The soft creak of the wagon’s wheels was a steady rhythm in the quiet of the early morning as the group continued their journey toward Windmere. The sun had just started its slow ascent, casting long golden rays through the trees, making the air shimmer with a faint mist that clung to the earth. Paola lay stretched out on the floor of the wagon, her bare feet dangling lazily over the side, her long black hair tied back in a messy ponytail that still allowed a few stubborn strands to frame her face. The canopy overhead offered some shade, and despite the slight chill in the morning air, the atmosphere felt peaceful, almost too peaceful considering how unpredictable Udanara could be.

Her dark, furry cat ears twitched occasionally, catching the soft hum of the wind and the low, almost imperceptible chatter of the oxen as they plodded along. They were massive creatures, strong and steady, and Ayla had been explaining to anyone who would listen—though mostly to Paola, who was only half-tuned in—about their breeding.

“These oxen can go for days without needing to rest,” Ayla said, her tone that of someone who knew far too much about things most people didn’t care about. “It all depends on the load, of course, but they’re specially bred to endure long, difficult journeys. Nobility often uses them for important trade routes or when they need to move quickly over long distances.”

Poca, sitting at the back of the wagon, her legs swinging slightly over the edge, nodded along as if this were all news to her. Paola knew better. It was Poca’s wagon and her oxen. But Poca, ever the supportive one, seemed to enjoy humoring Ayla’s vast wealth of knowledge. Her stitched-on smile widened as she glanced at Abraham, who sat beside her, absently dangling a strip of meat just out of reach for Oso, Paola’s bear cub familiar. Oso trailed behind the wagon, his enormous paws tearing through the dirt as he chased after the tempting snack, his soft growls mixing with playful grumbles.

Ayla, ever watchful despite her monologue about livestock, cast a sideways glance at Oso, who had been trying to jump into the wagon for the last few minutes. She sighed, exasperated but fond, and without missing a beat in her oxen talk, she gently shooed him away.

"Oso, stay on the ground," Ayla muttered, pretending to be irritated even though she was always the first to care for him. Paola caught the small smile that tugged at Ayla’s lips when she thought no one was watching, and it made her own heart swell. Ayla could act tough all she wanted, but she had a soft spot for the cub.

Paola shifted her gaze back up to the sky, feeling the warmth of the morning sun slowly creeping over her skin. Her cloak, which had fully repaired itself during their journey, draped over her, offering both comfort and a reminder of its strange magical properties. She absentmindedly held her hand in front of her face, flexing her fingers as she half-listened to Ayla’s lecture about oxen, her thoughts wandering back to her magic.

Chaos magic. She had felt it, touched it—just barely. It had flickered at her fingertips like a living thing, wild and unpredictable, and she hadn’t told anyone about it yet. Not even Ayla or Poca, her girlfriends, though she figured they’d be able to sense it eventually. It was like carrying a storm inside her, one she didn’t quite know how to unleash or control. The night before, she had managed to summon a small ember of black flame, and then, for a brief moment, a crackling bolt of black and purple lightning had danced between her fingers before disappearing as quickly as it had come.

It had been exhilarating and terrifying all at once.

Paola stretched her legs, her feet hanging over the side of the wagon as she willed the magic to come again. Nothing happened. She sighed, folding her arms behind her head, her tail flicking lazily against the wooden boards of the wagon floor. Her tail… still something she was getting used to. She was T’shal’ara now, a cat person, and while she had become more comfortable with her feline features, there were moments when she still felt out of place in her own skin.

She caught a glimpse of Carter at the front of the wagon, guiding the oxen with steady, precise movements. His hollow eyes seemed to stare ahead into nothingness, and his ever-present smile was as unsettling as always. Carter didn’t speak, but somehow his silence had become a comfort. He was dependable, always watching, always present, even if he couldn’t communicate the way the rest of them did. Paola wondered sometimes what thoughts, if any, ran through his wooden head. He wasn’t alive in the traditional sense, but there was something about him that felt more human than not.

As the wagon rumbled along, Ayla finally finished her lecture on oxen endurance and turned her attention back to Oso, who had managed to sneak closer to the wagon again. She shook her head, reaching out to scratch the bear cub behind his ears.

"You’re going to be the death of us one day, Oso," she said with mock severity. "Always getting into trouble."

