Blackbeard; The Legend

The Chase

The next morning was a busy one. Akahana was sorely awoken from a wonderful she had last night by Asmund, who gently shook her awake.

"W-what is it...?" She mumbled, rubbing her eyes. Gazing around, she saw most of the other passengers getting out of their bags and stretching around the same fire, which had been reignited by Kanin using her magic, and the aroma of something delicious was floating all around. 

"It's time to wake up." Asmund replied, standing up. "We'll have a quick breakfast before we leave for Krigerby, assuming that our breaks won't take up too much time." Akahana yawned and straightened her back before exiting her sleeping bag. The scent of roasted meat made her stomach rumble, and she walked towards the lineup. 

"Good morning!" Ryota greeted her warmly as she stopped behind him, and she smiled tiredly in response. "Man, you look exhausted."

"Just tired." She yawned. 

"Did you stay up late?" Takahiro asked, and Akahana nodded. "Why?"

"Just a little nightmare." She answered. "Thankfully, I was able to get back to sleep."

"You know, if I ever have a nightmare, I just cuddle with the nearest person I can find." Ryota shifted forward as the line continued. "And let me tell you, Takahiro's the best pillow you can ask for. He's a soft cloud with feathers."

Takahiro blushed. "Well, I-I am of royalty, so it makes sense that my feathers are the finest out of any other bird." He stammered slightly, and Akahana giggled.

Soon, after a few minutes, Akahana finally reached the head of the line, and was given a Beowulf steak, pierced through with a stick. Carefully walking, Akahana made her way to Ryota and Takahiro, and sat down. She tentatively bit into the grilled flesh and watched as Asmund hauled the wagon up from it's hiding place among the shrubbery. It wasn't that big of a surprise, regarding that Asmund was built like a tank; strong, brawny, muscular... 

"Are you gonna eat that?" Akahana was broken out of her daze by Ryota's voice, and she turned to see Ryota looking at her expectantly. "Because I'm really craving more of that Beowulf meat." He said, hungrily eyeing her steak.

"...Uh, sorry, I'm still eating this." She replied, and Ryota slumped, crestfallen. 

"Alright then..." He kicked despondently at the snow.

"I can share some of mine." Takahiro spoke up. "I'm not the biggest fan, so you can have some." With that, he tore his food in half and handed it to Ryota.

"R-really?" Ryota asked, slightly drooling as he stared at the piece of meat. Takahiro nodded, and without further warning, Ryota snatched it out of his hands and devoured it, and Akahana laughed as he ate savagely.

"Please, have some manners at least." Takahiro shook his head, although he was smiling as Ryota bit into the food eagerly. When only a small chunk of the meat was left, Ryota pocketed it. "Aren't you going to finish that?" Takahiro asked, and Ryota patted his stomach. 

"Nah, I'm full." He burped and chuckled. "I'm saving it for the road." With that, he stood up and walked away, whistling. 

"Everyone!" Asmund called. "Finish eating and get on the wagon. Make sure you bring none of it with you." He ordered, and Akahana quickly gobbled down her down her food before she got up and hopped onto the cart. Once everyone was onboard, the rider snapped the reins, and the wagon took off once more. As it began to roll out, Akahana looked back to the clearing, a shadow flitted among the trees. She blinked, and the silhouette vanished, but she kept herself on her toes as the wagon lurched forward.

"So, what's going to happen to us when we get to Krigerby?" Ryota asked. "Are we gonna get a place to stay or something like that?"

"You'll be grouped with the other refugees in the camps that we've set up in Krigerby, and you'll remain there." Asmund answered as he sharpened his axe.