AN: Finally got this chapter done! Between the headaches and unreasonable heat, I didn't think I'd be able to get this chapter done. It's a long one, too. Anyway, let's get back to what's important; Lynus and his good boys :3 Enjoy~

Chapter 3:

Lynus reached the door that led to Azure's room and knocked on it lightly. He could feel his apprentice on the other side and there was a light sense of nervousness being emitted from him. He thankfully wasn't scared or frightened. More likely anxious about their new environment.

A few seconds after Lynus knocked, the door opened a crack and Azure peered through. He soon relaxed, however, and took a step back to allow the door to open fully. And for Lynus to step inside.

"Just seeing how you are doing now," Lynus said as he closed the door softly behind him. "Not overwhelmed by your new surroundings?"

Azure didn't immediately answer. Instead, he briefly glanced around at his new room, prompting Lynus to do the same. The room was roughly the same size as the one that Lynus and Axel shared. If that was any indication, then perhaps all the rooms were the same. Large but comfortable enough.

"M-maybe just a little, but I'm ok," Azure answered as his hands idly toyed with the hem of his shirt. "Having everyone so close is nice."

"Hm, it is," Lynus agreed. "Looking forward to visiting other cities on our way to Lemuria? I'm looking forward to visiting Tharsis."

Azure perked up a little in realisation. "A-ah, your pen-pal?"

Lynus nodded his head and smiled as he recalled the letters he had shared with a medic that resided in Tharsis. "Isiah. That's right. It's sure to be a surprise for him."

Unexpectedly, Azure's eyes clouded over slightly and he peered off into the air before him. Lynus was immediately worried, but before he could ask him, Azure spoke, "Lemuria…is somehow familiar to me."

Lynus furrowed his brow slightly. "Oh?"

As quickly as that unexpected cloudiness in his eyes appeared, they disappeared and Azure tensed. He looked surprisingly sheepish as he tightened his hands on the hem of his shirt. "I-I don't know why, though."

"That's fine," Lynus immediately reassured and reached out to offer his apprentice a comforting hug. "Maybe once we arrive, you'll understand. Though I know it will be hard, try not to let it get to you. You're safe here, with us, no matter what. Now, would you like for me to wrangle Chi-hung into staying with you or will you be all right on your own for now?"

Azure immediately returned the embrace but shook his head. "I-I'm all right," he insisted. "Chi-hung is probably claiming his spot in front of the fireplace."

Lynus chuckled. "Yes, I think so, too. Everything will be fine. We're all together."

"I-I know."

After ensuring that Azure was comfortable and that he was truly fine, Lynus excused himself and saw himself out. He closed the door behind him before moving toward the next room. There were no name plaques as of yet, but he didn't need them to know who resided in what room. Though, they'll be sure to get together later and create their plaques for the sake of the others.

Upon reaching the next room, Lynus knocked lightly with the knuckles of his fingers. "It's just me. I just wanted to see how you were settling in."

The door immediately opened and he was greeted by Jhon, the blond-haired protector smiling warmly at him as he motioned for him to stay inside. Jhon had changed little over the last two years. Still polite, engaging, out-going, and still the very protective protector. However, thankfully, any white-knight tendencies he possessed have dwindled significantly.

"Ah, we've been expecting you, actually," he said with a small hint of humour in his voice.

Lynus just smiled and stepped inside. He took a quick glance around the room and noted that once more it was very similar to the one that he now resided in.

"Gotta admit, the rooms are rather impressive," Tobyn commented idly.

Lynus nodded his head and turned back to regard the two blonds. Tobyn had both changed a lot, yet very little. Outwardly, he's still rather anti-social and tended to keep to himself. But he also more openly affectionate to others, especially to Jhon. And to Macerio, who he would admit he saw as his little brother.

The one thing that had both changed and not change – his sheer protectiveness of others. Now, however, he was far more willing to be as violent as possible to protect others. He was rather creative, too.

Axel found endless amusement in that.

"Yes, we thought so, too," Lynus replied.

