The time finally came for the group to move on out of the valley, headed for Quasala in the desert. Everyone was packed and dressed for travel, warm cloaks ready for the mountain pass theyd have to take to get to the desert. Iris knelt by Rena, hugging the girl who cried openly, hugging her back and begging her not to go.

Chert was nowhere in sight, though Veldahar could swear he saw the old tonu packing up and getting ready to leave, despite his assurances the day before he would be staying in the valley, his old bones not fit for such travel.

Once Lyuthi had all her things packed, which wasn’t much, she stood with Lei smiling at the draik. Just the other day she’d been informed of Lei actually being a girl and had taken it well. Actually it didn’t phase her, in fact she acted normal around the draik. She was mainly relieved that Veldahar wouldn’t be jealous. Hugging the silver draik she smiled big. “Are you nervous?” She asked with a grin.

Cade had worked most of the night on making sure the barrier would hold up for the villagers. He set charms around the whole forest, burying them so deep in the ground it’d take a very long time for anyone to pull them up. Packing his other charms and magic items he put them all in one small bag. He grinned, magic was useful for travel. In another small bag he put all of his healing spells, and supplies inside then waited for Keelin. “You are certain its okay for me to travel alongside you? I feel like you are my most trusted friend here.” Besides Iris, but he was a lot closer with Keelin, they had helped each other alot.

Lei looked at Lyuthi, nodding a little and hugging her back. “Slightly.” She said before going over to Dalit to pick up the silver dragon in a hug. “I’m sorry I have to go Dalit. I promise I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Keelin smiled at Cade, taking his hand “Of course its okay!”

Dalit had not yet quite gotten over Lei’s lie to him, and while he let her pick him up, he refused to look at her, pouting with teary eyes.

Iris consoled the girl and left her in the care of an older wocky lady who had offered to take over care of the girl and the small dragon. Rena clung to the wocky’s dress, sniffling as she looked at the group.

Cade gently took her hand and led her to the large group, he kept an eye out for Silver and Iris. “…I’m not going to lie. I am nervous.” He admitted as he let Keeling take the lead.

Lyuthi stepped to the side to let Lei have her moment with Dalit and moved to Veldahar instead. Ever since the dance she’d had weird nightmares, and had distanced herself from the gold draik.

Lei continued to hug Dalit, sighing quietly. “I am sorry for the lie Dalit. I really am. I’ll come back soon enough. So take care of Rena and listen to the wocky who will be taking care of you both.”

Keelin smiled at Cade, “So am I. But atleast we are with friends.” She said, going to the others and looking around for Chert. When she saw the old tonu wasn’t there she felt really confused and went to Veldahar. “Have you seen Chert? I thought he was coming?”

Veldahar looked around at the question, then shrugged “Either he got up extra early to miss out on the farewells because he hates them, or really isn’t coming.” He smiled at Keeling, then looked to Lyuthi. “Well, we really should get started, we need to get to the cross before nightfall.”

Bast nodded, and made sure everyone was ready, starting to walk down the trail leading out of the valley. The others followed suit slowly.

Dalit sniffed, looking up at Lei finally. “Promise?”

Lyuthi smiled to Keelin and Cade, the xweetok trying to keep up with Keelin, still holding her hand. Lyuthi looked to Veldahar’s hand then at him but said nothing. Smiling still she moved closer to him and adjusted her small backpack.

Cade watched silently as Keelin talked and his tail twitched as he tried to spot Silver, having spotted Iris. Had Johana run off with him? Or were they off making mischief…

Jing followed beside Bast, looking at him and smiling a little. “Glad about fnally getting out of this valley?”

Keelin sighed softly as she heared that, nodding. “I see… I hope he does show up…”

Lei nodded, hugging the dragon once more. “I promise. And by then I’m sure you will have grown, and then we can go flying through the valley. You’ll like that right? I have to go now.” She said, setting him down and patting his head. “So be good till I come back. Do you promise?”

Dalit nodded, watching Lei. ‘I will.’

Silver appeared through the bushes, with Chert tagging along quite out of breath. “You doorknob of a Jerboa! Let go of me… right now!” He huffed as they reached the group, backpack on and Silver carrying as many filled pouches as he could carry. “We’re here! Ready to go!” He smiled. Bast rolled his eyes, and waved them on, Veldahar chuckling as he watched the tonu take up a position along the group, wiping his hand and grumbling under his mustach.

