"So you brought back a friend and the prism." Nahern grumbled as he stirred the thick soup before them. A bubbling cauldron sat atop one of the campfire stoves from her home.
"I brought back a friend, the prism, AND treasure." Oz pointed out from the warmth of the blanket pile. She was deliciously warm and cozy once again. Having soaked for nearly three hours in the now permanent bath house set up near the now restored temple.
Hard to believe less than a few weeks ago, the temple had been nothing more than ruins. Now it had a proper roof, storerooms and made a perfect place to get away from the cold. The yurts and travel tents were still stable about the settlement, but many wooden structures were popping up. A cooking house with stone ovens, stacks of firewood and plenty of space for supplies. A community washing space to clean pelts and mend the larger hide canvases. With the plastic and supplies she brought, the ice elves already built up a greenhouse. Already sprouts were growing, lush greenery against the endless white and gray.
It gave her a rush of pride to see their home coming together.
Her home.
The return trip back to the settlement was far easier thanks to an established warp back home. She only somewhat fainted this time.
Nahern clicked his tongue against his teeth in a dismissive sound. Then pushed a bowl of the soup into her awaiting hands.
"Eat you are getting thin." He commanded.
Oz flushed under his hateful glare, hiding her smile behind the bowl. It was nice seeing Nahern back in his casual clothes, instead of battle armor. The softer fabrics gave him a much nicer silhouette. For once, his hair was free of the delicate braids and twists. Long strands pooled over his shoulder, barely held together by a leather strap.
It was so homey it made her heart ache for the normalcy of it all.
"Nahern?"
The elf looked up from sipping from his own bowl, one perfect eyebrow arched in silent reply. Oz set the half drank bowl on the table before scooting closer. Her hand shook for only a moment before she reached out. Placing her fingers ever so gently on his thigh.
"Thank you. For everything."
Even through the layers of thick embroidery, furs and canvas, she felt Nahern's body heat skyrocket. His skin flushed all the way to the tips of his ears.
"Stupid idiot." He huffed, his words without bite. He set down his own bowl, turning to face her. Placing the full weight of his stare on her. His own hand shook before reaching out, the large expanse of his hand fit against her cheek perfectly. Cradling her cheek, cradling the side of her face. Drawing them closer than ever before.
The chatter and lively noise from outside the yurt faded into static as Oz stared into his beautiful eyes. She swore she could count each and every lash if she could pull her eyes from his stare.
"Don't you ever think I would ever abandon you. I would sooner slice my own ears off before I leave you behind. Understand me? You are mine to care for, and mine to protect. No matter who else joins this quest to end the bloodshed, I will stand with you."
Ever so gently, Nahern brushed the loose strands from Oz's face. She stared in complete shock before daring to rip her eyes away.
"...…O..Okay." She choked out, unable to let him see the tears in her eyes. Her heart ached further, butterflies in her stomach. A shiver that had nothing to do with the cold ran down her spine.
She dared peek back at him, Nahern flushing as well before he turned back his supper. Once the heat cooled off, she allowed herself to lean against him. Resting her head against his shoulder. Nahern threw his arm around her, allowing her to lean closer.
"So what next?" She asked softly, staring into the dancing flames.
"We wait for a sign to continue."
"Even if it means a desert or an ocean or some other world?"
"I told you Oz." Nahern said barely over a whisper. "I will follow your will across the tower, no matter where it takes us. I will follow."
"And I will protect you and the others Nahern. With whatever abilities I get, I will make sure we all come home safe."
He nodded at that before his good mood was ruined by a loud boisterous laughter from outside. Even his ears dropped in annoyance. Another tongue click against his teeth, this time followed by an untranslatable word.
Oz blinked as the spell was broken as the fur flap was thrown open.
In walked The Comedian, in his familiar suit but a shaggy fur mantle thrown over it.
"Come Friends! No time for hiding away and flirting while the daylight burns away. The Saint has much to learn and I have much to teach."
"Flirting!" Nahern sputtered.
The Comedian chuckled, a rumbling pleasant sound that bounced around the cow-skull that made up his face. Oz's eyes drifted to the dialog box that hovered over his head.
[The Comedian | Fallen Mage of Beterhammer | Lv 73]
She had to smirk to herself, she was growing quite the party now. She would have to work hard to catch up to everyone.