A couple days later, Aquila was packed and ready for the trip to Grumor. Grumor was relatively close to Querencia, about a weeklong trip. Two weeks, to and from.
She strapped on her shoes and pulled her curly locks up into a tight ponytail. She came out the door to see Darryn waiting outside for her. He smiled at her when he saw her. Aquila forced a smile onto her own face, despite her nervousness. She still was fearful inside for this trip, but she was taking Rowan's advice and doing it anyways.
She stood still as he leaned down to kiss her briefly, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. The two of them started off through the village, towards the gate to Querencia to meet Rowan and Jesika.
"Are you sure you want to do this, Aqui? It's not too late to back out," Darryn said carefully after walking in silence for a while.
Aquila sighed deeply, nodding. "I do. You know I do. I've made that abundantly clear."
Darryn groaned and looked down at her. "Aquila, you know you don't have to prove yourself to anyone, right? None of us think any lower of you than we ever have. In our minds, you're still the same strong warrior you've always been."
Aquila shook her head. "I know. I'm not trying to prove anything to anyone except myself. And my own demons. I need to do this, Darryn. The only thing you can do to help is be beside me while I do it, not stop me."
He sighed and looked away, but gently tightened his grip on her, pulling her ever so slightly closer. "Of course, I'll be beside you. Every step of the way."
Her heart warmed. His words and his loyalty gave her hope. Maybe this would work out. "Thank you, Darryn."
After a while, they reached the gate just as Rowan and Jesika arrived.
Darryn frowned at the sight of the familiar redhead. "So, no offense to Rowan or anything, but why exactly did you want him to come? I'm not sure how he can be of much help."
Jesika glared at him whilst Rowan chuckled, lowering his gaze.
"My thoughts exactly," Rowan added.
Jesika rolled her eyes, huffing. "I have my reasons. You don't need to know them though. Just accept it and let's go. Is everyone ready?" The three nodded in reply. "Then let's get out of here. And we need to take as little breaks as possible. Without our beasts, this trip has the potential of being extra long."
With that, the group turned, and the gates opened up. The four of them left the kingdom behind, starting down the road to Grumor.
***
It was a starry night in Grumor, but the streets were empty of people. Sakura walked the streets until she found the place she was looking for. Moonglow Bar.
She opened the door to see just your usual bar. Nothing seemed too special about it, if anything it just seemed a little bit larger. She noticed a few people she was acquainted with and gave them a little smile, before heading to the counter. The bartender noticed her and came to stand before her.
"Hey, aren't you Johnny's apprentice?" he asked.
She grinned. "I am. You know him?"
He nodded. "He's always given me great weapons and tools. He's a good guy and an even better smith. What are you wanting?"
Sakura tilted her head. "Virgin Bloody Mary and Sir Ciaran, please."
The man nodded, seemingly not hearing the second part. He started to fill her order but came to a halt upon realizing what she had said. He turned, looking at her.
