Saying Goodbye, Looking Ahead

Saying goodbye to Zal and Nadia was....harder than I expected. I consider them both good friends who helped me immensley. Overall, while I can't say I'll have especially pleasant memories of my time in Artazia (quite the opposite, in fact) I will at least remember with fondness the friends I've made along the way. Nadia and I both cried a little, between our smiles and laughter. Despite Don's offer that Zal and Nadia were welcome at Castle De Freydair anytime, I rather doubt I will see them again.

The clothes I am wearing, ironically, are the first set of clothes I ever wore in this land - a dress and cloak which I "borrowed" from a laundry line. [2071] I had forgotten that I left them at Zal's when I first came there, when I had changed into my barmaid's uniform. They are the only thing I really consider mine, other than my harem girl outfit, which I certainly wasn't planning on wearing again! (except perhaps in private with Don later, I tell him with a wink)

Zal himself could not afford to purchase us a horse outright, feeling a bit of a financial pinch from having his tavern closed for a couple of days. However, he and Don came up with a ingenious, if rather underhanded solution. At the stables, with a small bribe to the stablehand, we were able to secure Maris' horse. (he won't be needing it anymore) I was also pleased to note that Teran's horse, which had been here as well, was no longer. I hope this means that Teran managed to escape from the city. I would like a chance to thank him as well, and wonder idly if we will ever cross paths in the future.

After a while, Artazed disappears over the horizon, and we are alone in the desert, heading back towards Laralia. I ride in front of Don, his arms around my waist, holding me a bit closer than he probably has to. Every so often, he leans forward to steal a kiss. I sigh contently and lean into his embrace. Disturbing dreams aside, I'm not sure what awaits me next in this world, out of place and time as I am. But as long as Don is with me, I feel we will be able to face it, together.

1. Homecoming.
2. Interlude - Six months later.
3. We get caught in a sandstorm, and lose our way.
4. We get caught in a sandstorm, and find ourselves on the banks of the river. The same river that I first crossed to come here? What would happen if we crossed it again?

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