VEILED- Book one of the Bloody crown trilogy

Chapter 4 part 1:Esmerthin Ruins

The second warm body was enough to alert the half-awake March that Jaspar and Crowe were back. Smothered by Jesse, and the smaller heartbeat of the group's little sibling was comforting enough for her to stay in the sleeping bag. Her eyes were opened only once the sun finally peeked into her eyes through the crack of the tent door. She stretched slightly, and looked up at Jesse, who was very still, as per usual, in his sleep. She chuckled slightly and tapped his cheek until he woke up.

Jesse's violet eyes looked at her curiously until he noticed the sun, and sat up. Not a word left his stony lips, but she could practically hear his thoughts. March smiled, and motioned to the sleeping Crowe in her arms.

"Yes, they made it back safely. If they didn't, Crowe would have woken us up for help." She spoke softly in order to make sure not to wake the sweet little soul. Jesse let out a loud sigh of relief, and reached out, gently moving Crowe's mask back into place before either of them saw their face. She then gently woke them up and Crowe made a mumble before immediately jolting up, almost slamming their head into her chin. March had narrowly moved her head out of the way. She laughed a bit, and looked to Crowe, who was more jittery than normal in the mornings, like the elf had gone through multiple servings of sugar.

"We're gonna go see cool things with some mages we met!"

March blinked, confused, and Crowe paused. They chuckled, and smiled happily.

"Sorry, March. Jaspar and I found two mages from the Mages' guild, and they're looking at some old ruins for cool artefacts! They invited us and so we're coming along!"

"We do need to make sure they're okay with it, little bird."

Everyone looked up to see Jaspar, who seemed more tired than normal, like he had

a nightmare, or was rolling back and forth in his sleep all night. He raised an eyebrow to Crow, who made a noise of joy.

"Sounds fun, you two!" March said, and she heard the grunt of approval from Jesse behind her. It was nice to hear it was okay for her to move around again. Well, that's what she thought until Jaspar spoke up again.

"March, I can carry you while we walk to meet them."

Immediately, March felt a sting of resentment. She felt well enough to walk after that good of a sleep, so it didn't make sense to prevent her from continuing to do so.

"But I think I can walk now, Jaspar," March's words were soft and hesitant. If jaspar did not sleep well, speaking more passively might get her what she wanted- which was to be able to function on her own.

"I......"

He was thinking about it, unsure of what to do. Then, he sighed, and March grinned. That meant a resentful yes in her books. Jesse, Crowe, and Jaspar left the tent to let her get changed, and she happily started pulling her clothes on. It was nice to be somewhat functional again. That meant she could try and help more to make up for the time not able to do anything, despite the inkling that Jesse and Jaspar might not let her. Still, it would be nice.

Once fully dressed in her dark red sweater, black coat with gold and red accents, and the baggy pants, she was ready to leave the tent. She spotted the others packing things up already, so she went back into the tent and started to pack things away happily. Without noticing, Jesse snuck into the tent, and she screamed when he slightly brushed against him.

March whirled around, ready to defend herself when she saw Jesse, and instantly relaxed. Jesse seemed apologetic.

"Sorry, Jess, I didn't see you there."

An apologetic mumble was made, and March hugged him briefly before continuing. He was packing his own things; herbs, a few potions he had made a few nights ago, some spices for cooking, and his clothing, which was mainly shorts, pants, and robe-bottoms. The lack of a need for warmth made Jesse able to wear as little clothing as he wanted. Thankfully he kept pants and shorts on.