Chapter Five: The Road to Marr's Pass

A bright sun lit the day, bringing color to the world. Grass, trees, and birds dominated the land. It was a paradise compared to the Miasma Stream the Tipan caravan had left only an hour earlier.

This beautiful day, however, failed to brighten the dark mood which had fallen over the Tipans. The majority of caravanners still stuck in groups, Kayan and Yuniel traveling as a pair and Iliana, Raku, and Vaterium walking together. But they were quiet, watching the wagon cautiously. Nalia was still unconscious in the bed while Firal rode silently at the front.

Tiya hid within the wagon.

Iliana stared at Firal, trying to read his emotions through the way he held himself. But, as always, it was impossible for her to figure him out. "What happened back there?" Iliana murmured loudly enough that Raku and Vaterium heard her. "Why would Firal say that to Tiya?"

"I've heard rumors," Raku replied slowly. "About Tiya and her family. Rumors spread to my family, even by my family. But we can't assume anything. Tiya's mother kept to herself and her kids." Raku turned his gaze from the road to Firal. "And rightfully so."

Iliana looked at Raku then. "What do you mean?"

Raku paused, staring back at Iliana. "There's a reason we never met before this year, Iliana. Why hardly any of the caravanners know each other. The races don't tend to mix due to their…differences."

Iliana frowned. "But…why? We're all people. We're all human." She glanced once more at Firal. "Why would he say something so cruel? He doesn't even know her."

Raku smiled. "You're a good person, Iliana." As she turned toward him, he looked away. "The same can't be said for much of the world. The world is a dangerous, prejudice place." His father's cautionary words of farewell echoed in his mind. "Orcs and goblins aren't the only monsters in this world."

The Clavat hesitated. After several seconds, she whispered, "You're a good person, too, Raku." Raku did not look at her. She paused once more before slowly placing a hand on his shoulder. When their eyes met, she said, "Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

He smiled. But she saw past the mask and saw the anger and sadness in his eyes.

Raku noticed her exploring eyes and quickly turned away. He watched the road, his smile vanishing at the thought of Marr's Pass appearing sometime soon on the horizon.

Iliana stared at him. She wanted to help him, but she didn't know what to do. She was afraid of making the wrong choice.

As she watched him, though, memories drifted through her mind of Nalia's words toward the male Selkie. Harmful words. Words that saddened her. I can't imagine what it's like for him, she thought. Every word must stick with him, tearing him apart, lessening his trust and hope in the world. Yet the Selkie somehow still smiled when he spoke to Iliana. He had hidden his agony to comfort her whenever Nalia spoke harshly to the Clavat. If he could help others despite his pain, then she had no right to sit back as he suffered.

Iliana's hand moved toward Raku, her fingers hesitantly slipping into his open palm. His hand was stiff and tense, and she felt him shudder as she touched him. She almost withdrew, sweating at the mistake she'd made, regretting the action that had taken all her will to initiate.

Raku's fingers moved. Though he was still rigid due to the anger and tension built within him, he squeezed Iliana's hand. He shook lightly as he held her hand, like a feral cat allowing itself to be petted for the first time.

Iliana sighed softly. As they walked, she smiled. Both she and Raku somewhat relaxed over the course of the next few hours, slowly losing their tension and fear as they walked hand-in-hand toward whatever awaited them in Marr's Pass.

Kayan watched Raku and Iliana walking together. At first, he constantly looked away, silently reprimanding himself for disrupting their privacy. As time progressed, however, he increasingly glanced in their direction, eyes fixed on the hands locked between the Clavat and Selkie.

Yuniel's helmet faced forward, but her eyes were turned toward him, watching the Clavat out of the corner of the vision her golden helmet allowed. After nearly an hour of observing his nervous actions, Yuniel spoke. "They're just friends, Kayan."

The Clavat jumped. He took a deep breath and looked at her. "I know that."

"She's comforting him in a hard time."

"I know!"

Turning her helmet toward her friend, Yuniel said, "Although that might not last long if you keep acting the way you are."