"A little…curious about how we'll respond to Maginia taking to the skies, though," Jhon pondered out loud, a sense of uneasy in his voice despite the polite smile on his lips.

Tobyn immediately frowned at the comment and folded his arms roughly across his chest. His defensive posture indicated that he, too, was rather uneasy about the prospect. "Cautious, you mean."

"I am, too, to be honest," Lynus replied as he casted a quick glance out of the window. "Hopefully, it's somewhat similar to what it's like being inside the Heavenly Keep. If not, we might find ourselves fleeing to Armoroad and taking a boat back to Lagaard."

Jhon openly laughed at the prospect. "Hope it doesn't come to that, but I agree."

"Even so, I'm glad that you're both settling in," Lynus mused.

"Yes, we're both fine," Jhon reiterated with that polite, knowing smile of his.

"Don't let us interrupt your rounds any further," Tobyn added.

That was sarcasm in Tobyn's voice, but there was also humour behind it. So Lynus sent him a playfully bemused look but said nothing in response. Instead, he uttered a quick farewell to the two, and left them to their own devices. They were probably curious to explore their new surroundings, also.

After closing the door to Jhon's and Tobyn's room behind him, Lynus crossed the hall to knock on another door. He managed to strike the wooden structure just once before the door was opened before him. Two figures.

"L-Lynus!" Magnus greeted him cheerfully, subtly excited.

Lynus smiled warmly at the blond-haired alchemist. Magnus had grown a lot over the last two years. He had become more confident within himself and while there were times where he was still nervous about using his full abilities, he was no longer crippled with doubt and fear.

Shen, himself, had also changed. Not much, mind. He was still silent, somewhat stoic and mysterious, but he was far more open and affectionate toward Magnus.

They had grown even closer after Shen had revealed their past connections. To think that Magnus was the one to had given Shen a medicine bottle to heal his injuries, unwittingly saving his life and giving him meaning. It was all very precious and sweet.

"Are you two settling in all right?" Lynus asked as Magnus welcomed him in.

As he stepped into the room, he immediately spied a certain ginger and white fluff ball curled up on the edge of the bed. Unsurprisingly, even Magnus' kitten had decided to come along. Zanna had grown into a large, fluffy cat. She was happy to ride around on the shoulders of others, but especially the shoulders of Magnus and Shen. But she just adored sitting on Chi-hung's back the most.

"The room is really nice," Magnus replied. "And it's…kinda nice to have everyone together like this again."

Lynus smiled in agreement. It was. It was nice to have everyone together under one roof. They had moved together in one community back in Lagaard, but to have everyone even closer together once more was reassuring.

While they all loved Lagaard, loved the lives they had created for themselves, there was still a underlying sense of…stagnation. They were explorers, after all. Venturing through mysterious new areas, encountering new materials, helping more people.

That was all they enjoyed doing. It was what they were good at.

"It truly is. I'm glad to see that you've all settled in readily," Lynus commented.

Lynus spent a couple more moments with Magnus and Shen, idly petting Zanna and just reassuring himself, and Magnus, that everyone seemed to be readily accepting of their new environment. Magnus, too, felt a little uneasy at the prospect of living in a flying city, but he was curious nevertheless.

After bidding the two a farewell or two so they could return to their unpacking, Lynus closed the door behind him and turned to venture to the one next door. As he moved closer, he realised that the next door was open just a little. It was a small invite to anyone who wished to pop their head in and say hello.

So that was what Lynus did. He gave a small knock with his knuckles before he pushed the door open. And he was immediately greeted by the sight of Macerio and Lirit who were sat on the bed, Macerio leaning against Lirit and Lirit with his arm around Macerio's shoulders. It appeared that the two had been sitting and talking for a little while.

It was good to see that Macerio was far more comfortable in allowing Lirit to shower him with affection. The dangerous beat Edgewolf had been dealt with. The madness attached to the creature was over. He didn't have to worry about that anymore. Honestly, Hamza had been worried of what state Macerio would fall into after his 'meaning' had ended. It was a fear that many of them held.

