After saying goodbye and thanking Dr. Valmir and Yana, we walked around the small town for a while and soon reached the sea. Our small ship was already prepared with all the supplies that Joseph gathered during the day. Dominic and Joseph helped me to get on it and then they pushed it to the sea. They then set sail and the wind took us north. Joseph took a map and put it on a table, consulting it once in a while, next to a compass.

-So, tell me, how was your day so far? -he asked with a smile as always.

-It was a lot of fun to tell the truth. Althea can't swim. - Dominic said looking at me, probably waiting to see my reaction. And obviously, I couldn’t hide my embarrassment.

-Really? That's not what I expected. Did you at least have the decency to teach her? I bet you didn't.

-No, not yet. But that's already in my plans and I hope you will help me.

-I don't think I need that much help... -I tried to intervene, in vain.

-You can't deny that you don't have the slightest motor coordination. - said Dominic knowing that I could not deny after that morning of tumbles and stumbles.

We spent the whole afternoon arguing about a way to teach me how to balance myself, until Joseph couldn't find any other way to heal me and was convinced by Dominic that I was a hopeless case. Even though it was a funny conversation, I got tired of arguing in my favor and remembered that I had several questions to ask both of them.

-Dominic, Joseph. There are some things I would like to know…

-Sure! It is about time. - Joseph answered, already prepared for that situation.

I couldn't help smiling.

-Well, while you were fighting those hunters, I noticed that you also have some kind of power. Were you born with these abilities? Are you like me?

They were silent for a moment until Dominic began to speak.

-You probably never heard of the three fountains, right? How can I explain it? - He bowed his head and looked for the right words. - Scattered throughout the world, there are three sources of divine waters with healing power. They are the fountains of Sakura, Elven and Libra. It is believed that each one of them represents the power of different deities or at least a part of it. And in rare cases, when people enter one of the fountains or drink from their water, they will gain a different power. We can both confirm that two of these fountains really exist.

-I drank the water from the fountain of Libra and Dominic from Elven. - said Joseph.

-Not everyone who drinks from the waters is affected. But those who are, gain skills. Because of this, we both can run much faster than any normal human and we have the strength to fight against armies of enemies at once, but we are not the same. - continued Dominic. – Joseph, for example, is a seer. A diviner.

I stared at them blankly. I had no idea what Dominic meant by the word diviner.

-I have the ability of seeing people’s destiny by either touching them or simply by chance. This means that I can take a glimpse of people’s past, present and future. Of course, it doesn’t mean that my visions are always accurate and bound to happen, but in most of times they do. -explained Joseph. I couldn’t hide my surprise. That was an unbelievable power. -I also have a lot of advantage in a combat without weapons. On the other hand, Dominic has an incredible ability with swords, and he can use the wind to his advantage, apart from his amazing strength.

I immediately felt another hint of excitement. The world was more amazing than I expected. I had heard before about people with outstanding abilities, but seeing it in firsthand was even more exciting.

-Unbelievable! I would never imagine that things like divine fountains really existed!

- You will be very surprised by all the unbelievable things in this world. The influence of the deities is still strongly present in our world. - said Joseph.

-Dominic. You also have another power, don't you? Something like reading minds. - I asked.

His first reaction was shock. But then, Dominic laughed.

-You are more perceptive than I imagined, but I do not read minds. But I am more sensitive to what the people connected to me are feeling. I don't know how to explain it.

-If I am afraid, will you feel my fear, if I am happy will you feel my happiness?

-Exactly, something like that.

-Interesting. I've seen it will be hard to fool you, but I'll still discover your weak point. - I spoke with serious eyes and an "intimidating" smile.

-I thought it was obvious. - whispered Joseph, now at the other side of the room.

-Nobody asked you anything Joseph. - said Dominic, sounding annoyed.

…

It was late at night, and even though I laid on my bed I couldn't sleep. It was only close to the dawn time when I could relax my mind and finally rest, though I woke up after a short time, with the sun rising. When I went to the cabin upstairs, it seemed that neither of them had slept as well.

-Good morning. - I spoke when I arrived at the small kitchen.

-Good morning! You got up early Althea. Did you find the bed uncomfortable? -asked Joseph.

- Uncomfortable? It's the best bed I've ever slept in my life. You are the one who didn’t sleep half as long as I did. Don't you ever get tired?

