The night casts its shadow over the land as darkness envelops the dense, infinite forest. The gentle chirping of crickets creates a melodic symphony that echoes through the stillness, accompanied by the dancing fireflies. Their tiny sparks of light scatter among the shadows, illuminating the night with their soft glow.

     As the group walks through the forest, the woods stretch endlessly, their depths disappearing into the unseen, black horizon shrouded in mist. The stars shimmer like precious jewels in the sky while a comet streaks through the vast blue galaxy. Meanwhile, the biting wind rushes through the air, carrying a chilling ambience.

The group conversed while making their way through the depths of the woods. They strode along a narrow path, overgrown with vines, as they marched through tall grasses and thick tree logs.

"Hey, Oli?" Gregory gently nudged his partner as they walked.

"Yeah?"

"I'm curious... because... uhm... despite Geveria's history with Asbranne, why are you, an Asbrannian, still eager to help them out?" Gregory inquired.

"Well... you know? Treat others how you want to be treated," Oliver replied.

"Deep..." Gregory thought, his gaze lowering.

"Besides, isn't one of my ancestors from Geveria anyway?" Oliver chuckled.

"Oh, yeah, right," Gregory nodded. However, a thought crossed his mind, causing him to sigh. "...But she was still... forgive me, but killed by her own people from Geveria."

Oliver's smile remained fixed. "Oh, well. The past is in the past; it's time to forgive."

"Wow. You are indeed forgiving, Mister," Gregory remarked, smirking at Oliver.

"For the last time, stop calling me 'Mister', Mister," Oliver laughed as they continued their march through the woods.

Gregory giggled, shaking his head. He then glanced at Oliver as they walked forward. "Oliver, I wanna say how impressed I am with how forgiving you are," Gregory said. "I... I've lost count of how many times you've pardoned others, even those from the past."

"Well, I say..." Oliver smiled as his gaze hardened. "Love your enemies... do good to those who hate you... bless those who curse you... and pray for those who spitefully use you."

"...Wow..." A contemplative expression crossed Gregory's face as he glanced at the ground. "I struggle to live up to that. I can't imagine forgiving my father after all he has done to us..."

"...Cal? Cal Hidesine?" Oliver's gaze lowered, seeking clarification.

Gregory nodded. "Yes. He surely hates both of us..." he let out a weary sigh. "I wonder how he'll react when he finds out we're... technically in a civil union..."

"Don't be disheartened, Greg," Oliver's voice brimmed with encouragement, his smile filled with support. "Perhaps he may change his perception of me when he discovers I am now your... legal spouse!"

Edgar groaned. "Ugh! Enough with the family drama! I'm starving..." he winced his eyes, rubbing his rumbling stomach.

"Ed! That's incredibly rude of you..." Sarrah glared at Edgar.

"What? I'm hungry—" Edgar shrugged, raising his hands.

"Still rude," Sarrah scoffed.

"You always scoff at me..." Edgar's face glowered.

Sophia and Bethany exchanged amused glances, their laughter bubbling up as they covered their mouths with their palms.

"Rude," Sarrah pointed a finger towards Edgar.

     As they trudged through the seemingly endless forest of towering trees, a knowing smirk played upon Oliver's lips. He shook his head, watching Edgar and Sarrah argue. Amidst the chaos, Oliver's attention was solely drawn to the steady rhythm of his beloved's heartbeat, resonating beside him, creating a serene lullaby in the wilderness.

"Alright, let's take a break," Oliver said.

"Yes!" Edgar leapt on his toes and sprang to his feet. "Finally!"

     The group comes to a clearing enclosed by trees that surround them from every direction. Despite the dense forest, the area offers enough space for everyone to spread out a few meters apart. However, a sense of hesitation lingers in the air, preventing them from straying too far from one another. The haunting hoot of an owl sends a chill down their spines, further adding to their unease.

     Taking a deep breath, Oliver steps forward, his shoes sinking into the soft, fertile soil. He raises his right hand, extending it towards the sky. Suddenly, a thin wooden log with gnarled branches emerges from the ground, reaching towards the heavens. With a burst of life, leaves unfurl, and vibrant red fruits materialize, hanging from the branches.

"Apples, anyone?" Oliver smiled as he plucked a ripe fruit from the branch.

"Well, why not?" Edgar's eyes gleamed as he hastily jumped to reach a hanging apple. "Ah!~" Edgar grinned, enjoying the first bite.

Sophia, Sarrah, and Bethany stepped forward, their eyes sparkling with gratitude as they each reached for an apple.

Standing beside Oliver, Gregory smirked and glanced at him. "Hm," Gregory mused, plucking an apple from the branch. "Elemental powers can be quite overpowered, don't you think?" he observed, his eyes fixed on Oliver.

Oliver took a satisfying bite of the apple and locked eyes with Gregory. "Yes. That's why I must wield my power for the greater good."

Suddenly, Sophia gasped and hurriedly pointed through the strands of trees. "Look!" she beamed.

     Moonlight danced on the serene waters of an expansive lake, stretching as far as the eye could see. The gentle ripples barely broke the surface, their presence revealed through the gaps between the dense trees of the surrounding forest. Despite the darkness, the starlight and celestial glow cast a soft radiance, illuminating the tranquil waters below.

"I suppose that's the Ojhorian Sea the peculiar guy from Ojhori was referring to," Gregory presumed.

"It is," Oliver confirmed. "We're almost at Geveria. But, for tonight, we shall rest."

"I agree," Gregory smiled.