But there was nothing to worry about.

He was a member of the Guardians. A guild he saw as family. A guild who loved him in return. Of course, he would do whatever was necessary to stay with everyone. Stay with Lirit.

As Lynus stepped into the room, they both turned their gazes in his direction and smiled warmly at him. Neither surprised to see him.

"Hello, you two," Lynus greeted as he idly rested his hand on the door handle while the other rested on his hip. "Settling in?"

"Of course," Lirit replied as he kept his arms around Macerio, the other resting against his comfortably. "We were just talking about how nice it is to have everyone together, despite leaving Lagaard."

"I'm actually surprised that Tiffany didn't want to come," Macerio unexpectedly commented, silently dismayed that he didn't have a 'rival' to compete with and pick on.

Lynus tilted his head to the side. "Ah, you don't realise?"

Macerio blinked. "Realise what?"

"She's afraid of flying," Lynus explained. "She won't go anywhere near Petal Bridge or Heavenly Keep for that reason."

"S-she is?" Macerio spluttered as he sat up straight, honestly surprised. "Damn it, I didn't know. I could have teased the hell out of her."

Lynus shook his head in fond exasperation. "Never mind. Maybe next time. For what I understand, Kerri chose to stay with her there. And with Binah also there, it appears as if Lagaard, and any up-and-coming explorers, are at the mercy of those girls."

He almost felt sorry for them, honestly.

Macerio suddenly sat up straighter, a form of satisfaction on his face. "Ah, I just realised what this means!"

"Oh?"

"I won't be forced into playing matchmaker anymore!" Macerio sounded absolutely thrilled.

Lirit wrapped his arms around Macerio once more and pulled him close so he could nuzzle his cheek against his neck. "Aww, but you were getting so good at it."

Lynus had to laugh. Macerio's reluctant matchmaking attempts were nearly as notorious as the schemes of the famous Pinkettes themselves.

After seeing that the two had indeed settled in easily and didn't seem to have any complaints or worries, Lynus decided to leave them to their own devices. He bid the two a quick farewell before he turned and stepped from the room. He closed the door behind him, however, to give them a little more privacy.

As he turned away from the door, the sound of another opening caused him to lift his head up. A smile soon reappeared on his lips when his gaze collided with that of a certain blue-haired sovereign. And with him, as per usual, was Zeryn, close behind him.

Their relationship was quite the surprise, the two from very different backgrounds, after all. But they're very affectionate toward one another nonetheless. Zeryn certainly loved showing Topaz off.

"Ah, Topaz," Lynus greeted as Topaz hurried over to him, excitement seen clearly in his aura. "I thought you'd be eagerly inspecting our new lodgings."

"It can't be helped," Topaz replied, his excitement not waning a bit. "I'm just so excited to visit the city of Maginia, and of course, see what kind of relics and weapons they have in their possessions."

Ah, that wasn't surprising. "Of course," Lynus said before he glanced over at the blond-haired highlander. "And, you, Zeryn?"

Zeryn smiled broadly, a sense of mischief in both his grin and aura. "Aye, looking forward to the sorts of fights I can git into. With Ol' Cass here, I'm sure to find it."

Lynus just had to laugh. Again, he wasn't surprised by that, either. "I'd ask you to stay out of trouble, but knowing you it's be a waste of breath. Do be careful, nevertheless."

"I'll keep him in line," Topaz promised.

Although, it was more likely that Topaz himself would run off unexpectedly, lured away by the promise of something interesting, and Zeryn would be the one keeping him in line. Ah, but it was all right. As long as they had fun, that was all that mattered.

Lynus bid them a farewell and good luck before they parted ways. He then turned to the next room that was occupied with a familiar aura. This time, however, he didn't even need to knock on the door himself. As he approached, it opened to reveal a certain red-eyed hexer.

"Ah, there you are," Mahogany said, completely and utterly unfazed by his appearance. "I was wondering when you were stopping by."

Honestly, his mothering methods were that notorious, it seemed.

