Viren's POV
I stirred awake, still groggy on what happened. The last thing I remember is grabbing my staff after failing to extract information from the assassin… Hearing the sound of chains, I became more alert in my surroundings. The mirror was covered, my staff is leaning against by the door, and I'm chained to the wall where the Moonshadow elf was. I pulled against the chains before seeing a centipede crawling out of a crack, "Not exactly an ingredient I would use, but I'll have to make do." I opened my hand closest to the centipede for it to crawl onto my hand.
The moment it is the palm, I closed my hand into a fist. "Dnibnu leets gnirehtils." I chanted, hoping that it works. The shackles around my wrist morphed into snakes as I got myself up and left the cell with my staff before realizing that Commander Gren is also missing. Whoever freed him must have also freed the elf and chained me up in the latter's place. I gathered a couple ingredients and a lit candle before crushing and mixing the ingredients and sprinkled it on the candle, turning the flame a pale turquoise.
Normal POV
"Deripsnart tahw laever." The High Mage chanted before blowing the candle out, the smoke trailed off before an image of a cloaked figure appeared. The figure walked across the room and down the corridor, only to return a few minutes later with a hazy image of Runaan. The smoky assassin dissipated for a moment as the figure freed a hazy image of Commander Gren before the latter dissipated, with the former stopping the Moonshadow elf. They stood there for a moment before the figure lead the assassin toward the stairs where the smoke finally dissipates. Viren left the room, know without any doubt, that someone had freed both the assassin and Commander Gren.
Once Viren entered his chamber, he noticed a fabric lying on the ground. Picking it up, the High Mage realize that the fabric is a cloak– the very cloak worn by the figure who freed Commander Gren and the Moonshadow elf. A soldier was walking outside when Viren opened the door. "Send for the best hounds in Katolis. The elf has escaped." He commanded, giving the soldier the cloak.
Runaan's POV
It was quiet between Azura and myself as we ran some of it and walked briskly the other half of the time, making sure to get as far away from the castle as possible. Other than her stumbling once, Azura managed to keep up with me– which I, personally, find impressive. "We should be resting soon." She said to me once we've slowed to a walking pace, "Especially you, considering the condition you're in." I looked back at the concern look on her face before continuing onward, "We can go a little longer." I told her. Not only because having distance between us and the castle is vital, but also to hide the fact that the assassin's binding becomes tighter on my arm the longer it takes. "Well, how long does it take to reach Xadia?" Azura questioned, concern still lingers in her voice.
"From where we are? About 5 days… if I was travelling alone and nonstop. But a week or so when resting and with others." I answered, recalling how long it had been since the team of assassins I was assigned to lead have left Xadia. "In that case, we'll be needing supplies." Azura said, "But I guess we could travel light and stop at various stores…" I glared back at her. She raises both her hands up and said "I'm joking, but we will need supplies." Azura does have a point; it's a long journey to Xadia, and I've been refusing to eat or drink anything while I was imprisoned. And that is when I noticed a familiar rock and remembered something– the camp. If nothing has been moved… "Before my team headed for the castle, we set up camp nearby." I told her, "If it's still there, we may be able to pick up a few supplies." Azura nodded before saying "Lead the way."
Normal POV
Runaan give a slight nod before leading Azura through the forest, retracing his steps until they've reached the camp. Content that it's all still there, the assassin turn his attention to Azura. "The tents will be too big to carry, so we'll leave them behind. But we can see if there's anything useful here." He said before walking away from the woman and toward the tents. Although he didn't want to admit it, Runaan finds it difficult going through the camp, knowing that he and Rayla are the only survivors of their team; that is, if Rayla is still alive… before she defied him, Runaan made sure that the younger Moonshadow elf was out of the way after she had let the human scout go. He knew that her stunt would risk death for all of them, and he did a 'cowardly' move and took her off the mission.
Runaan's POV
I decided to start with my tent and go from there… As I go through the other tents after Rayla, I thought about the other assassins who had fallen– making sure that their deaths would not be in vain. The only other female member of the team was Selene, who acted as the voice of reason. Then there was her younger brother, Tarik. Much like myself and Rayla, they have inherited a connection with the Moon Arcanum from their father– despite inheriting physical traits of a Sunfire elf from their mother. His death upsets me as much as it did his sister; besides Rayla, Tarik was the youngest of the group– as well as the fact that both Selene and Tarik have left behind a younger sister. The last two were Altair and Orion; "Five of us won't be enough. We need all six." Altair's words echoed in my mind when I entered his tent. When it comes to medical treatments, Altair was more knowledgeable– all the more reason why I chose him as the team's healer.
