[TWS] Chapter 325 – Memorabilia and Trophies

Miria lay in her bed with one arm over her eyes. It was early morning, the sun was slowly rising over the horizon and peeking through the windows in her cozy room. The birds were already filling the air with their beautiful songs while some faint chatter accompanied them. Many villagers had already begun their day and strode through the muddy streets.

Asterios’ lessons with Althea had thankfully taken a bit more time than they had expected and continued overnight. To not disturb them, the girls chose to sleep somewhere else, either taking their own beds in their own realms or crashing together at someone’s home. She had the perfect option available to her whenever she needed it and her beloved master always encouraged her to spend as much time with her family as she could.

Refocusing on the current moment, she took a deep breath and exhaled with just as much strength. Groaning loudly, she started thrashing on the bed, kicking her legs, and swinging her other arm in frustration.

“Why does it have to be so hard!” Miria cried out and slowly calmed down. “Maybe we should have gone with Grea’s suggestion…”

Sighing heavily, she sat up, taking her pillow with her. Hugging it tightly to her chest, she inhaled the mesmerizing scent of her precious mate and relaxed visibly, releasing audible purrs of delight. If only she could just ask Asterios what to get him, it would have made everything so much simpler. But that wasn’t an option and she knew it. Everyone would be angry at her, and she would be angry at herself for not putting in enough effort too.

Falling onto the sheets again, she rolled around while whining like a little girl, until she took it a little bit too far and flung herself over the edge.

“Ow!”

Miria landed on the ground with a thud, thankfully hitting her shoulder instead of her head. She sighed again and collected herself from the wooden floor. Giving her pillow one last hug, she set it back on the bed.

“Mom will come running in a moment to ask if I’m alright,” she said to herself, glancing at the entrance to her room. “I might as well go to her first and ask for some help.”

She trotted to the door and left her bedroom. As expected, she ran into her mother halfway down the stairs leading to the bottom level.

“I’m okay, Mom. Just tripped while getting off the bed.” She giggled timidly. “Do you have a moment?”

Oria smirked at her and pulled Miria for a quick hug, placing a loving kiss on her forehead. “All my time is for you. Come and tell me what’s bothering you so much. You always stumble around when you think too hard. Though, it has gotten much better since you met your handsome mate.”

“It’s actually about him.” She let her mother guide them to the living room.

“Are you having your first quarrel? Is that why you came to sleep in your own room last night?” Her mother raised a curious brow at the panthergirl.

“What? No!” Miria instantly shook her head. “Everything is perfect, Mom! Master is always an amazing mate! But me… Not so much…”

The older woman frowned and sighed gently. “What are you blaming yourself for this time?”

“Nothing. I just can’t figure out what to give him for his upcoming birthday. My mind is completely blank. How can I be a good mate when I can’t even think of a nice present for my beloved?” Miria complained with a dejected expression, her ears drooping low.

“Oh, my sweet little kitty.” Oria brushed her fingers through her soft hair. “Didn’t anyone tell you that it’s the gesture that’s the most important? You are just like your dad. Two peas in one pod, I swear.”

“Dad? Why?” Miria shot her a somewhat surprised glance.

“He always overthinks such things.” Her mother chuckled knowingly. “Don’t tell him I told you, but all the gifts for your birthdays were chosen by me. Even his personal ones. That’s how bad at it he is.”

“What? No way!” The panthergirl giggled while thinking about it. “I would have never realized!”

“I know, right?” Oria grinned amusingly. “I had to literally point it out to him to make you some fun toys in his workshop or some other things, like the frame for our portraits during your maturing year.”

“I loved it so much. And still love it.” Miria smiled sweetly. “I can’t believe it wasn’t completely his idea. It seemed so much, like, in his element.”

“Perfectly so,” her mom agreed. “And that’s why I’m going to give you the same advice I gave him. Focus on the things that are in your element. Things that you are good at. Or known for.”

“But what am I good at?” Miria wrinkled her nose.

