A Common Rarity

An Icy Reunion

He could hardly believe it. He never thought he'd be here again, not after what happened seven years ago. A part of him wanted to turn heel and run while another kept him rooted to in place. It was no use. He may as well just accept the truth that was staring him right in the face.

Ferreth was back "home" again.

Thesriden seemed to be how he left it that night. The same cobblestone roads covered in snow, the same black lamp posts that dotted the sidewalk on main street, the same charmingly garish shops welcoming passerbys with warm glows from the inside. It was exactly like how he remembered it. Even the many paths that climbed up and around the surrounding mountains had remained as they were. Everything looked to be unchanged from his memories, to the point it was uncanny.

His heart pounded in his ears. Shivers ran down his spine, but he wasn't cold in the least. His vision began to fade in and out as the biting chill in the air caused the ache in his arms to flare up in pain. All the thoughts rushing through his head were screaming at him to run; to run and never look back---

"Ferret? Are you okay?"

A familiar voice broke through his mind's cacophony. His eyes turned towards Ven, who appeared to be studying him. Her brows were furrowed in concentration as she stood in front of him, and she reached a gloved hand out to touch his cheek.

"Are you with me now?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Seeing the worry across her face snapped him out of his stupor. He took her hand in his and tried to steady his breathing. He was beginning to understand just a little of how she felt when they arrived in Thal Esari a couple years ago. God, how did she make it look so easy back then?

"You're back." Her gaze softened as the corners of her mouth curled up into a tiny smile. "I'm glad. You had that far-off look in your eyes, the one I usually get when I remember something bad."

"Yeah, sorry about that," he apologized, bringing her fingers up to his lips. He didn't want to upset her more than he already had. "I'm all right now, though, so don't worry about me, okay?"

"...Okay."

He needed to be better. He couldn't have Ven worrying herself sick just because he couldn't handle being back here. He either had to suck it up or deal with it in a way she wouldn't be capable of noticing.

"So," Ven started with renewed vigor, "now that we're here, what's the first order of business?"

"Hmm..." Despite needing to find a place to stay, he had something else in mind. "Let's go see my old man. I wanna get this over with sooner rather than later."

"All right, then. Lead the way."

So they began the long trek up to Ferreth's childhood home. People stared at them as they walked past, some directed at him but almost all eyes were on Ven. Vlixeoxs were believed by many Dradnach to be fairy tales, scary stories to tell to children in order to spook them into being on their best behavior. She would be the first, and likely only one they'd see in their lifetimes. Her grip on his hand tightened in response to this. It was due to this that he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and brought her close. That sent a message and it was one they all read loud and clear.

His mind kept replaying the events that led up to them being here today. It was only a month or so ago now Bris had flown down to Aurora Zenith to deliver some serious news to him. His father had fallen ill and it was unclear whether he'd pull through or not. Although apparently he was alive and kicking by the time Bris received word of it, he still thought it was urgent enough to tell Ferreth of it. It was certainly a surprise to hear about what had happened.