Dark Wind, Icy Snow - RyuTar, YinYuan [BL]

RTYY 030 - Sleeping Accommodations?

Hi there ^_^ Just to tell you that if you want to read ahead you can also follow this novel on Webnovel, under the same name. I've manage to upload 60 chapters there ^_^; Anyways, enjoy and thank you so much for all your support! ;)

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By the time they stopped to make camp it had become completely dark, the canopy of the trees above their heads indistinguishable against the black sky. The only light they had came from the trembling flames burning over the palms of those who possessed fire daitai which, of course, included all the royals. Even so NimRen hadn't been able to deny her older brother's command to rejoin him when he had come for her. And so ZaiWin was left all alone, just another kid amongst the many who were mostly sighing in relief at the announcement that, for now, there wouldn't be any more marching do be done.

"But where are we supposed to sleep?" someone asked and multiple heads looked around, searching for something that would look like sleeping accommodations.

"Sleep? What about the evening meal? I don't know about you guys, but I'm starving!" another voice countered and voices of agreement sounded everywhere.

"If you are all feeling hungry you are free to procure your own food," a strong voice replied and the entire group was immediately silent, turning towards its origin.

The Yu Calzai was once more standing atop of a wood box, his tall and lean figure illuminated by the florescent moss covering the tree trunk behind him.

"For those of you who still haven't had the chance to check it, inside your backpacks you will find a map of the surrounding area. In it we have taken the time and trouble to point out the main watercourses as well as the best hunting and fishing grounds. There are also a few shaded areas that we'll explain at a latter moment. You are free to explore any of them on your free time. Also, inside your backpacks, you will find all you need to ensure you'll stay warm through the night. From this moment until the fourth hour after DunDaozao you are free to do as you please. You must, however, be back at the appointed time, and you must spend the night at this location. Failing to do so will result in points being deducted from your score. You are dismissed!" YuFan declared, nimbly jumping from the box, the florescent light coming from the moss fading away, and kids everywhere started to rumble through their backpacks, trying to verify their contents.

ZaiWin sighed and pulled the map from inside his tunic where he'd stored it, so it would be easier to reach. He already knew what was inside his backpack, since he'd taken the time to check it while they were on their way. Besides the map, his backpack contained an empty skin flask, a short knife, a glass container with an orienting crystal, and a surprisingly light blanket that, like the Calzai had stated, still seemed warm enough to keep the cold at bay during the night hours.

Taking a look at his map and then at the landscape around him, he quickly oriented himself through the big boulders sticking out of the ground at his left, and quietly made his way towards the closest stream.

Like at least one third of the kids that had attended the Gathering, none of his daitai were able to produce light but, unlike any of other kids, he knew no one would be willing to team up with him. Being the youngest of them all inevitable meant that, in their heads, he was probably the weakest as well. And his hair color clearly marked him as one with a commoner's background, which meant that no noble kid would want to be seen even talking with him, much less actually associate with him. As if that wasn't enough, the fact that he was perpetually on FeiWan's black list made it even less likely that anyone would choose to approach him.