Follwing Nori’s advice she decided to simply watch how everything was done. To her surprise, they set up numerous small tents rather than large ones. Seeing the direction of her gaze, the only other woman who’d joined the xpedition spoke from directly next to Kora. 

“Hello, it’s nice to finally have another woman come along. My name is Salib, everyone just calls me Sal though. You’re Kora right?”

Bewildered at the sudden introduction, Kora simply nodded before adding, “How do you know me?”

“Nori talked about you nonstop on the last journey. Jolfri also spoke about you quite a bit, he was telling me all about your training. I actually taught him everything he knows, so if you want a real teacher, I’m always willing to take over for him.” Sal added. 

Turning to face her, Kora took in Sal’s appearance for the first time. Sal was tall and her muscular frame only served to prove that she is just as much of the warrior she’d claimed to be. Sal had a long braid that trailed over her shoulder to fall at waist level and she wore clothes seen more typically on the men in the village. 

Despite modifying her clothes for the trip, Kora had still maintained the use of the colorful fabrics used in womens clothes and she’d had her pants styled in a way that fit her frame better. Her hair still hung loose around her head, and she lacked anywhere near the muscle mass that Sal had. 

Before Kora could think of a reply, Jolfri joined the two of them and immediately pulled Sal closer before placing a kiss on her cheek. With their height difference, Jolfri needed to reach up to kiss her, but he did so effortlessly as he pulled her in closer. As their bodies melded together, Kora looked away feeling as though she was intruding on their private moment.

She couldn’t help but wonder if she and Nori made others uncomfortable when they were lovey dovey. Reminding herself to speak to him about her concerns, she recalled Jolfri telling her about his wife. 

A few months into their training, Jolfri seemed particularly focused. Noticing his change in mood, Kora didn’t hesitate to ask if something was bothering him. 

“Today is my wife and I’s anniversary and since she’s on the same expedition as Nori, I won’t be able to see her. I probably won’t get the chance to see her for our next one either if things continue the way they are.” Despite the emotional nature of their conversation, he continued to spar as if he was only talking about the weather. 

Focusing on blocking his oncoming attacks, Kora did not respond immediately. Just before she decided to attack him, she asked, “Do women usually join the campaigns?”

Before Jolfri could answer, he received a blow to his side. Fortunately they were only using training weapons and the blunt wood would do no more than leave a bruise. “Ow! I see you are improving.” 

Shaking his head and placing a hand over his injured side, he continued, “No, she is actually the only one as of now.” A proud smile making its way onto his face, he said, “She in fact is the one who set the new standard that women may participate. She’s actually much more skilled in combat than I am, I learned everything I know from her.” 

Immediately changing the subject, he readied his stance before saying, “Let’s finish up this sparring session.”

By the time she'd finished recalling the little information that she could remember, the two of them had pulled apart a bit, however they still continued to hold hands as they stood with their sides flush against each other. 

Within a few moments, Nori joined them, wrapping an arm around Kora’s shoulders. Feeling at ease with his proximity, Kora relaxed into him as she looked at the others. 

Remembering that she had yet to give Sal a proper answer, she said, “I would love the chance to learn all I can from you. Jolfir actually told me that you are more skilled than he is.”

At the indirect compliment, Sal’s gaze finds its way to her husband before she says to Kora, “Of course, we’ll start tomorrow. Today I believe I have some catching up to do with my husband.”

As the two of them made their way further into camp, Nori led Kora to the other side of camp to the tent where the two of them would be sleeping. 

She couldn’t help but feel relieved when she realized that it would only be the two of them in the tent, as she wasn’t ready to share her sleeping quarters with complete strangers just yet. Settling in, she quickly looked through her bag, pulling out the notepad and pencil as Nori was called outside to help with something. 

Dear Nori, 

I loved the letters you’d written for me and I knew

I’d love to do something similar for you as well.

I must say that my first day hasn’t been nearly as

bad as I expected although I imagine a large chunk

of my optimism is due to the fact that you are by my side.

I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate you.

I love you,

- From Kora

Drawing a heart at the end, Kora ended in her letter similarly to the way Nori had ended all of his. Folding the letter neatly, she placed it in the top of his bag, so it would be a surprise when he found it.