Dawn crested the horizon line, providing a dim light which illuminated the gates of Chiori's Estate. After cleansing himself from the awful experience in Nioreir, Sorein stood outside awaiting the team who'd been assigned to their voyage.

He'd attempted to sleep for a few hours to no avail, before finally settling on a distant vigil. Only now were people starting to gather and he wanted to know just who planned to set foot on his shores.

Ezre was the earliest, wearing his tactical gear. Other than the militia suit, he'd been smart enough to bring a thick overcoat.

He nodded at Sorein, coming to stand on the other side of the gate.

No one was certain what they would find at the Temple and Sorein was glad for it. He knew people would be overwhelmed enough by the spirits roaming freely. One person always ended up wandering off in search of their loved ones, sometimes even losing themselves. Maintaining vigilance was the only way he knew they would all make it out of this alive.

Taking a deep breath, he wasn't surprised to see Nixian come down the stairs next, his hands stuffed casually in his pockets. The Nerydian was more alert than ever, enjoying the early morning brine coasting off the beaches.

He smirked at Sorein, tipping his head in greeting as he always had.

Next came a man Sorein couldn't place at first, forcing him to squint away the exhaustion. He could've sworn he was looking at Rhydian, but this man was both shorter and more lean than his doppelganger.

Stalking down the walkway, he came to stand beside Ezre without glancing at anyone else.

As disarming as it was, Sorein was quickly distracted by Iliya's small frame slipping gracefully out from the Estate. He had no inclination Ezre was going to tell her they were leaving, let alone invite her.

The Princess's gaze zeroed in on the man beside Ezre quickly as she made a conscious effort to stand away from him and approach Sorein.

"You're in one piece," she said, nearly sighing with relief.

Sorein's brow raised. "Am I not supposed to be?"

Iliya chuckled, nodding toward her grandfather. "I'm not certain I'll ever understand his methods," she mused.

"Who's that?" Sorein asked, motioning to the mysterious man.

The smile faded from her lips. "Elliott Dalaminai," she muttered, disdain seeping into her voice. "I'm certain Rhydian inherited every ounce of warmth in the womb."

As serious as she was, the statement made Sorein laugh. "His brother, I take it?"

She nodded, trying and failing to smile again.

A Guardsman came down the stairs next, grinning at Iliya. Approaching, he grasped her shoulder lightly and murmured what sounded like thanks into her ear, but Sorein was too distracted by his father storming down the stairs. Noah was on his trial, giving Andrin a wide berth.

He was certain his father would have plenty of terms and conditions for their departure, especially considering Ezre requested Andrin stay here while the Temple was investigated.

Andrin had been floored by the request, but surprisingly acquiesced.

Sorein couldn't help but notice Noah gave Elliott the same leveled side eye Iliya had, as if this man simply couldn't make a good impression. He knew who to watch now, the amount of distrust overwhelming.

When Andrin left, Noah didn't follow.

Instead, his friend approached him with a lazy grin and shrugged. "Apparently if he's not allowed to accompany you, I am supposed to."

Iliya tilted her head, confused. "He trusts you with Azuris' security?"

Noah sighed. "My father and I have an understanding," he explained nonchalantly. "My condition, as he so quaintly puts it, is against Nynoli's way of life. So until I'm ready to serve my country, I'm to learn what it's like serving another."

Sorein watched her eyes narrow, suspicion settling in.

"What does he expect you'll learn?" she asked, arms crossing. "Does he expect you to find a way around your immortality?"

Noah laughed even as the warmth drained from his eyes. Sorein knew his friend didn't care for speaking about his father or the arrangement they'd made. He couldn't understand why he was humoring Iliya this far.

As for the Princess, Sorein wondered if the conversation hit a little too close to home. It explained why she was getting so defensive, protective even.

Still, Noah answered her questions with a knowing stare. "He expects quite a few things, the least of which is that, Illie."

Her lips pursed in frustration, but she stopped asking questions.

"So you'll be joining us then?" Sorein asked, roping the conversation back.

Noah nodded.

Sorein looked around, counting the bodies one by one. Seven. There would be seven of them entering the City of the Lost. Seven to keep track of in case one felt the urge to wander off.

Ezre cleared his throat and raised a hand until the hushed conversations ceased.

"We'll be traveling to Bentrii through the Wyving gates," he said loudly, ensuring everyone heard. "Once we reach their shores, we'll sail south until dusk. We should be capable of arriving before nightfall."

If everything went according to plan.

Sorein knew he didn't need to add the thought, most would be thinking it.

