The docks were alive long before the ship ever moved.
Morning light spilled across the harbor in molten streaks of gold, catching on the slow sway of anchored ships and the restless shimmer of seawater. Thick ropes creaked as they strained against wooden posts, sails fluttered as sailors tested the wind, and the sharp cries of seagulls cut through the air like impatient heralds announcing departure. The smell of salt and tar hung heavy, familiar and comforting, mingling with the sound of boots against planks and voices raised in practiced coordination.
This was not just another journey.
This was the beginning of the next one.
Reider stood near the ship's ramp, arms crossed loosely over his chest, posture calm and unshaken amid the bustle. While the harbor pulsed with movement, he remained still—an unmoving point against a living backdrop. His gaze was fixed on the horizon where sea and sky blurred together, as though he were already looking beyond the present moment, beyond the water itself.
The sea reflected in his eyes—vast, patient, and unyielding.
Beside him, Vael adjusted her cloak, fingers tugging at the fabric with casual familiarity. She glanced at Reider more than once, trying—and failing—to hide the small, fond smile that curved her lips. There was something about moments like this that softened her, moments where anticipation and danger overlapped. Reider had that effect on people, whether he meant to or not.
A few steps away, Eryndra leaned against a crate stacked with supplies, arms crossed, posture deliberately relaxed. Anyone watching might think she was simply waiting, killing time. But her eyes betrayed her. They kept drifting back to Reider, measuring him, watching him the way one watched a storm rolling in—quietly, with equal parts curiosity and respect.
Mei stood close to Reider, holding a travel bag against her side. She shifted her weight slightly, toes curling against the wood beneath her boots as she stared out at the open water. Her expression carried a mix of nerves and excitement, the kind that came from standing on the edge of something immense and unknown.
"So this is it…" she murmured, almost to herself. Her voice was soft, reverent. "The path to the Ancient Land."
Reider didn't look away from the horizon when he answered, but the slight tilt of his head acknowledged her presence. The journey ahead was heavy with purpose, and they both knew it.
Footsteps approached from behind, loud and unrestrained.
Kael was the first to come into view, grinning broadly as he waved, his usual confidence radiating off him like heat. Juno followed close behind, laughter already bubbling at the corners of her mouth, with Elias walking a half-step behind them—quieter, more reserved, his eyes sharp as they took in the ship and the sea beyond it.
"Well," Kael said as they reached the group, planting his hands on his hips. "Looks like you guys are ready for a real adventure."
Juno laughed, sweeping her gaze over the assembled party. "Try not to break too many kingdoms along the way."
Reider turned his head slightly this time, the faintest hint of amusement flickering across his otherwise calm expression.
Before anyone could reply, another presence cut through the moment.
Zera approached from the side, a bag slung over her shoulder, her stride confident and unhesitating. She stopped just short of the ramp, her gaze steady, her posture firm in a way that made it immediately clear—this was not a request.
"I'm coming with you," she said.
The words landed harder than expected.
Everyone turned toward her, surprise rippling through the group.
Eryndra lifted a brow, lips curving into an intrigued smile. "You're coming?"
Zera nodded without hesitation. "The next kingdom you're heading to… it's my home."
Vael smirked, folding her arms behind her head. "Guess we'll have a guide, then."
Kael and Juno exchanged a glance. Their smiles didn't fade, but there was something bittersweet beneath them—pride mixed with the quiet ache of knowing someone was stepping onto a path that would take her far away.
"Take care, Zera," Kael said, his voice softer than usual. "And don't forget to visit us when you're done putting the world back together."
Zera smirked back at him, though her eyes softened just a fraction. "Don't worry. I'll make sure to bring some chaos back for you."
Elias stepped closer, his arms crossed as he stared at the ship, then turned his gaze to Reider. His expression was serious, unflinching.
"Watch your back out there," he said. "Not every kingdom will be happy to see you."
Reider inclined his head in acknowledgment. "I never expect them to be."
