Felix stared at the old priest, who waited with a patient smile.
"Me?" he asked. "The hero?"
"Why, of course. The divine crystal does not lie."
He indicated with the tablet holding said crystal while Flora looked between it and her uncle, completely flabbergasted. Other priests began to congregate around them with great cheer. They welcomed 'the hero' despite the fact he still stood thunderstruck.
Seeing that Felix remained in place, or perhaps uncaring of it, the old priest continued: "You are a little older than the last few heroes, but it shall do. Age builds experience after all."
This was surreal and he had to clear it up before the misunderstanding got worse. "There must be a mistake, your grace," Felix hurried to say, motioning for himself. "I'm a farmer, I haven't held a weapon in my life."
That gave the clergy pause at last; looks were exchanged and quiet chatter sounded, even the elder priest frowned in thought. He carefully handed the tablet to another and ran his fingers over the gleaming, golden crystal. Then he leaned closer to examine it with his eyes.
"Hm. Please take a few steps to the left, my child," he directed. Felix complied and saw the gleam change ever so slightly. The priest then addressed Flora. "Now you step forward."
She was rooted to the floor thus far, but his words had her take three quick steps toward him. This time the glow did not change at all. The priest turned back to Felix with his patient smile back in place.
"Unusual, but certainly not unique. I can assure you there is no issue with the crystal's divination. You are, in fact, the destined hero."
Someone whispered "A hero who can't fight?" and got a withering look that had them slink away. The old priest was back to smiling immediately, the picture of a kind father as he explained to them: "These things have a habit of working out. Fate wills it and so we must adhere to her will."
Another priest chimed in right after, confused and faintly annoyed: "But shouldn't the angel have foretold it? Why did you not prepare, hero?"
His question caused a few more wary looks toward Felix, who slowly shook his head at the group.
"I never met an angel in my dreams, your grace."
The admission caused further confusion, though Felix already knew the clergy would not be deterred in the important part. If this was his destiny, then they would insist he must follow. It did not matter that he just wanted back to his fields and not battle the demon king. Felix knew it too, but fear grasped his heart regardless.
He interrupted the quiet debates with calm he did not feel, asking a question of the head priest: "If it's not too much trouble, may I take some time to think this over and make preparations?"
Thankfully, the older man agreed at once. "Of course, my child. We will prepare the customary gifts and war chest in the meantime."
Felix bowed his head deeply and snatched Flora's arm to drag his perplexed niece outside. He wanted to be far away from this place, despite knowing that he would find his way back somehow.
She stopped him just a few steps out the door and pulled him aside.
"Why did you never tell me?" Flora hissed. The hurt look she sported made his chest constrict, made him quickly shake his head.
"I didn't know. Please believe me, I didn't," he almost pleaded, willing her to understand. "There was no angel, no hint, no nothing. I don't know what's happening."
Flora shivered along with his admission. She grasped his hand tighter, hurt fading in favour of worry.
"You have to go fight demons?"
"I...."
He trailed off, unable to even think of words to speak. Felix did not want to; regardless of what fate decreed, this was madness. The fear he felt was mirrored in his niece's expression, which was when Felix realised she still looked to him for guidance. Just like she did all these years. So he swallowed all those feelings and squeezed her hand with a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry. We will figure this out. Come on, let's go."
She let herself be moved, but Felix could not tell if she believed his fake confidence.
They passed by the presumed hero still sitting where he was before. Felix briefly considered pushing Laurus forward as the real hero. As wild as the fantasy was, he only needed a moment to understand it would not work. But maybe the priests would take Laurus anyway if Felix just up and left? He definitely had the fitness and looks of a young hero, reliable and strong.
The thought ended up going nowhere as they left him behind.
The rest of the day passed in a blur; Felix set up at his usual inn and got a few looks about Flora's presence, though their relation was so obvious that nobody even needed to be told she was his niece. Catching up with acquaintances in the capital took his mind off the whole hero thing, to the point he could almost forget it. He even shared a beer with Flora, the first she ever had; she held it well, though he insisted it stay at one for now.
