After exploring the city for a while, Elliet was taken to the port where she would board a ship bound for the central city.
“Wow! Is that the sea?” Elliet gasped in awe as they neared the shore, her eyes wide with wonder.
Rona chuckled softly. “Yeah, I guess you've never seen such a vast body of water before.”

“This is the farthest I’ve ever traveled from my village,” she admitted, her voice a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
“Don’t worry. You’re going to love it,” Rona smiled warmly, a reassuring glint in his eyes.

“I can't wait to sail on a real ship,” she said, her enthusiasm palpable.
Soon, they arrived at the port and parked. After securing Elliet’s ticket, they made their way to the ship she’d be taking.

“Thank you so much for everything,” Elliet said, her expression full of sincere gratitude.
“It’s no trouble at all. Just don’t forget us when you’re a famous hero,” Rona’s wife teased with a smile.

Elliet grinned. “I promise I’ll never forget your kindness. I hope we meet again someday.”
“I hope so too,” Mrs. Rona replied warmly.

As their conversation ended, Elliet ascended the stairs leading to the ship. Once aboard, she turned and waved at the couple, her heart swelling with gratitude. She then made her way to the deck, leaning against the railing to gaze at the endless expanse of the sea. Her anticipation grew as more passengers boarded, and soon, the ship was ready to depart.

Out of the corner of her eye, Elliet noticed a small boy, no more than seven, climbing dangerously on the railings. His attire, finely tailored, suggested wealth.
“Hey, be careful! You might fall!” Elliet called out, her concern immediate.

The boy shot her a defiant look. “I’ve done this lots of times. I’m not going to fall,” he boasted, lifting his hands from the rail as if to prove his point.

Instinctively, Elliet rushed over and grabbed him by the shirt. “You can’t just do that!” she scolded. “Where are your parents? I’m not going to stand here and let you get hurt.”

The commotion caught the attention of other passengers on the deck, all eyes now on them.
“Kandrin, what are you doing?” a voice asked from behind. Elliet turned to see a girl, about her age, dressed in a black gown with a matching hat that gave her an air of mystery.

“This girl won’t let me go!” Kandrin whined.
“I was just worried he might fall,” Elliet explained quickly.

The girl’s gaze softened slightly, though her presence still felt imposing. “You can let him go. He’s tougher than he looks,” she said with a slight smirk.Kandrin, sensing his sister’s stern gaze, quickly climbed down from the railings.

“I apologize for my brother’s recklessness,” the girl said, a polite smile replacing her earlier intensity.
Elliet returned the smile. “It’s fine. I just didn’t want to see him get hurt.”
The girl nodded. “Would you like to come inside?”

“Thanks, but I think I’ll stay out here. It’s my first time on a ship, and I want to enjoy the view of the sea as we sail.”
“First time, huh? That explains why you’re so excited,” the girl remarked.
“Yeah, I’ve heard tales of sea monsters. I’m kind of hoping to see one,” Elliet said with a grin.

The girl laughed lightly. “You’re excited for the wrong reasons.”
“Well, I guess I’m a bit of an oddball. Dangerous things tend to thrill me,” Elliet admitted with a laugh.
“Sounds like someone who’s not planning to live to old age,” the girl teased.

Elliet laughed again. “I’ve never pictured myself growing old, to be honest.”
“You’re the complete opposite of me,” the girl mused. “I can already see my whole life ahead—marrying a brave soldier, having five kids, and eventually dying in my mansion surrounded by my family at the ripe old age of eighty.”

“Wow! You’ve really got it all planned out,” Elliet said, impressed.
The girl smiled. “What about you? Any plans for the future?”
“I’m not sure yet.”
“Don’t you have anyone you love?” the girl pressed.

“I love my sisters and my parents,” Elliet answered with a soft smile.
“I meant romantically. Anyone special you want to marry?” the girl clarified.

Elliet shook her head, laughing. “I’ve never thought about that.”
The girl raised an eyebrow, surprised. “I didn’t know girls like you still existed.”

“Is that a bad thing?”
“No, not at all. It’s just rare to meet someone so beautiful who isn’t interested in romance,” the girl said with an amused smile.

