Lap Of The Gods

Chapter 17: Naita Forest, Beyond the fog

Welcome back to Lap Of The Gods, everyone. I'm sorry this chapter took so long. I was incredibly busy with some important stuff IRL, and also I had to write this chapter over from scratch when the file corrupted, so yeah >_>. But it's here now, so I hope everyone enjoys this. Please remember to COMMENT and VOTE; it means a lot to me. Plus, I like talking to you guys and hearing your opinions. Also, remember to listen to the video; it goes with the chapter. ~XOXO BUTTERBALL~

The song is: River by Emorie

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-Marta-

I frowned as I gazed up at the tree on the moon. It was reminiscent of the Medoh Peachtree now that I thought about it.

At the same time, it was oddly beautiful despite its no doubt sinister origins. The blue halo-like rings that encircled the tall twisting branches and lush green leaves seemed to pulse.

I wonder why it sprouted so soon. I was sure that I had at least a hundred years left. Is it because of Richter?

"You're still awake, " Sorey sighed, drawing my attention from the sky.

At the moment I sat by the campfire, my legs folded beneath me, and my tail laid across my lap as I  tried to use its warmth to chase away the chill that seemed to cling to my skin due to the dark ether.

We'd left Trenna earlier that day before the sun had even risen, and with Dalton's help, had managed to escape despite the Church's lockdown. Now that night had fallen, and with the city quite a ways behind us, we'd set up camp.

While Briar and Alice were currently asleep, Dalton and Aldreda, a female saltwater Phenric, had first watch. Lila had fallen asleep a while ago as well after doing her best to stay awake with me.

I smiled softly as I looked up at him. "So are you."

Sorey sighed as he walked over to me. "I'm not the one who needs rest right now. You look like you're ready to pass out."  As he spoke, his eyes roved over me, and when he stared at my arms, I had to resist the urge to hide them.

Sorey looked away as he sat down next to me, keeping a good amount of distance between us. Despite his promise to Lila and I back in Trenna, he was still noticeably on edge.

"You need rest as well; we have the next watch after Dalton and Aldreda after all," I pointed out. "Unlike Lila, I-"

"You always use that as an excuse," He huffed, cutting me off. " I know, you don't need to sleep or eat, but who knows, some rest might just do you some good, " Sorey grumbled.

He stared at the campfire with narrow eyes, his lips pressed into a thin line. "I'm just...worried about you." He admitted after a moment or two.

My eyes widened slightly before a soft smile spread across my face. "I was worried about you as well."

"I know, " He sighed, a scowl on his face. "By the way, how did you get me back to the guildhall anyway?" He asked after a moment.

"I carried you and stuck to the rooftops since I couldn't fly back," I chuckled. "You're not as heavy as you look, although being as tall as you are did make it a bit more difficult."

Sorey let out a soft hum and nodded. He opened his mouth like he was going to say something but closed it almost immediately.

I inched slightly closer to him, a scowl on my face, but he wasn't looking at me. Instead, he was staring at the campfire with narrow eyes.