Day 1: Departure from Janma
The morning was still fresh when Evan and Runa departed from the capital, Janma, aboard a sturdy carriage.
The streets, filled with the noise of busy vendors and soldiers preparing for unknown conflicts, seemed a world away as they began their journey.
Runa, sitting quietly beside Evan, stared out the window, her fingers absently tracing the Golden Sun token Dyeva had given her earlier. The weight of the token felt heavy with expectation.
Evan adjusted his greatsword, resting it by his side in the small carriage, his steady hands a testament to years of battle experience.
His grey eyes swept over Runa, silently observing her fidgeting movements. He had seen many recruits in his time with the Golden Sun Guild, but few carried the nervous energy she exuded.
"Hey," Evan said, his voice calm but firm. "You okay?"
Runa turned to him, startled for a moment. Her gaze dropped to the floor before meeting his again. "I... I'm just thinking. This will be my first real trial... I've never done something like this before."
Evan nodded thoughtfully, leaning back slightly. "That's normal," he said. His tone wasn't particularly gentle, but there was an undercurrent of understanding.
"The trial's tough, but it's not impossible. If you're here, it means someone believes you can do it. So, prove them right."
Runa gave a small, grateful smile but said nothing more. Evan's words weren't flowery or overly comforting, but they carried weight, like the steady presence of an anchor in a storm.
As the carriage began its slow journey through the hills surrounding Janma, Evan let his gaze drift to the landscape, his thoughts already strategizing for the days ahead.
Day 2: The Calm Before the Storm
The journey was quiet. The first day passed with little incident, save for the occasional merchant caravan or patrolling soldiers passing the Arkam Holy Nation.
The landscape slowly shifted from the fertile plains to the more rugged terrain that led toward Kubu Fort.
That night, they camped under the stars. Evan, ever practical, immediately began preparing a simple meal of bread and dried meat.
His movements were methodical, the ease with which he handled even mundane tasks a testament to his disciplined nature.
Runa watched him, her mind wandering. "I've heard stories about the Golden Sun Guild," she said after a while, breaking the silence. "They say you're all... legendary."
Evan chuckled, though his expression remained serious. "Legendary, huh? Most of us are just trying to make sure we stay alive."
There was no boastfulness in his words, only a quiet humility that seemed to contrast with the reputation of the guild. He handed her a piece of bread, his hand steady even after the long day.
They ate in silence, the crackle of the fire filling the air. The distant howls of wolves served as a reminder of the untamed world beyond the safety of their guild.
Day 3: The First Experience
On the third day of their journey, the road grew steeper, and the air thinner.
By midday, they were making their way through a narrow pass when Runa suddenly pointed ahead.
"Look! There's a group of travelers!" she exclaimed.
Evan's brows furrowed as he narrowed his eyes, scanning the horizon. A small group of figures emerged from the woods—a mix of human and beastkin traders.
They appeared harmless enough, but Evan's instincts, honed over years of dangerous missions, told him something wasn't right.
He subtly reached for the dagger strapped to his side, his posture shifting almost imperceptibly into a more defensive stance.
His gaze darted between the traders and the surrounding trees, searching for any signs of an ambush.
Suddenly, without warning, one of the traders—a burly human—pulled a blade and charged at Runa. The others followed suit.
"Stay back!" Evan ordered, springing to action.
His greatsword was in his hands in an instant, moving with a precision born of countless battles. He parried the first attacker's blade with ease, the force of his counter sending the man sprawling.
Evan's strikes were efficient, each movement calculated to neutralize his opponents without unnecessary flair.
Within moments, the would-be assailants were on the ground, groaning in pain. Evan stood over them, his sword gleaming in the sunlight.
"What in the realms...?" Runa gasped, wide-eyed.
"They were bandits," Evan muttered, his voice low and calm. "Probably thought we'd be easy targets."
He turned to her, his gaze sharp but not unkind. "You okay?"
Runa nodded, though her hands were trembling. "I—I didn't expect that."
Evan gave a small nod of approval. "Now you know why we stay ready. The world outside the guild isn't as forgiving as in the city."
The rest of the day passed uneventfully after the skirmish. By evening, they set up camp once again, but Runa remained quieter this time, still shaken by the encounter.
Day 5: Unlikely Bonds
By the fifth day, the air had become colder, and the dense forest began to thin as they approached the Kubu Fort. The once gentle landscape had now given way to more rugged terrain.
Evan noticed that Runa was adjusting to the travel hardships. Her posture was growing more confident, though her eyes still held a shadow of doubt.
"I'm not used to traveling so far from home," Runa admitted as they passed over a narrow bridge. "Janma... it's all I've known."
Evan glanced at her, his brow furrowing slightly. "Isn't the Als family based in Kretya? I thought you couldn't leave until completing some kind of ceremony."
Runa hesitated, her expression a mix of surprise and hesitation.
"Yeah... but I'm different. My mother's a commoner, so I can't stay at the Als family castle. That's why I grew up with my aunt Dyeva until my ceremony finishes."
Evan's expression softened slightly, though his voice retained its usual bluntness. "Makes sense. That's probably why your aura feels more like Dyeva's than the other Als family members."
Runa glanced at him, a small smile breaking through her serious demeanor. "Thanks, I think? Do you... really think I'll be ready for the trial?"
"You'll be ready when you stop doubting yourself," Evan replied, his tone matter-of-fact.
Runa sighed, looking away as the weight of his words sank in. Though she didn't reply, her silence was no longer filled with fear—it was the quiet of someone who was beginning to find their resolve.