Oso, for his part, responded by flopping dramatically onto the ground, his belly exposed in a shameless bid for attention. Ayla sighed, her tough exterior crumbling as she knelt to rub his belly. Paola smiled, watching the interaction with amusement. It was no secret that Ayla had grown attached to Oso, even if she tried to hide it behind her gruff demeanor.

Poca, her voice as cheerful as ever, chimed in. "Oso is ze best little troublemaker, non? He keeps us on our toes!"

Abraham, who had been quietly watching the whole scene unfold, giggled softly. The boy had grown more comfortable with them as the journey went on, though he still preferred to keep to the background. He and Poca had developed a bond over the last few weeks, and it warmed Paola to see him smile more often now. He had been through so much, losing his grandfather and being thrust into this strange group of travelers, but he was resilient.

As the conversation continued, Paola’s thoughts drifted to more complicated matters—her relationships with Ayla and Poca. The three of them had come to a sort of understanding, a bond that had deepened over time. Paola loved them both, and she knew they loved her. But there was always that lingering question: what came next?

Once they delivered Abraham to his aunt in Windmere, what would happen to them? What would happen to *them*—her, Ayla, and Poca? Could they all stay together? Paola wasn’t sure how to navigate a relationship with two people, especially when the world around them was so unpredictable. She just wanted to make it to Windmere in one piece, but the thoughts were there, quietly nagging at her.

She stole a glance at Ayla, who was now pretending not to care as Oso rolled around in the dirt, and then back at Poca, who was chatting animatedly with Abraham. They had found a rhythm together, an easy, comfortable companionship, but Paola knew that once this journey ended, they’d have to talk about their future. She wasn’t sure what that conversation would look like, but for now, it was enough to just keep moving forward.

The wagon hit a small bump in the road, jolting Paola from her thoughts. She winced, sitting up slightly and rubbing her temples. The tension from trying to summon her magic all night had left her with a dull headache. She glanced down at her hand again, willing the black flames to return, but nothing happened.

She sighed, feeling the weight of her uncertainty pressing down on her. Chaos magic was dangerous. She knew that. But it was also a part of her now, and she couldn’t ignore it. She had to learn how to control it before it controlled her. But how? Ayla and Poca had magic, but neither of them had experience with Chaos magic. And Paola wasn’t sure she was ready to tell them just yet. Not until she could figure out what it meant for her—and for them.

As she lay back down, tuning back into the conversation, Ayla was talking about Sand Pass, the notorious stretch of land between Emberfall and Windmere. It was the fastest route, often used by merchants and traders, but it was also known for its dangers. Bandits frequented the pass, lying in wait for caravans and travelers who had little cover to protect themselves. The open, flat terrain made it easy to see threats coming, but it also left travelers vulnerable.

“We’re going to avoid it,” Ayla said firmly, glancing over her shoulder at Paola. “It’s too dangerous. Even with all of us, it’s not worth the risk. We’ll take the longer route.”

Paola nodded in agreement. The thought of bandits lurking in the open desert wasn’t exactly appealing, and while she trusted her companions, she knew they weren’t invincible. Better to play it safe, especially with Abraham and Oso to worry about.

Poca, who had been listening intently, smiled and nodded. “Oui, avoiding ze pass is ze best choice. We ‘ave come too far to risk everything now.”

Paola couldn’t help but smile at Poca’s ever-optimistic attitude. She had a way of making even the most dangerous situations seem manageable. It was one of the many things Paola loved about her. That, and the way she always seemed to lighten the mood, no matter how tense things got.

As the sun climbed higher into the sky, the landscape around them began to change. The trees lining the road grew thicker, their branches forming a canopy of green that offered some relief from the heat. The road itself narrowed slightly, winding through the dense forest as the sound of the ocean in the distance grew louder.

Paola felt the tension in her shoulders start to ease as the cool breeze brushed against her skin. For now, the road ahead was clear, and the dangers of Sand Pass were behind them. She glanced back at Poca, who was still laughing with Abraham, and then at Ayla, who was busy pretending not to care as Oso tried to climb back into the wagon.

A small smile tugged at Paola’s lips. Despite everything—the chaos, the uncertainty, the magic she didn’t fully understand—she felt a sense of peace in that moment. Whatever lay ahead, she wasn’t facing it alone. And for now, that was enough.

