Anemone and Father returned to the city as quickly as possible to rest. Their mana was depleted, their energy gone, and they were hungry and thirsty. They also had wounds covering their body, or at least that was until Father healed the two of them, but it cost him to be hangry. Father went to a tavern to eat, while Anemone went to get the quest reward of twenty-five silver. She could turn in the hide and tusks for more gold, but refrained from it, as the hide could be made into armor and the tusks into a wand.
Anemone returned to Father in fresh clothes, her original dress decorated with roses; she looked like an angel in this dress. Many men gawked over her, but she remained oblivious. Anemone and Father both ordered soup, which came in a wooden bowl and was steaming hot. Father licked his lips at the sight; in such a hungry state, even the worst food imaginable would feel like heavenly food. Anemone watched Father and giggled. Despite his old age and even elderly looking appearance, he still acted like a kid sometimes, and it made Anemone happy. Father Hatheway was like an actual father to Anemone; she met him through her dad when she was a young kid who still dreamed of being like one of her parents.
"Father, let's go get some rest for tomorrow. It's going to be a big day. Though we can just waste away the day, as only the night is important."
"Yes, young one."
Father stood up after gulping down everything left in the bowl. He ate like a pig in this moment, but so did everyone else around. They then paid and left, returning to the place they would stay. The yawning Anemone met up with Father before rushing to her own room.
"Goodnight, Father, sleep well."
"And you as well, young one. If you need anything, just come to me."
***
"Papa! I wanna be a baker when I grow up! I'm gonna make big, beautiful cakes for mama and papa!"
The young Anemone looked up to her father, who was wearing silver armor with leather gloves, as a knight would wear, his deep brown eyes and long beard that hung to his sternum. Anemone's father put his hand on Anemone's head and began to ruffle her hair while wearing a kind smile.
"Well, if you want to do that, kiddo, you'll have to practice! Just don't burn the house down!" He said with a chuckle, "How about you ask your mommy to teach you to bake cookies first? Start slow and build your way up! And don't be disappointed if it turns out bad the first time, remember, no one is perfect, and you always have to start somewhere."
The young Anemone then brightened up; her golden hair seemed to shine along with her youthful smile. She jumped around with excitement and then rushed to her mom.
"Hey, Mama! Will you teach me to make cookies?"
"I would love to, darling! You better not be making them for some boy at the academy."
"Eww, mom! I would never! I wanna be able to make mama and papa happy!"
Anemone's mom melted, her heart swelling with happiness.
"Aww, dear, you already make us happy, but yes, I would love to teach you! After all, your birthday is coming up soon, maybe this will be your early gift! And no, I'm not saying you won't get other gifts, you will, darling, don't worry."
Anemone's face as she listened shifted from cheery to miserable, back to being extremely excited as she gained confirmation that she would be getting presents.
"Yayyyy! Thank you, mama!"
Meanwhile…
"Father Hatheway, please take care of my daughter if I ever go on an adventure or pass away. I have reason to believe I may be called far away soon."
"You know I will, after all, I owe you a great debt, both you and your wife. I will take care of your daughter until my dying breath. Also, I have noticed your daughter has an exceptional affinity with fire magic, just like her dear mother. Do you plan to nurture it?"
Anemone's father smiled while thinking of his amazing daughter.
"Fire is too dangerous for her to learn at such a young age. For now, I will teach her wind magic and to bake since that's her wish." He then gave a hearty laugh.
"Well, since both wind and water magic can be thought of as similar, I can teach her if needed."
"Thank you for your offer, my dear friend."
Father Hatheway, Anemone, along with her mother and father, all then gathered in the living room, the fireplace crackling in the background.
Father Hatheway glanced at Anemone with a kind smile on his face that had yet to be withered down by wrinkles.
"Would you like to see a trick, little one?"
"I would love to, Mr. Hatheway!"
Father stuck out his hand, and a small dragon with very little detail, made of water, began to fly around in his hand; it seemed to be dancing. And this trick made Anemone fall in love with magic; her eyes shone as she stared at it.
"Oh my god, mister! I wanna do that! Teach me! Teach me!"
Anemone's mother then cut in on the conversation.
"Darling, please try not to bother him too much!"
"I'm sorry, mama…"
Anemone's eyes soon filled with guilt as her gaze lowered to the ground, but Father Hatheway stepped in, raising her chin and showing the same smile as before.
"I will teach you one day, when you get older, that is! I promise you! And as a priestly Father, I never go back on my promises!"
Anemone's mother then began to speak.
"Would you all like to go shopping?"
"I would love to, mama!"
Anemone jumped up, dancing around, and quickly grabbed her purple coat she always wears, even during hot days.
"Let's go! Let's go!"
Anemone's mother and father, along with Father Hatheway, stood up while chattering you one another.
