Author's Note: I never really finished this story. I remember ideas for it, but nothing substantial, so why not rewrite it and see where it goes?

Disclaimer: I don't own a thing, that honor belongs to Square Enix.

The sun was beginning to peek over the horizon, a new day, and a new year for the journey of myrrh. Nikolaus was the first up and about in the small house, already packed for the journey ahead. While the others were dancing at the annual festival Nikolaus kept himself busy preparing for the next journey. It wasn't that he didn't like them, oh no quite the contrary, he loved the festivals as much as the next Clavat. Although it was really for only one reason, it was a rare opportunity to see their fearless leader, Lorelei, reveal that demure side of her that he found the most attractive about her. Sadly she wouldn't even give him the time of day, and being the only Clavat who can't dance, it seemed appropriate to simply admire from afar, instead of getting a verbal backlash for his lack of…everything really. At least one day of peace for admiration, and he would be set for a whole year. Elegant Lilty that she was there was one thing she particular disliked above all else about him.

"Are you ready, yet, kupo," Mog asked delightedly bobbing in front of him, shaking him from his thoughts. Nikolaus smiled but still held the flying puff ball close to muffle his voice for the still sleeping household.

"I've been ready since last night," he replied in a whisper, keeping Mog close as he exited his home. He couldn't fathom why, but Lorelei just couldn't stand their moogle companion. Nikolaus thought maybe it was because he was a moogle and she had a bad experience with one, somehow, but no she seemed to enjoy and even look forward to their chats with Stiltzkin. So it was probably just Mog, which seemed unfair to the little guy since he did the best he could for the group. That and his little brother was thrilled with the moogle it seemed obvious that Nikolaus would take care of him, and out of all the members in their group, he seemed the less likely to do something unruly to him. Which is why Lorelei seemed to detest him all the more, but he wouldn't let that get him down. Truth be told, and that is just from this observer's view, it was his optimism that grated her nerves to no end. If they could somehow weaponize his optimism they could destroy the entire miasma and slay every myrrh tree guardian without breaking a sweat.

Nikolaus stamped his feet and wrapped his arms around his body against the morning chill, before heading over to the stable where Popo was kept. The paopaumpus shook his massive head letting out a grunt of approval when Nikolaus entered his stall and began to brush out his matted fur.

"Took you long enough," De Nylph chimed in with his arms behind his head as he strolled past the stall and prepared their caravan.

"Coming from someone who just entered, isn't that a little backwards," Nikolaus retorted with a smile finishing up with his prep work before leading Popo out into the open as he began to hitch him up to the cart. He clicked his tongue in which Popo snorted and began to walk while he went behind to help the Selkie push the cart outside, most of the gear already secured inside.

"Damn, you think once, the girls can handle this," De Nylph complained aloud readjusting his clothing, cleaning off the imaginary dust; he had to look his best for the ladies after all.

"Isn't it the gentlemen's job to help the ladies though? Or if not, it's called courtesy, or how about simply helping out," Nikolaus replied wiping his brow, securing his and De Nylph's gear into the cart as Mog bobbed about the two.

"And that's why Laurel doesn't give you a second glance," De Nylph spoke walking around to the other side where the Clavat stood. Nikolaus knew this game; he kept his eyes on the Selkie in a causal manner. De Nylph rummaged around their gear, Nikolaus expertly following suit, replacing what he was trying to swipe. "I mean beyond that, have you even looked at yourself in a mirror?" Seems it was stage two of the game. De Nylph began to fuss over his clothes, Nikolaus acting flustered.

"At least I don't stare at it constantly like someone else, you know there's a story about a man who fell in love with his reflection," Nikolaus pressed on patting down De Nylph to show emphasis.

"And who wouldn't if you have what I have," De Nylph puffed himself out as a matter of fact.

"You are both idiots, without a single shred of usefulness between the two of you," Lorelei cut in like a knife, ceasing the game in a moment.

"That's a little harsh isn't it Lorelei? I mean we got the cart ready, and Reila was going to bring the chalice, so I say we are making good time," Nikolaus spoke obviously tripping over his words, and looking all the more like the idiot. She gave him a steely look.

"I thought it was only your brothers that were into each other quite like that," she gestured to their clothes. Nikolaus followed suit and hung his head for a moment or so. Seems he lost the game, De Nylph managed to expertly switch parts of their clothes, and Nikolaus was following along as quickly as he could, but the Selkie had quicker hands. Nikolaus had his pants, belt, and shirt. De Nylph managed to trade up almost every other lose fitting bit of clothing, and the winning article? De Nylph had Nikolaus' headband, and he was sporting the Selkie's bandanna, he didn't even remember that switch.

"Ah, come on, give him a break Laurel," De Nylph swung his arm around Nikolaus' neck. "Just training him for when we return to Leuda; you don't want him to lose almost all of our savings again right?" Nikolaus sighed heavily, yeah she wasn't going to let him live that down, nor was De Nylph, but for entirely different reasons.

"Perhaps I misjudged you De Nylph, but let's get going before we waste any more time here," Lorelei spoke briskly taking hold of Popo's lead and pulling herself into the driver's seat.

"Lead on, leader," De Nylph spoke with a bow untangling himself from Nikolaus in all his proper garments. Nikolaus quickly tossed Lorelei's bag into the cart as he hung back, Mog bobbing by his head.

"She'll get over it eventually, kupo. Besides, De Nylph helped get it back," Mog responded trying to cheer the Clavat up. Nikolaus smiled and patted his bonbon.

"That he did."

"Your time was approximately thirty-five seconds better than last time you played," Reila interrupted his thoughts causing him to look behind towards the Yuke. She had a calming air about her that reminded Nikolaus what an older sister would have, despite being the same age. Her gear was secured on her back the chalice snugged under arms, the crystal glowing faintly.

"You think so," Nikolaus asked sheepishly. The Yuke nodded with what he imagined would have been a smile if he could see her face.

"Definitely, kupo. I counted too."

"Well thanks, both of you, but let's catch up with the other two before they leave."

"Doubtful since we do have the chalice."

"But Mog and I are with you. You know Lorelei wouldn't hesitate to leave us behind," Nikolaus added with a wry smile taking Reila's bag from her back as he quickened his pace with the others.

"Still, doubtful, since I do believe Laurel has a thing for you," Reila finished and ran ahead of Nikolaus and Mog.

"Really?"

"Maybe, kupo."