Kayan stopped trying to smooth the shirt beneath his armor. "What…what do you mean?"

"I know how you feel toward her, Kayan. I've known you my entire life; it wasn't hard to see your affection for her growing over these past few years."

Releasing a short, rushed sigh, Kayan glanced away from Yuniel. "She doesn't even know me."

"And she won't know you until you go talk to her."

Frowning, Kayan looked back sharply at the Yuke. "I've talked to her!"

"Once."

"For several hours!"

Yuniel raised her hand, silencing the Clavat. "You've only spoken with her once this entire week. It's going to take more than that if you want to get to know her. You're hardly more than acquaintances at this point." Kayan began to fidget, but he managed to keep eye contact with Yuniel this time. "Now, you mustn't rush things. But you certainly can't just sit back and hope she notices you. Start talking to her tonight, even if she's not alone. Being in her life is the first step to being part of it."

Kayan gave a small, nervous smile. "Sounds like you've been practicing this speech."

Yuniel did not return the smile. "I've been wanting to tell you this for a long time. I was just hoping you would have the courage and intelligence to realize it yourself."

The Clavat raised his eyebrows in surprise. His smile returned, however, when the Yuke softly laughed. "Guess you're more aware of my problems than I am." He glanced at Iliana before nodding to Yuniel. "I'll do what I can."

Yuniel returned the nod. "Good. Because you'll regret it if you don't."

Nalia's eyes opened slowly. The wagon bounced softly beneath her. Golden light illuminated the brown cloth walls around her; the sun must have been close to setting. Shadow columns blocked the sunlight, alerting Nalia they were within a thick forest. A blanket padded her head, yet she still felt the bump on the back of her skull stinging with every movement of the wagon.

Tiya was crying. The Selkie sat at the back of the vehicle, sobbing softly into her arms so nobody could hear. But Nalia knew the fetal position, the shaking shoulders, the buried face. She had been in the same state far too often to mistake it.

The Selkie looked at Nalia. She wiped her wet cheeks, straightened her back, and glared at the Lilty.

Nalia cringed. She did not notice the pain in her head nor the thirst nor the slight dizziness. She focused only on Tiya, for she recognized all too clearly the tremendous sadness that had violated her life these past few months. "Are you alright?" Nalia asked.

"What do you care?" Tiya spat. The Lilty's face hardly changed, but Tiya recognized confusion in it. "Don't you dare claim you didn't do anything. Your words to Raku were just as painful to me as they were to him."

Nalia did not reply for a long minute. Tiya glared at her the entire time, yet the Lilty grew neither scared nor angry. "I did not mean to hurt you. Those words were for Raku alone. He—"

"He's a Selkie! We're all 'damned Selkies!' I heard you talking to Iliana." Tiya scowled. "What's made you so sympathetic all of a sudden, Nalia? Is it the tears? The agony? Raku may not have shed tears, but he's suffering as much as I! Every Selkie suffers! He's just brave enough not to show it. Not like you. You're a coward, pointing fingers at strangers, accusing innocents for the deaths of your parents." Tiya stood, looking venomously down upon the Lilty. "Nobody is to blame for their deaths except the monsters who murdered them. So you shut your racist mouth, or I'll shut it for you."

The wagon came to a halt. Tiya shoved aside the curtains, leaving the vehicle without waiting for a response from Nalia. The Lilty did not follow, instead staring at the waving curtains.

As she exited the wagon, Tiya drew her racket. She untied the pad around it, revealing a blade bordering the entire right half of the paddle. She cut open the bandage on her left arm, letting the bloody cloth tumble to the ground. Her arm was not bleeding but also was not healed, the slice that ran almost to the bone exposed to the open air.

Firal hopped down after bringing the papaopamus to a halt, watching only the ground as he jumped.

Tiya approached Firal. Raku saw her and her exposed weapon. "Tiya, no!"

