The soles of her shoes clacked against the wooden floors of the corridors and walkways as she ran as fast as she could muster, a wild and scared look in her large eyes. Her fur trimmed overcoat was still open and loose as she haphazardly got dressed to rush out of the guest room and hurry downstairs, the loose cloth billowing behind her while she held the skirt of her gown up to run without trouble. She could hardly breathe, panting and gasping for air to keep herself going while her body and spirit begged of her to slow down. She was still tired, not having fully recovered yet and needing rest, but there was no time.

Dawn painted the sky and colored the halls she traversed orange and pink, the warm colors leading the way to very ill news.

She was woken from her sleep mere minutes ago by an urgent knocking and three guards standing on the threshold to inform her of what had happened during the late hours of the night. While she couldn't believe it, she didn't question them about the grim news and got dressed as quickly as she could before she hurried to the crime scene in the prison ward.

The wonder where Joris was crossed her mind before it was overshadowed by worry for the well-being of everyone she cared about, friends who were within the palace and therefore in harm's way if whoever had broken in was out for more blood than the detained. Those poor souls… No matter what they did to her in their hideout, they didn't deserve to die. How many lives were taken while she was asleep?

The sight she found wasn't as gruesome as the massacre she stumbled upon in the underground ruins, but it still made her stomach turn. A few heads reared when she arrived unannounced in the central hall of the palace's so-called dungeon with haste and clasped her hands over her mouth at seeing the dark color of blood staining the prison cell floors and opened pods. Some of the vine cocoons were still sealed, but most were shredded, torn apart or partially damaged. There wasn't a body in sight, each of them already carried outside to be buried so their death could be meaningful to the honored flora of Sadida, but the lingering signs of death were all too clear.

Joris, who had been present in the ward since shortly after the alarm sounded and ended his watch over the sleeping Eliatrope ambassador, was chillingly calm for the situation, though the look in his eyes was hard like steel. What had happened was most unfortunate and complicated many things. Prince Armand was most displeased by what had happened in his home and his father shared the same opinion, albeit more reserved to not make matters worse. While the guards tended to the fallen, Armand wasted his time with giving Joris an earful of complaints, blaming the involvement of Eliatropes once more for the turmoil in Sadida. Luckily for Alys, the prince had already taken his leave to bring the issue up with his father and the council; she didn't need to endure his anger, for now at least.

"Are you certain someone from outside did this?" the master asked one of the guards while he kept a close eye on Alys as she was approached by the Cra captain and two other Cra infantrymen who were a part of the escort to the Justice stronghold.

"Not fully certain, however, only one of the prisoners is missing and their pod was damaged from the outside, just like the others. Someone either helped them to escape or, well… didn't finish the job."

His eyes narrowed when the guard's information matched with what Joris discovered when he did his own investigation of what may have happened during the night, though the situation was still inconclusive. "How many survived?"

"Only four," the guard gestured towards the four pods which held the remaining survivors, the number severely less in comparison to the amount they brought in the day before.

"Is the Sacrier we apprehended among the survivors?"

"Negative, and neither among the deceased. She is the sole escapee."

He glanced past the edge of his hood towards Alys while he clenched his jaws, the bad news piling up further and further. The Sacrier was trouble, something he knew to be true since the moment he first met her in one of the small Bontarian prisons. That she wasn't among the survivors of the deceased wasn't in anyone's favor except for her own. "There has been no trace of her or her possible partner in crime?"

"Not yet, but we currently have men searching the forest. So far there have been no reports of any suspicious activity or any tracks of the escapee."

What could he possibly do with this? He wasn't certain. Joris nodded in thanks towards the guard and to quietly dismiss him, returning to his thoughts while he stood on the side from the current ongoings. His eyes kept creeping towards the Eliatrope, the look of dismay she held while she listened to the Cra captain putting him on edge.

Was Sadida still safe? Were they safe? He made the bold guess they were. Whoever murdered these apprehended fanatics was long gone, meaning there was nothing left of interest for them in Sadida. However, that they left didn't mean others wouldn't come looking for any of the survivors, if they caught wind of where they were. The underground ruins were nothing but a temporary hideout, the main hangout of these people in a different location, or so Joris guessed as their so-called boss was elsewhere during the raid. One thing was certain; the sooner these detained were left in Justice Knight's capable hands, the better it was for Sadida, Bonta, Alys, and others.

