"This is my favorite place in all of Falconreach." Skystorm said, sitting down beside the river. "The breeze is just right, and the water feels good on my feet. Being a hero really involves a lot of walking, you know?"

"Yeah, that it does." Artix replied, sitting down beside her. "But good company makes the journey easier." He smiled, looking at her out to corner of his eye. She had removed her leather boots and sock, the left one still wherever Cycero had hidden it, and had begun soaking her feet in the flowing water. Her head was leaning back, eyelids closed over her eyes as blue was the midday sky. A soft breeze picked up, ruffling her auburn hair as she sighed. It was quiet times like this that reminded Artix just how beautiful the Hero was.

"Yes, you could say they are a real treasure." Valencia chuckled as she watched the fish dance in the river. Skystorm opened her eyes and flashed a smile in her direction, which Valencia returned in kind.

"I have taught you the art of puns well, dear pupil. Alas, you could never reach my level. My puns are pure gold." Skystorm took her feet out of the river and dried them off on the grass. She donned her boots and gently fell back to lay on the grass. "So, anybody have any good ideas for an adventure?"

Artix turned to face her. "We just finished an important quest to save the world. Again, I might add. Don't you deserve a rest?" Skystorm chuckled as she sat back up to look him in the eye.

"Rest? What do you think I was just doing?" She laughed, and his breath caught in his throat again. Artix thanked Lady Celestia for his training, so his blood didn't rush to his cheeks. Valencia looked at him, and he smiled back. Her lips lifted at the corner, and she nodded her head. He knew she knew, but wouldn't say anything. He even gave her 100 gold to be sure. He turned his attention back to Skystorm.

"You know what I mean. You should take a couple of days before throwing yourself into the fray again." His worry found its way into his voice, and Skystorm picked up on it right away. The smile left her face as she looked at him. The seriousness he saw there contrasted her normal care-free lightness so much, he could hardly believe they were the same girl.

"Artix, I appreciate your concern, but this is what I like to do. If I'm not adventuring, not off facing danger and fighting the bad guys, it doesn't feel right. If I'm not out there, who will be? I have to hold back the tide, because it's my duty. I am the Hero. And I love every second of it." The determination in her eyes could start a fire Artix thought. He had to admit defeat, there was no fighting her when she got like this.

"Very well. But promise me, don't overdo it. If you lose yourself out there, then we really will have nobody to protect us." He reach out his hand and took hers, his eyes pleading. "Please. Think of yourself, too."

"I promise." She said, the light returning to her eyes. "I'm lucky to have friends like you, Artix." Yes, her friend is all he'll ever be.

"Um, does anybody else she the creepy glowing portal, or is it just me?" Valencia said, looking into the woods a bit. He had forgotten she was there, but know she had his full attention. He let go of Skystorm's hand as he rose to his feet.

Skystorm smiled, her eyes sparkling with a sense of adventure. "Well, it looks like we just found our quest." Artix sighed, and drew his sword. Skystorm readied her spirit looms and walked toward the portal, Valencia and Artix on either side.

"Ready when you are." Valencia said, nodding her head at the Hero. Skystorm smiled, and stepped onto the glowing platform.