You, Me, and the World Between Us (Dragon Quest)

XI - Meddlesome Merchants

From that point on, the night passed by at a painstakingly slow rate. Maxim managed to pull his bearings together and explain to his sister what he had dreamt about. His voice trembled violently and his hands grew clammy just speaking about Psaro. Inessa comforted her brother, stroking his messy curls and reassuring him that he had only suffered a bad dream. After a long period of silence, she returned to sleep, albeit perturbed by the tale she heard. Maxim, on the other hand, remained awake until daylight broke through the window. He didn't want to close his eyes and find a pair of cold, white hands holding his family captive, nor the icy red glare of that demonic man. He wouldn't admit it, not to himself, not to his sister, not even to the Goddess above; but he was afraid.

As dawn arrived, the little town of Hamlet sprang to life again, and the morning was upon them again. Thorn popped up from his bunk in the dresser, stretching his stubby green arms as high as he could. "Man, that was the best rest I've had in the longest time!" he exclaimed with a yawn. He blinked his beady eyes rapidly, glancing over to the Zamoksvan duo. "I'm really enjoying traveling with you two, you always seem to find the best accommodations for the night. So what about you? How did you sleep?" Maxim glanced nervously down at his sister, who sat curled up underneath a heap of blankets. Inessa shook her head slightly, advising him not to share the truth with their monster friend.

Maxim forced a smile, nodding as he stretched his arms out in front of him. "Yes, we slept nicely as well," he stated, tossing the few sheets his sister allowed him to have aside. The Tsarevich swung his legs over the side of the mattress, blinking slowly - his eyelids were heavy from not sleeping the night before. He sighed, standing up and wandering over to the window. Throwing the glass panes open, Maxim's stomach twisted itself into a knot. He knew the night's prior events were only a dream, but he couldn't help but think; here we are, dawdling in the little town of Hamlet, while Mother is off Goddess knows where wondering whether or not anyone will ever come to her aid. He looked at the land before him blankly, a chill running through his body. Don't worry, Mother. We will be there.

After equipping themselves for travel, the trio exited the spare bedroom of the home and entered the main room. Eliza stood with her back to them, busying herself at the kitchen. Maxim cleared his throat, causing the pink haired woman to turn around. Though slightly startled, she smiled at them, beckoning them to come closer. "I see you're awake already, sleep well?" she questioned, earning a reluctant nod from the Zamoksvan siblings, "Seems you're ready to set off again on your quest as well. So soon? You only arrived in Hamlet last night," Eliza said, her brows pushing up in concern as she spoke.

Maxim waved a hand through the air, dismissing her statement. He closed his eyes and shook his head in an attempt to rid his thoughts of the previous night's dreams. "We appreciate everything you have done for us during our time here in Hamlet, but I believe our time to depart is upon us. Our Mother is out there, somewhere," he said, repressing a shudder as he forced images of Psaro out of his mind, "and she is in need of help. We must be there to give her such," he finished with a nod. Maxim then stepped forward, enveloping Eliza in his strong arms. "Zamoksva owes you its thanks for showing us such kindness."

"Oh, it's nothing, really. I suppose it's only natural for me to want to give aid to those that remind me so much of my dear Solo," Eliza said, beaming as Maxim released her. The pink-haired woman stepped forward and brought Inessa into a hug as well, swaying her back and forth as she did. "So, I suppose that the city of Casabranca is next on your journey, then?" she asked after letting go of the Tsarevna, earning nods from both siblings. "Well, if that's the case, then, I've got something for the pair of you to take on your travels; homemade meals to take on your travels! Just a little something to make sure you don't get too hungry before you reach your destination," Eliza said, handing both Maxim and Inessa a brown paper bag.