A/N:

Once again, if you guys are curious about drawings and sketches of these characters (or just TDP doodles in general) head over to my art blog on tumblr (same user). OR you can read this story on AO3 where I'll post a little illustration before the chapters. Unless you think my words alone paint enough of a picture, lol! Enjoy!

Chapter 2


Ezran strolled through the halls of the castle, his hands clasped behind his back, enjoying these few moments of silence. Sure, there were guards posted around every corner, and yes, even two trailing closely behind him, but that didn't matter. Compared to how the rest of his morning had gone, this was incredibly peaceful.

There was more civil unrest in Katolis. Over the years it took him to grow into his role as a monarch, he learned civil unrest never truly died. There was always another injustice to fight, always another evil to thwart. Then again at the root of it all, it seemed the evil was always the same, it merely wore different faces.

"Your Majesty, they're abominations—"

"You watch your tongue!"

Ezran felt his face twist into a frown at the memory of his earlier conversation. Yes, it seemed it was always the same evil, indeed. Human hatred was a disgusting inevitability. After the war ended between Xadia and the Pentarchy, there was a time of celebration and joy. Weddings and dances and feasts, all in honor of unity and wellness. Human and elf relationships began to be more common, provingthe possibility to unite both the Pentarchy and Xadia. But as their new normal began establishing itself into each day, evil festered.

He found himself face-to-face with the doorway to the throne room. He took a step forward as the guards opened the doors. They swung open to reveal a single figure standing in the middle of the room, their back turned. Ezran heard the doors shut behind him and he let loose a breath he had forgotten he was holding.

The figured turned.

Aunt Amaya, Ezran grinned, signing as he approached her. It was always such a relief to see his aunt, and though their relationship had often been from a distance, Amaya was probably the closest thing he had to a mother. Before he could sign anything more, Amaya had already embraced him in a tight hug. Even in her old age, she was just as strong as she'd always been.

She looked him up and down after she released him. You're looking more and more like your father each time I see you, she signed, smiling broadly.

Ezran scratched his chin playfully. Maybe I should grow a beard, he laughed. It's good to see you, he softened, moving to sit down on his throne. As he did, he rubbed his face, heaving another sigh.

You seem stressed, Amaya signed worriedly.

Ezran nodded, I am.

It's not a good look on you, she smirked, and he laughed good-naturedly in response. Is there something wrong? She asked as she approached him.

He hesitated at first. How to explain? Ezran was a fluent signer, sure, but this was something he'd have trouble talking about in any language. My kingdom is angry, he signed.

Yes, but it is also healing, Amaya amended. The war may have ended twenty years ago, but the cuts it made are still fresh.

Ezran sighed, frustrated. The cuts aren't healing, they're becoming infected. There is hatred growing and I can't stop it, he explained, his hands moving harshly through the air.

Amaya nodded slowly, peering at his face. And what do they hate? she asked.

H-A-L-F-L-I-N-G-S. Ezran's fist lingered in the air, still positioned in the letter S. He watched as Amaya's face hardened before continuing. There are riots forming in the center of Katolis. They're calling them freaks of nature, cursed children— he paused, cringing as his earlier conversation echoed in his mind once more. A-B-O-M-I-N-A-T-I-O-N-S, he finished.

Amaya grit her teeth. Where?She signed. Ezran frowned, confused. The riots, where are they taking place?she clarified.

B-R-A-E-D-O-N, he spelt. Near the port town, he explained.

Amaya nodded resolutely. Allow me to travel through there on my way back to Xadia, she signed, And I will send you a report.

Ezran recoiled, "What?" he said, surprised. Amaya was not as young as she used to be, though she was just as tough, it seemed. Even so, he was hesitant to give her permission. Braedon was dangerous right now. The rioters were not only violent towards halflings, but also towards anyone who spoke in their defense. And should Amaya travel through, Ezran imagined she'd speak her mind—even if it wasn't verbally. No way, he signed, it's too dangerous right now, and Janai would have my head if anything happened to you during your return.

