[Just a simple family bond, Oliver getting used to this goes on a 'family bond' with his adopted Family to the woods, What could happen on this event?]
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[Scene: Nature Walk – Lake of the Great Whales]
The morning light streamed through the forest canopy, casting speckled golden rays across the dew-covered grass. Birds with iridescent tails chirped from high branches, and peculiar Elorian squirrels with three eyes darted from trunk to trunk, carrying blue nuts twice their size.
Oliver, age 7 in body, 27 in mind, walked slowly.
His small boots crunched softly on the forest path, his wide brown eyes scanning everything — the twist of moss on a tree root, the sharp scent of pine and skywind petals, the soft humming of unseen insects.
He turned his head toward Liam and Lyra, who walked just ahead.
> "So… Dad," Oliver said, trying the word again like a question in his throat, "there's really whales in the lake? Not ocean whales but… lake whales?"
Liam chuckled.
> "Bigger than you think, bud. This lake stretches into the east channel — it connects deep under the ground. We're talking about whales the size of skyships. Some glow at night."
> "Whales that glow?" Oliver muttered under his breath, tightening his hoodie. "This world's insane…"
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Lyra spun around excitedly.
She wore a lightweight vine-woven backpack and bounced on her heels.
> "I hope we see the sunback whale! It has gold skin and a fin that sparkles like a mirror!" she said, waving her arms. "Last time I saw one, it waved its tail and splashed Liam. I died laughing."
Liam raised a brow.
> "That was a near-death soaking, thank you. That splash nearly knocked me unconscious."
Oliver blinked at the two of them.
> "And this is… safe?"
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Liam grinned.
> "That's why I brought backup."
Suddenly, a loud thwack hit a tree as a bright-orange blur landed beside them, axe on shoulder and a big grin painted across his face.
> "Rowin Gale, at your service! Lake veteran, survival expert, and first survivor of the Great Charybdis Event!"
Oliver jumped slightly, instinctively stepping behind Liam.
Rowin, with hair like orange flames and mismatched gloves, gave a friendly bow. His axe looked more ceremonial than brutal, etched with fish scales and wind runes.
> "And who's this little navigator?"
Liam clapped a hand on Oliver's shoulder.
> "This is my son. Oliver. Sharp kid. Brand new to nature walks."
> "First time?" Rowin said, eyes sparkling. "Oh, you're gonna love it. Between the shimmering treefrogs and sonic soothe, this path'll make your jaw hit the moss."
Oliver blinked.
> "Wait. Sonic soothes?"
> "Yep!" Rowin said proudly. "If they screech too loud, you forget your name for five minutes. Harmless, though!"
Oliver looked at Liam flatly.
> "...You sure this isn't some weird Elorian test to see if I make it back alive?"
Liam just laughed.
> "It's not that dangerous. You've got me, your sister, and the best tour guide this side of the Celestial Highway."
---
As they reached the lakeside…
The trees parted, and a breathtaking sight opened up before them:
The lake was vast — like an ocean held inside a valley. Its surface shimmered with hues of teal and violet, and high above, whale-like shapes drifted under the water's skin. Their slow movements stirred the lake into glassy waves, and one of them — glowing faintly gold — surfaced with a majestic breath, letting out a resonating hum that vibrated in Oliver's chest.
> "That's… that's real," Oliver whispered.
> "Told ya!" Lyra said proudly, puffing out her chest. "Whale-spotting Queen."
Rowin pointed.
> "That's a Sunback. And over there—see that darker shadow? That's the Sleeper Spine — they say it's the cousin of Charybdis. Don't worry, that one sleeps for decades."
> "I'm definitely worrying," Oliver muttered.
---
Rowin leans closer to Oliver.
> "Let me tell you something, kid. When I was your age—not that I was as composed as you—you know what I learned out here?"
Oliver glanced up.
> "What?"
> "That this world's crazy beautiful, sure. But more importantly… you learn where you belong. And sometimes that's near danger, near wonder. You'll figure it out."
Oliver stared at the lake again, watching the glimmering whales drift peacefully, unaware of the awe they stirred in him.
For the first time, he didn't feel like he had to "perform" or be "special."
He just felt small — and in this place, that was enough.
---
Back at the campfire that evening…
Liam cooked fish from a light cast-net, Lyra roasted leafbread over the flame, and Oliver sat, warm under a soft blanket, still watching the water.
> "I think I get it," he murmured.
Liam looked over.
> "What's that?"
Oliver smiled faintly.
> "Why you became a Traveler."
Liam just chuckled, tossing another log on the fire.
> "Takes time to really get it. But yeah… you're starting to."
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