The sound of rippling water was getting louder and relief washed over Felix. They were finally reaching Norrwuld. Jeongin's face brightened up and he turned around to smile at Felix and Chan who were walking in the back.
"We should wash up when we get there," Woojin said, glancing over his shoulder. "Let's wash up and rest a little when we reach the river... We need all the energy we can get for the travel over Tremorndin."
"Sounds good," Chan murmured, giving Felix's hand a gentle squeeze. After the run in with the guards, Chan had stuck himself to Felix's side and Felix appreciated it. Chan still hadn't asked about the whole thing with the fire, instead giving Felix the space and instead just providing him silent comfort.
"Do you guys even know what path to take?" Minho asked, looking up towards the mountain range that was rising and getting closer in front of them.
"We have a map and I think the path through the elven graveyard is the easiest path to take," Woojin said and Minho hummed. "It's not the quickest, considering we have yet another river to pass to get to the right passage, but it's the easiest for Chan to take."
"The injury is healing, kind of," Felix said, looking over at Chan who sighed deeply. "But I really don't... want to risk it," he continued and Chan nodded, head lowered.
"So the elven graveyard passage," Minho said and Woojin nodded. "Sounds like fun."
"It shouldn't be too bad," Woojin said and Jeongin chuckled. "I haven't heard any rumors of undeads in this area."
"Thank the gods for that," Minho added, running a hand through his hair. "That only takes place in the north, right?" he asked, turning to Chan.
"The northeast in Nu ëryn," he confirmed and Minho nodded. "I haven't heard anything about undead activity along the Tremordin range."
"That's good," Minho hummed. "That's good."
"We should hurry up so we can get cleaned while the sun is still up," Woojin said and the other four let out a collective hum.
They had found a part of the river that was calmer, obscured by some trees and bushes. It would provide them some calm and privacy while they got some extra rest.
Minho, Jeongin and Woojin had been the first to clean up. Chan and Felix had stayed behind, setting up the camp instead. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the landscapes as Felix had assembled the campfire and got a pot of water boiling.
"Your turn," Minho announced as he returned, his hair still wet. Woojin and Jeongin were right behind him, Jeongin looking terribly disgruntled and looked somewhat like a wet puppy. As he sat down in front of the fire, he grumbled something about how much he disliked water.
"I'll get some dinner going, go and wash up," Woojin said, placing his cloak to the side and brushed some of his wet hair away from his face. Chan was already standing up, looking at Felix expectantly. Felix swallowed hard as he stood up, eyes averted. He could feel Minho's worried eyes on him as he passed and he looked up for a brief moment to give Minho a tight lipped smile.
He and Chan walked in silence towards the river; Felix's heart was racing in his chest and his gut twisted.
"Is everything alright?" Chan asked and Felix took his eyes off the ground. Chan looked worried and that made Felix feel even worse. He didn't want Chan to worry about him. "What's on your mind?"
"Nothing really... I just-" Felix cut himself off as they reached the river. Chan was still looking at him, eyebrows furrowed and worry swimming in his eyes. "We should wash up."
"Felix," Chan said softly, so softly it almost hurt and he reached out to gently grab a hold of Felix's arm. Felix didn't protest as Chan tugged at his arm, turning him so he was facing Chan. "I didn't want to bring it up again but... you've been off ever since we had that run in with the guards. I... I'm not forcing you to tell me but I can see that it's been bothering you. And it hurts."
