Artemis Unveiled:The Descent

Untitled Part 45: New Moon

The sound of hooves suddenly echoed, accompanied by a cloud of dust as a squad of Starguard cavalry charged through the iron gates. Despite sitting far away, Aria recognized a few familiar faces. Neven led the group, followed closely by the diminutive Sable and several other riders who often shared a table in the hall.

Neven spotted her instantly and directed his horse toward her.

"Was the journey smooth?" Aria asked with a smile, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Very smooth," Neven replied, dismounting and walking up to her. He cupped her cheeks and planted a tender kiss on her forehead. "I've been thinking about you the whole way back. Have you been waiting long?"

"Alexander just told me you were coming back, so I've only been here a short while."

"Time is tight today; we'll need to head back to Voidmarsh shortly. Sage Solon sent me with an urgent letter for the Lunar King, so I decided to depart early." Neven pulled out two letters. "This other one is from Thorne to Seraphina. He's been talking about it for days."

"Thorne is at Voidmarsh too?"

"He went even earlier than us. They need Venom's serpentine archers there, so Seraphina sent Thorne to assist Sage Solon," Neven explained.

"Neven, hurry up!" Sable shouted from the gate, reminding him to deliver the letter to the Lunar King. Neven waved the letters in his hand and said to Aria, "I'll deliver the letter to the Lunar King first. We'll set off shortly after. Go back and pack; we'll be staying for a while this time. Bring some thick clothes and cloaks; it's very cold there."

Aria returned to her room and packed a few clothes as Neven had instructed. Two Starguard soldiers took her luggage, and she extinguished the hearth. Arriving at the stables at the agreed time, she saw the cavalry loading supplies onto the carts. There were several carts of grain, weapons, and barrels of fire oil.

Neven and Alexander were busy in the stables. Alexander had so many items that they needed several horses to carry all his precious potions and tools.

"Why are you bringing so many medicines? There are some spare herbs over there, or I can help bring them next time we transport supplies," Neven said, lifting a leather bag onto a horse's back.

"I like to be prepared. I feel safer bringing these expensive potions myself," Alexander replied, tightening the straps. "Did Sage Solon send you back to reinforce us?" he asked.

"Mainly for supplies. We're running out of everything. If this continues, both the corps and Sage Solon's troops will go hungry. It's freezing there, and we need more fur."

They were so engrossed in their conversation that they didn't notice Aria standing nearby. She cleared her throat and approached them, asking, "I'm not sure if I brought enough."

"Don't worry. If you forget anything, I can always send someone back for it," Neven reassured her.

"I envy you, getting to bring Aria along," Alexander said jealously. "Too bad my new girlfriend is a dancer and can't come to Voidmarsh. By the time I get back, I might have moved on."

Neven glanced at Aria with a mischievous smile and asked Alexander, "Beauty or affection, which do you prefer?"

Alexander thought for a moment and replied seriously, "I still prefer affection. An affectionate woman won't make a scene during a breakup. But beauty is important too; who doesn't like a beautiful woman?"

"And what about her figure?" Neven continued.

"Of course, that's the foundation of both beauty and affection. A graceful figure is the most important," Alexander replied.