Hearing Raku's voice, Firal's head snapped up. Tiya's hand whipped out onto his throat, sliding between his helmet and breastplate. She slammed him into the ground and shoved her feet onto his gauntlets, preventing him from moving his hands or his spear. He made no sound, though his armor creaked beneath the Selkie's weight as he tried in vain to lift his arms. The Lilty kicked at Tiya's legs, but she did not budge.

"Tiya, don't do this!" Raku cried, standing several feet from her. The others approached but remained a fair distance away. Nalia exited the wagon and joined them, watching Tiya carefully.

The female Selkie ignored Raku. She lowered herself, keeping her feet planted on Firal's hands as she pressed the blade of her racket against his exposed neck. Pain flared through her lower arm, yet she continued to grasp the Lilty's throat. Her wound broke open from the strain being put on it, blood spilling down her arm and onto Firal. "You see what I can do," she seethed. "Nothing you do can stop me. Nothing!" She lowered her face so she could stare into Firal's eyes without being close enough for him to head-butt her. "Your words are few but cruel. I would gladly end them right now."

The Lilty was silent. He made no desperate sounds despite the powerful hand which suffocated him. His blue eyes remained fixed on Tiya's, his glare burning golden in the sun's dying light.

Tiya released his throat. Firal gasped in air but did not break eye contact. The Selkie pushed her racket down further. The weapon broke Firal's skin, his blood mixing with Tiya's. Staring at him with terrible hatred, Tiya whispered, "Do not ever insult my family again, or I will kill you."

The Selkie stood and walked away, cleaning and sheathing her racket as she did so. Raku did not hesitate before grabbing healing supplies and walking after her. Every caravanner watched Tiya go. Firal's eyes never left her as he stood and wiped her blood from his throat.

Movement returned to the caravan as the sun's light dimmed. Firal began collecting firewood. After some hesitation, the others did the same. Firal placed several pieces of wood together without speaking. When Yuniel produced a Fire spell and created a successful campfire, Firal walked away, grabbing water and food and hoisting his body atop the wagon. He watched the night but made sure to face the opposite direction from where Tiya had gone.

Iliana and Kayan sat beside the fire. Nalia glanced at them and at the fire, and then she departed, disappearing into the wagon. Vaterium began to join the Clavats, but Yuniel stopped him with a raised hand. "We should practice spell-making before it gets too dark," she said. Vaterium did not nod or even move, but Yuniel was accustomed to that. She walked into the forest, and Vaterium followed.

While he generally watched the fire, Kayan kept glancing at Iliana out of the corner of his eye. She stared at the fire. After a minute, she looked up toward the armored Lilty sitting atop the wagon, his black armor reflecting the firelight. "She almost killed him," Iliana murmured slowly.

Kayan was sweating at the thought of speaking to Iliana. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and looked at her. "But she didn't. She won't." When Iliana turned toward him, he sighed. "I don't know Tiya well, but she seems very self-controlled. She was never going to kill him; she was just taking matters into her own hands, ensuring Firal never tested her anger again."

"I don't know, Kayan. When she said she would gladly silence Firal…I think she really meant it."

"I know. She did. But she couldn't. She wouldn't. She hates Firal now, but she's strong. She knows we fight for something bigger than ourselves…and we have to push aside our personal problems if we are to protect our families."

"But…shouldn't we be a family?" Iliana sadly returned her gaze toward Firal. "There shouldn't be personal problems. None of it makes sense."

Kayan didn't know what to say for many seconds. Then he swallowed and said, "I don't know if the world will ever make sense. Miasma threatens to vanquish every human on the Earth, yet still the races divide and cause pointless conflict. My father warned me about the racism out there and the tensions in his caravan…but I never really believed it would appear in ours. I…I guess I just hoped our generation would be different."

Iliana looked at him with a small smile. "Perhaps we're just on our way. With leaders like you—leaders who believe in equality—I'm sure we can change."

Kayan nodded. She thinks of me as a leader, he thought with a smile. "And with good people like you. You're very righteous."

Frowning, Iliana replied, "I…I never knew the world was this way. I…well, I still can't believe it. Even after seeing Nalia, and the caravan from Marr's Pass. I just…I don't know."

