Iroyama was positioned in a remote region southwest in the Athrean continent.
Roads leading to the central hub — where Tirel, the capital of Athrea was — were dangerous and required experienced guides, making the trip expansive for Iroyama residents, and unnecessarily troublesome for potential visitors from richer areas of the continent. Despite of that, it still received a small influx of travelers due to the picturesque scenery around the coast on that side.
Its shores allowed for high fishing activity, and the fertile soil in the farming areas nearby guaranteed the town was well stocked year round.
All those factors contributed to a peaceful and stable routine for most residents, which in turn meant few ever wished to leave. At most they would relocate to another town along the coastline.
Perhaps for such reason, the annual Festival — which also gathered people from the other small towns close by — was long awaited.
Tel Kair — the six days which reminded those in Athrea of its darkest hour — had just ended the day before, allowing the rapid replacement of the previously solemn faces around the town by ones of excitement. All residents looked forward to the celebration coming on the seventh day of the week.
In Kalen's case, however, the most recent decision he had reached was preventing him from enjoying the merry atmosphere. Had he known his level of anxiety would rise to such level he might have continued to avoid the subject in his head for another day or two.
He found his mother in a tent at the center of the town's main plaza, coordinating the preparations for the Festival. The rectangular, long and wide area surrounded by bars, restaurants and small shops was the heart and soul of the town. Various booths and stands where people would be later selling food, drinks and playing games already filled one side of the plaza, while a stage had been built on the other.
His mother, Natalie Alara, opened a warm smile seeing him. "Hi dear. Glad you're here. Can you help your father and I with hanging the lanterns on that side of the plaza?"
If Kalen were to describe his mother to someone who had never seen her, the first word he'd certainly use would be inspiring. The way she smiled at him — or anyone else around her — always carried such kindness and serenity, often enough to put him at ease whenever troubles plagued his mind.
By design or not, her perpetual gentle nature seemed to mask perfectly the fact that she was no longer a young woman. Her beauty was still undeniable though. The same sandy complexion and wavy chocolate brown hair which Kalen also had could have been an indication of where he got the genes from, if he did not know already she wasn't his biological mother. Her hair tumbled over her shoulders and paired with her blue eyes to frame an aura of grace which only added to her natural charisma.
Kalen followed her in the direction of the stage, where he saw his father, Julian Alara, and a few other townspeople atop ladders hanging the lanterns over a square area.
"So..." Natalie said. "About that matter you came to me last night. Any decision yet?"
Kalen blushed, nearing his mother so his words wouldn't be heard by anyone around. "Mom! I am not gonna talk about that in the middle of the plaza."
Natalie chuckled, but seemed to understand his desire to keep the topic between themselves, lowering her voice as well. "Oh Kal, everyone is busy doing something. I don't think they can spare attention to other people's conversations."
"Still". Kalen whispered, sweeping the plaza with a suspicious look. He eventually met his mother's expectantly gaze and sighed in resignation. "Yes, I have decided. Is it ok if I took the ring tonight?"
His mother made a quick movement and her image seemed to blur for a split second. Kalen could have sworn he saw her bounce on her feet but confusion overtook him and he decided he must have blinked too fast or something.
"That's incredible news, son!" Natalie said, a wide grin stamped on her face.
"Incredible news?" His father shouted from atop the ladder they were approaching. "I want to hear it too!"
Kalen's face reddened again as the attention of the people around turned to him and his mother for a brief moment, before they returned to their various tasks. It took a few more seconds for him to notice his father shouldn't have heard what they were saying considering how low they kept their voices.
How insanely good can this man's hearing be? Kalen thought.
Then again, he had always thought his own hearing was on the ridiculous side of things as well. The other boys — Seth being the exception — had long abandoned the idea of trying to play surprise pranks on him. Kalen also suspected his mother had inhuman hearing given how many times he got caught trying to sneak out of the house during his teenage years.
"Honey, our Kalen is taking the next step in his relationship!" Natalie excitedly told Julian, as he climbed down the ladder.
"Mom!" Kalen muttered. He hadn't yet shared with his father what he had been mulling over for the last few days. Now he wouldn't need to.
Julian's face lit up like the lanterns they were hanging would later that night, then Kalen realized his father's expression wasn't one of surprise. He already expected it! Kalen thought, glancing at his mother with a frown.
Natalie had an apologetic smile ready while his father hugged both her and Kalen. Julian was taller than Kalen, with broad shoulders and strong arms that could easily wrap around the family. His long brown hair was pulled in a bun and his rustic beard gave him a jovial air that matched Natalie's.
"Son! I am so happy for you!" Julian said. "You know your mother and I love Shiori like a daughter already."
Kalen sighed. "Thanks dad, I know. And now the whole plaza knows too."
His parents both laughed at his embarrassment. Kalen was long used to their carefree behavior, so he broke out of his frown and let a smile form in his mouth. Ever since they told him the story of how they had fallen in love at first sight when they were barely teenagers, Kalen imagined if he too would feel that way one day. Then, Shiori became more than his childhood friend.
In a way he knew he needed to thank his parents for even having the chance to fall in love.
They adopted him, providing a future to a baby who might not had one otherwise. They cared for him with kindness beyond Kalen thought possible, never once giving him a reason to doubt their genuine love. Suddenly, his thoughts led to memories of a young Kalen sneaking into their bed late at night, coming up with different reasons to make a nest inside their arms. Asking his father nonstop to carry him over the shoulders whenever they strolled through the seaside.
He did not know why those specific memories surfaced in his mind at that moment, but he was happy they did.
His mother stepped away from the family hug and clapped her hands. "Ok boys, one more reason for the Alara to celebrate tonight. But right now, I need you two to finish hanging these lanterns. Chop chop." She leaned on her toes and gave Kalen a kiss on his forehead before moving away.
Julian pouted. "How come I don't get a kiss too?"
Natalie turned to wink at Kalen, a playful smile on her face, then continued walking in the direction of the stage.
"All these years," His father said. "and she still knows how to have me wrapped around her fingers. Tonight I'll—"
"Ahhh! Too much information!" Kalen quickly interrupted, pushing his father towards the ladder. Whatever he was about to say was certainly an image Kalen didn't want in his head.
Julian chuckled. "Alright son, let's get this done so we don't let Ryuji waiting for us."
Kalen felt a chill down his spine. Ryuji Kogane was his father's lifelong friend and the person in charge of the town's security. He was also the father of the woman Kalen wanted to propose to.
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