Kaladin shrugged his bruised shoulders, stretching the pained muscles. His shoulder and thigh were almost completely healed now, but his muscles still protested with a dull ache.

He stood resolutely on the enormous walls of the Xerian border. His gaze swept across the dusty land that was Kligira, as the moon shone brightly over the landscape.

Turning his head, he saw Yvlana approaching. They hadn’t had much time to catch up in the last two days as they were organizing the army and waiting for the wounded to be transported. Their countless meetings with the humans didn’t help either.

“What is it?” she said calmly. “Why’d you want to meet here? It still smells of blood. But I must admit the view is quite stunning.”

“It’s calming,” Kal said simply. “I like calming. And the breeze helps too.”

His helmet was down, his face open to the wind and his black hair swayed gently. Arms crossed, he turned his gaze back to the scene far away.

“Everything’s so different.” Yvlana brushed up next to him. “This place used to be teeming with life and water. The beautiful grass and hills are gone, replaced by a barren desert.”

Taking a deep breath, Kal let out a heavy sigh as he wrapped one arm around her waist. “Not everything.” he smiled.

“Kal?” Yvlana looked up at him. “What happened after you knocked me out? How is it that you are friends with that Vog?”

Biting his lip, he hesitated. “You know what happened. I went north. I-I activated the bomb and got into the bunker before it was too late. As for Felkuru... I don’t think you’ll believe me.”

“Try me.” she stared at him with a devilish smile. “I’ve seen a lot. I think I can handle it.”

They both chuckled at that and he squeezed her tightly.

“Felkuru saved me. My leg had been crushed by a boulder.” Kaladin began. “H-he came through something. Out of nowhere. It was as if the space between us opened up from a different world. It happened so fast, I only got a glimpse of it.”

“What?” Yvlana cocked her head.

“He came through a spiraling vortex of light and told me he was here to help me.” Kal continued. “That someone or something had sent him. His planet was dying so he came here for a second chance.”

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“A vortex?” Yvlana raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah. Told you.” Kal shook his head.

“Then Tepra is gone?” Yvlana asked.

Kal looked at her, surprised by her willingness to believe him but he doubted she really did.

“After all this time. Yes. We can assume so.” Kal lowered his head. “It’s sad really. He’s just like us. Trying to survive the Thrak. Desperately hanging onto something greater than himself.”

“Do you think Votis is gone?” Yvlana shifted her body to snuggle closer to him. “I like to think it’s still out there. That our people are still fighting.”

“I hope so.” Kal sighed, knowing the unlikeliness of that hope to be realized.

“I forgive you by the way.” Yvlana headbutted his chest.

“Ow.” he chuckled, rubbing his armor as if it hurt. “What for?”

“For saving me.” Yvlana frowned. “I know why you did it, so I forgive you.”

“Oh.” Kal frowned as well. “Yeah. Sorry about that.”

“It’s okay.” she winked at him.

“It's your own fault though,” Kal smirked. “If you weren’t so stubborn all the time. I wouldn’t have had to hit you.”

“Ohhh?” Yvlana glared at him jokingly. “Stubborn?”

“Did I say stubborn?” Kal rolled his eyes. “I meant bullheaded.”

With that Yvlana tackled him to the ground, trying to pin his arms. Kal rolled with her, using her own momentum, and flipped her. Landed on top of her, he struggled but managed to pin her arms and he stopped.

They were covered by shadows but he looked into her twinkling blue eyes and stared. She didn’t resist as he bent down to kiss her. Gently, their lips connected and for a long moment, they embraced in a passionate kiss.

Suddenly, Felkuru reached out to him. “Kaladin! Something’s wrong!”

Jerking up, Kal looked to the city. “What’s wrong?” he thought back to Fel.

“What is it?” Yvlana looked at him expectantly. Obviously taken aback by the sudden change of mood. “Did I do something?”

“It’s Erik.” Felkuru said frantically. “Amira has done something to him but I’m too far away to get to him in time.”

“Kaladin?” Yvlana asked again, unaware of the conversation in their heads.

“I’m closer,” he told him. “I’m on my way to him now.”

“Kal!” Yvlana was worried now. “Tell me what’s going on.”

“I’m sorry.” Kal leapt up. “Erik is in trouble.”

“How do you know that?” Yvlana gazed intently at him.

“No time to explain,” Kal shouted as he ran for the edge. “Trust me,” he said simply.

Yvlana didn’t ask anything else. She leapt up after him and followed him over the wall, activating her helmet.

He would have to explain the connection with Felkuru later, but for now, he had to reach Erik. He could feel the urgency in Fel and he could feel a faint sense of pain and worry from Erik through him.

It was more than odd to feel what Erik felt but he wondered how much was possible if he pushed the connection himself.

With one arm, Kal slid down the wall, his fingers scraping the stone, slowing his descent. He activated his own helmet and let go.

With a loud crash, he slammed into the street below, followed by Yvlana. They had to hurry.