The ship docked with a creak of wood against the icy, reinforced planks of the Summer Isles' harbor. Leonardo, Übel, Rajin, Kouneli, and Velvet stepped onto the pier, their breaths visible in the frigid air. Beyond them, the island was enveloped in an unnatural snowfall, the barrier surrounding the land shimmering faintly against the night sky. It was like stepping into another world—one where summer had been stolen away.
"Well, im heading off to Valgoana. Hope you guys have fun in this snowy hellhole" Kenny said, as he was sailing away.
As they approached the entrance to the town, a man hurried toward them, his coat lined with fur, breath heavy as he skidded to a stop.
"I-I've been waiting for you!" he gasped, hunching over slightly before straightening up. "Welcome to the Summer Isles. I am Hadrian, the Head of Trade."
After catching his breath, Hadrian began explaining the strange fate of the island—the legend of the wind goddess who once ruled these lands, the trials she left behind, and the looming fate that awaited should they fail. The squad listened, the weight of the revelation sinking in. The most perplexing part, however, was Evengarde's rejection from the trials. Kouneli furrowed his brows, arms crossed.
"If Evengarde was turned away," Kouneli mused, "then what kind of person does she expect to complete it?"
Hadrian sighed. "That's exactly what we've all been asking for centuries. And now, with this endless winter creeping further into the island, we don't have much time left."
Velvet stretched their arms behind their head. "Guess that means we're taking the trials tomorrow. But hey, since it's night, we might as well look around."
With that, the five of them were given free rein to explore the city.
The town was lively despite the cold, lanterns casting a golden glow over cobbled streets. Markets bustled, laughter echoed from taverns, and children tossed snow at each other in play. It was a strange contrast—an island named after summer, yet locked in winter's grasp.
As they walked through the marketplace, a voice called out to them. "Hey! You're new around here, aren't ya?"
They turned to see a young man, barely out of his teens, with short, tousled chestnut hair and a warm grin. His clothes were practical but well-worn, a satchel slung over his shoulder and a small wooden flute in hand.
"I'm Elias," he introduced himself, flashing a bright smile. "And you look like the kind of people who could use a guide."
Velvet raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? And what makes you say that?"
Elias smirked, spinning the flute between his fingers. "Because you're looking around like you don't know whether to be amazed or confused. Plus, anyone who walks into the Summer Isles at night and doesn't immediately go for the roasted chestnuts stand is definitely new."
Leo snorted. "He's got a point."
They spent the next hour with Elias, letting him lead them through the town. He showed them the best food stalls, the hidden alleys where musicians played, and even the rooftops where one could get the best view of the aurora that occasionally painted the skies.
"So, what's your deal?" Kouneli finally asked as they leaned against a railing overlooking the town square. "You some kind of local hero?"
Elias laughed. "Not even close. I just like helping people. My grandfather always said that if you leave a person with a warm memory, they'll carry it even in the coldest times."
There was something easy about Elias, something undeniably genuine. He didn't seem like a warrior, or someone desperate to prove anything. Just a guy who loved his home and the people in it.
The night deepened, but the streets of the Summer Isles remained alive with warmth despite the unnatural cold. Elias walked with the squad through the city, chatting easily as if he had known them for years rather than just a few hours. His presence was effortless, and somehow, conversation flowed more naturally than expected.
"Alright, alright, hear me out," Elias said, stepping backward so he could face them as they walked. "Best food in the Isles? The seafood skewers at the eastern docks, hands down. They've got this special glaze—it's sweet but tangy, and if you eat one, I swear you'll dream about it."
Velvet gave him a skeptical look. "That's a bold claim."
Elias clutched his chest as if wounded. "I would never lie about something so serious."
Leo, always more straightforward, asked, "Then why aren't you working there if it's so good?"
Elias grinned. "Because I'm not responsible enough to cook for a crowd. Trust me, you don't want to see me near an open fire."
They walked past an old stone fountain, its edges frosted over. Small groups of people gathered there, talking and laughing as the cold air filled with the smell of roasted nuts and spiced cider. A group of children ran past, one of them stopping to wave at Elias before darting away with a mischievous grin.
"You seem pretty well-known around here," Kouneli noted.
Elias shrugged. "It's a small place. You grow up seeing the same faces, and after a while, you learn everyone's names. Helps when you're naturally charming."
Velvet snorted. "I think the word you're looking for is nosy."
"Could be both," Elias admitted with a smirk.
They eventually reached the eastern docks, where the scent of grilled fish wafted through the air. Elias bought a round of skewers, handing them out with a flourish.
Leo took a bite and froze.
Elias smirked. "Told you."
"...Alright, I'll admit. This is good."
Velvet raised an eyebrow. "Leo giving a food compliment? That's rarer than a sunny day here."
The group laughed, and something about the moment felt strangely light. It wasn't often that they had time like this—to just exist, to enjoy the little things. Even Kouneli, who was often wary of strangers, found himself feeling at ease around Elias.
After they ate, Elias led them toward the outskirts of the city, where the buildings gave way to rolling hills dusted with snow. There, perched on a slight incline, was an old bell tower. The structure itself was nothing special—wooden beams reinforced with stone, a large iron bell resting at the top—but the view from here overlooked the entire town.
"This is my favorite spot," Elias said, leaning against the railing. "You can see everything from here. The markets, the docks, the lanterns—it makes the whole place feel alive, you know?"
Kouneli crossed his arms. "If you love it so much, why don't you leave the barrier? Go see the world beyond the Isles?"
Elias chuckled. "And go where? The world's a big place. I wouldn't even know where to start."
"You could start by coming with us," Velvet said. It was mostly a joke, but there was a hint of sincerity in their voice.
Elias shook his head. "Nah. Someone's gotta stick around and make sure this place still feels like home for the people who need it."
Leo looked at him thoughtfully. "That's a lot of responsibility to put on yourself."
Elias smiled, but this time, it was softer. "Maybe. But if I don't do it, who will?"
The squad fell into a brief silence, watching as the town below flickered with light and life. The wind carried distant laughter, and for a moment, everything felt still, like they were suspended in time.
Finally, Elias stretched, breaking the quiet. "Alright, enough of the sentimental stuff. I'm gonna make sure you all try that cider before the night's over."
They walked back toward the heart of the city, the cold nipping at their heels, but the warmth of camaraderie settling in their chests.