He turned around once he made up his mind and walked over to the small group, taking in how Alys' chest heaved and lowered with the deep but quick breaths she took while she listened to whatever Jourdain could tell her, the woman still looking fatigued. She must have run all the way here after hearing the news… Foolish with her need for rest and recovery, but he couldn't blame her; he knew she cared and worried far too much to pay heed to her own needs and this situation wasn't something she could easily ignore or be nonchalant about. Of course she hurried down here as fast as she could without draining her Wakfu.

"Lady Alys." His calling was soft but still with a tone of urgency to not be dismissed too quickly, the attention he received in turn from the Eliatrope and the Cra captain rather swift after their briefing dulled down with the master's interruption. He stepped before them though solely spoke with Alys to inform her of what was next," we must depart with the survivors as soon as we're able and lead any further trouble away from Sadida. Believe me when I say that I do not expect anything more to follow, not with how this ended, but we should not take any risks."

She hesitated to give a vocal response to his plan and reasoning, the uncertain look she slid Jourdain's way only met with silence. The captain already knew what was expected of him and his men and he agreed. Alys visibly swallowed before she faintly nodded and surrendered to the hopelessness she felt, knowing she couldn't mourn or regret what had happened at a time like this," of course."

Joris lowered his head a little to look up to the Eliatrope ambassador from under his drawn down eyebrows, reading her like an open book. She was struggling... She wasn't strong enough after what she faced in the underground ruins, something he understood and had sympathy for. He would give her a little more time to regain her bearings before she had to fully commit herself to the future again. "Please gather all your things, say goodbye to whomever you wish," he said and gestured towards the outside," I will have a final word with the king and assist the captain with preparing our departure. I will come find you when we are ready to depart."

It truly was happening; the time to leave had come. Alys grimaced at the reality Joris reminded her off before she nodded in understanding and left the prison ward without another word said, finding herself to be speechless. What could she possibly say? She felt numb as she walked away, the pace she kept up firm and fast to not waver. She listened to the rhythm of her footsteps to keep any pressing worries at bay, counting the steps but not keeping track of the correct numbers. She couldn't count the guilt away, even if she wanted to.

Where to go? First the guest room she was generously given many months ago to get her pouch and other robes, then say goodbye to Renate and Canar and then… and then…

Her fast pace slowed down until Alys came to a stop and her shoulders dropped, her vision hazy as tears welled up. A shuddering breath left her through her slightly parted lips, the weight she carried growing immensely heavy as nothing could distract the grim truth. People died, and for what? A Dofus? Her? Revenge? For the heck of it? Nothing was worth taking a life for. Nothing.

The flat of her hand hit the wooden pillar with a dull smack when a spike of anger snapped her out of her lull and made her lash out at what was nearest, the hit sending a whining pain from the tips of her fingers all the way to her upper arm. She bit down hard on her lip to hold back the sob which was growing in her throat before she clenched her tingling hand into a fist and knocked it against the pillar once more, slowly inching closer with shaking shoulders.

Alys pressed her forehead against the wood while she ground the side of her fist against the smooth surface, her face twisted in agony. All she felt was pity and guilt for the ones who harmed her and stole her brother away. She couldn't make this right in any way, the losses already done and set. All there was left was to continue on without knowing who was responsible for the taken lives or what the real reason behind the vile act was, but she couldn't possibly grin and bear this. They deserved better, no matter criminals.

Goddess, this was all wrong.

She wiped her tears away with a quiet sob, the bandages wrapped around her hand soaking up the salty droplets before she leaned herself fully against the pillar to take a moment of respite. She couldn't be seen wandering through the tree palace with bloodshot eyes and tear stained cheeks, instead needing to carry herself with higher spirits. She owed it to everyone who stuck out their neck for her… At least nobody of Sadida got hurt with what had happened and that was as important as the lives lost. A small light in the dark.

"Alys?"

The saying of her name was soft, almost kind, but the uncertainty in his voice overclouded it. Fernand came into view when Alys turned her head to see who was approaching, the Cra coming her way with a tilted head of worry. He didn't touch her even though he held a hand up as if he was going to. She wiped the last remainders of tears away before she showed him the faintest of smiles, words escaping her but then she didn't need to say anything.

"I heard what happened. Are you alright?"

The smile she managed to make died off far too quickly, the heavy feeling in her chest returning. She nodded to not keep him waiting, to give him an answer to ease his worries before she asked," where is Bebe?"

