The rooftops of Engla are perfectly covered with the whites of winter. Citizens start shoveling the hills away from their doorsteps before applying copious amounts of salt to melt the leftover ice. Fortunately for everyone, the solar star shines to bring them warmth to properly start their day.

At the Bennett mansion, no one in William's room is trembling as tape surrounds the cracks of the windows. The wind blows but is blocked from disturbing their sleep. Snores from William and the others join their company.

Bumva is resting her muscular arm on Will's pajama covered right leg while Mel's head is on his chest. The effect of Phineas' last spell wakes him up. Pitch black isn't there to welcome him as he blinks numerous times. Instead, it's a red canopy. A soft exhale leaves his lips as his eyes dart around.

Following the red canopy down, he sees his sleeping wives near him and his loved ones in his bedroom. He takes in their body types, hair, faces, shades of green from his orc children, the tan complexions of his human children, Jr's wife, his fellow guild members, Ai, Tiffany, and Claude cuddling Cara.

Although it's his final day of life, he smiles with appreciation. He reaches on both sides to gently trace around their cheeks. His wives stir up from his soft touch. Mel's magenta eyes shoot wide open. Dark pupils in the middle of his honey-brown irises meet her. Shaky breaths come out of her mouth until she remembers Phineas' spell.

He leans his head to perfectly kiss her on the lips without closing his eyes. He analyzes every part of those magical ruby ports staring back at him. How they well up in happiness upon him being able to see without the traumatic event of her prior ritual.

Strands of white are in the sea of black as he brushes his hands through it with care. He presses his forehead against hers before peppering her tan face with kisses. He brings her hand up to his lips to kiss her there too. He continues to hold it while turning to his orc wife.

Bumva's shiny emeralds almost pause from no longer seeing white in his pupils. He leans in as well to give her a proper kiss. She keeps her eyes open to continue gazing upon his newfound vision. He kisses the top of her braided bun before peppering her dark green face with his lips.

"The most beautiful women in my eyes," he speaks without a whisper. Hearing his voice, the rest awaken. Hector jumps up as his father looks directly at him while waving.

"Papa can see!" He shouts without restraint. The others scramble up to be near him. Bumva and Mel shift their bodies so they can touch him.

Yang waves a hand in front of his face that Will grabs with a smirk. Sindy and Yarlg exhale.

"You can't trick me anymore, Yang."

"I'm going to miss that though," he playfully argues with a beaming smile on his face.

"Maybe I can allow you to do one trick."

Sindy hops on the bed with glee to hug her best friend. Tears drench his shirt.

"You can see! I'm so happy! Nerdeani will be so happy as well!" The dwarven woman cries out.

He embraces her through the happy tears. He later stands up and they rush him for a giant group hug.

"Are we what you imagined?" Jr asks.

"You are all handsome and beautiful to me. This is such a blessing," he grunts with a smile. He hugs each of his children tightly with Jr lifting him off the floor to his laughter. He gets a chance to see and hold his grandchildren, Barriba and Soran.

The half orclings happily growl at their grandfather who growls back.

"You will be so strong, Barriba Bennett. Your papa won't have to worry about any boys hounding you."

She cries with excitement to his joy.

"What beautiful eyes you have, Soran Bennett," he lightly growls.

His grandson winks his blue eye at him. After giving them back, Yarlg throws him in the air multiple times before setting him down.

Madame Cara kisses his cheeks. "Am I what you imagined?"

"As beautiful as ever," he compliments without a lie.

"He learned that from me," Claude chimes in before embracing his dear friend.

"You also match what I envisioned. In a good way," he jokes.

Claude hits him in the shoulder before hugging him again. Remembering Phineas' final spell makes his lips quiver, but Will pats his back with comfort before letting go.

"Hello, I'm Ai."

"No need to reintroduce yourself. Your voice matches what I figured. Yang's beautiful wife," he explains. The woman from Qin blushed from his remark. Yang kisses the side of her head.

Tiffany grabs his hands. "This is so amazing! My teach- I mean my friend can see! I can't wait for you to see me play!"

