Chapter 36:

36 - Rosette

Highlander Girl!

We buried her in the field of flowers where I first met Woolie.

I distinctively remember my mother loved flowers. She once told me she planted the first seeds of this field by her own two hands; it’s only fitting this be her final resting place too.

I didn’t know what a proper burial was like in this world, so I left it up to Estelle. As it turns out, it was largely the same. I sat in front of a mound, with just a stone for a marker. In my hands was an old, tattered book; my mother’s diary. Miraculously, it was mostly intact tucked inside her thick clothing. There were some red stains, but not much.

That was it.

“We’ll have to come back again to make a proper grave.” Mars sat down beside me.

Estelle and Edelweiss followed suit, then Woolie and Fokko soon after.

“Everyone, thank you.”

It was a solemn occasion. I was grieving, but the presence of my friends soothed me. It allowed me to retain a clear head as I reflected on my life.

My Earth mother abandoned me to get rid of me. My mother in this world abandoned me to give me the chance to live on in peace.

No, she didn’t abandon me. How could I even think that?

“What was her name?”

“Rosette. Mama’s name, Rosette.”

“I see. A beautiful name.”

“It’s sunset. We should probably set up camp soon.”

As Edelweiss got to her feet, I nodded, but didn’t move.

I spent the remainder of the night staring at her grave, thinking of how I should decorate it.

Mama loved flowers, so I should adorn her tombstone with some. But this place is already full of them, would that be too much…?

When I finally turned away from the grave, it’d turned dark. Someone left a lantern by my side, but when I looked around everyone had already gone to sleep, tucked into their bedrolls.

“Muu.”

Woolie settled down behind me, a familiar gesture. I plopped backwards, sinking into his soft wool.

Fokko too jumped onto Woolie’s back, causing him to shiver from the cold touch.

“Hehe…”

“Muu?”

“It’s nothing. I was just thinking how blessed I am to have friends like you.”

I closed my eyes. I’ll no longer have that recurring dream, of seeing the dark, pulsating hatred of a mana beast. Tonight, I’ll be able to have a restful night under the stars.

“…”

A single tear trickled down my face. One last teardrop before I rest.

It didn’t take too long for my arm to recover. I’d never been injured this badly before, so I tried various means and methods to speed up the process. Outside of Edelweiss’s diligent care, I experimented, attempting to repair the damage with mana circulation. Granhilda did say something about me being able to control ether, I wonder if that helped at all?

While the wound healed much quicker than expected, according to Edelweiss; I couldn’t be sure if it was due to the extra meditation, or simply the natural prowess of my highlander body.

I delivered Fokko safely back to Kikko upon arriving home.

“You are now a true highlander” was what she said to me, words I didn’t truly understand, yet felt the burden of. But attached to that burden was the legacy of a mother who loved her child dearly, and I can live with that. I stopped having nightmares altogether, a sign that the highlands are safe… for now.

Things returned to normal, and life went on like nothing happened. The barn was completed in record time thanks to Estelle and Mar’s heavy lifting, but the inside still required furnishing. They took the job with gusto and haste, rushing to get everything done before it was time for them to leave.

Too many events took place to justify staying much longer; Rustal had to know of the potential dangers at their borders. Thus, it was decided they’d descend the mountain once spring arrived.

As for me, I had a decision to make, a big one. And I had to make up my mind before the last of the snow melted away.

“Ready, Riko?”

“Yes.”

I sat across Edelweiss at the kitchen table, listening intently as she recited out loud the contents of my mother’s diary. It didn’t matter that I wasn’t able to understand every word; the important part was that I heard everything loud and clear.

Edelweiss was pensive when she finished, unsure of what she should say to me, or even to say anything at all.

“Thank you, Edel.” I shuffled away to sit on my bed, taking up a comfortable position.

She left the house to join the rest at the barn, probably thinking it best to leave me alone to deal with my emotions myself.

I, however, wasn’t feeling sad. Instead I had a sense of anticipation inside me. I was an idiot; a mind palace containing all information at my fingertips, the ability to mold everything inside to my will, and I still failed to see through something so obvious, that loophole I’d accidentally exploited once before.

I entered my mind palace. Hooty was seated on the couch instead of perching somewhere high up; the sight of an owl acting so much like a recluse made me chuckle.

“Hoohoo.”

“Hey to you too, Hooty.”