“It’s for you to decide.” Oria shrugged. “There are many things. I don’t know, cooking for example? You learned so much just for him. Maybe prepare something special as a memento of that.”

“I don’t know if making food can be considered special…” Miria sighed.

“Anything can be considered special when it originates from here.” Her mother pressed her palm to the panthergirl’s chest. “It’s who it comes from that makes it special.”

“Hmmm…” Miria placed her own hand over her mother’s and pondered. “I’m still not sure… But… A memento… Something special… From the heart…”

Then, her ears suddenly perked up and her eyes widened to the brim.

“I got it!” Miria jumped right to her feet. “This is perfect! I love you, Mom! So much!”

Showering her mother in a myriad of affectionate kisses, Miria spun them together while laughing joyfully, and dashed towards the main entrance.

“I’ll see you later! I have to go now! And don’t tell Dad that I know!” She waved at her mother and disappeared behind a corner.

“Young love is so beautiful.” Oria chuckled to herself. “I hope theirs burns forever.”

After dashing out of her house, Miria dug her heels into the ground and came to an abrupt stop. She dove into her mind to check on Asterios and found him still sleeping after the night practice. As delicately as she could, she opened a gate to him and quietly stepped into their bedroom at the castle. Before he had a chance to notice her presence, she asked Umbra to transport her away and she was gone in a blink.

She reappeared in the middle of an encampment she was never going to forget. Multiple big tents filled the area as plenty of adventurers strolled in every direction. She quickly recollected her bearings and located the correct exit, giving just a single glance towards the path leading to a very memorable nature dungeon.

It took her a moment to retract her steps from the past, but soon, she reached the glade she had in mind and immediately recognized the landmark she was looking for. Even if it looked like any other tree in these woods.

But, as she walked around it, she gasped in surprise and giggled quietly. “Looks like even back then, Master was very… virile.”

At the foot of the very special tree, grew a massive collection of very recognizable mushrooms. Their name was another thing she had deeply ingrained in her memory. Those were Clockwork Mushrooms. And this was the tree against which she had first made love to her dearest mate.

For a moment, she was conflicted about what to do. But, she decided to follow her mother’s advice and not overthink it. Pulling out one of her new blades, she sharpened the edge with mana and began carving in the bark in front of her. After a few minutes of very accurate effort, she was satisfied with the result and pried the finished piece off the tree. Examining her work, she nodded to herself with a big smile.

“This will do great.” Miria giggled to herself. “I can’t wait for the party now. I better hide it somewhere good. Oh no, it will be so hard not to think about it around Master. This is going to be the toughest week of my life. Maybe Umbra will be able to help me block my memories somehow.”

Shoving her gift into her spatial storage, she gave the memorable spot one last glance, placed her palm over the special tree, and disappeared into the ground within deep shadows. A moment later, she was gone. No one was even aware of her quick visit. The only evidence of anything happening was the missing patch of bark at one of the trees.

※※※

Selene jumped from one roof to another, scanning the white marble streets and buildings from above. Many of her kin traversed the beautiful roads while engaged in casual discussions. Most if not all individuals held something in their hands, be it cloth bags, packages, or singular items. It was a common sight for the mercantile district of the capital of Spiritual Foxes.

But, as much as she circled the entire, famous market, nothing caught her eye. It was her seventh lap already, but not a single shop, store, stall, or booth sold what she needed. And what was that exactly? Even she did not know. It had to be something special, though, that was for sure.

Stopping above a renowned boutique, she shook her head in dissatisfaction and released a sad sigh. It’s been ages since she had last looked this hard for a present. Due to her curse, or blessing as she was now aware, not many had been brave enough to invite her to parties or even approach her to offer their own gifts during her birthdays. The matriarch had been pretty much the only exception. Her family stopped bothering at some point too, for which she obviously didn’t blame them.

Lerisse was like a sister to her, or even a mother to some extent. That was how well they knew each other. Figuring out a small trinket for a birthday had never posed an issue. A book here, a scroll there, a technique then, some nice dress after. They always knew each other’s tastes and needs perfectly.

