A Year of Progress (Part 2)

Teri was surprised when he heard the news. At the same time, he was thrilled at the opportunity. Not only would he and Tara travel together, they'd visit a place people of the North didn't have access to. "I'll quickly say hello to my uncle, so you guys pack and notify all the necessary people. I don't want them to worry about you", I said.

Uncle was happy to see me, and even had a gift for me after I told him my plans. "This is my best creation so far, and I'd like to give it to you", "Why don't you keep it then? This is the best medicine you've created, you should cherish it", I replied. "Anna, Anna. I'm old already, and this medicine will be much more useful to you. Especially now that you are leaving for the Endrosian Empire".

"Okay, but after my return, I'll be sure to give you a gift as well. Anyway, what does this do?", I asked. "Ha! That's a new recipe I came up with. Your father taught me a lot, but I didn't lose the touch just yet. You see, this medicine will heal your wounds, but! There's a secondary effect. Remember the Black Irises? Hehe, I've combined them with a few other herbs to receive something unusual", he said, but didn't really reveal the effect itself.

"Right, right. The second effect of this medicine is speed. I'm not talking about how quickly it works, but rather how fast it can make you. The effect doesn't last long, but it will give you one large burst of speed. If you ever find yourself in a bad situation, use it, even for that effect alone", he added. 'That's really thoughtful of him. I'm sure this can be useful to me', "Thank you, uncle. It's a great gift". He didn't keep me any longer, but told me to be careful.

"You guys seem ready", I said after joining Tara and Teri. "We should have most of the stuff. Let's go, I can't wait to see the Endrosian Empire", she replied. We had to return to Varia, and take the fast travel Formation to Sedon. Tara decided not to go with me, and therefore Teri remained with her. "Take care of the wolves then, I'll be back as soon as possible", I said.

Me and Curly arrived at Sedon in no time. I didn't want to bring Turry, since there was no need. "Oh, what a nice surprise. Come on in, Anna", aunt Finna invited me inside. "Dawn's not home yet, but she should be back soon. Did you come for a visit, or there's something you need here at Sedon?", she asked. "Nope, I'm here for a visit, but also to get Dawn", I replied, then explained everything to her.

"Hehe, she mentioned something in the past, but we didn't really take her seriously. To think you guys are really going there… I don't see why not, my husband will probably cry from happiness. After all, no one can go to the Endrosian Empire, yet our daughter will. That's an achievement in itself, right?", she said. "Hehe, I'm not the one to say. The place is different for sure, and we can always learn something. During the last trip, most of my time was spent inside a forest. This time, I'd like to see some Human cities and whatnot", I replied.

We chatted about all sorts of things for a little longer. Aunt usually stayed at home alone. Spending some time with her didn't cost me anything, additionally this made her happier. During the evening though, I've left aunt Finna's house to visit uncle Crow, aunt Lira and Drak.

"What a nice surprise, come on in. How have you been? Made any progress with your Aura?", aunt asked. "Hehe, actually…", I told her that my part of the deal was fulfilled and therefore it was time for me to go on a trip. "Hehe, well she had to agree at that stage. You know? She always complains how her daughter doesn't want to stay at home. That you always search for other places to be at. I can't blame her, but I'm on your side. You guys should explore and learn new things. After all, that's how your father became who he is today", she said.

"At least you understand that. Besides, I'm almost twenty-one years old. How can they make a decision for me?", "Hehe, sure, aunt wouldn't stop you. It's a shame I'm too old, a trip to the Endrosian Empire would be nice", aunt said with a sigh. "Can't my father let you leave? It's not like uncle and you are weak. You can take care of yourselves", I asked. "Hehehe, that's true, but we are also busy. Maybe one day we will, who knows. Your uncle is especially busy these days. He pretty much left Drak on my head, that bastard", she replied.

'That's right! Uncle Crow is trying to reach the Primal Limits stage… I wonder about his progress', "Aunt, can you tell me about uncle's progress? Moreover, why aren't you doing the same?". My question wasn't surprising to her, but she couldn't tell me much. "He hasn't made any noteworthy improvements yet. I mean, this takes time, even if your father helps him out. As for me? Someone has to take care of Drak and the city, right? Besides, you might not know, but I'm more talented than my husband, hehe", she replied.

'That's a surprise indeed. I always thought uncle was stronger and whatnot', "By the way, where's Drak?", I asked instead. "Oh, he's at Arangard for a few days. They'll return with his friends and Leran for the performance day. You are welcomed to come along as well", "... Perhaps another time, hehe", I replied drily. "I can see why you'd refuse, though we'd prefer if the reason was a boy", she teased me.