Fernand lowered his hand with a deep accompanying sigh while he lingered behind the Eliatrope. "I left her safe in the guest quarters. I didn't want her to see or hear… things," he reluctantly explained," not after what I heard. Is it even true?"

"Very…" Alys grimaced when she spoke the truth," someone murdered more than half of the people the Sadida detained. It's horrible… why would anyone do such a thing?"

The Cra wisely kept his mouth shut, knowing that rubbing salt in her wounds wouldn't do anyone good even though the words burned on his tongue. He could guess why and he bet it was similar to the reason as to why she was nearly killed by that wretched Sacrier. He clenched his jaws when he saw her watery eyes as she slowly shook her head, her tears returning swiftly after she asked the question. "Hey, no, it's okay," he said as he reached for her and placed his hands on her shoulders, his actions having a nervous edge to them. He looked around to find a place where they could get some privacy when Alys brushed the back of her fingers over her eyes to stop herself from crying again before he said to her," this way, come."

He led her further down the walkway before guiding her onto the massive flower which would bring them a few floors up, their walk quiet and tense. It was surprising how much free reign they had, especially after what happened in the prison ward. The ambassador truly had special treatment in this place, something he knew about but didn't believe at first. Would he have pictured himself in this position after the first day they met? Probably not.

The observatory deck close by the council room of the Sadida palace was empty, to Fernand's relief. He had already released Alys even before they started walking, once more lingering behind her while she somberly made herself decent and wiped her eyes. She broke away from him the moment the open space of the deck presented itself, her desire to soak up the warmth of the sunlight urging her on towards the deck fencing. Fernand followed, though deliberately kept some distance to not suffocate the Eliatrope while she felt like she did.

"This might not be the best time," he started after Alys' shoulders and chest rose with a deep inhale of air and lifted a hand to gently touch one of the trumpet-like flowers which crept around the beams and pillars holding up the leafy overhang," but I'm glad you didn't leave without saying goodbye."

Alys lowered her gaze after she listened to Fernand, her finger absentmindedly stroking the velvet petal of the white and pinkish flower. She sought calmth in the smallest things, like the scent and soft texture of the flower, but there was far too much brooding around her to find some peace of mind and heart. "I was on my way to gather my things and say goodbye to everyone," she said as she lowered her hand and glanced over a bare shoulder to the Cra," I'll be leaving very soon…"

"Do you have to?"

His question made the air still with a sudden figurative drop in temperature, the bafflement written all over Alys' face while she stared at him with big eyes and a confused frown.

Fernand visibly hesitated after seeing her reaction before he rubbed a hand across the back of his neck and said as he came closer," leave, I mean?" He stepped up beside her, his obvious uncertainty far too thick; it made them both nervous. He stammered as he sought for the words, unable to take back what he blurted out. "I know we haven't known each other for all that long, but we've gone through a lot together. It doesn't feel right to part ways, not yet at least… and not like this."

The woman in blue remained silent while he spoke and the silence remained even after he forced himself to stop talking. She wasn't speechless, for her mind was full and racing, many thoughts passing by and wishing to be acknowledged, but no words formed in her throat. She felt… void. What could she possibly say to his suggestion?

"Master Joris can do all this on his own," Fernand continued to lay all his cards on the table, knowing this was his last chance to speak his mind and perhaps change hers," he's capable enough. It's over too, you don't have to help him with this mess anymore. You can stay here in Sadida and recover in peace, spend more time with Bebe and maybe live a less hectic life. You don't have to go."

"Fern…" The quiet saying of his name silenced him and made him straighten up in his posture while he hung from her lips to await what she had to say. She looked pained when she locked eyes with him, a hint of sadness present while she softly spoke," thank you, I know you mean well and I truly feel grateful for you wanting the best for me, I do… I would love to stay and forget, to not have these responsibilities and live a normal life, but…" She shook her head, a sigh escaping her. "But I can't. My brother-brothers need me, my people need me. I can't run away from my mistakes, nor the hardships I have to face to ensure a future for myself and everyone I look after. Everyone I care for…"

His anxious expression twisted in disbelief, though he quickly wiped it off his face to not say or do anything he might regret. "But who cares for you, Alys? Look at what happened to you." He motioned down to her bandaged hand and bruised neck with his eyes alone, trying to make her aware of the harm which was inflicted upon her been though he didn't have to; she was still afflicted, no matter the healing she received. "You almost lost your life. Is all this really worth ciphering yourself away for?"