Amaya frowned at his response, the wrinkles on her face pulling downward. I may be old, she began as confidence seeped back into her features, but I can still handle myself, nephew. She wore a smirk, her chin tilted up, and Ezran couldn't help but believe her. Though it did little to comfort him. You know it, she continued, And so does my wife.

Ezran ran a hand over his face. That's just it. Your ability to 'help yourself' is exactly what I'm worried about. The rioters will have your head if you enter their city speaking gospel.

Amaya shook her head, seemingly displeased. 'We must defend peace at all costs.' She quoted, looking knowingly at him, I believe those were the words of a wise, young king.

Ezran pursed his lips, unable to think of anything to say. And how would he with his own words thrown back into his face? He let his head fall back against his thrown with a soft thunk, wondering if he had truly known what he was talking about when he was younger. He was naïve back then, wasn't he? Over the years, defending peace had gotten… exhausting.

But he hadn't stopped defending it. And though he was tired, Amaya was right. Peace required a strong defense, and he hasn't given up yet, so why start now? Fine, he finally replied, you can go through Braedon on your way home.

Amaya smiled broadly. Her thin (if not a little frail) frame bent towards him in a bow. Thank you, she signed as she straightened up.I will send a report as soon as I can. And don't worry, I'll stay safe. I'll arrange a meeting with the governor and we'll simply talk.

Ezran gave her a playfully disbelieving glance, I'm sure. Should I send a few guards with you?

Amaya shook her head, The patrol I took from Lux Aurea is plenty of protection.

Ezran nodded, standing up, Okay then. Let's eat before our meeting with the guard, shall we?

Wonderful, Amaya agreed, following him out of the throne room.


She heard sounds of laughter echoing in the distance. As she looked up, she could make out a warm glow at the end of a long hallway covered in red and gold tapestry. She tried walking closer, but the hallway stretched further and further, and the walls grew closer and darker. The warm laughter turned into a sadistic roar and then she was running.

The once red and golden walls morphed into wet stone dimly lit by a nearby torch. Her feet splashed through the cold puddles on the floor, echoing through the tunnel. Her heart hammered in her chest while she took in shaky breaths. Suddenly, she heard the sound of rushing water. Panicked, she turned around to see a wave tumbling towards her. She drew a deep breath, preparing for the inevitable.

The water hit her in a cold rush. She felt her body violently tossed in its current. She tried to swim to the surface, but no matter where she moved, her hand hit solid stone. Her lungs felt as if they were on fire and her vision began to blur before—

Sara gasped, her mind racing as she bolted upwards. She tossed the blanket aside and looked around frantically. Vaguely, she registered the sound of hushed voices around her. Where am I? she thought, clutching her chest.

"—Whoa whoa, relax," she heard from behind, turning to see a familiar face. Jaron was standing there, standing next to the other guard she had met last night. That's right, she remembered. She had run into Jaron last night and he had brought her back to his patrol after agreeing to take her to the capitol.

"Sorry," she mumbled, running her hand down her face.

"Good morning to you, too," Jaron replied walking towards her. "Kassani and I were just talking. The rest of the patrol can stay here while we go bring you back to Katolis."

Back to, she thought. Had she truly been there before, years ago? She could only hope so. "We?" she asked.

Jaron pointed back towards Kassani, the woman she had met when she returned with Jaron the previous night. "Yeah. Kassani, you, me… oh and one other guard, Amose," he explained, listing off the names with his fingers.

Sara nodded, still groggy from waking up. "Mmk," she said slowly, folding her blanket and standing up. "I'm going to go to the stream to wash up. I'll be back," she said, excusing herself.

"Oh, okay. Well, when you come back don't forget to grab some grub. We're about to serve breakfast," Jaron said as she walked away. She gave him a quick thumbs up in acknowledgement as she disappeared into the woods.

The stream wasn't far from the camp. They had passed it last night while they rode in. Of course, it was later then and darker too, so she had to concentrate while retracing her steps. Things looked much different in the daylight. The gravel crunched under her feet as her arms swung loosely at her sides. She meandered a bit, enjoying the clear morning, before hearing the telltale sounds of trickling water. Following the noise, she made a quick beeline to the stream.

