Chapter 21 - 20 - Affinity With the World
The sky began to turn golden as the sun tilted westward. After walking nonstop for nearly seven hours, Riven and Mira’s legs had grown heavy, and their breathing came in shallow bursts. At last, they decided to stop and rest after coming across a small river that flowed between stones and shady trees. The water was so clear that Riven could see little fish swimming lazily across the riverbed.
Without saying a word, Riven crouched at the riverbank, scooping water into his hands and drinking it slowly. The cold liquid brought a refreshing sensation to his parched throat. He then filled his flask to the brim. Mira, who had been walking behind him, plunged her face straight into the water, not caring that her clothes were getting wet. She giggled as the tiny fish bumped into her hands.
Riven sat on a large flat rock, catching his breath and stretching out his stiff legs. His gaze shifted toward Ashtoria, who stood not far from them, staring at the river without a hint of expression. She didn’t look tired in the slightest. Even the large wound on her abdomen that had once made Riven concerned... now seemed meaningless.
The memory of his request from a few hours earlier surfaced again. At that time, he had gathered his courage to ask this mysterious woman to teach him how to become a Lawbearer.
Ashtoria hadn’t answered right away—she had only stared at him silently, forcing Riven to coax and flatter her until, finally, she nodded reluctantly with a faint blush.
Now, with nothing else to do but rest, Riven stood and walked over to her.
Ashtoria was sitting with her back against a tree trunk, her face expressionless as always. Sometimes, Riven found it hard to believe that this woman could blush or show any emotion other than that icy calm. But he knew... she was hiding many things behind those eyes.
Riven stopped a few steps in front of her, then spoke in a calm voice, "If we keep walking for another two days, we’ll reach Dorthlam City."
Ashtoria glanced at him slightly.
"Dorthlam is a large city," Riven continued. "Once we get there, you can report what happened to you. They’ll protect you."
He knew this woman was strong, but even a Lawbearer might still feel shaken after being attacked in the middle of the night, alone, and severely wounded. Maybe she was too quiet to admit it, but Riven wanted to offer her some direction. At least a goal, so she wouldn’t feel lost.