The sun hung low on the horizon, bleeding golden light into the sky as dusk approached. The once bright day was now surrendering to the pull of night. For hours, Valeria and Celeste had searched the town and its outskirts, but their luck had run dry.
Valeria let out a frustrated sigh. "I told you this was pointless. We've been walking around all day, and the boy is nowhere to be found."
Her shoulders slumped further. "We're wasting time, Celeste."
Celeste frowned. "Maybe you're right… and it's getting late. We should call it a day."
Valeria gave a tired nod, her eyes scanning the quiet surroundings. Just ahead, a small farm caught her attention.
"Look," she pointed, "there's a farm nearby. Maybe we can ask to stay the night. Beats sleeping on the cold ground again."
Celeste followed without protest.
They approached the farmhouse and Valeria knocked on the door. "Hello? Anyone home?" She gave it another knock, this time louder.
To their surprise, the door creaked open, and standing there was Noir, the boy they had met in the market.
"Noir!" Celeste's eyes widened. "There you are! We've been looking for you all day!"
The boy blinked in surprise. "Looking for me? Why?"
Valeria stepped forward, tired but direct. "We'll explain tomorrow. Right now, can we stay here? Anywhere is fine. Please?"
Noir hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Sure, Miss Valeria. Come in."
They stepped inside. The farmhouse was humble but warm, its wooden walls and soft lighting casting a cozy glow. It smelled faintly of herbs and old wood.
"This place isn't much," Noir said shyly, "but it's home."
He called out, "Grandpa! I brought some friends! Can they stay the night?"
From the corner of the room, an old man rose from a creaky chair. His gaze lingered on the two adventurers before nodding.
"Of course, Noir. Remember what I told you, a friend in need is a friend indeed. Treat them kindly."
Noir smiled. "I'll go get tea!" And he darted into the kitchen.
Celeste chuckled softly. "He's… very energetic."
Valeria nodded. "Indeed. But let's not forget why we came."
The old man's eyes narrowed slightly. "You're not just here for shelter. Speak your true intent."
Both women were momentarily caught off guard. The old man's insight cut deeper than expected.
"With all due respect, sir," Valeria began, steady and clear, "we're searching for a third companion. Your grandson… may be the one we're looking for."
The old man didn't respond immediately. Instead, he studied them for a long moment before asking, "And what makes you believe he'd want such a life? What gives you the right to decide his path?"
Celeste stepped forward, her voice firm but sincere. "We can't claim to know what's best for anyone. But… I've seen the spark in his eyes. The longing to be free. To chase something greater than routine and comfort. He dreams of something more, I can feel it."
She paused, placing her hand over her chest.
"I believe he's meant to bring forth a new dawn."
There was silence. Then, the old man exhaled slowly, a mix of grief and pride in his eyes.
"You speak with conviction, girl. That's rare. Your words remind me of someone… long gone."
He looked toward the hallway, as though peering into a memory.
"Very well. If fate brought you here, then I will not stand in its way. You have my blessing… and he has my legacy."
Celeste bowed deeply. "Thank you, sir. We promise-"
"No need," the old man interrupted. "I won't shield him forever. He must learn, as all do."
The weight of his words settled in the air.
Just then, Noir returned, carefully balancing a tray with three cups of steaming tea.
"I'm back!"
"Perfect timing," the old man said. "They have a question for you."
Noir blinked, curious. "What kind of question?"
Celeste stepped forward. "Noir… would you like to go on an adventure?"
The boy froze mid-step. The tray slipped from his hands, cups crashing to the floor. Tea splattered across the wooden boards.
For a moment, he just stood there, wide-eyed, stunned.
Then, slowly, joy began to rise in his expression. His lips curled into a smile so wide it almost looked unreal.
"Really?!" he asked, eyes sparkling.
[—To Be Continued—]