The sun was now climbing higher in the sky, casting soft rays over the forest path they were traveling. The birds were singing, and the wind had picked up, bringing with it the scent of the distant ocean. The group had been on the road for days, but the peacefulness of the morning made everything feel lighter. Still, Paola couldn't shake the nagging feeling in her chest.

Ayla had taken a break from talking about oxen endurance what not and was now walking alongside the wagon, Oso padding playfully behind her as usual. Paola stretched her arms overhead, finally deciding to stand up and stretch her legs after lying in the wagon for so long. She hopped down from the back, her dark cat ears twitching slightly as she landed lightly on her feet. Her tail flicked behind her as she walked toward Ayla, who immediately greeted her with a knowing smile.

Ayla stood tall and proud, her long blonde hair woven into intricate braids that fell over her muscular shoulders. She was an imposing figure, standing at 5'9", her tanned skin kissed by countless battles under the sun. Her mismatched eyes—one a fierce crimson and the other a brilliant sapphire—seemed to pierce through the world around her, as if constantly evaluating every threat. Ayla was dressed, as always, in her dragon-scale bikini-style armor, which shimmered faintly with a purple glow whenever she activated her fire abilities. The dark, sleek scales provided protection in combat, but Paola knew better than anyone that Ayla’s true strength came from within.

A massive broadsword, almost as tall as Ayla herself, rested on her back, its blade constantly shifting between fiery reds and icy blues due to her dual-element affinity. Despite its intimidating size, Ayla wielded the sword with deadly precision, making her one of the fiercest warriors Paola had ever met.

As Paola walked up beside her, she gave Ayla a sly grin. “You know, I can’t help but notice how quiet it’s been without your oxen monologues,” Paola teased, her dark eyes twinkling mischievously.

Ayla smirked. “I can always start up again if you’re missing it,” she shot back, her voice playful.

“Nah, I think I’m good,” Paola laughed, shaking her head. Her black ponytail swayed as she moved, a few loose strands framing her face. “Actually, I wanted to stretch my legs and walk with you.”

“I figured you might,” Ayla said with a warm smile, her gaze softening as she looked at Paola. “You’ve been awfully quiet today. Something on your mind?”

Paola hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. “Not exactly. I mean, it’s just... since falling into this world, nothing has really been easy, you know? I’ve got this Chaos magic that I barely understand, and I can’t shake the feeling that things won’t be as peaceful as we’d like. Especially now that we’re avoiding Sand Pass.”

Ayla nodded, her expression thoughtful. “You’re right about one thing—nothing is ever easy in Udanara. But I’m sure avoiding Sand Pass is the best decision. Even if it makes the journey longer, none of us are in a rush, and we could all use the extra time together, right? We’ve had enough run-ins with danger lately.”

Paola nodded, but there was a sense of inevitability gnawing at her. She couldn’t help but feel like danger was following them. "Yeah, you’re right, but still... I have a feeling we’re not going to get through this without something happening. Ever since I fell here, nothing’s gone according to plan. I just hope we can make it to Windmere in one piece.”

Ayla turned her head slightly, giving Paola a sidelong glance. “Well, that’s why we’re sticking together, isn’t it? We’ll handle whatever comes our way. Speaking of Windmere, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about.”

Paola raised an eyebrow, curious. “Oh? What’s that?”

Ayla hesitated for a moment, clearly searching for the right words, before she spoke. “It’s about my armor,” she said, gesturing to the dragon-scale bikini-style piece she wore. “I’ve been thinking about what you said a while back. About how it... well, how it kind of makes me look more like an item than a warrior.”

Paola blinked, surprised that Ayla was bringing it up now. “You’ve been thinking about that?”

Ayla nodded, her mismatched eyes locking onto Paola’s. “Yeah, I have. At first, I didn’t really pay attention to it. I mean, Lady Marcelline made sure I was outfitted in the best, most durable armor—this stuff is practically indestructible. But... after spending time with you and the others, and seeing how people treat me because of it, I’ve come to realize that this armor was designed more for... appeal than function.”

