Penumbral

Chapter 12: Murder

Aurora wakes up to an almost inaudible crying, she gets out of bed and checks on Alimur, he was shivering, shaking, grasping strongly onto the covers and crying softly, she looked at her friend with sadness and pity, someone like him didn't deserve to go through what he went through, she hugged him tightly and whispered into his ear.

-It's just another nightmare, it's not real, wake up- She repeated these words until the desperation ceased.

Alimur awoke, he grasped onto the Demi-Human, the impending doom and dread finally releasing their hold of his mind.

-The nightmares... they're... getting more brutal-

-It's ok, it's just another nightmare-

-It's scary how real everything feels, it feels like I'm back there... but I can't even move... and I'm forced to...- Alimur stops and tears well up in his eyes.

-Just forget about it, focus on the now, you'll get through it- She pushes his head into her shoulder -Just relax, you can confide in me-

Alimur wipes his tears -Thank you-

Aurora breaks the hug and pats his head -Come on, we gotta get ready for our trip back-

Alimur nods and gives a weak smile, together the duo pack their bags and leave the room, going downstairs they're faced with Danlioden playing a soft tune on his lute, he gives the duo a warm smile and talks in sync with the tune.

-Good morning
Just remember
Next time you pay
And a warning
For the road
Beware your anger
Beware your soul-

The human gives a slow sarcastic clap while the Demi-Human claps happily, Dan bows as if he just performed for an audience, he waves goodbye for the duo as they leave and mutters under his breath.

-Good luck Icon-

With a quick trip to the shops the friends eat and stock some food for the road, reaching the gate they have an unexpected surprise, Drodegan was waiting for them.

-Hey little Rora, just came to say goodbye and tell you about the progress with the Staiten-

-Sure, what were you able to do so far?- She questioned happily.

-It's an incredibly hard material, sweet Betty was barely able to put it into a malleable state, we're gonna have to use the lava forge to mold it, the damn thing is almost unbreakable-

-Interesting- The Human thought out loud.

-And just so you know, the first weapon and armor will be yours, we were able to find some more of the Bazerachys soon enough we'll suit an army-

-No need to make me a weapon, but could you make me a metal like dress armor?-

-Sure thing Rora, and you Ali boy?-

-Well no need to make a left pauldron nor the rest of the arm, otherwise I'd like a longsword-

-Hehe will be done, good luck on your future endeavors, I'll send a letter once we manage good Staiten armor- The smith waves goodbye and goes back to his home.

The duo wave until Drodegan is out of sight, the gate opens and they leave Svaril behind, a few hours spent in silence some others in a friendly banter, they reach the edge of the woods the same woods they passed through three days ago, passing through the brush and trees they feel uneasy as if being stalked.

-Can you feel that?- Asked Aurora while looking all over.

-Yes, either way we need to maintain movement, we have to get through the woods before nightfall- Alimur responded in a serious tone -Fingers crossed it's not something we haven't encountered-