Lei smiled, hugging Dalit once more. “Good. See you later then Dalit.” She said before standing and hurrying off to follow the others.

Keelin looked towards Chert and Silver, giggling at the sight of the two before grabbing Cade’s hand and leading him on to follow the group.

Veldahar looked at Keelin and Cade, fgrinning slightly as he looked forward on the road. “Seems those two really got close in the time we’ve been here.” He commented to Lyuthi.

Bast nodded, “Oh hell yeah, never have liked staying in one spot for too long.” He laughed, looping an arm around her shoulders. “How bout you?”

Iris walked towards the back of the group, watching those ahead of her, smiling faintly as she noticed Bast with Jing, Veldanar and Lyuthi and Keelin and Chert walking together. Behind her, Silver and Chert brought up the rear, with Silver babbling on about a golde woolly elephante he’d met once. Iris turned to Lei, “Sad to leave Dalit behind?” She asked.

Cade stumbled slightly as Keelin pulled him towards the group. “…I guess there’s no going back now.” He said to himself as he followed her. “You don’t mind me sticking with you right?” He asked a bit uneasy. He wasn’t used to relying so heavily on someone, and he’d never been one to want company..but it was different now with everyone here.

Lyuthi was quiet as she walked with Veldahar. Her hands clasped infront of her as she walked. The whole time though she kept the same cheerful smile. Looking to Veldahar she nodded. “They seem to be very good friends now. I’m glad Keelin’s attitude changed and that Cade was able to help her out…” She said quietly.

Keelin smiled at Cade, “I don’t mind at all, really. Your my friend Cade why would it bother me or anything?”

Jing shook her head, looking at Bast and leaning agenst him just a little. “I like traveling. Kinda boring being in one spot a long time.”

Lei looked at Iris and sighed, nodding a bit. “I am… I’m going to miss the little dragon.”

Iris smiled, “Ill miss him too, and Rena. She’s such a good girl, I think she’ll grow up to be an amazing woman.” She looked forward, sighing, “I’m glad she’ll be safe though, things have been so hectic.”

Veldahar nodded, “That guy seems like someone girls can talk to about all their problems.” He chuckled.

Bast grinned, “Hell yeah it is. Longest I’ve been grounded was three years… and even then w… I’d go out and do some travelling.”

Cade shrugged. “..I don’t know. It’s odd for me to have such close friends. Well..any friends. I guess I am just nervous?” He looked around quickly, hoping no one heard that. “..I don’t want to…be a bother…Its different when I had my house to offer..but now..I am relying heavily on you and the group..” He turned slightly red. “Its embarrassing..” He hated being a burden. “B-but! Forget I said anything!” He said quickly, his tail poofing and swishing quickly.

Lyuthi smiled, laughing slightly, but looked back to Cade. He reminded her of someone..but she couldn’t think of who. Putting a hand to her chest she smiled up at Veldahar. “At least he’ll be making some friends in the group.” She said cheerfully.

Lei nodded, smiling at Iris. “They will be safe and waiting for us to come back. Which means we have to do well so they will be proud of us.”

Jing nodded, looking at him curiously for a moment before grinning. “Well we are heading onward now!”

Keelin giggled and shook her head, “Nothing to be embarrassed about Cade. Just act like you normally do.”

Iris nodded, “Yes, we will. I know we will.”

The group made their way out of the valley without any incident, the morning bright and the sky clear. It seemed the weather would hold enough for their pass over the mountains to go smoothly, or at least Bast hoped so. They were all in good spirits, chatting between each other, and Silver driving Chert crazy with stories of his own, or his great grandfather’s exploits.

They stopped at an outcrop of rock overlooking the valley by a stream for a quick lunch, then continued up the side of the mountain.

Cade laughed a bit nervously but nodded. “I-I’ll try.” He said squeezing her hand gently before looking at the group. “At least we are all leaving with high spirits…” He was excited to go on adventures again.. but where was Johana…

As they kept going Cade just assumed Johana was in her home with Silver and didn’t put much thought on it, focusing on Keeling and the group. He pulled out a small bag of cookies during lunch and shared them with Keelin and even gave one to Iris.

During the whole trip Lyuthi was quiet, her mind elsewhere. She noticed Veldahar didn’t seem to mind and it made her all the more quiet. She ate the appropriate amount at lunch, not wanting to be the one slowing down, but still was quiet. She felt very odd.

Keelin continued to chat with Cade as they traveled, just trying to help him relax more and nibbling on one of his cookies happly.