As she approached, she saw a figure sitting near the stream, fiddling with their weapon. Judging by the armor, she assumed it was another guard from Jaron's patrol. She approached cautiously.

The figure looked up, meeting her eyes and Sara's breath caught in her throat. It was a man with dark features, pointed ears, and horns emerging from his head. A Sunfire elf, Sara realized.

The elf peered at her curiously and he momentarily stopped sharpening his blade. "You must be that girl everyone's going on about," he finally spoke.

Sara nodded, her brows furrowing. "You're an elf," she observed, surprised to see an elf representing a human kingdom, "I didn't know there were elves in the Katolian Crownguard."

"There are a few," he responded, looking down and continuing to sharpen his sword. "But my father is a human. He was in the Crownguard himself when he was younger."

"You're a halfling?" Sara asked, eyes wide.

He looked up at her, eyes narrowed in annoyance. "What, have you never seen one before?"

Sara shook her head, "No no, it's not that. It's just… The only halflings I've met have all been younger. I didn't know…" she trailed off, unsure how to say it.

He sighed, and Sara wasn't sure if it was one of relent or frustration. "Yeah, I was born during the tail end of the war—not a very popular time for halflings to be born. There aren't many others my age, not that I've met, anyway."

"Sorry, I hadn't meant to—" Sara stopped, knowing she was only going to make this situation more awkward if she kept talking. "…Y-yeah," she acquiesced, crossing her arms close to her chest. She reached a hand up to touch the tip of her ear as she played with it. It was a nervous tick; one she was painfully aware of. Some nights at the orphanage she'd go to bed with a bruised ear because she had been folding and pinching them nervously throughout the day.

From the corner of her eye, she could see him watching her. He peered curiously before snorting and looking away. "You've got weird ears," he commented.

Sara's face lit up red. Angry and embarrassed, she jerked her hand away from her ear and violently pulled her hood over her head. Without even a glance back at him, she stalked off. She could find another area of the stream to wash up.

After she had angrily stomped over to a more secluded section of the stream and finished washing up, she could feel her stomach gnawing at her. Good thing there's breakfast ready, she thought while trudging over muddy grass. As her boots squished and slid through the mud, she wondered how she would have gotten herself a meal had Jaron not found her. She was good shot, so perhaps she would have fastened herself a bow. Or maybe she would have foraged. Her eyes swept her surroundings grimly. She had never been too great with foraging, she knew the more important information, but otherwise… Yeah, she probably would've found a way to make a bow.

Butshe didn't have to make that decision, thank heavens. And she no longer had to walk on foot, alone, to the capitol. She'd be riding horse back with her… acquaintances? She had met Kassani briefly when Jaron had brought them back to the horses after he'd found her. They hadn't talked much, and by the time they reached the patrol's camp, Sara was already half asleep on the back of Jaron's horse.

Speaking of Jaron. She supposed he may be a friend, but she had only known him for, well, not even a whole day. Then again, it wasn't like she had many experiences with friends throughout her life. In the orphanage, she had always been a bit of a loner. When she moved out and into her adopted home, she was only friendly with the little boy. Ahal, she recalled his name, I hope he's safe. Bitterly, she doubted it. That woman had a wicked temper.

She heard the hustle of the camp as she approached. Returning to where she had slept, she tucked away a few of her things. She stood and looked around, trying to locate where the food was being served. Her stomach growled as her eyes landed on a large pot, stoking over a fire and surrounded by a few guards. She quickly walked over, eager to eat.

One of the guards looked up from their bowl and peered curiously at her. "You're that Sara girl, right? You're on your way back to the castle." He gestured to the pot, "Want some food?"

Sara nodded, "Yes please." She watched as the guard picked up a bowl, scooping whatever the mush was into the bowl. She assumed oats of some kind. "And it's Sar-a," she corrected and gratefully took the bowl.

"Huh?" the guard looked confused.

"My name. It's Sar-a. Like the word far? Or star? It's not Sair-a," she pointed to herself, "Sara."

The guard laughed weakly. "Oh, uh… right. Sara. My bad," he said.

"There you are! I thought I'd find you here," she heard a voice behind her call. When she turned, Jaron was smiling and giving a quick wave in her direction as he neared.

