Pavel: Hey Eddy...Can we pick something up for you at the fair? Maybe some of those sea star cookies? I know you like those-

Pavel takes a few steps closer to his roommate’s bed and smiles. But Eddy doesn’t turn around to look at him, facing the wall and burying his nose in his book.

Eddy: Shut up and go.

Pavel blinks in surprise and frowns, hurt, but doesn’t say anything more. Eddy keeps his face in his book, but his eyes are far away and brimming with tears.

Vanna: What was that about? Did Eddy have a bad day?

She follows Pavel down the steps of the Aquifer towards the docks. He carries his paddleboard under one arm and stares morosely at his feet as he considers his roommate’s situation.

Pavel: It’s… More than that. His family hasn’t visited him at all since he got to the Aquifer… No letters or care packages either. Nothing.

Vanna: WHAT?! That’s horrible! If I had known I’d have gotten him a ticket too. And here I was waving it in his face.

Pavel: Nah, he’s been kind of a jerk lately. He’s really scared that they won’t come back, and he takes it out on me. Doesn’t make it okay, but… I get it, you know?

Vanna keeps her eyes trained ahead of them, disapproval replacing her usual bright smile.

Vanna: It’s terrifying for children who were just bitten. That boy needs his family now more than ever. If I ever meet them I’ll give them a piece of my mind.

Pavel: You’d have to sail back to the Saberfort, then. They’re hotshot officers there. Super rich and fancy.

They reach the docks and Vanna ushers her son forward to the gangplank. The line of light houses is visible over the tops of the trees and ruined columns and arches stick out of the water. Their boat, the Golden Feronia is waiting, a white and gold vessel with lights strung from the prow to the top of the windowed cabin. The triangle pattern that seems to be a trademark for the Morena family decorates its hull.

Vanna: Ooh, they’re saberforters? That explains everything. So uptight. Especially nowadays.