Lianna Luz: 100 Baby Challenge

Lianna’s Backstory: Part Eight

Five weeks had passed since he first met Kalani, and Dante could not think of anything else. He had been looking for the perfect time to go back to Sulani, knowing he would have to hide why he was returning from his parents. Finally, an opportunity arose: his father had been mentioning the need to find unique plants and crystals to create new potions. Dante corned his father in the kitchen one morning, while he was still half asleep and had not sipped his coffee yet. “When we were in Sulani, father, there was such an array of exotic plants. I’m sure there are fascinating finds in the waters as well…” Dante mused. Tobias nodded in agreement. “You’re right son, I hadn’t thought about searching those islands but they seem to be a wealth of resources.”

Camilla then walked into the kitchen curiously, not one to ever be left out of a conversation. “Which islands are you talking about my dear?” she said, kissing her husband on the cheek. “Dante was just reminding me that I may be able to find new plants and other ingredients for the new potions we are trying to create in Sulani,” he explained. “Sulani?” Camilla questioned, clearly not loving the idea. “It takes an entire day just to get there, dear. You can’t be gone for that long, especially not when we are getting so close to perfecting these new recipes.” Dante had been staring down at his plate, not wanting to involve his mother in his plan. His father was not exactly the brightest of bulbs; he would never suspect an ulterior motive to Dante’s suggestion. His mother, on the other hand, was sharp as a tack and always on alert. Dante took a deep breath, wanting to be as convincing as possible with his next words. “Well, what if I go to Sulani to find these ingredients?” Both parents looked at him bewilderingly, as he typically showed absolutely no interest in these types of things.

 Playing on his mother’s emotions, he continued, “Mother, I know how badly you want me to be more involved in these matters. This is one way that I can begin to do that. I’ll take over the research for these ingredients, so you can both focus here at home on all of the things the Council asks of you.” Tobias just looked at Camilla, waiting for her decision. “Dante, I would love for you to take on more responsibility. This will require a lot of travel, though. You need to be serious about this if you’re going to take on this role.” Dante stood up from the table, not even bothering to finish his food. “I am very serious, mother. In fact, I will start my research today!” Before either parent could reply, Dante had sprinted up the stairs to begin packing for his “research trip.”