Final Fantasy XII - Even a Stray has Pride

Part I: Childhood's End - The Harvest

Education... Social security... Disability...

'Noah?'

'Agriculture... Corporation... Franchise...'

'Noah!'

'Animals... Natural resources... Family... Intellectual prop...'

'Oh, Noah. You're still living into this book'.

Mom stood in front of me, in the living room. I was reading the first book I borrowed from Waldgott: General Law Categorization. Supreme Court of the Republic of Landis.

'Yes', I answered with a smile. 'I try to remember the main categories that matter in the law of Landis, of Archadia, or any other nation.'

'Why this sudden interest in law anyway?' said my mother with a sarcastic grin. 'I'd never thought you could be passionate about this kind of books.'

Mom was right. I neither ever thought this type of studies could ever catch my attention. But reality was, as soon as Cirla and Margit went to another law class, the time we spent together, analyzing the documents and fighting to select the most relevant books at the library, were the most relieving I had ever had at this step of my life. I felt I had friends; friends that could help me carry on, and bring out the best of me on a topic, which was hardly the case the few weeks before. The change was immense, because it was broad and sudden at the same time. I went from something close to desperate, to something close to self-confidence. I said close.

'Now, why haven't you tidied up your room?'

What was this again?

'Mom...? I'm sorry to say so, but I think I just made my bed and folded my clothes.'

Mom let herself fall into the armchair. Her voice was suddenly calm.

'I know. I just miss having to make my son's bed myself.'

'M... mine?'

I used my brain a couple of seconds, and then rebuilt my mother's reasoning.

'You mean Basch...'

She had always seemed cheerful since his departure. I had not thought she was careless, but rather she had all faith in my father and therefore was happy to know Basch in a safe situation, doing what he wanted to.

'I miss him too, Mom'.

She turned to me and smiled.

'I'm not much worried about him. It's just a matter of time before he gets back anyway. They say the troop's training near the village is almost over.'

'That's good news'.

I tried to turn my book's page after that, but she stopped me at once:

'I didn't allow you to keep on reading!'

'But, Mom...'

'You have to go to the Olszewski farm.'

'Now?'

'Yes. I have entrusted the leader of the workers with a mission for Naria and yourself. The harvest season has been positive, don't you think?'

'Err... If you say so...'

I knew how to work in the farm but didn't have enough experience to tell if this season had been better than any other.

'There', she continued, 'you will find the last of the boxes you will have to carry. It's the fruit of a collective work, so handle them carefully! Because this time, it is not I who will be selling in Waldgott.'