When Nico and Kaya landed back in the Wastelands, a handful of women were there waiting for them.
Many of them reached up and helped her slide down the back of Xavier's dragon. Nico jumped down and was surprised to see Xavier, Sawyer, and Zander conversing.
Something must be wrong for Zander to leave his nephew; side. Nico kissed Kaya on the cheek before rushing in their direction to see what the problem was.
"...we need to do something!" Sawyer was saying. "If the Scavengers start a war things could get out of hand!"
"War?" Nico asked. "What's going on?"
Someone chuckled behind Nico and Asa stepped into view, loosely holding a cup in his hand. "Sawyer saw Eli - turned Ari at the palace and was deciding whether or not to tell anyone."
Zander blinked. "He was wondering how best to approach the situation. Given that - 'ya know - he's not Eli anymore."
Sawyer and Xavier both turn a dark look on Asa, who choked. "What? Did I say too much?"
Nico noticed a nasty scar under Xavier's left eye, and his hair looked like a bird's nest. Normally, his clothes would be lean and spotless but they were spotted with small stains and wrinkles.
Sawyer massaged his temples, grumbling under his breath. "Yeah. I saw Eli..but I'm not sure what I can do."
"I'll worry about that." Nico interrupted. "Xavier, when are you headed out?"
"In just a little while. You have no idea how glad I am for you to be back - life without Azar!" Xavier chuckled. "Why did you need something?"
"Yeah. Asa and I are leaving with you. Let me go grab some materials." Asa opened his mouth to protest and Nico turned toward him. "That is not a suggestion. You're going. I suggest packing a bag."
Asa drained the rest of his drink. "What can we possibly do? How are we going to stop a war?"
"We're going to need help, obviously." Nico snapped. "Sawyer, while we're away I want you to convince Kojo we need his help. Asa and I will work on King Davis."
"What about your wedding?" Asa smirked.
Great Mother. Perhaps Kaya would understand.
"I'll worry about that," Nico said, baring his teeth. He snatched the cup from the younger elf and pointed in the direction of the lined huts. "Go..go to your hut and pack a damn bag. Now."
Asa grumbled what sounded like curse words under his breath before marching away.
Zander sighed. "Teenagers. He's been moody since we first arrived. The only person he's been seen conversing with is the human doctor, River."
"Xavier go get Azar ready," Nico instructed. "I need to go talk with Kaya. Zander, I wish your nephew a speedy recovery," he added when Xavier sped away.
Zander placed a firm hand on Nico's shoulder. "Thanks. How is Luca doing, did you see him?"
"He's still alive, as is his brother," Nico smirked. "Why not just tell him how you feel?"
"Great Mother! Can you imagine how difficult that's going to be for me?" Zander gasped, face red. "I've never felt this before...how do I know he's going to return my feelings? We haven't seen each other in a while..maybe - maybe he forgot about me or..or his heart-"
"Zander." Nico chuckled. "Trust me. Luca hasn't forgotten you, he asked how you were doing when he saw me about five times. And that's five times I had to tell him in different ways that you were ok."
Zander's eyes widened and his mouth moved without making a sound. Nico bid him farewell before taking off toward the hut that he and Kaya shared.
Kaya was sitting on the bed with her hands on her stomach, her teeth gritted. Emmani sat beside her singing a song softly and patting Kaya's forehead with wet cloths.
Emmani spotted Nico and she waved. "Heya! How's the trip?"
"It was good. Can I talk to Kaya for a minute?" Nico asked, kicking off his boots.
Emmani grinned and looked between them before hopping from the bed. "Of course." she winked and slipped out.
Nico took a seat beside her, wondering how best to tell her that he was leaving a day before their wedding. He knew Kaya would put on her brave face and act like everything was ok when it wasn't.
"Hey love," Kaya took his chin in her hand and turned him toward her. "What's bothering you?"
Nico swallowed and before he could change his mind, he pressed his mouth against her startling a gasp from her. Kaya wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Nico," Kaya muttered. "Talk to me. What is it?" she pulled back. "Babe?"
"I..I have to leave." Nico managed. "Sawyer said that he saw Eli at King Davis's palace and I need to talk to Davis about the upcoming war. I also need to talk to Emily to see if she remembers anything about what Eli -Ari- looked like."
Kaya cocked her head. "Ok. But you do know our wedding..is right around the corner, yes?"
"I know. I'll be back before then."
"Promise?" Kaya grunted and wrapped her hands around her middle.
Nico wrapped his arms around her. "I promise. So, have you come up with a name for him?"
"I have." Kaya smiled.
"Oooh. Do tell."
"As soon as you get back from your little adventure." Kaya kissed his cheek.
Nico chuckled. "Alright. Deal."