Jing kept beside Bast, looking around nervously. “Hey Bast… You do think we will be able to get through the mountian’s safely right…?” She asked quietly, to make sure the others didn’t hear her.

Bast nodded, “Of course! They don’t know when or where we’re leaving or where we’re headed, remember? And their one spy turned rogue.” He grinned.

At the back of the group, Chert and Silver were having a discussion. Finally silver stopped, whipping out an incense burner. “I’m telling ou it’s true! Here, look!” He rubbed it, then waited.

With Keelin’s help Cade had somewhat relaxed. “…What do you think we’ll be doing exactly? Where are we going again?” He asked with a small laugh.

When the incense burner was rubbed green smoke filled the area around Silver and Johana reappeared, hugging the jeroba. “Master! I got worried that you forgot about me!~” She said kissing his forehead.

Jing nodded a little as she heared that. “I guess so… but it will only take so long before they send someone to replace him. I jsut hope we get far enougha way by then.”

“To Quasala in the desert.” Keelin explained with a nod. “I’ve never been to a desert before. How about you?”

Chert stopped, staring wide-eyed in amazement. “What the bloody hell!?” He stared at the girl, then at Silver, who looked smugly joyous. “Course I didn’t! I was just waiting for the right moment.” Iris noticed the smoke and looked back, blinking as she saw the girl hugging Silver. “What… what’s going on here?” She noticed the burner in Silver’s hand and gaped. “Hey, isn’t that Cade’s?”

“I have. But it was a long time ago. I think some of your friends will be in danger of the heat.” He said looking back towards Lei then at Keelin. “…but I’ll make sure to help Iris and Lyuthi with the healing and stuff..” Perhaps he could make Lei a charm…

Johana giggled holding Silver as she smiled at Chert. “Hello. I’m Johana, this is my Master. Who are you?” She looked to Iris then to Silver. “No this burner is my Master’s.”

Lei, who had been talking to Iris, turned to see Johana and blinked in suprise. “Wha…? Wait Silver you were telling the truth?!”

Keelin nodded, knowing who Cade was talking about. “Hopefully it won’t be as bad since it is winter. Even in the desert.”

Silver twitched, looking away in a huff. “Of course I was. I don’t lie!” Bast and Veldahar noticed the others had stopped and turned, staring at the new addition to the group. Bast walked back, frowning. “What’s going on here?”

Cade chuckled. “I hope the sun isn’t as intense but I still think it’ll be a difficult journey.” He smiled at her though…but when he saw Bast and Veldahar stop he looked back and his tail twitched. “…oh Johana…” He said with a sigh.

Johana smiled at the group waving. “My my Master! You have so many friends!” She said with a cheerful smile. “I’m Johana. Master’s genie!~”

Lyuthi turned when Veldahar did and blinked seeing the complex looking xweetok. “Wow..she is..exotic looking.” She said watching Bast.

Keelin turned, looking where all the others were and smiling as she saw the four tailed xweetok. She had been wondering when the genie would show up.

Lei laughed a little and nodded to Silver, “I realize that. But your story was hard to belive Silver.”

Jing turned when Bast did, blinking in shock at the genie. “What the hell?”

Bast groaned, “Silver, how did YOU of all people end up with a genie!?” He paused, then shook his head as he saw Silver about to speak, “Forget it I don’t want to know. Just keep out of trouble, and keep walking.” He turned back to the front of the group.

Veldahar looked the xweetok up and down, “Nice…” He commented, grinning slightly as hee looked to Lyuthi, then turned to walk off after Bast, “Wonder what this will mean for the group.” He chuckled.

Silver grinned, “I do! But I suppose we should keep moving like Bast said.” Chert grunted, glaring at the genie suspiciously, giving her a wide berth before following the others.

Lyuthi flinched slightly and let Veldahar walk ahead, deciding to fall to the middle of the group alone. Clutching her hands together she let out a small sigh then kept walking.

Cade sighed but said nothing about Johana. “At least we are moving again..” He mumbled to himself.

Johana set Silver down and smiled. “Shall we keep walking Master?” She asked not really minding Chert’s looks. She was used to it.

Jing shook her head and continued to walk beside Bast. “This group keeps getting crazyer adn crazyer…”

Keelin laughed a little and smiled at Cade. “Oh don’t be so down Cade.”

