Getting back to Blackmist took us six days. Noah liked to take long breaks which is kind of annoying but refreshing. We somehow worked well together.
"I have a favor to ask you."
"Okay, what?"
I ran up to him and hugged him. I held on tightly wanting a little comfort. I'm terrified but I'll hide it after this.
He hugged me back. I don't know why but I cried. The warmth coming off his body and the feel of his strong arms holding me in his gentle embrace, I cried so hard my body was shaking.
"I'll have your back the whole time Lyria. Anytime you need me, I'll be there." He whispered reassuring words to me.
"I'm so scared Noah. I fought so hard to survive this place and now I'm back here willingly. And yet I'm still terrified."
"I know. You're shaking so hard I'm surprised to see you still standing."
Noah held me till I stopped shaking. I let go and shook myself of the fear I was feeling. This is what I wanted, it's time to face it.
"This past week you've seen me as fun and open-minded, now you're going to see someone else. The survivor, I call it. Just don't look at me differently after this." The survivor in me is guarded and colder, but that's how I feel like I need to be.
"Alright. I don't think I could ever forget the female who knows how to have a good time and cook better than me. Our time together was too precious to forget." He gave me a sly smile and for some reason it made me feel better.
"You do realize we're going to war right?" I don't think he realizes the danger of being here. He's just too laid back and easygoing.
"The thought hit me when you told me your story. I only have two marks. Going to war will help me gain more marks. Maybe I can leave and go to a bigger city, travel a little, who knows."
"You'll fight with me?"
"Of course."
Lyria smiled "Okay lets go."
We walk right to the edge of the woods. Open grassy hills stare back at me and beyond that Blackmist forest.
"So we're just gonna wait here?"
"Yeah, I don't want to be surrounded by males just yet."
"Ahh-got it. Are you sure this Ethan male will come or do you want me to go find him?"
"Just lay back and wait for a bit, okay."
I sat down and waited by a tree, easy to see from the sky but not from across the plains.
I decided to see if I could connect with Blackmist Forest from here.
Two hours passed before I hear noise above me. Definitely the sound of wings. Guess he's going to watch for a bit. It's fine, although I'm connected to nature, I've made sure some of my senses were still active.
The moment I connect with Blackmist, pain burned my hands and shot up my arms. I screamed from the sudden burst of pain, but still couldn't disconnect.
'Why, why was it burning? There's so much pain even from the beastmen that are suffering.'
"Lyria! Lyria wake up." Noah shook me hard enough I was disconnected.
"I knew things would get bad but...that was too much. He's out of control."
"Are you talking about the snake king?" Ethan spoke up from above.
"Yes. What happened?" Lyria looked up in his direction.
"About a week after you left the snakes woke up from hibernation. I did as you said and got extra men over and had them prepared for him. He acts like a feral now. We attacked and pushed them back but it's still been rough."
"What about the females? Don't you know there treated worse than slaves? They will die first if you keep this up, then what's the point?"
"What do you recommend we do?"
"What's done is done. I'm going to try something tonight. Wrap up small portions of meat and greens and bring them back to me. I'll get them fed, you can trust me. We'll come up with a plan tomorrow morning after I get a little more entail."
"What do you mean? Are you going back in?"
"Yes so show some respect and trust me a little, okay."
"I'll go with you." Ethan finally jumped down from the tree.
"No you'll keep an eye out high in the sky, I'll go underground. It's also best if I go alone. Things get dangerous with even the slightest bit of noise."
"Fine I'll be back tonight." he turned and was about to take off.
"Wait, can you somehow let the males know not to come this way, please? I'm uncomfortable around many males as I told you before. And If a male comes over here that I don't recognize, I'll kill him." I gave him my dead serious look which I have perfected over the years.
"Yes ma'am." Ethan nods then flew away.
Lyria took a deep breath of relief. It wasn't much of a meeting but it's a start.