Naveen

Rina:

“It will depend on where Brian is camping. I'm sure he will have sent a message for me with directions.” I answered. Maleen, Wren, and Dorian would be with them as well, I assumed. Beyond Talon, they were the only people I felt I could truly count as friends to be on my side.

"Then we just have to make it to the Moroes.". I said with a nod. I wondered how the trio we'd collected were doing, and how they'd faired in the time we'd been traveling.

Rina:

We reached the Moroe house two hours before sunset. They gave us a meal and let us clean up before we had to leave. Brian had indeed sent a letter with directions. They were farther South than I would have expected. While Talon was gathering a few supplies for our trip, I was reviewing a map that Mr. Moroe gave me. To take the main road would take two full days to reach Brian's camp. But we could save at least a half day to cut through the Deep Forest. It was an area known for magic use and magical creatures, mainly sorcerers. Not that they were common, but it was a possibility to encounter them.

I was pondering our options when Talon returned with the supplies.

I had gathered all the supplies we would need for an extended trip. I wasn't sure where we would have to go or how far. Even if it was a waste, I felt it was better to be prepared for a long trip. I tried to keep to myself, and used a hood to hide most of what I was. Better to be a half-breed than the real deal. My deals weren't as good as they would be if Rina had been the one to do it. But I paid the price regardless.

Finding my way back to Rina I paused beside her, looking down at the map she had wit her while trying to guess her plan.

Rina:

“It could take two to three days this way,” I pointed to the main road and where Brian's camp was going to be. “But if we cut through here,” I pointed to the Deep Forest road. “We could be there as soon as a day and a half.” I looked up to his face. Surly after facing vampires, nothing else would be as bad.

"Hm...that forest...It is not a place for the feint of heart. Spellcaster lay in that area. I think you will be more adept at handling it than I." I said after a moment of studying the route. I turned my gaze to hers and gave her a faint smile. I was a warrior, I wasn't a spellbreaker like Calin.

Rina:

“I think with our combined talents we should be able to handle it. Besides, Prince Carsen ordered a raid not too many months ago. They might not have returned too quickly.” I considered. “We can travel at least an hour or too tonight, we wont be within the thick of the forest yet, it will be safe to camp. The next night would be the only worry, but I think we will be okay. What are your thoughts?” I asked.

"I agree with that plan. Are you packed and ready then? I have supplies for a much longer journey but this will be fine." I shouldered my pack having taken it off to inspect the map closer.

Rina:

I helped back the supplies into the saddle bags then mounted my horse. “An hour and a half ride, then we find a place to camp.” I said as we set off at a brisk pace.

"Sounds good." I replied as I pulled up onto mine. Riding was nice, after fighting so much in the raft it felt wonderful to be off my feet and to not be doing anything. I could feel tiredness creeping in my limbs, but a quick burst of magic and it was dispelled.

Rina:

Unlike the first day we set out, where the silence was awkward, and the conversation forced, it felt comfortable with him now. After a little over an hour of riding we found a clearing off the side of the road to set up camp. I tended to the horses then gathered wood for a fire while he set up the tent.

Once the tent was set up I gathered things in a pot to stick over the fire. A stew sounded like it would be heavenly, and a filling meal with the loaf of bread I'd procured from a bakery.

Rina:

I piled the wood and sent Aero into the center to set the blaze. Taking a seat close to where he was working, I wrapped my cloak around myself closely waiting on the fire to grow.

Once the fire was at a good enough level I set the pot into it to let the stew cook. I sliced an apple in half and offered half of it to Rina to enjoy while we waited.

Rina:

I took the apple slice with a thank you. “You certainly came prepared.” I commented with a fond smile. Fresh fruit was not something I enjoyed often, since I was on the road frequently, most of my food was dried.

"Well. After our adventure I figured a good meal was in order. It takes more effort than just trail food. But in the end it's worth it." I returned her smile with a fond one of my own.

Rina:

After I finished my half I tossed the core into the fire. It took a moment before it scented the smoke faintly like apple. I let my eyes roam, and found, more often than not, they lingered on Talon.

I tended to the stew, my own core joining hers to add to the smell. When I wasn't actively working on the stew I was removing bits of armor, taking the time to inspect them before adding them into a saddle bag beside me.

Rina:

My eyes were entirely on him now, watching every move he made, admiring the shape of his body.

I'd removed most of my armor for the night, sitting in a tight shirt and leather pants. Eventually I turned my eyes to her, catching her in the act of staring.

Rina:

Upon him seeing me watching, I dropped my gaze and became interested in a twig on the ground. I was quite warmed by the fire now, so I let my cloak drop.

I chuckled softly as she dropped her gaze away and after tending to the stew and adding in some spices from a pouch my gaze found its way to the heavens above searching for the silvery moon if it was to be in the sky yet.

Rina:

I followed his gaze up to the sky. “Should be nearly a full moon now.” I commented, though he certainly already knew that.

"Mmhmm. It is when we are strongest." I said softly. My eyes shut for a moment face still turned up to the sky.

Rina:

I looked at the lines on his skin, thinking about what he had sacrificed to get them. I didn't know if I could do the same for that much power, then again, I didn't have anyone that close to me to give up.