Yet his mind kept moving. He knew he was not a hero and not made for this kind of task, but something must be done. Hence why he asked some of the soldiers on leave how fighting with the demons went; according to them, the stalemate continued. Some years the human forces advanced, others they were pushed back and the demons took some land. Neither side could really get anywhere.
His thoughts were awhirl between his own worries and the guidance of fate. Felix waited until Flora turned in before stepping outside. A walk in the cool summer night sounded just right to clear his head.
The streets were neat and tidy, if notably emptier than by day. He spotted a few urchins, maybe a few more than a few years ago? They avoided the lanterns' light and the guards on patrol. Those armoured men he knew offered short nods whenever they passed by.
His feet eventually carried him back to the clerical district; Felix could not come to a decision, which left him meaning to pray for guidance and insight. At this point, only the gods could address his questions and insecurities.
Before he even reached the cathedral however, Felix spotted Laurus. The younger man was still rooted to the same spot on the same stair. He even sat in the same position, clearly crestfallen. The sight made Felix forget his own problems for the moment as worry wormed its way into his heart. Laurus made for a sorry sight, seeming dead even while alive.
Changing track, Felix approached the young man once again, quietly calling out: "Hey there. Aren't you going to sleep somewhere?"
"Doesn't matter anymore," he muttered with a hoarse voice. "Nothing does."
His response made Felix wince. Deciding that he could not leave this be in good conscience, he gently grasped the younger man's arm.
"Laurus, right? You're coming with me."
There was no response, but also no resistance. Felix still had trouble getting the bulkier man to stand, regardless of the strength a life of fieldwork gave him. Once those listless eyes were on him, he offered the best smile he could.
"We're going to get some food and drink into you, and find you a bed to sleep. Things won't look so bad tomorrow."
"'s not like you understand," Laurus retorted without any heat. He paused to move his feet when Felix pulled him along, then sighed. "But sure. Whatever."
Although he walked along from then on, Laurus did not perk up all that much over dinner. He ate quietly and thoroughly, leaving nothing on his plate. The beer Felix ordered for him at least seemed to relax the boy, but he remained downtrodden.
"I can see you got a lot on your shoulders," Felix tried at last. "Do you want to talk about it?"
Laurus looked at him in response, then back into the mostly empty tankard. He shrugged, finished the beer, and started to talk.
"It's not a long story. The angel told me I'm the hero for almost as long as I can remember. I'd only seen seven summers when they came to me. I trained and worked hard to do my part all that time. Learned to fight, practiced magic all these hours. It was my fate, you know?"
Felix nodded, pretending not to see the tears quivering in the corners of Laurus's eyes. The younger man wiped an arm over his face and sighed again.
"Then I come here and they tell me it's not me. It was all a lie. I'm not meant to fight the demon king. I'm just, just here." He wildly motioned for the taproom, despair leaking out of his voice. "And there's nothing left."
It was obviously more than just a little issue. Felix understood Laurus's feelings, though he also thought the younger man blew things out of proportion. Unfortunately, the usual 'there is more in store for you' would not be much of a comfort. So instead he latched onto what Laurus said before.
"You can cast magic?"
Laurus wordlessly moved his fingers and muttered an incantation under his breath. A glimmering ball of light appeared between them, bobbing gently as if rocked by waves. Felix could only stare at it, the third time in his life he got to see magic up close.
"I focussed on battle spells, but I have stuff like this too. Oh and that."
A snap of Laurus's fingers cleaned the grease from their plates and hands on barely visible winds; Felix felt them scrub him clean and made an impressed noise, not that Laurus seemed to hear. "And some healing magic, but I was never that good at it."
