Theory couldn't sleep. No matter how hard he tried, the anticipation burned through him, making him fidget and writhe on his cot. Thankfully, he had earned a room to himself, so he didn't have to worry about disturbing anyone as he failed to get some rest. 

From pacing to push-ups, the restless male succeeded to pump himself full of adrenaline. It was only when the sun finally began to crest the horizon that a sense of calm settled within him. He was mounting his horse when Niro came into the stables, steed in tow. 

The two shared a glance but otherwise ignored each other, checking their supplies and saddles. It would be a silent and uncomfortable journey, but one Theory would have to get used to. He found comfort in silence, he'd just have to find it again. 

Fiddling with his bag, Theory noticed the shiny new orb disk. It was small, a little larger than his hand, with a smooth surface and a milky opalescent exterior. The moment he pushed a little of his magic into the disk, it brightened and pulsed. Already configured for sending and receiving information, a visual of a map pulled up immediately. 

Theory could never afford an orb of his own, choosing to save his rue, but there was always a fascination with the device and its endless capabilities. Though fairly new in its invention, starting out as a conduit for healing magic, it quickly spread across Astoria, used in many different ways. Even the High King Ellis used them. 

To have one in his hands, even if only for this dangerous mission, was worth it. 

Theory was still studying the disk when Haywen came in, satchel clutched tight in his hands. His large eyes flitted across the stables. Once they landed on Theory, he hurried over.

The white mare he sat upon, huffed in Haywen's face, blowing the Healer's hood off, exposing his pale yellow hair. Haywen yanked it back on quickly, eyes darting around again. Only Niro was in the space, which didn't seem to alarm the Healer, immediately putting Theory on edge. 

"Haywen," Theory greeted, but his tone spoke of the cautious confusion he felt at the Healer's unexpected appearance. 

Digging into his satchel, Haywen produced a small bag that clinked as the items within clashed against each other. 

"For your travels. It won't hold you over the whole time, they are much smaller doses, but it will help you keep your head. You'll need to find Blazes along your way."

Theory opened his mouth to protest, but Haywen cut him off sharply. 

"You need the Blazes, Theory. And you need to tell Niro. You'll be putting both of yourselves in danger if you don't."

Huffing a sigh, knowing telling Niro was the last thing he'd do, Theory gave the Healer a placating nod, stuffing the vials into his saddle bag. 

"Be safe, Theory."

Theory nodded again, watching the small male hurry over to Niro. With a frown, he studied the two, watching as the Healer whispered just as furiously to the Breeder. His eyes narrowed when he noticed the Healer slip the male a small bag of his own. Niro's eyes had darted over to Theory then. 

Haywen glanced over his shoulder at him too before nodding and then scurrying off.

It was clear they had been talking about him. Had Haywen revealed his secret? Surely he wouldn't have...

Anxiety curled in Theory's gut as all the possible conversations they could have had involving him raced through his mind. He kicked his horse into a slow trot, pulling up beside Niro just as the Breeder mounted his own horse. 

"What was that about?" Theory demanded. Careless of him to approach in this way, especially with the tumultuous relationship he shared with the Breeder, but desperation and paranoia had a way of throwing caution and logic to the wind. 

Niro didn't even spare him a glance before kicking his stead into a gallop, taking him away from the stables and towards the gate. 

The bastard didn't even discuss what route they were going to take. 

Gritting his teeth, Theory urged his horse to catch up. They passed through the front gates into the surrounding woods that would lead them to the nearest village. They traveled along the road at a steady canter. After they passed through civilization, heading toward the edge of the Doren Peaks, Theory realized the Breeder had no intention of discussing their route with him, just expected him to follow like a good little Carrier. 

Theory hated those types. The ones that treated Carriers as less than. If he didn't already dislike the male, he certainly did after this. 

Fury egging him on, Theory urged his mare faster, abruptly turning to cut the male off. Niro's steed reared back in surprise, letting out a startled noise. Niro quickly gained control of the horse, coming to a stop with an annoyed glare. 

"You plan on discussing which route we're taking or am I just supposed to follow you and obey?" Theory sneered. 

Niro stared at him, eyes narrowed into slits before he clicked his tongue and moved around him, resuming his quick canter. 

Bastard.

Theory caught up again, keeping a steady pace beside the male. It was clear, he had zero intentions of responding. Fighting with him was pointless. Theory would monitor their route and interject if there was a better way. Getting the asshole to follow would be a problem for the future. 

The path they took was mainly in the mild forests, a terrain they were most familiar with and left them with only one thing to worry about...the predators that lurked. It'd be hard enough to navigate without nature itself trying to kill them. Though he couldn't say they would be that lucky the entire time. The further west they traveled, the more the terrain and weather would shift. Central Rhettick was the last stretch of mild forests. They'd deal with rain and ice storms the closer west they got. 

