They set out on their journey at dawn. There was little to pack, but Mithra was able to find them each some water jugs and dried food from his pantry in the temple.
Ten considered how long it would take them to get back home. It had been a two weeklong journey from the Borderlands, but they had taken a boat down the Long River for most of the way here. Now, they would have to follow the river back north, on foot. It might be twice as long to get back.
Sunniva had some coins, but they would have to spend it sparingly, only stopping by villages if they truly needed something. A traveling party such as themselves would attract too much unwanted attention. That was the last thing they needed.
Ten sighed, they were ill equipped for this trip. He glanced at his travel companions. Veroth should be no issue, he had followed Ten into many battles. Mithra, despite his refusal to where a shirt, appeared to be a strong, dependable guy. Sunniva, however, was barely properly clothed and though she seemed strong, she was obviously not accustomed to long travels.
"Shall I carry you?" Ten asked after the first few hours of walking through the jungle. It had to be about noon now.
Sunniva panted, "I'm fine. I just…am not used to…such long hikes. Could we at least stop for a rest?"
Mithra nodded in agreement. "That's right captain, you've got us marching like soldiers." He pointed his chin in Sunniva's direction. "She is not built for this."
"I'm just a scribe after all," Sunniva muttered. She took the opportunity to take a swig from her water gourd.
All of them had sweat trickling down their faces. Ten knew from his journey to the temple that the Southern Kingdom was nothing but dense jungle through and through. This journey would take longer than he thought.
"Veroth," Ten ordered. "Let's stop for lunch. Why don't you see if you can hunt something small?"
Veroth complied without complaint. Every strand of his silver hair seemed perfectly in place despite the rough morning they had.
"I better go with him," Mithra said, seemingly offended he wasn't asked to do the task, "I am at least familiar with the area."
Sunniva waved him off as she fell onto a log. She kicked off her sandals and massaged her sore feet. Her feet were starting to blister. Her long hair, once again, fell like curtains front of her face.
Ten kneeled in front of her and grabbed her right ankle.
"Hey—"
"Let me help you." He gently kneaded the sole of her foot with his callused hands. "We need to get you some proper footwear at least. I understand the Southern folk wear little clothing because of the heat, but this won't do."
Sunniva shyly scratched her neck as she watched Ten massage her feet. His shaggy brown hair clung to his face, matted from all the perspiration. She laughed, amused that he may be the one struggling more than her due to the heat.
"Alright, Mithra and I could use a nice pair of boots. We can buy some in the next town we come across. But are you sure you're alright?"
Sunniva instinctively brushed his hair from his forehead. When he wasn't standing, she could easily reach his face. She didn't understand how it didn't bother him when his hair fell into his eyes. She liked it when his eyebrow piercing was visible.
Ten froze at her touch. He cleared his throat. "I just can't seem to get used to the hot climate," he replied.
She used both of her hands to tuck his hair behind both his ears so she could count how many piercings he had. He had flat piercings in both ears, an industrial helix in his right ear and an earring dangling from his right lower lobe. On his left ear he wore a stud and three small hoops along his left upper lobe.
"Stop caressing me," he growled.
"I'm not—" she dropped her hands. She realized she had been doing exactly what he had accused her of.
She crossed her arms against her chest and huffed, "I was just curious about your piercings. Is it a common thing in the North? Veroth doesn't seem to have any."
"Not any in visible areas," Ten grinned. Sunniva immediately looked embarrassed.
"Sorry, I shouldn't have asked."
Ten gently placed both her feet on the ground. He was still kneeling before her. He grabbed her chin and tilted her face down towards his so that their eyes met. "No, if you're curious about anything, you should ask."
He continued to talk to her as he stood up and brushed the dirt off his pants.
"No, to answer your questions, it is not a common thing in the North."
"Oh," she said. "Just personal preference, then?"
He shrugged, "Something like that."
"I have another question, Ten." Sunniva stood up and tried to make herself as tall as can be. "When will you tell us why you came here for the Keeper? The real reason."
Ten looked down at her. Suddenly, he wore the same cold expression as the night before. He was no longer the same man who had gently massaged her feet moments ago.
"Why don't you be honest with me, Sunniva? Why aren't you telling me the truth."
"I—"
But before she could even attempt to say anything back, Ten had already turned away. He went to start a small fire so that they could cook the quails Mithra and Veroth caught.
Sunniva felt her eyes sting as she tried to hold back tears. Even though she didn't understand the reason behind Ten's treatment towards her, she felt hurt. And that surprised her more than anything.