The Lone Moon: First Quarter

Shortcomings

The dining hall was brightly lit with a couple of torches surrounding the stone structure. Most of the people were enjoying, celebrating, feasting even. But in one specific table sat two worriesome people who are discussing about what had happened to Amy the other day.

Toby: So Sarawano, what's the plan?

Sarawano: We must first find those two trouble-makers... But I feel that they're going to be back soon enough.

Toby: Will Saluke be teaching us?

Sarawano: It's a team effort. Adelpho and I will be assisting you guys, but other than that, the rest will be up to him.

All of a sudden, fuming, Saluke arrives and makes his way towards Toby's direction.

Saluke: HEY YOU!

Toby: What do you want now? 

Saluke began to push Toby of his seat. Little did they know that soft pushing will lead to another series of bloody faces and bruises.

Saluke: WHAT IS YOUR LITTLE WHORE OF A SISTER DOING TO ALPHONSE?!?

With all the fuss, people started to crowd around their table. Most of them were either confused or frightened about what's going to happen next.

Toby: Careful with your next choice of words Saluke for they might just be your last...

Saluke: What are you trying to IMPLY?!?

Toby: It's neither Amy's nor Alphonse's fault Saluke... It's YOUR'S!

Saluke: WHY YOU-

Just as Saluke was about to charge at Toby, Sarawano stops his son mid-way. 

Sarawano: STOP IT! You may settle all your grudges and disagreements with one another tomorrow. But as of now, let there be peace. We need every abled-man we can! So everyone, go back to your business. THERE WILL BE NONE OF THIS TONIGHT!

The whole crowd let out a huge sigh and the celebration and festivities came back to life once again. The Chief's attention was now directed to his son's furious face. 

Sarawano: You better show-up...

The irritated Saluke immediately left the hall and went straight to his tent. And as he did, Amy and Alphonse arrive in the scene, panting. 

Amy: Hey- eve-ryone! What's- what's happening?

Alphonse: Did we miss anything?

Toby: No, nothing at all.

Alphonse: Father, where is Saluke going?

Sarawano: He's just heading-out for some fresh air. He'll be fine. 

Toby: So what have you two been up to?

Amy: Nothing much, really. Alphonse just gave me quick-tour around Harmonio.

Toby: Hey Al, do you think you'd not mind giving me one of those soon?

Alphonse: I'd be glad to Toby!

Amy: Is it alright if you'd excuse us for a second. We've been out for quite a bit and it's just that-that

Alphonse: WE'RE STARVING!

Amy: Yeah, basically that... May we go on ahead and eat S-sir?

Sarawano: I don't see why not? You go on ahead! And please call me Sarawano.

Amy smiled and continued to talk with Alphonse as they were making their way to the banquet with their laughs and voices beginning to fade in to the background. 

Sarawano: "You know, the lake is never the same."

Toby: "What?"

Sarawano: "The lake is never the same." It changes overtime. From its disastrous crystal ice form to its calm and peaceful waters, you'll always get a different perspective...

Toby: What are you saying?

Sarawano: A change of heart Toby. That's what I mean. You may have the chance to see the beauty in others, but you'd rather choose to focus on the things you despise about them the most.

Toby: So you want me... to change my perspective?

Sarawano: Well, that's completely up to you. 

The thought kept ringing inside of Toby's mind. He never thought of it it that way. And after contemplating about it for a bit, he knew what he had to do.

Toby: "Sigh", you better be right about this Sarawano...

Sarawano: "Goodluck."

Toby leaves the premises and hesitantly follows Saluke to his tent. 

The moon was shining bright that night. The woods were dressed with her illuminous rays.  For a moment, there was bliss. 

"We are running out of time..." Sarawano muttered under his breath as he looked up and saw the heavenly body's crescent.