Chapter 13 Where Roads And Hearts Begin To Wander

“Hey Aelries! The merchant said we can hitch a ride with her, hehe!” He flashed a thumbs-up, looking absurdly proud of himself, as if securing transportation was some grand achievement. Aelries regarded him with an uncharacteristically soft smile. “At least you're useful at times.” Mixarnt's entire body jerked as if struck by lightning. “Err… D-did you catch a fever or something?!” He recoiled, pressing the back of his hand to her forehead in exaggerated concern. Aelries' eye twitched. “You—! …Ugh! Forget it!” She swatted his hand away, her cheeks flushing. “I try to be nice, and you think I'm sick!” With an indignant hmph, she stormed past him toward the waiting merchant's wagon. The merchant, a young woman with sun-weathered skin and a mischievous glint in her eye, leaned against her cart, watching the exchange with amusement. “Howdy! You must be that guy's lover, huh? He told me—” “He's NOT my lover!” Aelries' voice cracked like a whip. “I'd rather be courted by an orc than be the lover of that infuriating, reckless, childish—!” Her tirade cut off as raucous laughter erupted behind her. She turned to see Mixarnt spinning in circles, arms outstretched as a gaggle of village children clung to his sleeves, shrieking with delight as he pretended to be a runaway windmill. Rachel the merchant burst into laughter. “Haha! Is that so? Well, anyway, I'm Rachel. Looks like we'll be travel buddies for a few hours.” Aelries sighed, but the corners of her lips betrayed her. “Thank you, Rachel. I'm Aelries, and that idiot…” She jabbed a thumb toward Mixarnt, now letting the children climb onto his back like a pack of enthusiastic monkeys, “—is Mixarnt.” They later climbed onto the wagon. Behind them, the innkeeper waved farewell, her apron fluttering in the breeze, while the children whined about their “big bro” leaving. As the wagon wheels creaked into motion, Aelries stole one last glance at the village, at the place where she'd finally chosen her own path. Mixarnt plopped down beside her, still grinning. “Next stop, Morvain!” Aelries rolled her eyes. As hours passed during their travel, the wagon continued moving down the dirt road peacefully, pulled by two sturdy horses. Rachel, the merchant, sat at the front, guiding them with practiced ease. Mixarnt lounged in the back, grinning like he’d just won a prize, while Aelries sat stiffly, her eyes fixed on the horizon. “So, six hours to Morvain, huh?” Mixarnt said, plucking a piece of straw from one of Rachel’s sacks and chewing on it. “Not bad. We’ll be there before dark.” Rachel smiled. “With you two guarding my goods, I doubt any bandits will bother us.” Aelries stayed quiet. Normally, she’d have some sharp remark, but today, she just kept staring ahead, lost in thought. Mixarnt noticed. “Hey, Aelries.” She turned—just in time for him to poke her cheek. “Wah! What the—?!” “Hah! Got you!” Mixarnt laughed, dodging her swat. “That’s payback for making me sleep outside last night!” Aelries grins in annoyance. “You’re lucky I didn’t set your blanket on fire first.” “Yeah, yeah. Thanks for that, by the way.” His grin softened just a little. “Even if you threw it at my head.” Aelries huffed and turned away, but Rachel caught the tiniest smirk before she did. “Ah~ Young love~” She murmured. The wagon hit a bump, jostling them all. Mixarnt’s hand shot out to steady Aelries, his fingers brushing her shoulder for just a second. Neither said anything, but Aelries’ ears turned pink. Rachel chuckled to herself. “It's so good to be young that I feel a little jealous.” As the sun climbed higher, Rachel started humming a travelling tune. To Aelries’ surprise, Mixarnt joined in, his voice was surprisingly nice. After a while, even she found herself humming along, just a little. The tension in her shoulders easing just slightly as Morvain's silhouette began to take shape in the distance.