Paola nodded slowly, sensing the seriousness in Ayla’s voice. "You’re right, I did say that. And to be fair, I wasn’t exactly trying to critique your battle skills. Your armor definitely holds up in a fight. But yeah... it’s kinda... revealing.”

Before Paola could say anything more, a loud cheer came from the back of the wagon. “Finally, someone gets it!” Poca called triumphantly, raising her hands in the air with enthusiasm. She hopped down from the wagon, her stitched-on smile wide as she approached them. “Ayla, I am so glad you see ze light! I ‘ave been saying zis from ze beginning!”

Ayla blushed slightly, clearly flustered by Poca’s excitement. “I guess I came to the conclusion a little late,” she admitted, rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly.

Paola couldn’t resist teasing Ayla now. She gave her a slow, exaggerated once-over, her eyes trailing up and down Ayla’s body in an obvious manner. “I dunno, Ayla. I mean, I kinda like the armor you’ve got now... definitely shows off your assets.” With a wicked grin, she gave Ayla’s firm behind a playful slap.

Ayla yelped, jumping in surprise as she turned to glare at Paola, though the blush creeping up her cheeks betrayed her embarrassment. “Paola!” she hissed, half-laughing, half-mortified.

Paola burst out laughing, holding up her hands in mock surrender. “Sorry, sorry! It’s just... back on Earth, when people were in relationships, they’d slap each other’s butts to show affection. It’s mostly men to women, but honestly, it went both ways sometimes.”

Ayla blinked, a look of bemused shock on her face. “What? That’s... bizarre!”

Poca giggled, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “Sounds like a fun way to show affection to me,” she chimed in, slipping in on Paola’s other side. She gently draped her arm around Paola’s shoulders, looking entirely too pleased with the way the conversation had turned.

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Ayla rolled her eyes, though a slight shade of pink lingered on her cheeks. “Only you, Paola, would find a way to make this conversation weirder.” Still, a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

Paola grinned and playfully nudged Ayla with her elbow. “Come on, you’ve got to admit it’s a little funny. Anyway, what are you thinking of changing about your armor?”

Ayla grew more serious, though her playful demeanor remained. “I’ve been thinking about adding some chainmail. Maybe even full plate around my forearms and legs. I want to keep the flexibility of this armor, but I also want more protection. I’ve realized that this... well, it doesn’t scream ‘Sword Maiden.’ It’s flashy, sure, but I want to be taken seriously as a warrior, not just... a symbol of Lady Marcelline’s whims.”

Paola looked her up and down again, this time more thoughtfully. “Wow, you’ve really considered this, haven’t you?”

“Yeah,” Ayla said quietly. “I think I’ve been hiding behind the title of Sword Maiden for so long that I didn’t realize how much my appearance was playing into how people treated me. I never questioned it because my role under Lady Marcelline blinded me to a lot of things. Now... well, I see it differently.”

Paola smiled softly, poking at Ayla’s toned stomach. “Well, if you want to suit up in full armor, I’ll have your back. Even if it means losing out on seeing these abs.”

Ayla laughed, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “I’m not going to wear a full suit of armor, Paola. That’d be way too cumbersome. I still need to be able to move, you know.”

“Good!” Poca chimed in, hopping forward to take Paola’s other side. “Because we can’t ‘ave you slowing us down, non?”

The three of them walked together now, side by side, Ayla on one side of Paola and Poca on the other. It felt natural, comfortable, as they fell into easy banter.

Paola grinned at Ayla. “Honestly, though, if you add a bit more armor, you’ll look even more badass. You’ve already got that whole ‘battle-hardened warrior’ thing going for you.”

Ayla chuckled, her mismatched eyes sparkling with amusement. “Thanks, I think?”

“Definitely a compliment,” Paola said with a wink. “Besides, you’ve got to protect yourself out there. We all know you’re the first one to charge into battle.”

Poca nodded eagerly. “Oui, and we can’t ‘ave you getting hurt, Ayla. I think adding ze armor is a brilliant idea!”

Ayla looked between them, her expression softening as she realized how much support she had from both of them. “I appreciate that. Really. I’m going to talk to the blacksmith in Windmere once we get there. I think it’s time for a change.”

Paola smirked, giving her a playful nudge. “I’ll be there, cheering you on. Just don’t get too serious on us, Sword Maiden.”

