Finally the day had come for Saiyi to visit her home town. She had grown excited over the last few days. She wanted to show her father how far she had come in only a few months. She packed some small gifts for Sailus, Dortesh and Zeeri. Wep had left the day before in an aircar. They were still being careful to spread the news of Saiyi's ability until they understood it more. Shiwa of course gave her blessing that he join her.
"He is your assistant. Also he is very good assistant." Shiwa was being comedic of course, but it had a layer of sincerity. She had praised Wep for being so attentive to Saiyi in her learning process. Saiyi hugged Shiwa and set off into the sky. She hoped that her father would have an open day when she arrived. The young Goddess had a week before she felt that she would need to return to her training. She flew slowly over the island, taking in the sights. When she reached Hagoa's edge she slowed and landed near a landmark. It was a small fountain with depictions of creatures she didn't know leaping out of the water. She made sure to land in a secluded spot. Not long after, she was approached by a man wearing an unnecessarily large coat and hat. The started walking together to the very edge of the island. There was a metal fence running the circumference of Hagoa. When they got closer she bent the steel open and stepped through. On the opposite side she bent it back into place. Wep from under his comically big hat winked at her. She whispered into his ear. He smiled and whispered back, landing a kiss on her cheek after. Wep did not have to travel far the previous day. He had a bag slung around his shoulder, which he pointed out to Saiyi. The Goddess winked at him cheerfully. Hand in hand they stepped off the edge of the island like two lovers plunging to their escape from the troubles of the world. Only while they fell they experienced a freedom like no other. The speed of the fall slowed vertically and stated increasing horizontally until the two lovers were speeding across the wasteland floor. Saiyi checked the landmarks and sun then turned slightly right. She headed South-East. Toward her old home in the shadows of Thay.
There was little talking as they sped over the burning desert wastes. They were determined to make good time to capitalise on the time they had. Wep naturally had apprehensions about meeting Sailus, especially considering the man's close ties to Kez Visat. Saiyi reassured him that he was placed in her service. This included any service she required. This was enough to convince him, especially as she was not dressed at the time. On the horizon during their flight Saiyi spotted the ruins of a city. She pretended not to notice, yet made a mental note. They flew along at great speed for a few hours before stopping to rest. While Saiyi felt no more drained than she would if they had been walking, Wep grew tired and hungry still. When they landed Saiyi shaped a makeshift tent from the ground. Wep took this time to practice telekinesis. He managed to float a small stone for a few seconds at a time. He had considered that the lack of actual godly power may be his limitation. They relaxed and ate, preparing for the next leg of the journey. Saiyi making sure Wep had a good amount to drink despite his insistence that he was not thirsty. After an hour long break Saiyi stood. With a motion the tent was reduced back to sand floating away in the desert breeze. Then the two shot into the sky refreshed and ready. During the second half of the flight they made good time. Two hours later they could see Thay and the walls below the island. The damage from the raid seemed to have been repaired. Under her father's supervision she was not surprised. He two flew high and ducked over the wall quickly. A guard or two spotted them, but would say very little. They knew well enough that one did not stop anyone that could fly without an aircar on Cyla. Saiyi and Wep landed just beyond the wall and made the rest of the trip on foot.
Saiyi got to the door of her father's house. She willed her hair back into its proper braid. She checked her clothes for creases and fussed about the state of her shoes. Wep took her hand tugging gently.
"Sah. It's your dad."
"Yeah, I know. I just want to show him how much I have grown."
"He'll notice. More importantly, we're drawing a crowd."
Saiyi looked about and some people were craning their necks. The Tabake's daughter had returned. They did not know where from and more importantly why was she dressed so oddly with a man at her side. Saiyi took this as her sign. She knocked on the door. There was no answer. She knocked again, louder this time.
"Yes, yes. Hold on. I'm coming already." Came the voice from inside. Just his voice painted a wide grin on Saiyi's face. She had missed the old man so much. The door opened and the man inside squinted at her. A moment later his eyes stretched as the realisation washed over him.
"My baby girl."
"Daddy!" She grabbed Sailus in a tight embrace, lifting him clear off the ground.
"Easy. You're going to give an old man a heart attack." She put him down gently, beaming at him. She stood tall and proud. Sailus could see the change in her. The quiet nervous girl had been the seed that grew into this beautiful young woman that stood before him now. No not woman… Sailus bowed.
"Goddess Saiyi. Please, come inside."
"Father. You're silly." The Chosen stepped half way through the threshold then motioned to Wep.
"Dad. This is Wep. He's my… my…" Wep jumped in to her rescue as always.
"Good day great Tabake of Thay. I am Wep. I am Saiyi's personal assistant."
The old man smiled widely. He wasn't a fool, but had nothing to gain by being argumentative.
"I'm sure you are. A very good looking one too. Please, come in Wep. You are most welcome."
As they stepped inside Wep slung the bag off of his shoulder and produced a few bottles of Hagoa's finest beer.
"A gift sir. Sah said you would have missed this during your stay here."
The Tabake eyed the bottles. He took one holding it up as if it were a great treasure.
"My daughter keeps good company." He chuckled.
Sailus turned to Saiyi, taking her hands in his.
"Let me see you. By the Mother, you have turned into a proper Goddess." Sailus having grown up around the Chosen, was not so enamoured with their power. But to see the girl he raised return confident and powerful made his heart swell. A choked back a tear.
"Daddy. It's still me." Saiyi enveloped the old man in a warm hug. Sailus took a seat and gestured for the others to sit.
"I want to hear everything. I've missed you so much."
Saiyi spent a great deal of time telling her father of Hagoa and her training. She gushed about Shiwa and relayed her regards.
"Ah yes. She was always such a kind woman." The Tabake simply said.
Saiyi told her father about her language lessons with Wep and her initial trouble flying. She skipped over the solution and subsequent outings with him. By the time she had finished telling her father about her new life, they had dinner and were once more sitting in the common room. Sailus was relishing one of his beers. Saiyi had insisted that Wep have some of the algae water. She did it as a joke, but it turned out he really liked it. Sailus took this as a mark of a good man. The evening wound down and Sailus let out a long sigh.
"Well, this was a remarkable day. Thank you both for coming to see this old man."
"Father. I promised, did I not?"
"That you did my girl. I am truly glad to see I have raised you well."
"Kez would be very impressed."
The Tabake laughed. "You know what. I think so too. How long do we have together Saiyi?"
"A week. Then I have to return to my training. We'll be back of course."
"Well then it's just as well I made up your room, just in case. You two should be comfortable in there."
"Dad, I don't-" Sailus stroked her hair winking.
"Dear Saiyi. I am old, but not blind. No worries, your secrets are safe with your old pops."
The young Goddess was amazed. Though she wielded the power of a God, her father was still one step ahead of her. She smiled and pecked his cheek.
"Thank you father."
"Anything to make my little girl happy. Even if she is a Goddess."
The three said their good nights and retired. The next day Saiyi would go out into the town to find her friends.