40 Obrecht's 'Masterpiece'

"So?" Kivn yawned as he walked out of the ceremonial hall with Obrecht and Obrecht's father. "What are you up to?"

Videre had been sent away with Amisha to visit Odeti while they had chosen to stay to prepare for the ceremony in the afternoon. Suspicious as Videre may have seemed, he let Obrecht take the initiative to stay behind for the for the first time.

"Won't Videre get suspicious of you now?"

"No, he'll think I'm up to do something related to either his weapon or his coming of ceremony. He wouldn't have realized it was something entirely different." He chuckled as he imagined Videre's surprised face for when he sees his master piece.

Having been busy for months on end with training and other menial but important tasks, Obrecht finally obtained the free time to accompany his father for a simple walk among the opening archway that overlooked the whole canyon.

"Always spending your time roaming outside the hall, you sure have a lot of free time there, son", Halvalt said in a teasing manner.

"What, you don't want to spend time with your son anymore?"

Obrecht threw a dissatisfied look towards his father. Halvalt laughed him off as he pressed on his son's head, messing the already disorderly mesh of hair.

"Did you really think I'd believe that? Don't you have your periodicals coming up? Can you even maintain your ranking?"

Halvalt pulled Obrecht's cheek with his fingers. He didn't know when or where his son started to learn how to lie and be so dramatic. Perhaps he got it from someone always staying close to him, but thinking of the only quiet person staying near his son, he doubted that Obrecht could even learn that many emotions out of him.

"Fine, fine." Obrecht acquiesced, not the least bit shy at having been caught lying with underlying purposes. "I was going to try to persuade you to come with me to see the house I built. I've just finished assembling the lift and some other details I added into Tito Kivn's design."

"House you built", Halvalt playfully asked, his tone hinting a bit of sarcasm and dissatisfaction. "Oh, so Kivn, Krael, and I's help don't count at all?"

Walking through the underground channels, the father and son pair headed to that place they usually visited for the last few months, unbeknownst to one person. Though looking as if he had no care in the world, Obrecht was in fact, keeping an eye out for Videre, just in case he suddenly shows up unannounced.

Though that seemed unlikely with his Tita Amisha pulled in into the plan beforehand.

Obrecht had an urge to flash a thumbs at her behind Videre's back but he knew the latter would have 'seen' that too, and so he refrained, almost acting a tad bit shady with a straight face.

Things have changed much for this short duration of time. Everything was moving forward, though there were some stagnant things that never changed.

Everybody, except Obrecht, was surprised at the fast-paced learning skills that Videre had shown. It was proven now that Obrecht wasn't simply boasting when he said that Videre was fast-learner the first time he accompanied him class.

Obrecht remained the same, always sticking close to his best friend and object of affection, and practicing like an obsessive madman with his big black sword. It was Videre, on the other hand, that had gone through drastic changes. With no one to hinder his growth in Lumea, coupled with many available teachers of the battle arts and resources, he quickly stepped up to take the advance class alongside Obrecht, creating much pressure, excitement, admiration, and competition among the battle-frenzy youngsters. Even the adults had to admit that they didn't expect someone from the surface would adapt so quickly to their way of life and teaching.

Having that said, Videre was just as quiet as before, even with Obrecht around. Given time, Videre also got harder and harder to read, as he had learned to control his actions with finesse. Only those who spent a lot of time with him from the very start could truly figure out what he was thinking and feeling in the recent days. Nevertheless, no one doubted him anymore, and he was well-integrated into the Lumean's community.

"Hurry u~p", Obrecht grumbled. "We don't have much time. Unlike you guys, I'm busy you know? I have somewhere to be later."

"Yes, we old bones hear you."

"Don't group me in with you", Halvalt retorted at Kivn. "I'm as young as I can be."

"Sure, you are", Kivn sarcastically replied with a yawn, too lazy to retort or respond with a comeback.

Obrecht was smirking all the way to the little path he had memorized. The traces of human could be seen by the way the grasses had part in a path, the soft soil peeking here and there at the bald places that often got stepped upon. Arriving at their destination, Obrecht looked up to gaze at the his latest self-claimed masterpiece, his lips breaking into a wider, more satisfied grin.

The giant tree's red-orange and purple crown gently rustled in the wind. One could say that it remained the same over the span of time. The only difference was the house built upon its branches that lined up and was half supported by the wall as well. There were no stairs anywhere. Instead, there was a small lifting mechanism like an elevator that raised people up in exchange for a giant boulder.

Although the three of them would have easily jumped on the branches, or grab a few to hoist themselves up, the two older men were too lazy to do so. It was too early in the morning to move so much! That, and Obrecht just wanted to brag about the new lift that was working wonderfully.

Thus, Halvalt, Kivn, and Obrecht arrived safely at the first level of thick branches. The whole branch, not to mention the whole tree itself, was fortified, and the house was designed so that it was half-supported by the tree, and half-supported by the wall. It was a splendid design for a house that Kivn had cooked up in the late hours of the morning after his shift.

At first, Kivn didn't plan on accepting any job designs as he wanted to sleep more because of his taxing work. With this intention, he wanted to politely decline Obrecht's request for the house design, but later on, his son even tried to persuade him! Yes, that Krael!

In reality, Krael only mentioned to his apa that Obrecht wanted a blueprint of a house from him. In exchange, Obrecht would also ask his apa for a discount the next time Krael wanted a blade crafted. It wasn't a bad deal. Well, that was until Kivn had seemingly decided to take this opportunity to bond with his son.

In the end, Krael found out that his father was so inspired by him speaking more than five words for the first time, that he had to fight off his drowsiness to complete the design, and help in building the house, much to Krael objection.

Why did I have to get pulled into this, was Krael's line of thought, but nonetheless, he was an efficient and satisfactory worker, only if you didn't look at his grouchy face.

The only solace that Krael got was that the house looked simple but very beautiful, that even he had to admit that his father's works were impressive, though he'll never say this to him at all. Krael believes that there is no need to inspire him any longer than this few months. Let's not be hasty here.

Now that the house is done though, not even a shadow of Krael could be seen anywhere nearby.

Fidgeting, Obrecht asked his apa as they opened the door to the house.

"Do you think he'll like this? Will he take it as me not wanting him at home anymore?"

Having spent a lot of time with Videre, Obrecht knew better than anyone, how Videre's train of thoughts went. It made it harder for him to open up and tell the news about the house, even when it was already completed two days ago. He had wanted to surprise him with the house. He thought it was a good idea a few months ago, when his Tito Mortimer opened the idea of enclosing the cave to seal it from naughty kids—Obrecht avoided his steady gaze at the mention of naughty kids.

"It'll be fine." Halvalt answered carelessly, not caring one bit for his son's anxiousness, that seemed to only come out whenever Videre was involved. Halvalt got used to this by now. Not to mention, Odeti was the biggest contributor to the anxiousness with all the ideas she had put inside her own son's head. Honestly, Halvalt couldn't comprehend what his wife is thinking regarding this matter. He could only support her with her wishes and happiness. What else was a partner for if not to support her for the things that she adores doing?