Tarrair {Land of Elements} [[ON HOLD]]

Chapter Two

The horse trotted slowly, not because of the weight but instead to stay paced with the other horses. The other three were much older and smaller, where her horse was a young stallion who seemed to be composed of pure energy. The slow pace didn't bother Aireene in the slightest, it was still faster than walking, and each time her leg rubbed against its side or stumbled she would be put in a state of pure agony. At least when they rode slowly she could be distracted by her surroundings. The terrain was filled with rare and interesting plants, but what really caught her attention were the actions of her riding companions.

Lunn seemed to have a quiet and shy air to him, which clashed with his tall and muscled build. He had black hair, gray eyes, and pale skin with very pointed features, that almost made him seem fatherly. Jue shared his features— they were probably siblings —and although she still had the same kindness, it was overshadowed with a sense of pride. She sat up straight and rode slightly ahead of them, not with arrogance, more so as if she felt responsible for their safe return. Amar on the other hand, was scrawny, almost sickly. He had black hair that badly needed to be trimmed, gray eyes that were too big for his face, and paler skin than the others. He shared none of her own awkwardness, yet was probably the clumsiest person she had ever known. Fumbling with the reins of his horse he looked around curiously. He seemed unable to be angry, making light of everything the others said to him.

She herself had not said anything the whole ride, only listened to Jue and Amar converse, and the occasional comment from Lunn. It made her smile to hear people close enough to talk freely around each other. Based on their actions, she assumed that Amar and Jue were married or engaged, although they were a bit young. They seemed as if they had known each other forever, they had probably been childhood friends, and although they never proved her suspicion, she was almost certain she was right. It was oddly foreign to her, being around people because she choose to. Honestly, if she had the choice, she wouldn't interact with anyone at all. The only issue with that plan was that she had to find work to survive, and that involved people—so she'd act like she cared about her customers and try to convince them to buy her merchandise that was highly overpriced. It felt different to be around people because she wanted to, although it was mostly because she moved faster.

She stared blankly in one direction for what felt like hours, even though she was sure it had really only been a few moments. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Amar turn towards her, and vaguely heard him say something. Whether it be because she was distracted by pain of riding horseback or simply not thinking clearly, she didn't process that the words were directed at her. He waited for a response, and when he realized no response was coming, he added "Are you alright?"

She snapped out of her thoughtless trance and turned her attention towards him. His forehead creased and his eyebrows were raised in mock concern, only making his eyes look more oversized. Refusing to let him see her embarrassment she tried to muster a irritated look and deadpanned  "Fine."

"Oh, well," He struggled, as if trying to speak as fast as he could before she attacked him with her dagger "earlier when we introduced ourselves you never really told us your name..."

He trailed off. She thought back to their conversation before, and found that he was right. She didn't really want to tell him her name, for that would only instigate further conversation— which although riding silently with others had been enjoyable, actually trying to make small talk was uncomfortable. She knew this from experience. Even if she was only giving short answers she knew she would still find a way to make a fool of herself. She forced out the words out anyway, and looked down at her hands "Aireene."   

"Is that popular in your sector? I've certainly never heard it before." He asked, generally interested.

"I wouldn't know." She cast a glare at him, although she wasn't angry. She was just too lazy to explain.