Anemone's mother stabbed her father in the side while smiling at him with a slight devilish glint.
"Darling, if there is ever a wand she chooses, or something nice, make sure you put it on a list for us to get her."
"Okay, okay! Don't hurt me."
She then proceeded him, just as Anemone turned around.
"Mama, did you hurt Papa? Why is he holding his side?"
Anemone's mother looked to her father with a deadly glare that had the words she wanted to say written on her face.
"N-no, no, she didn't hurt me."
"Hmph, good!"
The door opened, and everyone stepped out, beginning their walk to the city from their humble village.
***
The city was quiet; it was full of shops and many places to entertain yourself, but no one filled the streets. The young Anemone walked while holding both of her parents' hands, first stumbling into a magic shop, inside was the opposite of outside. It was bustling, and many people walked around looking at what filled the displays. Near the clerk were many rings displayed in a large glass case, each with a different color, causing the young Anemone to become mesmerized as she was filled with glee.
It was a time in which Father Hatheway also needed a wand or staff, so he was on the lookout as the family went to the busiest part of the store, which was seven aisles, each designated to one element. Since each person, including children, stood above the small displays, Anemone was let off to wander.
'I like this staff.' Father Hatheway thought to himself while looking at a meter-long (3.3 ft) staff with a dark green zircon at the top, which was standing upright. 'It isn't too small, too large, or overbudget.'
Hatheway called for an employee to come over and retrieve the staff; meanwhile, Anemone's mother watched Anemone run around before she finally stumbled upon a small wand, similar to the one she had in the present day. It was made of a dark colored wood, with a white gem on the top.
"Mama, mama! Come look at this! It's so pretty!"
Anemone's mother walked over, squatting down beside Anemone, pointing at the wand.
"You are correct, it is very pretty, dear. You have an excellent eye."
"I'm gonna buy it when I grow up!"
"Well, dear, your father and I will help you achieve your dream."
Anemone and her mother then found Father Hatheway holding onto his newly bought staff; his face seemed to be saying, "Look at me, look at my amazing purchase." But Anemone's mother knew him well and didn't even bat an eye as she walked with Anemone back to her father.
Anemone's mother leaned in, whispering to him. "Anemone found something she liked. Make sure you get it for her."
"Ay ay, cap'n."
She then smiled while looking back at Anemone, her gold ring glinting in the light as she reached down to pet Anemone. The ring caught Anemone's eye, and she grabbed her mom's hand.
"That ring is so pretty, Mama! Where did you get it?"
"Oh, sweetie, you're so adorable. The ring was given to me one day. I will tell you the story. But one day, it will be yours, as long as you promise to take good care of it."
"I will, mama! I will!"
"That's my good girl, you're such a wonderful daughter."
Anemone smiled as she was pet. In the background, her father was hurriedly writing down the wand Anemone was watching earlier.
'If I don't get this down, Lily will kill me.'
The day ended spectacularly, and the shopping went well, at least for Father Hatheway. Anemone's parents found the gift for next year, meaning they had two years' worth ready. The group then went to an inn, known for its meats and stews, you could say it was a knockoff version of the Boar Hat. The place had rows of veins crawling across the ceiling. You could say it was picturesque, or that it means they don't take good care of the inn, but either way, the food was amazing.
Inside the building was a fireplace, which was reflected in Anemone's innocent eyes. The fireplace popped loudly, startling Anemone. Everyone seemed to laugh it off as Father Hatheway looked at her, he could see her stare lingering upon the beautiful fire.
After sating their appetites, the group returned home; Anemone was forced to sleep almost immediately as the night was coming to an end. Lily and Anemone's father, along with Father Hatheway, returned to the living room to relax.
"Honey, I think I will be sent off soon." Anemone's father said with a desolate expression as he stuck out his hand to grasp Lily's.
"Where will you be off to, darling?" She said with a bright expression, not letting her mood dwindle.
"I'm sorry, but I can't say…"
"It's okay, honey, I will always be here. And thank you for taking such good care of me and Anemone."
"I love you, darling." His expression brightened while enveloping Lily.
"I love you m-"
Father Hatheway stared at them, not out of impropriety, but out of care. He thought Lily would become upset, so he planned to support Anemone's father and clear up any misunderstandings that might occur.
"Be quiet, you love birds, you both are making me sick."
Lily sat up, her face becoming red as she looked away, while Anemone's father began to discuss with Father Hatheway.
"Please, look after my daughter while I am away."
"Of course, my dear friend, and if anything happens, I will send a letter."
"Thank you."
"Of course! Though while you are away, I may make your daughter bake for me."
The remark caused Anemone's father to have a genuine smile on his face as he stood up.
"Do as you wish, just don't let her burn the house down."
"I know water magic, no need to worry."
Father Hatheway then walked to the door. He was seen off by Lily and Anemone's father, who were holding each other closely.