Thread: Light in Shadows (Fates and Flame)

A faint smile came across Aezons lips when Kaia spoke of her hearts desire. It was ironic to think this girl would have given anything to travel from place to place while he would have given anything just to have a place he could truly call home. Even so, he could not deny the truth in her words. As hard as nomadic life could be, he still had trouble imagining anything else. After having come so far and seen so much, he wondered if it would even be possible. Guess I dont have to worry about it , Aezon thought as he prepared to part ways with Kaia once and for all. It wasnt like any of the Provinces were about to offer room and board to a Shadow Tribe boy, let alone permanent residence. Despite that, Kaia seemed all too eager to keep him around. Aezon turned to face her with a puzzled look, keen to notice the way she seemed to search for the words to delay him. Naturally his mind jumped to the suspicious, but shed been hospitable enough so far. Then again, there was no denying the judgment in the way her eyes swept up and down his form. Heat swelled in his cheeks as she commented on his hardships in the bog. Truthfully, hed never felt quite so frustrated as he did wandering alone in this wilderness. Hed spent most of his life on the outskirts of civilization, but the terrain here could batter a man down without even trying. If the hazardous terrain and lack of visibility wasnt enough to test your sanity, it was only a matter of time before the mosquitoes and other insects would. A swamp dragon ? Aezon blurted, his brows furrowed. Hed never heard of such a beast, but if the name and her words of warning were anything to go by, the Mist had just become even more ominous than he thought. It was a foreboding idea to leave him with as Kaia trailed off, once more rifling for the proper words as she struggled to reach her point. When at last came her offer for help, Aezons stormy eyes lit with surprise. Youve helped me plenty already, he said, fighting the urge to question she would continue to do so, I couldnt ask any more of you. While he had to admit her assistance could be useful seeing him through this lethal country, the idea of accepting it felt uncomfortable. Not only was he not accustomed to such offers, but Kaja Lai was not his destination. But Aezon couldnt dare tell her where they were truly headed, so he went along with it for now. Im sure I could make it there easy enough on my own he said, trying to brush her off. Yet, Aezon found himself teetering on the edge of turning her down. Something about looking into her blue-green eyes, bright and glowing, held him at bay. Looking at her, it seemed as awkward and difficult to deny her help as it was to accept it. Suddenly, the words came out of his mouth before he could think the better of it. But if you could show me the way thatd be great. He kicked himself as soon as he said it, grumbling that now he would have to play along as though he were truly going to the Mist capitol. Why didnt I just tell her to leave me be? He wondered. Am I that much of a sap for a pretty face? Maybe back to the crossroads at least, he uttered suddenly, trying to quell that thought as well as avoid being led too far in the wrong direction. I can find my way from there. That is assuming I dont run into any of these swamp dragons. He gave her another shy smile, stepping aside to lead the way. Leiku meanwhile remained on his shoulder, fluttering with impatience while glancing between the bumbling pair.