“Right,” Florian croaked out, nodding, but still unable to shake his apprehension. It was possible for shifters, sure; but the way he changed form was different, wasn’t it? Would he really be able to stay shifted for so long? Maybe there would be some islands along the way where they could rest, even sleep overnight if he could set up the shelter... The thought seemed hopeless even as he considered it, though. Resting on an island would mean holding the shroud long enough for him and Rune to set up their camp, exhausting him further. And scanning over the map again, it looked like the best they could hope for along the way would be sand bars and rock formations.
Rune’s eyes lingered on him for a long moment, her expressive face suddenly still. Finally, she said, “Let’s worry about the other Arrow first, then revisit this one. Alright?”
Florian swallowed down his fear and forced himself to focus. “Yeah. This one first. All three of us. Do you know anything about where it is?”
“Not really,” she replied, shaking her head. “I’ve never been on the surface that far from the village.”
“Right. Duh.”
“Duh,” she echoed, finally smirking again.
“Duh,” Koji chimed in, making Florian laugh.
“Well, I guess we’ll just play it by ear, then. As always,” Florian sighed, then glanced at Koji again. “Don’t tell Kade.”
“Think your wolf boy’ll join us?” Rune asked, and Florian’s laugh died in his throat.
“Probably not. I mean, he said he’d catch up with us, well, after... everything. But I wouldn’t expect him for at least a week. Probably more,” he sighed.
“Hmm,” Rune replied, eyeing the map. “Well, I’m looking forward to meeting him. Hopefully.”
“He’ll catch up,” Florian repeated. “I’m sure of it.”
His voice came out sterner than he meant it, but Rune got the hint, moving the conversation back to their task at hand. Eventually, they decided they would leave the day after next—that way, Rune and Florian could practice being shifted for a few hours after lunch, again the next morning and afternoon, then get plenty of rest before heading out early the following day.
“You can come hang out on the beach if you want, Koji,” Florian offered, feeling rather guilty that there wasn’t much for the dragon shifter to do but wait. To his surprise, Koji shook his head, grinning.
“No, I’m alright. I’ve been exploring the village, and a lot of people recommended hiking the mountain. So I think I’ll do that tomorrow. But I can keep myself busy until then.”
“It’s a great view,” Rune agreed, nodding. “And if you go up the southern path, it’s—”
“A much easier hike,” Koji finished for her, grinning. “That’s what everyone says.”
“He’s already a local,” Rune laughed. “Well, good. I’m glad you’ve got something to occupy yourself with. Florian, no rest for the wicked. Ready?”
Florian steeled himself and nodded. “Ready.”
