What does Nova desire?

So many things. Freedom, no longer the fear of being burnt at the stake, her mother, being able to use magic whenever. Though nothing this lady could give to her.

If only asking for your desire could be as simple.

“You two are travellers, right?”

Nova nodded, still covering Eden from view.

“Do you have any place to live?” Nova took a glance back at Eden. Her home was ripped away, and asking for a place to live in wasn’t too bad. She could settle down in a sunny field, away from the storming weather of Jacara Vale. Nova clenched her fist tightly. Yes, away from the storm.

“Are you offering a house?”

“If that is what you seek, we have an abode in the eastern region, in Carnation City.” Nova hummed. Carnation was a peaceful city known for having a neutral stance on witches. It wasn’t Stella Oak who would welcome Eden, but Oak didn’t have the resources of a city.

“Is it okay if we think about it?”

“Of course, we will be waiting for your answer. Please come to the docks when you are ready.”

They both left, leaving Nova staring at Eden. Gently, Nova picked up Eden’s hand.

“The decision is up to you. This is your future.”

Eden had completely forgotten the whole reason for this adventure. With all the things happening, her mind had wandered elsewhere. If she did accept this house, she would just leave to return to her own home. Leaving a perfectly good home to decay away. Maybe she could find someone and give them the house? She doesn’t need money, so selling it would be pointless.

And the eastern region is a few days by boat over the ocean. It would surely be a hassle even to attempt to make it back home.

But when she went to decline, her eyes locked onto Nova. Her eyes were wide and sparkled. An expression Eden hadn’t seen before, a warm, gentle smile and a relaxed posture.

If Eden declined, would she stop that expression? Eden wanted, no, craved to see it more. Shoving the words down her throat, Eden nodded.

Eden let out a gasp as Nova suddenly hugged them.

“We will accept their offer and set sail to your new home.” A new home. Eden forced her muscles to smile. As soon as Nova looked away, starting to pack up, the smile fell. A little lie never hurts anyone.

It didn’t take long for Nova to tidy up and pack their things. It's not like they had much.

Venturing over to the docks, the town was bustling. Even though the town was a mess, with puddles, broken pots and lanterns, and items thrown around. People hurried around fixing the mess. Children splash in the puddles, and some even slide in the large ones.

 People thanked them as they walked pasted. Nova stood straight and accepted their thanks, while Eden just wanted to sink away.

Eden could hear it before she saw it. The loud crashes and wind hurling around. She could even taste the salt.

The large abyss of the sea. It didn’t even look fazed from the storm before. Even though she had taken a glance at it the other day, she hadn’t appreciated the view. The sun reflected off the surface, making it look like a shining jewel. It also helped that the sky didn’t even have a single cloud in the sky.

Nova spotted the couple and asked Eden to stay put while she went to talk with them.

Migrating over to a bench, she sat down at looked. She felt herself come over with insistent to simple watch.

An old man was thanking the spirits that his boat was safe.

A group of young men was stacking up a boat, preparing for sail.

Some were fixing the dock where the waves crashed into it.

“A beautiful sight, isn’t it?” Eden jumped and swung her head around. A tall woman sat next to her. Her sky-blue hair flowed around her, defying gravity as she smiled at Eden. Her eyes were a peacock blue that swirled around.

“I suppose?”

The woman laughed.

“You suppose? Many venture to the sea just for the view. People see it as freedom and a way to escape.”

People walk around them, not even sparing a glance at the woman.

“Too a watery death?”

The woman paused, her eyes narrowed and study Eden face.

“For some, that is their freedom they deserve. But I don’t believe that is your freedom.”

Eden glanced at a puddle, seeing her reflection, all alone on a bench. She sighed.

“I don’t know.”

“Well, you have a whole life ahead of you. Many will envy the amount of it. Surely you will find your answer. Even if it takes some time, you will know what freedom is for you.”

Freedom? To travel the seas not bound by land. But yet you are bound by the winds and currents. Bound to the amount of food and drinkable water. Bound to the ever-changing weather. Nothing is ever truly free.

“May I ask a question?”

“You don’t need such formalities with me, but yes.” The woman's eyes wander back to the sea.

“Do you think spirits and humans are equals?”

The woman stiffened, her eyes looking blank. After what seemed like forever, she answered, “Spirits need humans to survive; their magic and worship keep them alive. As much as they depend on spirits, I don’t believe they need them.”

“Huh”

Eden had nothing to say. It was rare to have someone to ask so she didn’t know how to respond. She took another glance at the woman. Her eyes swirled of a deep abyss, her gaze seemed so far away.

“Well, thank you for answering.”

 The woman hummed. “Well, you have been great company. I also have a question. What you’re your relationship with the girl?”

“I don’t know. She was nothing, just another human. But now, every time I look at her, my heart falters. She is freshening the coldness that calms the heat in me. And the thought of her being upset tortures me. Me, a greater spirit? Feeling anything for a human?” Eden laughed. She is so stupid to have any emotions for a human.

The woman gave her a smirk and laughed into her hands.

“For keeping me so entertained, I have some information. Some witches from her clan have been asking for the location. Do with that as you wish.”

The woman sat up for the bench, wiping away her tears of laughter.

“The name is Coral. It was nice meeting you, Eden,” she waved as she disappeared into the waves of the ocean.

“I never gave you my name…”

Eden slumped onto the bench with a sigh. Never mind, just don’t question it. Now, with the information she was given. It was a good thing her coven was asking for her. Or did Nova leave without telling them?

Did she run away from them?