"Hello, Mahogany," Lynus greeted the hexer before him before he peered into the room to see a black-haired alchemist still in the process of unpacking. "You, too, Sardonyx."

Sardonyx glanced over at him to offer a nod in return before he went back to his meticulous unpacking. Although rather stoic, and honestly having quite the fearsome resting face, Sardonyx was surprisingly awkward and flighty. He tried to maintain the cool and calm demure, but as soon as his friend Rubell did something 'out of line' or Mahogany wandered off in an airy state, his true personality was shown in a display of loudness and threats of violence.

Some say he had a split personality, but that wasn't the case. He was just trying to keep his fiery personality hidden, something he had been forced since he was a child.

Mahogany's dismissiveness of his outburst was actually good for Sardonyx.

"Everyone else seems to have settled in," Lynus commented. "How about the two of you?"

"Our lodgings seem satisfactory," Sardonyx replied as he set about getting the curtains to the right angle.

Mahogany idly nodded his head before he gazed at Lynus with curiosity. "Are you looking forward to meeting others?" he unexpectedly asked.

"Yes, I am, honestly." A small smile, half playful and half serious, appeared on Lynus' lips. "Though, I do hope you don't face-plant in front of them."

"And tell them they should be dead," Sardonyx added, his voice terser than before because it appeared that the curtains weren't cooperating with what he wanted them to do.

Mahogany shrugged carelessly. "Some things can't be helped."

Ah, so that meant Lynus was likely going to be the one to explain Mahogany's quirks to anyone he fainted in front of. That should be interesting.

Upon realising that Sardonyx was increasingly getting angry at his room's curtains, Lynus bid the two farewell and allowed Mahogany to close the door. A crush soon followed and Lynus shook his head. He would just assume that Sardonyx threw the curtains to the floor in frustration.

Leaving Mahogany to either talk Sardonyx down and join him in destroying that infuriating pieces of fabric, Lynus turned his attention to the next occupied room. The next two auras he was more curious about. Perhaps even more concerned about.

The next room was the new residence to Hrothgar and Gage. Hrothgar had…been through a lot. So had Gage. Hrothgar's former guild killed by the demand of another, the red-headed protector himself left on his own, consumed with revenge and pain. Only to endure horrific injuries that resulted in him cursed by another into a sleep. While Gage, his highlander fiancé believed to have been killed along with his guildmates, had his memories sealed and forced to wander on his own.

It was honestly just sheer luck that Lynus and his guild had learnt of Hrothgar's plight. They had discovered Wulfgar in the labyrinth. Healing him led to the discovery of Hrothgar and then of Gage himself.

Lynus shook his head to rid himself of those frightening memories. He was glad that Hrothgar and Gage were safe now. Though Hrothgar wished to honour the name of his guild, Beowulf, he was also an honorary member of the Guardians.

And as a member, the others were protective of him.

Lynus knocked lightly on the door and waited patiently. However, instead of someone opening the door for him, he received a verbally response.

"It's open!"

Lynus immediately reached for the handled and twisted the door open. He immediately spied the room's occupants on the bed, sat together closely, likely talking. "Sorry, it's just me. Just checking in on everyone."

Hrothgar looked over at him and smiled warmly. He made no attempt to move from where he was nestled against Gage on the bed, and honestly, he looked very comfortable. Lynus was more than relaxed with just speaking with them as they were.

"Ah, that's fine," Hrothgar answered. "We thought you would. In fact, Gage himself was about to head out to check the perimeters, right?"

Hrothgar turned to look at Gage, receiving a small smile from the other. "Can never be too cautious."

"I know," Hrothgar whispered as he leaned his forehead against Gage's.

Lynus watched the two silently for a moment. Their affection for one another was heart-warming. And after what they've been through, it was more than reasonable.

"It's nice knowing that we're altogether and well protected, isn't it?" Lynus finally commented.

Hrothgar turned to regard him with that friendly smile of his once more. "Is truly is. I'll…miss Lagaard, but I suppose I need to do this. Make new memories elsewhere. Right?"

Gage suddenly hugged him tight. "Right."