-You might say so. -he replied.

In front of the boat was Dominic, smiling at my direction. His long black hair flew with the wind coming from the south. I couldn't stop myself from smiling as well.

-Did you rest well?

-Yes, I did. - he replied. -But watching you dreaming funnier. I've never seen anyone move so much.

-Really? -I said, blushing. Was it normal to observe other people sleeping?

-Yes. When we heard a noise coming late form your room, we were scared that something was happening, but you appeared to be having an amusing conversation with yourself while dreaming. - he said coming closer and bringing me back to the indoors, directly to the kitchen. Dominic immediately started preparing a mountain of food for me. Not that I did not like to eat, I loved it. In these last three days I had eaten things that I never dreamed existed. But I wasn't able to eat as much as Dominic insisted on giving me.

Besides, I was constantly embarrassed that I didn't even know the name of the dishes that they prepared. Both, however, seemed entertained by my every reaction. Everything was new to me. Although I was fed in the prison, couldn’t feel the taste of the food for years.

-You have fun, don't you? Everything in front of me surprises me and you seem to marvel at my vaulted expression. – I said to Dominic.

-Precisely. You are very interesting, you know that? Few people can hold my attention as you can. Sometimes I have to watch myself. I keep looking at your every step and I think I end up bothering you. -replied Dominic.

-To tell you the truth I kind of like it. - I spoke without realizing it and regretted it, getting completely blushed. I shouldn't forget that Dominic was a man, no matter how comfortable I felt next to him. And I shouldn't speak certain things or be misunderstood. I could see, however, a smile on Dominic' face before I lowered my face. - I can't believe I said that. Please ignore it.

-I am flattered. - he said turning to the stove to cook something I had no idea what it was, but certainly smelled good. He was still smiling.

The day was bright and hot. I sat at the small table near a window and watched the sea stretching across the horizon. There was no sign of government, of the navy, of enemies. Nothing. Only freedom. And I was very well accompanied. Joseph and Dominic were the first people to treat me as human, and I would never have imagined it to be something so virtuous. I already couldn't see myself far from them. It was as if I was finally following my destiny.

"Careful Althea. If you get too involved, you will get hurt".

I shook my head to drive away that thought. I didn't want to worry at that moment.

-Omelet. - Dominic spoke by placing a plate with a white and yellow food in front of me. - I tried to do it the best I could, but I don't think it came out right; I'm a terrible cook. It must be edible, however.

I gave a bite and felt a new taste. Incredible! Again, I made a surprised expression and Dominic was amazed. Everything I ate tasted exceptionally delicious.

-It's great! You are a great cook in my humble opinion.

-You don't have to praise just to please me. -rebuked Dominic surprised. I couldn't help but notice the happy tone of his voice.

-I'm praising you because you deserve it. Aren't you going to eat?

-No, I did it just for you. I'm not hungry yet.

-When I learn to cook, I will make lunch one day. And you will have to eat everything.

-I can't wait. –he replied laughing.

At that moment, Joseph entered the kitchen, with his blond hair wet with sweat and the same carefree smile.

-I just sighted the port of Lyrus, but I think we better turn around and stop at the uninhabited part of the island. We don't want them to notice our presence. Since we won’t be there early enough to head to the city, how about we do something fun today? -he asked.

-What do you have in mind? - asked Dominic.

-Swimming. We will teach Althea how to swim and leave our trip to the city for tomorrow. Today is not a good day to go there. And swimming will certainly be fun.

Fun?!

-Maybe this is not a good idea. To be honest, it sounds like terrible to me. -I told them.

-I disagree. - said Joseph laughing.

- Are you afraid? I told you I won't let you get hurt, much less drown. -replied Dominic.

-I also promise to rescue you if you sink. - insisted Joseph.

-That's not encouraging...

-But first we have to go to the city anyway. Althea has no clothes to walk in and much less to swim in. - contested Dominic.

-You are right. -Spoke Joseph in a tone of disappointment. -Give me a few minutes and let me see how this comes out. I don't want us to find any troubles in our first day here.

Joseph then sat down in a chair and closed his eyes. Was this how he used his powers?

-Ok. Change of plans then. Let's anchor and get ready to go shopping.

I was saved... at least for the moment.