But, a Soul Mate was different. Even if the connection was even more personal and intimate. She had no idea how anxious thinking about a fitting present could make her. She had already gone through all the usual spots and items and nothing felt right. For a moment there, she wondered if she really knew Asterios as much as she thought she did. With Lerisse, or even Ronye, she would have already been long done picking.

“It appears that I alone am not enough to face this tribulation,” she said to herself, smoothing out her white outfit. “It’s time to bring in some reinforcements.”

Looking towards the temple at the very peak of the marble mountain, Selene broke into a run again. White light surrounded her figure and she soon reappeared in the form of a heavenly fox with ten bushy tails. Her next step propelled her forward so fiercely that she caused an explosion of air to shake many people walking below her. Surprised yelps and laughter filled the street as they pointed up at their beloved High Priestess and Divine Guardian.

The world blurred for her as she dashed through the blue sky with the temple right in her sight. A little voice in the back of her head tempted her to leak more mana into the environment, but she quickly thwarted it. She wasn’t heading there to cause mischief again but to ask for help. And while it certainly would be entertaining, she needed everyone to be in their best state of mind.

Making a single loop around the majestic chapel as she often had to show herself to the priests and priestesses, which improved the mood of many, she descended towards the ledge behind her best friend’s main office. Her paws emanated a ceramic noise as she stepped lower and lower, intentionally announcing her arrival to anyone who might be inside.

Reaching the very ground, she shifted back to her humanoid form and shook her long hair to throw it behind her back again. Strolling into the very open chamber, she found two women sitting together by the table near the massive wooden desk. Lerisse and Ronye were looking through some old texts and the younger Foxkin was dutifully taking notes on her side.

“Junior pays respect to Senior Selene.” The silver-haired girl hastily stood up and hit her palm with her fist.

Selene chuckled and waved her hand dismissively. “It’s alright, Ronye. You know there’s no need for that with just us present.”

“Well, well, well. What do we owe this visit, oh Great Senior?” Lerisse crossed her legs and smirked. “Did you come to boast about gaining another tail? Reviving a long-lost secret technique? Conquering one of the poor realms? Besting Kaguya in battle?”

“Not yet, but I will be the first one to greet her face with my fist as soon as I get the chance,” Selene almost growled. “No, I’m not here to flaunt my tails today. I need help.”

A brief silence fell onto the grand chamber as the three fox ladies stared at each other. Then, Lerisse was the first one to break it with a soft snort.

“Would you look at that? Ten tails can’t solve all your problems, can they? That’s why I keep telling you, Ronye, that there’s no need to rush things. You almost passed me. And that should make you proud considering that only one other person succeeded in that feat,” the ginger-haired matriarch said. “Now, what is the incredibly tough problem that bothers our strongest fox?”

“A birthday present,” Selene revealed.

And another silence descended upon them. This time, it was Ronye’s turn to get rid of it.

“A… birthday present?” The young Foxkin raised a confused brow at her senior. “Is this a joke?”

“Not in the slightest. I really am running empty,” her senior admitted.

“Ah. Is it perhaps the time for your Soul Mate to celebrate his coming to this world?” Lerisse cocked her head to the back in understanding and received a nod in response. “I see. That’s understandable. Very understandable. And I understand how you feel.”

“I don’t. It’s just a gift, no?” Ronye furrowed her brows.

“One day, you might understand. Or perhaps, you aren’t that far from it. Are you not going to start looking for your own gift after hearing the recently revealed information?” The matriarch raised a brow at her protegee.

The young vulpine continued to frown until she moved her gaze to Selene and finally understood, flushing crimson on her cheeks. “I… Don’t know… Should I even...?”

“Anyway, Selene was first to request our assistance.” Lerisse turned to their guest. “Did you come up with anything but instantly thought of it as inadequate? I’ve always been second-guessing myself when it came to selecting a present for my… partner. Usually, the first pick almost always proved to be the best one.”

