Days had passed and he seemed to always be a step behind. Orien would have lost faith if it hadn't been for the people along the way who had seen a girl and man resembling the two. As the days went by he had also found a new side of him. He had always prided himself on being level headed and easy going. Now, however, he realized he had an angry side. A side that wanted blood shed. This shocked him at first, but through the nights of little to no sleep he started understanding it. His sister was the most important person in his life and the reason he was fine with his father not marrying them off. These strange realizations hit him hard and drove him harder in his search.
He was now three days away from the ocean and towns had become more scattered. Hills and mountains splayed around him and confusion hit harder as he noticed the trail leading away from the direction he had come to know lead to the great mountains. The once put together boy now looked mad with tousled hair and sunken features. And as he walked into the newest town he realized just how much he stood out. People eyed him as he walked down the streets. They veered to walk in a large circle around him, doing whatever they could to not be near the mad man.
As he approached a market stall to ask questions he couldn't help but to note the way the owner prepared to use force. Sighing he turned from the market area and headed for an inn. If he was going to get answers he needed to look like the reliable man he was known for back on the island. In his room he washed his skin and scrubbed the crud from his face. He also finally put on a clean tunic. After fixing his hair and running his fingers over his chin to make sure no dirt was left behind in the scruff there he left once more to search the town for clues.
Deo had driven himself mad. The girl he had planned on just using and leaving behind had become a full time job. By now they should be at their first destination yet they were two days behind. She had fallen into a creek, been bitten by wild dogs, attacked by a sex crazed man at night. He couldn't leave her side out of fear she'd walk into more danger. And she took pride in it. In forcing him to protect her. Everytime she would apologize with a hidden smile at the corner of her lips. She did none of it on purpose, but somehow she felt it was the universe punishing him for kidnapping her.
Now they stayed at a small village and tried to pass time by wandering a market. And to be honest Deo didn't mind. It was better than chancing her luck with the storm clouds that had gathered in the direction they were going. He did hope they would be back on the road before sun down however.
"Sir! I'm sure the young lady would love these jewels. Perfect for a beautiful wife such as her." One sales man called from his stall. Deo turned back and noted Celia had stopped to stare. She had mostly given up trying to run. At least while they were in towns. It always ended with her being drug back to him by some man and him being told to keep his wife on a shorter leash. On the road she was just as feisty as ever though.
"No thank you." He tugged on her arm and forced her to start walking once more. "When you're truly married you can have such things bought for you." He hissed in a low tone. It was true that he told everyone that was their relation but he wasn't going to dot on her as other husbands might have. It seemed silly to buy things for someone who, for all anyone knows, could have been a stranger until their wedding night. And she was a stranger. He was only using her for what he needed. She was the only one who would help him find his father.
Celia bowed her head as they walked, trying not to get distracted again. To be honest she couldn't help herself. This was her first time wondering about without her brother or father with her and though it wasn't with someone she would like it was still somehow pleasant. After a while of walking in silence she looked up to the storm clouds in the distance. She prayed under her breath that Zeus be kind and allow the storm to pass them without harm. This gained a narrowed glance from Deo. Any time she prayed or wished to stop by a temple he mocked her. Swearing that they cared nothing for her or she'd be home. Still her faith waivered not.
She was about to ask once more to do just that. This town had a small temple for Hermes and she wished to stop by it to ask for his blessings while they travels. The first time she questioned it Deo had done nothing more than touch the wound on his chest and continued walking. This time she tried with a bit more force. "Take me to the temple… please." She stood still as she waited for an answer. However he kept walking. She dug her heel into the ground and spoke out again. "The temple." With this he turned sharply and grabbed her arm tugging her into a nearby ally and away from the crowds.
"That god is nothing but a troublemaker. When he actually does something more than deliver messages I'll take you." His voice was harsher than normal and carried daggers on each word. Celia looked at him with wide eyes, more afraid than ever. He seemed to have grown in stature and this just made her already small demeanor that much smaller. Without knowing what else to do she lowered her eyes and whimpered. "I'm sorry." This took Deo by surprise, forcing him to pull back and stare at her with raised brows. Was she always so fragile looking? Sure she seemed delicate, but he never thought she looked breakable with those defying eyes. Now she seemed as fragile as the fine porcelain they saw being sold in the markets.
"The next city is Delphie. We will stop by any temple you wish there." He mumbled under his breath as he adverted his gaze. He didn't have to see her straight on to see the shock that spread across her face followed by joy then doubt. After that she didn't ask about the temple. She instead bussied herself with people watching as they made their way back towards the inn they would stay in.
Before they left the market area Deo caught sight of someone familiar. The two men locked gazes before Deo sprung into action by grabbing Celia's hand and dashing down a back way. The girl faltered at first before righting herself and following, unsure why they were running until she looked back. Right before they turned a corner she saw him. Orion was cutting through the crowd and calling her name. "ORION!" She reached behind her and tried to free her other arm, now struggling against Deo. He was here. He had come for her. Her mind reeled with emotions and thoughts as she begged Deo to release her. However his grip on her hand became tighter and more desperate. They turned corner after corner. Weaved in and out of buildings and eventually came to their inn where Deo untethered the mares and tossed her up on his before jumping on as well and snapping the reins. The two mares took off as Celia desperately looked behind them for signs her brother had kept up. Tears blurred her vision as they left the town behind and with it her brother.
Hours passed before Deo allowed the horses to rest. He slid from their ride and held his arms out to help her down as well. However she just sat there, silently sobbing. His heart stopped for a moment before he shook his head and dragged her from the beast. She didn't fight him. Didn't try running away. She didn't even curse him or tell him the gods would punish him like she normally would. Instead she just followed him to a rock and sat where he placed her. He then steered the mares to a small puddle of water, all while keeping his eyes on her.
That night they rode in silence. It wasn't until almost dawn when she finally broke it. Though the sound of the pouring rain almost drowned her out. "What?" He pressed.
"Why?
Confused he asked again.
"Why? Why me? Why take me here? I know nothing of this mainland. I don't know where the mountain is. And I can't help you." She began sobbing once more. "Why did you take me away?"
Deo looked away from her. He didn't answer. He couldn't answer. However he knew she was the one that had to help him. He knew since the moment she and that rather annoying brother of her's showed up at the temple of Apollo. And until this moment he didn't question himself on it. He had no reason too. So why did he question now? Why did her words strike him so? The silence continued. It wouldn't be broken until they reached Delphie.