“So, what do we do?” asked Solomon after a long silence.

“I do not know. This situation is somewhat hopeless, no matter how I look at it,” replied Piu.

“Perhaps we should just wait out the war, and when everything settles down, we can send Alviona for her education alongside you and Solomon,” stated Anita, turning to Sofia and touching her shoulders to ease off the tension and allow her to smile for once.

“Yes, but we do not know when will the war end or how soon will the situation stabilize. Besides, I have never been to the mainland. What is the stability over there? Where would we go?” asked Sofia, who was still confused. Looking at Anita, there was one more problem. “And I am not leaving without you. It is not happening,” she stated firmly.

“I am truly sorry, but I can not come with you,” said Anita, “I have to take care of my mother since she is…”

“Very mad!” came a reply that was so fierce, that the entire room shrieked. Everyone turned the gaze towards the person who had caused this.

“M-mom?!” gasped Anita, terror, anxiety, and excitement filling up her body, unable to believe what she was seeing. And yet there she was.

A woman who was taller than Anita and whose face resembled hers, Mira, stood right in front of her. Behind Mira stood none other than Alviona, who was hiding behind her, lightly peeking out and tightly clutching her clothes.

“Well, well, well. Look at all of you giving me a stare. What? Have you never seen an elf before?” asked Mira who seemed to be receiving amusement from their facial expressions.

Anita’s hands trembled as she moved them towards her face in disbelief. Tightly closing eyes several times, she attempted to dispense the illusion in front of her, but Mira still stood in front of her. “H-how…”

Before Anita could pose a question, Mira walked up to her and started stretching her cheeks.

“Ow! Ow! It hurts! Mom, stop!” demanded Anita, who was getting embarrassed by her mother’s actions.

“I just awoke from my slumber, and this is how you greet me?!” asked Mira who was relieved to finally be able to reunite with her daughter after five years. Despite her actions, she could not hide her joy and ended up firmly embracing Anita.

“But, mom, how?! What happened?” (Anita)

Mira gently patted her daughter’s head and turned around to face Sofia. “It is thanks to your daughter. If not for her, I think I would be stuck in my state for I do not know how many more years” she replied, with a warm grin.

Sofia, noticing Alviona hiding behind Mira’s back, let out a loud sigh and blushed a little.

“She thinks that you two are angry at her, which is why she is hiding,” informed Mira to the two girls in front of her to allow them to talk it out.

Sofia and Anita understood. It indeed appeared that they had been too harsh on the child, causing her to get overly stressed and lose consciousness. “I am such a fool! I should have known better! Why did I yell at her?!” thought Anita, biting her lips.

“Alviona, what was it that you wanted to tell them?” asked Mira, while kneeling down and patting her on the head. As a result, the child eased off a little and let her clothes go. She gently moved from behind her back and bowed her upper body.

“I sincerely apologize for scaring my mommy and Anita. Please, forgive me,” stated Alviona, whose tears were visibly dropping on the floor, causing both Sofia and Anita to fall into panic, as they could not understand how to approach this situation.

“Please don’t! I am sorry, child it is my fault. I was just confused and frustrated, which is why I ended up getting angry at you. I beg that you forgive me,” stated Anita, after walking up to Alviona and giving her a tight hug. “Please do not cry. You are not at fault.”

Alviona looked up, still sobbing, her beautiful face covered with tears reminiscent of morning raindrops. Understanding what she heard, she could not help but tightly clutch Anita into a hug and land a gentle kiss on her cheek, not willing to let go for even one second.

How could I make such a cute kid cry? I was soo foolish. There is no forgiveness for me. Dear mother nature, I have committed a sin. Thought Anita, as she could feel the sincerity and passion behind Alviona’s action.

Seeing the situation unfold, Sofia could not help it either. She also ended up joining the two of them, hugging and pampering Alviona, while landing a kiss on her forehead and cheeks. “How could I make my daughter cry this much?” wondered she, while Alviona, noticing her mother join entirely switched her attention to her and hugged her tighter than ever, sobbing even more intensely and trying to gasp out for words. “Mommy, mom. Sorry. Uwaaah. *Sniff, Sniff* *Sob, Sob* *Sniff* Mom..mmy *Sob*.”

Solomon, who was directly linked to Alviona, watched the three girls as if they were a piece of art, a beautiful painting of sorts which had come to life. It was breathtaking, so much that it made him wonder where had he been all those years. The bond he experienced towards his mistress, was further deepened.

Janine, who was watching from the side, was also in thought. Was this really the girl that had almost slain her? Unable to understand, she just kept staring.

After what felt like an hour passed, Anita and Sofia let go of Alviona, who seemed to have calmed down as the tears were no longer visible. Relieved, Sofia kissed her daughter one more time. In return, the daughter smiled and giggled.

“Now then, let us discuss and conclude your debate from prior,” stated Mira firmly.

“How do you know of it mother?” asked Anita with a puzzled expression.

