SYPHER

He looked at the wand, which sat snuggly in the box, before grabbing it once more and stuffing it into his pocket. His curiosity about it was too intense not to keep ahold of it. Rita could totally forgive him for such an action, right? She wouldn't even notice it was gone…

He stepped out of the storage and began to walk around a bit before gaining the courage to speak to Rita about his wish; lifting his hoodie onto his head to cover up just in case any lingering adventurers were around, he ended up walking by one of the opening stalls and greeting the couple who ran it.

"Hey there, Dante. You're not causing any trouble this early, are ya?" the man said as he loaded one bag of produce onto another. "Because if you are, I'll have to teach you a lesson you won't forget!"

"There's nothing to worry about, sir; you can count on it!" Dante chuckled as he assured him there would be nothing to worry about. The wife then approached him with a bag loaded with an assortment of fresh fruits set for sale. She gave him an earnest smile as she began handing over the bag.

"A little birdie told me it was someone's special day today; you don't have to worry about anyone laying a finger on you," she said, nudging her husband, who grunted as he returned to work. Clearly peeved he didn't get to mess with Dante today like he usually would. Dante takes the fruit gratefully and begins to walk off. He takes a bite of the apple and waves goodbye to the woman, continuing his stroll around town. Seeing that many people were setting up for the day and heading off to work. He'd get some waves as he passed by since the city knew of his identity, unlike anyone outside of the village; he was welcomed with open arms as he was raised by Rita, who was widely respected as the protector of Riverant. He'd someday hope he could do the same as Rita and be realized as a protector, too, though he had some work to do before then. 

After some more walking, his resolve was finally settled as he felt ready to ask Rita to allow him to travel out of town for the first time. Knowing what could be waiting for him out there excited him. Especially with his training in tow, he felt nothing could stop him from becoming a successful adventurer. Even if he didn't know the first thing about what was out there. After seeing the photograph and noticing it was taken outside the village, he wanted to know much more about what was there and who the people in the picture were. Confidence surged within him as he set off for the Tavern, more sure of himself than ever.

—

As he arrived at the Tavern, Rita stood outside, adjusting the daily board for the menu. She looked back at him with a smile as she stepped off her stool to talk to him again. Dante took a deep breath before mustering up his courage to say his wish.

"Alright, birthday boy, what's on your mind. I told ya, you only get one wish, so make it count!"

"I know; I think I know what I want."

"Well? Out with it, kiddo, don't get all day."

"I wanted to ask if it'd be possible…to go outside…of the village for a gift."

The silence that followed his answer was deafening. He instantly noticed that she had turned away from him and continued adjusting the board, almost as if she purposely ignored the statement, so he asked again.

"I want to go outside of the village! That's my wish!" he bowed his head as he'd been taught to do when asking earnestly, though as he peered up to see if there was any reaction from Rita, she continued messing with her board. He hated it when she would do this, as it seemed she'd purposely ignore him whenever she didn't want to give him a straightforward answer.

"Miss Rita… I'll ask again-"

"No, I heard you. My answer is no."

"Wha-why didn't you say that in the first place!"

"Because you should know by now, I'd never allow that."

Dante's spirits were dampened when he heard those words, especially after he had built the courage to ask such a thing. He looked up at her once more, wanting a direct answer.

"Why not!? I've done everything you've asked for, including some! Why can't I see what it's like out there? I know how to do so much to stay out of trouble, so why-"

She wore a grim face as she turned toward him, clearly not budging on her previous answer.

"You're not going; that's a final Dove."

Her voice was stern and solute; there was no convincing her otherwise, which angered Dante. He thought that if he did everything she and everyone asked, he might have a chance of getting his wish to see what was outside the village walls. Before she could say another word, he turned and began to walk away, frustrated with the rejection of his one wish. Rita palmed her face solemnly as footsteps approached from behind her; it was an older man donning circular frames and a long beard. 

"Didn't think you'd have to see that Bernard."

"Oh, don't mind this old-timer. I'm just passing by to drop off the kid's birthday gift, though it seems I must've just missed him," he said as he handed her a satchel of materials. He stood stout and rubbed his beard as he began speaking again.

"You knew this would come eventually, didn't you? Every bird has to leave the nest one day."

"Ya don't gotta tell me that, I just… can't let him go out there."

"Ah yes, I know you made that promise all those years ago…but when do you think it'll be time to trust your teachings and set him free?"

The question sat with Rita as she finished adjusting her board and setting the satchel aside; it had been a thought that sat with her for some time as Dante had grown up. What would she say when he decided to see what was out there. The thought of him leaving alone scared her, as he was all she had left from those years spent with Eleanor and her party. Adding on the idea of what could happen if he's found out by the wrong people, it sent shivers up her spine.

Bernard looked at her with discernment before giving her a pat on the back. 

"You've done a great job raising that kid; maybe he just needs to show you that he can handle himself out there someday. It may not be today…but you never know with these kinds of things." 

"...Yeah, you might be right."

"Now, open up shop; old Bernie needs some ale in his system!"

"I knew there was more to this "delivery" old man."

"Hey, I'm young in elf years!"

"You're not an elf Bernard."

"..."

He slowly walked into the Tavern, and Rita shook her head in amusement. She grabbed the satchel and looked back in the direction Dante had left. While Rita felt he wasn't near ready to do something like leaving the village, she was sure he'd be prepared one day. She turned and entered the Tavern, turning on the lights, and people began to gather.