Eveline

There was a thick fog in the air as I readied Caspian for our long ride. As much as I hated rain and being cold, even the weather couldn't dampen my spirits today.

"Leaving without saying goodbye?" came Alistor's light tone from the entry to the stables.

I turned partially as I fed my impatient mount some oats feeling the tension heavy in the room. In my excitement to leave, I had almost forgotten to find Alistor. I felt my cheeks redden with shame.

He strolled towards me and I walked out of the stall to embrace him. We hadn't been apart a single day in three years. I wasn't good at goodbyes. He pulled me tightly into his arms almost crushing me with his strength.

"I understand," he whispered. "It's hard for me too."

A few silent tears streaked down my cheeks as I took in his scent. I felt silly and childish, but this is why I had just wanted to leave- I wanted to be selfish and ask him to come with me.

After a few long moments, he brought one hand to my cheek so I would look at him before he kissed me. I kissed him back gently before balling my fist against his chest and pushing him away. He let go with a saddened look in his eye. The weather wasn't draining my excitement- the thought of leaving him was.

"I… I have to go," I said walking back to Caspian and grabbing his reigns to start leading him out.

"Eve," he said gently touching my hand before our fingers interlocked. "I love you."

I smiled sadly looking from his fair skin toned hand intertwined with mine to his breathtaking deep blue eyes.

"I love you too, Alistor."

He smiled before giving me one last peck on the cheek and leaving knowing his presence was making it harder for me to go do my duties as well as he had a class to get prepared for.

I led Caspian through the courtyard to the gate that led to the main city- it was hard to not call it the lower city or the upper city anymore, but it was a good change to see the city now inclusive instead of segregated.

I was heading to Hart village to the North east of Reytor first, then to Timberfell south before making my way back to stop here for a night before leaving for Renoak for the third candidate. Though the whole mission had me excited, the candidate in Timberfell made me the most excited to leave for she was a female Nephilium.