Author: ILoveIcees, Posted: Fri Dec 1, 2017 9:32 PM, Post Subject: Future and Past [P]

"That's perfect!" Wen responded, her eyes glittering as Randal described his old home. Her grin widened as she took in the area he showed her in the book, but just as quickly he shut it and rushed to get to sleep. A worried expression crossed her face. Although she wanted to know what had happened to him, she figured that now was not the time to discuss his past. The mage would bring it up when he felt comfortable, so Elowen was okay with being kept in the dark for a while longer. "Right. Big day tomorrow, what with visiting a goddess and all," she agreed, stretching before wrapping herself up in the blankets.

Briefly, she considered how she had never had the luxury of a bed back in Laeto; Wen only had the forest floor to rest her head on. The softness was a welcome change and just one of the many reasons she wanted to remain away from her birthplace for a while. Smiling warmly, the Dryad wrapped her arms around the mage like a pillow and drifted off to sleep.

Author: Randal_Wraith, Posted: Fri Dec 1, 2017 3:39 PM, Post Subject: Future and Past [P]

"Adeluna is where I grew up so I could always visit the Academy or some people I know while your off doing your own thing" he smiled before kissing her hand softly "Just be careful with Umbral Depths, Edgest as more than once mentioned how the concentration of Wraith Energy is higher there than in most places in Canelux" he sat up walking over to a pitcher pouring himself some water before tapping his finger on his chin "Actually thinking about it my parents use to own a house there, I sold all the furinture but could never bring myself to sell the house after they died we could use that to meet up after our little adventures, plus us spiltting up would make it easier to find infomation".

Sitting back down next to her, Randal slowly slid the book out of her grasp and flicked to a page of the Middle City showing a map of the estates and markets "Right here" he pointed just next to the large park with a smile "I use to play in that park when I was younger, back when I was more worried about having fun than learning about magic" the memories brought happiness but pain as well thinking about his life before being whisked off to an orphanage and the Mage's Academy, he shut the book quickly before sliding under the covers of the bed "We should get some rest if we want to catch the boat out of her?"

Author: ILoveIcees, Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2017 3:52 PM, Post Subject: Future and Past [P]

Elowen chuckled a bit when he mentioned the other Dryads and even thought the suggestion was so funny that she snorted. Covering her mouth, she cleared her throat and sat next to Randal on the bed. "I spent nineteen years of my life in that forest. Now that know what the rest of the world is like, I do not intend to return for some time," she explained, removing her cloak. "Someday I will introduce you to my people, I promise. But, for now, let's choose somewhere exciting." Her face lit up, and she flashed the mage a bright smile.

"What about Adeluna?" she suggested, captivated by the thought. "I've never been, of course, but I hear it is lovely and full of adventure." Enthusiastically, Wen bent down and began rummaging through Randal's bag, removing one of his books on Adeluna. "Here," she said as she shoved the book into his hands. Pointing to a map of the kingdom, she began rambling off things they could do. "Obviously there's Adeluna city, but there are also a bunch of ports around plus some ruins. And there's no telling what lies in these places." Her finger gestured to a dot marked Umbral Depths. The hunger for adventure was evident in her tone of voice. "And– don't take this the wrong way, please–it would give me a chance to do things on my own, you know?"

Author: Randal_Wraith, Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2017 1:36 PM, Post Subject: Future and Past [P]

The young mage nodded lightly "Ive never asked but of course thats what he wants I mean its his family and by the deities, of course, he wants to see them" as he slid his hand down slowly cupping her hand against the frostbite with a small wince he looked at her, "You have that look you had back with the dragon, Ive had worse frostbite Wen its okay that you cant heal it right now" he smiled weakly before dropping into a comfortable silence rubbing a thumb agaisnt the back of her hand.

Listening to her his frown slowly forming a smile waiting for her to look up until stroking her cheek with his spare hand "Of course I want that, Elowen I… I love you" the young man leant down kissing her lightly running a hand through her hair "After we see Angela, will the other Dryads be okay with me? I mean if they mean a lot to you, of course, I would want to see them too" kissing her forehead he went back to laying down watching the ceiling with a smile for the first time in a long time it felt like his life had a weird balance of sorts.

