Glade 90, 124
The expedition had been traveling for nearly a week now. This would be the third day outside of Drathera controlled territory, the third day of them being on their own away from the protections of their civilization. While there had been some delays and distractions, so far there had been no casualties. And for that, Norani Windwalker was grateful, as she lay there upon her bedroll, staring up at the dark sky beginning to split as the sun was considering rising once more.
She lulled her head to one side, seeing the muscular back of the archaeologist that was sleeping on his side. She looked at the markings there, seeing the story of how when he was a boy, his family was fleeing the destruction of their village at the hands of the Imperium. They took refuge in some long lost forgotten ruins from Ecith's long and storied history. One of his fathers died in those ruins as they stayed hidden as soldiers pushed further inland. This man, Irto, had sought refuge in the old runes and pictographs carved into the walls, trying to not look at the covered body of his father, or the vacant look in his other father's eyes, the love of his life having succumbed to the wound taken in retreat.
Norani reached out, touching the markings, feeling his warm, green skin beneath her fingertips.
"My father is from Kythera, originally."
Irto didn't turn toward her, speaking softly as everyone around was still sleeping.
"I'm returning his ashes to his home."
Norani closed her eyes, pressing her hand flat against his back. She didn't say anything, didn't think there'd be more he'd need to hear. But she scooted in closer, pressing her form against his back, an arm wrapping around his stomach, and she held him, just as Yeva often had held her. Be the comfort that others needed.
After a while, morning broke and breakfast was had by all. The other Winds set out on their patrols, finding the best route. But today was Norani's turn to take a day off from the skies, to travel with the Satchels and Shields. Tomorrow was Kilu's day off. Norani walked about the camp that was being packed up, seeing there was still a small amount of time before they would be moving. She removed her traveling hides, setting them on a wind to float them in the air by her. She then pulled some water from the humid air around them, cooling it, and letting it glide over her body, soaking into her hair. She conjured some rocks, grinding them into sand, and set them off scrubbing at her skin, taking the grime of travel from her. This was followed by a quick rinse and then she warmed her body with her internal fire, setting a bit of steam as the water evaporated, returning to the air once more.
She repeated the process for her hides to clean them as well and she dressed once more.
Norani pulled on her pack, strapped her chakrams at her waist, and saw that the convoy was moving once more. The Flood Hippos carried the group across a backwash and out onto some soggy ground, the group traveling beneath the canopy of a fairly swampy jungle. Most of the group was riding on the safety of the hippos. Norani was walking along the water as easily as one might on ground. She was in constant communication with the Winds on patrol, utilizing the elemental winds to carry messages.
She saw a man out on the perimeter of the group, an elf of some sort. He must be a member of the Shields out on a portion of more firm ground. Norani jogged over to him, coming up on his side. She didn't know his name, still not having had the time to quite met everyone more than a simple nod or look. He looked foreign born, new to the life of the Commonwealth. She looked over at him and smiled, "Hello. I'm Norani Windwalker."
She left a pause so that he might introduce himself.
"What brings you on this trip to Kythera?"
After her brief conversation, as it was, earlier in the morning, she wondered why everyone here might risk their lives for this trip.