"That's impressive," Felix said anyway. He knew everyone could learn magic, but few commoners could read spell books and fewer still could afford them. He highly doubted a country boy could have gotten access to that many spells on his own, so Laurus must have been tutored.
The other man just shrugged weakly and stared into his empty mug. As the silence grew, so did Felix's need to tell him. Perhaps it was the alcohol, but he could not keep this a secret from Laurus of all people.
Suppressing a sigh, Felix spoke up again: "Listen, something odd happened when I got to the cathedral earlier."
This got him Laurus's attention, who looked up with a flicker of curiosity and faint hope; it died when Felix continued: "That crystal you spoke about reacted to me for some reason. The priests insisted I am-" "You?"
The single word cut him off. Laurus just stared in befuddlement, though his confusion quickly turned to anger.
"You're the, what? No, you can't be! You're just a farmer or something, I saw your cart!"
"That's true, I have no-"
"Why'd it be you then and not me? It makes no sense!"
Laurus glowered and stood abruptly, surprising Felix.
"Hey, wait!"
He got no response as the younger man stomped away; the few patrons left at this hour followed his exit curiously, and Felix quickly assured them this was his own fault. In truth, it was not really anyone's fault, but he would not let them blame Laurus for something he had no control over.
Despite the turn this conversation took, he was now left wondering if he really should try to get out of it; the question plagued him all the way into bed. He had his farm, but there was nobody beside his brother waiting for him. No wife or children, nobody who really depended on him. Moreover, he was given a chance to do what few others could ever do. Felix did not feel worthy, but who was he to disagree if this was fate's will?
But most of all, he felt awful after the whole debacle with Laurus. Leaving the boy miserable like this was just not right. And with this thought came an idea, just before he fell asleep. Felix remembered it perfectly when he woke the next morning.
Sitting down for breakfast with Flora meant they had to get back to the same subject, though. She brought it up about as soon as they got their food.
"Have you decided what to do yet?"
He nodded. "Yes, I think so. I'm sorry you get dragged into this for now, but we're going to pass by the village along the way. I can at least take you back home."
Even now Felix could not admit to the choice he made, though he did not need to. Flora's eyes narrowed at him.
"What do you mean? I'm coming along."
It only took that much for him to mirror her expression.
"It's dangerous."
"Yes, and? I'm not letting you go alone, especially when it's dangerous."
"And I'm not letting you just walk into danger."
"But you're allowed to do it?"
"That's different."
"How so? Explain."
Felix grimaced. The girl was always good at getting her will and taking an argument apart; his hopes waned as she continued to dig her heels in, hence why he took a moment to gather his thoughts. He needed to explain properly.
"For one, you haven't seen as many summers as I have. Your life's only just beginning and I don't want to see it cut short. For two, you're my niece. I could never forgive myself if anything happened to you, much less look your father in the eyes again."
Flora shuffled a little awkwardly as he bared his heart for her. They rarely felt a need to say these things out loud; the fact Felix did clearly told her how serious he was.
Unfortunately, his words did not deter her.
"Maybe you're right," she agreed. "But I could never forgive myself if I let you go so far away on your own. You're my uncle and I will be damned before I let you die anywhere except in your bed, after a long life."
Her loyalty was touching, especially with how grouchy she normally acted. Felix up and hugged her tightly to express his gratitude. He could not help but whisper to her with a faint smile.
"The way this goes, you will be the death of me before anything else."
"Heh. And don't you forget it."
They separated a little less downtrodden, though Felix still did not like taking Flora into danger. At the same time, knowing she would help him through this put his mind at ease and let him focus on the immediate future. And his plan.
"Alright, there is someone we need to find before we go to church."
"Who exactly?" Flora asked as they made to leave. "A friend of yours?"
Felix winced and hoped she did not notice. "Something like that," he said, effectively dodging the question.
They all but ran into Laurus as soon as he said it, just out the door.
"Or he finds us, that works too."
