: The Cabin

Caught off guard, Dimitri reacted on instinct and quickly grabbed her arm in which she was trying to claw at him with.

Surprisingly, the swing she threw at him held more strength than she ever exhibited in the dungeon.

"Calm down."

Releasing a strong pressure, he subdued her to prevent her from struggling.

Hearing his voice and feeling as if a heavy weight was suddenly forced upon her body, Kayda froze for a moment, letting her mind calm down, allowing her to remember what had happened.

Taking in a breath, her balled up fists relaxed as she sent a glare up to Dimitri, signaling for him to let her go before she really started to lash out.

Seeing she had calmed down, Dimitri let go of her wrists and focused his attention back in controlling his mount.

He didn't look back down at her and ignored her as he focused reeling in his pressure, releasing Kayda from the heavy weight that had pushed down on her body.

Breathing out a frustrated sigh, Kayda tried to push as much distance as she could between her and her so called savior but found it was nearly impossible with her sitting in front of him atop a mount.

Feeling his closeness, she felt increasingly uncomfortable and sick, knowing she was this close to another living being. She could control her distress to some degree because there was no skin to skin contact, but it still caused her to scratch at her skin at where Dimitri had early grabbed her even though he wore gloves.

Of course, these actions didn't go unnoticed by Dimitri.

"We'll be there soon so just hang on."

Surprised, Kayda looked up only to see Dimitri still looking ahead as if he had said nothing to begin with.

Frowning, Kayda just looked forward while trying to distract herself. Moments later, Clouse rode up next to them and started talking to Dimitri.

Kayda didn't care to listen to their conversation since she couldn't understand it either way, but instead looked at the mount that Clouse had been riding.

At first, she thought it was a horse when she had first glanced at it but upon closer inspection, she noticed that it was nothing of the sort.

It's mouth almost went all the way down to its neck with sharp teeth peeking out from under its lips.

And instead of a mane, rows of umber colored scales covered its back all the way down to its rump where a large scale covered tale was following it as it trotted forward.

An interesting pattern followed the flow of its rusted color coat making Kayda look at it with interest.

Ever since young, she had always had a thing with animals. Be it small rodents or large predators, she always saw something interesting to look at when she observed them that it just fascinated her to no end.

Looking up at the mounts face, she watched as it's long ear flicked, as if swatting at something before turning its eyes to look at her. Allowing her to see double pupils in its dark golden eyes.

Successfully distracting herself, she put all her attention into studying this creature so as to keep her mind off the unease she felt being so close to someone.

Of course, the distraction worked too well since she didn't notice that Dimitri and Clouse had stopped talking and were now watching her as she tilted her head back and forth to look at this new creature she found to look at from different angles.

Clouse tried to keep himself from laughing as he watched as this little beastkin observed his valkmare.

From his earlier impression, she was withdrawn and skittish. Lashing out at anyone or anything that came close. But now, she looked nothing like the beast she acted to be but more like a small child.

Even though he could still tell she was on guard and wary of everything around her, she now showed an emotion that wasn't caution, bloodlust or apprehension.

Dimitri on the other hand, didn't pay much attention to her. He only felt a small amount of amusement at her quick change at thinking no one was looking at her but his face portrayed a cold and impassive expression, expertly hiding his thoughts.

Kayda didn't notice any of this and continued to watch the creature in front of her. When she started observing its face, she directly looked into its double pupiled eye. Not breaking her gaze away, the valkmare let out a snort. Kayda was so insnared in observing the creature that it made Kayda give a slight jump while accidentally producing what could only be called a surprised squeak.

"Pfft!"

Suddenly looking up, Kayda saw Clouse doubled forward as his shoulders shook from containing his laughter. Until finally, he couldn't hold it anymore and his laughter filled the night air.

While he was laughing, he spoke out in his native language as he laughed away, saying something in between breaths.

Looking at him suddenly laughing and talking to himself, Kayda's brows knitted together. Was this guy crazy?

Quickly after, Clouse was able to control himself while Kayda stared at him. Not understanding what was going on.

Looking back up, Clouse noticed Kayda's gaze on him. Without an ounce of shame, he gave her a charming smile, making Kayda's face scrunch up even more in confusion.

Looking away from him, Kayda looked forward while quietly saying "crazy" under her breath.

But with Clouses enhanced sense of hearing, he could easily catch what she said and when he finally processed what he had just heard, his eyes rounded in shock as he looked at her in surprise.

"You speak the Zedrulian language?"

This time, Clouse spoke in his native tongue which originated from the Western Continent, and not the Eastern one on which they were now.

Kayda looked back over at Clouse with narrowed eyes. She didn't know why he was so surprised. And she didn't care.

But finally being able to speak after years of pretending to be a stupid dumb beast, she couldn't help but give a sarcastic response.

"What? Never seen someone who could speak more than one language?"

Her voice was still harsh and dry, like that of dried leaves, showing how little she had used it.

However, hearing her words, instead of being offended, Clouse gave a big grin, making Kayda even more confused and cautious than before.

"This is great. Now I don't have to worry about having lord Dimitri translate everything you say!"

He smiled as he winked at her. His attitude completely baffled her and Dimitri just silently looked ahead, not bothering to even try and contribute to the conversation he was just mentioned in.

"Oh right! I forgot. We didn't get a chance to introduce ourselves. I'm Clouse, and the cold block of ice you're riding with is Lord Dimitri. I call him unsociable ice cube for short."

This time, Dimitri didn't stay silent and sent a freezing cold glare over to Clouse, causing him to shut his mouth.

"You're overstepping your boundaries Clouse. Don't tell me you want me to send you over to Budding Chrysanthemum."

Clouse shivered listening to his lord's cold, low voice. His threat effectively shut him up as he looked forward with a pale face and clenched fists.

The Budding Chrysanthemum. Clouse felt a chill just thinking of that place's name.

Dimitri directed his attention back forward, returning the silence.

Kayda was quiet, stealing glances back and forth between Clouse and Dimitri.

She looked straight ahead before silently parting her lips.

"Kayda."

Her voice was a quiet whisper but both Dimitri and Clouse heard it. Clouse smiled while there was a small glint inside Dimitri's eyes but that was it.

And they continued their ride in silence.

It was hours of silence before they arrived at the cabin where Clouse and Dimitri had stayed.

It was a two story wood building, surrounded in a maze of trees that confused even Kayda.

When they had arrived, there was a small sliver of light in the horizon that did nothing to light the sky.

Dismounting from his Valkmare, Dimitri looked up at Kayda, and watched her as she jumped off weakly on her own. Not wanting any help or assistance.

Taking the reins, Dimitri handed them to Clouse and headed into the cabin.