Walking out of the tents, I looked through the supplies I've managed to find, along with the rest of my arrows and a satchel to carry the supplies. There's more than enough ration bars for the two of us, ropes, waterskins, bandages, vials of Altair's healing salve, and a few cylinders containing relevium tablets that I can use to ease the pain in my arm, as well as my broken horn. I retreated into the tents and return with a little something from my fallen comrades– I know it isn't much, but it would have to do in hopes that their souls can rest with peace; one of Tarik's throwing knives, a medical tool for Altair, the whetstone Orion wouldn't let anyone borrow, and a betrothal bracelet given to Selene by her fiancé before the mission. I was about to bury them when I realized that I'm the only one at the camp. "Where is she?" I thought as a worst-case scenario came into my head, only to notice a gentle light nearby.
Azura's POV
When Runaan walked off toward the tents, I realized that I don't even know what help I'll be– in fact, I couldn't even see in this part of the forest. I can feel a sense of uneasiness as I dug through my crystal collection for the moonstone and the sunstone before placing the two stones in one hand and closing my fingers around it, "Atimes tnertsulli." I chanted before opening my hand again, causing the stones to cast off a gentle glow bright enough for me to see. Taking in the familiarity of this section, I walked toward a clearing where I've spotted some medicinal herbs nearby. I have just finished gathering what I need while leaving the rest of the herbs to grow back, I could hear footsteps behind me. Putting the herbs in my satchel, I quietly drew my dagger and swung it around– only to stop short with the blade inches from the neck when I realize who it was.
I sheathed my dagger out of relief and annoyance, "I know you're an assassin, but don't sneak up on me like that." I scolded Runaan. "Well, you were nowhere to be found at the camp. And I only followed that light." He said, pointing to the glowing crystals in my hand. It was then I realize that Runaan must have thought I've left to warn the soldiers, "I've only left to find some medicinal herbs, since I don't even know what to grab from the camp. You would do the same if I've lead you to an abandoned, human camp." He opened his mouth before closing it again and looking away before noticing something. I followed his gaze to notice a patch of berries, but I don't think I've came across them before…
Normal POV
"So, Rayla must have used these berries to stain her blades…" he thought to himself as he recognizes the berries before noticing Azura looking at them with curiosity and hesitation, "They're moonberries. Most of them grow in Xadia and are full of nutrients." Runaan told her as he casually picked one and popped it into his mouth. Azura cautiously did the same, and decided to trust his word and pull out an empty container for the picked berries. "At least, we'll have a source of food for the journey." She said, "Along with these ration bars." Runaan added, showing Azura the rations he found. "About five days' worth…" she muttered when she saw how many there are, "Actually, one bar is enough to keep you full for three days. Elven warriors often take these on their missions, especially long ones." Runaan explained before hearing a baying sound in the distance.
"What was that?" he asked, looking over his shoulders. "Wolves usually hunt in the forest at this hour." Azura replied before the sound came up again– only this time, a little closer. "Wait, those aren't wolves. We need to move, now!" She said as she grabbed the moonstone in her other hand and separate it from the sunstone, dispelling the light. Runaan gathered the rations as the woman place the two crystals and container back in her satchel before they make a run for it. The Moonshadow elf quietly rebuked himself for letting his guard down, along with the fact that he already used 'Mystica-Arbora'. Runaan looked around until he spotted a cluster of trees with one having the lowest branch about a few meters off the ground, "This way." The assassin said as he grabbed Azura's hand and led her to the tree.
Azura's POV
"You know how to climb, right?" Runaan asked me as he linked his fingers together, causing me to realize what he's planning. I'm capable of climbing trees, but I can't let him give me a leg up out of fear that I would hurt his arm. I was about to tell him that when the sound of horses whinnying in the distance made me think otherwise, I place my hands on the trunk before I put my foot in his hands. Runaan then boosted me up high enough for me to grab the lowest branch and pull myself up. He jumped up and grab the branch as well, only to start slipping until I helped him before he grabbed his arm and grimace in pain.
"Your arm." I said in alarm, only for Runaan to ignore it. "Never mind that. Keep climbing." He told me before climbing higher up the tree. I followed him up until we're out of sight, and not a moment too soon. About three dogs came barking right up the tree, signalling that we're here. "What now?" I asked the Moonshadow assassin, only for him to carefully move from one branch to another. "Follow my lead." He said before continuing his way, "You can't be serious…" I muttered to myself. I looked out to the branches and then down to the ground– It's not that I'm afraid of heights, it's more like not wanting to break a bone or something. But if I'm caught… chances are that I'll be branded as a 'traitor'. I took a deep breath and began my way across.
