A minor gripe about the quests to acquire Bastian and Mirri. Those quests end in a way that doesn't give any reason why they are now adventuring with you.
You help them with a problem. Problem is solved. They thank you and then presumably go back to their lives and jobs. But are now willing to drop all of that to come whenever you call.
Plenty of RPGs have written in the flimsiest pretexts for random strangers to join your party. I'm just curious as to why they didn't do that here.
What's your headcanon for why Bastian and Mirri are now your best buddies?