“You really have impressed me with your strength during this journey. I’ve never seen someone fight against their fears so viciously.”
Her chest sinks as she lets out a surprised gasp. When she gazes at me, I see a hungry woman.
Starved for connection and touch.
Then she swallows and looks away.
“But what about Enduvida? I was hoping we would solve this quickly, but now this means more time away from everyone. Lorepath, my pupils,” she puts one gloved hand over her eyes. “Hostia puta,I have blankets to make. People need blankets!”
It’s strange to think I would hear someone’s mind rioting and their heart galloping, but I do.
“Arlet.The river does not carve the mountain in a day, but with enough streams, even stone yields,” I murmur. “All I’m saying is no burden is too great when carried by many, and make no mistake, many hands are ready and willing to shape the future of our home. What must be done, will be. You are allowed a rest.”
For a second, my throat tightens as if the words spoken to her were also meant for me. We’d both been working ourselves to the bone. We both needed to be careful.
Strange how that could happen.
She gives me a peculiar look. “Have you been reading De’Rahn?”
My brows shoot up. “How do you know about him?”
De’Rahn is another popular poet from the Golden Age. He’d been popular when I was in the military academy. I’d never met him but had enjoyed his work from time to time.
She purses her lips. “Mi Cielo,I’ve been reading enduar literature since I arrived in Enduvida. And… you never seem to invent such an eloquent turn of phrase by yourself.”
I narrow my eyes. “I am an excellent speaker.”
She casts me an incredulous look, then snarks, “Yes, and all the crystals in the cavern sing at your every syllable.”
I laugh. “Forgive me, I only thought you read scrolls full of pleasures best enjoyed behind locked doors.”
The words fall out before I can stop them. Arlet looks up at me, and a scene from one of the scrolls I found on her bedside plays in my head.
“How do you…” her eyes widen. “You went through the things on my bedside when you broke into my house?”
I smile.
“It was for a good cause.”
“Well, friend, let me know if you would like recommendations,” she says, though her cheeks flush a deeper shade of red in embarrassment.
It’s my turn to be speechless.
“You seem to be in better spirits. Would you like to lead?” I manage.
“I’d prefer if you did it. I’m… weary.” She dips her head toward me, then, taking another breath, begins to gather her pack. I do the same.
“Where are we going, exactly?” she asks.
“West.” I grin. “But in truth, I don’t know. It’s an adventure.”
She bites her lip, hoisting the pack onto her shoulders.
“You know, I’m not one to crave adventures.”
My brows draw together.
“Really? I would’ve expected you to seek them at every chance.”