Chapter 23 Azahara #2
Illyan had jumped down, and Kaed assisted them in putting up their tent while Zhal came to Azahara and helped her down from Starlight. She was beginning to see a trend here.
While it was unnecessary, Azahara didn’t want to be rude to Zhal.
“Thank you,” she said, craning her neck to look at her, a smile on her lips.
Zhal simply nodded and moved away from her.
Azahara knew in her heart that Zhal was there to protect her, but that didn’t make her any less intimidating.
Her only interaction with the Vaeragi had been the previous night, and she had found no mention of them in her journals to date.
“I’ll get the fire going,” Zhal said, walking into the forest to gather wood.
Azahara took out the apples she had packed for the horses and fed them individually, leaving the Mustang for last. While she didn’t hesitate, the bumps on her arms revealed her weariness.
It was a monstrous beast, but as it accepted the apple from her hand, she glimpsed the gentle creature behind the imposing exterior.
Its large mouth opened, and its tongue deftly took the apple from her palm before gently returning it. Its eyes locked onto hers, and it took a step closer, sniffing at her hair.
She heard footsteps behind her, and the horse let out a loud snort and blew through its nose—a warning.
Azahara dared not move and allowed the Mustang to sniff around her collarbone and down to her hand. She hadn’t realized her hand was still extended, even after the apple had been taken. After a few moments, the horse stepped back and reared its head up and down.
“He has accepted you.” Zhal’s sudden presence startled her, sending a ripple of fear through her.
She momentarily worried if she had scared the horse, but it seemed unfazed by her sudden movement.
“His name is Noxus.” Zhal dropped the wood and moved beside her.
“They are bred to serve the Vaeragi from birth to death. They do not accept anything from another being, not even proximity. That’s why your Elf was warned as he approached. ”
Understandingly, Kaed hadn’t continued to her. Albeit just a horse, he wouldn’t have risked something happening due to him.
Azahara raised her hand and placed it between Noxus’ eyes, gently scratching his coat.
While the horse remained unfazed, she felt relieved that it didn’t attempt to stomp on her or snap at her fingers.
“Nice to meet you, Noxus,” she said, her tone filled with joy, knowing they had another loyal horse at their side.
The night unfolded in such a manner. They started a fire and cooked the game they had brought from Azahara’s home, fully aware that they wouldn’t be returning anytime soon, and figured it would be best to take it.
Mostly, they ate in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
It was the first full day of their journey as a group of four, and despite having plenty to discuss, an underlying sense of awkwardness permeated the air.
Illyan held animosity towards Zhal. Zhal’s fondness was reserved for Azahara alone, while Kaed maintained a neutral stance.
Despite their differences, Azahara found solace in their presence, feeling a sense of protection with all three of them by her side, even if their disagreements persisted.
As they prepared to rest, Kaed held Azahara close to his chest while the sounds of the forest began to sing a lullaby.
Kaed whispered, “I think, all things considered, today was a good day.” He placed a kiss on her forehead. One of her legs was draped over his abdomen, her arm resting against his chest. Her fingers twirled his hair gently. “What do you think?”
“I agree,” she replied, her voice aloof.
“Are you okay?” he asked, concern evident in his tone.
Azahara nestled into his embrace, her body fitting perfectly against his.
A sense of contentment washed over her, and the day had exceeded her expectations.
There were no clashes between Illyan and Zhal, no unexpected encounters with Gorruk or any other threats, and, most importantly, they were all together.
However, amidst the tranquility, unease lingered in her heart. With so much happening around them, she feared fully embracing the calmness, wary of what lay ahead.
Azahara, the overthinker, admitted, “Yeah, I am. Just a lot on my mind, that’s all.” She knew that lying to Kaed was futile; he would always tell.
“As is your right, especially after the events of the night before,” he reassured her.
“Just know I’m here to listen; don’t bottle it up inside until you drive yourself mad.
” His steady heartbeat, coupled with his gentle tone, soothed her.
It always had. No matter the scenario, his voice brought her to a place of serenity, even when he was frustrated with her.
“I promise.” She tilted her head and kissed him. “Thank you.”
“No need.” He cleared his throat. “Your hand, Red, its—um.”
Unbeknownst to her, her hand had found its place in his lap, where he eagerly welcomed her touch.