Author: ILoveIcees, Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 6:23 PM, Post Subject: Future and Past [P]

With a worried expression, Elowen took some time to gather her thoughts. Clearly, Randal's condition was worse than she had initially thought, and it was imperative for him to find out if Angela could do something about it. Although, it would seem, the mage did not want to do anything about it. "Is this what Edgest wants?" If the Wraith wanted his freedom, she felt that, despite his reservations, it was Randal's duty to respect the wishes of the dead. That would make sense; the man deserved to be able to see his family. Crossing the room, Wen enveloped the mage in a warm hug, softly tracing the bits of frostbite with a frown. Unfortunately, there was no plant life inside the cosy room, otherwise she probably could have healed him.

"You do not have to be alone," she whispered into his chest. Perhaps their journeys would lead them in separate directions. Or maybe they would stay together a bit longer. "We could continue to travel together. Or maybe we could settle down? With a house and all that." She pulled away, making sure that he was okay with her suggestions. "We may not always have the same journey, and we may part for some time, but… at least we would have somewhere to return to. Someone to return to." Smiling softly, she cupped his face. "But we can figure out the details after we've been to see Mother Gaia."

Author: Randal_Wraith, Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 4:14 PM, Post Subject: Future and Past [P]

Randal gave a small smile to the Innkeeper before fooling the Dryad upstairs in an uncomfortable silence before finally reaching the room Randal took his robe off wincing slightly at the frostburn cover his lower torso, an unfortunate side effect of using Edgest's mana normally harmless such as the frost but in large amounts could easily become frostbite. Looking over at Wen he frowned before whispering "I understand if you want to leave now… I mean I'm just a mage who's too weak to control himself" he ran his hand through his hair before walking to the window seeing the volcano in the distance, "I never told you why Edgest wants to see Angela did I?" he breathed in knowing his wraith would not be happy with him, "There's another Wraith out there a lot like Edgest, but this one after struggling with its partner corrupted them and turned them into a corrupted form of demonic possession, that is the only known way a Wraith and Mortal being can be seprated if the host dies or the corrupted possesion" he rubbed his eyes, "Edgest wants to see if Angela cant grant him the freedom to move on to the afterlife and be with his family".

He put the tea pot onto the small flame letting it get to a boil before adding some leaves of all colours his hands shaking violently, "And that scares me, its been three years since I became his host and Ive grown used to having him there and if he gets his wish, would I be scared of he silence in my head, waking up in the middle of the night alone" he took a deep breath "Elowen Im scared of being alone again" his face looked pained as he looked at her fully knowing he had shown too much weakness for his own good and now she was defiantly going to leave him.

Author: ILoveIcees, Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 2:03 PM, Post Subject: Future and Past [P]

Standing up, the Dryad watched as the steam from the hot springs slowly melted the frost Randal had caused. She looked pitifully at the fallen knights and approached where her cloak rested on the ground. Her bag was attached to the inside, and Wen rummaged through it for a few moments before her hand emerged with a flask of mana potion that she had made. "Then this will restore them," she explained, pulling her cloak around her and crawling over to where they lay. "But don't worry; they will not wake up right away." As she administered the potion, the color returned to each man's face.

Once that was over and done with, Elowen walked towards Randal and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Perhaps both are partially to blame. But in this case, I feel your actions are just," Wen stated thoughtfully. Reaching down, she squeezed his hand with a small smile and began leading him back down the worn path toward town. They made it back to the inn without trouble, though the innkeeper looked confused upon seeing them return. "Back so soon, loves?" Wen just rubbed the back of her neck with a shrug, causing the woman to chuckle while they walked upstairs. 

Author: Randal_Wraith, Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 1:13 PM, Post Subject: Future and Past [P]

He let out a sigh of relief before nodding with a frown "however I may have used his mana up rather quickly so he's in some sort of hibernation" he slumped on the ground breathing heavily watching his breath float out due to the cold be carefully stroking her patch of hair where the man pulled her by carefully scanning the large area where tendrils of frost still coat the walls and floor, "No their still breathing" he nodded towards the small puffs of breath leaving their mouths before turning back "I couldnt think of another way to do it, so I let my anger take its toll, Im sorry" he glanced back at her with a small frown did she think he was a monster hurting to other humans so easily without hestitation.

He stood up allowing a hand to be held down to the Dryad with a sad smile "We should leave before the guards come to investigate" he looked at the sky taking in a breath of the cold this was what he had chosen when he first found Edgest, a life of danger with powers most people dread to have, looking back at the unconcious men he let out a small sigh and simply muttered "If your hand was the one that did the deed, is it fair to blame the one that forced your hand?" before sliding back on his robe to try and recieve a small amount of protection from the cold.