She hesitated, her lips parting to speak but no words came. Her eyes wandered to try and find an answer in the nearby surroundings but deep inside she knew what she had to say. She rose her gaze to meet his once more, looking a little scared and shameful before she uttered a single word," yes…"

He took a small step back when surprise slapped him hard in the face, staring at the Eliatrope in disbelief while his shoulders lowered in defeat and disappointment. He didn't expect her to be this stubborn, or to turn his words down, not with showing her the truth behind the sacrifices she was making.

"I am sorry, Fern, but I have to find my Dofus and continue my duties, no matter the cost. Please understand…"

"I understand, I do, but... you can do all that here, without needing to get further involved in all the bad things which followed us on our journey," he pressed before he took her upper arms and leaned closer to plead," all that is over, you don't have to deal with it anymore. It can be out of your hands if you just let it. Enjoy a better life, stay with me and Bebe… please."

Finally she was speechless. All she could do was stare at him, his straightforwardness and pleading having stumped her completely. She shook it off ever so slightly when his hold on her arms somewhat tightened and she managed to blink, stammering as her pained grimace returned," Fern, I-"

"Please." It was all he said before he brought himself closer and narrowed the distance between them, his hands keeping her in place while he closed his eyes and slightly tilted his head to the side, bringing his face dangerously close to hers.

Her lips parted as she could feel herself lean away from him when he came closer and felt his warm breath against her lips, a certain desire screaming inside of her to give into his unexpected advance and let it happen, but the feeling was nothing compared to what was pressing down on her conscience; this was wrong.

She rose a hand in between them to gently stop him before he was able to draw her into the kiss he wished to give, averting her gaze to not witness his reaction. She kept her eyes down as she felt the tip of his nose brush against her fingers while he lightly flinched in surprise to her quiet rejection before she whispered to him," I am sorry…"

Fernand stared at her hand before he looked at her face, the grip he had on her arms weakening while he processed what had happened. She pushed him away. He visibly swallowed while unable to take his eyes off her before he slowly nodded and reclined, releasing her arms. He should have known… He inhaled deeply through his nose to not make a scene and said with a croak in his voice as it broke," I am sorry too…" He saw her look at him from between the wheat colored bangs which hung before her face while he apologized, seeing her hesitate before she lowered her head back down along with the hand she had used as a barrier to reject his confession.

A moment of silence fell in between them, the discomfort and disappointment developing far too quickly for their taste. He had hoped that this daring approach would change her mind, have her be his in some way. He was a fool for hoping such, but he couldn't help but wonder one thing.

"Is there someone else…?"

The question made her heart beat even faster than it already did, the rapid beat thumping in her ears while she stared at the grass which grew from the cracks in the floor panels, too afraid to look Fernand in the eye. Was there someone…? Her eyes fell to a close as the curtains of objection and denial were pushed aside by the situation at hand, not wishing to lie to the one who had developed feelings for her; she had been lying to herself all this time already… The cycle had to end somewhere.

The little but slow nod she gave as an answer was enough for Fernand, the Cra backing off with another few steps before he mimicked her slow nod and balled his hands into tight fists. "I see…" He sounded bitter as he leered at the ground before he closed his eyes and inclined his head to her, moving stiffly as he somewhat bowed. "Take care of yourself, Alys," was all he said before he nodded once more and shot her one final look before he turned around and took his leave, not glancing back.

He was soon gone, leaving Alys by herself with awful feelings of regret and guilt. She pressed her fingers against her quivering lips to contain anything she might say or do, feeling like she was frozen in place. She didn't mean to insult him or be ungrateful for all he had done for her during their time together, but she had to be honest, mostly with herself. A shame he couldn't handle the truth better, or accept that she made her decision long before they crossed paths. Though… was this truly the path she was taking? Did she have to go through all this loss so others could gain a life of their own?

Goddess, her small group of companions truly had fallen apart. There was nothing left of it…

She clasped her hands over her face to hide her grief, sobbing into her hands while she felt angry at herself for souring a precious goodbye and a budding friendship by thinking about the future and her responsibilities. Why was everything so complicated? Why were feelings complicated? Why did it have to be like this? Too many questions with no answers, life was cruel that way.

A soft sound which didn't belong in the lush scenery surrounding her made Alys stifle her own sounds of sadness, the mild startle making her heart jump. She took her hands away to quickly turn her head and see what the source of the soft tapping sound was, finding the small master standing on the threshold of the deck, the back of his hand resting against the wood of the entry's frame. His appearance was sudden and something she couldn't fully comprehend so shortly after she turned Fernand down, her mind still stuck in the upsetting downwards spiral. She swallowed as she stared at him with her lips firmly pressed together to stop them from quivering, looking like she was seeing a ghost.