"Your family raised you and your siblings well, Iliana." He paused. "Although I've never met your brother or sister. But I'm sure they must be as kind as you are."

Iliana smiled fondly. "They're the sweetest people I've ever met."

"Yeah? Tell me about them."

With a beautiful smile lighting her face, Iliana recalled memories of her two younger siblings. Kayan relaxed as he listened. He felt as comfortable and content as when he had first met Iliana; he wondered how he could have ever felt so anxious during the week in between.

Vaterium spoke in a whisper while crushing a purple, marble-sized Magicite in his hand. Feeling the magical stone shatter beneath his striped feathers, Vaterium threw forth his hands. Purple shards flew from the Yuke's fingers and exploded. Lightning burst from the pieces of Magicite, illuminating the night as the low sound of thunder shook Vaterium.

"Perfect," Yuniel said after the Thunder spell was complete. She handed him a second Thunder Magicite and drew a Stop Magicite for herself. "Now we will practice combining spells. Each of us will recite the words designed for a single spell according to our individual Magicites, but we must release our magic in the same area at the same time. Precise timing is needed. I will count: begin the incantation when I would normally say 'three.'"

Vaterium raised his hands without nodding or speaking. Yuniel prepared herself as well. "One. Two." The Yukes spoke simultaneously, though their words differed for their respective spells. Their fingers moved together, smashing the Magicite with timing in mind. Shattered Magicite left their hands, purple Thunder combining with white Stop.

Purple lightning bolts electrified the air. White light burst and wrapped itself around the lightning. As the purple bolts absorbed the white light, all that touched the lightning fell. Dead bugs tumbled quickly to the earth, and a living bat which sought those bugs fell rigidly to the ground, unable to move or rise as gray electricity coursed through its blood and made its body heavy.

Though Vaterium could not see it, Yuniel was smiling beneath her helmet. "Well done, Vaterium. You're a natural."

His hands now held together in front of him and resting against his body, Vaterium hesitated before bowing his helmet. "Thank you for your lessons. I…could never have done so alone."

Yuniel bowed her helmet in return. She continued to smile, proud of the quick rate at which she had taught Vaterium. Though they had practiced every night during the majority of the week, their lessons had been short due to the sleep they needed to walk all day.

Vaterium held his open palm upward for another Magicite. Yuniel instead handed him a water bag. "You won't want dry lips when you enunciate spells." The male Yuke silently took the water. He lifted his pointed, beak-like visor and drank. The face beneath his helmet was invisible in the darkness of night.

As Yuniel retrieved water for herself, Vaterium watched her. He said nothing as she drank, but she noted that he was rubbing his hands together. Just as he had when they first met. When she set down the bag and lifted the pouch, he murmured, "Yuniel…"

The female Yuke smiled."Yes, Vaterium?"

He did not speak for several seconds, continuing to move his hands over one another. "What…what was your father like?"

Yuniel's smile vanished. She lowered the pouch of Magicite in her hands.

Vaterium shook his head rapidly. "I'm sorry. Please excuse me." He turned away sharply, heading back toward the camp.

"Vaterium." The male Yuke halted and faced her. "Please come back." He hesitated. Then he stepped carefully forward. She sat, and he silently joined her. "I'm fine with speaking of my father. Proud, even. He was a great man. I was simply caught off guard." She paused. This was, after all, the first time Vaterium had spoken to her apart from the occasional question about magic. "Why ask me this?"

His feathered hands once more rubbing together, Vaterium began to rise. Yuniel caught his shaking hands with one of her own. "You don't have to tell me anything," she whispered. "But you can trust me. I will keep any secret you wish me to keep. You are safe here, Vaterium. Nobody is going to hurt you."

Vaterium watched her, his fingers trembling within hers. Then he returned to a sitting position, and she removed her hand. "I…I need to know."

"Know what?"

"If…if other fathers are better than mine."

Yuniel took a deep breath, choosing her words cautiously. "What has he done to you, Vaterium?" He looked away, his body now visibly shaking. "You can trust me."

