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No stranger to labor, he would always press onward.
Ever since he was small, he loved working around wildlife and nature. Upon noticing this, his father took it upon himself to allow him to work at the farm and the wilderness, of course with his supervision. It seemed to be his element, after all.
“Now, Ardbert, you have to keep in mind that every single thing you see around has its own energy, its own life, aether.” His father spoke, patting the young boy on the head.
“Of course, father, that’s why we take it upon ourselves to aid them in any way we can, not mishandle.” The boy repeated the words his father had said long ago. The man couldn’t help but chuckle pridefully. His boy was a fast learner, sure, but the thing that made him most prideful was the fact that he was kind at heart.
Ardbert was more than thrilled to work with him, the animals, and plants. For years, this was all he lived for. He would wake up along with the first rays of the sun, help his father prepare breakfast and immediately go out to the farm, down the river-bend to fish and around the forest to catch wildlife. Oftentimes, they’d choose to caretake those animals or wild beasts they found hurt, nurse them back to health and release them. Some, if not most, chose to remain, their loving nature compelling the animals to stay. During those days, Ardbert thought this would be his life, and he was more than happy with it. A quiet life, scarce with human friends but replete with nature and the tranquility it brought. This was his idea of happiness, at first.
But fate wouldn’t allow such a perpetual feeling. The ones chosen by the crystal were also chosen by suffering. No one knew what Hydaelyn’s plan was, but all of those going through her light could vouch for the fact that pain was the order of the day. As if hearing the call of something foreign, Ardbert suddenly sought adventure. His father knew this was the best course for him, to see the world and everything nature had to offer. There was only so much he could provide in such a secluded village. Ardbert had always been a curious boy, always wanting to know more, to see and do more. He was too proactive for this small island. Plus, his soul was kind, he was destined for greatness and to perpetuate it all over.
“I’ll become an adventurer, father!” Ardbert starts, catching the man off-guard for only a minute. Yes, the farmer life was good, but it wasn’t the perfect fit for the boy. He needed to meet people his own age, to share his blessings with the world, and discover. A warm smile presents itself in the father’s expression, a pat to the young boy’s head.
“Ah, that’s good, Berty. You’ll be sorely missed.” He speaks, noticing the hesitation in the boy’s body the moment he mentions even a sliver of the loneliness he’d have. “Don’t worry about me or the animals. I’ll take good care of all of us. Just promise you’ll keep in touch somehow… and that you’ll bring your closest friend home so I can meet them.”
Both of them still recall the warmth of their hug before Ardbert set off, sailing the seas to reach the mainland, his starting point being Lakeland. Of course, his father gave him his blessing and allowed him to continue onward. He trusted that this decision would ultimately bring more good than bad. That was his hope. And, just like that, Ardbert was thrust into a world of survival and constant battle. The wonder of adventure was quick to turn into ordeal after harsh ordeal.
But he found friends along the way, and, just as his father hoped, he connected to one the most. His closest friend was one he identified as his partner in crime, Seto. Unable to speak, the amaro showed its affections with deeds, discipline, and affection, earning a spot on Ardbert’s heart rather quickly. He’d spent most of his time with that one, both in and out of the tasks he had to confront each and every day. During one of those scarce days in which he had time for himself, Ardbert’s mind drifted to his home. There was never a day in which he didn’t miss his life at the quiet village in the mountains.
“I believe I haven’t shown you my home, have I? You’d love it there. It’s the kind of place where you can relax and take in the breeze. No burdens, no orders.” Ardbert stood up from the ground with a jump. “Want to go see it? I promise I’ll treat you to some of the fruits and vegetables there, if you do.”
He needn’t even promise him a reward, the amaro already seemed raring to go. He tapped his feet in succession, flapping his wings slightly before leaning over to the ground immediately close to the Hume, hoping that he’d climb up quickly, that they could take off towards his hometown right then and there. And certainly, Ardbert climbed up hastily, with slight laughter, showing his own excitement and joy at the thought of Seto being on the same page.
Soaring the skies with his companion, Ardbert gave him directions to reach for the mountains, far away from civilization. Quickly, the landscape started changing. From buildings and bustling cities, to serene purple grass and trees, full of wild animals roaming about. And further away still, they found mountain ranges, with steep slopes and summits that reached the very heavens they were soaring. Glimmering seas peeked over afterwards, marking the division between the mainland and his home that was soon coming into view. Turning to look at the distant city he had grown so accustomed to, he didn’t feel sad, he didn’t miss it at all. He could gaze upon it, see it grow smaller, and smile to himself.