She lightly lifted the bowl she held, "Thanks for the food."

He shook his hand dismissively, "Plenty to go around, there no need to thank me. But, uh, I came to get you. Kassani and Amose, the other guard you haven't met yet, are ready in the tent," he pointed behind him towards tent that was much larger and distanced from the rest. "We're ready to go over the game plan."

Sara furrowed her brows, "Game plan?" she asked, confused.

Jaron looked at her as if she had sprouted a second head. "Uh, yeah. The game plan for us to take you to Katolis."

Sara sighed, "No I get that. But what do we need to discuss? I thought the game plan was just to go…" she turned and pointed southwest, "that direction."

Jaron shook his head, "No. It takes a bit more thought than just… moving in the right direction. Especially if we want to leave today." He turned and began walking towards the tent, Sara followed closely behind.

"Sure, I mean, if you want to complicate things," she huffed. "But to me, moving in the right direction seems like moving in the right direction."

"What about terrain? What about current roadblocks? Right now, these woods are dangerous so we can't travel through in such small numbers. We need to find the safest direction to the capitol, not just the rightdirection."

Sara grinned playfully, "What if we can outrun the bandits? I've always been pretty fast."

Jaron looked sideways at her in an unbelieving glance. "Considering I ran after you, caught upto you, and tackled you last night, I don't know how convincing that argument is."

Sara instantly frowned, "Hey! That doesn't count. I was exhausted and half-asleep! Had I been well rested, you would've never caught me."

They had reached the tent and Jaron pulled back the canvas to walk inside. "Yet another thing to consider while traveling," he began in a sing-song voice, watching as she ducked under the canvas after him. "Exhaustion," he finished flatly.

Before she could respond, Kassani spoke. "There you two are. Amose and I have been talking. We think we've come up with an easy route."

Sara turned her attention to the two guards standing over a table with a large map stretched across it. Kassani, the one who spoke, was already looking back at the map and tracing her finger over it. Sara turned her attention to the other guard, Amose, and prepared to introduce herself. Her eyes trailed up to his face. He had a dark complexion, pointy ears, and two horns emerging from his head—oh.

Sara's eyes met his and she could feel her cheeks heat up in embarrassment.

"Nice to see you again," Amose spoke evenly, but there was an amused sparkle behind his eyes.

"Oh, you two have met already?" Jaron asked as he approached the map.

Amose crossed his arms, continuing to look at Sara. "Not properly, no."

Sara looked away, approaching the others at a painstakingly slow pace. She glanced back up at Amose to see that he was still looking expectantly at her. Your name, you idiot! she berated herself. "Sara," she said quickly, extending her hand.

He took it. "Amose," he replied, shaking it.

"Sorry… about earlier," Sara cringed, reaching up to play with her ears again before stopping mid-gesture.

Amose shrugged. "Don't worry about it. Sorry if I upset you in return," he said while gesturing towards her ears.

"Eh…" Sara shrugged, unsure what else to say. She wondered if her face was as red as it felt. To say she felt a little awkward would be putting this situation very lightly. She hadn't meant to offend him; she was just truly surprised that halflings his age existed. Then again, questioning the plausibility of one's existence may feel a bit… insensitive.

Jaron peered between curiously them before shaking his head. "Okay, well, anyway. Amose is one of our most experienced guards," he said, casting Amose teasing smirk.

Amose turned to Jaron and frowned. "You do realize I'm only eight years older than you…"

"Which is why we've chosen you to join us. We could really use your experience," Jaron said.

Amose placed a hand to his chest, "You didn't chooseme, I volunteered to help—"

"So! What's the plan, Kass?" Jaron asked, changing the subject. Amose, though visibly annoyed, seemed to let it go.

Kassani obliged and pointed to a forest tucked between two mountain ranges. "We are here," she started, before dragging her finger down along a narrow valley that cut between the southernmost mountains. "We can travel through here and avoid the woods. Then, we'll reach this shore," her finger landed on the shoreline touching the inlet of water. "From there, we can get passage across the water and make our way smoothly to the capitol."

Jaron nodded, rubbing his chin in thought. "Will we be able to sail across quickly? That port town is pretty small. They don't often sail across the inlet."