Joris' eyes were on her while he remained where he was to not intrude, but he kept his head low for reasons she couldn't guess about. "Are you ready to go?" His question broke the fragile silence between them, sounding sympathetic though still urging enough to not make light of the current situation as he had a schedule to keep to.

Alys felt uncertain about what to do or say in response, finding the master's timing peculiar although she considered it a good kind of timing too. It was a strange feeling… "Yes, please," she said with a trembling voice after she wrapped her arms around her waist to hug herself, not wishing to crumble or tell Joris what happened on this observation deck. She wanted to leave and have him take her away from this place, away from this awful feeling, this awful morning, these awful new memories.

All he did was nod, not asking her any questions or fish for the reason behind her current state. He patiently waited for her to approach him before he led the way, staying close to her while he walked in front. "We shall fetch your belongings," he observantly said without looking back, having cleverly noticed Alys didn't have her pouch on her," and then head for the rendezvous point by the stables. Captain Jourdain and his men are waiting for us."

She sobered a little while she clung to everything he said and took his words as a distraction from what had occurred, taking in the plan of action he laid out. It was a simple one, but there was a small problem with it. "I-I still need to see the king and apologize…"

"His Majesty Sheran Sharm understands the situation," Joris cut in to ease one of the Eliatrope's worries," and wishes us luck for what lies ahead while trusting nothing related to the Brigands incident will befall the Sadida kingdom in the future. Bonta will compensate for any damage done to Sadida property, as the Malaphar case is in my and Justice's hands ever since his escape from the Justice stronghold."

That didn't sound right. Alys frowned after hearing Joris sum up Bonta's responsibility and involvement with the whole ordeal, wondering why the Eliatropes weren't included in any way, or more specifically… why she was excluded from the responsibilities. Wasn't it her Dofus and her not thinking things through which brought trouble to Sadida? "I need to compensate too," she said as she hurried forward to be able to look at Joris, looking a little offended," neither you or Bonta should shoulder this alone, or without me. It was my mistake."

Joris didn't slow down but he did look back at her when she walked alongside him, meeting her inquisitive glare. "You just made an allegiance with Sadida, Alys. Do you wish to put that in jeopardy so quickly after signing the agreement and accepting a piece of their kingdom?" He caught her off guard, his reasoning making sense. He saw her denial shimmering through the consideration, however, something he understood but they needed to be careful in what they were going to decide on doing," make up for it by keeping your promise of loyalty to Sadida and continue your duties. Besides, you have an allegiance with Bonta to bring to fruition; do not risk it over this."

This was so frustrating. Nothing was feeling right this day, neither going right.

He grimaced when he caught her hand curling into a fist and pressing against her thigh as they walked, noticing it was shaking. She had a lot on her plate, didn't she? He knew perhaps more than he let on, but there were certain things he had to keep to himself, all to keep the peace. Nevertheless, Alys needed reassurances and comfort, something he wasn't certain he could give her at this time. He tried though. "Soon you will meet Justice Knight and you will be able to ask him about Malaphar. Any information he may be able to give you will bring you closer to finding your brother."

She didn't wish to think about the man behind the scenes, the leader of the people who couldn't defend themselves when their lives were taken. She was still overcome by the guilt, feeling responsible for their deaths. If she hadn't chased after Gard, she wouldn't have been captured, nobody had to save her and the detained wouldn't have been killed. And then Fernand… Goddess, it was difficult to see the positive in any of this.

"Was it our fault those people died, Joris?" she asked as they approached the guest room she stayed in," could we have prevented it?"

"I am not sure," he honestly answered while he waited for her to enter and get her things, staying out in the hallway to not slow down her packing. He continued talking when she left the room with her pouch in her hands, the Eliatrope having been swift with taking all she had and needed," but what I do know is that they made their decision. They chose that criminal path willingly and devoted themselves to it; it was a fate bound to end on a sour note." His eyes were on the shiny glass of the pin presented on her chest as he tried to read her, to guess what she was thinking or truly feeling. "Sometimes these things are out of our hands, no matter what we do or wish we had done differently."

It was the only consolation he could give her. Of course she was blaming herself for what happened, it was in her nature to be this forgiving and selfless, but he did hope she could make peace with it soon.