"I don't want to talk about it."

"I understand." She paused. "Does your mother live with you?"

Vaterium hesitated before slowly shaking his head. "She died when I was very young. He says I was only two." His golden helmet faced Yuniel once more. "I think he killed her."

Yuniel gasped. Then she took another deep breath. She responded slowly. "Vaterium. I don't know your father. I can't know what he has or hasn't done. But…can you?" She paused. "Why would he kill someone he loved?"

"My father loves no one!" Vaterium hissed. Yuniel flinched. Vaterium shuddered and stood, nearly tripping over the log he had sat on as he backed away. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry." He spun away, almost running as he retreated into the night. Yuniel watched him go, sitting and thinking long after he had faded into darkness.

Raku hurried his pace when he and Tiya—who walked many yards in front of him—were so far from camp they could no longer see firelight through the surrounding trees. "Tiya," he called. She did not halt. "We'll leave the chalice's protection soon. Tiya!"

The female Selkie finally stopped, spinning around to glare at Raku. "I don't care! I'd rather face an eternity of miasma than spend another minute with those fucking Lilties!"

Slowing, Raku stepped carefully forward. "It's ok. They aren't here."

"Yes they are! They all are! There's no escaping this damned caravan now."

"Just a few more weeks. Then we'll have enough myrrh, and you can stay in Tipa."

She shook her head. "What, and endure the insults and scorn of the Lilties there? Nowhere is safe for us, Raku!"

He paused. "There's always Leuda."

Tiya's glare resided. Only then did she notice her entire body was shaking. She sat on the nearest log, allowing her weak legs to rest. "Leuda?"

Approaching slowly, Raku sat beside her. "The island is far, but the reward is great. By the end of the year, I should have enough money to pay for your passage."

Tiya blinked. "What?"

"I know how your family is doing. Your mother needs every gil to take care of your brothers and sisters."

Tiya paused, staring at the ground for a long minute. "I can't leave them," she murmured.

Raku stopped himself. He had almost said Tiya's family could manage themselves; the other kids were getting old enough to assist their mother around the house and mill. But labor wasn't all the family needed in their lives. He sighed and leaned forward, watching the forest grow darker as the dark-blue light on the horizon changed to black.

"Why would you help me?" Tiya whispered.

He did not look at her. "It just seemed like the right thing to do." Tiya did not reply. Raku waited before lifting the supplies he had brought with him. "We can't just bandage it this time. We'll be fighting monsters soon, and you can't let it rupture again."

Tiya hesitated only a moment before nodding. She lifted her naked arm, cringing but not flinching as he poured water over the wound and rubbed the blood away with a clean cloth. He paused with the needle in his hand. "Are you ready?" Again, she nodded. Raku took a deep breath and began stitching the deep cut in her arm.

While Raku closed her wound, Tiya did not move. She made not a single sound. But when Raku completed the job and looked at her, he saw tears running down her cheeks. "There we go," he said as he stored the items in his hands. "Just like new. Apart from the stitches. Don't worry: most men find scars attractive."

Tiya laughed, but it sounded far more like a sob. "Always the comedian," she murmured. Raku placed an arm around her shoulders. She hesitated in his embrace, almost pushing him away. After a minute, however, she leaned into him. Her head rested against his fur-covered shoulder, her silver hair falling lightly against his exposed chest. And she wept. He remained with the one arm around her, holding Tiya as her sobs sounded quietly among the silent trees.

Mist touched Raku's face. He woke with a groan, shivering at the chilly touch of dew and fog. He pulled Tiya closer to him, smiling as her warmth lessened the cold.

Raku's eyes snapped open. He and Tiya lay together on the grass, her body curled against him, his arms wrapped around her. Though they had fallen asleep in a similar position, Raku instinctively shrunk away, surprised when seeing Tiya before him. The male Selkie sat up, shuddering at the cold air which penetrated his skin. His fur clothes were warm, but they covered an unfortunately small amount of his body, leaving much of his arms, legs, and chest exposed.

