Wow! Look at all the reviews! Thanks you guys =) Sorry I haven't updated in a while, life gets complicated sometimes… Well I hope you enjoy this new chapter!

Caravan Tale

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The following week had been the most uncomfortable time Lora had ever had with Tobias. He was continuing to sleep on the canopy of the wagon and had barely made eye contact with her. Lora was beginning to get very upset by his behavior; they had more important things to worry about like getting to Cedon and waiting for news from Alfitaria or Pora.

Tobias was loading up the back of the wagon for the day's travel when Lora appeared in front of him leaning against the wagon, "So you saw me naked."

Tobias looked up in shock with his face blushing, "No, no it was dark…." Lora crossed her arms and looked at him sternly waiting for the real answer. Tobias sighed, "Well, yes, mostly, but it was dark."

"See that wasn't so hard to admit. Now quit avoiding me. A caravan has to work together."

Tobias threw the last sack into the wagon, "Well I would like to see how you would act if you saw me in the same state."

Lora blushed and tried to erase the picture in her mind. Tobias smirked at her expression he had an inkling about what she was thinking. Lora just shook her head, "Go hitch up Helon; I'll let Mog know we're heading out."

Tobias began to whistle happily as he hitched Helon to the caravan. Things were going back to normal and he could relax a bit. It was nice that Lora wasn't upset at what had happened. Most girls would've given him a good slap. Except there was this one sensation he couldn't explain, and it wouldn't leave him alone no matter what. Tobias just shrugged it off; maybe he would write to Kima about it, if everything in Pora was alright.

Lora climbed into the wagon to look for Mog. She was trying to cool her face down as she looked; Tobias always knew how to push her buttons. She really wanted to get him at his worst for once. After a few minutes Lora exited the wagon with no luck finding Mog. Lora walked around towards the front of the wagon and found Mog sleeping in the driver's seat. Lora hopped up next to him and scratched his head. Mog blinked wearily a few times, "Kupo?"

"We're heading out Mog, you all set?"

Mog sat up and puffed out his chest, "A moogle is always ready, kupo!"

Tobias joined Mog on his other side with the reigns, "Everyone all set?"

Lora and Mog nodded in unison and Tobias cracked the whip, beginning another day of travel.

"You know there is something that still bothers me about that night." Lora said while munching on an apple.

"And what is that?" Tobias asked hoping it didn't have anything to do with his actions.

Lora finished her bite of apple, "There never were monsters there before. I honestly think now that all the happenings in Pora, Tida, and the rest of the world are connected."

Tobias nodded gravely, "Yes, but how and why are the questions we need to figure out. I wish we would hear from Kima or Sol Racht soon."

Lora sighed, "Yes, but letters take time and there is little patience when trouble is near."

She tossed her apple core out into the grassy field they were riding by. She really hoped everything in Cedon was alright.

Tobias changed the subject, "Well we'll be at the miasma stream sooner than I expected."

Lora felt a chill go up her spine, "Why did you have to bring that up?"

Tobias put his hand on her shoulder, "It will be alright. The crossing will be quick, just like last time."

"If you say so.", Lora said doubtfully.

Unfortunately for Lora crossing would not be so easy this time around…..

"Oi! Cedon Caravan!" Lora saw a clavat boy running towards her. Once he was a few yards away he stopped to catch his breath and Lora and Tobias met him the rest of the way. Lora looked at the boy's familiar clothing style, "You're from the Fum caravan. What are you doing way out here?"

He was still panting when he answered her, "Our caravan is right down the hill. We've been hoping for another caravan to come our way."

"Why? What do you need another caravan for?" Tobias asked since he and Lora were completely puzzled by this boy's distress.

"Oh you'll see, follow me." The boy began to head back to his caravan down the hill. Lora looked at Tobias, but all he did was shrug. So they ended up following him to the Fields of Fum caravan.

Once they arrived at the caravan a girl came up to greet them, "Oh, thank goodness! I thought it would be weeks before we would run into another caravan. My name is Lulie and the one who brought you here is Andy."

Lora was still baffled at why they needed another caravan, nothing was broken and they seemed to be doing fine, "So why do you need us? Most caravans would disregard Cedon as it is."

Another clavat who was stoking their fire stood up and walked over to Lora, "There are strange circumstance during these times. The name's Jake. I am the leader of this caravan." He held out a hand for Lora to shake and then to Tobias.

"My name is Lora and I am the leader of the Cedon caravan. This is Tobias and our moogle Mog."

Jake nodded, "You have met all but one in my caravan. Sheula is in the wagon, sick. Which is why we need your help. You will need ours as well if you intend to cross the miasma."

"What do you mean by that?" Tobias didn't like the sound of that.

"We'll show you. The stream is about a half day away from here. Come travel with us."

Tobias looked at Lora. Her face was solemn and her hands were trembling a little, but she was still standing strong. It was probably to save face in front of these caravanners. Lora nodded, "We shall accompany you, since we both are heading to the same destination."

Jake nodded, "Good then. Let us pack up and we'll be on our way."

*

Enter the Fum caravan, yay! Hmm I wonder what could be happening at the miasma stream, and why is Sheula sick???