Dragon Quest XI: Partners Until the End

[Chapter 2]

Leather boots pad against the wooden flooring, creaking with the weight of the brunette girl. She adjusted the pack hanging on her hip to fit more snugly and did a once over of herself. Sporting a new outfit crafted by her mother, Freya couldn't help but be pleased. She could tell that her mother took the time to carefully stitch her new purple tunic and sew a new black undershirt. While she still sported her trusty leather boots and old brown slacks, Freya was surprised that her mother did anything for her at all.

Releasing a pleasant hum of how she looked, Freya took a simple hair tie and pulled some of her brown hair back into a half-up half-down hairstyle. The loose strands framed her face neatly and Freya released a sigh, psyching herself up for the day. Leaving the side room to change, Freya returned to the main living space, where she saw her mother standing with her back to the Luminary. Upon hearing footsteps creeping behind her, Amber spun around. Her eyes were wide and a lovely smile graced her face.

"Well, just look at you! You don't scrub up too bad, you know," Amber whispered sweetly, her eyes scanning her daughter's new look. Her lips pursed as a bittersweet thought crossed her mind. "I only wish your grandfather were here to see you,"

Upon that statement, Freya's eyes softened considerably. Chalky, her adopted grandfather, had passed away a few years ago, yet she still missed him dearly. He truly was the kindest man, and Freya couldn't be prouder to be called his granddaughter.

"You won't forget him, will you?" Amber asked quietly. Freya gently shook her head and she reached out to take hold of her mother's hands. Rubbing comforting circles on the back of her hand, Freya gave a small chuckle.

"Never," The teen answered. Memories of the old man entered her mind and she couldn't help but feel her heart throb with a twinge of sadness. "Grandad meant everything to me, and you know it,"

"Oh...I know. He was a fine, upstanding man--the pride of the village. You could do worse than try to be like him," Her mother laughed, taking one of her hands to cup her daughter's cheek. "Well, however you turn out, I'm sure you'll find a way to overcome what lies ahead. A mother knows these things,"

Freya beamed as she nuzzled into her mother's touch. She relished in the comfort and love that the single touch gave, not knowing when the next time she was going to have a chance. Suddenly, Amber's eyes lit up, a thought popping into her head as she jumped a bit.

"Oh, by the way, I've popped a little money I'd saved for a rainy day in your pack," The older woman mentioned, waving a finger at her daughter. "Don't spend it all at once,"

"Thanks, mum," Freya nodded. She moved forward to wrap her arms around her mother in an affectionate embrace. Instantly, Freya felt her mother's arm wrap around her thin waist and squeezed tightly. "I mean it. For everything you've done for me,"

"Freya, you really have grown up so much. I'm proud of you, my love," Her mother whispered into Freya's ear, tears welling up in her eyes. The brunette could feel her mother take a shaky inhale before reluctantly pulling away from the hug. "Well, you'd better hurry up then—the whole village is turning out to wave you off!"

Freya nodded. Leaning in, she gave her mother a kiss on the cheek. She took one more sigh then released her mother from her tight hold. She walked towards the exit with a heavy heart. Upon opening the sturdy wooden door, Freya paused to turn and look at her parental guardian.