It took us a bit more time to find a good spot to take shelter for the first night of this trip. A small cave very close to the Border Peaks, a mountain range that separates the midlands, where humans reside, from the Western territory, sometimes dubbed The Wilderness. Not much is known about this part of the Mortal realm as very few have ever dared enter and even fewer have returned alive. And our destination just so happens to be somewhere far to the west, in the heart of this dangerous region.

  Aleiana seemed very exhausted by our journey as she fell asleep as soon as we found ourselves in this small cave. It’s a place with a nice view of our surroundings and it’s easy to defend in case of an ambush. One would probably prefer the comfort of a warm and soft bed, but sometimes this is all you can get.

  All this time I couldn’t get the thought of our last encounter out of my head. Is there someone out there searching for us? If so, who and why attack us without a warning? The only people living this far to the west are just some farmers and, if we go beyond the Border Peaks, the Dragon hunter clan. Considering the strength of that summoned wolf, it could be one of their people, but there are no records of their members attacking other people, nor would there be any reason. Their sole purpose is hunting dragons, after all, right…?

  If somebody is actually hunting me out there, I should send Aleiana back and deal with them myself.

  My thoughts suddenly get interrupted by a familiar aura moving closer towards me:

  ‘Shouldn’t you be sleeping?’ I ask.

  ‘Thought you could use a bit of sleep, too, so I came to switch places. Also, I couldn’t really sleep too well…’

  I’m not quite sure if I have signed for a job that also consists of listening to someone’s problems, but I guess I’m trapped in this situation regardless. An open ear might at least thaw the icy wall that separates us right now.

  ‘Bad dreams?’

  She nods while shivering. I guess the nights here are cold for an elf wearing nothing but some light leather clothes. Practical during a fight, but not very warming. I untie my cloak and wrap it around her. ‘It ain’t much but I guess it can warm you a bit.’

  At first, she appears surprised, then a little confused and embarrassed. A silent thank you escapes her mouth.

  ‘Aren’t you tired?’ she proceeds to ask.

  ‘I’m quite fine without sleeping for several days, there’s no need to be concerned about my energy levels. You should try to get some more sleep in, though - tomorrow’s going to be another long walk.’

  Her head shakes gently: ‘I wouldn’t be able to fall asleep even if I tried. Mind if I keep you company for a bit?’

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  I let out a sigh before I’ve even realised it. ‘Doesn’t seem like I have much of a choice anyways. So, what is it you wanna talk about?’

  ‘Why did you choose me?’

  As she turns around to face me, I’m held aback. I have heard countless people talk about how pretty elves are, but now that I get to see one with my own eyes I can see where all those talks come from. It’s the first time I get to see how smooth her face is, with the familiar emerald eyes blending in with the rest flawlessly.

  Shaking off the bad thoughts, I finally respond: ‘You seemed like the only person in that guild capable of making it out of here alive. As much as I would love it, I cannot guarantee anyone else’s safety, thus the need for someone capable of independent action and good survival skills. You just seemed to fit into all the boxes, hopefully I wasn’t wrong.’

  I hear a slight chuckle. ‘Thank you, I’m glad you believe in my skills even after seeing me fight today.’ She buries her face in the cape I lent her, not sure whether she feels embarrassed because of that engagement or if it's just the cold.

  ‘Well, it was quite a disadvantageous fight for a range-oriented fighter like you. An opponent resistant to physical harm isn’t exactly an archer’s dream, not to mention the fact it was an agile melee fighter while you had nobody to protect you.’

  ‘Then how did you manage to cut it? It seemed so casual to you, even with a conjured weapon!’

  ‘I wouldn’t volunteer to slay a dragon if I couldn’t beat that thing, you know. I’m not as weak as your impression of me might be.’

  ‘Guess the fact you share your name with the legendary leader of the Guardians isn’t a coincidence, is it?’

  Unable to hold it in, I laugh a little: ‘Yes, I am indeed named after Sunamar Abyssal. My parents have expected great things from me, thus the name. This quest might be one of the many things I’m about to do to fill those shoes.’

  ‘Where are they now, if you don’t mind me asking?’

  My vision turns black for a split second. Remembering my family makes me feel sick and my eyes all teary.

  I’m brought back to reality by the feeling of her hand wiping off the tears. Our eyes meet for a short moment, making me see a worried look on her face.

  ‘Sorry, I shouldn't have asked. My curiosity got the better of me.’

  My gaze turns into the open plains that are visible from our hideout: ‘My mother’s far away, home, fulfilling the role that our house has been tasked with for generations. As for my dad, he’s… fallen in battle.’

  A moment of grave silence follows as we both stare into the calm landscape.

  ‘Your house? So you’re of noble birth? Am I supposed to address you sir, then? Or perhaps milord?’ She breaks the awkward moment in a joking manner.

  ‘Please don’t do that. Even imagining it is creeping me out.’ Aleiana laughs a little at my response.

  ‘Just Sun is enough, then?’ comes out of her as she leans forward and tilts her head a little. I hope she cannot see nearly as well as I can in the darkness, cause my face turned red so much that even I can feel it. ‘Y-Yes, fine by me.’

  Her slim figure then stands up: ‘I think I’m going to try to get a little more rest before we depart. Are you sure you will be fine without sleep?’

  I nod in response: ‘No worries. Good night.’

  ‘Good night, and… thank you for the nice chat.’