Vael chuckled quietly. "And yet, you always win them over somehow."
Eryndra's smirk widened. "Mostly by breaking something important."
Laughter rippled through the group, light and genuine. Mei glanced at Reider, warmth shining in her eyes.
The moment was cut short by the bark of a commanding voice.
"Hoist the sails! We depart in five minutes!"
The captain strode across the deck, shouting orders as sailors scrambled into motion, the ship responding like a living thing being awakened.
Zera boarded first, tossing her bag over her shoulder and glancing back with a crooked grin. "Coming or what?"
Vael followed easily, hands behind her head, excitement flashing in her eyes. "Don't leave without us."
Eryndra stepped up next, her expression set, determination clear. "Let's get this over with."
Reider lingered at the base of the ramp. Mei stood beside him, her fingers tightening slightly around her bag.
"Are you ready?" she asked quietly.
He looked out at the sea once more, the wind brushing through his hair. "I've always been ready."
Mei smiled, then stepped onto the ship.
Reider followed, pausing at the top of the ramp. He turned back one last time to the familiar faces waving them off.
"Don't forget to bring us a souvenir!" Kael called.
"Preferably something not cursed!" Juno added.
Vael leaned over the railing, smirking down at them. "No promises!"
Elias raised a hand in a brief wave. "Good luck."
The ship pulled away from the dock, water splashing against its hull as the sails caught the wind. The harbor slowly receded, shrinking until it was nothing more than shapes and color.
With allies behind and a new path ahead.
Mei, Vael, Eryndra, and Zera stood beside Reider, watching the shoreline fade into memory.
Mei glanced at him. "You'll find her," she said softly. "I know you will."
Reider's gaze locked onto the horizon, resolve hardening in his eyes.
Mother… I'm coming.
Later, as the ship cut smoothly through open water, Reider stood alone at the edge of the deck, leaning lightly against the railing. His cape swayed in the sea breeze, the rhythm steady, almost soothing. He watched the endless blue stretch before him, thoughts deep but controlled.
Inside the ship, warmth replaced the sharp tang of sea air.
Mei sat near a small table, cradling a cup of tea between her hands. Across from her, Vael lounged back with a mischievous smirk.
"So," Vael said, eyes glinting, "remind me again how Reider kidnapped you that first time?"
Mei nearly choked on her tea. "He didn't kidnap me…"
"Oh really?" Vael leaned forward. "Because one moment you were home, next moment—poof—running around the world with him."
Eryndra, seated nearby, smirked. "You did follow him like a lost puppy at first."
Mei's cheeks flushed. "That's not fair… I was worried about him."
Zera sat by the window, arms crossed, staring out at the ocean, listening quietly.
Eryndra turned her attention to her, grin sharp. "What about you, Zera? Don't tell me you've fallen for him too."
Zera snapped her head around. "Don't be stupid."
Vael noticed the faint blush. "Ohhh? Zera, blushing? That's rare."
Zera looked away, muttering, "He's… interesting. That's all."
"Interesting enough to follow him to the ends of the earth?" Eryndra pressed.
"Shut up."
Vael laughed. "Welcome to the club."
Mei watched them with a soft smile. They really don't make it easy…
"You'll have competition," Eryndra teased.
Mei glanced toward the window, toward where Reider stood beyond it. "I think… he's always had more people who care about him than he realizes."
Outside, unaware, Reider continued to stare into the sea.
I hope this journey leads me to you, mother.
Inside, laughter filled the cabin.
"Should we tell him?" Vael asked.
"Only if you want to see him walk away," Eryndra replied.
"I know," Zera said dryly.
Mei smiled. "That's part of what makes him… him."
The ship sailed on, laughter and quiet resolve carried together across the waves.
At the bow, Reider straightened, adjusting his cloak as the wind picked up. He turned slightly, as if sensing them, then faced forward once more.
Behind him, inside the ship, bets were already being made.
And ahead of them—
The open sea.
The journey continued, and so did the hearts that followed him.