Hm, sounded good. Make new memories. Together. As they explore once more. Meeting new people. Perhaps even helping them.

"Well, I'm relieved that you're both settling in," Lynus said as he tightened his grip on the door. "I'll leave you in peace now. I think we'll be having lunch together later. I'll see you then."

"See you later, Lynus."

Lynus softly closed the door, still smiling to himself.

Now, his next room to visit should be a truly interesting one. Honestly, he was surprised to learn that Canaan and Skylark, their winged companions, were to be adventuring with them. He was also very curious about in what context the name "Lemuria" was uttered within the Winged Ones' ancient documents.

As he approached the door, he found it partly opened. Slightly worried, he knocked on the door and pushed it open. "Hope you don't mind me intruding. How are you two fairing with your new surroundings?"

He paused when he noticed at the two Winged Ones companions out on the balcony of their room. Perched on the railing, talking quietly to each other.

Canaan glanced over at him before he hopped down from his perch and walked over to him, Skylark close behind. "We have much to grow accustomed to, I will admit. What strange beds you earthbound ones have."

Hm? Oh, that was right. The Winged Ones slept in what they referred to as nest. They didn't sleep in traditional beds, for they couldn't get comfortable because of their wings.

"Oh, I guess they are," Lynus murmured, feeling a little lost as what he could do to help them. "Are they unsatisfactory for you? I might be able to arrange for more blankets, if you like?"

Canaan glanced over at Skylark, and the ever quiet one, Skylark simply nodded his head at him. "Hm, more materials to make the necessary nests would indeed be preferable."

They needed to figure something out. No need for any of them to be even remotely uncomfortable.

"Then I'll speak with Villard the next time I see him," Lynus pacified. "In any case, I'm pleased to know that you two will be traveling with us. The perfect opportunity for us all to see the world together."

Canaan gazed at him silently for a moment before a genuine smile slipped across his lips and he nodded his head. "Yes, we are looking forward to it ourselves."

Lynus returned the smile before he decided to excuse himself, allowing the two Winged Ones to find a way to get themselves comfortable in their room. He briefly wondered if he should search for Villard to tell him about the blankets request.

However, as he turned to venture to his next port of call, so to speak, a familiar presence pulled him to a stop. He glanced over his shoulder to watch as a certain silver-haired troubadour step from his room. When he gazed around idly, and when his eyes met Lynus' from the short distance between them, his immediately brighten up.

"Ah, Lynus~" he cooed happily as he walked over to him hurriedly.

"Cedric," Lynus greeted warmly. "Inspecting our new surroundings?"

Cedric sent him a wink. "Just poking about. I have to admit that I am surprised that Villard has managed to acquire such a place, even if the city of Maginia's has only the half the population needed to actually be called a city."

Lynus nodded his head as he turned to walk with Cedric, the two of them just moving without destination. "I had noticed the lack of inhabitants when we were guided through Maginia. I assume that there are a lot of empty buildings that the royal family is hoping to have filled, which in itself is the reason why they're visiting other cities?"

"Spot on, as usual," Cedric replied joyfully.

"Make sense, really," Lynus commented as he tapped his cheek in thought. "And what's more enticing to a business owner?"

Cedric hummed lightly as he folded his arms behind his back. "Hmm, what I'm looking forward to is meeting Villard's other associates." He peered at Lynus from the corner of his eye, a mischievous grin on his lips. "Especially if they happen to be any vulnerable strays involved."

"Now Cedric, what are you trying to say?"

"Oh, I'm just so looking forward to you mothering others~"

Lynus had to laugh. "I thought so. I guess I can't dispute that. I am interested in meeting those from Etrian who agreed to join Villard. Oh, speaking of Villard, do you mind if you could deliver a request for me?"

Cedric tilted his head to the side in curiosity. "Hm? What is it?"

"Our winged friends are unaccustomed to the beds of humans. They request a few blankets and materials to make nests for themselves," he explained.

"Oh. Oh, yes," Cedric said as his expression lightened with realisation. "I do suppose that would be more comfortable for them. I'll take care of this for you."

