Falling asleep that night was difficult.
Ribbon was Caleb's sole source of comfort in such an unfamiliar place. He was brave, but he was also starting to feel homesick. There was something about Rainbow's story that rang true for him. He missed Ms. Aradia and he missed some of his friends too. He also missed the local knights that came by, the older kids that taught him swordplay, and the elderly ladies that would stop by the orphanage with cookies and cakes. These memories seeped into his mind as he managed to finally fall asleep. He was counting waves in the Big Ocean in his head and curled against Ribbon when he dozed off. His dreams started pleasant though they took a sickening twist at some point. There was blood, there was fire, and there was screaming. It came with the startling realization that he didn't want to hurt anyone. Even if they were the bad guys and they were threatening his life. Even if they had slaughtered Rainbow's friends and Ribbon's owner. Knights were just, sure, and they protected the weak, but killing? Was that ever truly just?
"It's time." Rainbow's voice eventually sliced through the darkness. It was salvation to a long night that had kept Caleb awake, anxious, and on his toes. He was glad that it was over, but he was equally tired as he was nervous for what was to come. Vague memories of him twisting in his sleep became apparent as he sat upright and opened his eyes. "Get up. Meet me outside when you're ready."
Caleb was still-half asleep when he slowly nodded in response. With a little push from Ribbon, he realized that there was no going back and forced himself to his feet. He couldn't back down or go back in spite of his fears. That's not what knights did. They fought through any fear pr foe and that probably included dwarves that were half their height and had scary illusion magic. Caleb mulled over this as he finally crawled out of the hole with Ribbon closely behind him. He, too, had begun to understand Rainbow's motivations. Ribbon deserved to be brought home. Maybe, once they were off this terrible island and after Caleb had found a cure for his village, he'd help Rainbow with his quest. "Good morning. I would ask if you slept well, but I already know the answer to that question. Are you at least ready to fight?"
"As ready as I will ever be."
"Good." A flutter was heard from a vine just above them to indicate Flower's presence. There's a whistle leading the dog to Rainbow's side. It wasn't long before he had climbed onto her back once more. Caleb could only wish that he had a horse as he followed behind his newly discovered companion. "Now keep quiet and follow me. Looks like your gull is still following us."
"Yeah." Caleb was mostly quiet as they began to venture through the dark jungle. The sun had began to slowly peek over the horizon though it would still be another half an hour at least before full sunrise. "So, um. . Let's do this."