Noelani always knew that she was truly raised with the love and adoration of her whole family. Even though she sometimes wondered why she was so isolated as a youngling the girl had grown to understand that it was out of her family’s love for her that they kept her apart. The world was still adjusting to allowing the Elaria to travel into their countries, the bitter taste of the extremists still lingering despite the passing of so many years since the war, and it was even more dangerous for an earthling and Elaria hybrid to exist where some still saw hybrids as curses. Still, her family did their best to keep her away from any dangers and Noelani realized that her childhood had been free of fear and hatred as a result of their hard work. She truly was thankful to them and cherished every moment that she had as a happy child growing up in Matori under her family’s protection. She was allowed to play freely along their sheltered cove, her youngling days filled with playful mischief as she ran about the beach chasing alol or played with her family’s pet zanteer. She even learned how to dive and fish with her grandfather, sharing his joys for the ocean and for the puzzles of life which they constantly discussed during their calm afternoons together. Her grandmother had taught her some about cooking though Noelani admittedly wasn’t the best at those skills where she excelled more in solving puzzles, swimming and fighting. As she grew older the girl realized more and more how much her family had sacrificed for her safety. The past year had taught Noelani a lot of things, especially now that she was old enough to venture into the nearby village on her own, and seeing the boy missing the old merchant had made her understand how precious every moment of life was. His grief had touched her heart which had taken her by surprise when originally she had simply wandered out to go and buy some incense to burn for her ancestors. It made her appreciate every moment spent with her family more, especially now that she was considering traveling out and becoming a treasure hunter like her parents. While she did not plan on truly leaving her home forever the girl did know that treasure hunting would take her away for weeks, even months at times like her parents.

So much could change in the simple span of a few months. Noelani smiled sadly before shaking her head. None of that mattered now, right? It just meant she should cherish these moments with her grandparents while she still could. The young hybrid took a deep breath to strengthen her resolve before continuing with gathering more berries for the pies that her grandmother wanted to bake. While Matori did not truly experience winter like other countries this was still the time of year to celebrate all that had happened before the winter solstice brought in a new start. Her family would always burn incense and share food to honor their growth while spending the weekend together so that they could catch up on any stories and simply enjoy each others’ company, a rare thing with her parents constantly traveling. Noelani would also go out of her way to help decorate the house and set up candles and wreaths of seashells and flowers to be more festive. While they did not venture out to the local village gatherings as often the family always at least had this one for themselves which Noelani truly enjoyed. While she was not able to truly add to the meal, far too many burned and overly salted dishes had attested to that, the girl could at least decorate their home since she had some crafting skills. She would maybe also make bracelets for her grandmother and mother while making her father and grandfather pins to wear. Noelani also twisted a bracelet for herself, the fine flowers and colorful reeds making perfect materials for her yearly gifts to her family so that they could wear matching items during this time. Perhaps it felt a little silly to give them these small matching gifts now that she was no longer a youngling but Noelani still did it to show her appreciation and to use the accessories as a small token of their coming together for the festivities. As Noelani gave her small gifts, her grandmother always cooked a grand meal, her parents brought in rare trinkets to share and her grandfather brought in rare fish and other such finds to enjoy while sometimes carving trinkets too. Noelani was always happy with whatever her family prepared as she was just thankful to be able to always spend this special time with them.
[798]