Not Our Last Journey Together

Freydis draws the scenery from her spot on the hill. With only three days left on their journey, she wishes to take record of all that she has seen.

Amongst her sketches are pieces of Vilgur cooking, of Sigrun with Eiric, and of the many sightings she wishes to show everyone in Solgrad. Now, she sketches the waterfall that falls from above the clouds.

“You’re a good artist.” Sigrun said.

“It was my hobby when I was young. I spent so much time cooped up that it kept me distracted. Did you have any hobbies?”

“I’m a better cook than Vilgur.”

“Really?”

“She only cooks for Eiric.” Vilgur said.

“The quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. I cook for dad all the time as well, I just had to make sure Vilgur could survive without me.”

“Hey! I do well for myself. It’s Eiric that can’t cook.”

“It angers Sigrun when I try.” Eiric said.

“I’ll cook for you for the rest of your life dear. Freydis, is there a reason you draw so much of what we have seen?”

“I want to show everyone back home. They’re all so afraid to leave the safety of the settlements because of the monsters that roam. One day, after the conflicts are done, I’d like to the make the world safe enough to travel freely.”

“That would be nice. Father said it has gotten worse with time.” Eiric said.

“As did my parents. The reason is unknown; I’ll just add it to the list and fix it. Watch me!”

“Will you do so as queen?” Vilgur said.

“Ah… I don’t like to think about that. Do I need to be queen to fix such things? I love Solgrad and our people, but staying home after this seems wrong.”

“What’s keeping you?” Sigrun said.

“I don’t want to fail my parents. At least, my mother is still around even if she isn’t herself anymore. Before everything changed, they worked night and day to find a resolution to every conflict we were suffering from. They gave it their all, and for a time I believed they would succeed. But everything fell apart when my brother turned. I have to continue their efforts; it’s the only way I can face my mother again.”

“What do you want to do?”

“I want to travel and help you. But it isn’t about what I want. I have to think about everyone as well.”

“The decision is yours. You’re not abandoning Solgrad forever.”

“You have a point, but I can’t leave for too long without the throne being taken. Leaving it to one of our nobles is horrifying to think about.”

Now done with her sketch, Freydis follows the group as they continue their journey to sanctuary.

“Eiric, I need your help.”

Vilgur pulls Eiric aside as Sigurn teaches Freydis basic cooking skills while the sun sets.

“I’m not much of a shield user, have you tried launching it like a flying saucer.”

“Like a what?”

“Sorry, just something I saw back in my old world.”

“Oh, and it’s not that. Teach me how to talk to girls.”

“I’m sorry? Are you going to ask Freydis to be your girlfriend?”

“No! No. I’ve only ever talked to Sigrun or our mothers for anything other than greetings. I get nervous when I talk to Freydis. I just want to reassure her; she seems so sad when talking about returning home.”

“What do you want her to know?”

“That we’ll support her. I will. And that I believe in her. I just don’t want her to be sad.”

“Anything else?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Ok. Just say that to her then.”

“What? Are you crazy? She’ll laugh at me.”

“I don’t think she will. Maybe, maybe not. The best you can do is be honest.”

“Ah it’s on fire!” Freydis said as Sigrun used ice magic to stop the fire.

“It can’t be that simple. I don’t want to overstep any boundaries.”

“That will be difficult. I’ve done so plenty of time of times with Sigrun. But that is something that only you will know as your relationship with Freydis develops. But you’ll have it to do it soon, or you could lose your chance. I was afraid I would with Sigrun. And, you may be surprised, she could appreciate it.”

“I still think you’re pulling my leg.”

“Sigrun!”

“Yes dear?” Sigrun pops up beside Eiric.

Eiric pulls Sigrun into his chest. “Thank you. I know I was mean, but I want you to know that I appreciate you being there for me.”

Sigrun smiles from ear to ear. “Anytime for you. Now what are you bothering him about?”

“It’s not the same. You two have been in love for years.”

“Maybe you can’t say something like that to Freydis, but it will be hard mess it up. I agree with Eiric, just let her know what you are thinking.”

“You were listening to us?”

“An older sister worries about her little brother as well.” Sigrun pinches Vilgur’s cheek, “Even if it’s just a simple word of support, it could mean the world to her.”

“Ahhhh! Sigrun! I messed up again!” Freydis said.

“Vilgur will help you!” Sigrun kicks Vilgur towards Freydis.

“I’m not ready!”

“Too bad!”

A second kick sends Vilgur next to Freydis.

“I’m sorry, I don’t use blades with care when training.” Freydis said as she holds a pile of minced meat in her hands.

Vilgur smiles. “We’ll just cut them into smaller pieces, I’ll show you.”

Vilgur walks Freydis through a simple meat recipe. He cuts the first ingredients for her, but walks her through proper technique until she has her own decent cut.

“Haha! No technique is too much for the princess of Solgrad! Now! Do you know fire magic?” Freydis’s eyes sparkle as she holds her pot of ingredients.

“No, but I can make a fire with a spark.”

Freydis and Vilgur continue their cooking venture. Freydis stirs with great care, looking at Vilgur for affirmation each time she does so.

“Try it.” Freydis said as she holds a spoonful to Vilgur’s mouth.

“It’s good. Good job.”

“You’re not lying are you… it is good! Heh, maybe I can do what I put my mind to. You’re a good teacher, Vilgur. Sigrun is a little scarry.”

“She is. But it was your hard work that helped the most… Freydis, whatever you decide, I hope you know that we’ll support you.”

“Even if I become queen?”

“Yes. I believe in you. You’re scared, I am as well, but we completed this journey. Even if we don’t see much of each other once we return home, you can always call for us. Sigrun thinks dearly of you now so you can speak to her using her blessing. I just don’t want you to be sad.”

“Thank you, Vilgur. I am sad, but I’ll just bring you guys to the castle if I want to see you. If I call, you better answer.”

“Of course, I’ll be even faster than Eiric. And, when all of this is done, we can go on a journey again.”

“How about to another realm?”

“Of course. We’ll make it happen, I promise.”

“Then it’s a date. You better keep your promise.”

“It’s a date?!”

“Eiric, Sigrun! The food is going to be cold if you keep that up back there!” Freydis gives everyone a healthy serving before raising her fork to the sky, “Everyone! This is not our last journey together. I’m asking for a lot, but one day, let’s go on an adventure again.”

“Of course.” Sigrun said.

Eiric enjoys the meal as the three before him argue over seasonings. He wishes to enjoy life like this for a long time. With his friends, and his family.

Most days, his thoughts are mixed with the memories that come to him. But it is moments like this where he can focus and find peace.