Silver nodded, smiling widely he moved on to walk with the group. They made good time, and by nightfall they’d reached the highest part of the mountain pass. Bast called a halt for the night when they found a good spot to shelter from the cold wind that was blowing through the crags.

Johana waved her hands and made a comfy blanket. “For you master?” She said holding it out for the Jeroba.

Lyuthi didn’t speak to Veldahar the rest of the way, staying with Lei instead. She wasn’t jealous normally, but that had caught her off guard when she already was feeling vulnerable. When they stopped for the night she did find her way to him.

Cade stretched as they stopped for the night and smiled at Keelin. “That wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be.” They didn’t run into any danger! Pulling small figures from his bag he walked the perimeter of the group and dug the talismans in the ground. “That should help..” He mumbled as he found his way back to Keelin.

Keelin smiled at Cade as he sat back down beside her. “Anything that can help is good to have.” She said with a nod then yawned. “Seems like we got a logn way in just a day.”

Once everyone was settling down Jing sat down beside Bast, smiling a little at him. “Seems we have been lucky so far.”

Lei was standing at the edge of their shelter to keep watch, since the cold wind didn’t bother her at all.

Bast nodded, “I’m glad nothing’s happened, but it’s just the first day.” He pointed out. “I’ll be happier once we reach the Lost Desert with no incident.”

Silver tookt he blanket and immediately snugled up in it, teeth chattering and feet blue from walking on the icy cold floor. “At least it’s not snowing yet.” He said, grinning in thanks.

Veldahar moved to pull Lyuthi into a warm hug. “Are you okay? You… seemed distant today.” He said softly.

Iris prepared some food for them all, handing out cold rations, bread and cheese.

Johana moved beside Silver and smiled. “Want me to hold you master?” She asked with a grin. She was wearing barely any clothes, but seemed fine.

Cade nodded. “Seems like it. I hope we can get to our next destination unscathed aswell.” He said pulling a cookie out for her.

Lyuthi hugged him back, liking the warmth that came with it. “…I’m okay. Just a bit..out of it…and..” She looked at Johana then at Veldahar. “…thats…all..just feeling odd..”

Jing nodded a little, putting her head on Bast’s sholder. She really didn’t think they could go that long with nothing happening… but she could hope. When Iris handed out the food she started to nibble on hers, looking around at the rest of the group.

Lei thanked Iris for the food before looking back out at the path they had come, darkness quickly desending on the mountian.

Keelin nodded, “I hope so too.” She said before smiling at Cade and taking the cookie. “Thank you.”

Silver considered this, then nodded. “Sure! Aren’t YOU cold?” He asked.

Veldahar glanced over at Johanna, then back. “You aren’t jealous… about that comment I made earlier?”

Iris sat by Cade and Keelin once she was done, smiling as she saw the cookie. “Spirits brought a bag of cookies too?” She asked.

Bast ate his as he nodded, watching the mountain and the sky. It was dark but there was no moon or stars in sight. Soon after they’d settled down, it began to snow.

Cade smiled as he nibbled on his cookie and handed one to Iris. “Of course, they didn;t want us going empty handed.” He said thanking her for his own rations.

“Nope!” Johana said as she happily picked him up and moved to sit by Chert. “Can’t you feel my warmth?”

Lyuthi bit her lip then looked away. “No. Of course not.”

Jing looked up at the sky, sighing quietly as it started to snow. She closed her eyes for a moment, to use the amulet to form a large warm coat. She then moved it so it was covering her and Bast somewhat, as her tail wrapped around him as well.

Lei looked at the snow and shook her head a little, seemed like the traveling would just get harder while they kept in the mountians since it would just get colder as they continued on.

Keelin giggled a little as she finished half the cookie then ate her rations. “Thank you as well for the food Iris.”

Iris smiled, happily taking the cookie. “Thank you! And thank the spirits for being so thoughtful!” She said, eating her own food before nibbling on the cookie. She glanced up as it began to snow, wrapping her cloak more tightly around her shoulders as she shivered.

Chert harumphed as the genie sat close to him, edging away some as he glanced at her warily. He did NOT like magic, and magical beings was just worse!

Bast grinned as jing made them warmer, moving to wrap an arm around her waist, he snuggled against her. “Gonna keep us warm tonight?” He asked, nuzzling her neck.

Veldahar smiled faintly, kissing her temple. “Good, cuz I wouldn’t do more than stare at that girl over there.”

