Dragons of Alaevia

Chapter 20: Gisaea

Gisaea couldn't believe that she was genuinely doing this. That she was intentionally departing from the only home she'd ever known in order to pursue two Aysgarthians on an expedition to the ice realms.

Still, it was too risky to travel across Alaevia alone. Especially since— according to Cyprian—she was nothing but an inexperienced Woodlander who knew nothing outside of her 'sheltered little village.'

The words pierced Gisaea's heart every time she thought about them. Cyprian was clearly a snotty, childish jerk—yet, Gisaea couldn't help but wonder if the words were true. What if the world outside of Wealdstone—or even Wildelir, for that matter—was considerably more perilous than she'd first presumed? What if she was nothing but a drag—or a nuisance—to her companions?

Nonetheless, even if those things were true—Gisaea needed to try. She needed to find out if her father was still living, because if he was...

It could change everything.

Gisaea couldn't convey just how profoundly she yearned to bring life into her mother's eyes again. How greatly she longed for a father to dwell within their cabin walls, laughing with them as they all smiled concurrently around the dinner table.

She had to find him. She had to bring him home. Even if it meant taking more than a few risks. Even if it meant traveling with Aysgarthians as her companions.
            
Kaeirin hopped onto Jisu's back, reaching his hand out towards Gisaea.
           
"You ready?" He asked, his blue eyes gleaming like crystal clear fractals of ice.
            
Gisaea glanced back towards her cabin home, knowing she may very well never see that home again.
            
"Find me, Sunflower."
           
Tearing her eyes away from the cottage, Gisaea grasped Kaeirin's hand and let him pull her up onto Jisu's back. She knew what she had to do.

"I'm ready."