So instead he followed the group as they began their journey to Torchkye. Being able to Wyve would save them six to eight hours of travel, not to mention the lack of stops. Within two hours they would be on a boat, sailing home.

Unsure if this was a good idea, he attempted to distract himself as they walked. Sorein watched a small duck nibble on the reeds and algae in the Glacial River until all the water did was remind him of their coming voyage.

No one spoke as they crossed the bridge, his tired eyes spacing out as the sun broke over the water.

"I haven't been up this early since the last equinox," Iliya mumbled, rubbing her eyes.

He grunted in response, fighting the urge to yawn.

Azuris held the appeal of an overfilled snowglobe, between the turbulent weather and neverending fog, Sorein couldn't remember squinting this hard in years. His pale skin spoke volumes, despite the moon he'd spent in Chiori Faire.

As they neared a full month, he'd gained just enough color to appear less ghostly.

Iliya's skin was bronzing more by the day. As fair as she was, a rich tan had warmed her features substantially. He could only assume she'd spent most of the summer outside, training.

Before he knew it, their group was walking through Torchkye's travel vestibule, stepping into line.

Sorein watched as Noah and Iliya shoved each other playfully, before locking themselves into the Bentrii's pods. Everyone else wore grim, begrudging faces as if this were the most miserable part of their journey.

He was glad his friend's were happy at the very least.

A blink and it was over.

Sorein found himself in the large dirt path leading between miles of farmland and Bentrii's shopping district.

Several more flashes appeared.

Iliya and Noah landed smoothly on their feet, the three of them turning just in time to watch Denick and Nixian fall face first off the beaten path.

Ezre appeared last, immediately snorting at the Prince of Cefrias and his Guardsmen in the dead grass.

Nixian laughed it off, sitting up and brushing off the dirt. "Well, I won't be doing that again."

"No, of course not," Noah mused, smirking.

"It certainly takes some getting used to," Sorein replied, stepping over to offer Nixian a hand.

He accepted, launching onto his feet and dusting off his pants. "No, I mean I'd sooner swim the Onyx than do that again," Nixian said, wincing. "Who invented that thing?"

"Is this your first time Wyving?" Iliya asked.

He nodded, shaking the dust out of his light brown hair. Powder and smoke fluttered out. "First and last."

"You say that now," Noah replied with a huffed laugh. "One day you'll enjoy it as much as the Princess and I."

Sorein snorted. "I highly doubt it," he retorted, the heaviness in his chest lightening for the first time. "No one is quite as insane as you two."

For a moment, everyone relaxed and appreciated the reprieve. Ezre pulled out a pack of jerky and bit into one of the pieces, observing from a distance until it was time to continue.

The rest of the walk was left silent, save for a few random questions from Elliott to Ezre about the severity of their mission.

Sorein noticed it took them no time at all to clear Bentrii and find the boat they were meant to board.

Noah appeared less than pleased, sitting toward the very back of their small ferry. He crossed his arms and glared at the sky.

Placing himself in the row beside him, Sorein watched as Ezre, Elliott, and Nixian all fixated on the front of the ship. A Captain stood up there, discussing their route through the Onyx Sea and weather patterns, he assumed.

Iliya sat in the row in front of them, turning around frequently. She seemed to be checking on them, reassuring herself they were in fact safe.

It wasn't long until the ferry pulled off the dock.

Ezre called out to Iliya, summoning her to the helm. He handed her an empty journal and gave her thorough instructions, though Sorein had no clue what she'd been assigned to do.

When she returned, Iliya sat between him and Noah, a pen in hand.

"What in Heilos are you doing?" Noah asked, gesturing to the book.

He was acting far more aggressive than normal.

"Someone's seasick, are we?" she asked. "I'm detailing landmarks. Ezre wants me to make sure we're on course."

Sorein's brows furrowed. "The Captain's surely done this trip a thousand times."

Iliya shrugged. She bit her lip as if there was more she wanted to say, but focused on the journal in her hand and taking methodical notes.

As they drifted out to sea and lost sight of Bentrii's shore, he watched her tiny printed words cover the page with notes about broken logs and buoys. Iliya documented even the smallest incidents, like the time she thought she spotted a Leviathan.

Nixian laughed when she mentioned it, reminding her how rare that was.

"If he's going to make me document this entire voyage, he's going to be in for a lot of reading," she muttered.

Sorein chuckled at her comments of whispered spite, crossing his arms behind his head and closing his eyes. He knew this might be the only peace they'd get for days, so he tried to quiet his mind.

He fell asleep to the sound of waves crashing softly into the boat.