Cade pulled out large blanket and put it around himself, Iris, and Keelin. “The perks of being magical.” He said smiling at his bag, which looked small, but obviously held lots. He silently ate his food and looked at the snow.

Johana didn’t seem to notice as she held Silver. “Anything else Master?”

Lyuthi smiled as she looked back at him. “…..What if she comes onto you?” She flinched. “Not..not that I am worried.”

Jing laughed a little softly, bringing up her sholders to hide her neck. “D…Don’t… that tickles…” She said quietly. “Keep doing that and I don’t help keep you warm…” She said, face showing a small bit of pink as she spoke.

Keelin smiled at Cade, “Well this is warm atleast.” She said, finishing off her food and yawning.

Iris blinked in surprise, then laughed lightly, scooting closer and gripping the blanket. “Well this is handy indeed!”

Silver chewed on his cold ration, then looked up at her, “Can you make some yummy food appear?”

Veldahar grinned, “I’d probably back away really quickly.”

Bast laughed at this, and stopped, sighing as he just relaxed at her side.

Lyuthi didn’t seem so convinced but she hugged him still. “…Let’s sit and eat.” She said smiling up at him.

Cade nodded. “Yep, should keep us warm until we figure out sleeping arrangements, then you two can share it.” He said finishing his food off.

“…If you want it to last then I can only make enough for a handful of people.” She said with a smile. “Would you like some?”

Jing smiled a little at Bast, yawning and resting her head agenst him as she closed her eyes and relaxed.

“What about you though?” Keelin asked, looking at Cade.

Veldahar nodded, guiding her to a corner between two boulders, he sat down, spreading his cloak for her  to sit onand bringing out his bedroll to wrap around both of them while they ate.

Iris smiled, “Don’t want you to freeze either!” She agreed with Keelin.

Silver pondered this, “How many people?” He asked, quickly counting the group. “We’re twelve if we include you.”

Bast relaxed as well, hugging jing close as he let his eyes droop closed.

Lyuthi got closer to him, turning pink when her hip hit his. “At least we’ll be warm tonight.” She said as she began to eat her food.

Cade laughed waving his hand. “I’ll be fine. I might have a smaller blanket inside my bag. If not I’ll be okay.” He tried to reassure the girls.

“I don’t need to eat. And I’d say ten at best. Maybe I can in the morning. Everyone seems tired now.” She said snuggling him. “You are the cutest master ever~”

Keelin shook her head, “If you don’t have another blanket I say we all share this one. Then we cal all stay warm.” She suggested.

Veldahar nodded, “I’m sure we’ll keep each other warm.” Veldahar said, eating with one hand, the other wrapping around her and holding the bedroll over her shoulders.

Silver smiled and nodded, “Sounds good then, the others can eat your food, they’ll need it for tomorrow’s trecking!” He finished is meal and snuggled with Johanna. “I’m glad I found you!”

Iris laughed, “Well we have our bedrolls too, we can set them side by side and place the blanket over them all!”

Lyuthi smiled at him as he did and once she finished her food, which was surprisingly fast, she leaned against him. “…I hope our journey..brings us all closer…” She said as her eyes slowly closed.

Johanna smiled back. “I am glad you found me too!” She said snuggling him back.

Cade laughed nervously, yeah that wouldn’t get weird looks. “…If…all else fails then yes..maybe that is best.”

Keelin nodded, “As long as no one freezes from the cold then alright.”

Chert snorted slightly, shivering on his one in his own nook, he finished his own meal, grabbed his bedroll and laid down to sleep, back to the group. Galdrias sighed as he too finished, retiring to the relative warmth of his own bedroll as well.

Little by little the whole group snuggled into their bedrolls, capes and clothing bundled up on top and most of the group huddled close side by side to keep warm in the growing cold.

Cade had decided to just sleep on the edge of the bedrolls beside Keelin(he knows her better!) He didn’t want to sleep in the middle and accidentally roll over them.. He let the girls have most of the blankets then curled up into a ball.

Johana made a warm bed for her and Silver, hugging him close as they slept. Normally she would sleep in her lamp, but she wanted to keep her master warm.

Keelin soon fell asleep, glad to know Cade was atleast under the blankets to keep warm.

Lei kept closer to the enterance to keep watch, not needing to grab her bed roll to keep warm. She yawned a little, looking at the others before back out at the path atleast she didn’t mind the cold like all them.

 Veldahar, Cade and Bast each took a turn at the watch during the night, the snow continuing to fall and temperatures dropping as the night deepened.