I didn’t want to waste time fumbling about the internet like I always did. I pushed away the holographic screens, leaving the room in its default state. On the table in front of me was a copy of my mother’s diary, the pages flipping themselves over one by one.

It didn’t matter that I wasn’t able to fully comprehend the meaning behind those words.

I simply needed to see it for myself.

“Hooty, help me out. I’m going to use this diary as the base and translate its words into reality.”

My mind palace dissolved around me, transforming into the vaguely familiar form of my house in the highlands, before my time.

There a lone woman busied herself with household chores; Rosette, the highlander. I followed her around the house, a phantom unable to interact with this dream world I’d constructed. Here, Rosette appeared stoic, unfeeling; a precursor to the most important event in her life.

I’d been attending to my chores one day, when I caught sight of a group of travelers coming from beyond the hill.

As I recalled those words in the diary, Rosette’s face came to life with expression, one of curiosity, excitement.

It was quite exciting; my first visitors in years.

I could feel her excitement rising up in me as she rushed outside into the heavy snow, dressed so lightly any normal person would have succumbed to the cold. The group turned back, unable to see Rosette in the whiteout conditions. Rosette would chase after them, like she had complete immunity to the freezing winds.

I caught up to them at the Rosetta tree, and what a shock it was!

That tree I’d picked blue apples from during the autumn was named after Rosette, for she was the one to discover it. The first thing she thought to name it after was herself, much like I did.

Rosette never wrote a proper description about the men she met that day, only that they found themselves stranded in the highlands. The group of travelers sough refuge with Rosette, who taught them how to survive the harsh winter conditions few had ever even had the chance to witness, let alone experience in their lives.

They’re very resourceful, Gundo’s bunch. I’ve never seen such expert craftsmanship; they’d build an immaculate shelter out of nowhere, and tear it down the next day after finding the tiniest of imperfections.

Gundo’s renovating my house right now, says it’s a simple thanks for the meal. It’s amusing how devoted to their craft they are, to think a full-scale construction project was worth but a single, warm dinner.

I watched the house transform in an instant. The exterior remained largely the same, but the interior matched its appearance as it stood today. I didn’t know who the unknown traveler named Gundo was, and Rosette never gave any description in her diary. My mind palace simply showed him only as a black silhouette; no expressions, no voice, nothing.

He was simply a man named Gundo.

I played out the diary, watching the days zoom past as they settled into a routine.

Today, I brought Gundo’s bunch to see the white fox. Things didn’t go too well at first, but at least-

Today, Gundo taught me how to make use of the wood they’d chopped down to-

Today, Gundo-

Gundo-

It was all Gundo. Her previously mundane diary was now full of life, focusing on this one person.

Gundo’s friend fell ill today. They don’t know much about herbology, and neither do I… but I still know more than they do. I have to do everything I can-

Gundo’s friend passed away today. They decided to cremate his body and take his ashes home.

I failed again. Another passed away from illness. I realize not everyone is suited to life in the highlands, but perhaps when spring comes around, everything will turn out fine. It’s only during the winter when it’s the harshest. I’m sure-

It’s decided. Gundo’s group will leave the highlands tomorrow. That’s all.

Rosette was now alone in the house. She stared blankly out the window, the previously constructed shacks torn down overnight, leaving the area as empty as it’d been when Gundo arrived.

It was for the best. Gundo said he’d return to visit one day, but I doubt he would. I can see it in his eyes, the need to prove himself to the world. This idyllic life won’t suit him; the conditions aren’t suited for most people, after all. It’s only natural-

Seeing as I’m alone again, I’ve had a little time to reflect, and my mind wanders to the Rosetta tree every time. Look at me. I didn’t discover this tree, I’d only found it out of sheer coincidence. To think, I’d name it after myself to prove my own sense of existence-

It’s been a month since then. No abnormalities.

Spring has arrived. No abnormalities.

It’s been three months. My body feels a little… strange, but nothing to obstruct my duties. No abnormalities.

I can’t believe it. I’m pregnant…!

I watched Rosette tiptoe around the house, gleefully pacing about the tiny home as the emotive joy returned to her face.

What should I do? I need to prepare for this one’s birth…! I’ll consult the white fox, she knows just about everything, right? Ooh, I hope I’ll be able to deliver safe and sound-

I’ve decided on her name. The white fox has conveyed to me the child inside is a girl, so her name shall be Ricolette. I want her name to be similar to mine, but distinctively unique. I can’t wait-

The hot season’s over. Looks like Ricolette will come into this world in autumn, a nice season to celebrate her birthday. What should I do for presents?

