A Taste of Death

Chapter Seven

Nova and Rosa talked quietly while they're legs dangled off the edge of the wagon, Waylon and Neveah getting some much needed sleep, Elowen and Cassiopeia catching each other up as Amarelis steadily guided their steed. Nova was glad for this ride, as they all were. For a moment, they could breathe, and the two humans could appreciate the scenery, momentarily forgetting the weight of the burden they carried, excitedly in awe. Night turned to day as the group traveled. "Amarelis, you really should sleep." The green eyed elf turned his in the direction of the seer for a second before facing forward again. "I'll sleep when we're safe." Elowen frowned then nodded. "Alright." She replied slowly before she shifted, her breath soon falling into a rhythmic pattern.

Nova blinked as Rosa tapped her shoulder, a jumble of voices entering her ears as the others woke up, her vision clearing soon, spotting Amarelis talking to a four foot pudgy woman wearing round glasses, a kind expression on her face. After a small block of time and lots of awed whispers from various magical and non-magical people alike, the small woman turned to the group. "Welcome to Jaedin, all, I'm Runa. It's lovely to see you all!" She was very chipper and gave off a bright energy, turning around as she led them to a large wooden cottage, leading them inside, then bade them farewell for now as she left.

Nova breathed out in awe as she examined the warm interior, complete with a beautiful stone fireplace with a running fire, casting a soft sunset orange glow in the room. "Alright, here's the plan." Amarelis' voice and sigh cut through the room, everyone's attention turning to him as he used an arrow like dagger to point at the rolled out map on the wooden table, waiting as the various beings in the room gathered around. "We are here," He pointed to the small circle labeled with the settlement's name, then at another place labeled Heaven's Gove. "That is our destination, according to where the Druids were last recorded to be. However, to get there, we need to cross the Maeryn Sea to get there." He glanced around at the rest of the party. "I won't lie to you, it's going to be dangerous, but for now, eat up and rest. We leave in three days." He then left to an upstairs room without another word. The room was silent as the others looked at each other, then began the slow and awkward shuffle of multiple people feeling tense yet not sure what to do as they all grabbed some of the food that had been left for them in the kitchen area.

Nova stared at where Amarelis had gone to when Rosa propped an arm on her shoulder. "Sheesh, he seems strict. Hot though." Nova raised an eyebrow as she breathed out a small laugh. "Why are you like this?" She faced her friend, her tone sarcastic and yet somehow light, recognizing her friend's attempt at lightening the mood. Rosa grinned, flipping her hair back with a hand. "Well, someone's gotta keep things bouncy around here! Y'all can't just be all doom and gloom all the time, right?" The redhead then placed her hands on her hips, giving Nova a mischievous look. The ravenette chuckled. "Bouncy?" She inquired. "Oh come on! You know what I mean!" Rosa pouted, a smile making her lips waver as she fought to conceal it.

While the looming threat of what they were facing made things dark, Rosa's infectious sarcasm soon spread, her and Nova's banter lightening the mood as other joined in, Elowen shaking her head like an amused mother. Even though she knew things that others didn't, things she couldn't quite say, she loved these moments and held them close in her heart as the days passed and the time came to journey to Lyra's Lake, home of the Merfolk. Neveah was excited, along with Rosa and the two Fae, to see the Merfolk as none of them had before. The ride itself was long, the group occasionally snacking on the nuts, berries and other foods the dwarves provided before they left. The group was also thankfully equipped with armor and weapons, though the two humans relied heavily on movies, causing a lighthearted chuckle from Cassiopeia and Elowen.

"No, no- like this." Cassiopeia rolled her eyes lightly and corrected Nova's grip on the short sword with gentle taps while Elowen pointed out Rosa's target with a crossbow. The group had stopped for a rest on their journey. Nova looked over as the tension in the bow released, the arrow flying and hitting near its target. Elowen smiled. "That's pretty good for a beginner." Elowen commented. Rosa shrugged, grabbing another arrow from the quiver strapped to her thigh. "I practiced archery a lot at home. This isn't too different." She let the second arrow fly, going to pick the two she shot up.