Training and travel

POV ALBEDO

I left the base two days later, during the days leading up to my departure i spent much of my time observing the survivors and laying the groundwork for their training. Among them, Noir stood out, not because he sought attention, but because he carried himself with a quiet determination that mirrored her own.

While the others worked to adjust to their new reality, he was always a step ahead, helping where he could and never complaining. It was on the second evening, as the campfire crackled and the group settled into an uneasy rest, that Noir approached me.

"You're leaving tomorrow." he said, his tone matter-of-fact.

I glanced up from the map i was studying. "I am. Supplies won't find themselves, and we need information about the Carja patrols."

He nodded, his dark eyes thoughtful. "I could come with you."

She raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "And leave them without their most capable pair of hands? Besides, you not a seeker."

"Doesn't mean..." he replied, his voice soft but firm.

"I'll be back in two days." she said, her voice steady. "Keep them alive until then."

Noir hesitated, then gave a small nod. "Just... come back in one piece."

Midway through the morning, I encountered a herd of Grazers grazing in a sunlit clearing. Their movements were rhythmic, almost hypnotic, but I didn't linger. Machines like these weren't a threat unless provoked, but I couldn't risk drawing the attention of nearby Watchers.

As I skirted the edge of the clearing, I caught sight of something unusual, a lone Carja soldier, slumped against a tree. His armor was battered, and a broken spear lay at his side.

Cautiously, I approached, keeping my weapon ready. He was alive, though barely. His breathing was shallow, and his face was pale beneath the streaks of blood and dirt.

"Help me" he rasped, his eyes flickering open.

I hesitated. A Carja soldier, here and vulnerable, was a rare sight. But his injuries were severe, and the risk of him alerting others was minimal. After a moment's thought, I knelt beside him, offering water from my flask.

"What happened?" I asked, keeping my voice low.

"Machines..." he whispered. "Something's wrong... they're... angry."

I left him there to suffer, knowing he wouldn't survive much longer and I couldn't afford to be delayed.

As night fell, I found shelter in a hollow beneath an ancient, crumbling structure. The remnants of the old world loomed around me, by midday of the second day, the settlement of Mother's Crown came into view. The sight of the fortified outpost brought a sense of purpose. Supplies, information, and perhaps allies, all within reach.

I approached a trader near the gate, a shrewd woman with sharp eyes. She studied me as I stopped before her stall, her expression guarded.

"Looking for something, Seeker?" she asked, her tone cautious.

"Supplies." I replied evenly. "Food, medical herbs, and any spare tools you can part with."

Her gaze flicked to the pouch of shards I placed on the counter. After a moment's hesitation, she nodded and began gathering the items.

"You're not from around here." she said as she worked. "What brings you to Mother's Crown?"

"Just passing through." I said carefully. "But I've heard the Carja have been active in the area. Anything I should know?"

She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly. "More than active. Their patrols are larger, bolder. And the machines..." She shook her head. "Something's riling them up."

I thanked her and moved on, scanning the settlement for anything else of use. As I approached the gates to leave, a Nora warrior stopped me.

"You're heading back out?" she asked, her tone more curious than accusatory.

"I am." I replied.

She studied me for a moment, then nodded. "Good luck, then. And watch yourself the Carja won't hesitate to take someone like you if they catch you out there."

"I'll keep that in mind." I said, giving her a small nod before slipping out of the settlement.

The return trip was more perilous. The machines were more active than before, and twice I had to double back to avoid Carja patrols. The supplies I carried felt heavier with every step, but I knew how much they would mean to the group back at the base.

By the time I reached the outskirts of the base, the sun was setting, the faint sound of voices and the glow of a fire welcomed me back.

As I stepped into the camp, Cam was the first to notice me. His face lit up with relief. "You made it back. Thought we'd have to send a search party."

I smirked faintly. "Two days, as promised."

I was exhausted, but the weight of the day seemed to lessen when I saw him, Noir. My king.

His eyes softened as they met mine, a quiet warmth in them that was reserved only for me, he'd always had a way of looking at me, like he could see straight through to the heart of things, and it made my pulse quicken every time.

"You're back," he said, his voice a low, comforting murmur that seemed to erase the weariness of the journey. "I've been waiting for you."

"You look tired," he added, his gaze softening as he stepped closer. 

I managed a small smile, trying to mask the exhaustion in my bones. "It was a long trip." 

"Come. Let's rest. Let them take care of the supplies now," he said, his voice laced with a mischievous smile that made it clear I was about to be busy all night.

I raised an eyebrow at him, sensing the playful challenge in his tone. "Hmm hmm," I nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "I could use the 'rest,'" I teased, my voice light, but my eyes betraying a deeper, more teasing undertone.

His smile widened, the glint in his eyes telling me he wasn't fooled by my attempt to play along. He stepped closer, his presence as commanding as ever, yet somehow comforting. "I'm sure you could," he murmured, his gaze lingering on me in a way that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Well, you're going to have to wait," I said with a soft laugh, brushing past him, my shoulder brushing his. "The others can handle the rest for tonight. But tomorrow..."

"Tomorrow, we'll see," he interrupted with a teasing glint in his eyes. "I'll make sure you get plenty of rest, though."

I couldn't help but smile.