The next day and a half of travel was all ups and downs for Krey. He would have to bare not having underwear until they could buy some in Calastre, but it wasn’t so bad, since he’d get to rest atop Danu the rest of the way… but only because his injuries had him at death’s door. Livia and Emilie took it in turns sitting on the mighty mare’s back with him, keeping him soothed - and, more importantly, keeping him alive - with a constant supply of white magic. The third night of camp on the plains had also been something of an experience. It was the first time all three of them had slept in the same tent, and while Krey was not uncomfortable with the idea of sleeping sandwiched between two beautiful women, he was uncomfortable with how cramped it was with all three of them shoved into what was supposed to be a one-person tent. It had been necessary to ensure that Krey could continue to be treated periodically, ensuring that his body didn’t give out in his sleep… not that any of them got much sleep that night.

“At least the glow isn’t too bright,” Livia reflected as she slowly waved her open palm over Krey’s body, holding a small orb of white aura over him. Its light soaked into his skin like the warm water of a good bath, but it wasn’t quite enough to dull the pain completely.

“Sorry for the inconvenience, my ladies.” Krey’s throat was dry, his voice gravelly. “I hope you’re not too uncomfortable.”

“Nevermind us,” Emilie scolded him lightly. “It’s you we’re concerned about right now.”

“Yes, mother,” Krey chuckled… and coughed.

“Shut up, Krey,” Livia whispered in his ear, “and let us take care of you. You weren’t so talkative before this most recent brush with death.”

He went to reply, but Emilie put a finger to his lips. “What did we just say, hmm?”

Krey just nodded, shutting his eyes.

After a time of silence, long enough for Krey to have fallen asleep, Emilie whispered: “Livia, it’s time you got some rest too. I’ll take over from here.”

“Are you sure?” Livia mostly mouthed back, not wanting to make noise.

Emilie nodded, and after a moment of consideration, Livia agreed, and rolled over to put her head down. Emilie propped herself up more comfortably and began working her magic, placing her rosary on Krey’s chest in the hope that it might help her prayers reach deeper into him.

“Ah, finally,” Krey murmured. “The two of us alone.”

“Krey? I apologise if I woke you.”

“I wasn’t ever asleep,” he droned. “But I can tell you with absolute certainty that Livia will not be stirring until daybreak at the very earliest.”

“And how are you so sure of that?” Emilie allowed herself a little more volume now, but still kept herself hushed.

“I’ve learned to gauge such things. There’s this… feisty little devil in the northern reaches of Pivuseon, likes to pretend to be asleep. They’re called morohets, and they’re… oddly people-like. Knowing how to tell whether or not they’re actually fast asleep - and if they’re going to stay asleep - is important when encountering them.”

“Fascinating.” Emilie’s tone was flat, distracted by her spellcasting.

“I’m sorry,” Krey smirked. “My condition has robbed me of my usual talent for conversation.”

“No… no, I’m sorry. I should be paying more attention to you. I’m just…”

“Tired?” he chuckled weakly. “As am I. Look, you two have been at this for a whole cycle now… I’m sure I’ll make it through the rest of the night on my own. Get some sleep.”

Emilie’s retort was blunt. “Not a chance. I’m not risking it.”

Krey sighed, just staring up at Emilie.

“What is it? I was expecting a bit more resistance.”

“I’m too groggy to resist. Besides… staring up at your face helps me feel like I’m dreaming.”

Emilie, for the first time, allowed Krey’s words to bring a smile to her face. Still, she dared not look at his own growing grin, or she might just slap him, his health notwithstanding.

By the afternoon of their fourth day in Henifor Plains, Krey was strong enough to stand firmly on his own two feet, though he wasn’t able to bear the burden of his armour again just yet. Nevertheless, his need for constant healing spells had passed, so he took the lead on foot for a while, allowing Emilie and Livia to take well-earned naps astride Danu; Livia was slumped forward, resting on Danu’s neck, while Emilie held onto her from behind, resting on her. Livia was surprised by how light the hierophant felt leaning against her, and the feeling of her slender arms around her waist gave her a strange kind of reassurance that helped her relax.

By the time Calastre was within reach, the three were back to full strength. However, when the city came into view from behind the gentle slope in the road, something wasn’t quite right.

“What do you mean, Krey?” Livia wondered.

“Look there.” He pointed at a caravan of carriages parked near the city walls. “Something about those carriages is familiar… but I can’t quite place it.”

“Could it be a convoy of your fellow knights?” Emilie suggested.

“No… I don’t think so. There’s no markings— no heraldry.” He turned to the other two and straightened his back. “I really think we should camp here tonight, and enter the city fresh with the morning.”

“I agree,” Emilie nodded, “if for no other reason than it would be in all our best interests for Livia to be as rested and awake as possible for her first day in a big city.”

“And who knows,” Livia shrugged, “maybe those carriages will be gone by tomorrow.”

Krey just smiled and nodded at both of them.