a gorgeous white by Heather_anare

277: A get together

A few weeks passed, the departure was near. Moulin had no memory of when he first entered the walls of Helios. He was unconscious then. Currently, he stood on the ledge of one of the viewing towers of the Veresyah training arena. His feet, an inch away from the edge. There was no fear in his eyes as he stared at the walls enclosing the city from the far-off distance. Like the earth was shielding it and the people within. But the earth was dead. The land rotting will not stop, and soon, with the barrier gone... not even these walls can protect them.

"Moulin!"

Striding towards the young man who stands at the edge of the platform, Ghana flicked the blue scarf around her neck over her shoulder. Her long platinum hair was pulled back and tied in a high ponytail behind her head.

For the past few weeks, she had been training with Moulin and teaching him about what to expect beyond the walls. However, she knew she didn't need, to for the young man had already experienced it himself. If not, how were he and his companions able to reach Helios safely?

Silver eyes slightly closed. Moulin turned his head, his hair swishing behind him. With a calm expression, he approached his friend. "I was only gone for an hour."

"You know even an hour will make your brother turn the field inside out." She sighed as she scratched the back of her head. "He's waiting for you to finish."

Moulin grimaced, "Forgive me if he's bothering you in any way."

Ghana laughed, dimples appearing as she grinned. "On the contrary, it is quite amusing to watch him go mad. I was granted the chance to spar with the man to relieve his worrisome attitude."

"Who granted it to you?" Moulin raised an eyebrow.

She fisted a hand on her chest with a thump, "Me, of course."

"Of course..." Moulin chuckled.

"Come now. I'll tell you the details as we walk."

Not long after, the two arrived at the entrance of the teleportation platform. And as Ghana had said, Emlen was there, arms crossed over his chest with a stern look in his eyes. Moulin now realized why the Veresyahs were distancing themselves away from the platform.

"You're an hour late," Emlen said. His voice is impatient, and a hint of concern swam within it.

Moulin apologized and went to see off Ghana, who excused herself, realizing she had finished escorting the young master. However, before she turned away, she reminded Moulin of the meal in Jagra's place.

"I'll be there." Moulin nodded with a smile.

Nodding, Ghana added, "Good luck in your lesson, young master," She teased before she walked away, hoping she'd finish her work early before sunset. She failed to see Moulin shaking his head helplessly.

"Let's go." Emlen held his arm carefully and led Moulin to the platform. Light flashed before Moulin could open his mouth. In the next second, Emlen was leading him into the hallways, which Moulin recognize were the hallways heading towards Emlen's study.

Emlen had been preparing and cultivating him about the things they might encounter in their journey. Although Moulin found it necessary, he could not help but feel conflicted about spending eight hours holed up in his elder brother's office.

They started their usual routine of Emlen spreading out a map he made himself and pointing out the most dangerous places on their way to the Meian boundary. He would have Moulin memorize them each day and threw a hundred questions on his little brother. If Moulin failed to answer, Moulin would have to memorize it again. Emlen prepared a separate map he had drawn overnight for Moulin's use if the group ever split.