“Beautiful? Me? You should see my sisters. They’re way more stunning,” Elliet laughed.
“Really? Where are you from?” the girl asked, curiosity piqued.

“A small village called Darion,” Elliet replied.
“I’ve never heard of it.”

“Well, it’s not a city, just a quiet village,” Elliet explained.
“That’s amazing! And where are you headed?”

“The central city,” Elliet said.
“Me too! Maybe we’ll run into each other there. My grandparents live in the city,” the girl said excitedly.
“Maybe,” Elliet smiled.
“Oh, I haven’t even introduced myself. I’m Nika, and this troublemaker is my brother, Kandrin.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Nika. I’m Elliet.”

“So, are you traveling alone?” Nika asked.
“Yeah. I kind of ran away from home,” Elliet admitted with a sheepish smile.
“What? Why?” Nika’s eyes widened with surprise.

“It’s a long story.”
“Well, we’ve got plenty of time on this ship. I’d love to hear it,” Nika grinned.
“I guess so,” Elliet laughed.
“To be fair, my brother and I ran away too,” Nika confided.

“Really? I thought you were going to your grandparents’,” Elliet asked.
“We are. But our mom got remarried, and we don’t like her new family. So we decided to leave.”

“Does she know you’ve run away?”
“Nope. She’ll figure it out when she finds us and the missing money,” Nika said with a mischievous glint.

“But why don’t you like living with her new family?” Elliet asked, her tone softening.
“Our dad was a high-ranking soldier in the army. He died on a mission two years ago. After that, everything changed,” Nika explained, her voice tinged with sadness.

“I’m so sorry,” Elliet said gently.
Nika smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “It’s okay. We’re managing.”

“Is that why you came to this city?” Elliet pressed, her brow furrowed with concern. Nika nodded, tears gathering in her eyes. “Yes... our mother remarried just five months after our father's death. It was as if she was relieved he was gone. She seemed happier with her new family, and it’s like we don’t exist. She pays more attention to them than to us.”

“Oh, Nika, I’m so sorry,” Elliet said softly, her heart aching for her new friend.
“It’s okay... that’s why we’re going to live with our grandparents. I just can’t take it anymore,” Nika wiped her tears, trying to put on a brave face.
“I completely understand,” Elliet said gently, her voice full of empathy.

“And… my boyfriend lives in the central city too. He’s at Arixon,” Nika added, her mood suddenly lifting with a bright smile. Elliet eyed her playfully.
“Be honest now, you’re really going back because you miss your boyfriend, aren’t you?” Nika blushed but smiled slyly.
“Well, it’s not the only reason, but it did help me make the decision,” she admitted with a light laugh.

“Sounds like your boyfriend must be someone pretty special,” Elliet teased. “He really is,” Nika said, a soft glow in her eyes. “How did you meet him?” Elliet asked, her curiosity piqued. Nika hesitated, her cheeks reddening.
“It’s kind of an embarrassing story…” “Come on, you can tell me. I promise I won’t judge,” Elliet encouraged, her smile reassuring. “Well, it was during winter. I was returning from a ball at the palace, when I saw this boy in a uniform being chased by guards.”

Elliet’s eyes widened. “Wait, the palace? Do you know the king?” Nika nodded, a bit nonchalantly.
“The current king is a distant relative of my father. We share a family tree that stretches back centuries.”
“That still sounds pretty amazing,” Elliet insisted, impressed.

“Anyway, the boy found himself cornered with nowhere to run. So, he ran to me and... well, hid under my gown. I just stood there, frozen, not knowing what to do.” Elliet burst into uncontrollable laughter, causing a few heads to turn their way.
“Wait, you mean he actually hid under your gown? Like this?” she mimicked the action, her laughter infectious.

“Hey! You promised you wouldn’t judge!” Nika exclaimed, clearly flustered but trying to suppress her own amusement.
“I’m so sorry,” Elliet gasped between laughs. “It just caught me off guard! I didn’t mean to laugh.”
“Fine, I won’t tell you the rest of the story then,” Nika huffed, turning away dramatically.

“No, please! I promise I won’t laugh again,” Elliet pleaded, finally managing to stifle her laughter. Nika sighed, her shoulders relaxing.
“Alright, after the guards couldn’t find him, they eventually left.”
“That’s incredible! So... did the ‘cute boy’ stay under your gown even after they left?” Elliet teased, unable to resist.

