Hey everybody! Long time no post =) Luckily I have more time for updates at the moment so expect more soon! ~Kest

Disclaimer: I don't own ffcc

Caravan Tale

*

Lora was up eating breakfast and sipping a cup of tea by dawn. She hadn't been able to sleep very well that evening. The caravan wasn't ready at all. The wagon itself was too small for everyone to travel. She sipped her tea and looked out the window to calm herself. The scratching of a chair against the floor woke Lora up from her thoughts, "Morning Tobias."

Tobias ran a hand through his hair sleepily, "Morning Lora. Is there more tea?"

Lora nodded and looked over at the steaming kettle over the hearth. Tobias let out a refreshing sigh as he returned to the table with a warm cup. "So I take it you didn't sleep much?"

"Yes. I meet with Tunis today about this whole catastrophe." Lora rested her head against her hand; she felt the frustration welling up. Tobias gently placed his hand on Lora's other hand, "It will be alright Lora. I'm sure there's an explanation."

Lora looked down at Tobias's hand, usually she would have brushed him aside, but she didn't. Lora had missed his company and she had a feeling she might be falling for him. She just didn't know what to do next.

Tobias took a sip of his tea and looked at Lora, "I have to say it's nice just to sit here and talk with no interruptions."

Lora smiled, "Yes, and no harassment from Trista and Kima."

Tobias chuckled as he moved his hand from Lora's. "It's a shame we can't travel again like we did last year."

Lora laughed, "Yes but we got into so much trouble! I think more people would help out this time around."

"Yes, help us get into deeper trouble." Tobias smirked.

Lora finished her cup of tea and stood up to get another when she felt Tobias grab her hand. Lora turned around, "What is it?"

Tobias felt his heart pounding, it was his chance finally, "Lora you must know by now, I-"

"Lora!" Trista's head popped in through the front door. What she saw was a surprised Tobias and Lora. "Oh, I didn't mean to interrupt!"

Tobias let go of Lora and immediately stood up, "Well continue interrupting!" He said angrily and stormed outside frustrated.

Trista watched Tobias leave and turned back towards Lora, "What was all that about?"

Lora shrugged, "I have no idea."

Trista sat down in Tobias's seat and finished his cup of tea, "So when do you go talk to Tunis?"

"Actually I should probably go now and get it over with."

Trista smiled, "Alright well I have a feeling we'll all be at the farm again today so you'll know where to find us."

Lora nodded, "You should have breakfast with my mother and Nem. They love company. Poppa is already out working."

Trista smiled, "Of course! Aunt Kala's cooking is the best anyways."

Lora laughed and went off to the elder's house.

"Come in!" Yelled Tunis through the door to Lora as she was about to knock. Lora entered to see Tunis and an Alfitarian guard sitting at the table. Lora sat down with them, "Tunis you must know our caravan is not prepared to leave so soon."

The lilty immediately spoke up "Well you better be and soon. Your myrrh trees are very spread out this year."

"What do you mean?" Lora felt a foreboding feeling.

The lilty handed Lora a parchment and explained as she read, "A coalition between all the villages and cities has been formed. We have assigned myrrh trees for each caravan. There will no longer be any overlapping or confrontations. With the hard times now, this is our safest path."

Lora looked at Tunis. He nodded, "It is true and I agreed; although I didn't expect our caravan to travel so far. It just goes to show the smaller villages just aren't a big concern."

Lora nodded her head, "So where is the Cedon caravan supposed to go?"

The lilty handed her another parchment, "You will collect your myrrh in Selepation Cave, Conall Curach, and the Veo Lu Sluice."

Lora pounded the table, "This will take months! We can do the cave and even travel all the way north to the sluice, but Conall Curach!? No one has found that tree in years!"

The lilty just shrugged, he was just the messenger after all, "Your people came from there; it shouldn't be too difficult for you."

Tunis grimaced at the lilty's comment, "I believe your job is done here. You may return back to Alfitaria."

The lilty stood up and bowed to both selkies politely. He then left the elder's house.

Lora sighed and looked at Tunis, "I need at least two weeks for supplies and wagon repair."

Tunis nodded, "The village will help you in any way possible."

Lora stood up and bowed her head, "Thank you Tunis. I will try my best this year."

Tunis nodded again, "I know you will."

*

Looks like another bump in the road for Lora! And will Tobias ever be able to finish what he has to say!? Find out soon! =)