Mariel woke early, her body feeling stiff and cold from the less than ideal temperature. She had tried to get some rest but only managed some on and off sleeping, her mind too busy swirling around the future which now bore a huge question mark on it. Last night’s revelations had filled her with anxiety, and despite her best attempts, could not shake the looming ghost inside her telling her that coming home was hopeless.

“Good morning Mariel.” Siravin greeted her from a rock a few meters away. He had himself covered in a blanket and looked more than a little sleepy.

“Morning… Have you slept?”

“A little. This whole mess… It seems so unreal.”

“I think so too, but I think we can only keep moving forward.”

“You’re right Mariel… If anything, I needed to hear your conviction. I can’t help but feel motivated when you set your mind on something.” He stood up, cracked his joints and began collecting some wood for a breakfast fire. Shortly after, the rest began to wake up. Daristan woke up first, and in his style, began the morning by wondering why autumn had bring such miserable weather. Some morning fog had settled, but was already starting to move due to the growing wind. The light from the siege in the distance carried all the way to their spot.

“Nothing’s changed… A few ragged groups of people passed close by a while ago. They had carts and looked terrified.” Tizare came out of the edge of the forest carrying a pair of rabbits slung over his back. “I asked them for details, and like we guessed, the invasion fleet had arrived off-shore around mid-day and immediately begun their attack. It’s war, and a great many demonkin have been slain or taken captive. They’re put to work as forced labour… So at least a purge is not in effect. For now, it seems your kin Mariel are more useful as labour… If that changes… Well…” He sat down on a nearby rock, drew a knife and began slaughtering his catch.

Soon the campfire was going strong, and the others had begun to rouse from their sleep to the pleasant smell of seared meat.

“Um… Everyone, can I have your attention please?” Mariel stood up.

“Oh, here it comes! Her declaration of love!” Tizare grinned and was promptly given a kick by Saya.

“I just. I have been thinking. That what’s going to happen now, is dangerous… Going back to the human continent will no doubt, be difficult, and dangerous for some of us. I was really scared to ask about this and I’ve been holding it in for far too long… But. I want you all to stop, and decide…” She tried to steady her breath, and keep her fidgeting hands out of sight. “If you really want to go with me.”

A long silence followed. With nobody apparently ready to speak yet. Suddenly, Siravin raised his hand.

“I’m going with you. I made a promise, and I intend to keep it.”

“Well. You make a good point… This is a fine place and all, but nowhere is like home.” Tizare was next.

“I’ll go where you go Mariel.”

“Me too! Like Saya said, I sort of feel this is like my home now… Together with all of you.” Casindire declared, her voice unusually clear and determined.

“We’ll both come along at least until we make landfall. We have some unfinished business, and it might just even out the war if we’re successful.” Daristan and Saryssa exchanged mysterious looks and raised their hands too.

“I… Guess it’s impossible to make you reconsider?” Mariel struggled to keep her tears at bay.

“How to put it… We’re not all doing this for you Mariel. We have our reasons too, and they happen to coincide.” Tizare summed up the general feeling and received nods of approval from the others. Seeing her case lost, Mariel smiled and thanked them all for being selfish. With their convictions reaffirmed, they began eating breakfast together and talking like nothing had happened.