In the end, his love would always lie in his home.
Seto’s wings flapped slower and slower by the second, landing a safe distance away from Ardbert’s house. Dropping off, he tapped the amaro’s back and beckoned him to follow. Seto walked calmly alongside him, gazing here and there like an excited child. Unlike the city, his home was surrounded by nature everywhere they looked. Even his house, and the ones nearby, seemed to be overwhelmed by greenery and wood, sturdy but beautifully fitting. In the distance, they could both hear the chirp of the birds and even grunts of tamed beasts.
“Welcome, Seto! Welcome to my home!” Ardbert exclaimed as they walked by the side of the house, directly towards the farm area. “Father must be resting, it’s been hard for him to get up, lately. But I told him I might be visiting, so as soon as he hears us around, I’m sure he’ll come out.”
It was wonderful to be there. At the place where Ardbert’s journey began. Seto thought the place felt like him, the atmosphere, the scenery, the animals. It was as if time had stopped here, as if it were decorated with his essence forever. Seto saw him tend the animals and plants immediately after, as if nothing had changed. He was a natural, the animals and plants following his gentle lead. He thought to remain observing this until the night’s mantle really set itself in, but the sound of a door opening and closing caught both Seto and Ardbert’s attention.
“Oh! He’s up, Seto! Let’s go greet him!” Ardbert invited.
“No need to rush, Berty. I’m here.” His father speaks, with a voice that has grown harsh with the passage of time. He could still stand, but it seemed to have become harder to walk. Ardbert couldn’t help but worry that farm work had taken a toll on him as well. Could he hold up like this, by himself?
Seto worried about this, too but he also paid close attention to another detail.
Berty. Somehow, it sounds like a fitting name. I wonder if I’d be able to call him that, later on. What would his reaction be? I can only wonder, for now.
And, as if the man had been able to hear the creature speak, he turned, a smile on his face.
“I take it this is the mount with which you came here?”
“You’re half-right, father.” The Hume scratched the amaro’s chin, causing the creature to grumble in delight. “This is Seto, he is my closest friend. As promised, I’ve brought him here for you to meet.” For a while, Ardbert’s father remains baffled, staring at Seto with awe and then back at the joyful Ardbert.
“Ah, I should’ve known. As expected of you to be able to connect so deeply with an amaro, or any other animal, for that matter. You never fail to amaze me.” It brought him relief, too, to know that the city hadn’t changed his boy. He was still humble, in tune with nature, he needed nothing else. “May I?”
His father asked, receiving a nod from Ardbert, who moved some small steps away. Afterwards, his father started to try and move closer to the amaro, groaning in slight pain. Seto stepped close himself, shortening the distance between him and the man. It seemed that this one was also as kind as his child was. Smiling, he lifted his right hand towards the amaro, who leaned its cheek over the outstretched arm and into his hand. Petting him gently, he spoke in whispers.
“Thank you, Seto. Please, keep my child safe. He may be a little too curious at times, even reckless, but he means well. There’s nothing else he wants than to do good, to do his best each and every day. Please, be there with him. Don’t ever abandon him. I can assure you that he loves you and I have hope that you love him just as much.”
Seto took these words to heart, it even seemed like his eyes had grown watery. He nodded softly, earning much more pets, from both of the man’s hands.
“That’s a good boy. Thank you. Thank you so much.”
Ardbert leaned over, stepping closer in a rush the moment his father finished petting the amaro, curious, eyes glinting inquisitively.
“What was it? What did he say? Seto, you have to tell me!” He alternated between looking at his father and his companion, causing both of them to laugh.
“Come, why don’t we go eat together, all three of us.” The man invited.
“But, there’s still some things left for me to take care of at the barn.” Ardbert refuted, but was quickly turned down by his father.
“I will care for that tomorrow, you’ve done more than enough. Plus, I need you to regale me with your tales. It’s been long overdue.” It was hard for Ardbert to comply, but for his father, he would do it.
No stranger to labor, Ardbert would always press onward. His father knew this better than anyone. If he could give him a moment of respite, he would. And what better way than hearing about his boy’s progress in life? In that life of adventure he had suddenly desired that one day, long ago? This was turning out to be the best night he had in a long time.
May the Light protect both of you always. I’ll be here to greet you, no matter what.