The rest of the road went by without trouble. Lobi's theory turned out to be right – Kahima had moved his entire garrison into Sain to defend against Zetto, so for the next few days there was no real threat.
Still, Zetto and the beast-people decided to cross the Mountains of Frost to shave some time off their journey.
Tonight's so calm, so gentle, Zetto thought with a smile. Tae was asleep on his shoulder, the Tiriga and the Varii were laughing together by the fire. Meime was playing her guitar and singing. Maghra sat right next to Zetto, closer than usual, taking advantage of Tae sleeping peacefully to lean in a little more.
Meanwhile, Alice was washing Ora's hair in a small wooden bowl. The little owl girl was already clean except for her hair. She wore a simple white dress with straps – something Alice had sewn for her in just one evening.
"Auntie Alice," the owl girl said happily, "you're so gentle with your hands! And they're so soft!"
"Thank you," Alice replied, her face glowing with joy. "I'll make sure your hair gets its shine back. It's got such a beautiful color."
"Really?" Ora asked, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
"Yes," Alice said, laughing brightly.
We just need to get through the mountains… and then figure out how to survive out there in the Northeastern Deserts. I only want one thing – for the smiles on their faces to never fade.
On nights like this, I feel invincible.
He thought that, then held Tae closer against his shoulder. She cuddled into him a little tighter in her sleep.
Her words… this moment… I think I finally get it.
To some, I'll always be seen as a traitor, a criminal, and a murderer. Sometimes I'll have to do terrible things just to keep them safe. But as long as, to them, I'm a hero – someone they can trust – nothing else matters.
"Zetto!" Ora came hopping along toward him, her face glowing with excitement. "Look! My hair isn't all stuck together anymore!" she said, grinning ear to ear.
"Yeah. It looks beautiful. Golden, like treasure," he said with a smile.
Ora came closer, grabbed a lock of Zetto's hair, and held it up next to hers.
"Look! Our colors are just as bright!"
"You're right, haha."
"Ora!" Alice called after her. "Jeez, I know you want talk to Zetto, but I haven't even dried your hair yet, you little rascal." She puffed out her cheeks, then suddenly tossed a towel over the girl's head just to tease her. Gently and slowly, she began drying her hair. "Even if it's warm outside, you can't run around with wet hair – you'll catch a cold. And we wouldn't want that, would we?" In response, Ora let out a happy little laugh.
Zetto was just about to say that he could heal her in a few seconds anyway, but his expression suddenly darkened.
It's not like I'll always be there for her. It's not like I'll always be there for any of them. …But that doesn't matter now. I just want to enjoy what I have.
"Everything okay?" Maghra asked in a serious tone.
"Yeah," he nodded. "I just had a heavier thought cross my mind for a second, but I pushed it away. I want to make the most of today," he said with a smile.
"Auntie Maghra!" Ora gave the dog-woman's hand a little pull. "Come play tag with me and Auntie Alice!"
"Maybe Zetto will join too," she said, glancing back at him.
"I can't. Tae's sleeping so sweetly, I don't want to wake her up. Otherwise I'd join."
"Oh well, then I'll invite some of the other Varii to play. Most of them are pretty young. Stuff like this helps strengthen the pack ," she said, getting up to follow Ora.
"Zetto, you come too!" the little girl called out.
"If I wake Tae, she's going to be really mad."
"Lazybones!" she responded playfully, then ran off toward Alice and Maghra, who had already gathered Lobi and a few other Varii for the game of tag.
Zetto chuckled, soft and gentle, but filled with joy. He gazed at the tigress with all the warmth in his heart as she slept peacefully against him.
If only I could hold onto this moment forever. But then again… maybe it's exactly because it doesn't last that it'll stay in my heart for so long.
Zetto lifted his eyes to the stars.
Tonight they looked more beautiful than ever – but still not as beautiful as Tae.