It's been an entire week of travel and the two warriors had hardly spoken a word to each other. The forests were starting to take their toll. Theory longed for a hot bath, seasoned food, and a warm bed. But he didn't complain. 

Neither brought up what happened that night and not once did Niro sleep. 

Theory was still bothered by Niro's previous comment. He was just as capable as any Breeder. Prejudices like that were outdated and barbaric. At least...they should be. Too often they went unaddressed and Carriers were left fighting for their rights. 

He had dealt with so many Breeders like Niro growing up, with that same sense of entitlement, only further fueling him during training as a warrior. It wasn't to prove them wrong, he could care less about that. No, he just wanted to escape them faster. 

No one could hurt him if no one was around to do so. 

By the start of the second week on the road, Theory began noticing circles forming and darkening beneath Niro's eyes despite his not displaying any signs of fatigue or exhaustion. Surely he must be running low on those mysterious tonics?

"We need to refill our supplies and have a proper bath. The next village should be safe, we'll stop there for the night and replenish in the rising," Theory told the Breeder, not leaving any room for argument. 

When the large brooding male didn't respond, Theory worried for a moment that he wouldn't follow, but surprisingly he kicked his mount into motion without fuss. 

Perhaps he was more tired than he appeared? It would explain the odd seizing Theory caught him doing on more than one occasion. Almost as if fighting something back. Sleep was a monster best left sated. 

Before the night had fallen, they'd made their way to a small village. Despite its size, it was fairly populated, giving them a list of options for lodging. They opted for a small lodge at the edge of the village away from the concentrated hustle and bustle. Getting two rooms beside each other was fairly easy, though he could see why after speaking to the Innkeeper.

Many of the smaller villages didn't have the same amenities and plumbing as the bigger cities. Being in the Guard rarely granted them more than what their areas normally afforded, but they at least had bathing rooms. Here, they were given a bucket and a basin of water upon request.

Lovely.

Still, it was better than the forests, so Theory wouldn't complain. 

As they made their way up the creaking stairwell and found their rooms, Theory turned to Niro. "Get some rest. I'll have the Keeper prepare us a meal and send up water for a bath." It wasn't a request, but a demand. Theory had had enough of his non-compliance.

Niro grunted and nearly stumbled into his room. Seeing an opportunity and acting on it, Theory quickly snatched the coin pouch from the Breeder's belt without notice. 

It likely would not have been that easy if it hadn't been for Niro's inebriated state, however, that is precisely why Theory went to such lengths. And the fact that he didn't want the bastard to leave him behind after that comment he made. 

Won't get far without any coin.

After dropping his things off in his room, Theory headed down to speak to the Innkeeper. The Keeper was a short, older female with graying skin and large black eyes. A Water Form snake Shifter from what Theory could tell. She moved with a liquid grace despite her age which confirmed his guess.

"Two baths and two meals. One to be sent up to my companion, and please bring my bath water upon my return," Theory told her. 

The Keeper grunted, snatching the coins he laid on the bartop with practiced greed. The food she presented him with could hardly be called that, but he wouldn't be picky. Stewed meat and potatoes with spices shouldn't be that color, or that consistency, but it beat what he had been eating out on the road. 

He finished his meal quickly, not wanting to be out in the village too late. Despite nightfall taking hold, the village was still roaring with activity. Shops were still open and villagers continued to meander about. He couldn't imagine they'd be that way much longer which only meant he must make haste if only just to scope out the shops he'd visit in the rising before their departure. 

Lanterns illuminated the streets, modern inventions not quite reaching small villages like this. Still, there was beauty in the old ways, in the different magic and cultures combined. Never had he seen so many different species blended together. No one gave him a second glance despite his looking like a Light Elf. 

He wandered down the paths, taking in all the different trades, watching Imps converse with Shifters or Pixies flirt with Vampires. A faint smile tugged his lips at the new sight, though it was quickly wiped away when he saw the familiar banner hanging from the village center, on proud display.

The Innis crest. Four horns wrapped in thorns. The symbol of the ruling species and family. Theory sneered at it. 

Why they continued to obey the will of the Incubi eluded Theory. High King Ellis wasn't cruel, but all the help he provided was useless. It meant nothing if he never left the palace to see the problems in the realm with his own eyes. And there were so many problems. 