Hah, that was a relief. "Thank you, Cedric."

"Not at all," Cedric happily chirped. "Anyway, Rahas and Simmons are out in the courtyard, if you're interested."

Lynus turned his attention to his surroundings and noticed that he now stood outside just inside of the building's foyer. And just outside, through the doors, he saw two familiar figures. "Ah, I see. I'll just take a moment to see how they're settling in."

"Of course~" Cedric chirped again.

Lynus fondly rolled his eyes but made no attempt to respond. Instead, he turned to walk outside. And toward the two figures that stood close together.

"There you are," Lynus said in a form of greeting.

"Hi, Lynus!" Simmons immediately greeted cheerfully, while Rahas simply nodded his head in return.

"Hello, Simmons," Lynus replied, earning a smile from the blue-haired landsknecht, before he turned to regard the two. "Inspecting our new residence?"

Rahas folded his arms across his chest and looked around at their surroundings idly. "Looking for a new training spot."

Lynus nodded his head in understanding before a smile crept across his lips. "Hm. I hope you didn't sneak out the window to get here."

Rahas sent him a sour look. "Please, I haven't done that in years," he insisted with an indignant sniff.

Simmons, however, looked confused. "You did three nights ago because you forgot your key."

"H-hey, shut up!"

Lynus laughed to himself.

Rahas had mellowed out greatly over the last two years. When Ghali was found and adopted, when Simmons', Shiki's, and Gerald's lives were threatened by the man that stole Sandra from them. Though he was still on the flighty side, he was no longer the Emo Brat. He was openly protective of what he referred to as his Little Family.

Hamza and Cedric often lamented the fact that they could no longer tease Rahas about being their token Emo Brat, but it was so obvious to everyone how relieved and proud everyone was of Rahas. Axel, too, was relieved. They had thankfully set aside their differences and were actually friends now. Something that couldn't even have been imagined two years ago.

Simmons had grown a lot, too. He…didn't have all his memories of what happened to his mother that terrible day. But he remembered enough. Lynus had honestly worried about how he would respond to the realisation of everything. Of his mother, of his father, of his own injuries and state of mind.

But Simmons was a surprisingly stubborn young man. It was likely due to the strong support he had of everyone. He also had a little brother he needed to look after. And he had been reassured that nothing like that would happen to him, to anyone he loved, ever again.

Rahas himself was the one to ensure that would happen.

Lynus suddenly felt a shiver of realisation race up his spine and he subconsciously straightened his posture, tensing. He immediately looked around at their surroundings, and soon narrowed in on one corner of the courtyard. A moment later two figures, familiar to him, appeared.

"Avith!" Rahas hissed, bristling like a feral cat, something he hadn't done for at least a year. "Bastard, what the fuck are you doing here? How long have you been here?"

Avith just smirked that conceited grin of his as he casually ambled closer, Zalaph silently following. "Now, is that anyway to greet an old friend? I watched you lot wander on board. I would have greeted you then, buuuuut I didn't fancy that redhead taking a swing at me."

Rahas continued to bristle as he stomped over to where Avith was. Avith, for his part, seemed greatly amused by Rahas' reaction to him. What followed was a lot of hissing and insults from Rahas, and Avith coolly retorting with sarcastic remarks, which in itself resulted in more bristling from Rahas.

Lynsu couldn't help but just watch the scene before him. Simmons seemed as intrigued, not exactly confused, but watching carefully.

To think that Lynus used to be so terrified of both Avith and Zalaph. But now, after learning more about them, about what they, too, had endured because of Taksony, what they've both lost…Lynus wasn't afraid of them. Perhaps uneasy, but not afraid.

In fact, he could say he was more curious. He questioned to himself why Avith would agree to help anyone on an expedition. Entering Maginia would limit his ability to visit other nations and continents, wouldn't it? Unless he was in fact using the flying city for that very advantage?

One look at Zalaph, however, and he soon realised why. Avith wasn't there to help. He was using as an excuse to help Zalaph. No, get help for him.