After the visit to aunt Lira, I decided to visit Ama as well. "I'm happy you visited, but it's getting late…". She sounded a bit suspicious, as if hiding something. "We see each other so rarely, a few minutes shouldn't make much of a difference to you", I replied. "... Hehe, yea, yea. How about we go for a walk? Wait a minute, I'll get ready". She then closed the doors right in front of me.

'Now it's obvious she's hiding something. I wonder what it is…', "Curly, can you get inside? I'd like you to check what she's hiding", I asked. Curly nodded her head, and quickly left my neck. Curly's size was a huge advantage. Her curious nature was another, she'd always find a way inside places.

Before Curly returned, Ama stepped outside. "I'm ready. We can go grab some food, or just walk around", she proposed. "I'm not in a rush, we'll leave in a moment". My reply placed her on defence. She probably thought I was onto something, well, she wasn't wrong. While she tried to convince me, Curly returned and barked a few times.

"Huh? You are here too? Oh, that's why we were waiting! Sorry, I didn't realise Curly was about to join us". Ama tried to mask her previous actions, but her efforts were pointless. "Don't worry yourself about it. So, Curly. What did you find?", I asked instead. Curly barked a few times, then pointed at Ama. "Someone's inside?", "Arf, arf!", Curly barked in affirmation. "Oh, I wonder who that might be?". The question wasn't for Curly, but rather for Ama.

"I… I have no idea what you mean… There's no one there. Let's go now, I'm tired after a whole day of work", "Sure, sure. Since you are tired, how about a nice meal? I'll pay for it, it's my treat", I proposed. Ama agreed, so long we left her house alone. "Goodnight, stranger! Don't worry, Ama will be back soon", I said towards the house with a giggle. Ama wouldn't crack, no matter how cunning my questions were. We had a nice meal, and then went our separate ways. I didn't want to torment her after all.

'First Dawn, and now Ama. Well, Dawn's reason is somewhat… reasonable. Why would Ama hide her boyfriend? It's not like she has to worry about her parents. I don't understand people these days'. That was enough excitement for one day. I decided to stay at aunt Finna's place. She appreciated my company, and me and Dawn wouldn't miss each other.

The following day, me and aunt spend some time together. She even took me shopping. We didn't shop for clothes, but rather food and necessities. Dawn and her father arrived that evening as well. I didn't know Dawn's father all that much. He wasn't usually around when we visited. Though the few times we met, he always treated me nicely. Perhaps even better than his daughter.

"Princess Anna, I'd like to thank you once again for helping my stupid daughter. She got a great opportunity to learn from the Emperor", he said. "Uncle, please call me Anna. Moreover, she's not stupid... Although sometimes she appears as such, hehe", I replied. "Would you mind not insulting me, right in front of me? Anyway, why are you here?", Dawn asked, annoyed.

"Today is your lucky day. You've been selected for a trip to the Endrosian Empire. Pack your stuff, and let's go… Of course if uncle has nothing against it", I replied. Dawn was surprised, but uncle Sead was shocked. "Pri.. Anna, is that true? You want to take Dawn to the Endrosian Empire?", "Yes, if you guys have nothing against it. I've been planning that for a long time now. There's no need to worry though, I'm sure my father will supply me with everything necessary. We should be relatively safe", I replied.

"Thank you", uncle said out of the blue. "No need to thank me, uncle. It's nothing special", "No, there are a few reasons why I'm thanking you… Dawn, take good care of Anna out there. I also expect you to get yourself familiar with that place and develop yourself. Remember to practice properly, and maybe we'll think about that boyfriend of yours". Dawn froze in place when she heard the last part.

She tried to deny it, but who was she fooling? "Mom! How could you betray me like that!", Dawn complained. "My daughter, your father isn't blind. He can see those things as well. Especially since you work together. What did you expect? Moreover, he just gave you… sort of approval. Do well on your journey, and your father's going to be happy. Right hubby?", aunt explained. "... Maybe..", uncle replied gloomily.

Dawn became elated once she heard that. She didn't even know whether to hug her parents or go packing. "We have time, so don't worry", I assured her. Albeit her boyfriend wouldn't be going with us, she promised to introduce him after the trip. 'Why not now?', I asked myself, but gave up in the end. Dawn was simply too used to hiding her boyfriend.