Ayla shook her head with a laugh. “Don’t worry, Paola. I’ll always make time for a little fun. Especially if you’re around to keep things... interesting.”

As they continued walking, the banter flowed easily between the three of them, the laughter and teasing making the journey seem a little lighter. They had faced plenty of danger together, but in moments like these, it was easy to forget about the looming threats. It was easy to just enjoy each other’s company, to feel like a team, a family.

Paola couldn’t help but smile to herself as she glanced between Ayla and Poca. The road ahead stretched out beneath the soft light of mid-morning, the trees rustling in the gentle breeze as the wagon trundled along at its steady pace. Paola walked alongside Ayla, her dark cloak wrapped around her, but nothing beneath it but her bare skin. The cloak had long since repaired itself from the battle, and though Paola could wear clothes underneath, she chose not to. She and Poca shared that preference—there was something freeing about the lack of fabric, the way the wind kissed their skin. Of course, they kept clothed, or at least mostly clothed, out of respect for Abraham, but the temptation to embrace their true nature was always there.

Poca, trailing just behind with her loose burlap dress swaying as she walked, was only covered enough to remain decent. The dress barely concealed her curvaceous form, clinging in all the right places and offering more than a teasing glimpse of her legs as she moved. Her stitched-on smile was wide and playful as she caught Paola’s eye, her green and purple mismatched eyes gleaming with mischief. Paola could sense that something was brewing behind that innocent-looking grin.

Ayla, on the other hand, marched beside the wagon with her usual warrior’s poise. Her dragon-scale armor shimmered faintly with a purple glow as she moved, though it barely covered more than Poca’s burlap dress. Still, it gave her an air of danger and command—this was a woman who could kill in a heartbeat, but Paola had long ago learned to appreciate the softness beneath Ayla’s tough exterior. Paola admired her, and well, let’s be honest, Paola enjoyed admiring her.

“So,” Paola began, her voice dripping with playful curiosity, “Ayla, I’ve been thinking…”

Ayla raised an eyebrow, glancing down at Paola with a knowing smile. “That sounds dangerous already.”

Paola smirked, enjoying the teasing back and forth that had become natural between them. “Oh, come on. I mean, you’ve got this amazing armor, and we all know you’re a total badass with that giant sword of yours.” She glanced up at the massive broadsword strapped to Ayla’s back, its blade shifting between fiery and icy hues as always. “But don’t you ever feel... restricted?”

“Restricted?” Ayla repeated, tilting her head slightly. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

Poca, catching the drift of where Paola was going, hopped up next to her and gave a little twirl, her burlap dress swaying around her thighs as she moved. “Oui, Ayla! Don’t you ever feel like... letting loose? You know, like Paola and I do?”

Ayla narrowed her eyes, her curiosity piqued but her guard still up. “Letting loose how, exactly?”

“Well,” Paola began, flicking her cloak open just slightly to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of her bare leg underneath, “you know how Poca and I are... well, let’s just say, we like to keep things a little... simpler.” She flashed Ayla a mischievous smile.

Poca nodded eagerly, stepping forward so her dress shifted again, revealing just a bit more of her smooth skin. “Oui! We prefer ze freedom. Ze wind against your skin, ze sun warming you without all zat armor and fabric in ze way.”

Ayla’s mismatched eyes flickered between the two of them, suspicion mixed with amusement. “You two are trying to convince me to go naked, aren’t you?”

Paola burst out laughing, her tail flicking behind her playfully. “Well, when you put it like that, it sounds pretty blunt. But yeah, basically.”

Ayla rolled her eyes, though the corner of her lips twitched up into a grin. “You know I can’t just walk around naked like you two. I’ve got this whole ‘Sword Maiden’ thing to uphold.”

Paola leaned closer to her, her voice dropping into a sultry whisper. “Are you sure? I mean, you already look incredible in that armor... just imagine how you’d feel without it.”

Poca, ever the enthusiastic supporter, added, “Oh, oui! Ayla, you already ‘ave ze attention of everyone around you, non? But imagine ze power of owning zat freedom, just like we do.”

Ayla looked between them, her face turning a light shade of pink, but her expression was more amused than embarrassed. “I have a feeling this is more about the two of you wanting me to join your nudist revolution.”