Author: ILoveIcees, Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2017 6:13 PM, Post Subject: Future and Past [P]

Staring in shock at Randal's actions, Elowen was sufficiently surprised when the man holding her let her drop onto the cold ground. Carefully, she sat up, rubbing her head where her hair had been pulled. "Yes, yes, I'm okay," she assured Randal, placing her hand over his. Her eyes drifted over to the fallen knights, watching them to see what damage the mage had done. "I see Edgest is back…" The Dryad observed their surroundings cautiously, wondering where the ghost was or if he was even still there. Eventually, her eyes once again landed on the two men crumpled on the ground.

"Are they…?" she asked fearfully, hoping they had simply been incapacitated. True, they were ruffians who needed to be taught their place, but surely Randal would not kill them. Not intentionally, anyways. Though Elowen trusted the mage in this aspect, she still felt the need to ask, and her eyes searched his face for confirmation as they sat on the frosted ground. "They are not dead, right?"

Author: Randal_Wraith, Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2017 5:53 PM, Post Subject: Future and Past [P]

Randal smiled leaning against her as he heard the yelp seeing the knight talk all cocky like he had won annoyed the young mage but a thing that tips him over the edge is how they were holding Wen when the beast of the man rose his sword Randal simply replied "I'm Sorry" the knight smirked in victory "Giving up already on her, pffft weak" the young mage looked into the mans eyes with eyes blue as ice as the area seemed to grow colder even if the springs were still steaming frost covered the floor around his feet as a spectral image appeared over his body, "He meant to you" the coarse voice of Edgest seemed to speak out "And too me, I was enjoying my day off" when the stone wall covered in frost shot up to jam the sword into its hard defence Villagers who stood gawking decided for the best to run out leaving the mage and the three ruffians "Now let her go, Before I hurt someone".

The Knight seemed to take the threat lightly as the Mage's wall collapsed and the ghostly wraith seemed to start slowly walking towards him "look at this illusion its almost too funny" even without his staff the spell seemed to easily form around his hand as an arrow floated in front of it firing out hitting the one lackey through the foot who wasn't holding Wen, pinning him to the ground as Randal continued his approach to the Knight the outer shell of Edgest smiling at the knight as Randals hand grew closer to his face "Bow to me!" as soon as it made contact the hissing of skin could be heard as the mage used the spell from the rainforest with much more power watching the frost creep up the knights face and his eyes roll up into the back of his head collapsing with a frostbitten mark over half his face. with the assault on the two men done the last decided to value his life and drop the dryad roughly against the freezing floor allowing Edgest to slowly fade from the realm and appear beside Randal "Go to her, make sure she is not harmed" he did not sound pleased but allowed it anyway as Randal ran up to Wen stroking her cheek with the back of his hand still slightly frosted he looked at her his eyes more brightly blue than before, "Are you okay, please be okay please!".

Author: ILoveIcees, Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2017 5:30 PM, Post Subject: Future and Past [P]

Smiling contently, Elowen pressed closer to him so that their noses touched. "Ah, no wonder you did it then," she mused, squeezing his hand gently. A kiss, that's what it was called. She nodded in understanding. That other phrase he used, though, was unfamiliar to her, but the Dryad could guess what it meant. "In the forest, my people do not experience love. At least, not the romantic kind. The most we feel is our deep attachment to each other and our home." Reaching up, she cupped his face in her hands. "So I'm glad I left and found you," Wen whispered, leaning in slightly.

Suddenly, someone yanked her out of the water by her hair, causing her to yelp. Her eyes darted around and saw the knight from earlier along with two others. The familiar one had a sword drawn and pointed at Randal, while one of the others kept a grip on Elowen. "Randal!" she yelped, fearing for his safety. "If you're too good for me, I'm sure someone back home's in need of a wench~" he threatened maliciously, before turning his attention to the mage. "No need for scrawny little boys, I'm afraid." Wen watched fearfully as he raised his sword, preparing to attack. "No!"

