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The harsh chill of the past few months had begun to fade away. Blooming flowers and clearer skies served as a reminder that the war truly was over. It was unfortunate. Marisa didn’t desire war, but it was easier to work when there was constant fighting. As it was, the guild often didn’t have work for her and if it did, they were errands rather than a job to test her blade. At least, she wasn’t getting worse, her ascent up the mountain was just slower.
You have that far-off look in your eyes, like you’re lost in thoughts of love or something like that.
Tana’s words. Marisa had been thinking about them more often. She’d been thinking of Tana more often. And everything Tana said to her. It felt like an unwelcome distraction at first. And yet…
But if you focus too much on a lofty goal, you might not notice when you reach it. And I have no doubt you will reach it.
Somewhere on the way, those words became a motivation. Her blade felt lighter, quicker. She missed Tana’s encouragement, her unfettered belief that Marisa would reach the pinnacle of swordsmanship. She wondered when she would reach her goal. What would Tana say? How would she react? Would she be happy for Marisa? Probably. Tana shared in others’ joy much too easily. Marisa wished she could find out now. It was the first time she truly looked forward to something beyond her goal.
“Marisa!” Tana jumped off her Pegasus and nearly tackled Marisa in excitement.
It was nice to hear Tana’s voice again. It was nice to feel her again too. Marisa had visited Frelia a few times since the war ended, but their meetings were too short. Tana had invited Marisa to stay as a guest in the castle and Marisa welcomed the chance to see her.
“Tana.” Marisa tentatively wrapped her arms around Tana. She still wasn’t used to hugging, but Tana was not nearly as sparing in her affection.
“I’m so happy you’re here!” As Tana said that Achaeus walked over and nuzzled Marisa’s face. Tana laughed and Marisa delighted in the sound. “Looks like someone else missed you too.”
The two broke their embrace as Marisa pet Achaeus. “It’s good to see you both.”
“Oh! I’ve been wanting to show you something. Will you ride on Achaeus with me?” Tana’s energy was palpable.
Marisa hadn’t flown much. She’d had an occasional ride with a rider who would drop her into enemy lines and in those moments, she hardly focused on the Pegasus. She wasn’t going to say no to Tana regardless. So, with a nod that widened Tana’s smile further, they were off to the skies.
“You’re holding on so tightly. Are you scared?” Tana asked as they flew higher.
“No. Should I stop?”
“No, no. It’s fine! Anyway, it isn’t far.”
They’d flown past the gates and moved towards the woods. Tana regaled her with stories of what she’d been doing since their last meeting. Marisa chimed in occasionally, answering Tana’s inquiries about how she was doing these days. Marisa hadn’t realized how comforting this was. During the war, conversation felt difficult. Few approached her and she rarely approached people outside of Gerik’s group. She wished she had spent more time with Tana then.
“Marisa! Look below!” Tana exclaimed.
Marisa followed Tana’s instructions. The trees were flashing a wide array of colors as they flew overhead.
“What do you think?”
“It’s beautiful. Jehanna doesn’t have anything like this.”
“Isn’t it? I just knew I had to show it to you. Look there’s a clearing there. We can see everything up close.” Tana began to guide Achaeus down.
As the two walked around, Marisa noted how happy Tana looked. It was good. She felt a warmth within herself as she watched Tana. It was different from the fulfillment she got when she felt her swordsmanship improved. It felt like it grew more and more in Tana’s presence.
“Marisa?”
“…Yes?”
“Do you remember, when I said that you used to have this far off look when you weren’t fighting?”
“I do.”
“It’s not really there anymore. You’re even smiling a little!”
“Oh.” Was she smiling? “Is that…bad?” Did she seem less dedicated?
“No! It’s good! I’m just wondering what caused you to change. Or what you’re thinking of.”
“You.”
Tana went red at Marisa’s response, though Marisa wasn’t sure why. Tana took a step forward and held up Marisa’s hands in her own. “Have you considered staying in Frelia with me?”
Tana had asked her at the end of the war if she would. Back then, Marisa felt it would limit her if she was tied down in one place. Over the seasons she’d wonder if she should’ve accepted. Her blade was at its sharpest when she’d think of Tana. Maybe being with her was what Marisa needed to truly reach the peak. This was another chance, and this time Marisa knew what her answer was.