Paola grinned wickedly, flicking her cloak just enough to show off a bit more skin, before letting it fall closed again. “Guilty as charged. Come on, Ayla, think about it. You’re already the toughest warrior in all of Udanara. Why not show the world you’re also the freest?”

Poca nodded eagerly, her smile widening as she leaned in closer to Ayla. “It would be... how do zey say? Empowering! Plus, it’s not like anyone ‘ere would mind. Especially Paola, no?”

Paola laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh, I wouldn’t mind one bit.”

Ayla shot Paola a mock glare, though her blush deepened. “You two are relentless.”

“We just know what we like,” Paola teased, her voice low and suggestive as she gave Ayla a slow, deliberate once-over. “And let’s be honest, you’ve got nothing to hide.”

Ayla opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, Paola darted forward and gave her a playful slap on the firm behind, just like before.

Ayla yelped in surprise, jumping slightly as she turned to face Paola with wide eyes. “Paola!” she exclaimed, though her voice was more of a breathless laugh than anything else.

“What?” Paola asked innocently, her cat ears twitching as she feigned a look of pure innocence. “It’s just a bit of fun.”

Ayla shook her head, her blush deepening. “You’ve got an odd way of showing affection, you know that?” Paola grinned, stepping closer to Ayla and letting her fingers brush lightly against her arm.

Ayla’s expression softened, though she tried to maintain her composure. “You’re incorrigible.”

Poca, sensing that Ayla was starting to relent, slipped in on Paola’s other side and leaned in close. “Come on, Ayla,” she purred, her voice a teasing melody. “Paola and I enjoy ze freedom, and we think you should try it too. Even just for a little while. You deserve to feel liberated, non?”

Ayla sighed, though there was a smile playing on her lips. “You two are impossible to say no to.”

Paola beamed, her dark eyes full of mischief. “That’s part of our charm.”

They walked together for a few more moments, the conversation light and playful, with the teasing banter flowing easily between them. Paola’s hand brushed against Ayla’s occasionally, and each time she caught a glimpse of the pink still staining Ayla’s cheeks, her heart gave a little flutter. There was something about this dynamic, this push and pull between them, that made her feel more alive than ever.

As they walked, Poca’s hand found its way to Paola’s waist, her fingers grazing the edge of Paola’s cloak as she tugged it playfully. “You know, Paola, maybe we should let Ayla keep her armor... for now,” Poca said with a wink. “But one day, we will get ‘er to see ze light, oui?”

Paola laughed, wrapping an arm around Poca’s waist in return. “Oh, definitely. One day, she’ll join us in our nudist ways.”

Ayla groaned, shaking her head. “You two are never going to give up on this, are you?”

Paola and Poca exchanged a look before replying in unison, “Nope!”

Ayla couldn’t help but laugh, her tough exterior softening as she looked between them. “You two are impossible, you know that?”

Paola grinned, her heart swelling with affection for both Ayla and Poca. “That’s why you love us.”

Ayla smirked, shaking her head. “Yeah, yeah. I do love you two, but don’t think I’m going to strip down just because you’ve got your sweet talk and flirty games.”

“Not yet, at least,” Paola added with a wink, earning herself another playful glare from Ayla.

As the teasing and laughter slowly faded, Ayla’s smile remained, though a thoughtful look crossed her face. Paola noticed the subtle shift in her expression and knew that something more serious was on her mind. They had walked together long enough for Paola to pick up on the way Ayla’s mood shifted when the weight of responsibility settled in. Still, she waited, knowing Ayla would speak when she was ready.

Poca seemed to sense it too and leaned in slightly, brushing her fingers through Paola’s dark hair before flashing a curious glance at Ayla. “You are quiet all of a sudden, Ayla,” Poca said with a gentle, teasing tone. “Have we finally convinced you to join our little revolution?”

Ayla chuckled softly, shaking her head. “No, no. I’m afraid you’ll have to wait a bit longer for that.” Her mismatched eyes, one crimson and the other sapphire, flicked between the two of them. Then her gaze softened as she looked ahead at the road. “Actually, I’ve been thinking about our route—specifically how we’re going to avoid Sand Pass.”

Paola’s playful demeanor shifted as well, her cat ears perking up in interest. The Sand Pass had been on her mind too, and though they had decided to avoid it, something about the whole situation still gnawed at her.

