Zeias was deep In thought, his mind churning with views of the future, plans that would come to fruition in a mere week. He slowly opened his eyes after he heard the crushing sound of gravel stop. Bright orange pupil eyes were staring into his, a small hand was close to his shoulder but quickly pulled away.

[Zeias: I’m not sleeping.]

[Eris: You sure looked like you were.]

Zeais could see an odd expression on her face, almost as if she was sad, but he couldn’t tell. He decided that it was probably nothing and sat himself up. As he was about to stretch, a cold breeze blew over his exposed arms, making him recoil them to his chest for warmth.

[Zeias: Brrr. Ugh - I’ve had enough of being cold.]

He rubbed his biceps with his folded arms for more heat and quickly stood up. He hurriedly walked to the edge of the carriage and jumped off. When he landed, he could feel the cold had definitely worked its way into making his legs feel like jelly. He heard another set of legs jump down behind him, he assumed it was Eris and didn’t look back, he just wanted to go inside the Inn.

[Yale: You kids head on inside, I’ll get you two later so you can eat.]

Before he could concur, Yale had already commanded the Gnorse to get moving and didn’t wait for either of them to respond. Well don’t mind if I do then, Zeais thought. He couldn’t even take a step forward before he felt Eris suddenly brush past him, with hurried footsteps, she rushed past the front gate, almost running to the front door.

[Zeias: Wha-]

He felt an overwhelming urge not to let her reach the door first and soon found himself running after her. She had apparently heard him because she seemed to pick up her pace without looking back at him. Nope, not going to happen, he thought brazenly. He picked up his own pace even more, still holding his arms. Eris followed suit and started to run as well, her skirt blowing wildly from the wind. Zeias unwrapped his arms and burst out at full sprint, Eris unraveled her arms as well but kept the same slow pace.

[Zeias: I’m going to pass you up!]

He could see her silhouette coming into view. She yelled back to him,

[Eris: Hoo, what makes you think that!?]

He thought that was a dumb question when he was nearly about to pass her. He didn’t get what she meant until she suddenly stopped in front of him and gestured to throw something at his face. He closed his eyes and guarded with his hands in front of him, he slid to a stop waiting for the impending object to strike him. However, nothing came, when he opened his eyes, Eris had disappeared. He heard the sound of her hard soled shoes running ahead of him.

[Zeais: WOW! What a cheat!]

How could I let her do that!? She doesn’t even have pockets... He kicked himself. Alright then he decided, I’m still not going to lose. Zeais took off at full speed to try and beat her once again. He could see the faint outline of the door ahead, along with the blurry shadow running in front of him. He quickly caught up to her and could clearly see her hair bouncing around. She turned around to see him, surprised that he caught up quickly, she tried her hardest to stay ahead. The goal of reaching the door first was soon to be settled. Almost neck and neck, the two ran as fast as they could.

The stairs almost appeared to pop out of nowhere for Zeias, and he quickly jumped in surprise to try and avoid them. Eris had to have known they were there already, as she casually took a short leap up the three small steps. Zeais’s foot almost got caught on the last step, but he quickly adjusted mid-trip and caught himself before he could fall. A useful reflex he caught onto after all those years of being out and about in the wild, but alas, his quick change in momentum did nothing to help him. Eris had already reached the door once he looked up, short of breath and hands on hips, she triumphantly stood next to the door, a happy cheesing smile upon her face.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

So you can smile for your self huh? He mused.

[Eris: Nice try-- It was a good effort young one.]

She proudly puffed up her chest, mimicking a proud champion. Zeias couldn’t help but smile at her enjoyment.

[Zeias: Okay Okay! Haha, it’s your win.]

Zeais liked competitions, even if it some weren’t possible for him to win, he still enjoyed the spirit of them and enjoyed the people around him. Zeias walked up to Eris and put a hand on her shoulder.

[Zeias: Next time though, I’ll win of course.]

He gave her a big smile, she gave a mischievous smirk.

[Eris: We will see…]

The two of the exchanged their talk of the future and headed inside the inn. The Inn presented them with warm air, it embraced his body and warmed him.

[Zeias: Ooooh, that feels nice.]

[Eris: I agree]

[Zeias: I’d love to wrap up in some blankets and go to sleep!]

[Eris: You sleep way too much, I’ve seen you sleep at least four times today.]

[Zeais: Sleep is the most important fuel for the body, something my teacher used to say and now I can feel the naps come on.]

[Eris: Jeez, what lazy teachings.]

Zeais rubbed his hands together and walked in the direction of their room. He entered the lobby and remembered that Anya had to be here as well, he didn’t see her though. He wondered if she was still in her room. He was curious, he needed to talk to her about going with him tomorrow back to brights, but he took the better of his reasoning and figured he should leave her alone.

The Inn gave off an empty vibe, it was no wonder since the Inn was empty and void of any other traveling guests. Zeais thought he would at least see a few travelers in a town like Rigas, but everywhere he saw seemed so bleak, it was a wonder how people even managed to gain money if they had no customers. What exactly did this town do other than welcome guests? He thought, and why was there so much commotion with guards even without travelers. He couldn’t help but let his mind drift. He snapped out of his daydream when he realized he was almost in front of his room. How did I even get here? Surprised, I swear humans are strange, it's like my body has a mind of its own sometimes. Does everyone do that?

Zeais’s mind was starved and demanded entertainment. The random thoughts that kept appearing were nothing but a distraction, he wanted to put his mind to good use before he ate and slept. He prefers to read books but he didn’t have his glasses nor did he see any books around the Inn. He looked to the girl who hadn’t said anything the entire time they walked.

[Zeais: Hey Eris, do you like cards or any other types of brain games?]

Eris turned to him as they walked, a confused expression on her face.

[Eris: Hmm, I don’t think I’ve played too many before. Really I don’t think I’ve played any.]

Zeais furrowed his brows, did she ever do anything for passing the time? He thought.

[Zeais: Well, if you ever want to lose at something that requires “real” talent. Let me know.]

Eris scoffed at his remark,

[Eris: If you insist, don’t bite your tongue later.]