Oh my goodness! I am SO SORRY about not updating in almost 3 months. Things have been changing and I need to finish updating this story before I leave for a year in August... so I'll try and remember more.
Again, really sorry. I'll try and update within the next few days but if all else fails it'll be a few weeks, not months.
And this update is kind of short too so... I'll try and remember within the days, not weeks. So sorry. Enjoy anyways!
The next morning, Murtagh stirred before sunrise. He looked at the tent top above him and thought about whether he should get moving so early. Shrugging to himself, he sat up, stretched, and got out of bed. Sluggishly, he crossed the room in the tent and changed. He grabbed something from the top of the saddle bags and managed to squeeze it into his pocket. He then grabbed the saddle bags he had packed the night before and left the tent. Walking down the long series of paths, Murtagh made his way to the castle and into the kitchen. Being given a pouch of food that could last him for the day, he left and went towards the Dragonhold behind the castle.
Thorn, get up, Murtagh said to his dragon as he stepped into the building. He couldn't even see where Thorn was.
It is not light... Thorn groaned.
The earlier we leave, the better.
I suppose...
A rustling noise echoed around the stone walls and Thorn's head popped up. He made his way over and around Kazryth and Saphira, and walked through the now-ajar opening. Once entirely out, he stretched out his neck, tail, and legs.
Can I hunt for breakfast first? Thorn asked as Murtagh exited the threshold.
Go ahead, but don't take too long.
Thankfully the neighbouring animals are not as intelligent as they are elsewhere. The Surdan heat must affect their intelligence...
Thorn took off lazily and seemed to float away. Murtagh placed the bags that had been slung over his shoulder on the floor of the inside of the building, and headed back to the camp. Walking through the trodden paths, he turned into one of the tents and looked around momentarily. Going to his left, he pushed through a curtain and found barred beds called cribs spaced out in the room, and saw his two infants silently sleeping. He headed for the nearest crib and looked down into it; inside was Aryana. She lay on her back while her head fell away from him and towards the canvas that stood between the room and the outdoors.
Reaching into his pocket, Murtagh pulled out a thin baby blanket. He had kept it with him for as long as he could remember because it was the only thing he had left to remember the times his mother was around. Looking down at the sleeping baby, he laid it overtop of Aryana and saw her tiny hand grab a section of it. Murtagh smiled faintly, and headed to the other side of the room to the other crib. Reagan slept peacefully, his eyes looking towards his sister's crib, almost as if he was watching out for her. As soon as Murtagh stopped by the crib, Reagan's eyes flickered open. He made a little 'uh?' noise. He then flopped his head so he looked up at his father with raised his arms and an arched back. Murtagh chuckled lightly and put his right hand into the crib. Before he could put his hand on his son, Reagan grabbed his finger, the only thing his small hands could get around.
Where are you? Thorn's curious voice asked.
Saying goodbye. I'll be there in a few moments.
"Ah," Reagan's small, whimpering voice broke into the dark as he attempted to say 'Da'.
Murtagh smiled and put his hand on Reagan's side. A blue light came out of his hand, and Reagan was deep asleep once more, his grip on Murtagh's finger loosening slightly. Carefully and lightly, Murtagh got his finger out of Reagan's grip, and left the tent swiftly, stopping momentarily to take in Darcie's sleeping form, knowing he wouldn't see her face for months. He walked quickly down the paths as first light started to break the darkness. He found Thorn waiting by the city's gates.
You left your supplies behind Thorn said. Before Murtagh could swear, the dragon carefully dropped the bags from his claw. Murtagh picked it up and got onto Thorn's back. As soon as he and the bag were secure, Thorn flew off and over the city's gates and flew towards the horizon.