Chapter 255: Gone (2)
The remainder of the journey to the mountain did not take long. After another two hours of hiking and the group was finally in the first lot of tunnels beneath the palace, sheltered from the wind and snow. They weren’t quite deep enough for the Lyvarian magic of heating to kick in, but to the weary travellers, this was enough.
With practised efficiency, camp was swiftly and quietly set up with the tents equipped with that underfloor heating. They were weary from the travel and the beast that claimed one of their own, but the mundane routine of setting up camp was a welcome distraction. It allowed them to momentarily set aside the pain of losing one of their own and the hardships they had faced on their journey. The rhythmic tasks of securing tents, unrolling mats and furs, and arranging supplies provided a sense of normalcy in the midst of their sorrow.
Now settled, Garrett stared at the tunnel’s entrance, watching the dull, light grey skies swallowed by nightfall. The crackling of the fire set up cast the light blue glow of Fiza’s magic, keeping the lighting low enough to not attract other predators. Looking back at the camp, though, Garrett could tell the others did not care.
The air was heavy with grief, and their faces long, gazes distant. He did not know Ger well, but even he felt a tinge of sadness in his chest. To die by saving others was the noblest of deeds, and they would make sure Ger’s name would never diminish from history books. Evanna would never allow it.
The elf glanced at the princess’ tent before returning to look outside. Garrett decided to remain on guard whilst the others battled their broken hearts.
One of the tent flaps to Evanna’s tent was left open. Axel wanted to keep an eye on Evanna just as much as the prince and did not care for Arawn’s glare. Privacy could be granted when they were more at ease.
The prince could command it of them, but he did not. Axel’s gaze moved to the fire, though, his thoughts consuming him from the last moments they saw Ger. To his left, Ronan was lost in thought, quiet, and staring at the fire whilst drinking something much stronger than water.
Axel accepted the skin and raised it. "To Ger, the bravest and most noble of us all."
Ronan nodded once. "To Ger."
Fiza, Arawn and Garrett bowed their heads in acknowledgement before returning to their tasks. The night fae was set on making a meal from berries and handing them out to the men; even though it was not much to fill their bellies, she knew they would not eat much anyway. Drinking called to them more in times of grief.
Looking up, Fiza watched the pair who strained themselves the most in an attempt to kill the mighty dragon. Evanna was lying under the furs pulled up to her chest while Arawn hovered by her side, hand clasping hers, kissing her knuckle and caressing her face. Feeling her stare, the prince met Fiza’s eyes until she felt slightly embarrassed at watching such a private moment meant between lovers.