As the first light of dawn broke through the dense canopy of trees, Kael stirred from her sleep. The last watch had been Riven's, and as she blinked the grogginess away, she spotted him already tending to the horses. He was crouched beside them, refilling their water from a small silver flask—his enchanted waterskin that never ran dry. The glow of the fire had long since dimmed, leaving behind only embers that crackled softly in the morning air.
Riven turned as he noticed her waking, flashing her a smirk.
"Good morning, sweetheart. Sleep well?"
Kael groaned, stretching her limbs as she sat up. "As well as one can in the middle of a forest, with you talking in your sleep."
Riven's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Oh? And what exactly did I say? Let me guess—something scandalous?"
Kael rolled her eyes. "Something stupid."
He clutched his chest in mock offense. "I'm wounded."
Ignoring him, she grabbed her own flask, infused with the same enchantment as his, and washed her face with the cool water. The crisp morning air sent a slight shiver down her spine, but it felt refreshing. She took a piece of dried meat and bread from their supplies, eating in silence as Riven saddled the horses.
After a few moments, he spoke again. "We should make good time today. If we ride hard, we'll reach the trade route before noon, and by evening, we'll be at Saint-Aure."
Kael nodded, finishing her meal before standing. "Let's not waste time then."
They mounted their horses and resumed their journey. The dense woodland gradually began to thin, giving way to rolling fields of golden grass and wildflowers. The air here was fresher, the wind carrying the scent of earth and distant rain. Kael took a moment to breathe it in, something she rarely allowed herself to do.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Riven's voice was softer now, lacking its usual teasing lilt.
Kael exhaled slowly. "I never had time to appreciate things like this before."
"Maybe you should start." He glanced at her, a rare seriousness in his expression. "It wouldn't hurt to enjoy life a little."
She didn't reply, but her gaze lingered on the horizon a little longer before they pressed forward.
They encountered a few creatures along the way—small, harmless beings known as Aeliths, which looked like winged foxes with luminescent fur. They flitted between the trees, watching the riders curiously before darting away. Further along, they spotted a Velyndor, a majestic stag-like beast with antlers glowing with arcane energy, its coat shimmering like the night sky. Kael slowed her horse, watching in quiet awe.
Riven, too, had fallen silent. "Rare sight," he murmured. "Velyndors are sacred to the elves. They say if you see one on a journey, it's a sign of favor."
Kael didn't believe in omens, but something about the creature's presence made her chest feel lighter.
By mid-morning, they reached the trade route. The once-quiet landscape erupted into noise—caravans, merchants, adventurers, and traders bustled about. The road was lined with carts carrying exotic wares, beasts of burden pulling heavy loads, and groups of travelers from various races. Humans, centaurs, and even a few elves moved through the crowd, their fine garments and composed demeanor setting them apart. The scent of spices and fresh bread mixed with the stench of animals and sweat, making for a dizzying blend of aromas.
Saint-Aure's walls loomed in the distance, an impressive fortress of stone and iron that marked one of the busiest trade hubs in the region. The city was alive with activity, its towering gates guarded by heavily armored centaurs. The line to enter moved slowly, but efficiently. Kael and Riven dismounted, leading their horses through the queue.
As they approached the checkpoint, a scribe sat behind a wooden desk, recording the entries. A guard, his armor gleaming under the midday sun, eyed them both. "Names, occupation, and reason for entry."
Riven handed over their adventurer badges. "Renna Solis and Cassian Vale," he said smoothly. "Freelancers looking for work."
The guard gave them a once-over before nodding. "Two silver coins each."
Kael tossed the coins onto the counter, and with a nod, they were waved through. As they passed beneath the grand archway into the city, Riven leaned toward her. "See? That wasn't so hard."
Kael shot him a sidelong glance. "Let's just find an inn and regroup."
He grinned. "Ah, straight to business. You never change."
And with that, they stepped into the heart of Saint-Aure, unaware that something had been watching them since the forest.