Tiya's eyes dragged open. She smiled when seeing him. "Good morning."

He returned the smile. "Cold morning, rather. I'm off to fetch the blankets you so foolishly forgot."

She rolled her eyes and rose. "I guess I'd better go get them, if it is truly my fault."

"How am I supposed to win the race, then?"

Tiya became rigid, watching him carefully. Then she kicked at him. He dodged the attack and dashed away. She raced after him, saying, "No way I'm gonna lose this to you, pretty boy!" Both laughed as they moved swiftly through the trees.

Iliana awoke to the sound of laughter. Her open eyes immediately found the source. Raku and Tiya were exiting the wagon, each carrying a blanket. Raku shushed loudly, causing Tiya to giggle and punch him on the arm. He wrapped his blanket around her shoulders, and she threw hers at him in response. Both laughed quietly and disappeared into the forest.

An uncomfortable sensation ran through Iliana's entire body. She recognized it immediately as uncontrollable anxiety. The kind she experienced when Nalia yelled at her. The kind she felt when making the terrifying decision to grasp Raku's hand.

She shoved her face into her rough pillow. Stop it! she thought to herself. Why does seeing them stress you? Why should it matter? They're your friends, and they're friends, and it doesn't matter!

Yet Iliana felt no better. Her mouth dried and her head and chest ached and her fingers shook as she remembered holding Raku's hand and imagined Tiya and Raku smiling and laughing and enjoying each other's company far more than Raku must enjoy hers.

Stop it! She threw off her blanket and stood. She couldn't just lie there anymore; the confining blanket only made things worse. Stretching her limbs, Iliana walked about the camp but avoided heading in the direction of the Selkies. The morning mist felt good, filling her lungs with cold air. She convinced herself the movement and fresh air both calmed her. I'm alright. I'm alright. I'm alright.

Nalia watched Iliana from atop the wagon. The Clavat paced back and forth among the trees, subconsciously rubbing her hands through her long, brown hair. Nalia tensed whenever Iliana acted out of nervous habit and saddened when seeing the Clavat's stressed face.

After two long hours of observing Iliana's actions, Nalia saw the other caravanners rise. Raku and Tiya reemerged from the trees behind the wagon and assisted the others in packing. Vaterium drifted quietly from an unknown part of the forest and joined the effort. Yuniel saw Vaterium, searching for symptoms of any form. Fortunately, he acted normally, packing silently and efficiently.

Only Vaterium knew he had gained no sleep. He had spent the night weeping at the edge of the Crystal Chalice's sphere of protection, imagining what it would be like to step into the miasma and let it end his life as it had ended so many.

As the others were preparing the caravan, Nalia hopped down from the wagon's top and approached Iliana. The Clavat noticed her and looked as if she was about to flee. "I saw you didn't sleep well," Nalia said. "Will you join me in the wagon this morning?"

Iliana stared at the Lilty. Terror and anxiety dominated her tired eyes. But she eventually nodded. Nalia spun around and headed toward the vehicle, knowing the Clavat would follow. Iliana hesitated at the curtained entrance, but she too entered the wagon and sat as Firal guided the papaopamus into motion.

The two were quiet for a long while. Nalia was the first to speak. "I'm sorry for what I said to you the other day."

Iliana looked at Nalia with reddening eyes. She attempted to smile, gave a small nod, and glanced away.

Nalia sighed. Following another period of silence, she said, "Iliana." When their eyes met, Nalia whispered, "You are my best friend. You always have been. I should have never said such things to you. I'm sorry."

"Thank you." Iliana raised her hands and ran her fingers through her hair. "What…what about Raku?"

Anger blossomed within Nalia, spreading gradually through her. Her chest and stomach and head ached within. "What about him?"

Nalia was surprised to see her friend straighten her back, yet the Clavat nonetheless looked anxious and frightened due to her fidgeting and her rigid posture. "This was never about me, Nalia. You insulted Raku. And…and I expect you to apologize to him."

