Alnyx didn’t sleep particularly well that night. With the injuries that was hardly a surprise, but it made his usual rising with the sun that much more difficult. He winced when he pulled himself up from the sleeping roll and the ground, but it wasn’t as bad as it might have been. His entire torso felt disgustingly sticky from the balm, and the residue clung to him worse than the dried gelatinous mess from the beast. No sense in getting the other set of clothes he’d thrown in his bag dirty, so he pulled yesterday’s shirt on.

  Fish had been using it as a pillow, giving a tired little whine when it was tugged from under his giant, furry, head. Seeing the elf clearly getting ready to go, the Lycine got onto its own legs, stretching ans shaking itself out with a yawn that showed those sharp teeth.

  “Sooner we get moving, the sooner we’re out of these woods and can get finished.” Alnyx scratched behind Fish’s ear briefly. “We can’t let Them sleep in much longer…

  He had to admit, he was hesitant to jostle Absinthe and not just because of the story the barman had told about getting set on fire. Using ley powers took energy, no matter how good you might have been at it. How much of themselves had they burned on those beams and shields? Alnyx couldn’t be sure. Just one other unsettling way that the horned mage was new territory.

  The normally glowing lines of acid green were dimmer when they slept, like the embers of a flame that had spend the whole night burning. Alnyx hadn’t noticed that before. Though he hadn’t really been looking.

  Not that Absinthe looked “normal” even in rest. The charcoal gray skin coupled with the horns saw to that. They had tossed and turned in their sleep, so the blanket was barely covering them anymore. They slept fully clothed, save the boots. Used to being ready, it was admirable. Alnyx couldn’t help but notice the sheath for the boot blade was empty, though. Under the pillow, perhaps?

  “I can feel you staring. ‘m up.” And yet, Absinthe’s eyes did not open yet as they mumbled. “You would be a terrible spy.”

  “Good morning to you too.” Alnyx turned quickly away, before Absinthe could open their eyes and risk seeing the brief flush of color. “Since you’re up, we can get going. I want to be back at the Huntsman camp before dark.”

  “Mmhmm, not THAT up.” Absinthe hid their face in their pack which had been doubling as a pillow. “Wake me in another bell.”

  “I will be leaving in fifteen.”

  “Fifteen?”

  “Fourteen. Thirteen.”

  “You wouldn’t dare.”

  “Twelve. Eleven.”

  “Bloody monster of a thing aren’t you.” The groan as their eyes opened and they sat up was more than a little exaggerated. “Happy?”

  Their hair was ruffled from the rough sleep, a snowflake halo of knots and wisps. Rumpled and wrinkled like this they were…So far from the imposing air they normally carried. Especially when they let out a squeak of a yawn and rubbed their eyes with the heels of their palms.

  “Am I the one that almost broke ribs yesterday, or you?” Alnyx arched an eyebrow. “You would think I was asking you to fight another beast.”

  “Nocturnal.” they groaned, back popping as they stretched before finally dragging themselves to their feet. “Sun’s bullshit.”

  “Which you are full of. I would think you’d get on.”

  “I think I prefer your grunts. Too early for wit.” They pulled a comb from their bag to address the knots. “What time even is it?”

  “Not long since dawn. We have plenty of daylight.”

  “Why on EARTH did you wake me then?” They glared, pointing the implement like a weapon. “You’re a masochist. That’s what it is, isn’t it? You enjoy seeing good, innocent, weave-conscious people suffer.”

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  “Ten. Nine.”

  A stare off. Which of them would blink first? Absinthe’s impossible smirk against Alnyx’s perfectly neutral face.

  “Eight. Seven.” A pause. “Six. Five. Four-”

  A crashing of branches from somewhere nearby had Fish instantly on alert. Hackles raise and growling. Alnyx turned his head in the same direction. He crouched, hand on the hilt of a blade, ready to move if needed.

  “Absinthe.”

  “Fine.” the mage huffed, shoving the comb back into their bag before starting to tug their boots on. “The fact you are a masochist still stands.”

  Absinthe grumbled the entire time they packed both their own things and Alnyx’s, so the elf could be ready in case there was something that they had missed and would need to defend against. And while it had only been a boar that got too close, it really was best they head out as soon as they were able.