Ricolet te bornn safe ly. Too tir ed. C ant wri teee. Rest .

I have my hands full taking care of Ricolette. But as they say, idle hands are the devil’s workshop, yes? Oh! She also said her first words. ‘Mama’. Isn’t that wonderful-

Ricolette had a high fever the past few days. It finally broke this morning, but I fear it’s due to the weather up here. I considered leaving to search for Gundo, but… I’m unfamiliar with the world outside. I don’t know if I can take care of Ricolette alone, what if I lose her? I just-

Ricolette just had her first birthday! I’m too happy, elated! I don’t know what to write so… here’s to many more!

It’s been over two years now, Ricolette can finally stand up on her own! It looks like she’s still a while away from walking; she’s a late bloomer, but as long as we take it nice and slow-

Ricolette’s body is weak. I realized too late… I should have noticed when she fell ill during both winters. Ricolette’s susceptible to the cold up here, I don’t know if I can even take her out to play in the snow… Is it because she’s only half-highlander? Is my selfishness putting her through unneeded misery?

Ricolette still can’t walk on her own. She’s growing stronger, but at this rate she’ll only have more hardships in the future. I have to think of something something-

The white fox revealed to me Ricolette’s condition; mana deprivation. It turns out the latent mana of mixed races are more volatile than most, and Ricolette drew the short end of the stick. But worry not! The white fox also revealed to me a technique to circulate mana into another body. As long as I keep it up everyday, she should gradually become healthier-

I’m feeling quite exhausted recently. The white fox did warn me of the side effects, but I didn’t think it’d be this bad. I’ve been experimenting with herbs in the forest as well, and I think I’ve finally come up with quite the potent tonic… just in case, I’ll write down the recipe here-

Riko just had her fifth birthday. I can safely say she’s growing up to be a strong and healthy girl! All those years of mana transfer finally paid off. I’ve damaged my own body in the process, but it’s nothing if it means giving Riko a chance at a normal life. I’ve still got plenty in me to take care of any abnormalities in the highlands, but I’ll be extra careful… Don’t want to leave Riko up here alone-

Riko made me a present! When did she have the time to learn on her own? Or the materials? It must have been that moffa she’s so attached to… I’ll give him a little treat next time I see him-

Riko-

The entry dates gradually became more sporadic. First, it started out daily. Then Rosette met Gundo, and the entries were written every few days. When Gundo left, there were barely any entries until I was born.

But Rosette grew tired, her body unable to respond as well to her demands as the years passed. She spent more time with her child and less time scrawling in her diary, ultimately choosing what mattered most to her.

The highlands have called to me. It’s been a while, but I have to perform my duty. I shall go first thing in the morning; nip the bud before the foul petals bloom. No doubt, the white fox will come to me as well. Just in case, I shall convey to her my message. I’ve served the highlands my whole life, surely a favor or two is in order-

It took my friends. My allies… I never thought my precious wolves would turn against me. How foul have the petals rot for their minds to have become warped like so? I’ve never felt anything like this. Was my damaged mana the cause? I couldn’t listen for the highland’s call, until it was too late. Is this my punishment for putting my daughter before my duty?

I stand here at the gates barring my fate. The bud has already bloomed, I was too late. But still, I must go. They always congregate in forests, don’t they? If I leave this one alone, those villages down there will find trouble at their doorstep. My body doesn’t respond as well as it used to, I don’t know if I can perform my duty well. But even if I fail, I can at least buy them some time. If anyone finds this diary after I go, heed the final, selfish request of a lonely highlander. I only wish my daughter won’t have to live the same life as I did. My time has come. With this gift from my daughter, I will wander into the heavens, and from above I shall watch over Ricolette.

As the last words of the final diary entry were spoken at long last, I was brought back to my mind palace room.

For once, Hooty wasn’t the first to quip at me, simply allowing me to take it all in.

I jumped. Again, but higher, and again higher still. I ran a few laps around the room, threw a few well-practiced punches and kicks, feeling the whoosh of the wind as my fists cut through air.

This body of mine, stronger than any child my age, honed by an abundance of mana… From an ailing body to this. All thanks to a mother’s undying love.

“Thank you, mama.”

“Hoohoo!”

“I’m a bit too chipper right now? Well Hooty, as a popular author used to say… don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. I’m not sure what the future’ll hold for me, but I know I’ll get there eventually; and see for myself.”