"How long does it...last?" Hector asks an important question. Melody looks at the time that ties their eventual deaths together.

"One hour after the winter festival," she relays to them. A blanket of sadness falls upon the room, but Will hops in place with excitement.

"Then let's fill this day up with lots of activities!" He yells to raise their spirits. "I want to have a snowball fight, ice skate, and see the festival. Let's all go out to breakfast later. Just need to get used to my vision first," a wink towards Melody tells her everything.

"EVERYONE, GET OUT!" She yells at the top of her lungs.

"But why?" Hector asks with confusion before Jr whisks him away.

"You don't want to know."

The room is left empty to the three of them. Will throws off his clothes and lays his gentle hands on their faces. He takes in their sparkling eyes as they undress before him. His heavy gasps upon seeing their bodies confirms that he still loves them. 

"I want to see as much of your eyes as possible," he growls with lust. He locks lips with Mel while taking in her beautiful irises. He then kisses her neck.

"Let's give you the best sights possible," she whispers.

Moans are trapped between mouths as their husband's eyes gaze back at them. He kisses their hips where their stretchmarks are located; proof of their many children together. He licks from the soles of their feet to every crevice of their masterpiece bodies...

Their sweaty bodies stop trembling among the wrinkled sheets. He nuzzles his face against his favorite pillows. Melody laughs as that part of him never changed.

Bumva pulls him onto her and wraps her arms around him to keep him in place. He tenderly strokes against the veins in her biceps.

"I love you both."

"Igual," Mel agrees with shaky exhale.

"That was magical," Bumva jokes with a pun. He kisses her protruding fangs before resting on top of her.

"Now, now. We can't keep the children waiting," Mel scolds.

"You're right. Just a few minutes," he eyes the clock on their nightstand.

"How is......seeing everything again?"

"It's wonderful. The shades, complexions, tones, styles. It's too beautiful to be put into words. I'm glad I get to see the mothers of my children," he smiles.

After catching their breaths, they take a bath and get dressed up. He opens up his drawers to find a variety of colored clothes awaiting him. His whole life, he had to live by descriptions of his other senses. The final piece of the puzzle fell into place.

After wearing wool underpants and shirt, he chooses a yellow sweater to go with navy blue snowpants, and a black scarf with a matching hat. As he's putting on his shoes, he stares at Mel who's wearing a scarlet dress that compliments her eyes. She catches his glimpse while throwing on some fur boots.

"Is everything okay?"

"Just admiring your beauty, mi amor." She chuckles from happiness that the flirtatious bard hadn't changed too much. She puts on a fur coat that extends past her waist.

"I'm ready," Bumva chimes in wearing a purple dress that accentuated her sinewy body. She shuffles her feet with eyes looking down at the floor.

"I don't know why I'm so nervous. Maybe it's you seeing me for real. Is my dress-"

He rushes in to lift her chin while standing on his toes. His soft fingers catch her off guard. He gazes into her emerald eyes.

"I love you in it. The purple makes your eyes appear brighter to me", before bowing to her. "I'm at your command, my orc goddess. Tell this servant what he should do to please you. If you wish, I will kiss the earth that your feet traverse on."

She blushes from his sincerity before clearing her throat. "Arise, servant. Fetch me my coat and gloves so we can enjoy this day of winter."

He stands up with a smile before returning with the items in question. He offers his arms to his wives who take them. Mel opens the door for the trio to find their whole family waiting for them.

"Let's get going!" Hector insists.

They reach the front door, but they allow Will to open it first. He turns the knob to the first sights of the outside world.

His eyes adjust several times from the bright white snow surrounding his home. How the winter season decorated the trees nearby. Birds flapping their wings to get to warmer places. His exhale reveals his breath coming out. People in horse carriages ride by on the streets. A lot to take in, but he steels himself to enjoy more sights. 

He crouches down to touch the snow that crumbles between his gloves.

"How are you feeling?" Mel's soft voice reaches him.