Flora recognised him as well and gave an exasperated look. "Him? What for?"
Felix did not get a chance to explain because Laurus reached them, grouchy and with bags under his eyes. "I need to talk to you," he said by way of greeting; Felix did not hold it against him, the boy had been through a lot.
"Sure," he agreed and motioned to the side. "Let's go over there so we don't block the way."
Laurus started about as soon as they were away from the door, one finger pointing in accusation: "How are you the hero?"
He did not bother lowering his voice and some people clearly stopped to listen at the word 'hero'. Felix could only shrug with a pained grimace.
"I honestly have no idea. Nobody ever foretold it, there was no angel like the priests say there is. They insist it's me and I can't do anything about it. I'd let you be the hero if I could, I'm sorry."
His apology seemed to calm Laurus some more, though he still grumbled under his breath. "And what are you going to do now?" he demanded to know. "Get to church and start on the journey?"
Felix nodded. "That's the plan, but there was another thing I'd like to do first." So saying, he motioned for Laurus. "Hero or no, I can see you're pretty strong and trained with a weapon. You said you know magic, too."
"Hold on, really? Can we have that confirmed first?"
Flora's interjection caused the men to turn her way. Laurus had been listening intently and curiously, but now there was a notable pause as he looked her up and down. To Felix's relief, the younger man did not start ogling, though his expression softened somewhat.
"Of course, miss."
He then closed his eyes and muttered a few words under his breath just like before. This time however, he slowly extended his hand to offer a flower made of solid light. Flora stared at it in surprise, the small crowd they attracted oohing and aahing about the feat; Laurus even earned some applause.
"That one is more of a party trick I did for practice," he deflected modestly, "but I can't really use the elements in the middle of town. I hope that's enough?"
His words quickly wiped Flora's awe away, though nobody missed her slip. She gave a curt nod and examined the flower until it dissipated into motes of light. Felix smiled.
"Well, that's good enough for me. How do you feel about coming with us?"
Laurus's head snapped back to Felix in an instant, mouth falling open. "W-Wait, for real? You'd do that?"
"Sure," he assured the younger man with a nod. "Even if it isn't you, we must have met like we did for a reason. I'd love to have you along, Laurus."
Extending his hand, Felix gave Laurus some time to gather his bearings; he was so clearly dumbfounded, staring at the proffered limb for long seconds before clasping it with considerable strength.
"Yes, of course! Thank you so much!"
Cheers from the crowd finally made them realise they had an audience. Flora just rolled her eyes at them.
"You were loud enough for everyone to hear," she quipped.
Laurus rubbed his neck sheepishly while some people bounded forward to talk to 'the hero'. It took some time to get through their well-wishes and curious questions, all the while the word continued to spread. Flora summarised sardonically as they made their way to the cathedral: "Well, now there's no stopping it anymore."
Felix could only shrug in response, somewhat uncomfortable with all the unusual attention. Laurus also fell back into a slightly less good mood, though he kept walking at Felix's other side.
They reached the cathedral around noon, far later than intended due to the many people waylaying them for a few words with Felix. The priests already awaited them, though the head priest frowned at seeing Laurus.
Felix realised why that was just in time; he spoke up before anything else could be said: "Your grace, you have your hero. I hope there's no problem with my companions?"
The older man's attention turned back to him and he became more benign in an instant. "Of course not," he assured Felix. "Perhaps the past should remain the past in this case."
He then motioned for the group as a whole. "Please step closer, oh hero. Your companions as well. As is customary, the church of Fortuna presents to you the divine armaments and an assortment of items to ensure safe travels and a successful mission." There he paused a little awkwardly, glancing between Felix and Flora. "Due to your, ahem, profession to not be trained with any weapon, we took the liberty to confer with the lord general of the royal army on how to best equip you and yours."
As if on cue, a number of spears were presented by the younger priests and priestesses. The head priest explained all the while: "According to the experts, spears are the easiest weapon to handle for a layman. You and your companions may each choose one to carry along the journey."
