already pregnant?” Jake glanced at her belly. “Does it really happen that fast?”

Elana rolled her eyes and sighed. “No, you idiot, but I’ll know soon. If all of my efforts at wrangling you worked, I will be. So give me two names or I’ll string you up and make you wait.”

Jake clenched his jaw and stiffened. He glanced down at her belly again and then looked over at his Auntie. Auntie Rayne offered no help and shrugged.

Ah, a name. If he had a son, what would he call him? A young child that he’d want to be strong just like him, capable of fighting and protecting his family. Capable of going on grand adventures just like Jake. A son who would be the bane of his existence and give him all sorts of trouble…

Or a daughter. A young girl that he would devote everything to treating like a princess. A girl who would one day grow up into a fine woman just like her mother, who would one day bring home a piece of shit that Jake would need to straighten up before inevitably giving her away…

Jake sighed and pressed his lips to Elana’s forehead. “I want you to pick. Whichever the child is, boy or girl, I want them named by their mother. Not the father they may not meet for a while.”

For a moment, Elana’s mouth opened as if she wanted to scold him as the crease between her eyebrows deepened. Her cheeks tensed and a stern finger was lifted. However, the angry words she planned to speak were stolen by a kiss.

Jake silenced the backtalk and held her one more time, clutching her tight to his body as he calmed the fire in her eyes. The heat of anger was replaced with annoyance as she shoved him off her.

“You cheating bastard.” She grumbled, wiping her lips of saliva.

Jake grinned. “Fighting fair isn't my style.”

Elana rolled her eyes. “Oh, I know."

After a few moments of watching her pout and avoiding eye contact, Jake stepped back. “I’m leaving.”

Elana’s eyes immediately snapped to him and he could see it in her eyes, the desire to ask him not to. Yet, she held that request. “I’ll be here.”

“I’ll take care of her. You take care of yourself, yes?” Auntie Rayne smiled and stepped forward again.

“Thanks, Auntie.” Jake bowed his head and turned towards the gate. Captain Ada and several guards stood there, waiting. A few of the Hunters were standing by as well.

“We’ll escort you to the edge of the village.” One of the Hunters stepped forward, speaking as if such a thing had already been decided.

Jake looked beyond them at Captain Ada, who shrugged. “No need. I know my way.” Jake tapped the Hunter’s shoulder and passed him by. He then pulled the traveler’s talisman from his pocket and held it out towards the Captain. “Here’s the talisman. I’d like to leave Hawa.”

Captain Ada took the talisman from him and examined it, validating it. Or, well, he went through the motions of doing so. When he returned it, Captain Ada smiled. “Good luck out there, kid. You came back once. I’ll be here to welcome you back again.”

“Thanks, Captain.” Jake reached over his shoulder and placed the talisman in a pouch on the side of his pack. “Hopefully it’s not a long trip.”

Captain Ada grinned and leaned down close. “If your wife is pregnant, I’d wait at least nine months before coming back. Just a tip from an old man.”

Immediately understanding what he meant, Jake stifled a laugh. “Maybe. She might kill me for real if my timing is too convenient.”

Having been given permission, Jake walked through the gates and took a few steps beyond the village. He stopped there, basked in the midday sun, and looked out at the vast, golden field in front of him. The air was fresh, clear and free of kicked up dust. The sky was clear of clouds. The sun was already scalding and Jake could see the heat rising off the sands. A perfect day to travel.

Jake turned and saw Elana and his Auntie standing just inside the village gates, with Captain Ada beside them and a few other familiar faces also watching. It wasn’t a large send off but it was much more than he’d had when he first left with Chul.

“See you soon.” With a final smile, Jake turned away and pulled his hood over his head, protecting his scalp and shading his face from the blazing rays.

The sand shifted beneath his feet and his boots left a long trail behind him. The prints of his soft footfalls increased along with the distance to his home. This time, he left alone. There was no Chul to comfort him or banter with. No Delmuth to instruct him on where to go. No Nuro giving him a mission nor an objective from the village. This was entirely his decision, with a destination he himself had chosen. He oriented himself in the direction he wished to go and stared ahead with no objective but one he had set for himself.

A journey of his own making, of his own desire.

The man crested a large dune that was the highest visible landmark he could spot. There, he dared a look back at his village. It was a long distance away, but he could still see the gates clearly. Beneath the archway, he could still see three figures standing there, watching him as best they could.

Taking a deep breath, Jake turned and descended the dune, leaving the village behind him.