  The group of three stopped in the clearing with the stream running through it by midday to refill water canteens and do at least a cursory sort of cleaning. Alnyx was going to need much more than dabbing with a damp cloth and a splashing of water against his skin. At least getting some of the worse bits off seemed to put Absinthe in a better mood. They even offered to use what was left the balm on Alnyx’s ribs.

  “I trust you can deliver the report to Bennett?” the elf asked, managing not to wince at the stinging of the balm this time. “You’ll explain it better.”

  “So long as you take the time to go to the healer tent.” Absinthe insisted, but it was clear they weren’t sure Alnyx actually would. “Yes, that’s fine.”

  As they made their was to the camp, before the sun fell thanks to their quick pace, Alnyx could not help but pause at the crossroad between the Hunstmaster’s tent and the medical one. It felt…Strange. Parting even briefly from Absinthe. They hadn’t been apart since they had met at the Snakehead Inn for any real stretch. Less than a week, but the presence of someone besides Fish being in arms reach had become normal feeling. Natural. Almost as if-

  “Well, I’ll come make sure the healers have had their way with you once I give our report.” Absinthe’s words shook him from his thoughts, coupled with a nudge to the back of the knee from Fish.

  Alnyx gave no words in response, just a nod. The feel of fur under his fingers was comforting as he and the lycine walked towards the healer’s tent. They both seemed to be stepping a little slower and more tenderly than they might normally.

  “I know. I know.” Alnyx spoke soft enough so only Fish would hear him. “Once we receive our pay, we’ll go see the Family. Before the weather turns. You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”

  The thump of a tail against his leg and the snort was an agreement. Smiling, they made their way past the tent flap.

  * * *

  Huntsmaster Bennet had been more than happy to provide his seal to the contract once Absinthe laid out the whole of the tale for him. Combining it with the exposed, fractured leyline, and the urgency that would be needed to address it, there was no questioning their thorough work. Barrett was more than happy to give them the tent for the night again, as well as another meal. Combined with a healer he didn’t have to pay for, Alnyx was certain that it had to be the mot successful job he had taken in recent memory.

  Thanks to the kindness of the night’s rest, they were able to move at their full pace, with only minimal winging from his injuries. Blissfully, there were no interruptions on the road. Not even a trader of any kind. They settled for the night near the same site they had used leaving the port.

  “Do you stay in town, then? I’ve heard the Taskers talking about the housing the guild provides for a cut of profit.”

  There wasn’t any game about, so it was dried trail rations for supper. They had been able to heat some water to make the oats and berries a little more palatable at least. The metal of Absinthe’s spoon clanked against their cup as they asked the question.

  “No. I work along the highroads. When the weather turns, I will go south with the last of the caravans to make sure work stays steady.”

  “The Highroads, ey? A traveling man. Suits you.”Absinthe chuckled, setting the cup down to dig a flask from their bag. “A thief? Or an escort?”

  “Depends on what is paying better.” Alnyx deadpanned, shaking his head when Absinthe held the flask over in an offering. “Typically the second one.”

  “Makes sense why I couldn’t recognize you. I know almost all the resident Taskers at the port.” They took a deep swig, wiping off their mouth on the back of their hand. “We’re still a bit out from the weather turning though.”

  “Business along the roads slowed down a moon ago. Early this year.” Alnyx shrugged, patting Fish’s side when the beast curled closer to him. “Likely, I’ll go and visit my clan in the north. So long as I can get out before the snows come. This partner work is….Not exactly my style.”

  “Oh you rude thing, I’m sitting right here.” Absinthe gasped in mock offense but it was followed by a laugh. “You’ve a fair point. I wouldn’t worry too much. They already arrested the fool anyway.”

  “Did they?”

  “Mmmhm. Only a few days before we left.” Another swig and the flask was capped and slipped away. “He’ll likely hang. The price you pay for thinking with your…Southern head though, isn’t it? Attraction to the target can get messy.”

  It hit too close to home for Alnyx. He didn’t answer, shifting so he lay on his back instead. Fish used his chest as a pillow, making it so he could do little else but look skyward. And yet, he felt Absinthe’s eyes linger on him.

  “Good night, Alnyx.”

  “Good night, Absinthe.”