Penumbral

Chapter 15: Invasion

Alimur wakes up to another nightmare, this time however he slept through the whole night, he adjusted himself to get out of the couch he's been sleeping on, one foot touches the ground and the other followed soon after, he feels a small sting but merely ignores it, he fully rises up, stretches and with a heavy sigh he armors himself.

Aurora goes down the stairs and cheerfully says good morning to the Human, he does the same in a slightly less cheerful tone but cheerful nonetheless, Rosaria comes down as well and greets the pair while making her way to the kitchen, within a few minutes breakfast is ready and everyone gets to eating.

-We're heading out today- Aurora says with her mouth full.

-Sweetheart, I told you NOT. TO. SPEAK. WHILE. YOUR. MOUTH. IS. FULL- The Scaleborn reminds in a somehow caring and threatening tone.

The Demi-Human swallows her food with a terrified gulp, Alimur chuckles at the scene while chewing, Rosaria stares at him and he quiets down, the atmosphere was tense so the three ate the rest of the breakfast in silence, after finishing they clean after themselves and make the final preparations to head towards Wesche.

-So, is that all?- The mother asks with a sigh.

-Yes, after Wesche we'll head to Hylsadrou and report our findings to the council- Alimur answers with a serious tone.

-Ohh I've never visited Hylsadrou... oh and don't worry mom we'll be just fine-

Rosaria chuckles.

-Ok I trust you two, just be careful- The mother holds her daughter's head in her claws and caresses her cheek, she warmly smiles and gives her a long kiss on the forehead.

Aurora smiles, kisses her mother's cheek and gives her a tight hug, the two stay like that for a few seconds before separating.

-Alimur... I know this time you'll take longer to return, so...- Rosaria pats the Human's head and smiles -Good luck, and take care of each other you two- She removes her hand and the man nods, the duo waves as they leave, the Scaleborn waves back, the three continue this exchange until they lose sight of each other.

A few minutes pass, Alimur notices his friend's nervous demeanor.

-Wasn't there something you needed my help with?-

-Oh... oh it's just that... could we... hold hands?- Nervousness clear in her voice.

-Suuuure, I don't see a problem but neither I see the need, why so nervous about a simple request?-

-It's just that... I thought you'd think it childish- She responds slightly embarrassed.

Alimur softly chuckles.

-Not at all, if it makes you more comfortable- The Human gets to her left side and firmly holds her claw.

-T-thank you- Aurora now was noticably smiling.

The Human chuckles and smiles, in the Demi-Human's mind she was nervous at the prospect of asking Alimur out but those thoughts faded as she remembered what he lost, pity is what she felt, guilt also crossed her mind "Do I have the right?" she questioned herself, Aurora looked to her side where her friend acompanied her "Did he feel it to?" she asked to anyone who'd answer, "Maybe it's too soon to... tell him" scenarios played on her head "No, I can't... and if he doesn't feel the same... I'd just lose a friend" she concluded her train of thought and softly nodded.

The Human held his head tall with purpose, he was close to give his friends justice, they didn't deserve to die like that, Alimur was ready for anything that he would face and with a strong friend like Aurora by his side his victory was at hand, he only needed to reach Wesche, hours pass, the sky changes color, the duo set up a camp, a bonfire and get ready to eat.