Darius paced anxiously on the deck of the ship, leaving Calista on Arkenheilm still weighing heavily on his mind.

The journey to Gryndale reeks of peril and the only person who could turn worries into happiness is left behind.

And that worries him slightly, considering that she was the only one who would always keep him on track and not lose himself during the trek.

As the crew readied the ship for departure, Arsen and Elysaria approached Darius. Arsen's hands were full of scrolls while Elysaria had her hands on her pockets.

Arsen's expression remained serious, understanding the gravity of the situation the crew was about to face ahead.

"Captain Thorren," Arsen began before handing the scrolls to Aloysius. He gladly took it, observing. "I've gathered additional information regarding Gryndale. My researchers and I made sure to provide you a copy of the scrolls we have as well."

Darius appreciated Arsen's support, and the dread he felt got a little bit lighter once she handed them the scrolls. He studied each one of them, all handwritten in cursive. "Thank you, Miss Arsen. Your efforts will not go to waste. We'll come back with records of the island."

Arsen nodded before her hands quickly salutes. "Travel safe, Captain Thorren. May the waters of the Regimere guide you unharmed."

Elysaria chimed in, her voice filled with confidence. She then follows Arsen, giving them a salute before putting her hand down. "And rest assured, Captain Thorren, that we'll provide any assistance we can during your journey. And protection to your lover here in Arkenheilm."

Darius nodded, thankful for their support. Atleast this nation was more friendly than the previous they've encountered.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Darius called his crew together for a final briefing. He stood at the deck, his crew gathering right towards him.

"Today, we set sail for Gryndale," Darius announced, his tone laced with authority. "We had already faced many dangers before but it doesn't mean we should let our guard down. You hear me? All of you, make sure to stay cautious and vigilant."

The crew nods in response. Darius then gave a nod to Elysaria's men as they gave him a salute in return as a way of agreeing to the command. They then walked inside as finally the Medusa slowly sail away from the docks and into the waters of the Regimere.

Darius took the documents, eager to find out what lurks in the island before they plan to explore the area. He knew that sailing blindly and not knowing what is out there would just lead to a tragedy they wouldn't want to put themselves in.

He knew that Arsen had been meticulous when it comes to these things. However, he felt as if he still needed to be cautious as it only provides what Elysaria's crew had noticed in the island. The creatures in that place, he wouldn't know until he sees it with his own eyes.

With their farewells exchanged, the crew hoisted the sails, and the ship set forth on its journey. The wind caught the sails, propelling them forward, and right after that, Arsen and Elysaria finds the Medusa leaving the docks.

As the ship sailed away from the shores of Arkenheilm, Arsen and Elysaria returned to the heart of the city, ready to lead Calista to one of the inns for the night. However, as they approached the spot where they had left her, they realized that she was nowhere to be found.

Confused and concerned, Elysaria's heart began to race. She then run towards the fountain, looking around to see if she was there.

"Calista? Calista!" she called out, her voice echoing. Some of the civilians had now had their eyes on her as Elysaria kept searching while Arsen never left her gaze at the docks once she turned around.

Elysaria stopped, panting and noticed how Arsen turns back to face her with crossed arms.

"She couldn't have gone far," she said, sighing as she then shakes her head. Arsen's mind raced with possibilities.

Had something happened to Calista? Did she wander off on her own?

The streets of Arkenheilm were usually bustling in the afternoon and to have her running without anyone to guide her to the city would be like going on a wild goose chase.

Though, Arsen still tried to remain calm. They questioned the few civilians they encountered, but their responses only offered such little help. Some claimed they hadn't seen her, while others mentioned catching only a fleeting glimpse of her running past them.

They expanded their search, searching through each of the streets and asking anyone they encountered if they had seen Calista, describing her features greatly.

Just as they were growing increasingly worried, a woman at a nearby market stall spoke up. "I saw a young woman with that brown curly locks," she said. "She seemed to be in a hurry, like she was trying to avoid being noticed."

Arsen seems to stop in her tracks, facing the woman and asking urgently, "Do you know which way she went?"

The woman pointed in the direction Calista had taken.

"She went that way," she said, "towards the docks."

"We have to find her," Arsen said firmly, her tone laced with concern.

Elysaria nodded in agreement. "She couldn't have gone too far."

The two set off, their eyes scanning the streets and alleys, hoping to find any sign of Calista.

Frustration gnawed at Arsen's nerves as she led the way back towards the harbor. She couldn't understand why Calista would disappear like this, especially after they had assured her she was in safe hands and Darius left her with them.

As they reached the dock where the ship had been moored, Arsen and Elysaria exchanged worried glances. It was a plausible that Calista might have returned to the ship, thinking she could join the expedition despite Darius' wishes.

With heavy hearts, they hurried back to the docks, hoping to find Calista waiting there. But as they arrived, it became apparent that she was not.

Elysaria let out a frustrated sigh. "She probably got back in to the ship. God, Darius wouldn't like this."

Arsen's mind was filled with conflicting emotions. She felt responsible for Calista's safety, and the thought of something happening to her weighed heavily on her.

"Let's just hope Darius knows."