“If that wasn't in the middle it would be much better.” Ezer isn't nervous, but he can't help but be a little curious and must fight the innate instinct to turn and look.
"If it wasn't for that rock the water level would be pathetically low." Both turn their backs taking off their clothes, separated by a wall of steam.
The water was a bit warm at first, until Ezer's body got used to it. Separated by the rock, they both relax and enjoy the moment.
Ezer only remembers a similar experience when he bathed in the castle with hot water, although this was totally different. The atmosphere and the company made it special, in addition to the stars and the moon.
“Every season change they hold a celebration?” He decides to start the conversation after a few minutes of relaxation.
“Yes, although now and especially in winter, we make it more modest because we have to prepare for the cold and food shortages.” Lyaria's voice sounds a little muffled from being in the opposite direction and behind the rock that was big enough to tower over their heads once they sat in the water.
“I have had this question in my mind for a long time... Why do you stay in such a remote, lonely and disconnected place from the world?”
“We are not alone, there are many peoples like us fighting in the same way and, if necessary, all the clans become one to help each other. We stay because this is the land we call home, and we are not welcome outside the mountains.”
“Why? Are you descendants of an exiled family? Did you commit any crime that must be punished through generations?” Actually, Ezer wasn't sure whether to continue pressing the issue. Although he decides to do it since knows that ignorance is worse.
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“It's complicated. I thought you actually already knew the answer.”
“Why...?”
"I've already mentioned it to you in the past, our family are enemies of each other, or rather... our race." Lyaria was uncomfortable talking about it.
She had already noticed Ezer's clear ignorance regarding the past, however, she was reluctant to tell him the full truth for fear of his answer. She didn't want two friends to turn into opposites just because of things that happened when they didn't even exist.
“Race?” An idea arises and vanishes, denied even before it is understood. Only the afterimage of blue eyes lingers for a split second in his mind.
"I promise to explain it before you leave in the spring." She delays knowing that an early conclusion could jeopardize the peaceful balance they were in and that, during the winter, would be essential.
Lyaria reminds Ezer of his impending departure and what his uncertain future holds. He knows where to go, but doesn’t know what to do along the way or when he reaches his destination. His life lacks something vital, a purpose. A purpose that he must find in order to start living and stop surviving.
Time passes by moving the moon and the stars that marked the sky.
“It's time to go. It's already late and we don't know if someone drunk can come looking for a dip before bed. Also, tomorrow I have to continue the search... This time I have to go even deeper, before winter comes.” She goes out first and dries her body and then gets dressed.
“I want to help you, wait a week… no, five days and I'll be able to do it.”
“No need. Besides, it would only bring me more trouble if you hurt yourself, especially with your shoulder in that state.” She turns him down without a second thought.
"I can stand on my own and two people are better than one." Ezer moves his scarred shoulder freely after he's gone out and dressed enough.
"Did it heal that fast? No, even so, you cannot expose yourself to danger.” He is rejected again.
"Please, I want to give something back for what you did for me. If I can't find a flower, then how will I cross the mountains to the sea when I return?” Ezer presses her, convinced that she would grant his wish.