“Of course not!” Nika shot back, now laughing herself.
“His name’s Zadex, by the way.”
“Zadex? That’s such a cool name,” Elliet said with a grin.
“I mean, seriously, it sounds like something out of an adventure novel.” Nika rolled her eyes but smiled.
“I wouldn’t have told you if I’d known you were going to make fun of me.”
“I’m not making fun of you, I swear! I just laugh at almost everything,” Elliet said, apologetic but still grinning.
Nika chuckled softly.
“Alright, fine. So, after the guards left, we stayed up all night talking in the garden. It was honestly the best night of my life.”
“That sounds like a dream,” Elliet said, clearly captivated by the story.

“But... what happened next?” “The guards found him in the morning,” Nika said, her smile fading slightly.
“What did he do to get in trouble?”
“Trainees aren’t allowed to leave Arixon without permission. They undergo brutal training sessions there, and he was trying to escape.”
“Wow… life at Arixon must be tough,” Elliet said, her tone full of sympathy. “It is. I’m dreading the day Kandrin has to go there. He’s due to start next year, when he turns eight,” Nika said with a sigh.
“Wait, your brother is going to Arixon?” Elliet asked, astonished.

“Does that mean he’s a superhuman or something?” Nika grinned.
“Yes, he is. Do you want to see for yourself?” Elliet narrowed her eyes in disbelief. “I’ll believe it when I see it.”
“Kandrin, show her your sil,” Nika called over to her brother. Without hesitation, Kandrin stretched out his hand, and suddenly, an orange flame danced in his palm. The passengers nearby turned, staring in awe. “Wow!” Elliet gasped, lowering herself to Kandrin’s height to get a closer look. “How are you doing that?”

“My dad taught me before he passed away,” Kandrin replied proudly.
“Can you teach me how to do it?” Elliet asked eagerly, her eyes wide with wonder.
“Not everyone can. You have to be born a Gont,” Nika explained.
“Well, I’m a Gont,” Elliet said matter-of-factly. Nika raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “Do you even know what that means?”

“Of course I do,” Elliet responded confidently. “Alright then, prove it. Show me something a normal human can’t do,” Nika challenged. Elliet smiled mischievously.
“Okay, but you’ll have to hold this for me.” She began removing her long blue dress, revealing black shorts and a top underneath, her movements drawing the attention of everyone on the deck.
“What are you doing?” Nika asked, flustered, trying to stop her.
“I can’t move freely in this dress. That’s why I hate them,” Elliet replied, handing the dress to Nika.
“Don’t you find it embarrassing to undress in front of all these people?” Nika asked, her voice hushed. Elliet grinned.
“Nope. Just watch.” With her eyes blindfolded, Elliet launched herself into the air with incredible speed, leaping high enough to reach the upper deck.

She climbed the ship’s flagpole, flipping gracefully in the air before landing precisely where she had started. The entire deck fell silent, mouths agape, until they erupted into applause.
“That... that was amazing!” Nika said, her excitement spilling over as she handed Elliet her dress back.
“Thanks!” Elliet smiled as she slipped back into her dress.
“How did you do that?” Nika asked, still in awe. “I’ve been doing things like that since I was little,” Elliet said casually.
“Then why didn’t you go to Arixon?” “Our parents always warned us never to show our abilities in front of others. But... I’m not with them anymore, so it doesn’t really matter,” Elliet explained. Just then, the ship began to move, the soft creaking of the hull signaling the start of their journey.

“Finally! We’re off!” Elliet exclaimed excitedly as she hurried to the railings.
“I can’t wait to see dolphins,” Nika added, standing beside her.
“There won’t be any dolphins around here,” Kandrin interjected. Nika sighed.
“Yeah, they’re being hunted too much lately.” “That’s terrible... I really wanted to see one,” Elliet said sadly.
“Don’t worry. You’ll probably see some along the way,” Nika reassured her. Elliet nodded, then turned to Nika.

