With just one look at Darius, Arsen sensed that something was amiss.

Upon arrival in Arkenheilm, Elysaria, and her crew warmly welcomed Darius' crew with open arms. Though, Elysaria noticed the exhausted and solemn expression they had, silently walking to the docks and tending to their ship, the Medusa. Aloysius and Darius had the records on their hands regarding Gryndale but never spoke a word when Elysaria had asked them where the rest of his crewmates were. 

She sensed that it didn't go so well so she hadn't pressed any further. Instead, she instructed the two men to meet them at the administry. The two men gave a simple nod, following her, their gaze still unfocused and minds seemingly elsewhere. Calista was right behind them, her eyes casting one last look at the two before deciding to talk to the crew instead of going with them.

As they entered the large office, Arsen stood on one of the library ladders. Darius noticed that she was putting away some newly written scrolls and books given to her by her researchers. After a minute, Elysaria cleared her throat and Arsen quickly turned her head to her right and threw a glance at their direction, her cold icy cerulean eyes piercing down at them. 

Considering how high she was, she just decided to turn her focus back on the shelf in front of her. She continued putting away the scrolls, yet still spoke calmly to indicate that despite being preoccupied, she hadn't forgotten they were there. 

"How is your expedition, Captain Thorren? Not much hassle, perhaps?" Elysaria quickly coughed, making Arsen raise her eyebrows at this. 

"They lost some of their men. Mine's still with them." This shocked Arsen as she then quickly finished and went back down the steps, casually jumping and skipping the three steps on the ladder. Fixing her blue coat, she glanced back at Elysaria before focusing on Darius' somber expression. 

"You've lost a few men..." she then trailed off before a quick pause came. Her index finger was under her chin, eyes locked down on the floor before she nods. "I see. My condolences. However, I still want to extend my gratitude for returning the records. Whatever you may need, we'll be there to assist."

"I'd like my crew to have a place to rest if that's possible. It's been a rough experience. They need some time to process all of this for now." Darius' gaze was fixated on Arsen as the general could only nod, knowing how this may have shaken the crew to the core. The expedition was no mere jest to them. Even Elysaria knew how hard it was to venture out the waters of the Regimere not knowing what is eventually out there waiting for them. 

Arsen agreed to this, telling Elysaria to escort them to a nearby homage. Elysaria then gave her a bow before making the two follow them. Aloysius went ahead and before Darius was about to follow them, Arsen stops him by calling out his name. 

He turned his back to look at her, his eyes subtly reading her expression.

"I want to offer my sincerest apologies," Arsen began, capturing Darius's attention. His brows remained knitted as Arsen pressed on, "Regarding Calista, our duty was to watch over her, yet..."

"Forgiven," Darius simply replied. It was clear in his looks that he didn't want to linger any longer in the office, his eyes seemingly wandering off and looking away now after she had mentioned his lover's name. The image of Calista sneaking into his ship replayed over and over again in his mind. 

Arsen cleared her throat, surprised by how quickly he dismissed it. However, she didn't dwell on it and simply nodded in agreement. After Darius turned to exit the office, Arsen went back to her tasks at hand. 

Darius then made his way back to the inn where his crew and lover awaited his return.

When he arrived, in front of him was a cozy inn, the warm light spilled from its windows contrasting with the darkening evening sky. It wasn't the same inn they had stayed in after they arrived at Arkenheilm. This was different.

Elysaria had arranged a comfortable room for all 20 of them, spacious chambers with multiple beds neatly arranged, allowing them to have the rest they so desperately needed right after the expedition.

"We hope the rooms are comfortable enough," Elysaria said with a smile, guiding them inside. "Take your time to settle in. Dinner will be served shortly by the innkeeper. All of you must be hungry."

Darius nodded in gratitude, the exhaustion evident in his eyes. His crewmates followed suit, acknowledging Elysaria's gesture with tired but appreciative smiles.

As they stepped into the inn, Aloysius gave Darius a reassuring pat on the back before heading upstairs, possibly beginning to unpack their belongings.

Calista quietly moved to Darius' side, slidding her hand into his. He looked down at her, forcing a gentle smile at his lover. She gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.

The small gesture was enough to make both of their hearts melt, no words exchanged as they expressed their love in utter silence.

"You all should rest as well. You all deserve this," Elysaria advised, her voice carrying a note of concern as she turned around to look at both of them.

Darius nodded his agreement, offering a faint but genuine smile to Elysaria. "Thank you, Elysaria. Your hospitality is greatly appreciated."

With that, Elysaria took her leave, allowing the crew to finally have some time to themselves. The room was quiet, the ambiance of the inn and gentle music playing in the background was calming enough to ease the tension of the crew. The scent of a warm meal lingered in the air as the innkeepers made sure that their guests would be well-fed after their ordeal.

As the crew settled in, their expressions began to soften. They started to exchange small smiles and glances, finding solace in each other's company.

Dinner was a modest but hearty affair, the crew gathering in the inn's common area. As they savored the warm food and engaged in light conversation, the tension began to melt away as the inn had finally been filled with joyous laughter and music.

Later that night, as they retired to their room, the crew found themselves in the embrace of soft beds and warm blankets. The inn was now quiet, the only sounds being the gentle rustle of sheets and the distant hum of the sea. For the first time in what felt like ages, they could close their eyes without the fear of danger.

Calista lay by Darius' side. Her eyes stared at Darius' figure, who was standing by the window — gaze fixated at the scenery of Arkenheilm at night. The only thing to be seen was the calm ocean waves at night and the well lit street lamps.

"Are you alright?" Calista whispered, her voice a gentle murmur in the stillness of the room.

Darius turned to her, his gaze softening as he looked into her eyes. He couldn't help but sigh as he then walks back to her and sat down on the bed, brushing his fingers through her auburn locks. "I'm doing alright, love."

A small smile graced Calista's lips, her fingers brushing against his cheek. "Promise me you'd tell me if something bothers you?"

Darius nodded, his hand finding its place on top of hers, their fingers interlocking. "I will, love. Now, get some sleep."

As the moonlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow on their sleeping forms, the Mediterranean had finally found a moment of tranquility.

Even for only a single night.