“Come on now. I was in a slumber, but I am not deaf. I am connected with this forest in such way, that anything done within its vicinity is like my own body. I know of everything, even of your affair with Sofia here,” said Mira while giving a wink to the two of them.

“Eeek! T-that… We… uh. Mom! This is too embarrassing! Stop!” exclaimed Anita who’s face was becoming as red as a tomato, whereas Sofia blushed, lowering her head a little to avoid gazes.

“Speaking of which, you two were saying that Alviona needs to get an education, but could not come to a conclusion on what to do. You also said that it is hazardous for the child to stay here. To that, I agree.

I do not know what sort of war the two Kingdoms are fighting, but I do know for a fact, that the mainland operates differently. Since a lot of different races live there, it is also more welcoming to the likes of your child, who has such an unordinary body.

People in most countries on the mainland of Atraterr, tend to be more hospitable and also accept students from various races into guilds and academies. Therefore, the solution I propose is the same as Solomon, which is to take Alviona to the mainland and teach her magic,” stated Mira firmly, looking towards the man and nodding in affirmation. “But I still think that he is an imbecile,” she added.

Solomon whose hopes were finally starting to rise were instantly crushed. “May I ask what I did to deserve such bitter words and insults?” he asked.

“Your proposition is the worst thing I have ever heard in the six centuries of my life! You do not seem to think properly, or, perhaps there is a pebble in your head instead of a brain. I do not know,” replied Mira in anger. “And how on earth were you even called the best Sorceror of the Damas Kingdom?”

“I… great. Thank you very much, now my head hurts,” said Solomon while touching his head, unable to understand what he had done to anger this elf.

“An empty head cannot hurt,” replied Mira in an amused tone, while waving her hand, gesturing for him to stop his nonsense.

Now it was Sofia’s turn. Mira turned towards her and gently landed her hands on her shoulders. “Look kiddo. I know that you are confused and have a lot of questions. I can see that. You are trying to protect your daughter. On top of that, you are also trying to stay by the side of my child. I have been in your place before, and I know what it feels like to be alone. I heard your conversation with Anita, and I sympathize with your emotions,” she stated, without even a single strand of hesitation visible in her voice.

“But, I am a mother. How can I let my own child leave? She is so young! I did not get any time to spend with her,” whispered Sofia overcome with emotions of despair and sadness. It felt like she was sinking into the depths of the ocean.

“Of course, I understand that. So am I, a mother. One that wishes Anita to be the happiest child in this world.” Mira paused to look at Anita, who seemed to be blushing by her words. Looking back at Sofia, the girl was also blushing.

“And she can be, with you. If you leave your child here and worry yourself to death, I will not be able to forgive myself. On the other hand, if I stayed behind, allowing you and Anita to go to the mainland, would you really be able to watch your child be endangered? Or are you so naïve that you expect a care-free life? We are living in the world filled with creatures, war, greed, and adventures. If we don’t fight naturally respawning monsters, we will go extinct. Our desires and jealousy make all the sentient species go against each other for more control and power. It is twisted and ugly. So, this said, would it not be better if I were to accompany Alviona to the mainland alongside Solomon? Get her to explore a bit and adventure, let her go to school for a year or two, while allowing you two to develop your relationship. After all, I am technically now her grandmother am I not?” said Mira while grinning and winking at the two of them.

Sofia was blushing, while Anita was getting irritated.

“Mother! Cut it out! We can to go the mainland with Alviona and protect her. Sofia is strong! And I am not that far behind. We can…”

Before Anita could finish her sentence, Mira, who was conveniently standing in-between the two girls, lightly applied her force and pushed them into each other, their eyes and lips meeting, resulting in a kiss. This was so sudden that the eyes of both girls widened and neither of them closed it. Both of their faces were red as a tomato.

“That uhm…” Janine tried saying something, but for some reason ended up blushing a little and not being able to pronounce more than that.

Solomon’s eyes were wide. He was unaware of their relationship. Piu was just waving his tail like a dog. Alviona watched, confused and incapable of understanding what was going on, so her expression ended up being quite cute.

After a few seconds, they separated, but neither of them was able to say anything.

“I never said that you were weak. I said that in your current condition, you can not raise Alviona if you were to go to the mainland. And if you decided to stay here, it would be too horrid. Imagine the border opening up after two years? She would be thirteen by then, no?! How can you explain to the teachers that your daughter is of that age and has no understanding of how to use even a single spell?” asked Mira without any intentions or hint of malice. She was quite amused by how magnetic these two lovebirds were.

Sofia did not say a word. Instead, she just nodded in defeat. Anita, frustrated, lowered her head, blushing, and began stroking her cheeks.

“Mom! You just made us kiss in front of a child!” she exclaimed, too embarrassed to look over at Alviona.

“Did I? Oh, well. Alviona do you understand what they just did?” asked Mira innocently.

“They said that they kissed… but I have never seen them kiss like that before. Can I kiss them too?” asked Alviona innocently.

“MOM! You ruined the child!” yelled Anita at Mira, who was laughing hysterically.