It may add unnecessary delays to their journey. Theory had to plan accordingly, lest he ended up in an egregious situation. Especially with the smaller doses of the tonic. 

Haywen said to find Blazes...as if that would help. A regular brothel would work just as well. Besides, a Blaze would only make them lose their cover. What would an Elf need with a Shifter heat den? An Elf's swell was nothing like a heat and the needs were...well different.

Heats were for reproduction, swells were for power and faith. At least, that's what was taught. Not many outside the Elvish knew much about swells. They kept that information close to their chests, a time a vulnerability that could be exploited. 

Theory had a little time to think. Perhaps he may find tonics at the market...though the chances were slim. Not many knew the recipe or had access to the ingredients. Being in the Astorian Guard had more than a few rewards in that aspect at least. 

Still, in the meantime, he could double up on doses. It would diminish his supply faster, but if he played it right, he may be able to get away from Niro to go through his heat alone. Or find a village with a brothel. They became more common the further west they traveled. 

Theory glanced around as they passed village after village. When the sun dipped below the tree line and no village was in sight, he grew worried. Where the hell was Niro directing them? Surely he didn't mean to camp so early on in their travel? There were several villages in the nearby areas they could spend the night comfortably at. They needed to continue north. 

"Hey," Theory called to the Breeder, noticing his shifty gaze as he trotted up beside him. "There is a village an hora north of here. We should keep going."

Niro grunted, continuing off the path and toward the trees. 

Anxiety curled in Theory's gut. If they stopped here, they'd lose out on another hora of travel. He should have noticed that they'd strayed too far west sooner. This close to Pixie land, they'd have to wait out the forage before continuing in the morning. It'd add several more horas to their trip. He couldn't risk that much time. His heat was too close.

Theory tried to speak again but Niro urged his horse faster. The damn bastard.

A growl of frustration slipped from Theory as he hurried after him. Just as he opened his mouth to rip Niro a new one, the male stopped in the middle of a small bed of grass flatland, dropping off his horse.

"What is your problem?" Theory hissed, not getting off his horse. "You added a half a day's ride!" 

Niro simply tied his horse's lead to the tree before digging in his satchel to pull out an apple for the steed who munched happily on the treat. 

Theory opened his mouth again, closing it when Niro spoke. Not bothering to look at him, he continued unloading his satchel. 

"We are near Orc territory. It's too close to the Rite to risk travel." 

Orcs?

Theory didn't expect them so far from Calla where most of their tribes resided. 

He glanced up at the sky, noticing how the stars aligned, verifying that it was indeed the time of the Rite, the annual hunting and mating ritual. He'd heard too many tales of their brutality as they hunted their mates and fucked them into submission. 

With a shiver, Theory climbed off his saddle. Being so close to heat...it was asking for trouble. It was surprisingly astute of the Breeder to consider. While he still didn't appreciate being blatantly ignored, it brought him a small comfort that his companion wasn't a complete idiot. 

Not that Niro had ever shown signs of being one. He was just...peculiar. He had his own way. Most respected it. Though that privilege was only reserved for Breeders. Theory...was not so lucky. 

Unpacking his satchel, Theory eyed the tiny vials again before closing them inside the pouch, tucked safely in the bottom corner of the satchel. 

The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, painting the trees with a purple and pink glaze. Staring off between the foliage, he noted that they were a safe distance from any of the known paths and would likely be able to start a fire without garnering too much attention. Of course, they couldn't hide the smoke that would inevitably crest the treetops, but that was unavoidable. Theory certainly wasn't going to freeze because of it. One of them would always be on watch anyway. 

After tending to his horse, Theory sets out his cot, trying not to notice Niro doing the same, though the hulking presence of the Breeder was hard to ignore. Despite his massive size, he was surprisingly quiet and nimble. If Theory hadn't been so aware of his aura, he might have missed him. For that exact reason, Theory kept his guard up and maintained his alertness. 

Even in his leathers, Niro didn't make a sound. The type of silent killer that no one would see coming. Only because he was hyper-aware of the male's actions, he noticed the frequent scans Niro shot around the trees. At first, Theory assumed it was just precaution from being so exposed in the middle of nowhere, but there was an edge in that look. One that was a little too frantic, tipping the scale from precaution to paranoia. 

Just what was it that had him on edge?

"What is it?" Theory asked when Niro scanned the forest for a fifth time in the past thirty ticks. 

Niro didn't respond or even look at Theory, simply grunted before sitting on top of his cot, leaning on the tree. 

Despite being the first to rest, Niro didn't look like he had any intentions of resting. No, he sat there, staring off into the nothingness beyond the trees and absentmindedly rubbing the ruby amulet he always wore. 

Something had unsettled him, and Theory was positive it had nothing to do with the impending war with the Nymphs. 

Unease throbbed in his center. Theory could only hope he would not be dragged into it. Whatever it was...