Author: Randal_Wraith, Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2017 5:02 PM, Post Subject: Future and Past [P]

His eyes widen in shock as he looked into her eyes, did she know what this meant, how he felt about her? Randal shook his head to clear his mind of doubt as he reached his hand up to her cheek again running a thumb across Wen's bottom lip, "Wen, I…I care for you a lot" he paused taking a deep breath perhaps it was the heat from the springs giving him delusions or the herb he had eaten on the way her was a mind-altering drug but before he could pinpoint the cause he was already moving towards the dryad before wrapping an arm around her and kissing her once again smiling into the embrace in the last couple of weeks he had grown very close to the Dryad not because of her looks or logics but because he had deeply fallen for her goodness, pulling back from the kiss he rests his forehead against hers, "I should had explained what this meant before doing it, but a kiss is something special between two people" he finished his explanation with him tucking her wet hair away from her eyes still looking into her golden eyes almost entrahlled with them.

But now that she knew the meaning would she retreat, would she seal herself  away and run off to find Angela alone without him, almost looking something to anchor them both down he quickly lead to her hand entwining his fingers with hers with the smallest smile he whispers without thinking, which is unlike the young mage to do, and with a lot of hesitation "I think I've fallen for you, Wen"

Author: ILoveIcees, Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2017 4:32 PM, Post Subject: Future and Past [P]

The thought occurred to her that she had never truly worried about personal space with Randal. Absentmindedly, the Dryad wondered if Serci would disapprove of them, though it was becoming increasingly clear to her that the idea of "personal space" varied from person to person. With the mage it was nearly nonexistent, for example. A small smile formed on her face, and she hummed happily when he said he would not leave her. She raised an eyebrow when he shifted next to her, but her mind had no time to process the action because he just as quickly brought their faces together.

When their lips touched, Elowen jolted, unsure of what Randal was doing or how to react. But then she relaxed, letting herself naturally react to the sensation. And then it was over. His absence was shocking and caused her eyes to flutter open. Had she done something wrong? No, he was the one who apparently thought he'd done something wrong.  Wen looked to where he had shrunken into a ball, apologizing profusely. "Don't be sorry," she breathed, staring at him with widened golden eyes. Nearing him once more, she let her face hover close to his. "I have no idea what just happened, but do it again." As she stared him intently in the eyes, she curiously searched to figure out what he was thinking.

Author: Randal_Wraith, Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2017 3:47 PM, Post Subject: Future and Past [P]

Wen's response made him smile under the water her judge in character seemed to always been right even if he did think she over did his attributes and when her head came to rest on his shoulder the tight feeling in his chest came back was it out of fear that she may leave him but when she finally came to answering his question the tightness grew to almost unbearable she wanted to stay with him even with Edgest looking at his reflection of his slightly dull blue eyes, when he was first born he had brown eyes but due to Edgest's mana it had started to change quickly and with that he cup Wen's cheek softly lifting her face looking into her goldren eyes with a smile "Of course Ill stay with you Elowen" his next action surprised even him as he slowly grew closer to the Dryad kissing her genetly for the next few seconds he didnt care that there were vistors or even that the pain in his chest was gone his sole foucus was on her.

Until he opened his eyes and realised what he had done shuffling near to the other side of the small pool "I'm truly sorry, I don't know what came over me, there was a pain in my chest since that Fratis clan member flattered you and it kept getting worse and all these feelings" he rambled on stressfully worried she would think worse of him and end up leaving him alone in the spring glancing round see everyone stare at him he shrunk a little almost whispering "I'm sorry…".

Author: ILoveIcees, Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2017 3:16 PM, Post Subject: Future and Past [P]

Elowen swam over and sat in the shallow water next to Randal, absently tugging on a lock of her green hair. "Well, I was actually think–" Her response was interrupted by the bold knight approaching them. He was clearly very arrogant and expected Wen to be impressed, but even though she was quite naive, she knew that she did not like that kind of person. Especially not after he insulted Randal like that. Narrowing her eyes in distaste, she coldly answered, "No thank you. My friend may not have your strength, but at least he knows how to be kind and respectful."

The man scowled, but left them alone after she rejected him. She'd had just about enough of people insulting the mage. Despite his oddities, he was a genuinely kind person, and she was lucky to have met him. Smoothing back her hair, she let out a sigh. "As I was saying…" Wen finally continued. "After we visit her, I was thinking… I mean, I know you and Edgest will be on your own journey afterwards, but maybe we could…" Her voice trailed off. She did not really know what she was asking for. Letting her head fall onto his shoulder, she looked over the rising steam and shimmering pools for a while before whispering, "Stay with me."