Alys didn't seem convinced but at least she listened and weighed his words and their meaning rather than discard it in her grief. It was something to think about, another lesson to earn from and she did hold his advice in high regard, higher than most at least. "Let's go…" she said quietly as she surrendered herself to needing to accept this was how things were, the desire to leave all this behind burning strong.

Towards the stables they went, neither leading the other as they knew the way. There was no sign of Fernand, Armand or the king, to Alys' biggest relief, though she couldn't help but feel that matters were left unfinished. Maybe someday, when she returns to Sadida, she can make amends and hopefully salvage what she lost this day.

Jourdain was already present by the stables, several of his men prepping their dragoturkey mounts while others stood waiting by the cart which contained the four pods which survived the onslaught. The Cra captain signaled for his soldiers to get in position the moment he saw the two ambassadors approaching, those on foot scurrying towards the nearby treeline to scout ahead and grant any cover fire from the trees, if needed.

"I saved you a seat," Jourdain joked in good manner as he formally held a hand out to Alys after gesturing for the front of the cart. He helped her onto the cart so she could take a seat after she accepted his kind gesture with a small appreciative smile before he nodded to Joris to quietly inform him all was ready; it was time to go. The master returned the nod as he waited for Alys to be seated before he climbed onto the bench to sit next to her, the driver seated on her other side another one of Jourdain's men. "Let's move out!" Jourdain shouted after he got in the saddle of his steed, the dragoturkeys and cart getting into motion after the order was given.

Alys glanced back towards the Tree of Life when the cart rolled forward and the driver steered the dragoturkey onto the path leading off the palace grounds, the sight of the grand palace bringing a heavy feeling to her heart. She lightly touched her chest, pressing her fingers into the brown fur of her overcoat to soothe the aching she felt before something caught her attention and made her stomach drop.

Far in the distance, visible between the branches of the surrounding trees, was the Osamodian girl she had looked after throughout her journey. Bebe stood upon one of the walkways which ran along the massive trunk of the Tree of Life, shouting at the top of her lungs from what Alys could see but couldn't hear as the distance muffled the girl's words. A goodbye maybe, or an outspoken wonder as to why she was leaving without saying anything.

The Eliatrope turned further in her seat and rose a little as she stared with wide eyes towards the blue and white speck which was growing smaller the further the cart drove away, the aching she felt in her chest only increasing. Her rejection of Fernand had taken away the chance to say goodbye to Bebe, to tell the girl to be strong and look after the stubborn Cra, and knowing this hurt. She bit her lip to fight back the tears which stung behind her eyes before she stretched up an arm to at least wave towards the shouting girl, the only kind of goodbye she could give as her new journey had started and there was no turning back.

Hopefully she could forgive her for leaving like this…

A breathless but sad chuckle left her when the girl climbed onto the banister she stood by and rose both her arms, quickly waving them from side to side to wave back before she cupped her hands around her mouth to continue shouting, even though Alys couldn't hear her.

Soon enough the trees blocked her view, the bitter goodbye coming to an unsatisfying close. She slumped back down onto the cart seat with a lowering of her shoulders and hidden wings, searching for one final glimpse of the girl but the denseness of the forest was unforgiving. "It is better this way," she said under her breath after she noticed Joris was watching her and cocked his head in sympathy, though she didn't believe her own words. If only Fern understood why she had to do this… then this departure would have gone very differently.

Joris bowed his head to lean a little closer to Alys without impeding on her personal space, saying to her to ease her conscience," you will see her again, someday."

Someday. Perhaps, yes. She grimaced as she found it hard to believe the possibility was there with how she and Fernand parted ways, but at least there was a chance, no? She couldn't deny that. She lowered her gaze down to her lap to not linger on the regrets before she softly smiled to Joris and whispered," thank you." At least he was with her, the one she trusted and looked up to, the one she thought about when she answered Fernand's question after turning down his advances. As long as the master was by her side, she could take anything head on… it was a nice feeling.

He smiled back at her before he made himself more comfortable on the bench, the ride to Cania plains going to be a long one. It would give him the time to think about things, to talk with her or to just enjoy her company. They were safe and well protected, the Cra captain and his men alert and at the ready for any sign of danger while they escorted the cart's cargo and two ambassadors to the Justice Stronghold. He didn't expect any trouble to come knocking during the trip, but he won't make himself too comfortable just in case.

A calm ride, just what was needed.