Receiving nods, he then glanced back at Laurus. "Though your newest companion seems trained with the axe, if I see that right?"
Laurus sketched a bow at the man in response. "Yes, your grace."
"Very well. Collect the axes and shields from the vault."
A small group of clergymen and -women not carrying anything rushed away at that. Felix noticed them go, but he was already engrossed in the various weapons offered to them. Their respective carriers each explained their properties, seeing that every single spear was silver and imbued with some divine gift.
He stopped at a weapon with nature magic, said to be gifted by Ceres. That one was far too tempting not to take it. The ability to grow plants from a simple stab into the ground sounded useful, too. Flora quickly picked a slightly shorter spear that could emit solid magical fields to serve as shields, or push back opponents.
This continued with enchanted clothes that were as strong as steel, though Felix felt a little weird in something so smooth. The golden ring he received next fit like a glove and felt just as odd; from what they were told, these were for shoring up mental fortitude and preventing panic. They allowed even untrained fighters like them to keep a cool head in battle. Laurus also belatedly got his pick of weapons, choosing an axe that always returned to the accompanying glove and an impenetrable shield.
Every single item was beautiful and thrumming with magical might that even Felix could feel. He felt faint just thinking about their value; the three of them together could work all their lives without being able to afford even a single one of them. Now he was just given them as a matter of course.
The head priest nodded in satisfaction once they were fully equipped and changed, their regular clothes bundled up nearby. "Marvelous," he declared with a glance to another priest. "Now for the final piece and the war chest."
The younger priest respectfully presented a cloak bearing the Ouroboros, the hero's mark. A serpent devouring its own tail. "Brave hero, if I may attach this piece? It will serve as your identification to any and all to recognise your station. No dirt shall ever cling to it, and it shall warm you on your travels."
His words were so full of respect that Felix felt odd once again, but he could hardly say no here and nodded.
"Alright. Please do."
Despite his awkwardness about being treated like this by people of a higher station than him, his mind slowly began to work again. An idea began to form from the realisation that while these artefacts would be a big help, facing the demon king would still be a daunting task.
He waited until the cloak was clasped around his neck before rising. The clergy bowed in respect, making Felix feel almost official. He gave it a moment of silence like he remembered the priests do during sermons, then spoke up in turn: "Your grace, is there a spell book among the artifacts that we can borrow?"
He felt ungrateful even just saying it after already getting so much, but the head priest took it in stride. A single motion to the younger bearers of the cloth had them off on another trip to the vault.
"You can read?" Laurus whispered in awe, though his words were loud enough in the quiet for all to hear.
Felix shook his head with a fond little smile. "No, but Flora can."
His niece's eyes bulged out as she connected the dots. Felix spotted an approving look on the head priest's face, though the older man said nothing. Laurus looked back at Flora with newfound respect and a soft "Wow".
The head priest broke the silence a moment later, inclining his head at Felix. "While we wait, oh hero, I implore you to be careful along your journey. Bad omens have ailed the kingdom of late, though your emergence at this exact time speaks of good to come."
His warning worried Felix, though Laurus was faster in asking about it: "What happened, your grace? I didn't hear anything bad on the way here."
His question caused a grimace by the old man and a look thrown to the clergy surrounding them.
"It has not yet become public and should remain secret until such a time that the crown reveals it. I shall have faith in him who bears the Ouroboros that all present will keep their silence."
The head priest paused to receive quick nods from all around. All of a sudden he looked his age. "Her royal highness, crown princess Arcadia, has passed away last night for no discernible reason. There were no previous signs of illness, nor any symptoms."
Everyone all around paled. Felix felt like the ground was pulled out under him and several of the men and women had to fight back tears.
"No way," Flora whispered in disbelief. "Her highness? But she was just a babe, how could Fortuna-"
"Do not question the red thread."