“Oh? What’s the plan?” Paola asked, her curiosity piqued.

Ayla let out a small sigh, the wind catching her long, braided blonde hair and making it sway. “The longer route is going to take us through more forested areas, and we’ll have to loop around the highlands to the north. It’ll add at least three more days to the journey, maybe more, depending on the terrain. I’m guessing none of us are in a rush, though.” She glanced at Paola, then Poca, her tone light but still serious.

Poca shrugged, her ever-present stitched-on smile never fading. “Three more days together? I do not mind. I think we could all use ze extra time to enjoy ze journey, non?”

Paola nodded in agreement, though there was a flicker of something darker in the back of her mind. “Yeah, I don’t mind a longer trip if it means staying out of danger. But...” She hesitated, chewing on her lip for a moment before continuing. “I’ve got this feeling, Ayla. I don’t know if it’s just me being paranoid, but since I landed here, nothing’s been that easy. We’re avoiding the Sand Pass, but I have a bad feeling it’s not going to be as simple as just going around.”

Ayla’s eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze turning more thoughtful as she took in Paola’s words. “I’ve learned to trust your instincts, Paola. If you’re feeling uneasy, we should take that seriously.”

Poca, who had been quiet for a moment, slipped her arm around Paola’s waist and leaned in, her voice soft and reassuring. “You ‘ave been right before, mon amour. But even if something does happen, we will face it together. You are not alone in zis.”

Paola smiled, appreciating the comfort from both Poca and Ayla, though the unease still gnawed at her. She let her hand rest on Poca’s arm, grounding herself in the moment. “Thanks, Poca. I know we can handle whatever comes our way—I just wish I could shake this feeling.”

Ayla nodded thoughtfully, glancing up at the sky for a moment, then back to Paola. “We’ll be more cautious, then. The forests can hide dangers just as easily as the open plains of the Sand Pass. But I think avoiding the bandits is still the best course of action. The Sand Pass is infamous for a reason, and I’d rather take our chances with wild animals or the occasional rogue than a whole gang of bandits waiting for an easy target.”

Poca nodded in agreement. “Bandits are ze worst! I would rather wrestle a bear, non?”

Paola raised an eyebrow, smirking playfully. “You’d lose to Oso, Poca. He’d have you pinned in a heartbeat.”

Poca giggled, glancing back at Oso, who was currently bouncing around near the wagon, trying to snatch something from Abraham’s hand. “Perhaps... but I would give him a good fight!”

Ayla laughed, but the seriousness in her tone remained. “We’ll avoid the pass and take the longer route, but we need to stay alert. There are plenty of dangers in the northern forests, and we’ll be further from any settlements if things go wrong.”

Paola sighed, running a hand through her dark hair as she thought about the road ahead. “It’s never simple, is it? I was hoping we’d have a peaceful trip for once, but Udanara always has something up its sleeve.”

Ayla smiled gently, her mismatched eyes softening. “No, it’s never simple. But that’s why we stick together. No matter what comes our way, we’ll handle it.”

Poca, always eager to lighten the mood, leaned closer to Paola and whispered loudly enough for Ayla to hear, “And if things get too dangerous, we’ll just distract Ayla with our little nudist revolution.”

Paola laughed, a soft, easy sound, and playfully nudged Poca with her elbow. “Good plan. You think we could finally convince her to join us if things get really rough?”

Ayla rolled her eyes, though there was an affectionate smile on her lips. “I’m starting to think you two won’t stop until I strip down and join your little movement.”

“Exactly!” Paola said, flashing a grin. “But only if it’s your choice, of course.”

“Oui,” Poca added, her tone playful but genuine. “We would never force you into it, Ayla. But ze offer stands!”

Ayla shook her head, the warmth in her eyes unmistakable. “You two are impossible. But I guess that’s why I love you both.”

The three of them walked in comfortable silence for a moment, the sound of the wagon’s wheels creaking in the background and the soft rustle of the wind through the trees creating a peaceful backdrop to the moment. Paola felt a little more at ease, knowing that Ayla had taken her concerns seriously. The road ahead would be long and possibly dangerous, but at least they had a plan.