Kassani hummed in thought. "If we're lucky, we'll be able to get a ride within a day or two. Otherwise, we may have to wait there for a week before anyone's willing to sail."

Amose gestured to the wooded area surrounding their current location. "It's better than going around and getting attacked by magical creatures or bandits."

"Good point," Jaron agreed, before grinning broadly. "See, there's that experience coming in handy already."

Amose rolled his eyes, "I'm beginning to regret volunteering for this."


The sun had risen in a beautiful display of oranges, pinks, and yellows. Now it sat perched in the sky, a warm glow against a deep blue. There were clouds on the horizon, but now, the weather was clear and refreshing.

Callum took a deep breath. Here, the world felt right. It felt big. It made his own worries and stress feel smaller. From the pinnacle of the spire, it was almost as if the entire world was whispering to him. As if the wind itself carried the lessons of the past, the truths of the present, and even the secrets hidden in the future. Ever since his connection to the Sky Arcanum all those years ago, he had felt connected to the wind, but here atop the highest place in all of Xadia, his connection felt stronger.

He closed his eyes, reflecting on their meeting with Queen Zubeia yesterday morning.

"There is darkness at play," Zubeia had said. "More than usual." Zym sat at her side, fidgeting, but staying silent.

"Here in Xadia, Your Majesty?" Rayla asked.

The Dragon Queen blinked slowly as she raised her head. "Here in Xadia and the human kingdoms as well. Ever since the war ended, there is a fear that has turned into something more. Into something evil," she spoke.

"Your Majesty, it's true the world is not used to its newly acquired peace," Ibis replied in consideration, "But I am unsure if that is a testament to evil or merely the realities of reconciliation."

Callum nodded. "Maybe both. The Pentarchy and Xadia are still healing, sure, but this feels different. Almost unnatural."

Zubeia hummed in agreement. She seemed to have thought carefully before speaking again. "I suspect dark magic."

Callum had felt a chill run down his spine at Zubeia words then, and he feels that same chill run down his back again. Dark magic, he thought. While there were others who practiced it, Callum had his suspicions as to who was behind this.

"Figured I'd find you up here," he heard Rayla's voice as she approached from behind. "I just finished checking up on our mounts." He turned around to find her smiling at him. Her eyes shone as they met his, but even in the dazzling morning light, he could see a weight behind them. Though, it should be expected. The meeting yesterday left everyone on a sour note.

"Hey," he said, stepping to the side and extending one of his arms. She walked up to him and wrapped an arm around his waist, nestling her head near his shoulder. His arm wrapped around her side as his hand found its way into hers. "Ready to leave?" he asked, his cheek lightly brushing one of her horns.

She hummed in thought. "Truthfully, I'm not looking forward to the rushed journey," she said in a sigh, "But Ezran needs us home quickly, especially after what we all discussed yesterday."

"We'll need to ride quickly," Callum agreed. "With some luck, we could get to Katolis in a little over a week."

He felt Rayla nod against him. They stood in silence for a few moments, taking in the view and breathing in the fresh air. Callum wasn't sure how much time had passed before he heard Rayla speak. "It's Viren again."

Callum wondered why he didn't freeze up at the name. For a brief moment, he wondered if he had grown numb to hearing it, but no, his blood boiled too much at the thought of him. He wasn't numb, he hated the man. He just no longer feared him. "It is," Callum agreed, frowning.

"That night… at the castle," Rayla began, referring to perhaps the worst night of their entire lives. The night Viren stormed the castle, and the last time they had seen their daughter.

Callum's shoulders stiffened at the memory. It was an illusion that, in a blind rage, they had both fallen for. By the time they had realized what was truly happening, he was already gone. And so was Saraiah. They knew it was only a matter of time before he'd come out hiding, and with the riots and raiding in both Xadia and the Pentarchy getting more and more dangerous, he knew Viren was getting ready to strike.

"He got away, then," he heard Rayla whisper lowly, feeling her hand tighten its grip. "But he won't this time," she resolved.


