Zarvan went to his study as soon as he arrived home, walking through the halls he never realized how cold it felt in his own home. He remembered a time when the castle didn't feel so hollow, he thought about Fiore and a smile appeared on his face. A place like this would suite her more, surrounded by luxury and away from all the filth. He reached his door and asked an attendant to call for Caleb. Zarvan in the mean time went through his library and even the royal library regarding the document he saw in Fiore's village. He remebered seeing something similar before but it was such a long time ago it didnt click in his mind. Images of life circles warped in his mind that in the past he obsessed over the thought of immortality, but nothing came close to perfecting his spell, too much sacrifice would be needed. 

     After rummaging for hours, he found what he was looking for in a book labeled Rituals that was covered in dust. As he looked through the book, the image finally connected: A human shape with a Celestial's blood running through their body. Their cells transform to imitate the Celestial and take a similar appearance, the perpetual flame being blood and feeding it to a willing human thus forming a binding contract. Zarvan had never seen it in practice yet he knew three living results, but he never new any Celestial could do it. 

     Caleb entered and bowed, his face the same as back then, not a wrinkle in sight, a beauty among the court. "Caleb, what did you look like before the transformation?", Zaran asked. Caleb was confused by the question but still answered, "Typical brown hair your Highness, same with my eyes. I had scars all over my body from my time as a knight but they have disappeared with your mother's gift". 

     "Do you miss the life you had before this?".

     "At times l find myself reminiscing, then the memory of going into a rage after losing my daughter l find myself lost. But the image of your mother brings me back. She found me and we had a perfect child, you, my liege. This is a life I wouldn't change for the world". 

     Zarvan smirked." She never allowed me to call you father, or any of the Saints. If you want I can do that Caleb".

     "No your Highness, I am not worthy of being called in such a way by a higher being, but the very thought of you considering it brings warmth to my heart," Caleb said as a warm expression spread across his face. Zarvan smiled at Caleb and dismissed him, his smile grew calculative as he felt he had so much work to do. Fiore needed the information he gathered but he did not plan to give it to her. With her power, it was not certain what type of Saints she would produce so it was best to keep it hidden. Also, for such a lovely being living in such a humble village was beneath her, so he began to devise a plan to create a place where she stood on top. When he was with her, he felt her gaze always linger outside that wall surrounding her village and he wanted to create a place where she would no longer be confined to a humble sight. that is what she deserved. 

     Months had passed and the village was in disarray with the lower festival the villagers had proposed to celebrate the founding of the village and the Celestial's birthday, however, Fore's mind was elsewhere. She sat on the outerfields, looking at the horizon blocked by the wall. She wondered if she could one day venture out but guilt overtook her the moment she thought about leaving. She remembered writing to Zarvan about the topic, but he said 'as a royal he had his duties to his kingdom', so he could not comment on her desire. As she gave a final sigh she she covered her face in her despair, then, she heard a branch snap. 

     "Forgive me my lady I didn't know you were here", Faris said as he began to walk away. Fiore shot up and put on her usual smile. "No, don't mind me, I was on my way out", as she walked away, Faris spoke out, "Wait my lady...um...you look like you have a lot weighing on your mind. If you would like, I could listen. I'm not even fully part of the village so why not bother me for today", he said as he sat at her feet, patiently waiting for her. His body was relaxed as he began to pick some of the herbs he had planted and placed them in his basket. She continued to stand, looking away she asked, "Faris, when you look at me what do you see". 

     Faris felt like the question came out of nowhere but she was serious, but it seemed like she was looking for a specific answer. He spoke truthfully as he continued to pick the herbs," Well, you look like your Father...I mean not to say you look like a man. Your father is weirdly beautiful too, so...", he became flustered as he trailed off. The answer caught her off guard and she began to laugh. Her smile shone brighter among the plane and Faris felt she looked better this way. 

     Fiore sat down next to him, helping him with the herbs, "Faris, do you plan on leaving the village in the future". Farris nodded, "Once the people I'm teaching can do what I taught them, I want to see more of what I missed from when I was in that daze. Why, you trying to keep me here", he snickered. She laughed at his playfulness, "Never, I was just thinking.. if I could join you in your excursions one day and you could always come back here to replenish your supplies," as she said this she looked up at him and her eyes sparkled unintentionally. Her rainbow eyes were captivating, he quickly looked away hiding his blushing face. "Well, having a Celestial as a companion doesn't sound bad, and coming back to a haven like this, sounds like a good deal, but what about your people, are you doing this for them?". 