Sensing the connection, Kaed gently rolled her on top of him, and instinctively her legs found their place, straddling his waist. The action flowed effortlessly, without a second thought.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m more than happy to oblige—”
“Don’t you dare, you two!” Illyan’s voice rang across the night sky. “I swear to the Mother that if you do that right now, I will sing the entire way to the kingdom.”
“While it pains me to admit it, I must agree with the Fae,” Zhal drawled.
“You... agree with me?” Illyan’s voice sounded tearful.
Azahara muffled a laugh. “Illy, are you crying?”
Kaed kissed her and gently placed her back on the ground. It took a moment for Illyan to respond, but they finally did. “No. Goodnight.”
They were definitely crying.
The following day arrived swiftly, devoid of any incidents. Zhal was the first one awake, followed closely by Azahara. Stepping out of their tent, Azahara directed her steps toward the Vaeragi.
“Good morning,” she greeted, stretching her arms over her head. The air was brisk, and when she shivered, Zhal began shedding her jacket. “O-Oh no, please don’t,” Azahara quickly protested. “I’ll be fine; I have a sweater in my bag.”
Zhal eyed her and replied, “Then get it.”
Swallowing, Azahara hurried towards Starlight, who was staring at Noxus as though if he blinked, the beast would get bigger. With agility, she rummaged through her bag, found the sweater, and put it on.
“Good,” Zhal said, readjusting her jacket back over her shoulders. “My skin is thicker, which makes me less prone to being cold. If you need a jacket, you can have mine.”
Azahara smiled warmly at her, and Zhal grimaced. “It is nothing,” she said, then quickly turned away.
Shrugging her shoulders, Azahara turned to see Kaed crawling from the tent. “Morning, beautiful,” he greeted, rolling his head around on his shoulders and popping his back. The sound sent a chill down her back. “Morning, Zhal.”
“Morning to you both,” Zhal grumbled, and it seemed to pain her to engage in much of a discussion with anyone outside of Azahara. So when she responded to Kaed, it was more than they expected.
“Good morning. How did you sleep?” Azahara approached Kaed, leaning in, clearly desiring a kiss.
“I miss your bed, but last night wasn’t too bad,” he replied, his hand finding its way to the small of her back as he planted a gentle kiss on her lips. “We’ve woken up at a good time. If we set off soon, we can reach the camp before lunch.”
Azahara smiled and nodded. “Hopefully we won’t have to spend too many more nights on the floor,” she said, though it hadn’t bothered her much.
She had been warm and comfortable, even though the thin mattress felt more like paper than anything else.
“I think we just need to pack up the tents, wake Illyan, and...” She paused, looking at Zhal with a hint of concern. “Zhal?”
Zhal remained intensely focused on the southern horizon as Noxus pounded its hoof against the soil. Starlight appeared equally agitated, but Moondancer seemed unfazed.
“Someone is here,” Zhal declared, her gaze quickly shifting to Azahara. “Move.”
Without hesitation, Kaed seized Azahara by the forearm and hurried her over to Starlight. Fear gnawed at her gut as she whispered, “Illyan...”
Zhal darted toward their tent, snatched the support sticks, and flung the tent as if nothing but paper.
The Fae, understandably startled from its slumber, jolted awake.
While Azahara would typically protest such forceful actions, she recognized that Zhal needed to restrain Illyan and prevent them from screaming.
“Do not speak,” Zhal commanded, her hand clamped over Illyan’s mouth. “Get up and move.” There was no hint of additional concern in her tone, but Illyan’s eyes darted toward Azahara, who was being carted off and placed onto Starlight, and they understood that something was amiss.
Thanks to an early morning scuffle, another set of camping gear had vanished. They were all mounted on horseback, their belongings scattered across the ground.
Kaed sensed them too. As he climbed onto Starlight, his arms instinctively tightened around Azahara, and he spoke. “I hear a dozen approaching footsteps of various shapes and sizes. I can’t discern their identity.”
“Could it be the Order?” Azahara wondered aloud; urgency evident in her voice as they hastily departed from their campsite. Their horses surged forward, powerful hooves pounding the earth with a resounding force, creating a thunderous rhythm that echoed through the forest.
“Perhaps, but I’d rather not take any chances,” Kaed replied, his voice steady despite the rumbling ground beneath them. With each powerful stride of their horses, they effortlessly surged forward.