“You want to WHAT?!”

“Stelle, too loud…” I frowned, covering my pointy ears with both hands.

“Are you sure, Ricolette? You’ll be leaving everything behind. What about your highlander duties?”

“Kikko said, Riko can go. Don’t want regret like mama; Riko go if Riko want.”

“What if another fiend appears?”

“Highland guardian wake up soon. Help protect. Only winter, maybe danger. If need highlander, Riko will dream.”

“Just like with that mana beast, then.” Edelweiss nodded. “When are you planning to leave?”

“Riko go when everyone go. Together.”

“You want to join us in Rustal?”

I nodded. “Riko can go?”

“Of course! We’ll be the best tour guides you’ve ever had. I know all the good food places!”

“We’re the only guides she’s ever had, Stelle.”

“What’re you planning to do once you leave?” Edelweiss asked.

“Riko… want find pa.”

“Ah, your father’s still out there in the world, isn’t he? Any info we can go off of?”

“Pa name Gundo.”

“That’s a start. What else?”

“Dunno.”

“…”

“She’s got her work cut out for her, huh?”

“With such little to go off of, you’ll need to polish up your linguistic skills if you want to gather more information… I can help with that, as always.”

“Yeah. Thank you, Edel.”

“Then we better get ready; we’re planning to leave in a couple of days. I’ll teach you how to pack for a long journey.”

“Thank you, Mars.”

“I’ll help too!”

“Okay, Stelle.”

“…”

“Let’s head back in. we’ll have to take stock of what we have and plan out our rations for the journey- Ricolette?”

“Riko wait here. Kikko said Master just wake up, come see Riko.”

“Your master? You mean the one who taught you how to fight? There were others up here? This I’d like to see!” Mars showed a rare moment of enthusiasm.

“Wait a minute. If you had such a capable master, why didn’t they show up to help us with the mana beast?”

“Master sleeping.”

“Sleeping…?”

When Mister B arrived, everyone was silent, stunned at the absurdity of a friendly, waving bear towering over them.

“Riko master, Mister B.”

“… Mistabee?”

Close enough.

“Guu!”

The little cub popped out from Mister B’s leg, jumping into my arms.

“Hehe! Long time no see.”

“What is that amazingly fluffy creature-”

“Edelweiss, don’t.”

Mister B stared at me thoughtfully, then smirked. I placed the little cub onto the ground-

“GRAWWRR!!”

“HYAAHOO!!”

Wham!

Paw clash with foot, a shockwave of wind burst forth from the impact, the budding grass swaying beneath our feet.

“Hmph.”

“Hmm!”

Satisfied, Mister B turned to leave, our reunion all too short. But it’s fine. After all, I’m just leaving for a quick excursion; I’ll be back soon enough.

Let’s see… medicine, antidote powder, solid soup, a ton of berries, five Rosetta fruits, mama’s diary, two boar-tusk blades…

“Got everything, Riko?”

“Yeap!”

The day had finally come. Kikko saw me off, along with a whining Fokko. She wanted to tag along, but I wasn’t comfortable taking her away from her mother at such a young age. Despite Kikko’s willingness to have Fokko accompany me, I refused.

Take care.

“Yeah, I will.”

Remember. In life, no predetermined paths. Correct path, is always the path you walk down in that moment.

“Hehe, how profound.”

“Riko, it’s time to go.”

“Okay.”

I took one long, hard look at the old wooden house. The shed was stocked full of firewood, and the barn was ready to house Woolie’s friends should they need a home. Granhilda’s plant had grown alarmingly quickly, and will likely bear fruit in another year’s time.

I’d left a note on the table in case Granhilda returned while I was away, but seeing as it’s been a year since then, I’d assumed she’d forgotten about me. Then again, Edelweiss did say elves saw time differently to shorter-lived races. Perhaps she’ll return after a few years.

It was time to go; a fresh start. Everything will be new, new sights to see, new challenges to face, new excitement to be had. But there’s still someone I have to talk to.

“Muu!”

My reliable friend came scampering towards me, bawling his eyes out as usual.

“Woolie-”

I petted his head, nuzzling my cheek against his.

“Riko go far away, but come back again. Woolie wait?”

“Muumuu!”

“Woah!”

I was picked up by the collar and thrown onto Woolie’s back.

“Muu-”

“Heh… hahaha… Woolie, come also?”

“Muuhuu!”

The frantic, wild nodding from Woolie was something only he’d do, and it put my mind at ease.