“Are you sure about avoiding the pass entirely?” Paola asked after a beat, her mind still lingering on the logistics of the journey. “I mean, what if we get delayed in the forest? We don’t have an endless supply of food, and while I don’t mind stretching the trip, I just want to make sure we’re prepared.”

Ayla nodded, her expression thoughtful. “That’s a good point. We’ll need to make sure we ration properly, and I’ll scout ahead when we make camp to see if I can hunt or gather supplies. The forest has its dangers, but it also has plenty of resources if we’re careful. And we should be close enough to a river or stream to refill our water.”

Poca piped up, her voice cheerful as always. “I can help with zat! I know how to forage, and I am very good at spotting edible plants and herbs. We’ll be just fine!”

Paola nodded, feeling a bit more reassured. “Alright. Sounds like a plan. And if things get really dicey, I’ll be ready to pull out some Chaos magic.”

Ayla’s eyes flickered at the mention of Chaos magic, her expression growing more serious. “Just be careful with that, Paola. Chaos magic is unpredictable, and I don’t want you getting hurt.” Ayla squinted at Paola. "You're still learning."

“I know,” Paola said softly, her gaze steady. “I’m still figuring it out, but if it comes to it, I’ll use it to protect us.” Paola gave a weak smile. "Or try to."

Ayla’s hand brushed against Paola’s arm, a small but reassuring gesture. “We’ll be careful. All of us.”

Poca, sensing the more somber turn in the conversation, slipped her hand into Paola’s and gave it a gentle squeeze. “We are all in zis together, mon amour. And no matter what happens, we will face it as one.”

Paola smiled, her heart swelling with affection for the two women by her side. As the road stretched out before them, Paola found herself falling into a quiet rhythm alongside Ayla and Poca. Their laughter still echoed in her ears, but her mind began to drift as the moments of banter gave way to a comfortable silence. The warmth of the sun on her skin, the soft rustling of the wind through the trees, and the steady creak of the wagon’s wheels all faded into the background as her thoughts turned inward.

Love.

The word lingered in her mind, heavy and uncertain. It was a strong word, one that carried so much weight. Paola glanced at Ayla, who was focused on the road ahead, her long, braided hair swaying gently as she walked. Then her gaze shifted to Poca, who had a bright, carefree smile on her face, as if nothing in the world could ever go wrong.

Did she love them?

She wasn’t sure. She cared for them deeply, that much was obvious. She felt drawn to them in ways she hadn’t felt for anyone in a long time—maybe ever. There was something about the way they each understood her, supported her, and made her feel like she belonged. In the short time they had been together, they had faced battles, dangers, and unknowns, but they had also shared laughter, warmth, and those stolen moments of connection that made everything feel just... right.

It felt strange, almost surreal, how natural it had become to be with them. How she had slipped into this odd, wonderful rhythm with these two women she had only known for a little over a month. Back on Earth, it would have seemed impossible to develop such a deep connection so quickly. Relationships took time, or at least, that’s what she had always believed.

But here, in Udanara, time seemed to work differently. Emotions flared hotter, bonds formed faster, and everything felt more intense. Maybe it was the constant danger, the unpredictability of life here, or maybe it was just the way things were in this strange, magical world.

Paola sighed softly, her tail swishing lazily behind her as she tried to make sense of it all. *Did she love them?* Maybe. Maybe it wasn’t the kind of love she had always imagined, the slow-burning kind that takes years to develop. But there was something deep, something real between the three of them. She felt it every time Ayla smiled at her, every time Poca’s fingers brushed against her skin. She felt it in the quiet moments, like this one, when words weren’t necessary but the connection was still there.

She cared about them more than she could express. And maybe, just maybe, that *was* love—or the beginning of it.

A smile tugged at the corners of Paola’s lips as she glanced between the two women walking beside her. Whether it was love or something close to it, she was grateful for them. Grateful for the way they made her feel, the way they brought out the best in her, even when she wasn’t sure she deserved it.

Whatever lay ahead on this journey, whatever challenges or dangers they faced, she knew one thing for certain: she wasn’t alone. And for now, that was enough.

Maybe, in time, she’d find the right words for what she felt. For now, she’d let the feeling settle, let it grow. Whatever it was, it was hers to hold on to, and she wasn’t in any rush to figure it out.

After all, they had plenty of time—plenty of road left to walk, side by side.