Aya felt her breath catch in her throat as she reread the message. She stared long and hard at it as if the letters would rise from the phone and smack her.

  From their conversation at dinner, Mars didn’t seem like she would want to have a conversation with Atlas by any means but Aya had the feeling she was running from her own feelings.

  Her grip on her phone tightened as she knew Atlas was waiting patiently for a response, the brunette couldn’t help but wonder if this was their chance to reconcile.

  Aya sighed.

  At the end of the day, it would have to be Mars’s choice and Aya wouldn’t rob her of it by choosing for her.

  [I’m sorry Atlas but I can’t break Mars’ trust like that, she’s not ready to speak to you.]

  Aya’s fingers trembled a bit as she typed in the message, she might have just jeopardized her friendship with him but it was the right thing to do.

  She watched the chat bubbles load and soon Atlas replied.

  [I understand, you’re a good friend Aya and I’m sorry I put you in this position. I just wanted to tell her I’m sorry things turned out the way they did. It was no one’s fault.]

  Aya read over the words, trying to puzzle out what Atlas could be talking about. Was Atlas somehow connected to the Eos Conquerors Mars was running from?

  [Do you mind telling me what happened? You don’t have to if it’s too personal.]

  A moment passed before the chat bubbles popped up again.

  [She was my fiancee, Mars can tell you the rest.]

  Aya gasped loudly, slapping a hand over her mouth in shock at the information. Atlas and Mars? Fiancee? How? When?

  Aya swallowed her shock and texted back.

  [Thank you for telling me, I’m leaving Axen the day after tomorrow and I would like to see you tomorrow before I leave.]

  [We can meet up at Rolfe’s again. I would like to see you in person. Where are you going?]

  [Mericross City.]

  [I guess it’s too much to ask you to move to Evangels so I can see you more often?]

  [I don’t think so.] Aya laughed as she sent the text.

  [Honestly, I’m glad you’re getting out of here. Better opportunities for pro gamers and lots of tournaments.]

  [Exciting and don’t worry we could always meet up in Moon Valley when I’m done with the area I’m currently in.]

  [Sounds like a plan.]

  After a hasty goodnight, Aya plugged her phone into the charger and settled down to play. Grabbing the Revista from its resting place, she went over the details of her last check point in the game. Her goal now would be to lead Dylan back to the temple and take another break before she would get some sleep irl.

  Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  Aya snorted. Irl? She didn’t think she had used that term before.

  Her eye twitched in annoyance at the escort mission but reasoned she needed to finish the quest anyway.

  “Alright, let’s get on with it.”

  ----------

  Yvlena woke to the sound of birds chirping and the feeling of warm sun on her face. A gentle breeze ruffled her hair as she stood, the greenery of the Outskirts met her eyes, reminding her of the land she would have to traverse on her way back to Bloom Haven.

  “You’re awake!” Dylan exclaimed running up to her. Yvlena frowned and folded her arms at the sight of him. The young man noticed immediately.

  “Oh, she’s mad at you.” Sprite teased, prompting Dylan to try and swat the giggling fairy away.

  “Look I’m sorry about what I said I didn’t mean to be so insensitive.” He said.

  Yvlena saw the remorse in his eyes and softened her stance. She sighed, maybe Mars was right, maybe kids just say stupid things sometimes.

  “I know elves live quite long by human standards, but that doesn’t mean we live forever. I’ve lost people too.” Yvlena said.

  Dylan nodded stiffly, his demeanor fully apologetic from the mild scolding. Yvlena sighed.

  “Come on let’s get you back to your mother.”

  ----------

  Dylan took a longing look at his father’s headstone, Yvlena paused giving him a chance to say something if he wanted.

  “Do you think he would have been proud of me?” Dylan asked turning to Yvlena, his eyes pressed her for an answer.

  “I’m sure.” Yvlena said resting a hand on his shoulder. “You were brave to come here after all.”

  Dylan gives her a small smile and a nod.

  “You’re right.”

  He followed her towards the path to the outskirts leading towards Bloom Haven, leaving the final resting place of his father.

  The road back to the Bloom Forest’s depths was surprisingly free of the small mobs they had come to expect, there were no boars around either, and for that Yvlena was thankful.

  Dylan wouldn’t be throwing himself into any more enemies for the time being despite actively looking for them.

  “I must have scared them all off.” Dylan said puffing his chest out in pride.

  “Sure.” Sprite retorted sarcastically, Kuti laughed.

  Yvlena released an audible sigh of relief.

  “What?” Dylan asked.

  “Ah, nothing, nothing at all.” Yvlena replied blissfully.

  “I can’t wait to give Laurent his dinner, catching it was more trouble than it was worth, but it was a welcome break from Bavga’s quest.” Yvlena said to herself as the temple came into view.

  “Let’s catch our breath here. It’s still a long way to town.” Yvlena said. ‘Besides I need to pray.’ she thought.

  Yvlena wouldn’t admit she only liked stopping at the temple because she adored her mother’s face, she stood at the entrance of the temple gazing up at Selendriel.

  ‘Mom, thank you for this world.’ She thought, staring up at the statue’s face.

  “You’re quite religious huh?” Dylan remarked from behind her.

  “Hmm?” Yvlena turned to face him, confused by the comment and annoyed that he had pulled her attention away from the statue.

  “You look up at goddess Selendriel a lot.” he said.

  “Oh...yeah. Well, she’s my goddess and I’m supposed to serve faithfully.” Yvlena said trying to remain in character.

  She didn’t know much about elven culture within the game, so it was best to say as little as possible.

  Besides, who knew what would happen if she said the goddess was her mom?!

  “That’s true, I haven’t seen many elves in Bloom Haven. Mom says it’s because of the Miasma, I’ve only seen you and that blonde alchemist in the Artisan District.”

  “You mean Risel, she’s a friend of mine.” Yvlena said. A smile crossed her lips at the thought of the other elf. “Honestly, I can’t wait to get back to town and see her.”

  In thinking of Risel, Yvlena recalls she wasn’t close to being done with the Verdant woods, or close to fighting what dwelt beneath the lake. Her face fell with the weight of responsibility.

  “So much to do!”