"Zalaph," Lynus called out as he walked over to the hexer, ignoring the way Rahas was bristling and Avith was smirking. "How long have you had lung and raspatory problems?"

Zalaph turned to look at him. Though his face was stoic and gaunt as usual, he was obviously surprised and confused by Lynus' question. The confusion in his aura indicated to Lynus that he, himself, wasn't aware of the state of his health. That wasn't something that was surprising.

So, despite everything between them, Lynus sent a questioning glance in Avith's direction. He found the dark hunter now blatantly ignoring Rahas, instead looking at him in return. His expression was stoic, but his eyes were slightly narrowed.

"A week," he suddenly stated, answering his unasked question.

Lynus nodded and turned his attention back to Zalaph. He raised his hand in his direction in order to concentrate on his aura. It honestly didn't take him long to make a diagnosis.

Hmmm, acute bronchitis…

Because of his frail health, it was likely to last a week or so. Overwhelming him with too much medicine at once would only backfire on them. They would need to start as soon as possible, yet will have to take things slowly, too. Good thing that they were going to be travelling together for a while.

"I'll make a treatment of honey and lemon for you," Lynus said without waiting for a response as he lowered his hand. "You'll need to take this tincture two times a day. That will need to be increased to three, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Now, follow me so I can start you on your first dose."

The confusion and surprise in Zalaph's aura only grew as he blinked at him. His gaze quickly flickered over in Avith's direction. Lynus gazed over as well, carefully inspecting the outward blank expression on his face. His aura, however, was far more active. Relief was the most potent.

A simple nod of his head was enough to finish the silent conversation between the two.

So, Lynus was right.

"Lynus?" Rahas questioned, his face creased into a scowl and suspicion in his voice. "Are you-?"

"It's fine," Lynus interrupted with a reassuring smile. "I am a healer. I've taken the healer's oath. I will help anyone in need, regardless of who they are. Besides, that is all in the past. Let us continue to look forward rather than back, yes?"

Rahas snapped his mouth shut, seemingly unable to reply. Avith, on the other hand…he seemed to be greatly relieved. Yet, there was also a sense of guilt. That same guilt as before, when they had met again in Lagaard two years ago to warn him of Taksony's predecessor.

That was all in the past now.

"Follow me, Zalaph," Lynus instructed gently. "I have a new office now, but I'm certain I can find the medicine necessary. Best start you on your new medication as soon as possible."

Zalaph's expression stayed the neutral blankness, but it was easy for Lynus to sense the unease in his aura. He glanced over at Avith again, who nodded sharply at him again. Though the motion was sharp, almost harsh, once again Avith's aura revealed the truth.

So, somewhat awkwardly and strangely shyly, Zalaph moved to follow Lynus as he led him back into the interior of The Sanctuary.

"Now, not to worry, Zalaph," Lynus said, offering comforting words. "We'll have you back to health in no time."

Zalaph continued to stay quite but he nodded his head nonetheless. His quietness was more the result of his illness, but it was partly from nervousness about the situation.

As Lynus led Zalaph around a corner, he was forced to a stop when something ran into his legs. Not enough force to knock him over, but enough to startle him to take a step back. A purely innocent aura touched him and he looked down to see a young child, no older than seven-years, peering up at him in curiosity in return.

"Nathan!"

Someone else promptly appeared from an open door, seemingly having been chasing the child in an attempt to catch him and stop him from hurting himself.

A young man with orange-hair and violet coloured eyes. He appeared to be that of a medic, the white medical coat evidence to that. However, he also had a gun holstered to his right thigh. But it was the other's appearance that startled Lynus the most. He…honestly looked like a younger version of him.

He gathered the child up into his arms and uttered a sigh of relief. "There you are! Sorry about that; Nathan is far too energetic for his own good."

Before Lynus could respond, the other man finally lifted his gaze to look at him. And as he did so, surprise flickered across his face.

"Oh, ah…" the other man spluttered, staring at him in surprise as well.

Hmm, curious…Was he the one Villard had alluded to earlier?