Once again outside.

Hailey relived the moments that made her happy once again. Once again, they were on their trip to Havenfort. Along the way they stopped to rest of course, throughout the week they sat down and just like the first time around bonded even more. Hailey more so was happy. Despite the memories, there was an underlying fear of what would happen once she enters the walls again.

"Hey Olivia, do you know why the walls around the capital were built?" asked Lucy.

"Hmm…", she put her finger up to her chin, "I believe the reason was to protect against attacks from other nations," she said.

"But we haven't been attacked for years…do you think there might be another reason?" Lucy said.

"OI! We're at the forest of death!" Alerian shouted.

"Put a pin in it for now Lucy, for now, get us through this forest safely."

Lucy sighed and pushed on with the rest of the group into the forest. As they left the golden plains and walk into the forest everyone was on edge. They'd never forget the last time they were here. Lucy however kept pushing forward, sticking to one side and checking every corner. Alerian was also on the lookout. He thought another person helping would greatly increase their chance of success.

Lucy signaled to duck and hide. As they all did a black and purple tail slithered around above them, a spot darker than the rest of the tail vibrating the hairs on it. Lucy kept still. It quickly rushed to Lucy.

Just as Olivia was about to get up, Alerian put his arm up preventing her to move forward, and put a finger up to his lips. The tail moved around Lucy, the hairs vibrating more. Lucy held her breath not daring to let out a single noise. Hailey watched in horror. Then finally the tail slithered away as quick soft steps ran away from them.

Lucy gasped for air, before finally breathing in the air.

Hailey hugged Lucy, "What was that…?", she said quietly.

"I don't know its name…but it's tail sense vibrations that aren't their own. If it had sensed me, I would be dead. It's a horrifying beast" Lucy explained.

Alerian let out a sigh of relief. "Alright let's keep going until we're out of here", and he took the lead of the group, walking through the forest. Lucy would warn them if she heard or noticed something that would harm them. It was as if both of them were trying their hardest to protect the group. The forest felt as if it stretched on forever.

"Up ahead is mister Jarvis's old cabin. We can rest there, just be careful where you step there's a bunch of traps everywhere", Lucy said.

"Is it safe?" Eliza asked.

"Well, if it's still standing id assume so".

Alerian patted Eliza's head, "Don't worry about it. We're being dumb and reckless right now just by being here. So might as trust Lucy".

Hailey followed Lucy closely. She held onto Lucy's hand gripping it tightly which Lucy returned. As Lucy lead them to a small clearing, they saw the cabin. It looked worse for wear, though it'll hold up. Lucy felt nostalgic looking at it. Lucy walked towards it, stepping on the porch with Hailey following closely. Olivia was just glad they didn't have to camp out in the open.

As they walked in it looked dusty, barely used, but also clean at the same time with how little furniture stayed in the cabin. The couch was there, and the dining table was probably too small for five people. But it was their shelter for the rest of the night. The bookshelf and drawers were empty and aged.

Alerian slammed into the couch, "Finally we can rest! We almost died way too many times to be normal!".

Lucy laughed as she and Hailey checked their supplies, "I guess we're a little special, now aren't we?", she said.

Hailey's face reddened a little before she looked away biting her nail, "Ya..yay.."

Olivia thought it was adorable.

Eliza sat next to Alerian and leaned into him, "We're all already special. How many people do you know get to leave the wall this easily or leave them at all, heck even the guilds barely leave…though I wonder what our parents will do once we get back? It has been almost two weeks."

Olivia scowled, "We'll deal with the consequences of our actions when we get to them. But for now, our objective is to get you two to Havenfort and let you see your hometown. Just don't die on me."

Lucy still rummaging around the bag thought, 'What even are two heirs of nobles doing out in the wilderness.'

Olivia dusted her sleeping area clean of dust before sitting down. Lucy stared at her for a bit trying to get an insight into her thoughts as the cabin grew darker from the setting sun. She wondered if the cabin still had enough wood to keep a fire going all night. They might resort to burning the furniture.

As Lucy started the fire Eliza and Alerian looked around for any drawings or writings of Lucy.

"Mister Jarvis might have put down some information on her powers somewhere…", Eliza said, rummaging through the kitchen drawers. It was filled with dust obviously, but some small wooden tools were left behind along with a rusty blade.

"Good luck with that Eliza…that man probably left only useless things," Alerian said watching her.

"So? It might help Lucy deal with the pain…" Eliza said.

"You noticed to huh"

"Of course, I noticed, and I hope that she can get some answers soon. I'm willing to help with that search."

"Eliza she isn't going anywhere, we have time. Don't stress out too much about it, we have our own mysteries to solve", he sighed running his hand through his hair.

Lucy slammed into the couch right next to Olivia, "Sooo I didn't ask cause I thought it would be rude but what's a Whitewater doing with us hmm…?"

Olivia tensed up rubbing the back of her hand, "Well…quite frankly I wanted to be away from the responsibilities of nobility", she said.

"Oh? So risking your life twice was the way to go? When you could've been safe?"

"Well not necessarily…the first time around I thought Alerian would do something stupid. Well, he did end up doing something idiotic anyways…", she scratched the back of her palm gently, "Well- "

"Why so nervous? Are you hiding something?"

"Nervous? No, I am not. I just have different views from my family. Nor am I taking this conversation from a little child."

"Did you want to die that day?" Lucy asked staring into Olivia's eyes.

Olivia scowled, "What are you implying Lucy…".

"Stop using such fancy words Whitewater, you're with commoners remember. You're in the forest of death. I just want to know why someone would -whose future is practically guaranteed with all their wealth and power- would risk their lives out here in the wilderness".

Olivia tightened her hand, digging into the back of the other hand, "I am not in obligation to answer you…"

"I've only ever shown you the best parts of Xavor, Olivia. You know nothing of how much people suffer. So, don't say you wanted to die because of some difference in views", Lucy backed away from her and leaned back into the couch. After a few minutes of silence, Olivia spoke up.

"You're quite educated for being a commoner Lucy…", she hung her head low.

Lucy sighed, "Mister Silverman tries his hardest."

'At least you have an actual family…I couldn't even have the nerve to ask Mister Jarvis about that photo…', Lucy thought.

***

"So, this where they shacked up huh?", a figure in the shadows said to themselves.

"Oh, I'm doing it again, talking to myself. Ah well…".

"Let's get started".