Rakon's family consisted of seven members.
Sister Martha, who was the parent and guardian.
The second oldest, Raon.
The thirteen-year-old triplets; Ham, Pam and Lam.
And finally, the seven-year-old twins; Clara and Savon.
They all lived in a small orphanage called "Little Haven" at the border of Armana Kingdom, where it snowed endlessly without a break, regardless of the seasons that changed outside.
"Let's have one last silent prayer before Rakon leaves to Yventus."
Sister Martha said, and everyone followed.
Silence ensued in the small home as everyone held their hands together for prayers.
"Dear Gods of Zenith, the land of wisdom and glory. We humbly beseech your blessings upon Rakon as he embarks on his journey to Yventus.
"Grant him courage in the face of trials, wisdom to make righteous decisions, and protection under your divine light.
"May the winds guide his path, the stars watch over his nights, and his heart remain steadfast in your grace."
Sister Martha paused, allowing the solemnity of the moment to sink in, before concluding, "In your eternal mercy, we trust. So let it be."
A collective "So let it be" echoed through the room.
"Sister, sister. Can Clara eat now?"
Clara, one of the twins, looked up with sparkling eyes.
"Yes, you may, you piglet."
Raon teased, before placing a huge chunk of meat on her plate.
"Piglet?"
Clara tilted her head, confused.
"Raon, watch your language,"
Ham scolded, and Pam and Lam followed with synchronized frowns.
Raon pouted in defense. "Huh? Piglets are cute…"
"How are you the second oldest…"
Pam sighed, returning to her soup.
Raon turned to me with an expectant grin instead.
"Rakon, aren't piglets cute?"
I glanced around the table. All their eyes were on me.
"...I guess so?"
"See! Even Rakon agrees!"
Raon huffed proudly.
"Brother Rakon!" Lam groaned. "You don't have to be in support of him!"
"...I see."
"I see?!" Ham and Pam groaned in unison.
"Now, now," Sister Martha intervened gently.. "Rakon has to leave early tomorrow. Let's not interrupt his meal, and give him a good time to remember when he's at the Empire."
At that, everyone fell silent.
"But Sister…"
Ham peeked a glance at me, before staring at the table.
"When will Brother Rakon return?"
Sister Martha gave her a warm smile. "Soon. Rakon has a job to do, so that we can eat so many types of food. He'll bring us all your favorite dishes."
"But…sniff…Clara likes…sniff…Big Brother more…"
Clara sniffled, and her twin brother Savon patted her head.
Her small cries filled the room.
I watched as everyone's expression turned solemn.
"...I'll be back before the festival."
I assured, giving Clara a small pat in the back.
"I'll bring you desserts. What would you like, Clara?"
Clara stared at me, her eyes glistening like honey.
"Big Brother…"
She then leaned in and hugged me tightly.
"Clara likes Sommufer cookies…sniff…the chocolate ones…sniff…"
"Huh, for a crying piglet, she sure has her orders correct."
Raon said, and Pam nudged him in the stomach with a glare.
"Right, so everyone,"
Sister Martha spoke, slightly nodding in Ham's direction.
"Don't worry. Rakon will be back before you know it. Let's have a good meal today as well, alright?"
"Yes, Sister!"
Everyone unanimously answered, before digging in.
I gave Sister Martha a knowing glance and she returned a smile.
Just like that, the night passed, giving way to a crisp morning.
***
"Rakon! The carriage has arrived."
"I'll be there in a minute."
I called back. I had already packed everything I needed last night but had to confirm one last time.
After making sure everything was there in my baggage, I swiftly moved out of my room and to outside.
Sister Martha was waiting near the carriage.
"Rakon, my dear. It's time for you to leave."
She ushered, pointing to the empty carriage.
"What about the kids?" I asked.
"They're sleeping well. You know how they are at this hour," she said with a warm smile.
"...I see."
That was true. Currently, it was way earlier than daybreak. Though the sunlight never properly came through the casted, gray clouds in this kingdom, everyone could tell the time correctly.
"Rakon…" Sister Martha's eyes softened. "Have a good time in the Empire."
"I will, Sister."
"You don't have to return during the festival," she added, holding my hand. "We understand how busy it'll be in the Empire."
The wind was particularly strong today.
"When things get hard, don't hesitate to send us a letter. We'll be sure to always respond."
Perhaps it was the wind stinging my eye, or this body's owner reacting to her words, but a tear slipped down my eyes, which I quickly concealed.
"Just know that we all love you, and we'll forever be in your hearts."
"...Yes, Sister."
She let go of my hand, her warmth lingering. Her green eyes glistened, and the redness on her cheekbones told me she'd been crying.
I climbed into the carriage and nodded at her one last time.
As the carriage pulled away, I glanced back one last time at the orphanage.
The home Rakon had known for years, and the one I had only known through a screen, faded into the snow, and the looming shadows of Yventus awaited.