The Carriage, Rain and Breakfast

Morning arrived with the scent of damp earth and the crisp bite of fresh air. The storm from the previous night had left its mark—puddles dotted the roads, and the sky still held a lingering gloom, though the first rays of the sun were beginning to push through.

Lucius, ever the early riser, stood by the carriage with his arms crossed, surveying their traveling party. Alaric was double-checking the supplies, while Salviana tightened the cloak around her shoulders. Jean, on the other hand, was still grumbling as she climbed into the carriage.

"This is cruel," she muttered dramatically. "I barely got any sleep, and now we're off again?"

"You slept like a baby," Lucius teased, smirking as he leaned against the carriage door.

Jean shot him a glare. "I had to keep one eye open in case you tried to stuff more food down my throat."

"I only do that because I care," Lucius said with mock sincerity.