Bryson didn’t like what he was seeing outside the window. As they traveled further north the scenery had gradually changed. From barren rocky hills covered with frost to small patches of vibrant green grass. Now they moved past entire grassy plains with trees scattered about.

Normally this would be a pleasant change in scenery. But it was currently Fall, they were up north traveling even more north. Yet here they were heading towards a big green forest filled with wildlife.

This was wrong and made Bryson feel uneasy. Though he was aware of the irony of a magical boy preferring the natural over the magical. He looked over to Florence to see how she was doing.

Florence Marsh stared out of a window inside the lounge of the airship. Her eyes looking intently at the passing greenery. Bryson wasn’t sure if she even blinked since getting on the ship.

“So… how much of it is true?” Bryson asked.

“How much of what?” She replied, still not looking away from the window.

“About what I was taught of the contamination zone.” Bryson said, “Some gods used this as a battlefield, a few died, and even after all this time their magical energy still lingers here changing everything in the area?” He said as he tried to move into her peripheral. He had no idea if she could see him or even cared.

“Don’t know if that fairy tale is true nor do I care. But yes, the magic here has changed the ecosystem over the centuries.” She said.

“And what about the monsters?”

“Dangerous and aggressive. Which is why I believe as a noble you should not be here. Nor should any of your staff.” She said finally turning to face him. A look of anger on her face.

Bryson gave a shrug, “You can’t tell me what to do. Besides none of those creatures can fly this high up right?”

“No.”

“So, no problem. We hover over the area, lower you and a small team down, pick everything up and bring you back up.” Bryson said.

“It will attract attention.” Florence argued.

“But you said the place is so dense that it’s hard to even see the sky.”

“Yes, but some creatures might still spot it.”

“Then be quick about it.” Bryson said shrugging.

Florence gave Bryson a glare but didn’t say anything. Turning back to stare out the window she fell silent again.

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“Okay since we have time, what about you?” Bryson asked.

“What about me?” She asked glancing over to him.

“You said you weren’t from any of the local villages. Where are you from?”

“I don’t know.” She said quietly.

“Come again?”

“All I remember is wandering around the entire continent my entire life learning medicine.” She said.

“What for?”

“To help people. But there aren’t many good teachers out here. So my abilities are somewhat stagnated.” She said.

“Even so, it looks like you’ve accomplished quite a bit.” Bryson complimented.

“I appreciate it but it’s just not enough.” She said.

“Well you will in a few hours so take a break.” Bryson said feeling uneasy at her reaction.

“I’ll rest when this is done.” She stated.

“You’re saying haven’t slept at all yet?” Bryson joked.

“Yes.” She said seriously.

“… For how long?”

“A few days, I didn’t count.”

“What about food and water?” Bryson asked growing more concerned.

“Haven’t eaten, only drank when I had to.”

“For days now?”

“Yes?”

“How are you still standing?” Bryson asked incredulously.

“Because I choose to.” She said emotionlessly.

“Okay… no.” Bryson said as he walked over to Florence.

“Huh?” She asked in surprise as Bryson grabbed her arm and began to guide her out the lounge. Wordlessly he guided her through the hallway and up the elevator.

“What are you doing?” She asked, too confused to resist him pulling her along.

“Getting you some rest.” He said as the elevator opened and he brought her over to a guest room. He brought her inside and let go of her arm.

“Sleep.” He commanded.

“I don’t-”

“Yes, you do.” Bryson said, “Just sleep, you can’t make this thing go any faster being awake now can you?”

“No.” Florence admitted.

“So just sleep, I’ll have some food be brought down and wake you up when we make it there.” Bryson assured her.

Florence looked at the soft luxurious bed and wavered for a moment, Fine. But wake me up an hour before landing.”

“You got it. Now sleep.” Bryson said as he closed the door behind him. As he did he thought to himself. Now I wait, I guess.

***

A few hours later as the airship neared its destination Bryson headed back to the guest room Florence was in. Opening the door he saw Florence busy chugging a jug of iced lemon water. Upon seeing Bryson enter she quickly placed the jug back down and used her hand to wipe her face.

“We’re an hour away?” She asked, a tinge of pink on her pale complexion from embarrassment upon being discovered.

That’s a new reaction. Bryson thought taking a good look at her. The crazed wild look in her eyes, while still there, had lessened. She also looked a bit less pale in general. She really needed the rest. He thought.

“Yeah. You ready?” He asked.

She nodded, “Yes, thank you.”

“Thank me when this is done.” Bryson said as they headed to the elevator.

Pressing a button on the elevator they headed down to the main hangar. Exiting the elevator they were greeted by a small team that waited for them. One of the members approached and met them.

“Lord Bryson the team had been assembled. We are just preparing for the trip down.” He reported.

“Alright, everyone knows the plan?” Bryson asked.

“Yes, we will be hovering three hundred meters above the area Miss Florence had marked out. We will take the small hovercraft and descend down onto the ground and collect what we need quickly and return.” The staff member said.

“There will be creatures around the area so stay quiet, follow my lead and be careful. This will be dangerous.” Florence said.

“We’re aware. I’ll be honest we’re all nervous. First time being in the contamination zone.” The man admitted.

“As long as we do this quick, we will be fine.” Florence said.

“Alright, take this time to prepare. We’ll be at the drop zone soon.” Bryson said, “Good luck.”