     The question made Fiore turn away in shame, but she spoke out. Her tone was soft, trying to explain herself, "No, I want to do this for myself. Starting this village out at the age of eleven was not the best thing to do in hindsight, but it was the only choice I could think of, "Her tone sped off as she voiced her real feelings, "I never really planned to be a figurehead or be a leader, it all just happened so fast, that I felt like I couldn't catch my breath. All these expectations and responsibilities, I feel like I can't keep up, but if I don't...", she trailed off and realized what she said. 

     Faris saw as she hid her face in shame, "I didn't mean... I don't regret making this village it's just that I didn't want others to go through what I went through". Faris turned his full attention to her, curious about her past, "Like what", he caught himself, not wanting to pry, "... oh I mean don't force yourself, my lady. You didn't pry information out of me so it wouldn't be right for you to do so", he turned away, but as he took a peek, he could see a little smile peeking through her hands. "No that's okay. Hmm, let's see". 

     Fiore began when she was pushed off the cliff, her death, the changes in her body, and seeing her mother slowly die, and ended with the destruction of the tyrant's kingdom. Faris looked concerned at the Clestial's demeanor, a smile still on her face, but he felt they shared more things in common than he thought. His expression softened, "It looks like you grew up too fast my lady...no it looks like you had too. And you know, I think you deserve to do something for yourself... I feel like you and have been looking for a higher purpose after our loved ones died and you used the village to fuel that purpose. I think I now see what your words meant. You've been holding in guilt after your mother died, just like I did, but you never realized that for her, you being alive was enough". 

     Fiore felt like a damn had opened at hearing those words. She always tried to hide herself, fear eating her up, but she still wanted to explore beyond the village. Tears ran down her face, as she looked at Faris. Faris in a panic hugged her and held her tight, patting her head, "Forgive my impudence, my lady, my mother used to do this when I cried. I thought it would make you feel better". Fiore shook her head, "It's fine, and please call me Fiore, I have no need for fancy titles.

     The pair felt closer after that day, and after the Flower Festival, they spent a month planning a trip, and soon enough they ventured out. Nyssa stood at the gate almost in tears, even though she had gone to far-off dangerous places, this time it felt different. Nyssa embraced his daughter as he saw her off, "Be careful out there". Fiore smiled, "I know, and if you are ever in danger, call for me. I will always come running, Father". they embraced one last time and she was off.

     Fiore walked side by side with Faris as they discussed their course, "I found a place where two types of poisonous plants were seen cross-breeding, so I want to see if it's still there so I can collect," Faris then made a surprised face, "I can't believe I've never asked, can you conjure cross-breeds of plants, Fiore?". Fiore thought about it, "Only if I eat it, then I can". 

     "What if it's a poisonous plant, I don't think you can eat that, "Faris grew concerned.

     "I'm immune to plant-made poisons. Actually, not much of anything harms me, well except myself."

     "Have you tried harming yourself?".

     "What! No! It was more of an accident. I punched myself and left a bruise on my cheek for a week, I was pulling the ground and let go by mistake, my fist was too close to my face, and....well you know".

     Faris silently began to laugh, but he couldn't hold it in any longer. Fiore blushed as she rolled her eyes, "Yes I know, haha". 

     The duo continued to walk for what seemed like hours and came across a cave, they decided to rest and unpack. As Fiore lay down the blankets and set a few coals to burn she began to ask, "I saw on the map we will be heading north, our final stop being the Sun Empire before coming back, do you mind if we stop in the Empire of Time". Faris was starting to prepare food, "You mentioned you have a friend, sure, we can make that stop. I've never been so I'm curious if there are new types of flora there. But, just so you know, It's going to take us a year, so if you have something urgent we can go there now". Fiore snickered, "Oh no, I just wanted to pay him a visit". Faris nodded and went back to what he was doing, however, Fiore thought about the past letters that she had received. They were almost monotone and rushed, she figured he must be busy, but she just wanted to check up on him. In the meantime, she could still write to him via messenger bird. Still, Fiore felt an uneasiness in the air.