"It's a lot, but I'm ready to continue. Let's eat some breakfast and have a snow fight when we come back!" He cheers. His loved ones smile and laugh from his enthusiasm.

"Can we also build a snowman, papa?" Nanka asks.

"Why not?"

As they make their way to a restaurant to seat all of them, Will takes in the architecture of Engla. The snow filled roofs with some snow falling to the cobblestone streets. The bright orange and yellow of lanterns lighting up the residential homes. He remembers where to go as his feet traveled these streets many times before.

----

Waiters bustle as they bring several plates of food for the Bennett-Ramirez family and friends. Will's eyes are full of wonder from his fish and chips plate with sunny side up eggs and bacon on the side. He scrapes the golden skin of the fish with a fork and connects the sound of the flaky crunch to his vison.

Mel's breakfast is a simple black cup of coffee with a giant sweet roll to eat. Even then, she takes some chips from his plate.

"You said you weren't too hungry," he reminds her.

"Not my fault they look tasty," she continues. As she takes a final bite of a sweet roll, he bites on the other end, kissing her in the process. She almost pulls him across the table.

"Eww!" Hector looks away. Mel and William separate their tender kiss.

"You will be kissing a woman like that someday," Yarlg points out.

"But isn't a knight supposed to not do that?"

"You can still find love as a knight. Just don't be like Garth," Sindy informs with a wagging finger.

"That's true. Oh, Luis and Nanka. I want to see your magical progress at the house."

Luis and Nanka have excited smiles on their faces.

"Can we fight like last time?"

"Let's go for it," before slumping into his seat and patting his belly. "Such a good meal."

"Save some room for my heated wine and snacks later tonight," Jaime reminds him.

"I sure will."

---

After making their way home, Will, Nanka, and Luis readies themselves in the back of the house. The rest watch on from the sidelines. Will takes out his silver wires while Nanka rubs her gloveless hands rapidly. Will strums the wires as he sings an incantation.

"With this hard bout,
May my steps be light,
Enhance my speed throughout,
May I give them a memorable fight."

His body glows yellow until it forms around an outline around him.

Jr raises his hand. "Ready?"

The three nod at him. Jr lowers his hand.

"Pompa!", Nanka yells with a stretched palm. Will sees an orb of sparkling fire shoot out from her palm like an arrow. He dodges the attack with a quick sidestep.

"Pedes fulgur!" Luis shouts while rushing at him in that moment. He swings a crackling foot of electricity that his father bends backwards to dodge. The tips of his hairs prickle up. Luis goes for a back kick as he lands, but he gets yanked by the wires. His face hits the cold snow. Barriba and Soran giggle from the fight.

"Scintillans exarserit!" Nanka yells while running. Sparkling flares akin to lightning bugs scatter which forces Will to let go of Luis. The flares melt some holes into the snow as he jumped backwards into a tree.

"Fulgur!"

Lightning crackles out of Luis' palm. Will arranges his wires into a web to redirect the bolt to the tree. It falls down from the powerful attack, leaving burn marks near the trunk.

"Fulgur flagellum."

Lightning crackles out, but it's maintained in his hand. He swings it out!

Will throws snow to form a protective cover as he gets away. The electricity sizzles and weakens upon the contact. He's smiling the whole time.

Luis glances at Nanka who got his message. "Fulgur!"

Another bolt shoots out.....into the air.

"Pompa!" She fires at the bolt. Upon contact, the bolt disperses like a wide net to the ground. Will jumps in between the spaces and lands on his knees. His children stop as he doesn't move.

"Are you okay, papa?" Luis asks.

"Uhm..."

Luis hears the snow rising up and their feet are entangled in the wires. They can't move out of it. He and Nanka finds they're able to raise their hands for a final spell, but their father smiles.

"You win. That was my final move," while retracting his wires.

Nanka and Luis almost smile, but assume it's related to his magic.

"I'm just not as young as I used to be. Great job, you two!" He claps. The rest of the family and friends clap as well.

"Bravo!"

"We have powerful mages in our family!" Bumva shouts.

Nanka pounces on her father, knocking him to the ground.