“There’s nothing, Lerisse. I ran through the market so many times the current prices of all the available items are burned into the forefront of my mind.” Selene sighed dejectedly.

“You seem desperate to go specifically that way, Senior. Why?” Ronye asked.

“It seemed so easy for him. One casual stroll through the city and my Lord can pick up amazing gifts for any of his mates. Tina still wears her hairpin with as much pride and joy as the ring he had gotten each of us,” she explained while affectionately rubbing the cerulean band surrounding her finger.

“And did you receive any gift from your beloved already?” Lerisse inquired, stroking her tail which lay on her lap.

Selene thought about it for a moment and her long ears suddenly perked up. With a flick of her hand, she summoned a pretty comb with a depiction of a fox as its handle. The other ladies noticed it right away and smiled warmly at the lovely trinket.

“I have to agree that this gift has been a thoughtful one. And very accurate too. Why not follow in his footsteps?” the matriarch suggested.

“I’m not so sure he needs a comb or a hair brush.” Selene chewed lightly on her lip.

“You are right. His tail doesn’t have any fur.” Ronye scratched her head. “It has all those extremely sturdy and shiny scales.”

“Shiny… Scales…” Selene muttered under her nose while squinting her eyes. “Ronye! That’s it! You lovely little thing, may the Goddess’ blessings never miss you and your descendants!”

The younger foxgirl flinched from the sudden, very unexpected but also a very pleasant outburst of her senior. Selene’s figure blinked through space right in front of her and hugged the silver-haired lady with bone-crushing strength, leaving her as quickly as she had been grabbed, and reappearing back at its initial spot. Ronye’s eyes were wide in shock. It wasn’t often that she witnessed her stern senior acting so friendly.

“What did you figure out, Selene?” Lerisse stood up and walked up to her friend.

“I need something that can nourish his beautiful scales! They don’t really need maintenance, but I bet we could make them even more dazzling with some ethereal oil for some important occasions!” Selene explained.

“Oh. Like perfumes or makeup but for Dragons.” Ronye nodded to herself.

“Exactly!” Selene snapped her fingers. “Now, the issue is, where can I get an oil that’s good for Dragon scales? It might be hard to find something like that here. Perhaps the Lizardkin village?”

“I know of a great alchemist. Why not order one yourself?” the matriarch suggested.

“I would need to gather ingredients. That might be even tougher,” Selene mused.

“Or maybe not,” Ronye said, capturing their attention. “Someone I know takes care of equipment maintenance. They resupply some of the oils with their own, experimental mixtures for older weapons and gear. I heard that for scabbards coated with the skin of a Serpent Ape, an extract from the venom gland of Blazing Warhawk works miracles. I have a feeling that it could fit.”

“That’s a rare beast. We definitely won’t have any of that extract in our storages.” Lerisse hummed.

“They told me where to find them,” the foxgirl continued.

“Then what are we waiting for? Get up! Let’s find that bird and get its gland before the sunset!” Selene blinked herself right to Ronye once more and held her palm to the girl. “Will you be my guide?”

Ronye blinked a few times before showing a faint smile and taking Selene’s hand. “It would be my honor, Senior.”

Without another word, Selene threw the shorter girl into the air, causing her to shout in surprise, and morphed herself into a big fox right underneath her. Ronye fell onto her back with a quiet oomph, and grabbed Selene’s fur for dear life. In a flash, they were gone, rushing out of the matriarch’s office like the wind.

Lerisse chuckled behind them while shaking her head. “Was I also this impulsive when you were alive? I really wish you could have seen what our people have become thanks to her and that male. You thought I would be the one to bring a new age to Spiritual Foxes. Ha! I finally won that bet.”

Glancing around, she located an unopened bottle of sake and moved it to her hand through the air. Uncorking the sleek container, Lerisse headed out of the temple, walking towards the ceremonial burial grounds at the back of the peak.