Runaan's POV
I looked back to see Azura slowly making her way across, almost losing her balance halfway. When she's closer, I pulled her across. We continue the way until half a dozen soldiers riding horses caught up to the dogs when we are in the third tree, with one of them dismounting and approaching the tree where we are hiding. Despite the fact that neither of us dare to move or breathe, I was thankful that the leaves are thick enough to completely cover us, especially when we moved from one tree to another. "We should continue the search. The hounds must have picked up a squirrel." A soldier, presumably the captain, called out. The one closest to the tree looked back, "They're pretty persistent about the trees." He stated.
"Lord Viren did say that Moonshadow elves are very deceptive by nature." A female soldier stated before whistling the dogs to approach her, and that was then I noticing Azura bringing her hand to her forehead. I looked closely at what the soldier was pulling out and realized that it was the cloak Azura left behind, "Wait here." I told her before focusing on the moon just beyond the leaves. I felt myself becoming one with its silvery light and my skin became more like the night. While it isn't as strong as it was during a full moon, it will have to make do. I cautiously made my way down the tree and toward the soldier, but I couldn't attack her; lest my cover be blown. As I thought of how to steal back the cloak, I noticed another soldier ride in. "Captain, you might want to come with me. I think I've found the assassins' camp." He said, causing my eyes to widen. The captain turn to the others, "Let's search in that area. The elf couldn't have gone far. Plus, there may be some things that will be of use to Lord Viren." He ordered. By some miracle, I managed to grab the cloak before the soldiers ride off… only to be spotted by the three dogs.
Azura's POV
Realizing that the hounds have spotted Runaan despite his stealth mode, I quickly pulled out the moonstone, an amethyst, and a clear quartz. Gathering them in one hand, I focus on the three dogs. "Sutinep munmos." I chanted and waved my hand, causing the dogs to grow drowsy until they fell asleep. Runaan look up at me as I climb down, "I could have gotten away from them." He told me as he became more visible. "Yeah, tell yourself that when they take a bite out of you." I deadpanned as I grab the cloak, "And… thank you for retrieving this. At least they won't have anything to remind them." I added before I notice Runaan walking toward the tree. "The less tracks on the ground, the better." The Moonshadow elf reasoned before he begins climbing. "Here we go again…" I sigh to myself before I began to climb the tree as well, carefully following him from branch to branch.
Normal POV
By the time they've stopped in another part of the forest, the moon was slowly sinking toward the horizon. "Looks like the soldiers have given up." Azura said as Runaan climbed down first, looking among the trees– just in case. "We'll rest here for the night and continue first thing in the morning." The latter told the former as she carefully makes her way down. Azura slipped on the final branch and fell down to the ground, picking herself up a few second later. "And that's including you?" she asked the Moonshadow elf, doing her best to stifle a growing yawn. Runaan could tell that Azura was growing tired– he could even feel exhaustion creeping up on him, all the more so due to his imprisonment.
"I'll keep watch for a little while." He told her, causing the woman to look at him doubtfully. "All right… but wake me when you're ready to sleep. We could take turns keeping watch." Azura said, holding her ground before adding. "Look, something tells me that you hate the idea of travelling with a human. But until we either find the princes, or cross over to Xadia, we'll have to trust each other– whether you like it or not." Runaan open his mouth before closing them again, "She certainly is stubborn for a human…" he thought to himself as a feeling that Azura's hiding something crossed his mind.
Runaan's POV
I sighed to myself, "All right… will you sleep if I say that I'll rest soon?" I asked. Azura nodded before going to lie down on the ground with her back to a thick bush, making me realize that just because she is travelling with an elven assassin, doesn't mean that she would let her guard down. "She's not foolish, I'll give her that." I thought to myself as I carefully watch Azura falling asleep, albeit slowly and reluctantly. Once I know for sure that she is asleep, I then remembered I still have the items for my fallen comrades. I walked toward a clearing bathed in moonlight nearby, and dug four holes in a row. As I place each item in the hole, I softly recited a prayer before pushing the dirt back into the hole and marking the makeshift graves with four, small stones I have found.
I stayed there for a few, silent minutes before heading back to where Azura is sleeping– only to find the woman with her cloak draped over her like a blanket. While she appears to sleeping peacefully, I know that this is far from the truth. With the urge to sleep growing stronger by the second, I fought against it as I look among the trees before sitting down. I looked around one more time before considering Azura's offer to take turns. At least, until the urge to sleep was too much and completely overtook me, dragging me into the comforting, dark abyss.