The Royal family got to live in their isolated bubble while the rest of the realm is forced to scrape by with no hope of escaping reality. 

The Incubi hide behind their prejudices and superiority, disguising it as keeping them pure of mind. No, that was privilege and ignorance, nothing pure about it. They've been set in their ways so long, that it was likely the prince will continue on that path.

Theory didn't have much hope for him.

Turning away from the village center, circling back around, he noticed a brothel tucked in the corner. The trade was obvious from the people who loitered outside, dressed in provocative robes, making eyes at anyone who drew near. 

Brothels were different from Blazes, which were specifically for Fire Shifters in heat. Brothels catered to everyone, though mostly frequented by Incubi and Nymphs. 

Theory's eyes settled on a Wolf Shifter, clearly a Breeder from his massive build and dominating aura, and it made the heat inside him swell. A reminder that his own cycle was creeping closer. 

He'd have to find a Blaze soon. Who knew what would happen if he ended up out on the road and it hit him full force? Shivering at the thought, he tore his eyes away, but it didn't stray far, instead snagging on a familiar figure lumbering inside the pleasure house. 

Niro. 

Was that it? Was it his rut coming along that fueled his erratic and volatile behavior? Good then if he settles it now, maybe then he won't be so reckless during their travels.

Wonder how he's going to pay for it when he doesn't have any coin, though. 

Theory pursed his lips then shrugged. Not his problem.

Making his way back to the Inn, Theory decided to settle on the first floor of the tavern to have some wine. It was as vile and tasteless as the stew but he learned to enjoy it nonetheless.

Sitting at a table away from the drunkards laughing and falling over themselves, Theory was content to watch. 

So carefree. None of them seemed to have a worry in the world. 

How? In a world so cruel, how could they find the energy to smile? To laugh? To be merry?

Is it the lack of hardship? So far removed from the rest of the world, maybe the struggle had yet to touch them. Or perhaps it was their resilience and refusal to let it stop them from thriving?

What would happen to a village like this if the war between the Nymphs and the Kappas spread from the west or north? 

Would they still live like this? Would they still dance? Would they still have a reason to smile?

Lost in his thoughts, Theory hardly registered that he was no longer alone at his table. Sloppy of him. 

A Fae male was seated beside him, seeming to trace over the various patrons of the tavern with the same wistful expression that must have been on Theory's own face. He was beautiful, but all Fae were. With shimmering silver skin and hair like purple gossamer, he stuck out amongst the rest of the tavern, even with his cloak and hood. 

Bright purple eyes slid to Theory. "What is a Light Elf doing so far from Aldrid?" 

Theory studied the male, searching for any suspicious tells. When he determined the Fae wasn't prying, just striking up a conversation, he decided to respond with his given story. Not without silent relief that the tonic was clearly working.

"Sappientae, actually. And I could say the same about you."

The Fae smiled, it softened the sharp angles of his face, an alluring transformation that would turn a less suspicious male to goo.

"I am on a quest with an unknown path."

Theory took a small sip of his wine. "How mysterious."

"Not as mysterious as you and your broody partner."

Theory snorted. "Not sure what's mysterious about an annual migration."

It was something Elves did once they reached maturity, to grow their magic. Or something like that. 

"Annual migration...bird finally leaving the nest, huh?" 

Theory's gut twinged at the stranger's words. Or perhaps it was because Niro chose that precise moment to walk in, heading straight for the stairs. 

"Was sure he'd be out the rest of the night," Theory muttered, taking another swig of wine. Now that he'd downed most of his cup, the taste wasn't so bad.

"You actually sound disappointed. Do you make a habit of sharing your mate?" The Fae asked. 

Theory laughed...loudly. "He is not my mate."

"Ah, but your threads are intertwined."

Theory frowned at the Fae's words, before shrugging. 

"It is not romance that binds us, of that I can promise you." Theory could think of no worse fate than that.

The stranger only smirked while he sipped his own wine.

Ordering another wine when his own had dwindled, Theory spent a good portion of his night with the Fae, laughing and making up stories about the patrons who inhabited the tavern. 

It wasn't until he was well into his cups, stumbling up to his room for the rest of the night that he realized he never got their name.