After a few hours…
Missio stepped out of the RV with a massive bag. Dante trailed behind him, sliding the same bag onto his shoulders. The supreme commander tapped his glasses. The RV shut down, locking itself. Dante glanced behind, making sure the vehicle was actually locked. Then, he looked ahead, signaling Missio to follow.
"To the Bus stop. Let's go."
Missio followed him with a slight smile. The siblings walked down the streets of Bolzano for a few minutes. Eventually, they reached a bus stop and sat down. Missio heaved a breath, looking at his big brother.
"Where are we going?"
"Plose gondola." Dante replied. "It's a one-hour trip."
"Okay." Missio leaned back.
The duo waited patiently. More people piled up beside them. Minutes passed before their bus finally arrived. Dante grunted, standing up.
"Come." He waved at Missio.
Missio jolted up, following his brother. The two climbed into the bus, passing the conductor.
"Where to?" The conductor asked.
"To Plose gondola." Dante responded as Missio sat down. "Two people."
"Fifty Aureus." The man pointed at the QR stuck to the bus's wall.
Dante sighed, sitting down. He drew his phone, scanning the code. He paid the fee and showed the transaction to the conductor. The man leaned on the guardrail, carefully reading the transaction.
"Alright, you're good." He straightened.
Dante nodded, placing his phone on his hip. More individuals loaded into the bus. A few minutes later, they were already on the road. The driver strode through the city of Bolzano smoothly, which impressed Dante. The King leaned back, relaxing his body.
"Oh, man… It's gonna be a long hike…Plus, no signal… wait, no signal?!" Dante muttered to himself.
He lifted his phone in a sharp manner. He swiped the screen, dialing his fiancé. Missio leaned over.
"Who you calling?" Missio inquired.
"Isabella." Dante blurted.
"Why?" Missio inquired further.
"There ain't gonna be signal in those mountains. Better warn her before she thinks I'm dead."
Missio rolled his eyes. "You're overreacting."
"Am I?" Dante pressed the phone against his ear.
Isabella's calm voice greeted Dante in an affectionate manner.
"Good morning, baby."
"Good morning – Good morning, what are you doing right now?" Dante's voice hitched.
"Oh, nothing… just making breakfast."
"Alright, I just wanted to tell you something."
"What is it?" Isabella perked up.
"You… won't be able to call be for some time."
Isabella's voice froze. Dante curled his lips, awaiting a reply. Then, his fiancé finally replied.
"Why is that?"
"Huh? Uh… I'm going on the Alta Via 2 hike with Missio. There's no signal there so… just wanted to warn you."
"Oh, if that's the case, I wanted to ask you a few things."
"Yes?"
"Did you find a Venue for us?"
Dante paused for a moment. "No…"
"Dante… find one quickly or I'll have to pick one on my own. The decoration guys are already getting impatient."
Dante sighed. "Fine… I'll send you in a minute."
"Okay, thanks." Isabella replied sweetly.
Dante scratched his cheek. "Can I ask you something?"
"Yeah. Go on."
"Are you like doing something because… you seem calmer than before." Dante noted.
"Oh, that? I'm just practicing."
"Practicing what?"
"Being your beautiful, awesome, charming, loving, and perfect wife." Isabella chuckled sheepishly.
Dante paused. "…You do know I'm going to hang up, right?"
"Wha–?"
Before Isabella could respond, Dante cut the call. The supreme commander heaved a sigh, tucking his phone into his pocket. Missio sneered at his big brother, leaning forward.
"That was a good one, man."
"On God, it was…" Dante burst into laughter.
Their banter continued for an hour. As their bus climbed the mountains, the snow began piling up more. The ground covered in white patches and fences capped with snow all seemed like a dream to the royal. Missio gazed out the window in awe, poking his head out of the window.
"Oh my God… it's snow, actual snow!" He said.
"Don't put your head out. You'll get to play with it soon." Dante pulled his head back.
Missio grinned widely. His legs jumped up and down on their own due to his own excitement. He awaited the moment he would get off this bus. Eventually, the bus did stop at Plose gondola. The conductor spun around, raising his voice so that every passenger could hear him.
"Plose gondola, anyone?"
Dante lifted his hand, standing up.
"Yes."
Missio jolted up as the conductor let them pass. The duo stepped off the vehicle, touching the pavement of the roads. As the bus left, Missio lifted his head. In front of them, he saw a small building stationed before a massive snow-covered plain.
"Let me check in before you play, okay?" Dante raised his arm.
"Then, do it quickly!" Missio pushed Dante forward.
Dante chuckled, heading ahead. "Alright – Alright…"
Missio ran towards ahead of the King, brimming with nothing but pure child-like excitement that couldn't be contained any longer. Dante watched this, a smile tugging at his lips. Snow fell off the building's roof as they stepped onto the porch. Dante halted before a small window. A man sat at a counter opposite of the window. The individual noticed them and pulled his chair forward. He placed his arms on the counter, intertwining his fingers.
"What are you here for, gentlemen?"
Dante opened his mouth. "For the Alta Via 2 hike."