The Lilty tried to remain calm, but she could not help the glare which crept onto her face. "You are my friend, Iliana. But I will choose whether anyone else can have that honor."

Iliana shook. "Nobody will have that 'honor' if you continue to be so arrogant and selfish!"

Nalia stood, her gauntlets clenching into fists. Iliana did not retreat, glaring back at the Lilty. Their standoff lasted only moments, ending as Nalia shoved aside the curtains and exited the wagon.

Raku saw Nalia burst from the vehicle. He left Tiya, Yuniel, Vaterium, and Kayan and entered the wagon.

When he moved beyond the curtains and saw Iliana, he halted. She stared at him with red, watering eyes. Her entire body shook, her skin pale.

"Iliana…" he murmured.

Tears formed and fell as she spoke. "Go away. Just go away."

Raku stayed where he was for several seconds. Then he slowly lowered himself to the bench, placing himself in the corner farthest from Iliana.

Iliana rubbed her eyes, but her vision was still blurry when she looked at the Selkie. "What are you doing?"

"I don't know. I'm sorry. But…I can't leave. I can't let you suffer." They continued to stare at each other, Iliana constantly sniffing and wiping her tears as quickly as she shed them. "I will go if you ask again. But please let me stay. Please let me help you. We all suffer. You don't have to suffer alone."

Her red face stared back at his, her body shuddering with each breath she took. When he had lost all hope, she finally nodded. "Stay," she requested quietly.

Raku stood and sat slowly beside Iliana. She shrunk away as he approached. He ceased his movements and waited, terrified of scaring her. But when he had merely raised his arms, she moved forward and slipped her arms under his. They embraced as one, each clinging tightly to the other. She wept into his chest as he rested his cheek upon the top of her head.

When Iliana ceased crying after many minutes, they did not part. Neither spoke; the two simply held each other as the wagon exited the trees, passed the road leading west toward Mushroom Forest, and continued rolling north.

Marr's Pass appeared on the horizon in the late afternoon. A massive Crystal was the first thing the Tipans saw. The town was built around the three roads which intersected in the center of the village. The thirty-foot Crystal towered over the village, its blue light purging miasma from the air.

When seeing the shining crystal, Kayan entered the wagon. Raku and Iliana slept on its floor, arms around one another. Kayan grimaced. "Raku." The Selkie awoke and looked at him. "We're here." Kayan said no more, leaving the vehicle as quickly as he could.

Raku groaned and let his head fall to the wooden boards beneath. He looked at Iliana's sleeping face. Only now did she look at peace. She must be having the hardest time, he thought.

Her eyes opened a couple feet from his. Unlike with Tiya, Raku did not jump away; he stayed with Iliana, holding eye contact as she smiled at him. "Hi," she whispered.

"Are you alright?"

She hesitated before nodding. "Yeah. I feel much better. Thank you."

"Good." He paused. "I didn't want to ask before, and don't feel like you have to answer now. But…what happened? What did Nalia do to you?"

Iliana stiffened within his arms. He drew away from her, preparing to rise. "I'm sorry," he rushed. "We don't have to talk about it."

"No," she said, causing him to cease his actions. "It's ok." She pressed her fingers lightly against his palm, and he gently interlaced his fingers with hers. She looked from their locked hands to his eyes. "She apologized for what she said to me. I told her it was not I who deserved an apology."

Raku tensed when realizing her meaning. "You don't have to defend me," he murmured. "You shouldn't sacrifice your friendship for me."

She shook her head, her beautiful, brown hair falling across her face. "I'm not sacrificing it. It's not a trade. If she can't apologize to you…if she continues acting as she has…then I don't think that's a friendship I want to keep."

Within her eyes were uncertainty and sadness. But there was no fear. And Raku saw far more confidence in her than he had ever seen before. Tightly gripping her hands, he said, "We're almost to Marr's Pass. I'll have to get a new weapon."

"I'm coming with you."

"Are you sure? The town might be worse than the caravan."

She paused, but she did not hesitate this time. "Of course. Someone has to defend you."

