[SWOOSH]
( THUD)
" Get off me.."
I was pushed off by a tired young leader as we arrived in the town of Uitla north, most of Insatel near the border on both Dharma and Lentila.
It was magnitudes colder than Emet.
My toes felt numb, but, worst still, my hands.
We travelled the last hour nonstop, and now Zephyr was panting on all fours in the untouched snow.
" Let's get to the Inn. " With shaking cold and snow off me, I helped him up. ".. you know this distance usually takes from Malai about a week on horse. " Well done, Zeph. "
" Thanks..let's go somewhere with a fire. "
He walked off towards the unguarded gate of what seemed like a ghost town.
It was winter but, even with 10 times the population of Emet, this city looked and ..felt dead.
Barely any lights or fires in homes, and not because there weren't any people in them.
I shook myself once more and went after him and walked through the giant wooden gate inside the town Uitla.
" Just a few minutes more! "
The wind picked up, but the Cold Horse was open from the looks of it.
" No guards.. no people. Creepy. "
It was indeed creepy, but... It was needed,this whole trip was needed.. had be done.
I fell in love.
It will be a hard pill to swallow for my parents and the rest of the family who benefited from this alliance with the Anolas.
Yelena was the perfect picture of nobility, yet also cold and materialistic and passionless. She was also insincere with Zeph and his family, and he talked behind their backs, sharing her true feelings.
My love for his family meant nothing to her..nothing at all.
Juan? What would you do?
We arrived at the Inn, and he pushed inside.
There were a few patrons still bundled in their coats, most huddled near the fireplace.
" ..To bad you can't spit fire brother.." he shook his head, looking at this..desolate little hole, and walked to the grumpy looking old man who owned it.
" Peril! Give us two hot ones and tea, will you?. "
I stepped ahead so he won't be offended by the otherwise rude owner/bartender.
" Oh..it's your 'self Lord Em. Nice to see you again.. I guess. Two hot ones and tea are coming right up. "
He couldn't keep his eyes off Zephyr's trademark hair like the others who whispered amongst themselves to the right of us.
Locals, merchants, mercenaries, poor or rich.. no one travelled deep winter unless desperate or..in love.
Ahh.. by Ehlite.. I want her. Those beautiful wild eyes that silky blonde hair, perfect figure.
She is kind, funny, full of life and flavour..when a young boy, I've always imagined someone like her by my side.. no one else.
A woman just like her.
If it wasn't my vow keeping me at bay, I would make my interest loud and clear already.
In fact maybe it's time to visit my grandmother for our family ring again.
I was grateful for Zephyr's intervention, and once again thanked my lucky stars, Mai summoned him that day.
" What the hell is a 'hot one'? " we enjoyed the seldom heat at least among four walls and thawed out sitting on some beat-up stools.
I took off my hats and smiled because it was a dish, I was certain he would love.. and much for him to do everything in his power to share it with our family.
Once Lylly or the princess fell in love with them..it's done, we can have it every day!
" It's spicy soup..it's just the thing, for this frozen hell hole."
We smiled devilishly at the murmurs of the locals..but no one spoke up, after all..
It takes just a few looks to understand we were a different sort from the usual, or they were just pissed scared for different reasons.
" I would love something spicy..oh, here it is. " he stopped when Peril walked out with two bowls of red, steaming hot soup.
" Enjoy.." he put the bowls down while taking the coins left on the counter.
" Also give us one room, two beds, if have any available. "
He looked at me funny, but I wasn't trying to be sarcastic with the man. " 20 bronze..each, with the soup and tea. The bread is free..."
Zephyr was already blowing on the hot liquid while I counted out the extra coins.
" Hmm..smells good. Alright then.. "
He took a bite and I saw the famous red pepper on his spoon.
" So? SOO!? How is it? " I asked in anticipation.
He tasted it, smaking his lips. " It's not that spicy, but.. tasty anyway. "
He went back and dipped some bread into the broth this time.
" That's impossible.."
I tried some myself once cooled it and it was like eating liquid flames.
It made me violently cough once I hit a bad part of my throat.
" T-there's something wrong with your taste buds!! "
" What? It's tasty..what's the secret? "
He was hooked.
" It is a special pepper grown only in Lentila. It's hard to get them unless you brave, since they grow near the mountains of divine beast Nerio. "
" Too bad.."
He kept eye contact while slowly slurping some tea waiting...
" Alright! I'll give! It's delicious, and I want Seline to work with them.. I need your help here, Zeph. "
He flashed a winning smile. " ..and there he is. "
" C'mon, you just said you liked it..and ." it was time for the last weapon ever needed with him. " ..Ilianna and Lylly would love some."
He looked up, smiling ahead, thinking about those who made it all worth it.
" Fine.. we take some on the way back. Maybe Seline and Vistellia can grow them. "
Pure win.
He will make sure even if these damned things can't grow back at Emet village. As long as his family likes them, he will make the trip whenever needed.
" ..and? "
I was shaken from his voice suddenly calling out.
" And.. what? "
" You don't want to kill that thing..Nerio? "
If only he had asked me a few months ago.
" No, Zeph, let's make sure we stick to that three day promise instead.. "
He gave an amused smile and went to finish the soup. " You changed.. there was a time when you would've dragged me. "
" We can wait a few months..the war will happen at some point, and even if it doesn't..
" Then we just go with Cintia's version..we kill them both, and I'll take Juan back then.. "
Yes.. he is the only one capable of saying it without sounding ridiculous. It was our plan B, so to speak.
He rested his hand on my shoulder. " Tell me.. how long are you willing to wait? "
" How long do we need? "
" ..Summer. By summer, we clean the regions from divine beasts and gather supplies, weapons, and most importantly, people..5 months, unless war happens first."
Five months and annihilation or ..war happened first.
" I been waiting for years, praying hoping.. Five more months then.. but hopefully...
" Yes.. hopefully Karta attacks. It's a deal, right? You will give me the mask ? "
I smiled, thinking back, showing him drawings of the Ancients Mask handed down over generations.
I offered it to him for his services unknown, if he would be even interested.
After all the gold and treasure seen that day... nothing interested him.. but the mask? He loved that..and that was an hour after we met.
He was an intriguing fellow, unafraid, powerful, and my shy little sister loved him.. like all ladies love beautiful things..and it started our friendship.
" The mask is yours, brother either way.. I'm taking it back tomorrow and also.. I'm sorry in advance. "
" What for..? " - his smile turned into confusion.
I shook my head, thinking about my family and their interest in everything unique and beautiful. Their little games and attitudes towards those they considered beneath them. He will hate them as well . Maybe even get angry.
" No..what's the point." I downed my now cold bowl and finished the tea, too.
" I will probably be apologising for a long time after this visit. Now, let's wake before the sun and push for the holy city. "