Theanore was sad. Elmar, Dereck and Diana were leaving. They told her they were going on a grant adventure and that when they come back, they will bring her a special gift.

She didn’t want a gift; she wanted her friends at the grotto. She was sulking and that was not very princess-like, she knew. But she didn’t feel like doing anything else today.

Marinus came and sulked with her. Then, just as the sun was setting, he broke the silence.

“I’ll miss them.” Said the merman. “Even though Dereck called us spoiled babies when we first met.”

“But Di is nice.” Said Theanore. “And Elmar is my court wizard.”

“I know just the thing to get your mind from this,” said Marinus, standing up and holding up his hand to Theanore.

“And what is that?” She said, accepting it and letting herself be twirled around. She giggled.

“A royal ball. For just the two of us. May I have the first dance, princess?” Asked Marinus, bowing.

“You may, grand duke,” said Theanore, and she curtsied. It was just as awkward as all the other times and Marinus stifled a chuckle. It may be a far cry from some of the curtsies that he had seen the other girls do, but it was still adorable.

He hugged Theanore and led her into a slow waltz. They were singing the song of Zippy the elf together and dancing to it. Then it was the donkey that lost its tail, and finally, they ended with the rabbit that jumped to the moon.

Their waltz was reduced to bunny jumps because of the last song, but they had fun. They both laid down in the snow when the song was done and began to make snow angels.

“Mari, do you think it will ever become easy?” Asked Theanore.

“Letting people go?” Asked Marinus, and he paused to look at Theanore.

“Yes.” She answered.

“I don’t think, no. And I think it is just as hard for them to leave. This place became their home in the short time they were here. They are our friends. No, our family,” finished, Marinus and Theanore sighed.

“But they will send us letters, won’t they? I mean, we will send countless letters too. It will be like we are with them. Mari, do you think we can go to an adventure too, one day?”

“Maybe, if Crassus and Esmer allow us. I have always wanted to go to the Sea of the Setting Sun. It is said that all kinds of fish live there. Even some that are exclusive to the rivers of the forest of plenty,” said Marinus with a faraway look.

“And I want to go to the forest of plenty one day. Just imagine how many plants there are in there. It is in the name.”

“We can go to both places. But if we are going to become adventurers, then we need to have someone watch the grotto. If something happens to your tree and my sea horn, we can both die, Thea,” said Marinus. He felt it would be better not to scare her, but that was the truth of things.

“The children of the orphanage can keep watch. And we can see the big, wide world.”

Achievement unlocked: Wanderlust.

Theanore wants to see the world. Nothing bad about that. But you have to grow up first, Thea. And beware, for you, will find in the world some beauty, but also some terror. May you be colorful and long-lived, Theanore the nymph. As a reward, you will get two pairs of boots. One for you and one for Marinus the merman. They will never wear or tear, and they will grow with your feet. Wear them on your journeys, and you will see that even mountains will be conquered like hills.

Two pairs of boots appeared next to Theanore’s head, and she looked at them. One pair was bright green with rose leaves on them and the other was sea blue with seashells stitched on them.

“They are so pretty, thank you, Tania!” Said Theanore, and she got up to get the boot on. Marinus did the same. The children marveled at how well the boots fit around their feet.

“I will never wear anything else. Do you think Tania has more of this gear?” Asked Marinus as he stashed his old boots neatly in his dimension bag.

“Tania, do you have more hiking and adventure gear?” Asked Theanore and she got another message.

I do. They are, however, locked behind other achievements. I can’t tell you more. Just know that I am wishing you luck, Thea.

“Hm, we got the boots because you wanted to go out and explore,” said Marinus. “Maybe we will get jackets if you say something about conquering a mountain peak?”

“Ok. Tania, I want to climb the mountain on which my goats graze every day. Please, send me jackets and waterproof clothes,” said Theanore, and she got another achievement.

Achievement unlocked: Challenge I. (Timer 10 hours)

Theanore the nymph has issued a challenge to herself. She wishes to climb a mountain peak. What is more, she will do so in total darkness. Therefore, she and Marinus the merman will receive all their gear now, plus guiding fireflies. But should they not be able to climb the peak until the end of their 10 hours, the gear will disappear, and the fireflies will dim. I suggest ignoring this message. There will be other, easier challenges ahead.

“No way, Tania, we are climbing. Mari, let us go,” said Theanore as she began to dress in the new clothes. Marinus once again did the same, and they went to the goat pen. It had been easy getting there because of the fireflies and the stairs. They were halfway up the mountain because of it, and now they only needed to climb the other half.

“We’ll need rope,” said Marinus as he stared up in the darkness.

Get rope for 1000 mana? It will make you both light as a feather. Yes/No?

Marinus clicked the yes and rope appeared in his hands. He tied Theanore to himself, and they began to follow the goat trail up the slopes.