Both smiled. "You don't think my wit and charm can protect me?"

"What wit and charm?" Raku made an exaggerated gasp, placing his hand over his mouth. Iliana giggled, her brown eyes temporarily possessing mirth. When her laughs subsided, however, her joy was once again replaced by the sadness which had become her constant companion. "I hope they're different," she murmured. "I just…I just hope they're good people."

Raku released her hands and hugged her. She returned the embrace, her hair brushing against his cheek. Then they separated and rose, departing the wagon together.

The Tipan caravan moved slowly through Marr's Pass. A handful of Lilties and a couple of Clavats populated the village. Seeing two races gave Iliana hope. She tensed, however, when noticing the details. The Clavats stood before a single house west of the Crystal while several buildings housed the Lilties on the eastern side of the Crystal. No members of either race crossed into the territory of the opposite race.

When the caravan reached the T-shaped intersection, a male Lilty approached. He nodded to Firal but refused to look at the others. "Welcome, caravanner. Never seen your face before."

"We come from Tipa," Firal said.

"Ah. That explains it." The Lilty glanced briefly at the other Tipans. Iliana did not fail to see the contempt in his eyes when he looked at her. Turning back to Firal, the Lilty said, "We have plenty of food, weapons, and armor if you need any. But tell your…companions…to stay in the wagon."

Raku stepped forward then. The Lilty glared up at him, obviously displeased by both the presence and height of the Selkie. "We have come to buy a racket. I'd be happy to see what you have to offer."

The Lilty spat at Raku's sandals and hit the exposed top of his foot. "We don't do business with your kind." Looking at Firal, he said, "The Clavat makes rackets. Don't expect it to remain intact." He strutted away, not even glancing at the rest of the caravan as he left.

Raku turned away just as quickly, refusing to clean the Lilty's saliva from his foot. Iliana, Tiya, Kayan, Yuniel, and Vaterium all accompanied him. Nalia remained behind the wagon while Firal sat in the driver's seat. Both watched the Lilties of Marr's Pass but remained where they were.

To the side of the Clavat house was a small forge. A man exited the building with a smile. "Good afternoon to you!" The Clavat man nodded to Raku. "I see you lack a weapon, good sir. I've got several unused rackets of varying weights and sizes, if that's what you're looking for."

The Selkie nodded while drawing a hand-made wallet from his pocket. "Sounds like you're the smith for me."

As Raku browsed the smith's wares, Iliana glanced toward the house. A female Clavat watched them without facial expression from a small porch. Behind the front window of the house, Iliana saw a little girl peeking out at them. Iliana smiled and waved. The girl only stared at her.

Raku selected a weapon as quickly as he could. After testing a racket whose front edge was lined with short, sharp spikes, Raku tied a semi-circular sheath around the top half of the racket, paid the smith, and walked away. "Come again," the man said with a friendly wave. Only Iliana waved back.

The caravanners returned to the wagon. Firal silently kicked the papaopamus into motion, turning the wagon down the eastern road.

As the Tipans passed, the Lilty who had met them earlier approached. He glared at the Yukes, Clavats, and Selkies who were grouped together behind the wagon. "I thought I told you scum to keep your ugly faces in the wagon."

Kayan, Iliana, Yuniel, and Vaterium all hesitated, glancing nervously at the Lilty. Raku, however, continued forward while staring straight ahead. The Clavats and Yukes wordlessly followed him, trying to avoid eye contact with the glowering Lilty. Tiya did not. "I would ask you to help me up," she said slowly, "but I wouldn't want to embarrass you in front of your friends. A tiny thing like you would have trouble lifting anything apart from the cute little leaves on your head."

The Lilty growled. "Someone ought to teach you a lesson, Selkie."

Tiya was about to respond with an insult when Raku stepped between the two. He faced Tiya, his back turned toward the Lilty. "Tiya," he whispered. "Don't."

She glared at him. Then she spun away and marched after the caravan. Raku did not look back as he followed her, though he could feel the eyes of every Lilty watching him as he left.