“Uhm. No, I did not. All-right kiddo. Let us say that your mom loves my daughter. But she loves her differently. Meanwhile, they both love you like Reiolle and Archill. Does it make sense?” asked Mira with a grin.

“Got it, but my mommy loving me like them means that she is my mommy, so does that mean Anita is my mommy too now?” asked Alviona confused.

“You could say that! Yes.” Replied Mira with a light chuckle.

Hearing Alviona’s words, Sofia and Anita both blushed. How could a child be this innocent?! Furthermore, she accepted it so light-heartedly. Both girls were so carried away by this occurrence, that they failed to pay attention to Archill or Reiolle being mentioned.

“So then, what about it? What do you two say?” asked Mira after a minute.

“I understand.” Sofia was first to speak. “Your points are honestly spot on. While refutable, I can not do so for it would mean me going against the growth of my daughter. Your arguments were also valid. I am going to allow it… but only because you are Anita’s mother. But please, allow my daughter to come to visit often. I beg of you.” Said Sofia, while bowing with her entire body.

“Child, of course, I will. She is your rightful daughter after-all. Who am I to take her away from you? Furthermore, even if I tried to, Alviona would probably beat me into oblivion, for that is how much she loves you. Despite your lack of trust in Solomon, I assure you from what the man has seen, he is probably of the same mind,” said Mira gently, smiling and extending her hands, welcoming Sofia into a hug, surprised by the courage and resolve exhibited by her to let her daughter leave.

“Alviona. I am truly sorry. Mommy is weak. I was unable to protect you, and in the end, you ended up having to defend me. I am a failure as a mother,” said Sofia, as she approached her daughter and kneeled to be at the same level as her.

“No! Mommy is always strong. Please do not say something like that. If you ever become weak, then I will just become stronger and protect you instead!” said Alviona, hugging her mother and not letting her go for a few minutes, her voice emitting might so high, that it felt like the entire residence was shaking.

Hearing these words, Sofia shed tears of joy. Her daughter was above and beyond amazing, and the love she harbored towards her could be deemed otherworldy. Tightly hugging Alviona, Sofia gathered the resolve to speak up: “Darling, you will need to go with grandma Mira temporarily. You have to go to school and learn, all right?”

“Is mommy not coming with us?” asked Alviona confused, tightly clutching her mother’s garments.

“No. If I come with you, I will be in the way of your education. Solomon told me that you wanted to learn magic, yes? And you said you wanted to become stronger, right?” asked Sofia, with a smile, desperately attempting to control her accumulated emotions. I have to be strong for my daughter’s sake. Do not cry Sofia. Please do not allow her to remember you like this, she thought.

“I understand. I will get stronger for mommy. I will also learn magic,” replied Alviona with determination. Despite her still being an infant and not understanding much, she loved her mother beyond anyone in this world, and now that Anita had joined in, an unknown feeling was telling her to become stronger and protect what she treasured the most.

Seeing that Alviona was cheerful and did not pick up on the mood, Sofia was relieved. She tightly embraced her daughter, showering her with kisses and tickling her.

*Tock, Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock*

Oh, what a pleasant sensation! Aah. Mommy is the best! Thought Alviona.

“Mom, when and how do you plan to leave?” (Anita)

“Oh, my. Trying to get rid of me so quickly to do something naughty with Sofia? Dear daughter, you have disappointed your mother.” taunted Mira, amused by her daughter’s sudden question.

“That… I… No!” (Anita)

“Relax. I am just teasing. I plan to rest for today and probably move out as soon as tomorrow. The sooner, the better. The entire forest is currently going a little wild, due to the wyverns flying above us. Anita, promise me two things. One, you will keep summoning and maintaining golems. Two, you will protect yourself and Sofia, no matter the cost. If a huge danger arises, please run to where the golems patrol. If the environment becomes too hazardous, state the following words to the golem with a red circle in its mana pattern: “I, Anita come here as a daughter of Mira. I request an audience with Alamanin, I command you to guide me.” Embed these words into your soul and only commit to this action when in grave danger, never before. Promise me this!” said Mira, her tone clearly indicating the seriousness of her demand.

Seeing that her daughter nodded in affirmative, Mira turned her attention to Janine. “As for you, child, I do not know what to tell you. I do not think we have been acquainted before and your relevance here is questionable. However, if you genuinely do not wish to die, you better come with us on this little adventure of ours. Oh please don’t give me that look. Don’t think that I am letting you go back to your homeland and tell everyone what happened here. No. No. You are not going anywhere.”

“…”

“I understand. It is not like I can return back to the kingdom of Vaalmer, anyways. I am already marked as a deserter, so If I were to head home, I would face execution, and my family would be shamed and stripped of its nobility status,” replied Janine, brushing her chin and only responding after a ponder.

“Very well then. Let me go recover for a bit. All of you here need rest, no exceptions,” declared Mira with a stern voice, sending a chill down the spines of the present party.

And with that, Alviona’s adventures were about to begin.