The head priest's sharp rebuke had Flora shut up, though his expression softened right after. "I understand your doubts, child," he soothed her gently. "Yet we are but men, infinitely the goddess' lesser. All we can do is have faith in her gaze that reaches beyond our lives, trust that she has seen this as being for the best, however cruel it may appear in the moment."
His words provided some comfort, though Felix still felt oddly forlorn about it.
Another priestess spoke into the renewed silence: "Word of the hero's arrival should alleviate the despair many will feel at such tragedy."
She received a nod from the head priest, then the initiates returned with a number of spell books.
Though spoiled for choice, Flora quickly picked one about supportive magic. "I don't feel well with war spells," she explained to Felix with a little shiver. "Doesn't matter how helpful they'd be in a fight if I can't bring myself to use them."
He accepted her wish without complaint. And just like that, they were done. The head priest nodded in satisfaction.
"And lastly," he intoned, "as promised, a humble offering of money to cover your journey's expenses and see you to your destiny, as well as back."
Now he himself stepped forward to present a sizable pouch to Felix, who took it with thanks and a bowed head. He immediately handed it to Flora, prompting a curious look from the older man; it took a moment to realise what he wanted to know, but then Felix explained a little sheepishly: "Ah, my niece apprenticed under a merchant you see. She knows best how to handle money."
"I see, a wise choice. Trusting in one's companions and their abilities is of vital importance on the road ahead."
So saying, he closed his eyes for a moment before nodding to himself.
"And now that all was said and done, go forth, noble hero. May Acies, Ceres, and Aman bless your path woven by Fortuna."
He bowed one final time and Felix returned the gesture, feeling it was only polite. Laurus and Flora mimicked them swiftly. The clergy kept their heads bowed in silence until the three of them were out the gates.
"That was intense," Laurus murmured once they were outside again. Felix could only agree.
Then a choked noise quickly drew their attention to Flora. His niece stared into the money pouch without any colour to her face.
"What's wrong?" he asked in wonder. "I can't imagine the priests skimming on that of all things."
Flora tried to produce sound and failed miserably for a short while; it took long enough for Laurus to take a step forward and peer inside the pouch, eyes growing even wider than hers. Felix followed the younger man's example and finally got what had them so upset; this pouch was not fattened with copper or iron coins, but silver and gold! He had never even seen a golden coin before!
Taking a deep breath, Felix tried to regain his bearings. Flora finally managed just that and took a shuddering breath. Then she closed the bag and buried it in her pack instead of putting it on her belt.
"How much-?" "Not here."
She cut off Felix's question sharply. He shut his mouth while feeling stupid, of course he should not ask that now. Flora sighed heavily. Lowering her voice further despite the few people around, she explained quietly; the men leaned in on instinct.
"I need to count that first to make sure, but just from looking I think we could all live off that money for the rest of our lives."
Laurus whistled in appreciation, a sentiment Felix agreed with. He could not fathom what a hero had to pay that much money for.
"Alright then," he ventured, some cheer returning. "I guess money isn't that much of an issue anymore. Let's quickly trade most of what we brought and buy some rations for the road."
The other two agreed and off they went; Laurus ran for supplies while Flora and Felix checked with the traders. Selling his crops went much faster than expected, sometimes they even got immediate agreement to Flora's first demand. Felix only realised after the second time that it happened with peeks at the Ouroboros on his cape. They still made a decent sum off what he brought despite the hurry.
Things went so fast that they were done selling everything in the afternoon, with several hours of sunlight left. Felix looked up at the sky and pondered staying until morning, but he now had a duty to fulfil.
"As much as I'd like another night in a proper bed," he decided, "we should get going as soon as we can."
Flora made a face but agreed, Laurus just nodded. It was obvious the younger man's enthusiasm began to flag again.