True to Jaron's word, they had left the patrol's camp that day. They had been riding for hours, and sun was already beginning to fall behind the surrounding mountains. As the cool, evening air blew through Sara's hair, she shivered and gripped tightly to her horse's reigns. Sweet Step, she recalled the mare's name.

Jaron had introduced them before they left camp. She was a willowy horse with long legs and a creamy coat. "Don't let her size intimidate you,"Jaron had said, reaching up to brush the mare's neck. "Sweetie's the most mild-tempered horse we've got, and she's great at going long distances, she's just doesn't like combat."

Though Sara didn't say it at the time, she was grateful he had given her such a calm horse. She's ridden a horse all of two times in her life, so she's not the most confident rider. Suddenly, Sweet Step's foot slipped on a rock causing Sara to jerk to the side. It was a small stumble and the mare easily recovered, but Sara's heart jumped while her knees glued themselves to the sides of the saddle. Relax, she told herself, knowing her horse must be annoyed at her nervousness.

She sighed and looked around. There were tall mountains on either side of them. Ahead, she made out a thin valley that likely led to the shoreline Kassani had mentioned earlier. If all went well, they'd reach the small port town by tomorrow afternoon. In front of her, Jaron stretched, scouting the area.

"Looking for a place to stop for the night?" Sara asked him.

He twisted to look at her, slowing his horse. "Yeah, I'd like to set up our beds and get a fire going before it gets too dark." He turned back around and gestured to their surroundings. "This place looks as good as any, don't you think?"

Sara noted how the woods had thinned out, leaving only a few trees along their path. It left plenty of space for their supplies. "Sure," she shrugged.

"Okay, it's settled then," Jaron nodded. "Let's set up here for the night, guys!" he called to the rest. Amose and Kassani, who were both riding behind Sara and Jaron, steered their horses off the trail and towards the softer grass. "Sara, you know how to get a fire going, right?" he asked her, jumping off his horse and guiding them both towards where Amose and Kassani went.

"Yeah, I can do that," she said.

"Great," he slowed them to a stop and began tying his horse to a tree.

Sara looked at the ground below her, wondering how to smoothly dismount. She imagined herself swinging her leg over the saddle and landing gracefully on the ground, but as soon as she tried to shift her weight to one foot, the stirrup swung to the side and she nervously gripped Sweet Step's neck to keep her balance.

She heard a low laughter at her side, and she turned to glare at Jaron. "Need help?" he asked.

"Pff, No," she said with a false confidence and tried again. Her right leg wobbled in the stirrup while she tried to slowly move her left leg over the saddle. Then, the saddle shifted along with her weight and she yelped before swinging herself the other direction to keep her balance. Rather than keeping her balance, however, she over corrected and began sliding off the horse. She closed her eyes tightly shut, preparing to fall and hit the ground. But before she fell off, she felt a firm hand grab her arm while another held her lower back.

"I think you do," she heard Jaron whisper playfully at her side before guiding her off the horse.

Sara's face heated in a blush she hoped he couldn't see. "I-I'm not great with horses," she mumbled under her breath, avoiding his gaze.

He laughed, "I can see that." He looked at her with an amused smile, "Hopefully you're better with fire," he said.

His face was still close to hers, and his hands still held her, one on her on her arm and the other on her back. When she locked eyes with him, her mind felt fuzzy. His eyes, a light icy blue, seemed so familiar. Like a distant memory that had buried itself over the years. She wondered if they'd met before… but that'd be impossible, wouldn't it?

Then, he shook his head and let go of her. "Uhh… the fire," he said, as if coming out of a trance. "Can you, uh, can you get firewood, too?"

"Um," she said, still feeling a bit confused. There's no possible way they had met before, but still. His eyes… She blinked, shaking herself out of her daze. "Yeah, I can get firewood. No problem."

"Cool," he gave her a thumbs-up and a tight smile before turning and walking towards Amose and Kassani. She frowned as she watched him walk away. How strange, she thought. Shrugging it off, she left to gather some kindling.

