Jonah and his family gave their thanks to Avryn and his friends. The police filed their report and gotten all the statements needed to persecute the loan sharks. Avryn relayed all the recent events to a heartbroken Harver.

  “Aw man, I get drunk for the first time and you guys had a full blown investigation without me!” he expressed his regrets.

  Leifren comforted his teammate,

  “Don’t worry, Harver, there’ll be plenty more adventures to be had. Trust me.”

  This would be their last day at the Cozy Cobblehouse Hotel. Everyone’s spirits were up as a result of this little bonding experience. Leifren sat on his bed, laid his head on the pillow.

  “Wonder we should we go next?” he wondered.

  Harver turned away,

  “Not my place, that’s for sure,” his tone became dismissive.

  No answers came to Leifren. They all decided to sleep on it. They met again for breakfast at the hotel’s dining hall. Leifren extended his question to the girls to find answers. Rinna suggested they could visit Hemmsway, her hometown. Avryn was surprised, he didn’t know that fact.

  “Wait, you’re not from Storia?” he turned to her.

  She shook her head,

  “It’s a good place if you’re into history. You’ll know.”

  Avryn did read some of the history books during his spare time. His childlike heart gravitated to the classic heroic tales. He seemed to recall something about Hemmsay but can’t quite put his tongue on it. Budding was the word that came to mind, but what was the full nickname? Budding flowers? Budding businesses? He pondered it during the rest of their breakfast.

  The girls shared in their gossip, while the boys continued sharing their war stories. It would be sad, having to leave this place. It catered to a lot to the folk with simpler lifestyles. If he had the money, Avryn would be a permanent resident there.

  A roll of today’s newspaper was being read by Jenilah. The headline read “Students and Ordellian Police Department Shut Down Loan Shark Operation". Much of the heroics was credited to Jonah, who became a local hero to other victims of The Flicker, now the former boss of that operation. Avryn was proud upon hearing that.

  “Hopefully, he’ll be able to carry that momentum when classes continue,” Harver praised.

  The gang’s involvement was also noted in the newspaper. That was why their portions of the breakfast was a little more than usual. Their collective stomachs sure did appreciated it, especially Valoche’s. He ordered twice as much. A reward for his efforts.

  “We’ll be going by boat,” Rinna led them to the waterway.

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  They embarked on a humble boat, made entirely of strong wood. It hummed as it traversed the river. Rinna pulled Avryn aside for a private chat.

  “What’s up?” Avryn was ready to tend to her needs.

  “My mom will be there, and she’s expecting all of us,” she cautioned him.

  Nerves struck Avryn. He swallowed his throat,

  “Oh. Great. I’m looking forward to uh…meet her. Again,” he mustered.

  His heart was pounding like a hammer on an anvil. He never treated Rinna the wrong way, he mostly annoyed her, but still. When it came to Haervinna, Lioness was not a word thrown easily around. Avryn remembered from the books. She was a fierce warrior during her youth. Her strength even rivalled that of Sir Iver’s.

  He was right to worry, even just a little bit. Beads of sweat starting running down on his face. Rinna nudged him,

  “Don’t worry, she’s friendly outside of work,” she attempted to calm him down.

  “I believe you, I really do,” Avryn’s voice trembled.

  Rinna sighed,

  “Do you want me to get Jenilah for you? You’re always calm around her,” she remarked.

  Avryn snapped himself out of his nervous wreck of a stance,

  “No, I’ll be alright. I just need to get used to her, y’know?” he ruffled his hair.

  The boat’s horn sounded. Hemmsway was in sight. They looked out of the boat and basked in the sights. The green grasslands complemented the azure blue of the waterway. The boat docked nearby and had its passengers disembarked.

  Carved marble stones were the first thing that greeted them. Wrapped vines helped decorate the stones. Its flowers were in bloom this season, and helped bring out the color of the marble with its contrast.

  “Ah, welcome back, Miss Rinna” The dockmaster tipped his hat.

  Rinna nodded back, and guided the squads off of the docks. The smell of freshwater fish being gutted teased their noses. Valoche and Tvira were reminded of their home. They travelled by the cobble roads, and are met by the awesome sight of a mansion. The iron gates opened via a lever, and a host of maids assembled outside. Avryn was awestruck. The maids collectively bowed.

  “Welcome home, miss Rinna.” their chorus sounded.

  “Thank you for taking care of the house, all of you,” she extended her gratitude.

  The head maid, distinguished by having an ornate, frilly headpiece approached her,

  “Miss Haervinna has been expecting you and your friends,” she gestured to the entrance.

  “Thank you, Livea, lead the way,” Rinna replied.

  They were escorted through the gardens. Well kept hedges, flower bushes, statues, and even a fountain decorated the evergreen grass. The other maids returned to their duties. Haervinna met them at the door. She greeted her daughter first and gave her a hug, and a kiss on the cheek, perhaps much to Rinna’s embarrassment.

  A great contrast caught Avryn off guard. He should’ve expected it. Leifren and Jenilah introduced themselves next. Haervinna asked about their father, Auskar. He was adjusting well to the new leg prosthetic that was sent to him. Haervinna expressed her relief.

  “That man is a walking example of tenacity. Hundred battles, and a hundred scars,” she impersonated his gruff voice.

  She acknowledged Harver and Kiria next. The latter being too starstruck to speak, so she proceeded to nod and bow frantically. Tvira and Valoche were greeted afterwards. Finally, she looked at Avryn.

  “It’s finally good to meet you in a much better circumstance, Avryn Starbright,” she nodded.

  Avryn returned the gesture. He was standing as straight as a post, mustering his best behavior. Haervinna welcomed them inside and personally led them to the dining hall. Warm crystal light, and the smell of freshly prepared meals beckoned them to their seats. All manner of fish dishes were available, from simple grilled fish, to soups, and even sushi.

  The table discussed about their progress at the Academy. There were plenty of stories to share. It was good to reminisce about those times, as the next half would prove to test them further. Leifren and his squad thanked Haervinna for the feast, they had a hotel booked and must head there.

  Haervinna excused herself to finish her work. Avryn and the rest were left to their devices. Rinna assured them they can sleep here tonight, they had guest bedrooms already prepared. They all headed to rest afterwards.

  Avryn tossed and turned in his bed. His eyes refused to rest. He jumped out of his bed and made his way out of his room. He was met with Livea’s face, and jumped back as he was startled.

  “Having trouble with sleep, Mr. Starbright?” she inquired.

  “Y-yeah..is there a place where I can spar? Preferably away from everyone else?” he glanced around the house.

  Livea led him out to the courtyard. The night’s chill welcomed him outside. Pale moonlight helped guide his way through the darkness.

  “If there is anything else, do call for the other maids. We have a few that work night shift,” she excused herself.

  He took out Lerosa and practiced with her for an hour. Perhaps it was nerves that prevented him from feeling relaxed. The familiar swings of a weapon helped eased him by a bit.

  “Having trouble sleeping?” Rinna revealed herself.

  Avryn was so startled, he fumbled with Lerosa for a good thirty seconds before regaining his balance. He turned to Rinna, and nodded.

  “Maybe I can help,” she readied her halberd.

  He couldn’t help but smile. He readied his gunblade in response. They exchanged smiles for the first time. The nightly breeze added a little dramatic flair. Unbeknownst to them, Haervinna watched on, with a smile on her face.