Kaara felt a chill run down her spine as she stared Corvio down. What could she say? Should she admit it? As Kaara moved to speak, Arik interrupted, “Then get as far away from Kaara or anyone else as you can, Corvio. No one is forcing you to be a hunter, and you’re clearly not cut out for it.”

“You don’t know anything about me, Arik! What we went through was not normal, and it wasn’t something you can just ignore. There’s something bigger happening here.”

Arik crossed her arms, “What’s done is done. Like I said, if you’ve got a conspiracy theory about all of this, then avoid Kaara and the Noxa and whoever else. You’re free to make whatever decision you want.”

“That won’t bring my friends back to life, Arik!”

“Neither will blaming any of us.”

Lioku pat his shoulder, “I miss them too, but Arik’s right. We all knew we might die tonight.”

“Kaara helped save my big brother too, so I don’t think she did anything malicious.” Orsika said.

“Gaor being alive doesn’t mean anything. Nihilik is probably the bulk of the reason he’s alive.”

“Nihilik is the one who told us how hard she and the others fought to help everyone.”

“Yeah? And I heard from others that Kaara summoned a steam elemental that ended up massacring us.”

“That’s not fair to pin that on Kaara, Corvio.” Lioku said, “Those Malaki could corrupt summons. I noticed it with my own magic.”

“Whatever, don’t say I didn’t warn you. I’m going to travel on my own,” Corvio pushed past them and stormed off.

Kaara watched him leave.

“Don’t mind him.” Orsika said, “He’s just being difficult because some of our branch members were found dead this morning. I think he’s trying to find someone to blame.”

“I understand,” Kaara said flatly.

“Anyways,“ Orsika continued, “What do you think you’re gonna decide on?”

“You mean for whether or not I’ll continue trying to be a huntress?”

“Yeah.”

“I will. If anything, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I didn’t.”

“I feel the same way,” Lioku nodded, “We were discussing with Arik that we wanted to join up with you and her if you decided to go on your journey.”

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Kaara’s heart dropped, “I’m not sure you want to do that.”

Lioku laughed, “Why not? We’re still friends right? Even if we don’t see each other much.”

“Yeah! I still respect you a ton, Kaara! Ever since I was a little girl I’ve always looked up to you.” Orsika said.

Kaara paused. She could see the sincerity in their eyes. She thought of Lioku and Orsika as cousins, even if there was no blood relationship. Every year, when they visited, she normally played with them for the two weeks leading up to the ceremony. This year, however, she had been far too busy with others to say hi to them. She didn’t want them to follow her with the curse she had. Not unless they knew about it like Arik and Amaro, “Ah, well, you see, um- I was actually going to be grouped up with the Xirxus and their group. I was gonna ask Arik to come with, and Arik already knows them, so…”

“Aw cmon! We can come along too right?” Lioku said, “Screw Corvio, whatever he said about you is just him trying to blame someone. He can go off on his own.”

Arik stepped in, “As much as I think that would be fun, I think the two of you will have to reconsider. Those nobles are really picky, and really annoying.”

“Does that mean you’ll come with me, Arik?” Kaara asked.

Arik clicked her tongue, “Of course I would! Are you kidding? No matter who you’re with, or where you’re going it’s you and me. We ride together or we die together.”

“Let us come with you, please! If you’re worried about our strength we’ll get stronger for sure.” Orsika said.

“Sorry, I dunno. It’s gonna be really dangerous for us.”

“What do you mean? It’s gonna be dangerous no matter what.”

“Er- well the Xirxus will likely all have some sort of target on their backs,” Kaara said.

“I get that you’re worried about us, but if things get too hairy we can always part ways.” Orsika said, “Besides, I need to make new friends.”

“Plus, Gaor will benefit from having someone who knows how to cook in their party.” Lioku said.

Kaara caught glances with Arik.

“Let me get this straight,” Arik said, “If we accept you two into the party that’ll be me, Kaara, all four Xirxus, Gaor, and probably Nihilik. So about eight people. Maybe nine if Rorik joins. That’s a big party, and any contract we do is not gonna yield enough money for all of us. Plus, traveling is gonna be a lot slower.”

The two of them receded back. Kaara didn’t like the saddened looks on their faces.

“Tell ya what,” Kaara said, “I dunno if all of the Xirxus will be together, and it’s not like our groups are gonna be set in stone. If you guys still wanna come with us in a few months and we’ve got space, we can go on our own adventure together!”

“You sure about that Kaara?”

Kaara nodded, “Of course. They’re all strong, and by the time a few months pass we’ll all be a lot stronger!”

“I suppose you’re right. That’s the compromise ladies, does that sound good to you?”

Orsika and Lioku looked at one another, “yeah, I think I can live with that.” Orsika said, “At least we’ll still have Gaor and Nihilik traveling with us if Corvio’s gonna be off on his own.”

“I like having a party of four better, anyways.” Lioku said, nodding, “By the way, do you guys know what Tadios is gonna do?”

Arik thumbed her lip, “If I had to guess that guy’s gonna go off on his own for his journey. Why?”

“You mean you didn’t hear?”

Kaara raised an eyebrow, “Hear what? What happened?”

“Tadios is going to be joining Deka for his journey. Just the two of them. They’re planning on heading to dragon territory.”