* * *

As Seth passed through the door, a loud, high-pitched voice resounded within the whole room.

"Seth is here!!"

Seth turned his head to the little boy who came running to him. The boy's height was somewhere below Seth's chest level, which made it easy for Seth to recognize who this kid was.

"Keep your voice down, Heldrin." Seth chided him as he dishevels his brown hair into a mess.

"Hey, hey! Big Sister told me that you can now create a fire! Can you show me, please?"

Heldrin's big and adorable hazel eyes made him look like a begging puppy.

"I will show you later. But for now, let's—"

"Nooo! I wanna see right now!" Heldrin began pulling Seth's other hand.

A smile crept up to Seth as he looked at the desperate little boy.

Later on, an elegantly dressed woman, right behind Heldrin, came into view by the corner of Seth's eyes. She was wearing an emerald-colored gown decorated with fancy and intricate patterns.

"Good evening, Aunt Meleyn," Seth greeted her with a nod.

"Good evening to you as well, Seth." Meleyn smiled. "You look good in that tunic."

"T-thank you." Coughing off a little of his embarrassment, Seth looked around before turning back to her. "Where's Lyn?"

"She's still asleep."

"...It's still quite early, but is she going to be okay?"

Seth's voice was laced with worry in the thought of Lyn, getting late to her own birthday celebration.

"Dad's waking up Big Sister," chimed in Heldrin, still pulling Seth's hand.

"Is that so...?" mumbled Seth.

"N o w ,  l e t ' s    g o o o o o !"

Heldrin tugged Seth by the hand as Seth stumbled towards him. Seth had barely managed to regain his balance with one foot; he was caught off guard by what Heldrin did.

"Heldrin!" Meleyn scolded Heldrin.

"Fine, fine. Let's go."

Seth smiled at Meleyn before he followed Heldrin. In return, she gave him an apologetic nod.