149 Course of Reflections

Fenal and other Lizards had a usual spot they hung out at. Fortunately, they were there, otherwise I'd have to search a bit more. "Hey guys, it's been a while. I have some good news, but before that. Do you know where we can find Gil, Redam and others?", I asked. "It's been a while, princess. We should be able to find them. After all, they remained here at Arangard just to see the completed course. Hehe, I can guess what the news is already", he replied.

"In that case, let's find them. Then we can all go together", I replied. Fenal and others took me to the residence for Atols visiting Arangard. That place worked on a similar basis as the one at Sedon did. "Princess Anna, have you come for a visit, or do you need us for something? I hope nothing's wrong with the course", Gil said.

"No, no. The course is perfectly fine. Why don't you follow me? I have something to show you", I replied. They were able to piece things together as well, especially when they saw Fenal and others. "I can't wait, is it really finished?", "Hehe, you'll see", I refused to give them any hints.

They already saw all the slides and obstacles, but they didn't experience the completed course. Nonetheless, once they saw Leran zooming past the slides, tunnels and whatnot, they were really impressed and excited. "Once Leran's done, all of you can have a go. Oh, and one more thing. Do not share any details about the course with anyone. I want everyone to experience this by themselves, alright?", I said. Though they found it a bit odd, they agreed.

"Leran, not so fast. There are others who'd like to give it a go", I called out once he finished the course. He didn't protest, and quietly joined our little group. "Come on, any of you go first", I said with a smile. They decided amongst themselves the queue, and went with it. The Lizards went first, and each person returning to our group had a big grin on their faces.

Of course no one revealed the surprise at the end, which allowed everyone to experience it for themselves. Once everyone had a go, they could finally share their experience. "The whole course was great, but the last section? I think this will become everyone's favourite", Fenal said enthusiastically. "I liked the slides a lot, but the final section was indeed something else. Princess, you really transformed this course. This place feels much more alive thanks to these Formations. Hehe, I can't wait to have another go", Gil said.

"Go on then, you guys have fun. Me and uncle will go to notify the Royal Lizards. Just remember not to talk about your experience with anyone who didn't try the course. Oh, and try to think of a name, I promised after all", I replied before me and uncle left.

"They were really impressed with your work. I'm sure the higher-up will be as enthusiastic. Hehe, I can't wait to see their faces", uncle said. "That's the best part, and the reason for such a rule. Everyone will experience the course by themselves, so the surprise will be worth it", I replied with a smile.

The Royal Lizards were really happy to hear the news of course completion. A small group of them followed us back very eagerly to the course area, where people already had fun. "This place looks great. The glass and stones work so well together, and the spirals… They're just magnificent", one of them praised. "I'm sure you aren't satisfied with just looking. Why don't you have a go?", I proposed.

Of course they were very willing, and even had previous arrangements who'd go first. "Just one thing before you go. There's a certain rule everyone must follow. Don't worry, it's nothing crazy. All I'm asking is that you don't reveal anything about the course, at least to those who didn't try it out themselves. I'm sure you'll figure out why, after experiencing it", I said. They didn't seem to mind the rule, and the first Royal Lizard made his way towards the starting point.

One by one, the Royal Lizards gave the course a try. Each one of them returned with a big smile, and an excited expression. Those who had a go understood each other without words, while those who still awaited their turn? Well, they were getting more and more excited.

When all of them had a go, they were finally able to share the experience. "Princess Anna, that last section was simply amazing. It defines our home, and makes the course so much more unique and personal. We are really happy you took this project on, this will truly remind everyone how great our Obsidian Mountains are", one of them said, while other couldn't help but nod along.

"I'm happy you enjoyed it. We are almost done here, all that's left is to name the course. Guys! Have you come up with any names?", I called over Fenal and others. "Princess, to be honest, there were a few names we had in mind before experiencing the course", Fenal said. "That's true. After we had a go, all of us agreed on a name. We think it suits the course perfectly", Gil added.

"Alright, then tell us the name already", I said. They looked at each other, as if deciding who's supposed to speak. Finally, Fenal revealed the name to us, "Course of Reflections… We believe it's a perfect name for this course". "Course of Reflections… Hehe, yea. This should be a perfect name for this place. Does everyone agree?", I asked. The Royal Lizards, my uncle and Leran, all nodded their head.

"From this point onwards, this course shall be known as the Course of Reflection. I declare it open, and free for everyone to use". Everyone cheered loudly, then congratulated me. I wasn't the only one who built the course, but they were really happy and excited. 'I'll let the be, it's a happy occasion after all'.

"Princess, we know you didn't ask for any rewards, but if there's anything you'd like. It doesn't have to be now, but we shall remember this favour. You have our word", one of the Royal Lizards said. I told them not to worry about it, and simply announce the completion to everyone.

They then turned towards uncle Lazar, "Lazar, we'll need a lot of help from you. With the Course of Reflections completed, you'll be the best person to manage everything", "Hehe, to be honest? I must refuse". Uncle's reply was really shocking to the Royal Lizards, therefore he quickly followed up with an explanation.

