The Secrets of the Aorta Ruins

Chapter Twenty

Normally it would have been to early in the morning to be awake let alone texting anyone, but so far Dare and her had been texting back and forth quite a bit. She brought her already packed bag into the cafeteria to meet up with him, still yawning as she did so. She looked around, seeing she wasn't the only one who had a bag with her in the crowded room. Usually when she was here this early in the morning she was alone apart from the staff, but today it was already full. All over there were students chattering and exchanging hugs, goodbyes, and phone numbers.

Becca picked the least crowded table to sit down out and awaited her coffee and breakfast, already wondering what it could be she was forgetting about in her room while it still wasn't too late to run back and get it. She didn't have too long to wonder before she was joined by a still half-asleep Dare. For once, she was more awake and excited for the day than he was. He sat down next to her, resting his head on her shoulder gently.

"Morning sleepy head," she said, passing over her coffee. She had already taken a sip out of it but he honestly looked too tired to care at the moment if he was going to at all. It wasn't something that had yet come up between the two of them. He didn't take it but did sit up at least. The kitchen staff brought him his own coffee but apologized there would be a wait for food.

"That's fine. Thanks," he said before finally greeting Becca back, "Morning. You're in a good mood today,"

"Yup. Exams are over and we're out of here after breakfast," she said happily.

"We're just going to my house, not somewhere exciting though," he said.

"You never did tell me where you live," she reminded him.

"That's true, I guess I didn't," he said, still not answering her curiosity.

"Oh, come on, you're going to kidnap me, and I don't even get to find out what new land I get to go to today?" she said still excited.

"Who said it was somewhere new?" he asked, neither confirming nor denying it, "My family could live on top of the mountain in Shadefall,"

"Well, do you?" she asked.

"No," he said, enjoying letting her wonder, "No today we are headed to Eruz"

"The biggest Dwarven continent in the world?" Becca asked excitedly.

"You say that like its exciting. Besides, you'll fit right in," he joked receiving his breakfast right as Becca was finishing hers. She wished he would eat faster, especially now that he confirmed they would be traveling to somewhere new.

"What time do you think we'll be getting there?" she asked.

"Lunch time. Mom's cooking. You're not allergic to anything right? She told me to double check,"

"Nope. Sounds good, can't wait," she said happily.

"It's just my mom's cooking. Nothing special," he said, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"I'll be sure to let her know you said that," she teased.

"I didn't mean it like that! Please don't!" he begged, looking terrified. It was her turn to not answer him now and let him wonder for a while. Becca got another cup of coffee to head out with, and for once Dare requested one too. Like the true gentleman he was proving to be, he carried both bags all the way from the cafeteria to the doors of the castle where they met up with their "escort". She wondered how many students had tried to escape in the past that such measures were even necessary but decided it would be better not to ask.

They made their way into the smallest but closest of the Shadefall cities on the south east side of the island. From there the three of them took a boat. It wasn't a very big one, which made sense since it was only the three of them traveling. This guide wasn't nearly as friendly as the boatman Becca had traveled to the school with, he didn't speak to them unless it was absolutely necessary, but at least Becca and Dare had each other to talk with.