A few hours later, Sara laid awake in her cot, looking up at the sky. The fire she had (successfully) started still crackled nearby. The horses stood silently, though every so often she could hear them swish their tail or shake their heads. Above her, the moon shone in a brilliant white that lit up the starry sky. Suddenly, her life had changed so much. Not even a week ago she was living on a small farm with her adopted family, but now she was on a journey to the capitol of Katolis with people she had only just met. Within a day, her life was completely different. If she were being honest, it was a little frightening.

But the moon was the same. It warmed her, comforted her, just like it always had. Here, under its light, she felt safe.

Amose and Kassani had fallen asleep a few minutes ago, confirmed by their light snoring. Jaron, however, sat up against the rock he had positioned his blankets by. He was concentrating on shaving the bark of a stick with his knife.

Or so she thought.

"Can't sleep?" she heard him ask her.

She shuffled atop her cot to look at him. "Just thinking," she murmured. She glanced back up at the sky. "It's almost a full moon," she noted.

"It is. Scared of werewolves?" Jaron teased.

Sara rolled her eyes, "Ha ha," she said sarcastically, crossing her arms. "I just didn't know it was so close to being full."

He reclined against the rock he'd sat himself up against. "Yep, the moon's like that; always getting full then not full," he laughed as he slapped his own stomach, "I can relate!"

Sara giggled lightly at his antics, shaking her head as she turned her gaze back towards the starry sky. She had always felt a strange sort of peace wash over her under the light of the moon. It felt so… warm. Some nights at the orphanage, when the moon was at its fullest, she'd sneak out and stand under the night sky just to breathe in the air. She felt so alive in those moments.

Jaron must've noticed her contemplative stare because she could see him looking at her through the corner of her eye. "Does the full moon mean something to you or are you just a fan of astrology?" he finally asked, turning towards her and propping his head up from the rock with his hand. His tone was sarcastic, but it carried a sincere curiosity.

She really didn't feel like explaining herself. The last time she had ever told this to anyone was when she was twelve and all the girls in the orphanage were talking before bed. When she shared, they had laughed and called her a weirdo. Instead, she turned back to him, unamused. "Can't a girl just like the moon?" she replied.

"Can't a boy just ask a question?" he countered, grinning broadly.

She frowned, knowing he'd won. "Ugh," she huffed, uncrossing her arms and gesturing lamely at the sky. "I dunno, the moon just makes me feel at ease," she rushed in a defensive explanation.

Jaron looked up at the sky. "At ease?" he asked.

She felt her face heat up in embarrassment. He'd laugh at her for sure. "Like, you know how the sunlight can feel nice to sit under?" she explained, "The moonlight is kind of like that. Warm and fuzzy feeling."

Jaron snorted, "The moonlight feels warm to you?"

She looked at the ground, "I guess," she mumbled. It was hard to explain. It wasn't an external warmth, it felt more internal. But she saw no need in making herself seem like more of a freak than she already felt like.

"Huh," Jaron said after a while, shuffling against the rock, "Cool."

Sara quickly towards him, confused. "Cool?" she repeated, "Not 'weird' or 'stupid'?" she asked.

He looked incredulously at her, "Oh no, it's definitely weird. But it's not stupid. It's cool. It's good to feel connected to things, you know?"

Connected, Sara wondered. Perhaps that was a better word for it. She smiled softly at him, "I'll take that as a compliment."

He shrugged, "Sure. Or maybe take it as a sign that you're a werewolf."

Sara grit her teeth in annoyance, picking up a nearby rock and tossing it at him.

"Ouch! What the hell, woman!" he cried, cradling his shoulder.

"Oh, I don't know," she scoffed, lowering her voice in mocking tone, "Maybe take it as a sign that you're a jerk!"

He raised his hands in defense. "Listen, I just want to make sure I know everything about you. I need to know the facts. I don't want my myself or my patrol to get eaten in our sleep during a full moon," he said, feigning a worried tone.

She gave him a dead look before grabbing the nearby blanket and tossing it over herself. "You want the facts? Okay, here they are. You're an ass, and I'm going to bed," she said plainly before turning over and laying down with a huff.


Hope you enjoyed. This, as always, was fun to write. I've made up a map and I'm tracking where everyone's going so hopefully I can post that for people to see themselves and understand how paths overlap.

Let me know what you think!

-LovelySheree