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A Necessary Conversation
It wasn’t much, but based on her conversation with Fercos last night, Aleyanna knew she would have to speak with Minthe at some point to get a couple of things for the future out of the way. Not wasting a moment, she brought out her communicator and activated the specific channel.
“Minthe, spoke with Fercos about a couple of things coming up for the future. I’ll need to speak with you at some point regarding them as well. Just let me know when you’re free.”
Word had reached them that there was a resistance movement forming in Istan. Not much of a description was given, but whispers were said that anyone who would be willing to help in the fight against the Awakened would be welcome. And so, it didn’t take much convincing on Aleyanna’s part to get Fercos, Gregory, and Minthe to agree to accompany her. Tracy however was a tougher nut to crack, but after being told she could continue to seek redemption by helping the oppressed, she too agreed to join.
And so, the team would find themselves sailing out from Amnoon before any Brandstorm struck. And there was no telling what would await them on the island domain. But they would face it as a team.
Recovery
Rest was good. And rest was what she needed. After being rescued by Gregory, and tended to by Fercos and Minthe, Aleyanna could finally rest. Everyone at the camp was tired, that was a given. But everyone survived the test given to them. All that awaited was the days ahead as they awaited the end result of everything that transpired.
Back at Base Camp
“You seem to be in a good mood,” Mixxa remarked as she arrived at the base camp, having completed another day of research.
“You’re correct on that statement, I had a nice meaningful chat with Fercos while gathering up some more supplies,” Aleyanna replied.
“Is that so. What did you two discuss?”
“Are you that curious to find out?”
“Yes.”
“Well, we mostly talked about Minthe, and how we both feel about her, along with chatting about how our endeavors against Balthazar are progressing.”
“Interesting.”
“What is?”
“Nothing. Just don’t let your feelings get in the way of what needs to be done, Denton. Nothing will matter if we all don’t make it through and stop the menace.”
“I know, Mixxa. Which is why I’m striving to make the right calls so we all can go home and try to have as long of a normal life as possible.”
“You know that won’t happen. Murphii’s Law will dictate that a cataclysmic event in Tyria will happen before long.”
“Don’t jinx us, Mixxa.”
“I’m not. Regardless, what’s our next step in the matter?”
Aleyanna smiled slightly as she looked to the map. “When we gather up enough supplies, we’ll be heading south into the Desolation. There’s no telling what we’ll be facing there, but word is to follow the paths south and east.”
“Any idea what’s there?”
“They say that the domain of Vabbi is there, but with no idea of what it’s like, we’ll be going in blind if we get that far.”
“I see. I suppose I should try and send out one last communique to the Refuge, because Alchemy knows we won’t be able to stay in touch.”
“A good idea. I should do the same once I finish making sure nothing sneaks up on us again.”
“Oh, right, you don’t want someone or something acting like what Gregory did.”
“Correct. He’s a good man but he makes questionable decisions sometimes. But at least he isn’t Chancellor level of making questionable decisions.”
Serenity Amidst Madness
It had taken a while to find a suitable spot up in the Zephyrite town from which to send a few messages back home. But after many minutes of trying, Aleyanna had finally found a place to relay the latest developments. While there were some less than ideal news to send back, there were also some wonderful news to send forth. But more importantly, she had to ensure everyone that all with her were still alright as they prepared to continue following the trail of destruction.
Once her broadcasts were complete, she made her way back up to the cliffside cavern where they were residing for the evening. Inside, she saw that their defense were ready, and Fercos, Minthe, and Mixxa were sound asleep, resting and recuperating from the incursion made against the Forged earlier. Aleyanna smiled as she began preparing herself to sleep, making sure to give the room one last look over for any threats before falling asleep by the group.
It was a well deserved respite before going further into the unknown.
Desert Preparations
Long after the homecoming, the dinner, and the majority of those at the house had retired for the evening, Aleyanna had found herself in the study, composing letters and lists. It wasn’t for a bad cause, no. No, she had to start thinking about what all to take on the imminent push into the Crystal Desert. And then it would be a matter of who to take. It was a lot to juggle, but it was something she could handle.
As she was making a list of necessary equipment, her mind drifted back to the assorted talks she had earlier in the day. Before finally leaving Orr, she had managed to speak to Fercos again. Granted, she didn’t know she would be leaving at the time, but it at least knocked off something that needed to be done. He was curious, inquiring about the Refuge and the Desert, albeit in the friendly way. And the operative even promised that she would include him in their expedition when it came time to depart. She did realize she would have to send word out though, informing of what happened.
And that had led to the other chat. It was claimed to be an emergency, except in reality, it was more an excuse from those back home to get her to be with those that cared. And she didn’t mind that at all. She also didn’t mind having Minthe come by during her time at the shooting range. It was a welcome diversion, with the two discussing plans for the desert among other things.
Thinking back to those talks, Aleyanna finally finished her list. A small smile appeared on her face as she began drafting a letter to send back to Orr in the morning. After all, unless otherwise told, it was only fair to inform those that weren’t in the know about what was going on.
New Friends, Old Expeditions
After so much time, Aleyanna had finally met Minthe’s close friend, Fercos. And the operative found herself immediately in approval of the sylvari. Not only was his demeanor and composure that of the affirmative, but he could also hold his own in the threats of Orr while assisting in uncovering ancient writings of the Gods. Granted, it was a little comical to see him fret over a small ring discovered during their expedition. that could have been cursed. Thankfully for the three of them, further investigations revealed that the artifact was safe.
There was something about Orr that was making the world of Aleyanna and a couple of her friends all the little bit better. It was as if in a land ravaged by destruction and chaos, there was hope for something better. Not just in a land that was slowly returning to some sense of normalcy, but in seeing those that you knew healing, coping, and feeling better. And that was something to fight for, no matter what.