“By the way, you haven’t told me your story. Why did you leave home?” Nika looked curious, her expression softening. “Something bad happened last night,” Elliet began, her voice heavy with emotion.
“Do you want to talk about it?” Nika asked gently.
“My sister almost got killed because of me. My mom was so angry, she doesn’t want me anymore,” Elliet said, her voice barely a whisper. Nika’s eyes widened. “That’s awful…”
“I know. That’s why I’m leaving to find my real parents,” Elliet explained.
“Do you know where they are?”
“I have no idea. But a kind couple suggested I head to the central city. They said I might find them there since I’m a Gont.” Nika nodded thoughtfully.
“They’re probably right. I’ll ask my grandfather to help you when we get there.” Elliet’s face lit up.
“You’d really do that for me?”
“Of course,” Nika smiled, taking Elliet’s hands warmly in hers.

“We’re friends now, aren’t we?” Nika asked with a soft smile.
“Yes, we are!” Elliet replied excitedly.

“But won’t you miss your sisters now that you’re gone?” Nika’s tone grew more thoughtful.
Elliet’s face softened. “I’ll definitely miss them... especially Ariya. We’ve been together our whole lives.”

Nika’s expression turned serious. “How do you think Ariya will feel when she realizes you’re gone?”
At that question, Elliet fell silent. She hadn’t fully considered how her sudden departure would affect Ariya. The mere thought of how heartbroken and frantic her sister would be sent a wave of guilt through her. Tears welled up in her eyes, and before she could stop herself, they started to fall.

“I’m so sorry,” Nika said hurriedly, her voice filled with regret. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“It’s okay,” Elliet murmured through her tears. “I just know Ariya will be devastated when she wakes up and finds me gone.”

Nika bit her lip. “Then maybe... you should go back to her?”
Elliet shook her head, wiping her tears.
“I can’t. Not yet. I need to find my real parents first. After that, I’ll go back.”

Nika reached over and gently squeezed her hand. “Whatever you decide, I’ll support you.”

Elliet smiled, touched by her friend’s kindness. “Thank you, Nika.”

“You’re welcome,” Nika smiled back.
Suddenly, Kandrin’s excited voice broke through the moment. “Look! Dolphins over there!”

“Where?” Elliet asked, her sadness lifting as she rushed to the railing.
“Right there!” Kandrin pointed toward the horizon, where sleek, graceful dolphins leaped in and out of the water.
Elliet gasped in delight. “Yes, I see them! They’re so beautiful!”

“Aren’t they the cutest animals?” Nika added, watching with a smile.
“They’re even cuter than I imagined,” Elliet replied, her eyes glued to the playful creatures.

“They’re really smart too. With the right training, they can do all kinds of tricks,” Nika explained.
“That sounds amazing! I wish I could pet one,” Elliet said wistfully.

Nika grinned. “Don’t worry. When we get to the central city, I’ll take you to the park where you can see them up close.”
Elliet’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Really? You’d do that for me?”

“Absolutely! And you’ll get to see all kinds of other cool animals too,” Nika added.
“Wow! I can’t wait!” Elliet exclaimed.

“Me neither,” Nika replied with a smile.
After spending more time on the deck, chatting and watching the sea, one of the cabin crew approached to lead them to their room.

When they stepped inside, Elliet’s face lit up. “Wow! Is this really our room?” she asked, her excitement bubbling over. The room was small but cozy, with two bunk beds on the left side and a wooden table in the center. Two comfortable chairs sat behind it, and shelves and cupboards were built into the wooden walls.

Nika, however, looked less impressed. “Yeah, this is it,” she said, a little confused by Elliet’s enthusiasm.
“This is amazing! It’s the nicest room I’ve ever seen!” Elliet said, her eyes gleaming with genuine joy.

Nika raised an eyebrow, half-amused. “You’ve got to be joking.”
“Nope, I’m serious!” Elliet replied earnestly.
Nika laughed lightly. “Even the rooms in our new house are way better than this.”

“Really?” Elliet asked, her eyes widening in disbelief.
“Yep,” Nika said with a smile.
“That’s incredible! You must live like a princess.”
“Hardly,” Nika chuckled. “If I were a princess, I wouldn’t be sailing on this cheap ferry.”

Elliet grinned. “So what kind of life do you live in the city?”
Nika leaned back against the wall, a playful smile on her lips. “Don’t worry. I’ll show you when we get to the central city.”