They readied up and got going, though traffic slowed to a crawl wherever Opus pulled their humble cart along. Small crowds formed to see them out, shouting well wishes and cheers. Nobody seemed to care how qualified or unqualified he was, some even placed flowers along their path. The display made Felix's eyes sting, his chest filled with warmth; he still did not quite know about being the hero, but he knew everyone looked up to him now.
That was why he firmed up and stood, raising his fist to the air without a word. A cheer went up in response as they passed through the main gate.
Yet despite how much had changed, even more had stayed the same. The first few hours were calm and considerably more boring than one would expect. Dusk approached before long and the group stopped to make camp; having Laurus along helped divide tasks, too.
Felix strummed his lute at the fire while Flora counted coins. Their newly found third member frowned into the flames for a time, only stopping when Flora spoke up: "Like I thought, this is so much money I have no idea how to spend it all."
"Maybe it's for if we find someone selling other enchanted items or stuff like that?" Laurus guessed, only to receive a sour look from Flora.
"And who exactly would own these outside of the churches and the kingdom? Nobody else can afford them, so any artificer good enough to make that stuff has to trade with them."
Her rebuttal prompted Laurus to scowl back at her. "It was just a guess, lady! Geez!"
"Maybe think about it yourself next time before opening your mouth."
The younger man's expression only grew tighter. Felix already worried that he had to interfere so early in, but did not get the chance to speak up.
"If you have a problem with me, say it to my face," Laurus demanded. "Leave me alone with the passive-aggressive bullshit."
This clearly surprised Flora, whom Felix knew was not used to others being this blunt with her. He almost laughed at his niece's expression, only barely holding himself back in time to not end up in the doghouse.
Flora frowned at Laurus before turning to the fire. "Why are you even here?" she asked glumly. "With us, I mean? Why do you want to go on this journey when it isn't even yours?"
The boy seemed ready to keep arguing, so Felix intervened after all; he gave him a soft kick to the foot and shook his head when Laurus looked his way. It earned him a scowl, but Laurus did maintain his calm.
"Why are you, then? Nobody's forcing you along either."
"I asked first."
Although Flora was right, her response drew a heavy sigh from Laurus. Some of the aggression melted off him in favour of a more subdued mood.
"Fair enough, I guess. What else am I supposed to do? I was meant to be the hero. It should've been me, not him," he muttered with an absent motion for Felix, who just nodded. Laurus growled to himself. "I don't have anything else. How am I supposed to go home and tell everyone I'm not the hero? That I lied to them for the last ten years? No, I'm not going anywhere else."
Flora winced as he laid it out for them, just like Felix felt bad for the boy. Laurus smirked sardonically and motioned for her.
"Your turn."
"I'm not leaving my uncle to do this alone," Flora explained. "Family has to support each other, it's as simple as that."
She said no more and returned to staring into the flames. Laurus commenting that he could respect that choice received no answer. Flora closed her eyes for a moment before finishing: "And while I understand where you're coming from, I still don't like you."
"Right back at you."
Felix had to roll his eyes at that. "Children," he chastised both without much heat, ignoring the glares both threw him. Instead of letting them argue or draw him in, Felix began to transition his idle strumming into a proper song.
Flora sighed and dropped the subject to muse on something else: "We have to stop by at home to tell mother and father. They would be worried sick otherwise."
Laurus seemed to agree with that at least. "I'd like to see my mother too, if that's okay?" He received a nod from Felix, then looked between them. "Actually, how did you two grow up? I'm kinda curious."
"We can swap stories in a bit," Felix answered with a little smile. "For now let's sing."
He left a pause to hit the first notes and intoned: "Oh fellows and friends, I have to admit-"
Laurus joined in immediately, recognising the song about a drunkard coming clean about being broke to his drinking buddies. Flora needed another verse to catch on.
Felix's worries about being able to play his role as hero washed away for a time, just like Laurus's bad mood vanished. It was the younger man who demanded another song. They kept singing for a good long while, with only the stars and moon above for company.