The horse trotted onwards, with the two young humans sitting upon it. Eliana was still trying to make out what had actually happened inside the woods, after Sekaia had almost dragged her back to the horse. He was eager to get onwards, perhaps feeling uneasy after the event. They had been silent for hours, riding north again. Eliana’s vision had become dark again, the temporary lights having disappeared. It had been the closest thing she had experienced to actually seeing anything but this damnable darkness. They had been riding for more days than Eliana could remember, seeing as her days had melted together with the nights. They had passed Lowburg a few nights ago, riding further into the northern region. 

The sun was slowly moving down from the sky, as the evening had begun to arrive. They stopped outside a small village, no more than seven houses and a tavern.  The two of them barely shared any words as Sekaia led the horse forward. Whilst the town was all but darkness to Eliana, Sekaia silently studied the small township. The farmers had finished the day’s work, finally celebrating outside the small tavern. They barely noticed the two newly arrivals as they trotted inside the village. Sekaia jumped off, tapping Eliana by her lap and helping her down afterwards. Feeling the ground beneath her was such a relief. Her hips were so damnable sore after the riding, and the darkness hadn’t been especially entertaining either. Instinctively, she threw out her hand to grab Sekaia, still feeling uneasy on her own feet. All she could do was listen, and the sounds were welcomed. The only thing that broke the silence was the sound of the embers harmoniously burning the wood of which they burned upon. The cheerful chatter between the men near the inn was calming. No soldiers clattering in their heavy armour, no screams or horrors. It was silent, and it was refreshing. 

As they stepped inside the inn, Sekaia left Eliana in her place to stand. All she heard was chattering that she couldn’t quite make out the words of. A few moments passed, when her arm was suddenly grabbed again. At this point, it was barely surprising anymore. She just sort of let herself be dragged along and placed at one the tables. Eliana sensed the sigh escaping Sekaia as he placed two items on the table, most likely mugs. The air inside the tavern was fresh and cold, only being warmed up by the fire crackling by the wall. Sekaia took a sip from his mug; solid ale wasn’t something he’d refuse. His gaze carefully wandered back to the woman in front of him, silently sipping away at her own mug. During the days they had ridden, Sekaia had offered her a band of cloth she could wrap around her eyes. He was not sure if it was simply because he didn’t enjoy being reminded of her condition all the time, but it gave her a calmer appearance as well; instead of the eyes emptily staring into nothing.

“I thought we might rest for a days time.” Sekaia spoke up, nodding a little to himself. Eliana looked up, towards his general direction. The two had not spoken of the happening in the woods, simply dismissing it as their mind playing tricks on them. It was easier than trying to comprehend whatever it was supposed to be.

“You got us rooms?” she asked, taking another sip.

“Room.” Sekaia corrected her.

“Room?”

“Room.”

“Just one room.” Eliana sighed, drinking once again. Sekaia looked around, watching the dry wooden walls. They were donned with ornaments and wooden weapons, heads of animals and feathers of birds. It was surprising that the place could hold together with the few citizens in the small village. The people most likely helped each other out, friendships being the best payment around these parts. Sekaia met the innkeeper’s gaze, who seemed to be staring towards Eliana’s hair. He carried a grimace. Northerners weren’t happy with foreigners, and the girl certainly looked anything but northern. The people were paranoid, but the innkeeper had been kind enough, nonetheless.

“I saw the Melitian harbour, out by the east.” Sekaia looked back towards Eliana, who did indeed stop her drinking as he spoke, though remaining silent. He wet his lips before speaking again.

“It was just as you said. I’ll take you there, someday.” The young dark-skinned man nodded, trying hopelessly to cheer up the girl. Childhood memories were her weakness. Even in the few moments they had spend together over the years, Sekaia still knew how to handle her. 
“And the ships?” Her face lit up, for the first time in weeks. Eliana had always dreamt of seeing the Eastern ships, magnificent as they were told to be. A faint feeling of regret flew through her stomach, reminded of the East. She could’ve asked Freda about it all. The famous Melitian harbour, the equally famous ships of war that resided calmly on the blue waves. 

“They were stunning. They use a rare wood to craft them with. Leaves a certain scarlet colour, which they used for painting the ships.” 

Eliana’s smile faded at that. 

So close. Sekaia let out a sigh, shaking his mug passively to confirm it was indeed empty. 

“Come along.” 

The room was small. Tidy, but small. With a thud, Sekaia, who led Eliana along to one of the beds, dumped their belongings on the floor on the way. He placed himself next to her, eyeing her as she spoke.

“When are the Grandmasters expecting us?” She folded her hands in her lap. It was the first time in days she could sit and actually relax, but yet, the news Sekaia had brought in the first place worried her. It made no sense to her. Her mind raced again, hoping in the name of the Gods that it wasn’t the true reason he had come. 

“Within a week. And we’re close.” He spoke in a calm voice, as he placed his arm around the girl, nudging her shoulder and let her lean her head on his shoulder. 

“Then we can rest for a few days?” She spoke again, her voice filled with hope.

Sekaia raised an eyebrow, but nodded. “Yes, we can.” 

Eliana smiled again, nudging her head closer to the man’s shoulder.