The wind howled, carrying a mix of cold and warm breeze.
The air reeked of char and smoke.
The hut collapsed. Its wooden beams surrendered to the flames.
"What am I doing this for?" Reiji asked himself.
His mind was jumbled with conflicting emotions.
"Why am I trying to get along?"
He locked eyes with Rowan.
"Who am I? Am I trustworthy?"
"Hey, Reiji." Rowan called his attention. "That's just a yes or no question."
Reiji opened his mouth to answer–
Rowan cut him off. "Well I guess that's a state of shock since I burned you alive. Sorry about that again."
Rowan's tone softened. "Set aside that question. If not for your suspicious appearance… you seem honest enough."
"Why?" Reiji asked.
Rowan's head tilted to the side, confused at the question thrown by Reiji.
"Sorry. It's just that, I could not recall someone who trusts me like you do, especially after my father passed away. I had no one to talk to." He tensed up as he spoke.
Rowan just nodded.
"I also want to apologize for deceiving you earlier. I'm going through a lot of confusion right now. I don't even know myself anymore."
He paused. "I'm sharing too much."
Then he shook his shoulders a little to release the tension and let out a slow exhale.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Rowan answered. "I have no idea what you're thinking right now, but if you want, you can help me out instead, while, uhm... sorting yourself out?"
"I guess I just have to give respect to this guy." A warm and sincere look of appreciation and gratitude washed over his face.
"I know we just met, but you're definitely one person I'd want to help out," he stated.
Rowan beamed. "So, will you help?"
"Yes. But it's a question of how?"
"I was sent to help defend Bellatoria from the Gromble invasion," Rowan explained. "But Caledon suddenly reappeared. I couldn't help but follow this urge to investigate."
He nodded.
"Most of the time, I get lost in investigation. What I need from you is to help me keep track of things, such as time, any threats around, or maybe even when it's time to eat?"
He bowed politely. "You've been kind so I'll help you out in any way I can."
"With this, I'll pay you one gold." Rowan said, then he added. "And don't bow to me like that. I'm not a noble."
"Oh, okay." Reiji responded.
"So gestures matter here," Reiji thought.
Rowan moved to continue the camp and Reiji followed.
They worked together to stabilize the camp.
Reiji noticed that it was strategically set up by Rowan.
"It's so organized. He must have already done this a lot of times."
Nearby, a clear stream flowed from the depths of the forest, supplying the ruined village with water.
The tent, made of thick, durable leather fabric supported by wooden poles, looked sturdy enough to withstand the elements.
A campfire pit, a makeshift stable for his drake, and a gear prep area completed the setup.
Reiji's curiosity got the better of him so he started asking him questions.
"It's the first time I've gotten closer to an amazing mount like this," Reiji shared, "How much does it cost to have one like this?"
Rowan chuckled, "I'll pay you one gold, right? You could buy more than 30 of this kind if you'd like. It's a common drake. It's easy to breed."
Reiji let out an excited snort.
"It could be, one gold is worth a lot! I'm definitely going to buy a drake for sure!" he mused.
"Although there are unique drakes too. A one of a kind breed that significantly differs in speed, strength, etc."
Rowan paused for a bit.
"That is on par with a unique horse that is priceless." Rowan continued with slight hesitation in his voice.
It really caught Reiji's interest.
Enthusiastically, he asked. "Horses are better than drakes?"
Rowan turned towards him, seemingly offended by the questions.
Then he answered, "Significantly. They are just better. The best ever mount no matter the rarity, they're the best!"
Reiji composed himself, "I apologize if that somehow landed as an insult."
His breath caught in his throat as he tried to speak, "Bu– but, why do you say they're better?"
"They're smarter," Rowan immediately answered, "stronger, more reliable, connective, and more! That's why all horses are one-of-a-kind in value!"
Reiji's chest heaved with excitement, "I'll make sure to have one horse as well!"
"Hey," Rowan's voice dropped to a serious tone, his hand shooting up to halt Reiji excitement, "Horses... can also cast magic," he revealed.
His words hung in the air for a few moments.
Reiji held his head in disbelief and out loud he said, "WHAT!"
Rowan mirrored his excitement and answered, "YES! Could you believe that?!"
"But wait," Reiji cut in, his excitement giving way to curiosity, "do you have a horse, though?"
Rowan's face fell, and an awkward smile flickered across his lips for a brief, uncomfortable moment.
"Regarding that," he began, his tone measured, "horses choose their companions, and they're believed to be born specifically due to someone's spiritual essence."
The announcement drastically dropped Reiji's excitement as well.
Rowan continued, "Meaning, they're birthed only for a specific person... So, no, I don't."
"Oh–" Reiji responded.
Rowan's words dropped like a bombshell, "In the whole Kingdom of Bellatoria, only Prince Kaelin got a horse out of thousands of citizens."
Reiji chuckled awkwardly and asked. "That means, there's almost zero chance to get one?"
Rowan answered, "Yep."
His thoughts reeled with frustration, "This guy is unbelievable. He built up all that excitement in me just to tell me I'll never get to have one."
"Guess we'll stick with the drake then," a tone of resignation in his voice.
Rowan's face twisted into an awkward smile, and he threw a reluctant nod.
With Reiji's dreams crushed, he just shifted the conversation, "Okay. What role do you have as the vassal of one of the four lords?"
In which Rowan answered, "I'm an Artifactum. I am tasked to travel and search for artifacts. But this time, I was originally tasked to help with the defense. I just snuck my way out."
Reiji paused for a moment before announcing, "We're meant to see each other! I am an expert in historical things as well!"
Rowan gave him a confused look, "Meant? I guess not, I was only meant to do research and stuff. I have no other purpose in life."
"Huh?" Reiji got confused with his response.
"What do you mean?"