"You see, I've worked for most of my life but didn't take enough care of my family. It's time for me to retire, take care of my family. There are loads of competent people who can take my place, therefore you shouldn't have issues replacing me".

The Royal Lizards tried to persuade him, but uncle was firm. "Lazar, you aren't easily replaceable. We can increase your pay, that's not a problem. I'm sure we can work something out", "I'm happy you think about me that way, but I've made my decision. I'm no idiot either. This is very sudden to you, therefore I'll give you two weeks to find a replacement and manage everything. After the two weeks, I'm retiring", he replied.

Though it was hard for them to accept, they couldn't really force him. On the other hand, Leran stood there with his mouth agape. He was simply too shocked, and no one saw that coming. Moreover, uncle would be home much more often. He'd have the time to spend with his son, wife and daughter. Which son wouldn't like that?

'Though I always complain about mom worrying too much, she's always there for me. I appreciate both my parents being there for me, and Dante too. They are my family after all', "Alright guys, I'll let you get on with everything. Leran, you can close your mouth now. I'll be on my way back home. My mother must be crying already for her daughter to come back, hehe". My words relieved the weird atmosphere a bit, which was a good thing.

"Princess should stay, at least for a while. I'm sure people would be happy to meet you", one of the Royal Lizards proposed. "Nah, I'm tired as well. Besides, you guys don't need me here. Just enjoy yourselves. I'll visit you guys in the future for sure. Anyway, take care guys, until next time", I replied, gave a hug to uncle and Leran then left.

The fast travel Formation was fortunately ready for use, and with no one in the queue, I left towards Varia immediately. "Anna!", my brother exclaimed when he saw me. "Hey, little brother. Missed me?", I said while picking him up. "I'm not little…", he complained, but hugged me anyway. "Don't worry, the project at Arangard is done. I'll stay with you from now on", I added.

"My daughter's finally back?", mother came out to give me a hug as well. "We should go and have a look, right?", she added. "Hehe, if you want. I'm sure you'll be surprised. By the way, where's dad?", I replied. "He's a bit busy, but don't worry. He should be back later today or tomorrow. Why, you prefer him over your mother? I have feelings too, you know?", she said. "I'm sure you do. Anyway, I'm tired so… See ya, hehe".

Back at my place, the wolves were missing. 'At least these guys will leave me alone for a while. Good', "Curly, let's rest before the pack comes back", I proposed. Curly was tired as well, since she followed me everywhere, and tried to help out as much.

I must've been really tired. "Wow, it's already morning… I'm hungry too. Curly?". The little furball crawled out from underneath my pillow with a yawn. "Hehe, you're so cute sometimes. Come here furball, let's eat some breakfast", "Arf!". There was no need to tell her twice about food.

"Ah, you guys are back as well", I said looking at the pack resting downstairs. They all jumped at me, with the exception of few. "Wait a minute… Where's Fatty, Peaky, Sneaky and Fluffy? These guys over there are new as well. Huh?", I was totally confused. The three new wolves came closer, but slowly. "Don't be so afraid, come here you little rascals", I said though the missing wolves weighed on my mind.

"Anna, come eat breakfast with us", my father said while knocking on the doors. "Sure, I'm coming. You guys stay here for a while, okay?", I said before leaving. "Dad, what happened to Peaky, Fatty and others?", "We released them. They'll live in the wild now, and form their own pack. We do that with some wolves, though we keep a few older ones too", he explained.

'I was worried, but they seem to be alright. Either way, I didn't get a chance to say farewell… I'm sure they'll do well. Who knows, maybe we'll meet each other one day', "So, how did you name the three newcomers?", I asked instead. "Howly, Yappy, and Wafwaf. Once you call them by their names, they'll come over to you", he replied.

I couldn't help but grab my face in defeat, 'This naming sense… Mother's form didn't die at all, she's still useless at naming them… Who names a wolf Wafwaf? Literally, who?'. "I can see by your expression alone what you're thinking. Dante named one of them, and of course your mother the other two. It doesn't really matter what names they have. After all, you get tired the more names you'd come up with", father explained.

'Then we all know who named a wolf Wafwaf…', "Anyway, where's Dawn? I haven't seen her yesterday, nor today", I asked instead. "Oh, she already returned back home. I told her to practice by herself. She had to make her own techniques, instead of trying to copy me", he replied.

"Anyway. You kind of abandoned your own training for a while now. Better start making some progress on that Aura, otherwise your mother will keep you at home, hehe", dad added. "You agreed though", "Yes, but you have two parents, not one. Your mother's worried about you, so am I. This isn't a bad deal. Make sure to control your second Aura, before leaving for the Endrosian Empire. Deal?", he proposed. "Alright, deal. Remember though, once I'm able to do it, there's no backing out", "Sure, that's fine by me", he agreed.