He chuckles. "I said you won already!"

"I know," she laughs with joy.

Luis is laughing until he gets hit in the back with a snowball. "Ow!"

His mom whistles while looking off to the side. He notices her right hand has some residual snow on it. He quickly crouches down....The rest take that as a signal for a snowball fight. Luis throws at his mom who nimbly dodges it with stunning speed.

"Not fair!" while gathering another one.

Nanka takes some snow and puts it down the back of her father's shirt. He jumps from the freezing sensation.

"I won't go easy on you," he declares while packing some snow. He gets pelted in the chest by Bumva who couldn't resist. He throws one back, which hits her right shoulder.  Her blood warms up from the excitement as they continue.

Yang and Emilia take cover behind some trees while gathering their "weapons". She nods at Jr who charges at her master. Yang throws one ball after another at the giant half orc who takes the hits like they were nothing. He sees a shadow jump from his shoulder.

Emilia in mid-air throws two snowballs at Yang which hit his chest as she lands by his cover. Jr tussles the branches and snow envelopes her body.

"Y-Y-You were on my side!" Her teeth chatter. Yang couldn't help but laugh at his pupil.

Tiffany exchanges snowballs with her former master. Nonstop laughter as they take cover and keep throwing.

Meanwhile, Melody dodges several snowballs thrown by her children, AI, Gash, and Gulak. Her speed almost frightens them as she treated it like a dance. During her dance, she throws out small snowballs that hits each of her targets. Will decides to have some fun as he charges her. He takes on the barrage of projectiles by blocking with his arms.

He slides on the icy snow and tackles her by the waist. She let him do that, of course. They fall while laughing from the fun. He throws some powdery snow on her. Her body doesn't feel the cold because of his spell.

"I caught you, mi reina!"

"You already caught my heart though," she smiles before tossing him off. "Your father is wide open!"

Their children take advantage as he scrambles behind Melody as his shield.....

"Achoo!" The bard sneezes while warming up by the fireplace in his room. Bumva scoops him up and sits down in the chair with her arms wrapped around him. Her body heat makes him sigh in relief. "This is the best."

"You had fun?"

"I sure did and there's more fun to come," while stroking her toned arms. He rests his head back to kiss her on the cheek. She returns one back.

"What else do you want to do before the festival?"

"Can I see my family's farm and....my parents? I don't mean to sour-"

"Let's do it."

He turns to her. "You deserve a song. I want to see your face while I sing it." He places her hands on his cheeks to get in the mood. "This will have no rhyme since it's from the heart."

She gazes upon his brown irises.

"Bumva The Brutal Bennett, you are strong and lovely,

Your muscular veins strike like rivers,

How I wish I can drink them.

Your emeralds are like lush grass,

Nature has blessed them greatly.

Your laughter is contagious to my ears, 

I wish to never be cured of it.

Your stature is akin to a mountain,

Keeping my love steady and secure. 

Yet, I love the soft parts that make you up.

I love you, orc goddess. I prayed I loved you well."

Her eyes well up from all the love he has for her. Tears stream down that he wipes away with the back of his hand. He gives her a tender kiss that she holds onto. Part of him keeps kissing her to solidify all the moments they shared together. From the day they met to right now.

They break the kiss reluctantly. Will nuzzles his nose against hers before taking a nap in her arms. She gingerly taps along his back.

"I will wake you up later, my wonderful bard."

She turns her head to the clock to keep track of time. Her blood almost boils with hatred at that object. Part of her wishes that they could just live longer. For Melody and Will to see their grandchildren grow older. She silently curses House Vinum for ultimately causing the heartache raging inside of her. If they were still alive, she would have-

Her vortex of thoughts is dispelled by a sound coming from her husband. Humming. Specifically, her serenade. She looks at him to find he's still sleeping. Her aching heart begins to settle down.

"I love you too, William Bennett," she whispers before kissing the top of his head. She pulls the blanket over them to make him comfortable. Her emerald eyes stare at the clock with a new meaning: Make each second count even after the final one.