Author: Randal_Wraith, Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2017 2:39 PM, Post Subject: Future and Past [P]

He let out a quiet sigh before nodding with a small smile "Of course I mean what else can you get tangled up in there" he chuckled "I'm sure I can find a use for it" he quickly took it placing it in a small glass vial in his rucksack nodding to himself that what he thinks could be a reality could never happen he then allowed himself to be pulled along to the amazing pools of hot water as he watched the steam billow around it nodding at her comment with a grin "It really is".

Raising his hand up in apology to the other visitors mouthing sorry their general direction he quickly disrobed and slipped into the hot water with a sigh, "I can't remember the last I had a proper bath, It's like my muscles are jelly" he then frowned to the water seeing his reflection and causing him to rub his chin in deep thought wondering what the Dryad will decide to do after reaching Angela, in fact he did already know that Wen would leave him and even Edgest once their goal was complete then it would just be him again a Mage who deals with ghosts, letting the water flow over his hand before starting to speak "So what are you gonna do after Angela?" he awaited a answer before a large tanned man walked over obviously a local to the parts but still showing the signs of a great fighter he spoke only to the Dryad "How about I show you around after a soak? I mean I am a knight after all much better than the human stick here" he flexed making Randal wince deeper into the water with a pained look.

Author: ILoveIcees, Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2017 11:52 AM, Post Subject: Future and Past [P]

Arching an eyebrow at the strange action, Elowen wondered if she should ask why he did that. Her hair was already filled with stray twigs and leaves that had gotten caught in it, so why put yet another plant in? She shrugged it off. "No, it's fine. For all the plant life that gets tangled in my hair, I do not normally find flowers in it," she assured him, smiling brightly up at him and linking their hands. Soon, the hot springs were in view, steam rising from different pools of water. The setting sun was reflected by their crystalline surfaces. Wen's eyes shined with sheer joy as she darted towards one of the pools. "Oh, it's so beautiful!"

Eager to experience the amazing feeling she had heard about from the passing villagers, Wen only stopped to tug off her cloak before jumping straight into the warm water. It stung slightly, but the feeling soon turned into a warm engulfment. Swimming back up to the surface, she felt the braid fall out of her hair, but she hardly cared. As she broke through the water, Elowen did not notice the few annoyed visitors in the surrounding pools, instead waving over at Randal. "Come on! This is very nice!" she called out enthusiastically. 

Author: Randal_Wraith, Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2017 7:35 AM, Post Subject: Future and Past [P]

He looked around the room with unease "Only one bed? that's a little bit cosy" trying to avoid the hitch in his throat and imaging Edgest giving him a disapproving look he quickly unpacked his backpack full of herbs and pots onto the desk before picking one at random sticking it into his mouth for a quick chew finding it was a dried herb that he found in Mamalak that sent the warm sensation throughout his body, with the herb hanging from his mouth the young mage walked to the window leaning against the dryad gently giving her a soft smile at her excitement before throwing her cloak over her head with a chuckle "Dont want to be late to the hot springs now do we?"

As they left the Inn Randal made sure to flash a small smile to the Innkeeper before heading out into the village watching the colourful birds fly around the sky amazed him on how even the wildlife seemed unfazed at the idea of the volcano in the distance smoking away but just like the villagers themselves the young mage felt at ease with it, even now he walked close to her side seemingly always touching Wen even if it was his finger tips lightly tapping against her hand or gently leaning towards her while walking even just before he saw the hot springs ahead he caught notice of a flower stall standing proudly on the side path displaying all colourful flowers glancing quickly he noticed a bright yellow flower that seemed to stand out in the pile which he quickly brought before walking back to her, "I uhhh got you something" he said quietly before showing the flower, "It was already picked so I thought it would look nice but you know if you dont want it its okay, I understand" the young mage ramabled on before nervously slipping the flower into her hair with a small rub of his neck.

