Burning Embers Part II: Conspiracy [Arc 6-10]

Arc 9 Chapter 3

—Kotori's Perspective—

"I think it's about time we head out."

Two days after she had woken up, Findaris said those words. He had also, upon her questioning, informed her that both of their steeds had bolted at the first chance they got, so they were back to the slow grind of walking. Findaris suspected the goats were loyal to their owners, therefore been so difficult to tame, and worried that if they managed to return to their "home", the other barbarians would realise they were missing their owners and send out further parties.

Despite all of this, he had given her two extra days to regain her strength after she woke up, which she was very grateful for, but at the same time, worried that she was holding him back. It seemed that their recovery time was now over though and they were both keen to get back on the move.

For now at least, the weather was calm. There was only a light flurry of snow every so often, a massive difference to the blizzards they had encountered before. Nevertheless, Kotori was still wary; she knew perfectly well just how unpredictable the weather in Dagunland could be after all.

The weather was not the only difference. For the first few hours, they had spoken little but Findaris still paid attention to her, slowing down more often to allow her to catch up, supporting her as they climbed over steeper rock formations or giving her brief moments of rest when she tired. He said nothing in these moments, only looking away at their surroundings, but Kotori knew he was trying to be more considerate. Every touch made her shiver slightly in the cold air but she couldn't help but feel warmer inside at this change in attitude.

Not that she could talk to him about it. Anything she said regarding his actions was met with a frown. At first, he made comments about how he needed her in good health for if they came into more trouble or about how she was a useful asset to him...the usual responses. He quickly gave up soon though and instead just stayed silent. I'm getting through to him. I can tell. The thought made her smile giddily even more, leading to him sighing and turning away to focus on the next stage of the journey.

It was soon after midday, after Findaris had used his powers to shift a large pile of snow off the path, that she tried to talk again, hesitantly at first.

"You know, Vector would be very useful right about now. Melting the snow and keeping us warm."

"I suppose he would be."

She was silent for a few seconds before she spoke again, giving voice to a question that had been on her mind for a while now. "Do you think they all got back ok?"

Findaris didn't respond immediately, taking a moment to think as he climbed over another rocky structure before answering. "They probably did. Vector used that spell to get everyone back safely. And both Nat and Lediga probably thought of somewhere safe to travel to. They didn't have another purpose that was in their minds. So they're probably ok now."

"I hope so. Still...imagine if Vector was here. Using his magic to keep us all warm while complaining about the cold the entire way."

Was it her imagination or could she see the shadow of a smile on Findaris' face? "No he'd never complain about the cold. Only weakling plebeians complain about the cold and he'd never do that."

Kotori laughed slightly, the first laugh she'd had in so many days. "What about the others? Lediga could help with his endurance and strength to get through obstacles."