Jovari the Blue

Chapter 24: Two Truths and a Lie

The Gable Forest

Jovari descended towards the wall of trees looming before him. A strange feeling overtook him, because he'd been in this situation before. "We are here, my queen." He said the words, even though she wouldn't hear him. He'd been doing it a lot, lately. Talking to Claire while they flew, keeping her mind company even if she couldn't hear him. A part of him hoped that eventually, she'd respond.

"It isn't too late to head east, to the outpost," Jovari said to Talon as the ground rushed up to meet them. "We could follow the tree line."

"That would be another day or two. We don't need guides."

"Very well."

They landed. He waited for Claire to dismount and untie her things before transforming. His gaze darted towards Leah—a habit he couldn't seem to break. She took hold of Irelia's elbow, helping the older woman find her feet. Irelia moved with stiff steps, her muscles tight from disuse. Leah's eyes met his and held before she led the old woman away. He watched them for several moments before turning.

Only to find Talon watching him. Damn it. He lifted a shoulder before walking towards Claire. "Okay, my queen?"

"Yes. Fine. I..." She stood, staring at the forest.

"You had much the same reaction the last time you beheld it for the first time."

She blew out a breath. "Yes. I can feel it calling to me."

"Then we ought not to linger."

"But..." She bit the skin on her bottom lip.

Talon strode over, brushing a lock of hair from her face. "All right, mih cralla?"

"What if we get lost? Or, I mean, if I get us lost?"

"We won't get lost," Jovari assured her. "You had no problem finding Esterpine the first time."

"Yes, but, that was before the sorcerer cursed me."

"You are not cursed, Claire." Talon's voice held a hint of frustration. This wasn't the first time he'd said these words. "You are simply bound. We will free you, I swear it. We will find a way."

She exhaled.

"Perhaps the way lies ahead," Jovari suggested, sweeping his arm forward, "in there."

"I hope so..." Claire's throat bobbed. He hated seeing his queen so uncertain. So worried.

They took some time to rest before setting out, Claire in the lead. He and Talon took up the rear of the procession. "Remember how unsettling this place used to be for us?"

Talon snorted. "It still is."

"Oh, come now, you have to admit, it isn't as bad as the first couple of times." Still, he rested his hand on the pommel of his sverak.

"This is only your second time, Jovari."

"Okay, well, I was talking about you."

Talon huffed, shaking his head. "Fine. You're right. It's not as bad, especially having her with us. You know, I've never been here with her."

"Do you think the sprites can do it? Heal her?"

"I will beg them on my knees, if I must."

"Taylynn, perhaps?"

"If she is here. Yes."

The trees were large, towering over them. They grew tighter the further they walked. Eventually, daylight disappeared, to be replaced by the efervescent glow of blueish green. He gaze, ever in motion, constantly searching for threats, continued to fall upon Leah. He liked witnessing her wonder. Her eyes were wide, taking in the world around her. "Look at those little light-things," she whispered, pointing to the undergrowth. "They're like fireflies."