Author: ILoveIcees, Posted: Mon Nov 27, 2017 5:08 PM, Post Subject: Future and Past [P]

The feeling that bubbled inside her was foreign to the young Dryad when Randal grabbed hold of her hand. It was something she was not quite used to, yet she liked it. "Right, then. To the inn!" Gently tugging Randal behind her, Elowen asked a local woman where to find the building, then proceeded in the direction she pointed. When she finally caught sight of it, a grin grew on her face. As the pair entered, they saw a kind old woman, presumably the innkeeper, behind the bar in the small tavern that made up the bottom floor. "Hello, ma'am," Wen greeted courteously, dragging Randal over with her. "What can I do you for, loves?" the woman responded as she wiped down a wooden cup with a rag. "We'd like a room, please," replied Wen, smiling innocently.

At this, the innkeeper's expression changed to one Elowen could not place. Her face held a sort of knowing, though the Dryad could not possibly figure out what she was thinking. Placing the cup down, she reached under the counter and pulled out a worn book filled with names of previous guests. "Of course, dear." After giving their names and splitting the cost of silver, the two headed upstairs to unload some things before going to the hot springs. Their room was quaint and rustic, with only a desk and chair, a nightstand, and a bed furnishing the room. Elowen went straight for the window, breathing in the fresh air and taking in the sights below, occasionally waving at a passerby.

Author: Randal_Wraith, Posted: Mon Nov 27, 2017 4:10 PM, Post Subject: Future and Past [P]

After all that happened in Mamalak the young mage was glad to get out of it quicker than expected, after almost being killed multiple times he thought that this island would be his chance for a vacation from stress, this was until he saw the large volcano smoking away in the distant he let out a distressed sigh before looking over at Wen with a grin when they first met he was shocked at her appearance but he quickly learnt that she was just a really kind girl to everyone she met and now the tight feeling he felt her tug on his arm or even drag him somewhere new was becoming a regular thing even as he stared into her golden eyes all he could do was melt before being scorned at by Edgest for being an idiot even Randal knew as soon as they got to Angela there was no way she would need his help anymore he thought all this with a frown and mindessly tapping of his chin.

Watching her excitedly wave to every new person she met receiving a friendly wave back he happily nodded "Of course we can, I mean Edgest is gone for the weekend to learn some things about where we need to go next so we can just relax, and uhhh hot springs I mean sure why not" trying to hide the flush on his face at the thought quickly imagine the disapproving look Edgest would give him if he found out after hearing that Angela could wait one more day he let his hand slide down wrapping his finger round hers with a small smile "Yeah, she can wait a couple more" because at the this moment he wished this journey could last forever.
Watching her excitedly wave to every new person she met receiving a friendly wave back he happily nodded "Of course we can, I mean Edgest is gone for the weekend to learn some things about where we need to go next so we can just relax, and uhhh hot springs I mean sure why not" trying to hide the flush on his face at the thought quickly imagine the disapproving look Edgest would give him if he found out after hearing that Angela could wait one more day he let his hand slide down wrapping his finger round hers with a small smile "Yeah, she can wait a couple more" because at the this moment he wished this journey could last forever.

Author: ILoveIcees, Posted: Sun Nov 26, 2017 6:40 PM, Post Subject: Future and Past [P]

After spending a day and a half in Mamlak (not nearly long enough, in Elowen's opinion), she and Randal had moved along on their journey. They were directed to the island of Apoy by a kind merchant, who was very helpful, albeit a little flustered every time she smiled at him. He told them that he knew of plenty who had found a gateway to Angela's realm in the small patches of woodland that dotted the island. Yet Wen had mixed feelings about what would happen when they finally met the Deity. Her stated purpose for visiting Mother Gaia was to pay respect to her and possibly seek her advice on where to go with her thirst for knowledge and adventure. She was still planning on doing that, but… every time her golden eyes drifted over to Randal, whom she'd grown rather fond of. Would he want her gone after they finally reached the goddess? There would certainly be no need for them to travel together anymore. A pit sat in her stomach each time she thought of the future, so she tried not to think about it.

Instead, Elowen focused on the quaint village of Kinigoh, which was bustling despite being a great deal smaller than Mamlak. The Dryad enthusiastically waved at everyone who made eye contact with her, viewing all the activity with an air of excitement. "Wow, this place is so nice!" Wen remarked enthusiastically. "After we get a room at the inn, can we walk around here some?" Her eyes sparkled with an idea. "And didn't that merchant mention something about hot springs?" The smile on her face was as wide as it could possibly go as she reached a pale green hand to tug on Randal's sleeve. "Oh, Angela can wait just one more day, right? Evening will be her soon, anyways," Elowen pleaded, for more reasons than one.